224 PS/550 Nm Ranger Raptor-munching Toyota Hilux GR Sport to make SEA debut in the Philippines

The Toyota Hilux is Australia’s best-selling car and is also the market that debuted the ultimate version of the fairly indestructible pick-up truck, the Toyota Hilux GR Sport and it’s an entirely different beast from the one that was launched in Malaysia alongside a smattering of GR performance cars (and the Corolla Cross GR Sport).

While the Aussie-bound Hilux “Raptor” is fully imported from (CBU) Thailand, it seems the Kingdom might not be the first Southeast Asian market to be launching it. Instead, it’s probably the Philippines as reported by Auto Industriya.

Insiders told the automotive publication that the first batch of units has already arrived in the Philippines with more to come. Just like Australia, the PH-spec Hilux is imported from Thailand and according to Auto Industriya, the GR Sport version is expected to be virtually similar to that of Down Under.

The beefed-up Hilux is the most powerful to date with the 2.8-litre 1GD turbodiesel unit producing 224 PS and 550 Nm. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission which has been tuned to support all the extra power.

Also read: The 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport will dive into Australia in September

Comparatively, the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel unit on the Ford Ranger Raptor makes 210 PS and 500 Nm. The indestructible Japanese has finally trumped the American beefcake in the performance truck game.

Also read: The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor rakyat with the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel launched, 210 PS and 500 Nm, from RM 248,888

Visually, the Hilux GR Sport sits on the same wide-track platform as the Aussie-spec Hilux Rogue which adds 15 mm in height as well as an extended width of 135 mm in front and 155 mm rear.

Also read: New Toyota Hilux Rogue now comes wider and taller; set to arrive in Australia's showrooms

Other enhancements to the Hilux GR Sport include a retuned front coil and rear leaf spring enhanced with KYB monotube shock absorbers as well as grippy 265/65R17 Bridgestone Dueler AT rubbers wrapping the 17-inch Dakar-inspired alloy wheels.

Even though it is reported that the Philippines could receive the Hilux GR Sport ahead of Thailand, the powerful turbodiesel unit has already made its way into the Kingdom. The souped-up Fortuner GR Sport was just launched in Thailand last week with the same powertrain but in an SUV package.

Also read: Souped-up 2023 Toyota Fortuner GR Sport 2.8L packs 224 PS / 550 Nm, launched in Thailand

Back home in Malaysia, the Hilux GR Sport that was introduced here back in February is merely a GR-fied version of the range-topping Rogue variant. The 2.8-litre turbodiesel makes 204 PS/500 Nm and is priced from RM 159,148.

Also read: Quick Review: 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport - A gentle giant on the streets