Toyota Australia's TRD division has transformed Australia's most popular ute into a tough yet sophisticated performance-enhanced vehicle.

The new TRD HiLux offers a unique "tough truck" experience with supercharged performance, Bilstein sports suspension, sophisticated ride, 17-inch alloy wheels, beefier brakes and strong, powerful styling.

Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said TRD HiLux delivers sports-truck credibility with real-world practicality.

"TRD HiLux is the ultimate active ute," Mr Buttner said.

"It offers scintillating performance and dramatic styling while still being able to carry a full load and perform a hard day's work," he said.

TRD HiLux is derived from the double-cab 4x4 version of the standard HiLux, which is the third best-selling vehicle range in Australia.

Its 4.0-litre quad-cam V6 petrol engine is fitted with an intercooled Eaton supercharger, which boosts maximum power by 28.5 per cent to 225kW and peak torque by 20.4 per cent to 453Nm.

The engine, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, pumps out more torque than the standard engine's 376Nm maximum from just above idle all the way to around 5700rpm.
TRD HiLux accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds.

Remarkably, the supercharged TRD HiLux returns official fuel-economy figures comparable with the standard HiLux at just 12.9 litres per 100km*.

Mr Buttner said the target market was mainly men aged 30 to 39 who were actively seeking performance vehicles.

"Dealers have told us for some time there is a latent demand for a performance truck from Toyota.

"TRD HiLux will be the tradie's choice; it will also be the prestige choice of owner-operators and business proprietors."

The TRD-fettled HiLux creates its own segment as the only volume-production supercharged ute sold in Australia.

It is available in two grades, 4000S and 4000SL.

Both grades come standard with twin front airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking and DataDot security.

TRD HiLux has specially calibrated monotube Bilstein shock absorbers and 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres.

Other enhancements include larger front brake rotors and calipers, a TRD body kit, sports bar and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever.

"Drivers will notice a more compliant ride and flatter, more controlled cornering in a wide range of load and surface conditions.

"TRD HiLux has also improved the off-road capabilities with a wider departure angle due to the new TRD rear bumper," Mr Buttner said.

TRD HiLux 4000S is priced at $59,990^ and the 4000SL at $64,990^. The only option is metallic paint at $300.

This is the second vehicle from TRD in Australia. TRD Aurion was launched in August last year.