Displaying items by tag: Toyota Hilux

Thursday, 22 December 2022 05:33

Toyota Hilux powered by hydrogen

Driven by growing customer demand and Toyota's humane approach to mobility in all sectors, the company recognized a new opportunity in the commercial vehicle market to offer zero-emission products.

Last year, Toyota successfully applied for funding for the activities of the APC (Advance Propulsion Centre), representing a project that contributes to the development of new, cleaner technologies and solutions for mobility. APC plays a fundamental role in the UK automotive segment and offers unique opportunities to bridge the gap between manufacturing and future technology requirements. This funding specifically supports the later stage of research and development that follows the product from proof of concept to prototype vehicle.

A consortium led by Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. (TMUK) will receive funds to cover the cost of developing fuel cell powertrains for the Hilux model. In collaboration with highly skilled UK-based technical and engineering partners Ricardo, ETL, D2H and Thatcham Research, the project aims to win production of the second generation of Toyota fuel cell components (already used in the latest Toyota Mirai). , to transform the Hilux into a fuel cell electric vehicle.

TMUK will lead this project, while a team within Toyota Motor Europe (TME) R&D will provide expertise and technical support, to enable other teams in the UK to build their own technology and become ready to develop the next generation of hydrogen propulsion.

For more than 20 years, Toyota has promoted a comprehensive approach to carbon neutrality by offering a diverse range of vehicles, including all electrified technologies, hybrid-electric, plug-in hybrid-electric, as well as battery electric and fuel cell electric cars.

The successful development of the hydrogen-powered transport sector is an essential element for reaching this goal. As part of the offer, the first prototype vehicle will be produced at TMUK's facilities in Burnston during 2023. After achieving successful results, the goal is to prepare for small series production. This project represents an exciting opportunity to explore the possibilities of further applications of Toyota's fuel cell technology in the vehicle segment, which is key to a number of industries, and which will help support the sector's move towards decarbonisation.

"Great Britain is one of the key markets for pick-up vehicles, but it is also an important market for Toyota. This investment represents a huge opportunity to develop solutions for zero emission vehicles in a very important segment of the market. We would like to thank the UK Government for the financial investment that will enable the consortium to explore further development of fuel cell powertrains for the Toyota Hilux model, supporting our plans to achieve carbon neutrality”.

Published in Blog/News

The Hilux entered the scene in 1968 with a mélange of Renault 4CV, Hino Briska, and Toyota parts. The Japanese automaker continued to improve the small pickup every few years until the seventh generation from 2004.

That’s when the Hilux grew into a mid-size workhorse, and believe it or not, Toyota waited until 2015 for a ground-up redesign. Facelifted in 2020, the eighth gen is expected to soldier on through 2024 as per recent reports.

w one thing for certain. Just Regardless of what rumors may suggest, we knolike the LC300 and third-gen Tundra, the brand-new model will feature a thoroughly modern body-on-frame architecture known as the TNGA-F. Alternately referred to as F1, this platform will be shared with the Prado as well as the Lexus GX and Tacoma pickup for the North American market.

Pixel wizard Kleber Silva took the liberty of imagining the 2024 model year Hilux with front-end styling from the Land Cruiser 300, and at first glance, it’s a fitting mashup. The rear could use cooler taillights, but don’t forget that nobody except Toyota knows how the mid-size pickup actually looks.

The concept artist has also rendered the interior with a similar touchscreen, instrument cluster, shift knob, center console, and dashboard as the LC300. Be that as it may, the Hilux is likely to share more interior bits and pieces with the gen-three Tundra rather than the V6-powered sport utility vehicle.

Speaking of which, the Hilux and Tacoma are getting four-cylinder engines for the lowest specifications available and V6 options for the sake of capability. The range-topping powerplant could be similar to the iForce Max of the 2022 Toyota Tundra, namely a hybrid-assisted V6 with a couple of boosty snails for superior low-down torque and work-related capability. And naturally, the outgoing transmission will be swapped out in favor of a 10-speed auto.

If we’re lucky, the Japanese automaker will sweeten the deal with the GR Hilux, a go-faster variant inspired by the Dakar Rally-winning race truck.

(https://www.autoevolution.com/news/2024-toyota-hilux-rendered-with-2022-land-cruiser-styling-cues-166101.html)

Published in Toyota
Friday, 11 December 2020 05:14

New Toyota Hilux 2020 review

The Toyota Hilux pick-up has been updated for 2021, and now boasts a punchy 2.8-litre diesel engine

Verdict

The Toyota Hilux has always been seen as a practical, no-nonsense work vehicle, and the latest updates mean it should be on any premium pick-up truck buyer's shortlist. The new engine packs a punch without impacting running costs too severely, while the Invincible X model has the looks and kit to appeal to buyers that need an upmarket work vehicle that also can carry a family in comfort - all while offering more off-road ability than most buyers could possibly need.

Of all the pick-up trucks for sale in the UK, the Toyota Hilux is the one with a reputation that precedes it. It's become a beacon for Toyota's reputation for reliability and durability, and is found in all four corners of the globe. However, when it comes to the 'lifestyle' angle of the UK's one-tonne pick-up class, it has never quite hit the mark.

One thing that's held the Hilux back is a relative lack of power. Unlike rivals, Toyota has never offered the Hilux in the UK with a high-power engine, but that's all change for the 2021 model year, with the arrival of a new 2.8-litre diesel packing 201bhp. That means the Hilux is now second only to the Ford Ranger in the four-cylinder pick-up pack for power. It's available with six-speed manual or auto gearboxes, while selectable four-wheel drive and low-range gears make the most of that power and the 500Nm of torque on offer. An automatic limited-slip diff in 2WD mode also helps with traction when running in the Hilux's most efficient setting.

Other revisions under the skin include suspension that has been tuned to deliver a smoother ride when unladen, helping to reduce the amount of bounce that one-tonne pick-ups often suffer from when there's no payload in the back. Also, the power steering now offers variable assistance depending on which drive mode is selected, with extra assistance given in low-range mode for off-road driving.

On the road, the Hilux has definitely been improved. The engine can still get noisy under acceleration – especially if you use the whole rev range – but the extra power means you don't spend as much time on the throttle as before. That automatic LSD function helps get the power to the road in 2WD mode with minimal fuss, too. When you do back off, the cabin is quiet and refined, with next to no wind or tyre noise. It's a real step change for the Hilux, and means this truck now offers the kind of hushed cruising that you'd get from an SUV.

However, while the revised suspension is designed to help eliminate 'bounce', the Hilux isn't automatically a smoother ride than a Ford Ranger. There's a distinct patter sensation when running over bumps, with the front and rear wheels delivering a similar amount of movement back to the cab. In comparison, a Ranger's front suspension will smooth out a bump, but with the rear having a bit more of a jolt to it. Overall it means that the Ranger feels like it offers a better compromise than the Hilux when unladen. Still, the Toyota is a better performer than the Mitsubishi L200, while the leaf spring set-up is more composed than the multilink system found on the Nissan Navara.

What really impresses is that Toyota has managed to improve the Hilux on tarmac without compromising its off-road talents. Even on standard road-biased tyres, the Hilux offers a level of ability in the rough that will meet the demands of almost all drivers. Simply switch to the low-range 4WD setting, and a suite of electronic aids will help you battle through the rough stuff. Hill descent control, a reprogrammed stability control system, improved throttle response and a lower engine idle speed mean the Hilux is better suited to off-road driving than ever.

Go for the top-spec Invincible X model, and the 201bhp diesel is standard (the 2.8 is optional in Invincible trim, while lower-spec models come with the existing 148bhp 2.4-litre diesel), and there's a long list of extras, too. The X gets a unique exterior look, with minimal chrome trim, black cladding for the grille, wheelarches and tailgate, plus exclusive 18-inch wheels and black chrome housings for the standard LED headlights.

Inside, a JBL audio system delivers excellent sound clarity - although the dashtop speakers do reflect slightly in the windscreen - and sat-nav is included with the infotainment, although the new eight-inch touchscreen also introduces Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the Hilux if that's your preference. There are heated leather seats up front, ambient lighting throughout the cabin and everything feels well built. Maybe it's not quite as plush as an SUV, but you certainly don't feel short-changed.

Competitive finance rates help with that, too. Thanks to strong residuals, the Hilux is available with competitive finance rates. Add in Toyota's five year/100,000-mile warranty if something unexpected happens, and this is a pick-up that makes a strong case for itself.

SOurce: autoexpress.co.uk

Published in Toyota

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