Toyota has launched the refreshed Hilux is Japan, also rolling out a range of Gazoo Racing accessories for its updated bakkie.

Revealed in Thailand in June 2020, the updated Hilux is “still some months away” from launching in South Africa, according to Toyota’s local division.

So, what about those Gazoo Racing parts for Japan? Well, first we should point out there are real no mechanical changes, which means the Hilux’s engine options remain unchanged (as a reminder, the facelifted Hilux gains an uprated 150 kW version of the 2,8-litre turbodiesel in some markets).

Still, the GR parts catalogue is broad, featuring items such as a front bumper upgrade, a front skidplate (interestingly reducing ground clearance by some 35 mm), chunky GR-branded side steps, a matte-black sports bar, twin 100 mm tailpipes and mudflaps (in either black or red). In Japan, these parts are offered either as part of a package or individually.

The GR parts range furthermore includes a hard tonneau cover, electrically controlled side steps (these automatically extend with the opening of doors) and a “performance” damper set. The latter, says Toyota, “eliminates unpleasant vibrations and noises”, ostensibly both improving comfort and enhancing steering stability.

In addition, the Japanese firm offers door handle protectors (complete with what appears to be a faux-carbon finish), dark window tints, a JBL speaker set and even a GR-branded sunshade.

The Hilux for the South African market is, of course, produced at Toyota’s Prospecton plant in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. An upgraded version of the bakkie hit the local market in May 2018 in the form of the limited-edition Dakar, before the updated face was rolled out to other derivatives. The Legend 50 variants followed in June 2019, with this refreshed model likely to hit the market either towards the end of 2020 or fairly early in 2021.

 

Original article from Car