Press Release
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High performance 3.0-litre D-4D with 171 DIN hp and 343 Nm of torque
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Current 2.5-litre D-4D boosted to 120 DIN hp and 325 Nm of torque
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All engines now Euro IV
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Introduction of a new Automatic transmission
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Exterior and interior enhancements
A powerful new range of diesel engines and styling enhancements are set to boost the popularity of the latest generation Toyota Hilux. The changes will help Hilux to become one of the top selling pick-ups across Europe with strong customer appeal in both the leisure and utility vehicle markets.
The new engines include a high performance, high torque 3.0-litre D-4D diesel which will help the Hilux compete in the growing leisure pick-up segment of the market. This 171 DIN hp unit, derived from the Toyota Land Cruiser, will give the Hilux market-leading power to weight ratio and outstanding performance driving characteristics.
At the same time the current 2.5-litre D-4D diesel engine has been upgraded to develop 120 DIN hp, a seventeen per cent increase on the current unit, and a remarkable torque of 325Nm. This new 2.5-litre D-4D will replace the current high and low torque option to offer customers a single, highly responsive power unit, suitable for both leisure and utility markets.
Both new engines comply with Euro IV emissions regulations and the new line-up offers Hilux customers an excellent balance of driving pleasure, low fuel consumption and low emissions. The more powerful engines also allow Hilux customers a wider choice to suit their work, leisure and adventure lifestyle.
The appeal of the Toyota Hilux is further enhanced by exterior styling changes which give the vehicle a more distinctive look and, for the 3.0-litre D-4D model, a high-tech Optitron meter panel and multi-info display.
Worldwide sales success
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Best selling Toyota off-roader
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Exceeding European sales targets
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Enhancing Toyota's Superior Quality image
The current Toyota Hilux, launched in Europe in late 2005, is the sixth generation of Toyota's second best selling model worldwide. Indeed, more than 12 million units have been built since the Hilux was first introduced in Japan in 1967.
The Hilux is one of three vehicles being developed on a global basis under Toyota's IMV (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) project. IMV products are truly global vehicles designed to sell in more than 140 countries and to meet modern customer demand for high levels of quality, durability and comfort. New Hilux cumulative production reached 558,223 units by the end of May 2006.
The Hilux pick-up range, which represents 66% of IMV volume (FY 2005), complements the Toyota SUV/off-road line-up, offering different body styles and a more rugged alternative to the world renowned Land Cruiser and RAV4.
This latest generation, designed specifically to meet the growing customer demand for leisure and adventure vehicles, has already proved to be a sales success. On a worldwide basis, demand is exceeding supply and consequently, in 2006, due to this supply restriction, Toyota will limit its sales in Europe to 23,000 units.
Thierry Dombreval, Toyota Motor Marketing Europe's Executive Vice President and COO, said: "Since the new Hilux went on sale at the end of last year, customers have responded strongly to its appeal and we have taken over 27, 800 orders. These new engines and other product enhancements wil confirm the role of the Toyota Hilux as a class-leading leisure, adventure and utility pick-up across Europe."
The new Toyota Hilux is already the best selling leisure pick-up in three European countries (Denmark, Finland and Norway) and increased production capacity at the Toyota plant in South Africa (TSAM) means European sales targets will rise to 34,000 units in 2007.
New 3.0-litre D-4D
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Class leading power to weight
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High performance, high torque engine
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Choice of 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic transmission
The selected introduction of a high performance 3.0-litre D-4D diesel engine will place the Toyota Hilux at the heart of the leisure pick-up market - with class-leading power to weight ratio and outstanding dynamic performance.
The 3.0-litre D-4D develops 171 DIN hp and offers 343Nm of torque across a range from 1,400rpm to 3,400rpm - making it the ideal power unit for customers looking for performance and extra driving pleasure, both on and off-road.
There will be a choice of transmissions - five speed manual or four speed automatic - and the 3.0-litre D-4D will be available exclusively with the Double Cab, 4x4 body style in SR grade and above. The new engine will give the Hilux a top speed of 170 km/h (manual transmission) while still offering excellent fuel consumption of 8.3 l/100km (combined cycle, manual transmission).
Equipped with the 4 speed A/T, the Hilux top speed is 175 km/h.
The 3.0-litre D-4D is the latest derivative of the renowned diesel engine which also appears in the flagship Toyota Land Cruiser range. It features second-generation common-rail technology, smooth control of the turbocharger variable vanes and a swirl control system for maximum efficiency.
The common rail system develops a maximum pressure of 1,600 bar, allowing the use of injector nozzles with smaller diameter holes to create a more homogenous air-fuel mix, improving the efficiency of the combustion process. This translates into more performance with lower emissions and lower fuel consumption.
The improvements introduced to the combustion process mean the compression ratio can be lower, at 17.9:1, than in other, less advanced diesel engines. This results in less heat build-up in the piston bowl and a more efficient combustion process, therefore enabling more performance with lower emissions and less noise.
One key to the impressive power and torque output of the 3.0-litre D-4D has always been the sophisticated, variable vane, turbocharger. Toyota uses an electric DC (direct current) motor to activate the variable nozzle vane mechanism, instead of the conventional step motor. The result is sharper response from the turbocharger, particularly at lower speeds.
The engine also benefits from a Swirl Control System. Each cylinder is supplied with air/exhaust gas mixture through two different ducts. Butterfly valves operated by the Swirl Control System can shut off one of these ducts according to the engine speed and load, increasing the mixture's swirl rate.
At low engine speeds this device improves the air-fuel mixture, thus increasing torque availability at low speeds along with lower emissions.
More powerful 2.5-litre D-4D
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Now develops 120 DIN hp
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Remarkable torque of 325 Nm
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Intercooler aids fuel efficiency
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Fully Euro IV compliant
The 2.5-litre D-4D engine remains at the core of the Toyota Hilux range and will continue to be available in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations (depending on national markets) and in Single Cab, Extra Cab and Double Cab body styles. The engine is available with a five-speed manual transmission.
The introduction of a high performance turbo-intercooler, and other developments result in power from the 2.5-litre D-4D engine boosted by seventeen per cent to 120 DIN hp. Top speed is now 165 km/h (4x2 manual transmission) and 155 km/h for 4x4 version.
At the same time the torque output from this engine is now at 325 Nm, giving the 2.5-litre D-4D Hilux a very good balance between excellent driving pleasure and low fuel consumption. On the combined cycle, the Hilux 2.5-litre D-4D will deliver from 7.4 l/100 km to 8.3l/100km, depending on the model.
The addition of the intercooler and optimisation of the oxidisation catalytic converter ensures that the 2.5-litre D-4D is now fully compliant with Euro IV emissions standards.
Enhanced styling and comfort features
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More rugged exterior look
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Bright new colours
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Hi-tech Optitron meters (3.0-litre)
A key selling point of the new Toyota Hilux is its modern design, offering superior quality and significant improvements in interior space and modularity. Frontal styling is bold and aggressive with the deep front bumper and massive bonnet adding to the sense of authority.
The appeal of the Hilux is further enhanced by styling changes to give a more rugged look. These include the addition of an air scoop on the bonnet to increase air-flow for the intercooler and front fog lamps on SR grade models and above.
At the same time, the latest Hilux will be available in several additional exterior colours including Night Sky Black, Stellar Blue and Stone Grey.
A more hi-tech, premium quality ambience is created with new, Optitron meters exclusively for the 3.0-litre D-4D model, which also receives a multi-information display and shift position indicator (auto transmission only).
Driving pleasure is further enhanced on the 3.0-litre D-4D automatic with the inclusion of cruise control as a standard feature.
European countries and will suggest alternative routes if traffic congestion builds up on the original choice (subject to local national licensing). The DVD-navigation also integrates the audio system with radio, CD and MP3 player.
All models on SR grade and above receive a fabric covering for the sun visor.
