TRD released detailed information on the 2008 Toyota TRD HiLux. The 2008 Toyota TRD HiLux is powered by a 4.0-litre quad-cam V6 petrol engine ,equipped with an intercooled Eaton supercharger, that develops 225 kW and 453 Nm of torque. The 2008 Toyota TRD HiLux accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and has a fuel consumption of 12.9 liters per 100 km.
The 2008 Toyota TRD HiLux is available in two versions: 4000S and 4000SL. Both versions of the 2008 Toyota TRD HiLux come with twin front airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking and DataDot security as standard.
TRD Press Release:
TRD TRANSFORMS AUSTRALIA'S MOST POPULAR UTE
Toyota Australia's TRD division has transformed Australia's most popular ute into a tough yet sophisticated performance-enhanced vehicle.
The new TRD HiLux offers a unique "tough truck" experience with supercharged performance, Bilstein sports suspension, sophisticated ride, 17-inch alloy wheels, beefier brakes and strong, powerful styling.
Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said TRD HiLux delivers sports-truck credibility with real-world practicality.
"TRD HiLux is the ultimate active ute," Mr Buttner said.
"It offers scintillating performance and dramatic styling while still being able to carry a full load and perform a hard day's work," he said.
TRD HiLux is derived from the double-cab 4x4 version of the standard HiLux, which is the third
best-selling vehicle range in Australia.
Its 4.0-litre quad-cam V6 petrol engine is fitted with an intercooled Eaton supercharger, which boosts maximum power by 28.5 per cent to 225kW and peak torque by 20.4 per cent to 453Nm.
The engine, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, pumps out more torque than the standard engine's 376Nm maximum from just above idle all the way to around 5700rpm.
TRD HiLux accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds.
Remarkably, the supercharged TRD HiLux returns official fuel-economy figures comparable with the standard HiLux at just 12.9 liters per 100km*.
Mr Buttner said the target market was mainly men aged 30 to 39 who were actively seeking performance vehicles.
"Dealers have told us for some time there is a latent demand for a performance truck from Toyota.
"TRD HiLux will be the tradie's choice; it will also be the prestige choice of owner-operators
and business proprietors."
The TRD-fettled HiLux creates its own segment as the only volume-production supercharged ute sold in Australia.
It is available in two grades, 4000S and 4000SL.
Both grades come standard with twin front airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking and DataDot security.
TRD HiLux has specially calibrated monotube Bilstein shock absorbers and 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres.
Other enhancements include larger front brake rotors and calipers, a TRD body kit, sports bar and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever.
"Drivers will notice a more compliant ride and flatter, more controlled cornering in a wide range of load and surface conditions.
"TRD HiLux has also improved the off-road capabilities with a wider departure angle due to the new TRD rear bumper," Mr Buttner said.
TRD HiLux 4000S is priced at $59,990^ and the 4000SL at $64,990^. The only option is metallic paint at $300.
This is the second vehicle from TRD in Australia. TRD Aurion was launched in August last year.
*Fuel consumption figure is from the ADR 81/01 combined-cycle test. Actual fuel consumption will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle condition and options/accessories.
^Recommended retail prices exclude dealer delivery, government and statutory charges and optional extras.
TWO MODELS IN TRD HILUX RANGE
TRD HiLux is offered as a double-cab 4x4 in two model grades, both with supercharged and intercooled 4.0-litre quad cam V6 engine and intelligent five-speed automatic transmission.
The two model grades are 4000S and 4000SL - 'S' stands for Supercharged and 'L' for Luxury.
Both models have TRD sports suspension with Bilstein dampers, higher performance brakes, ABS anti-skid brakes, independent double wishbone coil-spring front suspension and are fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels.
They also have as standard equipment: over-fender flares, black TRD sports bar, black TRD mesh radiator grille, sports front bumper, side steps with TRD logo and black out, unique body-coloured rear bumper, blacked-out B-pillar, multi-reflector headlamps, unique side tape graphics, power windows front and rear, wireless door locking and DataDot security.
Inside, both TRD HiLux models have dual SRS airbags, air conditioning, sports leather shift lever, cruise control, MP3-compatible CD player, coloured leather steering wheel, silver instrument cluster bezel and TRD floor mats. (Rubber for 4000S and carpet for 4000SL.)
Both models have individually numbered TRD identification plaques, in-cabin and in the engine bay.
TRD HiLux 4000S has part-time four-wheel drive.
It also has the work-day features of deck guard, tonneau hooks on the rear deck, vinyl floor covering and cloth seat trim.
TRD HiLux 4000SL has part-time four-wheel drive with Toyota's automatic disconnecting front differential (ADD), for on-the-move shifting between two and four-wheel drive.
TRD HiLux 4000SL has the additional features - over the 4000S model - of smooth-sided rear deck, leather seat trim, carpet floor covering, TRD carpet floor mats (in lieu of rubber), six-CD in-dash changer and Optitron speedometer.
Both TRD HiLux 4000S and 4000SL come with five alloy wheels.
TRD HILUX CREATES UNIQUE SPORTS TOUGH TRUCK SEGMENT
Toyota Australia says the TRD HiLux will carve out a unique niche in the 4x4 sports utility market.
Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said the arrival of TRD HiLux will create a new 'sports tough truck' segment.
Mr Buttner said the development of this new segment was backed by independent research commissioned in the planning stages of TRD HiLux.
"The sports tough truck market as defined by TRD HiLux combines strong, powerful styling with traditional HiLux attributes such as durability and real-world practicality," Mr Buttner said.
"The research found that there is demand for a petrol-based, high performance, 4x4 double-cab utility that is both a practical work-day vehicle and a recreational vehicle that is capable of going off-road, and towing.
"TRD HiLux will make a strong link between the positive appeal of Toyota's commercial vehicles and increasing Toyota's overall brand appeal in a new market."
As the pioneer of a new segment, TRD HiLux has no direct competitors but will attract buyers from other segments.
"Toyota constantly strives to anticipate customer expectations in a variety of different market segments across the passenger and commercial vehicle landscape," Mr Buttner said.
"The launch of TRD HiLux underlines this commitment based on researching the very real needs of potential buyers in this market, and the shifting trends in lifestyle and work choices that have created the segment.
"The bottom-line message is that TRD HiLux is a performance recreational 4x4 truck which doesn't compromise its working ability, and couples that with quality, durability and reliability intrinsic to the Toyota and HiLux brands."
TRD BUILDS ON THE STRENGTH AND CREDIBILITY OF HILUX
TRD HiLux will add excitement to the Toyota brand by building on the strength and credibility of HiLux, Toyota Australia senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said.
Mr Buttner said there was positive anticipation for TRD HiLux among dealers and potential customers.
He said almost 600 Toyota HiLux customers each month paid more than $50,000 to buy the SR5 models.
"These customers typically love to customise their vehicles, often spending thousands of dollars extra on items such as big wheels, foglamps and bull bars.
"The same applies to some of our competitors' vehicles.
"These buyers - hot-ute owners as well as companies and instrumentalities - are the audience for TRD HiLux.
"They do not want an aftermarket modification: they want the quality of a fully warranted, factory-spec Toyota product."
Mr Buttner said the premium for TRD HiLux over the SR5 Dual Cab was about $9500 for the 4000S and $14,500 for the 4000SL.
"Aftermarket customisation to the exact specification of the TRD HiLux 4000S and 4000SL would cost substantially more.
"The supercharger with intercooler plus 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres would cost around $9500 alone in the aftermarket - and that would not include factory warranty on the engine," Mr Buttner said.
He said buyers of sports tough trucks were motivated by design, performance and the brand values of the manufacturer.
"They want versatility without compromise - a vehicle that can handle day-to-day work requirements and yet have the performance, overall capability and suspension compliance to provide an assuring, comfortable ride in a variety of recreational conditions.
"TRD HiLux has been designed and built to meet or exceed those expectations," he said.
TRD HILUX SUPERCHARGER FITTED TO THREE VEHICLES
The supercharger developed for the TRD HiLux is also being offered as an aftermarket kit for two US trucks - the FJ Cruiser and Tacoma.
Unlike the US vehicles, the TRD HiLux for Australia is a fully integrated and engineered performance-enhanced vehicle incorporating substantial changes to the suspension, brakes and styling - as well as complete certification to Australian Design Rules.
The supercharger development project was a joint venture between TRD Australia, Toyota Motor Sales in the US and Magnuson Products Inc, the US distributor of the Eaton supercharger.
Australia remains the only country to offer a production modified and fully homologated TRD vehicle - a business model being studied by other markets.
TRD engineering development manager (mechanical) Jonathan Miller said the Australian program was particularly challenging.
"The standard 4.0-litre V6 engine and the engine bay were not originally designed to take a supercharger," Mr Miller said.
"Our engine bay is by far the smallest of the three vehicles, which required unique packaging solutions.
"We had to modify the top of the supercharger air intake snout as well as develop unique components to ensure appropriate clearances from other under-bonnet components.
"This involved working with our suppliers to develop a new air intake and tailor-made hoses, brackets and clamps.
"Complying with the tight tolerances demanded by Toyota - and achieving them in a relatively confined space - has been our biggest challenge."
Mr Miller said Australia played a bigger role in the international project than originally envisaged.
"We carried out the early engine calibration work in Australia because of the availability of a dynamometer that could handle the substantial loads.
"This involved early work to establish the peak power and torque as well as spark and fuel settings to match the bigger injectors needed for the supercharged engine.
"We did further unique engine calibration for the TRD HiLux, including the throttle-pedal mapping which was initially a bit too aggressive.
"We also had to integrate all the other changes to the vehicle, including the revised suspension, bigger brakes and larger wheels and tyres.
"In Australia, we undertook our own cold and hot weather testing, including under load, as well as noise, emissions and other Australian Design Rule requirements.
"Achieving compliance for an entire vehicle is a much more complicated task than developing an aftermarket kit," Mr Miller said.
PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMY FROM SUPERCHARGED ENGINE
TRD HiLux's supercharged and intercooled all-alloy quad cam V6 offers both performance and economy, coupled with low emissions.
The 4.0-litre VVT-i-equipped TRD HiLux is Toyota's first supercharged commercial vehicle model in Australia.
Its supercharged and intercooled 1GR-FE engine delivers 225kW of power at 5400rpm and 453Nm of torque at 3400rpm on premium unleaded fuel.
The TRD HiLux combines this level of performance with official ADR 81/01 fuel economy of 12.9 litres/100km*.
The supercharged engine is Euro IV-compliant.
TRD chose supercharging over turbocharging to achieve instantaneous engine response and impressive low-down torque.
At just 1200rpm, the supercharged TRD HiLux engine matches the 376Nm peak torque of the naturally aspirated HiLux engine.
The TRD HiLux installation consists of an Eaton M90 supercharger with a Magnuson housing and a water-to-air intercooler with its own electric water pump.
The M90 supercharger is driven by a belt, from the engine's crankshaft.
The intercooler reduces the temperature of the inlet-charged air before it enters the cylinder head - thereby boosting power and torque and reducing the chance of detonation.
*Fuel consumption will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR 81/01 combined cycle.
SUPERCHARGED ENGINE DEVELOPED FOR TRD HILUX
The supercharger installation in new TRD HiLux was purpose-developed to suit the vehicle.
It differs markedly in both supercharger design and installation to its stablemate TRD Aurion.
TRD HiLux has an Eaton M90 supercharger and a 1.484-litre water-to-air intercooler.
In contrast to the TRD Aurion, TRD HiLux has a cantilever installation and a separate drive belt for the supercharger.
The supercharger is manufactured in the US, but the peripherals for the TRD HiLux installation are manufactured locally.
The proven Eaton M90 design is now in its fifth generation.
The three-lobe rotors have a 60-degree twist and a maximum speed of 12,000rpm.
The unit is geared to deliver up to seven pounds of boost in TRD HiLux.
The supercharger installation in TRD HiLux is one unit, with three castings for the intake duct, supercharger, intercooler and plenum chamber.
The supercharger drive-gear set includes a torsional isolator to reduce vibration.
The intercooler has its own cooling system, with a separate radiator and an electric pump.
The Australian supercharger installation has the largest intercooler radiator of the three vehicles that share the supercharged 4.0-litre engine worldwide.
TRD HiLux also includes a purpose-developed air cleaner, to smooth air flow to the supercharger.
The air cleaner housing is manufactured in one piece, compared with three pieces for the air cleaner in donor HiLux 4x4.
TRD HILUX ENGINE A JOINT DEVELOPMENT
The new supercharged TRD HiLux engine application was a joint development by TRD in Australia, with United States partners Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) and Magnuson Products.
It has been extensively tested in the United States and Australia.
TRD has been involved in the project since April 2006, when engineers visited the United States for a packaging study and to conduct nylon rapid prototyping.
Engine calibration for Australia and radiator testing was conducted at Bosch in Melbourne.
The final engine calibration delivers 400Nm of torque at just 1300rpm and a maximum 453Nm of torque from 2800-3400rpm on premium unleaded petrol (PULP).
The local calibration includes exclusive TRD HiLux throttle pedal maps for the quad-cam V6 engine's electronic throttle.
There are new maps for the first four gears in TRD HiLux' five-speed transmission.
The first-gear map was designed to smooth take-offs.
Engine durability testing has included 100 hours at 5400rpm in Texas and more recently a 10,000 hour test at 170km/h at the Orbital Engine Company's Perth facility.
TRD HiLux also completed 100,000km of on-road durability testing in harsh conditions.
The vehicle has been hot-weather tested in the Northern Territory and cold-weather tested at Mount Hotham.
TRD HiLux's exclusive front bumper design has a 20-per-cent-larger air opening than the OE bumper, to op
timise engine cooling.
New fuel injectors have been adopted, to suit the supercharged engine configuration.
The engine was tested for driveability and high-speed running at the Phillip Island and Winton race circuits, as well as on and off-road.
TRD HILUX V6 ENGINE BUILT TO LAST
TRD HiLux has at its heart a proven 4.0-litre all-alloy quad cam V6 engine with advanced technology and high reliability.
The Toyota 1GR-FE engine, equipped with Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i), has been proved in Australia since 2003 in LandCruiser Prado and since 2005 in HiLux.
Toyota designed the 1GR-FE engine for a combination of high performance and reliability, low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), lightweight and compact design, good serviceability, optimum fuel economy and low emissions.
The 24-valve engine has Toyota VVT-i on the inlet camshafts, and an intelligent linkless electronic throttle.
The intelligent VVT-i system in the 1GR-FE engine can vary inlet valve timing within a range of 50 degrees (relative to crankshaft angle).
VVT-i optimises performance across the engine revolution range and minimises emissions.
Weight-saving features include a die-cast alloy cylinder block and intake manifold, and in-built mountings in the cylinder block for ancillaries.
Engine architecture
The HiLux quad-cam V6 engine has a deep-skirt cylinder block and a 60-degree bank angle.
It employs a compact, all-alloy construction for the oil pan, cylinder block and cylinder heads, with steel-laminate type cylinder-head gaskets.
Water passages between cylinder bores and new technology spiny liners maximise heat transfer.
The engine has a fully balanced crankshaft and high-strength connecting rods with plastic region tightening big-end bolts, for optimum rigidity with lower reciprocating weight.
The roll-finished fully balanced steel crank runs in six-bolt main bearing caps.
The big-end bearings have micro-grooved bearing surfaces for optimum oil clearance - to improve cold-engine cranking performance and reduce NVH.
The pistons are resin-plated to reduce friction.
Oil-cooling jets under the pistons reduce piston temperatures and increase durability.
Cylinder-head design
The Toyota 1GR-FE engine has DOHC multi-valve cylinder heads, for maximum engine breathing efficiency.
It has roller-chain camshaft drive and shimless valve lifters, to increase reliability and reduce weight.
The cylinder heads have straight intake ports, to further boost engine breathing. Special attention has been paid to reducing inlet wall wetting - thereby slashing hydrocarbon emissions.
The 1GR-FE engine has independent fuel injection with 12-hole injector nozzles mounted in the inlet ports and Siamese inlet ports for maximum fuel atomisation and reduced wall wetting.
HiLux V6's compression ratio is set at 10.0:1, for optimum combustion efficiency and power output across the revolution range.
The combustion chambers employ a slanted (oblique) squish design, to improve thermal efficiency and reduce the chance of engine knock (pre-ignition).
The squish angle has been shaped obliquely along the wall surface of the combustion chamber.
The cylinder head/combustion chamber design includes long-reach spark plugs.
A hot-wire L-type air flow meter is used in the EFI system, for more accurate air flow measurement and hence more accurate fuel/air mixing.
The induction system includes an intake resonator, to reduce intake noise.
Additional features of the Toyota 1GR-FE engine include:
a Planar-type air-fuel ratio sensor and oxygen sensor, for optimum mixture accuracy
ultra-thin wall, high-cell density, ceramic-type three-way catalytic converters integrated into the exhaust manifolds
a new planetary reduction-segment conductor starter motor, for light weight and greater package efficiency
a three-stage linear temperature-controlled fluid coupling fan.
TRD HILUX HAS ELECTRONIC FIVE-SPEED TRANSMISSION
TRD HiLux has a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT) - for optimum fuel economy, driveability and driving comfort.
The Toyota A750F Super ECT has the ability to 'read' hills.
Artificial intelligence (AI Shift) technology manages the shift regime according to road conditions and driver behaviour.
It uses data on throttle opening angle, vehicle speed, engine speed and brake signals to 'read' road conditions.
The AI Shift can adjust the shift pattern to suit different drivers and provide engine braking for hill descents. It works in conjunction with TRD HiLux V6's intelligent, linkless electronic throttle.
The A750F transmission can be driven in conventional automatic mode, with the shift lever in 'D', or in manual mode using the gate-type shift. The gate shift provides for lateral D-4 and L-2 changes.
The Toyota A750-type transmission was proved in Australia in LandCruiser 100 Series and LandCruiser Prado, before being launched in HiLux.
It has ratios of: 1st, 3.520; 2nd, 2.042; 3rd, 1.400; 4th, 1.000; 5th, 0.716; reverse, 3.224; and is matched to a 3.583:1 final-drive ratio.
Both TRD HiLux models have a two-speed transfer. However, they have individual four-wheel drive systems - part-time four-wheel drive for 4000S and part-time four-wheel drive with Toyota's Automatic Disconnecting front Differential (ADD) for 4000SL.
High-grade TRD HiLux 4000SL has Toyota's ADD 4WD system.
ADD allows for changes between H2 and H4 at up to 100km/h.
NEW SUSPENSION FOR TRD HILUX
TRD engineers overcame seemingly contradictory goals to develop the chassis package for TRD HiLux.
Engineers wanted to improve the ride, handling and braking while retaining the off-road ability, commercial-vehicle functionality and the robustness and reliability that are HiLux hallmarks.
TRD chassis engineer Marcus Umlauff said engineers tuned the suspension for a flatter, more controlled body motion with enhanced ride comfort.
Mr Umlauff said development focused on a spring and damper combination designed for control, grip and a 'flat-ride' body posture.
"TRD HiLux offers a flat ride on the bitumen while having the necessary suspension compliance to maintain grip and poise when heading off road," he said.
"It reduces pitching under acceleration and braking and also retains the load-carrying capacity expected of a commercial vehicle, offering a 948kg payload."
The chassis package starts with the HiLux independent double wishbone coil-spring front suspension and a rigid rear axle controlled by leaf springs.
Unique TRD enhancements include re-tuned springs, lowered suspension and specially developed Bilstein monotube dampers.
The front spring rate has been reduced to improve tyre contact consistency, and therefore grip, ride comfort and balance.
The high-performance Bilstein dampers have been tuned for flat roll control, good isolation and maximum tyre contact.
The lower ride height provides a flatter roll axis and improved front-rear balance.
The new dampers have stone shields, to protect them from impact damage when travelling off-road.
Mr Umlauff said suspension compliance was the key to maintaining consistent off-road grip.
"Off-road competition vehicles typically run softer springs than the vehicles from which they are derived," he said.
TRD HiLux is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tyres that maintain off-road clearance.
LOCAL CHASSIS DEVELOPMENT FOR TRD HILUX
The new TRD HiLux chassis package was developed locally by TRD chassis engineers.
The chassis development program included TRD HiLux suspension and brakes.
Test venues included the Phillip Island and Broadford racing circuits, a wide variety of tarmac and gravel public roads, and an off-road facility at Werribee.
TRD chassis engineer Marcus Umlauff said the overall design goal for TRD HiLux's suspension was "uncompromised performance".
"There were four targets within that overall goal - increased grip in all conditions, performance, comfort and functionality.
"Our biggest challenge was to strike a balance between a truck and an SUV; to create a vehicle that suits local conditions and drivers.
"We wanted to offer a vehicle that can be used for work through the week and yet enjoyed at weekends.
"In addition to increased grip, we wanted to give the vehicle a flat ride, without pitching fore and aft and excessive body roll.
"The final calibration has done that, giving TRD HiLux a flatter roll axis so it has a well-controlled linear roll rather than a 'lift and roll'."
Mr Umlauff said that, in addition to the spring rate revisions, the adoption of Bilstein monotube dampers was vital to achieving that goal.
"Monotube dampers require less compromise between good handling and high-quality ride - it is a great opportunity to improve both during suspension development.
"Bilstein is in the upper echelon of dampers," he said.
"In off-road driving you're always battling against foaming in the dampers. Foaming and excessive temperature are the enemy of damper performance."
"But the monotube Bilsteins have a much large piston diameter, and a high-pressure gas charge - that means no foaming and reduced temperatures of the damper fluid and hence repeatable damping performance.
"We're very pleased with the final suspension calibration and the performance of the new brake package.
"The improvements in both off-road performance and braking performance exceeded our expectations," he said.
"One of the biggest areas of improvement is hill climbing on dirt roads, where TRD HiLux's increased rear articulation is best exploited.
"The TRD HiLux's combination of the supercharged engine's torque and the increased traction from the new suspension means it really shines here."
NEW BRAKES FOR TRD HILUX
TRD HiLux has a new brake package, for improved brake performance and hence greater active safety.
The new brake package has significantly increased brake swept area, larger calipers and increased cooling.
It offers increased braking power, reduced pedal stroke and increased braking endurance.
The package consists of 338 by 28mm ventilated front brake rotors with four-piston calipers.
This compares with 294 by 25mm ventilated discs and two-piston calipers on standard HiLux 4x4 models.
ABS anti-skid brakes are standard equipment.
TRD HiLux's new front brake package has been proved in Australia on LandCruiser Prado.
Local development testing saw an improvement in stopping distance from 130km/h of more than 30 metres.
A repeat test of six stops in quick succession produced a 20-metre improvement in stopping distance
TRD HILUX HAS UNIQUE EXTERIOR FEATURES
TRD HiLux has a range of unique exterior features that define its Sports Tough Truck status.
"The design philosophy behind TRD HiLux has been to maintain the functionality and practicality of HiLux, and integrate that with extra overall performance and unique styling," said Toyota Australia's design chief, Paul Beranger.
"In completing that process, it was important that TRD HiLux be able to carry a load, tow, and do all the things that the market expects a HiLux to do, without compromise."
TRD HiLux features a dominant sports front bumper that conveys a tough, high-performance image that is both stylish and practical.
The cooling slots in the TRD HiLux bumper provide a dominant, sports presence as well as cooling for the vehicle's supercharger.
The dark metallic accents on the lower bumper and opening around the fog light housings (on SL grade) add to that tough truck stance, while minimising visible scuff marks and stone chips.
The front bumper has been designed to accept a Toyota Genuine airbag-compatible nudge bar that is available as an option.
The bespoke TRD grille mesh pattern is derived from the letter 'R' in the TRD logo.
TRD HiLux is 8.1mm longer than the standard HiLux due to the front bumper being 13.1mm longer and the rear bumper 5mm shorter.
The aesthetics of machined 17-inch twin-spoke wheels, and their painted inners, highlight their deep dish appearance and their inherent ability to do the job in all manner of driving conditions.
The vehicle also has a black TRD sports bar, unique body-coloured rear bumper, blacked-out B-pillar, and unique side-tape graphics.
"The great challenge with TRD HiLux was to arrive at a unique presence that is proportioned, practical and tough without compromising the fundamental HiLux design value of simply getting the job done," Mr Beranger said.
"From the choice of wheels and tyres, to the configuration of the suspension, TRD HiLux has maintained, and in some cases enhanced, the things the market loves about HiLux and taken it to a new level of performance and functionality.
"I believe the TRD design team achieved all of those goals, and our target buyers will find it meets their styling and performance expectations, which are based on the premise of 'work hard and play hard'."
Others TRD HiLux exterior appointments include over-fender flares, and side steps with TRD logo and black-out.
TRD HiLux is available in the colours of Glacier White, Sterling Silver, Charcoal Grey, Ink and Velocity Red.
TRD HILUX HAS DISTINCTIVE INTERIOR
TRD HiLux is equipped with several distinctive interior features unique to the TRD brand.
The interior offers everyday practicality with sports styling as well as the expected functionality.
It creates a sophisticated cabin atmosphere that contrasts with TRD HiLux's appealing yet rugged exterior.
TRD HiLux's interior appointments include individually numbered TRD ID plaque, sports leather shift lever, coloured leather steering wheel, silver instrument cluster bezel and TRD floor mats.
"Sports Tough Truck with everyday practicality was the key design theme for the TRD HiLux interior," said Paul Beranger, corporate manager of Toyota Style Australia.
"We had a top-selling platform to start with and have enhanced the package to offer the customer more.
"Its ergonomics and functionality have been designed with a 'work hard, play hard' customer in mind.
"The interior is sports-orientated and versatile for both recreational and hard-working lifestyles."
The red and black TRD HiLux steering wheel has a TRD-embossed logo.
TRD HiLux's silver instrument dial integrates with the centre console's silver accents.
The major differences between TRD HiLux 4000S and 4000SL are found predominately in the interior.
The 4000S has been designed to retain a tough 'utility' element, while the 4000SL adopts a more sophisticated interior presence.
The black leather seats in the 4000SL feature red perforated Dark Grey leather accents, red top stitching and a red embroidered TRD logo.
The TRD HiLux 4000SL's carpet mats include an alloy TRD emblem, and are accented with red Nubuk (suede) with armour-like heel grips.
TRD HILUX ACCESSORIES INCREASE VERSATILITY AND APPEAL
Toyota Genuine accessories for TRD HiLux have been designed to increase the versatility of this inherently practical vehicle as well as enhance its styling.
Toyota Australia's divisional manager of customer services Matt Callachor said TRD HiLux comes standard with an array of accessories, including side steps, alloy wheels, sports bar and floor mats.
But Mr Callachor said there were many more accessories available to owners, including an alloy nudge bar.
"This vehicle is built for both work and play in uncompromising outdoor environments, and the alloy nudge bar is an essential addition to both practicality and aesthetics.
"Designed for TRD HiLux, the alloy nudge bar has an integrated look and fit, combining air bag and driving light compatibility," he said.
TRD HiLux owners will have tools, sporting equipment and other forms of cargo to transport, and the TRD HiLux range of tonneau covers is ideal for covering and protecting tray cargo.
"Complementing TRD HiLux's strong, powerful styling, the hard tonneau cover looks tough, yet neatly streamlined and comes in two types," Mr Callachor said.
"The 4000SL model's appearance can be enhanced with a colour-matched hard tonneau cover, complete with TRD logo and sporty body stripe," he said.
A soft tonneau cover, available on the 4000SL model, features a central reinforcing arch to prevent water accumulation.
"Each tonneau cover can also be removed to accommodate bulky loads," Mr Callachor said.
Both TRD HiLux models can be accessorised with Toyota Genuine accessories also offered on HiLux, including the new FollowMe sound and navigation system, bonnet protectors, ute liners and towbars.
All Toyota Genuine accessories are tested to both the Australian Design Rule standards and Toyota's own stringent criteria.
NAVIGATION MADE EASY WITH FollowME
Toyota Australia has made travelling in unfamiliar territory easy - whether driving or on foot - with a new fully integrated and portable navigation system.
Toyota partnered with electronics industry leader Fujitsu Ten and Tom Tom to develop FollowMe, a dashboard-embedded satellite navigation unit that also operates in 'pedestrian' mode when removed from its dock.
"Unlike other portable navigation units, FollowMe fits neatly into the dash," said Matthew Callachor, Toyota Australia's divisional manager of customer services.
"Full integration with the vehicle enables FollowMe to combine GPS information and vehicle speed sensor data to more accurately determine map position, even in tunnels.
"The days of Toyota drivers enduring navigation units sitting conspicuously atop the dash or suctioned to the windscreen, obstructing the view, are over.
"The satellite navigation industry is growing rapidly and 90 per cent of sales are portable devices. In the financial year to 2007 650,000 units were sold in Australia. That figure is expected to reach one million in the current financial year.
"Toyota has gone a step further than many other portable navigation suppliers by considering vehicle security as well as convenience and practicality.
"When FollowMe's screen is removed, it is more difficult for thieves to identify the presence of a navigation unit, thereby reducing the chance of them breaking into the vehicle," said Mr Callachor.
The colour 3.5-inch (8.9cm) touch-screen face can be removed from the dock and easily operated whilst walking or used in other vehicles.
When removed from the dock, the unit has a battery life of up to 90 minutes.
FollowMe is directly connected to the surround sound system with MP3, optional iPod®, BluetoothT and USB compatibility, as well as allowing independent operation of the single-disc CD player, AM and FM radio.
FollowMe software and map updates, along with other extras, are available at tomtom.com.
