Toyota South Africa Motors has confirmed that a new special-edition model is set to join its Hilux range in June 2018, debuting the fresh face first seen on the facelifted model unveiled in Thailand late in 2017. And, judging by the images and video we have embedded below, that limited-edition double-cab model will be the latest Dakar Edition.

The news comes after the local arm of the Japanese automaker published a short teaser clip on its various social media channels, promising an "exciting new launch" of a vehicle bearing a "new face".

The updated front end of the eighth-generation bakkie features a Tacoma-style hexagonal grille, along with a fresh front bumper and heavily revised foglamps. CARmag.co.za understands that while this new face will be applied to the special-edition model, it won’t be rolled out to the rest of the range right away (although there are seemingly plans afoot).

Interestingly, in Thailand, the entry-level derivatives retain the current front-end, although it's not yet clear whether a similar strategy will be implemented here.

The upcoming Dakar Edition you see pictured above will wear a special “Dakar” badge on its new blacked-out grille as well as the obligatory “Dakar” decals running along the bottom of its front doors (and on its tailgate), while the side-mirror caps and exterior door handles will be finished in black.

While not yet certain, expect this model to boast leather upholstery inside. We've also heard rumours that it will be offered in four exterior colours, including a new orange hue. However, judging by the images and the video we've embedded below, it seems the new Dakar Edition won't feature a nudge-bar like previous versions of this derivative.

Toyota SA Motors has confirmed to CARmag.co.za that its new special-edition model will be offered exclusively with the 2,8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, worth an unchanged 130 kW. It will be available in both rear-wheel drive and 4x4 configurations, with the six-speed manual version making 420 N.m and the six-speed automatic 450 N.m.

Watch the short clip below, which shows the new Dakar Edition on display at a recent corporate event...

https://www.facebook.com/willie.heystek/videos/10213682053818430/

Original article from Car