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[ NEWS FROM TOYOTA ]

NEW HILUX: MORE AUSTRALIAN THAN EVER

Australia's best-selling vehicle HiLux is now more vertical trapezoid grille enhanced by an upper proved acceleration and cooling performance, espe-
Australian than ever, thanks to the significant bonnet moulding and lower bumper components cially while towing.
styling, development and evaluation work per- that lock into the grille surround," Mr Elliott said. "The ride comfort of the rear suspension has been
formed by Toyota Australia's design and engineering "The headlamps have been moved outboard and noticeably improved when driving without a load.
teams for both local and international markets. they now connect with the distinctly chiselled Importantly, the vehicle maintains the HiLux DNA
The company's local design team played a consid- bumper corners, linking the design. We progressed of being able to carry heavy loads with excellent
erable role in styling the exterior of the HiLux range, through clay models and CAD, evolving the idea to body control, both on sealed and dirt roads.
as part of an international team, while its local be cohesive with the rest of the vehicle, while main- "We also confirmed that HiLux maintains its
engineers focused on evaluating and helping to taining maximum visual impact. acknowledged off-road traction with the combina-
develop upgrades to power and torque, suspension "The final design was milled as a full-size clay model tion of high wheel articulation and traction control
and steering. and shipped to Japan, where it was well received systems which have previously been tuned in the
Both Australian teams worked extensively with as a bold step forward with a strong Toyota DNA." real-world customer conditions of Australia.
their Toyota counterparts in Japan and Thailand to Development and evaluation of the 2.8-litre engine, "In addition, we adopted a variable flow control
deliver new HiLux's bolder looks while offering even suspension and steering in Australia was conducted power-steering pump to provide a more direct
stronger performance, enhanced ride comfort and in collaboration with teams from Japan and Thai- steering feel on narrow winding country roads and
a more precise steering feel. land, as well as representatives from other markets. to reduce steering effort when parking."
Toyota Australia's General Manager of Product Plan- Toyota Australia's Vehicle Evaluation Manager Ray Each part of the new package was tested in
ning and Development Rod Ferguson said the local Munday said Australian road conditions cover more Australia to confirm that it met the performance
design team had transformed the HiLux styling to than 80 per cent of the different environments targets in real-world customer conditions as well as
align it more closely with the global Toyota ute and around the world, and local customers are some of on test benches and test tracks.
truck family. the toughest HiLux users. "Importantly, we were able to confirm the cooling
"Being awarded this project was a real feather in Mr Munday said higher engine output, particularly performance was maintained in every test we could
the cap for our team - and a tribute to the level of with a wider and flatter torque curve, had resulted throw at it - including uphill highway towing with an
design capability we have at Toyota Australia," Mr in significantly improved acceleration, overtaking ambient temperature well over 40 degrees.
Ferguson said. and towing. "If a vehicle can survive the Australian customer
"In addition, our vehicle evaluation team was He said the six-speed automatic transmission had and the Australian environment, it can survive
instrumental in the global development of the 2.8- been recalibrated to allow earlier lockup for im- anywhere," Mr Munday said.
litre turbo-diesel engine and improvements to the
way it rides and handles across a wide variety of
conditions," he said.
"I'm sure if HiLux could talk, it would definitely have
a strong Aussie accent."
Toyota Australia's Product Design Manager Peter
Elliott said the brief was to develop a simple and
strong athletic pick-up truck, a vehicle that was
tough and genuine.
"From the beginning, our sketches investigated bold
and tough themes that centred on a larger, more

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