Toyota PH to start retail of the updated Hilux GR-S tomorrow

One of the few surprises that the Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) pulled off at the recently-concluded second leg of the Gazoo Racing Vios Cup was the preview of the Toyota Hilux GR-S’ latest iteration.

According to TMP, the official retail of the updated Toyota Hilux GR-S will start tomorrow (September 13).

The Gazoo-fied version of Toyota’s famed pick-up truck in the country has been spruced up and now wears exterior design upgrades that follow the global model design. The updates made it look like a smaller version of the Tacoma.

Its front fascia wears a gloss black trim around the grille to showcase its sporty character. Complementing it is the silver embellishment on the lower portion of the bumper.

Housed under the squarish beefy fenders are 17-inch wheels in thick 265/65 tires as well as the upgraded offroad-ready suspension system. In addition, the new Hilux GR-S now has a wider track.

At the rear are more gloss black appointments in the bumper and a fashion the bar that already has a provision for bed cover.

Inside, the new Hilux GR-S comes with bigger touchscreen infotainment system and a steering wheel that has a red accent on top.

But the new Toyota Hilux is not just all aesthetics — it is built to perform too.

Among the notable upgrades is the increase in its horsepower. Although the same engine fitted on the outgoing version is also found in the new Hilux (2.8-liter turbodiesel engine), Toyota gave the electronic control unit tweaks that allowed the mill to provide a maximum churn of 224 horsepower (a bump-up from the 200 horses that the previous iteration can deliver). The powertrain is paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox with part-time four-wheel drive.

TMP claimed that the refreshed Hilux GR-S is now the most powerful model in its class locally.

To be retailed in Super White/Attitude Black Mica (two-tone), Emotional Red (hero color, monotone), and Attitude Black Mica (monotone) body colors, the pricing of the new Toyota Hilux GR-S ranges from P2.166 million (Attitude Black Mica) to P2.186 million (dual tone and Emotional Red) — ready to compete with the likes of the Ford Ranger Raptor that was launched in the country in the first half of 2023.

Photos from Ruben Manahan IV

Also read:

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2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport: All you need to know