The 2007 Toyota Hilux is launched with a powerful new range of diesel engines and styling enhancements to offer today’s customers a pick-up that will truly suit their choice of work, leisure or adventure lifestyle.

2007 Toyota Hilux

Specifications
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  • Model: 2007 Toyota Hilux
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The 2007 Toyota Hilux offers outstanding performance, both on and off-road. And the new engines and improved specification enhance driving pleasure so the latest generation Hilux offers even higher levels of comfort and refinement. The changes will help Hilux to become one of the top selling pick-ups across Europe with strong customer appeal in both the leisure and utility vehicle markets.


Kaoru Hosokawa, Executive Chief Engineer for Hilux says: “Toyota Hilux stands for quality, durability and reliability. In the latest model we want to build on other attributes which were first introduced in 005, such as SUV-like driving performance, a new engine line-up, a more rugged look and enhanced interior specification.”


The new engines include a high performance, high torque 3.0-litre D-4D diesel which will give the Hilux a balance of on-road performance aligned with off-road capability and help it compete in the growing leisure pick-up segment of the market. The selected introduction of this 171 DIN hp unit, based on the Toyota Land Cruiser’s engine, will give the Hilux market-leading power to weight ratio and outstanding performance driving characteristics.


At the same time the current 2.5-litre D-4D diesel engine has been upgraded to develop 120 DIN hp, a seventeen per cent increase on the current unit, and a remarkable torque of 325 Nm. This new 2.5-litre D-4D will replace the current 102 DIN hp option to offer customers a single, highly responsive power unit, suitable for both leisure and utility markets.


Both new .0 and .5 litre engines comply with stringent Euro IV emissions regulations and the new line-up offers Hilux customers an excellent balance of driving pleasure, low fuel consumption and low emissions.


Starting in Q4 006, the 2007 Hilux is available with a choice of transmissions – a four speed automatic is now optional on the 3.0-litre D-4D models alongside the five-speed manual across the range. The new hi-tech automatic gearbox features ‘Artificial Intelligence’ shift control to respond to driving conditions and -style.


Product evolution and enhancements


At the same time as the increased performance, the appeal of Hilux is further enhanced with a series of styling changes and specification improvements. These evolutionary changes to an already highly successful model establish a more premium position for Hilux in the leisure and adventure market.


The 2007 Toyota Hilux also gets a more rugged look, with the addition of an air scoop on the bonnet to increase air-flow for the intercooler and front fog lamps on SR grade models and above. A more hi-tech interior ambience is created with new, Optitron meters exclusively for the 3.0-litre D-4D model, which also receives a multi-information display and shift position indicator (automatic transmission only).


This premium positioning is further emphasised by the launch of a new flagship grade, the SR-X, in selected markets. Available only with the 3.0-litre D-4D, the Hilux SR-X will appeal to customers wanting to maximise the premium leisure status of their Hilux with features such as full leather interior trim, full-map DVD-based navigation, unique alloy wheels and chrome side bars. There will also be more customer choice in the range with the introduction of an Extra Cab model for right hand drive markets in 4x4 configuration.


Worldwide sales success


The current Toyota Hilux, launched in Europe in late 2005, is the sixth generation of Toyota’s second best selling model worldwide and its best selling off-roader. Indeed, more than million units have been built since the Hilux was first introduced in Japan in 67.


On a global scale, the new Hilux was the best seller in South Africa, Australia, Thailand, Brazil and Argentina in 2005, while it was also the best selling pick-up vehicle in three European countries (Denmark, Finland and Norway). By the end of July in 006, the Hilux reached a cumulative production of 6 ,6 7 units.


The Hilux is one of three vehicles being developed under Toyota’s IMV (Innovative International Multipurpose Vehicle) project. IMV products are truly global vehicles designed to sell in more than 40 countries and to meet modern customer demand for high levels of quality, durability and comfort. Five countries within the Toyota global manufacturing network (Thailand, South Africa, Argentina, Indonesia and India) are charged with full vehicle production in excess of 650,000 units per year by

the end of 006, with Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM), the lead plant in Durban, supplying Hilux Double Cab and Single Cab to the European market.


The final 2006 volume projection for South African manufacture was for 86,000 IMV vehicles but the success of the IMV platform since its introduction has led to an increase in global sales volume forecasts by Toyota. On a world-wide basis, demand has been exceeding supply and consequently, in 006, due to this supply restriction, Toyota has limited its sales in Europe to 22,000 units. Recently increased production capacity to 120,000 units a year at TSAM in 2007 now means the European sales target will rise to 34,000 units.


“For over 5 years, Hilux has built a legendary reputation as a tough, reliable workhorse,” says Andrea Formica, Senior Vice President Sales, Marketing & After-Sales, Toyota Motor Marketing Europe. “Today, Hilux is much more. Its unstoppable ability comes with more refinement, more equipment and more power making it the ultimate leisure and adventure vehicle. The 2007 Hilux will become an even stronger volume and image contributor to our continued SUV-leadership position in Europe.”


 

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Powerful new diesel engines


The powerful new diesel engine range in the 007 Toyota Hilux, and the option of automatic transmission on the new 3.0 D-4D engine, offers customers a broad choice of powertrain to suit their work and leisure needs. The new engines are refined and quiet, with high torque output for maximum power both on- and off-road. They deliver smooth power throughout the rev range and, thanks to high efficiency turbochargers, balance this increased power output with low fuel consumption and reduced emissions.


Both engines comply with Euro IV emissions and have been integrated into the Hilux range to enhance driving pleasure, especially in the growing leisure pick-up market.


Outstanding performance: 3.0 D-4D


The new 3.0-litre D-4D in the 007 Hilux is the latest derivative of the renowned diesel engine which also appears in the flagship Toyota Land Cruiser. It features second-generation common-rail technology, variable nozzle turbocharger and a swirl control system for maximum efficiency.


Equipped with this hi-tech advanced engine, the Toyota Hilux is the ultimate leisure and adventure vehicle with outstanding off-road capability while also delivering refined on-road driving pleasure with low levels of noise, vibration and harshness.


In its latest derivative the 3.0 D-4D ( KD-FTV engine) delivers 171 DIN hp (126kW) of power at 3600 rpm and has a flat torque output of 343 Nm right across the engine range from 1400 to 3400 rpm. This engine gives the 007 Toyota Hilux at top speed of 170 km/h (M/T) while delivering excellent fuel economy of 8.3 l/ 00km (M/T) on the combined ECE-cycle.


The 3.0-litre engine is a technically advanced iron-alloy block unit with an aluminium alloy cylinder head and four valves per cylinder. Two separate input ports of different shapes help promote fuel mix and optimise swirl.


The five journals crankshaft has eight balancing weights and there are two counter-rotating balancing shafts to reduce engine vibration, contributing to the excellent driving pleasure. The engine mounts, front and rear, have been optimised to reduce vibration transmission to the chassis and enhance ride comfort.


The second-generation, common rail system develops a high injection pressure, allowing the use of injector nozzles with smaller diameter holes to create a more homogenous air-fuel mix, improving the efficiency of the combustion process. This translates into more performance with lower emissions and lower fuel consumption.


Over a wide range of engine speeds (800- 3000 rpm) the common-rail system performs a double pilot injection per cycle (prior to the main injection), distributing the most suitable amount of fuel with three distinct injections each. This reduces the combustion noise and engine vibration, from this high performance diesel.


One key to the impressive power and torque output of the 3.0-litre D-4D is the sophisticated, variable vane, turbocharger which balances exhaust back pressure and boost pressure based on the precise demands of the engine. Toyota uses an electric DC (direct current) motor to activate the variable nozzle vane mechanism, instead of the conventional step motor. The result is sharper response from the turbocharger, particularly at lower speeds and higher precision of vane activation.


The engine also benefits from a Swirl Control System. Each cylinder is supplied with air/exhaust gas mixture through two different independent ducts. Butterfly valves operated by the Swirl Control System can shut off one of these ducts according to the engine speed and load, increasing the mixture’s swirl rate.


Further improvements to the emissions performance, particularly at cold start, are achieved by fitting an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler with integrated bypass and a switching valve to optimise EGR gas temperature.


At low engine speeds this device improves the air-fuel mixture, thus further increasing torque availability at low speeds along with lower emissions. The new 3.0 D-4D engine will be exclusively available for the 4x4 Double Cab body style in SR

grade and above.


Power boosted: 2.5 D-4D


More power, reduced emissions and lower noise levels are key enhancements to the 2.5-litre D-4D engine that remains at the heart of the Toyota Hilux appeal and have made it a best-seller worldwide. The power-boosted .5 D-4D, with remarkable torque output, will give the 2007 Hilux more performance and more driving pleasure.


Maximum engine power of the 2.5 D-4D has been increased by seventeen per cent to 120 DIN hp (88kW) at 3,600 rpm with the introduction of a high performance turbo-intercooler and other developments. As a result top speed is now 165 km/h (4x manual transmission) and 155 km/h for 4x4 version.


At the same time the torque output from this engine is now at 325 Nm. Torque output is above 300 Nm from 1600 rpm to 2600 rpm, giving the 2.5-litre D-4D Hilux a very good balance between excellent driving pleasure and low fuel consumption in real world driving conditions. On the combined cycle, the 2007 Hilux 2.5-litre D-4D will deliver from 7.4 l/ 100 km to 8.3 l/ 100km, depending on the model.


The high performance, lightweight intercooler is positioned above the engine for maximum effect. It not only increases power but also offers enhanced emissions performance. Low speed torque is boosted by the inclusion of a two-stage swirl control valve, similar to the 3.0 D-4D, in the intake manifold which improves the swirl rate at low intake pressures.


Just as with the 3.0-litre engine, additional improvements to the emissions performance are achieved by fitting an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler with integrated bypass and a switching valve to optimise EGR gas temperature.


These changes, and optimisation of the oxidation catalytic converter, ensure that the 2.5-litre D-4D is now fully compliant with Euro IV emissions standards. The 2.5-litre D-4D Hilux also offers customers excellent refinement and low noise levels, thanks to a series of measures to reduce noise and vibration. As with the .0-litre D-4D, improvements to the combustion process allow the compression ratio to be reduced to 17.4:1, giving more performance and reduced noise.


A large engine cover enhances the appearance and cuts radiated noise while urethane foam insulator is effectively used in selected areas to reduce noise. The .5-litre D-4D engine remains at the core of the Toyota Hilux range and will continue to be available in 4x4 and 4x4 configurations (depending on national markets) and in Single Cab, Extra Cab and Double Cab body styles. The engine is available with a five-speed manual transmission. Sales of the more powerful .5 litre D-4D starts during the fourth quarter of 006 and will be phased, depending on body type.

 

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Choice of smooth transmissions


The 2007 Hilux range offers increased driving pleasure and customer choice with the option of an advanced four-speed automatic transmission with 3.0 D-4D models. The four speed automatic, which is based on the flagship Toyota Land Cruiser, will be offered in addition to the current fivespeed manual gearbox on Double Cabs. The option of four-speed automatic transmission on Hilux is a further example of how Toyota’s worldwide 4x4 experience can add customer benefits across the model range. The four-speed automatic gives the Hilux excellent performance, on and off-road, with super-smooth, gear changes.


The automatic gearbox continues to offer Hilux drivers a full range of drive options including ‘shift on the fly’ changes between four wheel drive and two-wheel drive, as well as Toyota’s Automatic Disconnecting Differential (ADD). This feature automatically engages or dis-engages the front differential depending on the selected drive mode, even when the vehicle is moving, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and lower noise levels. The Hilux is equipped with a part time four wheel

drive system operating the rear in two wheel drive mode until the four wheel drive is engaged for off-road and other adverse driving conditions.


Four speed automatic


This four-speed automatic transmission in the 2007 Hilux was originally developed for the current Land Cruiser range and offers true flagship features. It is an electronic controlled transmission with Artificial Intelligence (AI) – meaning that it can adapt the gear shift pattern to suit driving conditions such as driver input or road conditions.


The gearbox will also respond to local terrain, such as steep uphill or downhill sections by holding gears to ensure optimum vehicle control. The onboard computer can also recognise any minor malfunctions in the automatic transmission and record these for future diagnostic analysis during routine maintenance. Super-smooth, gear changes are achieved by computerised engine torque control which momentarily reduces engine speed during gearshifts to reduce torque peaks. The transmission is controlled by a cable-type shift operator and the gate-style shift lever adds to the sporty image of the Hilux with smooth changes through the gear settings.


Five speed manual


The five speed manual gearbox offers refined driving performance, both on and off-road, with smooth gear changes and excellent fuel consumption. The transmission is particularly tuned for off-road climbing and descending where it gives outstanding control over engine braking and vehicle speed. The Hilux is especially smooth at tick-over (‘walking speed’) which makes driving in st gear on engine idle a controlled experience without the need for keeping a foot on the accelerator. It is nearly impossible to stall the vehicle.


Improvements to the Hilux which were already introduced in the 2005 model, have resulted in a transmission which is smoother and easier to use, leading to a better gear change feel. A total of 4 parts were refined to reduce friction, decrease forces and increase precision for maximum comfort.


In particular, a triple synchromesh cone has been adopted on both first and second gears and the addition of a synchoniser on reverse gear avoids all grating noise when engaging reverse. At the same time it prevents mis-shifts in many cases.

 

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Legendary off-road performance


Outstanding performance is a key feature of the 2007 Toyota Hilux. With its wide range of applications, from family leisure vehicle to tough, off-road workhorse, the Hilux needs to satisfy a wide range of demands from today’s customers.


But, underneath that modern concept, the Hilux retains the rugged quality features that have made it a legendary success around the world – including truly remarkable off-road performance. The Hilux is built on a traditional ladder frame chassis which is 45% stiffer than the previous generation model. The specially designed TOP platform (Toyota Top Performance) features strengthened cross-member joints for increased frame rigidity, adding to the all-round robustness which Hilux has become famous for. This not only allows the vehicle to achieve genuine off-road capability and maintain durability in some of the harshest environments around the world, but also offers better noise and vibration insulation between the passenger compartment and the chassis – reducing NVH and improving ride comfort. The chassis side rail section stiffness has been increased by 75% with an additional 20 mm of height and 30 mm of width.


The independent front suspension and conventional rear leaf springs have been designed to operate in the harshest terrain, while still providing comfortable ride and great direction control when on-road.


But it is both the powerful new 3.0 D-4D and the upgraded 2.5 D-4D engines that allow the 2007 Hilux to most clearly demonstrate its off-road capabilities. With their high torque output across a wide engine speed range, the Hilux lets the driver extract optimum performance at any speed, across any terrain.


Both the 3.0- and 2.5-litre D-4D manual transmission are especially smooth at tick-over (‘walking speed’) which makes driving in st gear on engine idle a smooth and controlled experience. This allows steep descents in rugged terrain to be made without losing control of the vehicle while the superior control and high torque output means Hilux can equally climb steep slopes on engine idle only.


The ground clearance of 4x4 Hilux models is excellent (212 mm) and it has large approach and departure angles (up to 30° and 26°, respectively) allowing it to easily tackle steep inclines. The ramp breakover angle is 25°. The new Hilux offers increased load space, up by 25% over the previous generation Double Cab model. The towing ability has a maximum brake towing capacity of 2,250 kg for both the 2,5 litre and 3,0 litre engine.


Superior traction control


The 2007 Toyota Hilux uses proven yet refined technologies to develop superior control in extreme off-road and on-road conditions. These technologies offer more effective and more practical solutions to control and extract the vehicle from difficult terrain than other, often electronic, devices.


Hilux 4x4 system allows the driver to shift out of four wheel drive (from H4 to H ) with no speed restriction and into four wheel drive (from H to H4) at speeds up to 80km/h. For really tough offroad driving the synchronised shift mechanism allows to shift from H4 to L4 (or vice-versa) without stopping the vehicle at speeds up-to eight km/h.


The Hilux uses a central drive unit with a silent chain for the front wheel torque delivery, including a planetary gear set (reduction ratio 2.566). The planetary gear drive (H2 /H4) rotates in one piece whilst in reduction (L4) the torque flows over the pinion gears and the planetary spline carrier.


With the SR and SR-X 4x4 grades comes Toyota’s advanced Automatic Disconnecting Differential (ADD) as a standard feature. This automatically engages or dis-engages the front axle drivetrain with the shift from four to two wheel drive. As such, ADD contributes to a better fuel efficiency and lower noise levels in WD drive conditions. The ADD shift actuator is located outside the Hilux front differential.


Hilux comes fitted with a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) at the rear axle designed to provide traction off-road and even minimise wheel spin when travelling on-road. The LSD is standard equipment in the rear axle in selected markets to transfer torque away from a slipping rear wheel and provide best possible traction. The LSD automatically distributes the necessary balance of torque between the left and right rear wheel and gives torque to the one wheel with the higher traction. This enables the Hilux to driving more smoothly and steadily during cornering and over extremely rough ground, in the most slippery conditions.


Also available on selected grades is an optional rear Differential Lock for tougher off-road use. The Differential Lock employs via electrical switch an axle mounted motor drive to lock the rear axle differential. This prevents transfer between left and right rear wheels, enabling traction and control to be maintained even if one rear wheel lifts in the air. The Differential Lock is designed for more experienced off-road drivers and is activated manually by pressing a button on the dash board.


Advanced suspension design


The suspension of the Toyota Hilux has been designed to offer great handling performance both on and off-road while still delivering comfortable ride and excellent straight line stability. The independent front suspension with coil springs and double wishbones enables the Hilux to have excellent bump absorption while maintaining excellent steering feel and ride comfort. The suspension features a low-mount upper arm on 4x4 models and a high-mount upper arm on the 4x4 version.


The front suspension geometry is optimised for straight line stability with increased caster angle and a smaller kingpin offset for good braking stability. Suspension bushes are stiff in order to withstand bending moments. In order to improve the roll feeling and reduce body roll angles, the shock absorber damping has been increased and the anti-roll bar is connected to the upper suspension arm using ball joints for greater rigidity. Coil springs are fabricated from stiffer, high tensile steel to reduce the unsprung weight.


At the rear, a conventional yet highly precise, leaf-spring suspension, with its typical spring rating, is retained to avoid intrusion in to the cargo deck and to provide a flat ride, especially when the Hilux is running with light or no load. The suspension settings have been optimised for all driving conditions.


In order to achieve excellent stability and steering feel on-road, the Hilux uses power assisted rack and pinion steering with increased steering frame structure for improved torsional stiffness. This means the Hilux can be stable and agile for highway driving while still allowing strength and good bump absorption off-road.


The steering is notable for transmitting very few vibrations in off-road conditions, yet still being very positive and direct with positive feedback on-road. The new Hilux is more agile than the previous generation model with a very compact turning radius of just 5.9 m for the 4x version and 6.1 m for the 4x4.

 

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Toyota IMV: a truly global project


The current generation Toyota Hilux is one of three vehicles developed on a global basis under Toyota’s innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle project (IMV). The full IMV line-up consists of three versions of the Hilux pick-up, a mini-van named Innova, and a Sports Utility Vehicle named Fortuner. The last two are only available outside of Europe.


Toyota’s IMV project has, as its core concept, an optimised global production and supply system for a range of pick-ups and multipurpose vehicles. IMV products are designed to sell in more than 40 countries and to meet modern customer demand for high levels of quality, durability and comfort.


The IMV project represents an unprecedented manufacturing approach under a “Made by Toyota” banner. This new manufacturing approach draws on the resources and potential available in the Toyota global network outside of Japan for the supply of fully built up vehicles and components. The vision for the IMV platform was to have the vehicle perform equally as well on paved and unpaved roads, to be affordable and at the same time to provide unmatched satisfaction in terms of comfort, styling, handling, safety, fuel economy and environmentally-friendliness. Kaoru Hosokawa, IMV Executive Chief Engineer, explains: “We wanted to create a range of vehicles with quality, performance and reliability that is more than suitable for the most demanding global markets and, at the same time, to minimise locally specific features. This gives us economies of scale based on volume production but we are still able to adjust some features, such as ride comfort and equipment, to suit local markets.”


The sales success of the new Toyota Hilux, which accounts for 66% (FY 2005) of IMV production, is on a global scale testament to effectiveness of the IMV project. In 2005 the Hilux was the best seller in South Africa, Australia, Thailand, Brazil and Argentina and already the best selling pick-up in three European countries: Denmark, Finland and Norway.”


Five countries within the Toyota global manufacturing network - Thailand, Indonesia, Argentina, India and South Africa - are charged with full vehicle production in excess of 650,000 units per year by the end of 006. In addition to these global IMV manufacturing bases, many other countries world-wide are charged with the manufacture of components for the IMV project and

production for local markets.


Level of quality


The IMV concept not only benefits the global economy but it has practical quality and durability benefits too. With vehicles produced in some of the most demanding off-road markets in the world, there is rapid feedback from customers and Toyota engineers to continuously improve vehicle quality. Any possible problems which arise in the local market are very rapidly fed back to the production line.


IMV means there is no longer a ‘master vehicle’ produced in Japan, but Toyota production quality has been maintained through a series of measures. Kaoru Hosokawa, IMV Executive Chief Engineer, explains: “During the development phase we performed simultaneous engineering activity involving manufacturing, purchasing and even working with suppliers to discuss what materials were available locally and how best to adapt local production processes. We had to adapt the production technology to the highest common denominator that would allow us to achieve the high quality expectations in all manufacturing countries.


“Moreover, we have promoted an active discussion with Toyota’s local sales and marketing representatives to determine which specifications best suit each market. At the stage prior to manufacture our engineers and local distributors formed teams to visit suppliers and to help them achieve Toyota quality. I am quite sure they offer a level of quality equivalent to those

manufactured at a Toyota plant in Japan.”


Under the key words ‘Global Best’ the latest generation Toyota Hilux reflects the recent trends in the worldwide pick-up market. The 2007 Hilux answers the needs of world markets with enhanced performance, advanced technology for off-road driving and premium quality interior for refinement and comfort.

 

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Pricing and options

Hilux pricing (UK pricing)


  • HL2 Single Cab 120 DIN hp £11,495.00
  • HL2 Single Cab 120 DIN hp £13,595.00
  • HL2 Extra Cab 120 DIN hp £14,195.00
  • HL2 Double Cab 120 DIN hp £14,895.00
  • HL3 Double Cab 120 DIN hp £15,595.00
  • HL3 Double Cab 171 DIN hp £16,195.00
  • Invincible 171 DIN hp £18,195.00


Hilux factory options


  • Full leather interior £1,000.00
  • TNS600 Full Map navigation system with Electronic Traffic Avoidance (ETA) £1,200.00
  • Sports Deck: chrome sports bar, Mountain Top roll ’n’ lock and load liner £1,750.00
  • Automatic transmission and cruise control (D-4D 170 only) £1,100.00
  • Metallic paint £325.00