Toyota Australia, Tonka Team Up for Hilux Concept
Concept vehicles, at least those developed by automakers, are usually futuristic versions of what a vehicle might look like one or two generations ahead. But sometimes a company such as Toyota will produce a one-off special vehicle to highlight interesting features; these vehicles are more down-to-earth and just plain fun.
As a "big thank you" to the people of Australia for making the global Toyota Hilux pickup truck one of the country's most popular vehicles — almost 1 million have been sold since its introduction in 1968 (530,000 4x4s, and 390,000 4x2s) — big-toy specialist Toyota and small-toy specialist Tonka have joined forces to create a special-edition off-roading pickup built for adventure.
The Hilux Tonka Concept was the brainchild of Nicolas Hogios, product and design chief for Toyota Australia. Hogios said he was "inspired by the Tonka trucks kids play with in their backyard," and that he wanted to make something special, ready to traverse rocks, rugged terrain and push personal boundaries.
The Hilux Tonka is a double-cab SR5 with a turbo-diesel 2.8-liter inline four-cylinder. It comes with a 6-inch suspension lift to accommodate the custom-made 35-inch mud and sand tires. The custom front bumper has a high-clearance skid plate made from 6-mm-thick aluminum and includes a winch and heavy-duty tow hooks, presumably for rescuing others from mishaps.
The high-mounted rear bumper and bodywork have been modified to provide for better departure angles. The Concept also features a custom tailgate and high-performance LED lighting. Inside the bed the Hilux Tonka has extra water tanks, two fuel cans, fire extinguishers, spare tools and parts, and a full-size spare.
We don't know if Toyota will decide to eventually produce the special-edition Hilux Tonka Concept for Australia, but we'd like to see that happen. What we do know is that Toyota will be showing a special 4x4 vehicle at the 2017 New York International Auto Show in April.
Coincidence? We'll have to wait and see if we might get something similar to the Hilux Tonka or if there might be a new Toyota four-wheeler on the horizon.
Manufacturer images
Comments
Of course, nothing like this will ever find it's way to America anymore then the Nissan Titan Warrior will ever get built.
Just keep feeding us way over priced Ford Raptors...great
marketing folks....
Nice truck and zito ellada, solid design from a Greek!
Is the a chebby colorado? oh never mind is toyoda.hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.
I admit I like the looks of the Hilux far more than the Tacoma. And it's all due to that fake big-rig nose on the Tacoma.
That's cute.
Tonka America, Hemi power.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEVIdR6Mxmk&t=150s
Nice little truck but the paint scheme is hideous. Didn't Ford
do something with Tonka on an F350 dually some years back?
It to never saw the light of day . And then there's this: a
Dodge concept from 1999 for a power wagon that also never
got made. This just might be the most gorgeous piece of
machinery ever NOT made. I can't imagine what this thing
would have looked like on a sunny day with Jennifer love
Hewett sitting in the front seat waiting for a ride in the country. Mercy....
http://blogs.cars.com/.a/6a00d83451b3c669e2017743fe168b970d-pi
Wild Willy aka BAFO must have a major boner right now (as major as it gets for a micropenis)
The next Transformers movie being shot in Australia?
"Rumors claim Ram is preparing the most powerful factory-built half-ton pickup on the market.
Ram's Ford Raptor-fighting truck is taking shape. Previewed last year by the close-to-production Rebel TRX concept (pictured), the model is expected to make its official debut before the end of the year.
Read more: http://www.leftlanenews.com/ram-to-introduce-575hp-raptorpunching-truck-95261.html#ixzz4cxxBdqLc
I like it. Looks so much better than that another manufactures full size purpose built off-roader.
I like it. Looks so much better than that another manufactures full size purpose built off-roader.
It is going to be a hefty beast at a base weight of 5,000lbs 200lbs more than the Ranger.
Make that 2400kgs base weight, 5,200lbs..bit of a porker
@Robt Ryan
Porker?
Cannot argue with your choice of words, or the message. A mid size pickup that scales north of 5000 lbs is ridiculous.
Surely the power/weight ratio comes into question too, regardless of its diesel heartbeat.
Many readers here at PUTC blast the automakers for building and selling halfton trucks that are bigger than previous generations of pickups, but are almost giddy about the prospects of a mid sizer that tips the scales to the tune of 2.5 tons empty.
Looks good minus Tonka being painted needlessly on it.
"Many readers here at PUTC blast the automakers for building and selling halfton trucks that are bigger than previous generations of pickups, but are almost giddy about the prospects of a mid sizer that tips the scales to the tune of 2.5 tons empty."
---- Posted by: papajim | Apr 1, 2017 6:57:06 AM
Actually, PapaJim, No. I'm far more interested in a true compact, not a mid-sizer that comes close to old-school full-sized dimensions (even if they are marginally narrower.) There is not one mid-sized truck on the current US market that I truly like; just one or two I would accept if no better choice comes along. There is NO full-sized truck I would accept today as a full-time vehicle in my garage. My '97 Ranger is much more comfortably sized.
Now, if the Strada/Ram 700 the Tornado or the Montana would come to the US, I would be much more interested. The Ram 1200/Toro would also garner at least a look-see and maybe a test drive.
@papajim
Most Midsizers here are getting to roughly 4,800lbs. Base weight. Much heavier payloads, from 2,200lb to 3100lb, is one reason
@papajim
Other hard to comprehend in US terms is the Payloads of European Cab Chassis Vans, from 5,000lbs to 9,000lbs. Last has a GCVWR of 23,750lb
toyota, please bring this pick truck here in the u.s.a.
this is beautiful beast at least and give it a 350hp and
a 370 lb.ft.torque
wait, is that an independent rear?
wait, nevermind, i think my eyes are just tired.. thought i was seeing upper and lower control arms in the rear.
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