The Toyota HiLux with 48-volt mild-hybrid expertise lately made its in-person debut on the current WRC Safari Rally in Kenya, forward of its Australian introduction within the first half of 2024.
The HiLux GR-S MHEV idea carried out two demonstration runs across the Karasani stage, with the ute being pushed by four-time WRC champion Juha Kankkunen with Kenyan actor Jimmi Gathu because the co-driver.
This HiLux mild-hybrid idea had a loud black, white and inexperienced livery with ‘hybrid’ plastered alongside either side, in addition to ‘HEV’ on the tailgate.
Toyota Australia has particularly gone down the trail of not calling this electrified HiLux a hybrid, as a substitute referring to it because the Toyota HiLux with 48-Volt Expertise.
The system combines the present 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine and six-speed automated transmission, and contains a 48V battery, a small electrical motor-generator, and different parts.
It will likely be commonplace on all dual-cab 4×4 SR5 and Rogue fashions in Australia, and non-compulsory on the dual-cab 4×4 SR.
Toyota guarantees an approximate 10 per cent gas financial system enchancment for “sure HiLux fashions” in contrast with the present 2.8-litre sans electrification, in addition to improved drivability and lowered noise, vibration and harshness.
For context, HiLux fashions with the non-electrified 2.8-litre engine and automated transmission presently use between 7.5 litres and eight.1 litres per 100km on the mixed cycle.
The mild-hybrid system additionally permits Toyota to supply an automated cease/begin system within the HiLux.
The corporate guarantees that there will probably be no affect on the ute’s functionality. All fashions with the system will preserve a braked towing capability of 3500kg.
“We’re frequently striving to scale back the gas consumption of our automobiles to assist cut back on-going prices for purchasers, in addition to serving to cut back our environmental affect, and the addition of 48-Volt Expertise to our biggest-selling car line will contribute to this,” mentioned Toyota Australia’s vice chairman of gross sales, advertising and marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley.
“This new expertise won’t solely enhance gas consumption, however prospects can even profit from enhanced on and off-road efficiency, making the HiLux much more interesting for a weekend away or long run tour into the outback.”
The ute phase in Australia remains to be missing a full-hybrid providing, however GWM is anticipated to get there first with its Shanhai Cannon due this 12 months. Ford can also be engaged on a plug-in hybrid Ranger.
MORE: Every part Toyota HiLux
