Hybrid and a truck took the stage spotlight for Toyota at the Melborne International Motor Show.
Formula One machines and rally cars were relegated to background ornaments on Toyota’s monstrous Melbourne Motor Show stand this morning.
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While a supercharged dual-cab HiLux ute may seem to sit at the pointy end of the sales spectrum, Toyota did sell 12,640 HiLux models last year alone - and a traybacked track car with room for both family and tools is entirely relevant for those wanting five seats, a tray and a surplus of grunt.
And there is nothing else like it on the market.
The Australian-developed TRD version is based on the 4X4 HiLux platform, and features a supercharged version of Toyota’s 4.0-litre V6. This engine typically develops 175kW and 376Nm, but the forced induction TRD variant produces 25 per cent more power and 20 per cent more torque, while claiming to use less fuel than the current naturally-aspirated model. Toyota is still saving its pricing and full specification for its April launch.
Toyota will also expand its TRD dealer network, with every dealer in Australia now featuring or gaining access to TRD products.
From superchargers to super cars, the so-called ‘Prius on Steroids’, the Future Toyota Hybrid Sports coupe concept (FT-HS), was also on display at the show.
The FT-HS, which debuted in Detroit at the North American International Motor Show, has lost none of its futuristic appeal.
“Hybrids are not just a bridge to the future – they are the future,” said Toyota Australia's senior executive director of sales and marketing, David Buttner.
The fact that Toyota continue to parade this show car can mean only one thing – the FT-HS has a production future of some sort. Well before its appearance, rumours were rife that Toyota would be bringing back the Supra, a GT-style performance coupe with the same front engine-rear drive layout and similar dimensions.
The FT-HS’s 3.5-litre V6 and hybrid synergy drive is very similar to the powerplant in the flagship Lexus GS450h. The miserly saloon claims 7.9L/100km while offering up 218kW and 368Nm.
Toyota says the FT-HS nudges 300kW, and claims a four-second sprint to 100km/h from standing.
