Dominance Redefined: Toyota Hilux GR-S III’s Superior Performance and Design

Dominance Redefined: Toyota Hilux GR-S III’s Superior Performance and Design

The iconic Toyota Hilux has reached unparalleled heights of performance, ride comfort, and formidable presence with the introduction of the Hilux GR-S III. Building upon its illustrious Dakar Rally-winning legacy, the Hilux GR SPORT III represents the zenith of Toyota’s innovative bakkie lineup, renowned for its exceptional durability and reliability since its debut in 1968. […]

By Herman Moolman10 June 20244 min read

The iconic Toyota Hilux has reached unparalleled heights of performance, ride comfort, and formidable presence with the introduction of the Hilux GR-S III. Building upon its illustrious Dakar Rally-winning legacy, the Hilux GR SPORT III represents the zenith of Toyota’s innovative bakkie lineup, renowned for its exceptional durability and reliability since its debut in 1968.

The double cab Hilux GR-S III combines enhanced handling and stability with impressive towing (3,500kg) and payload (1,000kg) capabilities, complemented by a bold design evolution. This standout vehicle is ready for any adventure, ensuring you make a statement wherever you go.

The GR-S III boasts an increased tread width, expanded by 140mm at the front and 155mm at the rear compared to the standard Hilux. This enhancement offers a more confident ride, even in challenging weather and road conditions.

Both on- and off-road capabilities are significantly enhanced, thanks to the wider tread and substantial improvements in handling characteristics. This includes increased vehicle stability through a reduced roll angle and precise steering response, ensuring a sure-footed drive with reduced vibration and noise. The suspension and brakes have been meticulously refined to deliver driving excitement and sporty sensations without compromising ride comfort, making it perfect for everyday enjoyment.

Under the hood, the powerful 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine delivers 165kW and 550Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, ensuring robust performance for any requirement.

Dominance Redefined Toyota Hilux Gr S Iii Superior Performance And Design

Exterior

The GR-S III showcases an imposing, updated look with a powerful stance and weight and drag reduction from new 17-inch wheels. The dynamic, commanding presence is enhanced by bold black over-fenders and striking new 17-inch black alloy wheels with eye-catching red brake callipers. These wheels also contribute to performance by reducing aerodynamic drag and trimming wheel weight with their ultra-efficient central spokes.

Premium exterior design details set the Hilux GR-S III apart, featuring a black G mesh front grille with the classic Toyota logo, black side steps, mirrors, and door handles. A silver-coloured protective front underguard, black rear bumper, and distinctive GR logos further enhance its evocative appearance.

Interior

Inside, the Hilux GR-S III mirrors its forceful sense of purpose with a premium monochrome color theme and sporty red accents. Bold red seat belts and contrasting details underline the motorsport passion behind the GR identity. Paddle controls offer manual shift selection, while a perforated sports leather steering wheel with contrast stitching and aluminum sport pedals complete the driving experience.

The black suede and leather sport seats, with silver stitching and perforation, elevate the interior’s appearance and provide exceptional comfort and better grip, minimizing sliding during high lateral forces. The high-quality cabin features a new hydrographic ornament on the door trim and dashboard, with GR details on the information display and instrumentation.

The Hilux GR-S III also boasts Toyota’s multimedia system, operated via an 8-inch touchscreen display, now paired with a premium JBL sound system with nine speakers, elevating your audio experience.

Technical Changes

The Hilux GR-S III’s functional design is strengthened by an enhanced approach angle and greater ground clearance. The optimal balance of front and rear suspension ensures a smoother, more stable ride, while precise, powerful braking is achieved with larger 17-inch front discs and new 15-inch rear discs.

Renowned for its “go anywhere” off-road capabilities, the latest model builds on this legacy with an increased approach angle from 29 degrees to 30 degrees and enhanced ground clearance. This is achieved through a 20mm increase in ride height and the wider tread.

Aerodynamically, the Hilux GR-S III features a new air curtain structure, including a brand-new bumper with a functional fog lamp bezel, optimizing drag efficiency and reducing turbulence in the wheel arch. The lighter 17-inch wheels equipped with all-terrain tires enhance grip and overall stability, ensuring a smoother, more stable ride over any terrain.

MyToyota

All Toyota owners can sign up for a personal MyToyota profile, designed to provide a platform for quickly accessing all information and services related to their vehicle(s). New Toyota vehicles come equipped with a device offering in-car WiFi capability (with a complimentary 25GB) and a host of additional Connect services.

Hilux GR-S III Pricing

The Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 DC 4×4 GR Sport III is competitively priced at R999,000. It comes standard with a 9-services/90,000km service plan (with intervals of 10,000km) and a 3-year/100,000km warranty.

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