Promised for February, the Hilux GR Sport arrived at Toyota dealerships in early March, but its marketing and sales process was hampered by the coronavirus pandemic. However, this is no reason not to dissect the model and highlight its most exclusive features, considered the launch of the year. 

The Hilux is an older model from the Japanese automaker. Launched in 1968, the model was created to replace models of the time such as the Crown, Corona, and Corona Mark II. 

The first generation of the Hilux only had a single cab and pickup bed, with engine options ranging from 1.5 to 2.0 liters, reaching "only" 109 horsepower, in mid-1972, when the second generation of the model appeared.

Overall, the appearance didn't undergo major changes, but the pickup truck gained a long version measuring 4.68m, a few centimeters more than its predecessor model, which was 4.27m long. It was this model, in fact, that arrived in the Americas, with 1.8, 2.0, and 2.2-liter gasoline engines. 

Between 1978 and 1983, the third generation of the Hilux emerged, and for the first time the pickup truck gained 4x4 traction and a double cab, finally beginning to resemble a larger and more robust vehicle. During this period, the model received its first diesel engine with 63 horsepower, in addition to introducing the three-speed automatic transmission, widely known in the Japanese brand's pickup truck range. 

The fourth generation ran from 1983 to 1988, during which the pickup truck expanded its lineup, increasing its range of engines, and being produced in Japan and also in Uruguay. However, it was only in the fifth generation, starting in 1988, that Toyota reached an agreement with Volkswagen, allowing it to be produced in different countries around the world; however, it was never sold in Brazil.

The sixth generation gained more rounded contours, but still boasted a fairly square cabin. Although it didn't last the same 10 years as its predecessor, the model expanded the product's fame and gave way to the seventh generation, with more elegant lines and visuals that still receive praise today. 

In its current generation, the Hilux boasts an aggressive look and has received significant improvements, becoming more comfortable and connected, while remaining robust and reliable. 

Finally, thinking in a completely outsider's way, the Japanese automaker decided to enhance the pickup truck, launching a sporty and exclusive version: the GR Sport. 

Although aimed at the Brazilian market, the new Hilux GR Sport will not be manufactured here. The model will be imported directly from Argentina. 

The "Sport" designation is no coincidence; after all, the model belongs to a special Toyota division dedicated to sports models: Gazoo Racing, which will also compete in the Stock Car and Super TC championships in Argentina. 

The Hilux GR Sport is actually the first vehicle sold in Brazil bearing the seal of approval from the automaker's sports division. This version retains some aspects of the classic version, however, some attributes have been modified to optimize its performance. Among the main items for this optimization process are the suspension, shock absorbers and springs, and of course – the engine, in addition to a striking sporty look.

At this point you must be wondering: But why is there so much talk about the Hilux GR Sport being exclusive?

The Hilux GR Sport is considered an exclusive pickup truck simply because its units are limited. 

The version with the 4.0 V6 gasoline engine producing 234 horsepower will have only 100 units, while the diesel version will have only 400 units. 

The highlights of the Hilux GR Sport aren't just on the exterior; the interior has been completely redesigned to combine beauty, comfort, and functionality. 

The headliner and pillars are black, as are the seats, which are available in perforated black leather with a red background. The color also appears in the stitching of the seats, armrests, handbrake, and center console.

On the exterior, the highlight is the exposed roll bar, designed with smooth and dynamic lines in a gray tone. The side is fitted with coil springs, and the rear monotube shock absorbers are painted red to stand out.

The tire and wheel combination also enhances the sporty appeal of the new Hilux GR Sport. The current configuration is: 17-inch alloy wheels with 6 angular spokes and 265/65 tires.

The new feature of the Hilux GR Sport is its 4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine with 234 horsepower, equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The model also features all-wheel drive with a rear differential lock, capable of enhancing and facilitating its drivability. The diesel engine is a 2.8-liter 16V capable of generating 177 horsepower, with a 6-speed automatic transmission. 

The standard features included in the Hilux GR Sport ensure safety and comfort. These are:

The functionality of the Hilux GR Sport's internal system deserves special mention. The multimedia center, for example, is touch-sensitive and also features voice recognition for iPhones running iOS 5 or later. 

The integrated GPS has undergone redesigns, resulting in routes with better definition and waypoints with a more fluid layout. 

Connectivity is another point that draws a lot of attention, as the multimedia center is equipped with Miracast and Wi-Fi, which allows for screen mirroring from a smartphone. 

The dimensions of the Hilux GR Sport are:

The estimated fuel consumption of the gasoline-powered Hilux GR Sport is 6.9 km/liter in the city and 8.0 km/liter on the highway. The diesel model achieves 9 km/liter in the city and 10.5 km/liter on the highway. 

And finally, we arrive at the prices for the new Hilux GR Sport.

The gasoline-powered model was announced at R$ 204,990. The diesel-powered model, however, has a slightly higher price tag, set by the Japanese manufacturer at R$ 220,090.

The Hilux GR Sport is undoubtedly the launch of the year in terms of innovation, both visually and in terms of engine, functionality, and safety. Furthermore, as we mentioned in our article, the price and limited availability make this pickup truck truly exclusive. 

After analyzing the design and mechanics, we've concluded that the model is worth every penny. But what about you? Would you be willing to pay the asking price for the new Hilux GR?