Toyota looks to be set to beat its rivals to the punch and introduce hybrid technology to the Hilux pickup ahead of Ford and Volkswagen.
This fuel-saving mild-hybrid technology update will combine a small electric motor and a 48-volt battery pack with the existing 2.8-litre diesel engine. Toyota expects to see approximately a 10% improvement in economy, with no impact on the off-road and towing capabilities of the vehicle. The revised system will also see the Hilux benefit from other improvements, such as better driveability, a more effective stop/start system, and a reduction in noise, vibration and harshness.
The added motor will provide a boost of power to the engine at low revs, effectively filling in the blank in power delivery which precedes the turbo sparking to life. It will also work as a starter motor, seamlessly restarting the diesel power unit when required after the start/stop system switches it off to preserve fuel.
Similar systems have proven to be both compact and lightweight when used in other vehicles, so the capabilities of the Hilux to tow 3.5 tonnes or tackle rough and rugged terrain will remain unaffected.
The first territory to receive the upgrade will be Australia, with buyers seeing SR5 models being fitted with the 48-volt tech from 2024.
"We are continually striving to reduce the fuel consumption of our vehicles to help reduce on-going costs for customers, as well as helping reduce our environmental impact, and the addition of 48-Volt Technology to our biggest-selling vehicle line will contribute to this,"
explained Toyota Australia vice president of sales, Sean Hanley.
"This new technology will not only improve fuel consumption, but customers will also benefit from enhanced on and off-road performance, making the Hilux even more appealing for a weekend away or longer term excursion into the outback.”
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