We’re in the exhibition hall at Australian Technology Park in Sydney for the global unveiling of the Toyota HiLux Tonka concept, which is based on the top-spec double-cab SR5,
A little playground with dirt, hills and giant building bricks has been set up inside the massive building to show off its capabilities.
The new 2017 Toyota HiLux TRD is also being launched and there’s a more industrial looking course laid out for it.
First I’m in the HiLux Tonka concept and this is the only one in the world, and sadly only a couple of lucky people are allowed to drive it. So it’s the passenger seat for me.
This black and yellow beast has been engineered for off-road adventures.
The ride height has been raised by 150mm thanks to a high riding axle, it has heavy duty suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 35-inch tyres, a new front bumper, carbon fibre bonnet skin with a power bulge, LED lighting to help see where you’re going in the dark or in the thick of the bush and thick alloy bash plates.
Nothing has changed under the bonnet of both the HiLux Tonka concept and the HiLux TRD, which is also based on the SR5 double-cab.
The TRD (Toyota Racing Development) pack adds a red skid plate, new black grill, bumper cover, fender flares, 18-inch alloy wheels and black sports bar, plus a towing kit.
It may be unusual to be doing this type of driving indoors, but who cares?
