Did Toyota just confirm a GR HiLux? Look out Ford Ranger Raptor, a new off-road beast is about to enter the ring

Toyota's new "apex off-road" version of its top-selling HiLux will almost certainly be Australia's first GR-branded ute, with the Japanese giant readying for battle with the new Ford Ranger Raptor.

Rumours have begun to swirl around the incoming off-road model that will replace the HiLux Rugged X, including what performance badge might be glued to the new model.

CarsGuide expects the new model won't be built in partnership with a local engineering outfit – like the Nissan Navara Warrior or the Volkswagen Amarok W Series – and will instead be Toyota's own product from it global portfolio.

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It's also expected the new model will wear a GR badge – though likely won't be a fully fledged Gazoo Racing model.

Toyota trademarked the name GR HiLux in Australia on the 20th of July 2019, with the filing suggesting it was a matter of when, not if, for a hardcore variant of the HiLux getting the green light.

Fast forward to July 6, and the brand – as part of a bigger announcement concerning the current-gen HiLux Rogue – at last confirmed that a true rival to the Ranger Raptor was coming soon, billed as a new "apex off-road variant".

"In a further upgrade to the HiLux range, Toyota plans to launch a new apex off-road variant, replacing the HiLux Rugged X. Details, including launch timing, will be announced in due course," the statement read.

But reports to date have pointed to a true hardcore HiLux not arriving until the unveiling of an all-new model – expected to arrive in 2023 – which means this model is unlikely to be a fully fledged GR product.

Instead, Australia seems likely to welcome its first GR-S HiLux model, which is less a ground-up new model, and more a way of squeezing more performance out of the current vehicle.

The most likely candidate for Australia is the South African version of the GR-S HiLux, which gets a power boost as well as new equipment.

Another possibility is a combination of the GR-S ute's engine enhancements, along with the recently announced updates to the Rouge – a 140mm wider track both front and rear, a 20mm boost to ground clearance, and an “overhauled” suspension set-up, with the front stabiliser bar length extended and a new rear stabiliser bar – and off-road specific upgrades.

While HiLux's engine hasn't changed, the GR-S has been tuned up to produce more power and torque, with 165kW and 550Nm on offer from its 2.8-litre turbo-diesel power plant.

The new HiLux GR Sport also dials up the performance and responsiveness, with new monotube shock absorbers and new front springs, with the brand promising the the "dedicated suspension enhancements deliver an even more rewarding driving experience, with increased control, responsiveness and grip feel."