22-February is set to be the global debut of the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor – the hottest variant of Ford's recently-refreshed pick-up range – but the Japanese has other, party-crashing plans.
Cue the 2022 Toyota HiluxGR Sport, which was just previewed in truck-loving South Africa. Of course with such bakkies (as they're termed there), the most important thing is its numbers: Toyota has coaxed 224 PS and 550 Nm from the 2.8-litre turbodiesel mill.
It's a roughly 10 percent increase from the base Hilux's 204 PS and 500 Nm, figures matched by Malaysia's Hilux Rogue. Nobody complained that there wasn't enough torque; but hey, no one will complain about more power either.
Naturally, GR-branded items make it to the hottest Hilux yet. Photos by: Adventure Afrika
Now, the premise of a Hilux GR Sport isn't anything new, considering Thailand has got theirs first. But our neighbours' car makes do with simple visual accoutrements, while keeping powertrain virtually unchanged.
It remains to be seen if the power boost will just stay in Africa or trickle down to other markets. Toyota will introduce the Hilux GR Sport in South Africa around May, and it's then when full details will be disclosed.
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.
