Toyota is preparing a GR Hilux that’s likely to be the most powerful high-performance diesel bakkie to come to market.

Last year Toyota trademarked the “GR Hilux nameplate” in Australia and it was recently reported that Toyota will launch a stylised Hilux GR Sport later this year but now some more news has emerged about the next-generation, high-performance GR Hilux which is expected in 2023.

While the 190 kW Volkswagen Amarok is currently the most powerful double-cab bakkie in South Africa, its throne is under threat and the incoming GR Hilux is likely to unseat the Amarok V6.

Speculation around a 3.3-litre V6 engine being the preferred power plant for the GR Hilux has been rife for some time but more definitive reports have now emerged from Down Under pointing to tantalising outputs that are sure to get Hilux enthusiasts very, very excited.

How does 230 kW and 687 Nm grab you? Those figures are certainly worthy of a GR badge and if this is indeed the case, the GR Hilux is bound to be a formidable bakkie both on tar and in the dirt. Also, the GR Hilux is also purported to make use of a 10-speed automatic transmission, much like the current Ford Ranger Raptor.

Further details have yet to be revealed but if the GR Hilux is to perform at its full potential it will most certainly feature an uprated chassis and a beefed up braking and suspension system to cope with the rigours of high-speed offroad driving in difficult terrain. The Ranger Raptor is currently regarded as the most capable offroad bakkie in this regard.

V6 Bakkie Battle in the making

As for thenext Ranger Raptor, it's been reported that it too is likely to receive a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine with roughly 186 kW and 600 Nm while a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine with 298 kW and 563 Nm is a possibility too. The current 157 kW/500 Nm2.0-litre twin-turbodiesel engine is also likely to carry over to thenext-generation Ranger.

Furthermore, as Ford will be responsible for the development of thenext Volkswagen Amarok, there's a good chance that the relationship will spawn ahigh-performance Amarok Rwhich will be based on the new Ranger Raptor and could pack as much as 220 kW!

We certainly look forward to a future showdown between the new Ranger Raptor, GR Hilux and Amarok R!

We will keep you informed as further information on the GR Hilux comes to the fore!

Buy a used Toyota Hilux on Cars.co.za

Related Content

Toyota Hilux (2020) Review

Toyota Hilux Legend RS Review – A significant refresh of the Hilux formula, but does it work?

Hybrid Hilux must happen

Toyota Hilux Raider (2021) Specs & Price