It’s a number almost too large to be true, but believe it or not the one millionth Toyota Hilux was recently sold in SA. After the nameplate was first introduced in 1969, this milestone makes the Hilux the most successful model in South African history. And to think, at launch, dealers were not pleased with this new model, thinking it too ugly and considering the name odd.
Lucky owner
The one millionth unit (a Single Cab 3,0 D-4D Legend 45) was sold to Toyota fundi, Shabier Aboobaker. Mr Aboobaker has owned several Toyota products over the years, including various Camry models, some of which are still in the family.
Special model
To celebrate this sales milestone and the success achieved by Hiluxes on both local and world motorsport stages, Toyota SA commissioned its motorsport division to build a special, one-off model known as the Toyota Hilux Racing Experience.
Mimicking its Dakar-rally sibling, this model uses the same Lexus IS-F V8 engine. It has over 335 kW of power available at 6 000 r/min, making it the most powerful Toyota Hilux ever built.
Performance equipment
Unlike a backyard special, this vehicle isn’t purely about the engine. A number of other upgrades have been made, including the adoption of a Pectel Cosworth management system, a modified sump, revised ratios in both front and rear diffs, and a Dakar-spec inlet manifold (without the air restrictor, though).
A new alternator and power steering pump have been fitted, together with a new air conditioning compressor. The entire wiring harness has been upgraded to Dakar spec, a full tubular exhaust system has been installed, and modifications made to the transmission’s bell housing in order to mate the gearbox to the IS-F engine.
An AIM electronic dashboard, which is fully integrated with the Pectel engine management system, provides the driver with a vast array of engine information in true motorsport fashion.
Better suspension
The suspension system has also been upgraded with fully adjustable front and rear dampers, and the entire vehicle has been lowered by 50 mm compared with the production version. The steering ratio has been increased for faster movement and 18 x 9 inch wheels have been fitted.
Behind the wheel
At the official debut of the special Hilux I got to experience it first hand. Even after a brief drive I was impressed by the instant power delivery that stays strong all the way to limiter; which seems to arrive pretty quickly.
Apart from the pace it is that signature V8 soundtrack that also left an impression. Unsighted you’d be forgiven for thinking that a muscle car had been let loose in the vicinity. A low burble at idle turns into a tuneful racecar-like howl as the engine speed rises.
For a video of this Hilux in action as well as an explanation of the build process, check out the video below.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: Lexus IS-F 2UR-GSE, 5,0-litre V8
Management: Pectel Cosworth, direct fuel injection
Power: 335 kW @ 6 000 r/min
Torque: 600 N.m @ 3 250 – 4 500 r/min
Brakes: Power Brake 350 mm discs with billet aluminium 4-piston callipers
Suspension: Fully adjustable front and rear
Transmission: Standard Toyota Hilux D-4D
Differentials: Standard Toyota Hilux D-4D front and rear, new ratios of 4,375
Clutch: Twin Plate AP Racing
Instrumentation: AIM Electronic Dash, integrated with Pectel Engine Management System
