Toyota Hilux Tonka Concept

TOYOTA is set to unveil a wild Hilux concept in association with toy truck manufacturer Tonka.

However, the Toyota concept will be no toy, featuring some radical off-road hardware.

Toyota Australia’s product design chief Nicolas Hogios said combining the tough and enduring DNA of the Hilux and Tonka brands was a natural fit.

“We expect the extreme style and capability of our re-imagined Hilux will capture the imagination of kids and adults alike,” Mr Hogios said.

The Tonka-yellow Hilux double-cab will be augmented with aggressive new bumpers, grille, tailgate, wheel arches and door mouldings, among other new components that reinforce its image as a tough-as-nails vehicle designed for off-road fun.

Under the shell there will be custom suspension to clear oversized off-road tyres. Pay close attention to the video at around the 27-second mark to get a clue to the unique arrangement.

“Hilux is such a great canvas, and we really pushed the envelope by marrying our number one seller with the Tonka brand,” said Hogios. “The end result is so exciting because the Hilux Tonka really delivers the dream of every Australian kid who ever wanted such a truck.”

In 2016, Toyota and Tonka joined forces to build a special-purpose Hilux SR5 double-cab, which served duty as a pace car for the 2016/17 Sydney Speedway season.

The expanded tie-up is significant as both brands celebrate milestones this year – 80 years since the foundation of Toyota Motor Corporation and the 70th anniversary of Tonka.

Stay tuned over the coming months to see more of the Tonka Hilux before we get to test it off-road later this year.