Toyota's Melbourne team contributed exterior design skills for new HiLux range
Australian engineers and designers have made a major contribution to the design of three new Toyota HiLux models due out in April this year, the manufacturer says.
One of these, the HiLux Rugged X, is currently planned to be an Australia-only model, incorporating a high-tensile alloy bash plate, winch-compatible steel front bar, LED driving lights, recovery points, rock rails, load-carrying sports bar and other heavy-duty components.
The company’s Melbourne-based design team worked as the main styling lead on the project, using computer simulations, the manufacture of prototypes, bench testing and real-world evaluation to design and engineer the vehicle’s exterior components.
The team also worked on the HiLux Rugged, designed for off-road performance with a steel bull bar, and the sportier HiLux Rogue which will be tailored to different markets around the world.
Toyota Australia’s product planning and development general manager Rod Ferguson says the HiLux project highlighted the local team’s capability to meet the needs of Australian buyers.
“They have developed these high-strength components and integrated them fully to build on the strength and durability of HiLux while maintaining the performance of key safety systems,” Ferguson adds.
“For example, the Rugged X bash plate is made from high-tensile alloy, significantly improving protection from rugged terrain while minimising weight increase. Local engineering and testing also ensures it works in conjunction with the steel front bar and existing underbody protection.”
The Australian team had also made contributions to the design of the vehicle’s suspension and the tuning of its electronic safety systems, as well as carrying out 650,000km of local testing.