Raptor, beware? New Toyota Hilux Arctic Trucks AT35 breaks cover!

By: CAR magazine

The folks over at Arctic Trucks have revealed their take on the refreshed Toyota Hilux, giving the popular bakkie an extensive array of upgrades.

Unveiled in the United Kingdom, the new Hilux Arctic Trucks AT35 is based on that market’s “Invincible X” double-cab variant but gains chassis, suspension and handling upgrades the company promises deliver “even greater off-road capabilities”.

So, does this model have what it takes to rival the Ford Ranger Raptor? Well, the Hilux AT35 gains a 65 mm increase its running ground clearance (to 375 mm), while its approach and departure angles improve by nine and three degrees (to 38 and 29), respectively.

Arctic Trucks says the vehicle’s frame, inner arches and bodywork have all been re-engineered, while 17-inch Arctic Trucks alloys wrapped in 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tyres have been fitted.

The Arctic Trucks Bilstein performance suspension system features front springs and dampers, anti-roll bar adjustment and rear dampers with extended shackles. This produces an extra 40 mm of front and 20 mm of rear suspension lift. Torque and “drivability”, meanwhile, have been “optimised” with the re-gearing of the front and rear differentials.

The company has furthermore fitted a rear bar with an integrated two-inch receiver hitch. The styling upgrades include the company’s signature “flare package” for the front and rear wings, along with extended-profile side steps, “AT35” badging and a “30th anniversary” decal.

The latest 150 kW/500 N.m version of Toyota’s 2,8-litre turbodiesel engine carries over unchanged, along with the firm’s six-speed automatic transmission. The Hilux Arctic Trucks AT35 is available to order from Toyota retailers in the UK, with a pre-VAT conversion price of £18 780 (around R385 000 … excluding the base price of the bakkie, of course).

 

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