Toyota Australia is not keen to lose its spot as a tough competitor to Ford in Australia. Ford Range Raptor has been a grand success. While other car manufacturers tried hard to cast equally rugged models, Toyota seems to have gotten closest to offering a tough fight to the Range Raptor. Though the previous Hilux GR Sport did not very well match up, Toyota’s Australia division has rolled up a battery of updates to its flagship HiLux models. A new ‘Apex’ off-road variant that does not carry a name as yet that would replace the Hilux Rugged X is the contender in place to compete with the Range Raptor.
Toyota has packed features in the car that will “aid off-road ability while also improving on-road performance.” The car would have a 140mmwider track both front and rear. It also would carry a 20mm raise to ground clearance.
New Toyota HiLux Apex: Exterior features
The exterior assets that the new Hilux apex would sport, would include a steel bumper with a protective bulbar, an integrated LED light, a snorkel, plastic fender add-ons and rock sliders. With the front suspension and front stabilizer bar stretched to a greater length, the car would feature an overhauled suspension. At the back are extended axle lengths and a new rear stabilizer. Dampers have been pushed further and closer to the wheels. The Hilux apex would sit on some decently brawny wheels.
In terms of performance specifications, the powertrain would have a tweaked version of the existing 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine which would yield 201 horsepower (165kW/222PS). Pricing details and launch date are yet to be announced for this revamped Hilux Apex variant that promises to stand the pace with the Range Raptor.
