Toyota celebrates the one millionth Hilux sold with the fire-breathing V8 Hilux REX

The Toyota Hilux needs no introduction, it’s a firm South African favourite and has been for the last four decades. While it was met with scepticism at its release in the late 1960s, it has since gone to form itself as one of the most reliable, hardworking LCV (Light Commercial Vehicles) on African soil.

Now in its seventh incarnation, with the eighth fast approaching, Toyota South Africa has just celebrated the sale of the one millionth Toyota Hilux in South Africa, purchased by one Mr Aboobaker on 31 July 2015.

Toyota Hilux REX

In celebration of the milestone, Toyota SA Motorsport was called upon to create a very special, once-off Hilux with a little Dakar DNA – a tribute to the model and a nod to the recent success of the Hilux in the world’s most gruelling off-road race.

The intention wasn’t to create a full-blown racing-spec Hilux, but to rather showcase the capabilities of the Toyota SA Motorsport team and to build what many would deem the ideal, dream Hilux for road and recreational use.

Engine

Under the hood, Glyn Hall and his team shoehorned in a 5.0-litre 2UR-GSE V8 engine, better known as the 335kW power-plant from the Lexus IS-F. This motor is similar to that used in the Dakar Hiluxes but without the restriction of motorsport regulations and classing, the sizeable V8 can be modified to produce a little more than the 335kW of the standard motor.

It’s been fitted with a Dakar style inlet manifold and a full stainless steel exhaust system, allowing the motor to bark and howl as fuel is pumped into the mighty V8. To make the most of the supporting modifications and allow full functionality of all the motors sensors, a Dakar Racing wiring harness was threaded through the body and connected to a Pectel Engine Management unit. This gives the team full control over the motor’s processes.

Remaining naturally aspirated, the motor has trigger-like throttle response with just the slightest prod on the accelerator sending the revs climbing at an alarming rate. It’s extremely motorsport in its execution and instantly brought out the 5-year old in all who had the chance to drive it.

Drivetrain

One of the largest tasked bestowed upon the Motorsport team, besides the mere 4-week timeframe given to complete this conversion, was getting the V8 to mate up to a gearbox that wouldn’t disintegrate under load.

The team opted to retain the D-4D manual gearbox and 4x4 drivetrain but due to the higher revving nature of the V8, the diff ratios needed to be changed. They now run a 4.375 ratio, up from the standard 3.583 ratio.

In order to make the most of the new power, a beefier clutch assembly was required and for this the Motorsport team went with a tried and trusted Twin Plate AP Racing arrangement. While the bite is aggressive, it’s not overly so that driving would be a painful exercise. It’s no lightweight feather, but the trade-off is worth it.

Suspension

While most of the original suspension components have been retained, the dampers were softened a little and the ride height lowered by a full 50mm. Glyn’s reasoning for this was that the vehicle is not intended to be loaded up and needed better handling, both on and off the road – thus, loading capacity is sacrificed for a more predictable nature.

The shock absorbers are adjustable units though, and this can allow for changes, should the vehicle be put through its paces on unusually rough terrain. At their ends, a set of Powerbrake discs and callipers do clamping duty, bringing the Hilux to a halt from the ludicrous speeds it is capable of attaining. These so happen to be the same as you would find on one of the Dakar vehicles too.

To create a more nimble and accurate vehicle, one that responds to the inputs of the driver a little better, a faster steering rack was also fitted. This now gives the Hilux REX a precision closer to that of a rally car, and less of a rock climbing 4x4 waft.

Interior

The interior retains most of its comfort and convenience, even the air conditioning was retained but some luxuries have made way for functionality. The comfortable driver’s seat is out and has been replaced by a one-piece racing bucket seat while the leather bound steering wheel makes way for a twin-spoke OMP deep dish rally steering wheel.

The standard gauges are also obscured by an AIM Dash with all the necessary readouts. This is tied into the Pectel Management unit and feeds back vital info to the driver, including temperatures, revs and speed.

Appearance

Visually, it’s still unmistakable as a Hilux. No outlandish bodywork adorns the chassis but it has been treated to a racing inspired colour scheme, complete with a set of blacked out 18-inch alloy wheels. Nudge bars complete the ensemble and overall it looks racy, but not that far removed from the daily commute – provided you drive a branded vehicle.

Toyota has no intention of putting this project into mainstream production and, despite the overwhelming response, regard this as a singular event, a celebration of the model and an ode to the stalwart of local bakkies.