Toyota Australia creates the ultimate Tonka Truck


We love our utes in Australia and in particular, we love the Toyota HiLux. It is actually our best selling vehicle. To celebrate that, Toyota teamed up with Tonka (again) to create what they call the ultimate Tonka truck ute.  
The mods are actually very cool – a total lift on six inches, thanks in part to portal axles (!!) and 35″ Toyo Open Country Mud-Terrain tires tyres on Method wheels. It’s got all kinds of lights, rack, snorkel, and other typically common off-road equipment. And it was sprayed in the typical Tonka yellow to make it even more visible. Cool.
Pics and specs after the jump. 

Toyota is rekindling childhood memories with the reveal of a stunning concept vehicle that brings together the iconic Tonka and “unbreakable” HiLux brands.

A full-size dream toy for adults, the HiLux Tonka Concept is an impressive rock-crawling truck that combines the enviable reputations for toughness and durability that dominate the Toyota and Tonka DNAs.
The high-riding off-roader celebrates HiLux’s breakthrough in becoming Australia’s best-selling vehicle last year, alongside significant global anniversaries for both Toyota and Tonka.
It was conceived, designed, assembled and tested by designers and engineers from Toyota Australia’s 150-strong product planning and development division.
Product design chief Nicolas Hogios said the extreme style and capability of the HiLux Tonka Concept would capture the imagination of kids and adults alike.
“We have taken Tonka out of the sand pit and reinvented HiLux from top to bottom and from nose to tail,” Mr Hogios said.
“Inspired by the Tonka trucks that kids play with in their backyards, the HiLux Tonka Concept goes way beyond the already hugely capable abilities of HiLux to traverse rocks and other rugged terrain,” he said.
“The HiLux Tonka Concept is dramatic evidence that our local team loves to have fun, we’re keen to explore new ideas and we’re always looking to push the boundaries of what’s possible,” he said.
Underneath the dramatic black-and-yellow livery of the HiLux Tonka Concept is the top-of-the-range production HiLux – the SR5 double cab with a powerful 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.
An extensive makeover starts with substantially extra ground clearance – an increase in ride height of 150mm (6 inches). Combined with a high-riding axle, heavy-duty suspension and 35-inch diameter tyres, the HiLux Tonka Concept is equipped to power over rugged terrain that would be off-limits to other off-roaders.
A new front bar is compatible with the vehicle’s safety systems while the bonnet has a carbon-fibre skin and features an aggressive “power bulge” and air scoops.
High-performance off-road LED lighting in the bar and roof pod combine to provide excellent night vision for off-road trails.
A rugged bash plate made from 6mm-thick alloy is designed to protect the sump and other vital components. Tubular side rails protect the body and chassis.
Behind the cabin, almost everything has been changed. The transformation includes a new tailgate, also wrapped in carbon fibre, that incorporates an integrated spoiler and two air vents for optimal airflow. A durable, lightweight strap rather than a handle releases the tailgate.
Inside the tub, a removeable tubular frame keeps all the gear in place, including diesel fuel cans, while storage boxes house the recovery gear needed for extreme off-road driving. A fire extinguisher, axe, shovel and high-lift jack are also fitted.
Tonka is a household name, celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. Equally renowned, Toyota is in its 80th year of incorporation.
Since HiLux was first launched in 1968 it has earned and reinforced its reputation for being “unbreakable” – and for being popular.
To the end of February this year, Australians have bought more than 920,000 examples including 530,000 4x4s and 390,000 4x2s. Globally, HiLux sales have topped 16 million.
Last year, HiLux became the first vehicle other than a passenger car to be the best-selling vehicle in the country.
Toyota Australia’s product design and engineering capabilities have global reach, supporting the development of vehicles manufactured for Australia, the Asia-Pacific region and other markets.
While the HiLux Tonka Concept is not destined for dealer showrooms, adults and kids alike will have the opportunity to share the dream as it tours 4WD shows, field days and expos around the country.
HILUX TONKA KEY SPECIFICATIONS

The concept car is based on a Toyota HiLux 4×4 double-cab SR5 model with the top-specification 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.
 
  HiLux Tonka Concept HiLux SR5
Length 5400mm 5330mm
Width 2180mm 1855mm
Height 2050mm 1815mm
Final drive ratio 4.05:1 3.909:1
Kerb weight 2400kg 2075kg
Approach angle 35 degrees 31 degrees
Departure angle 30 degrees 26 degrees
Ground clearance 429mm 279mm
Front track 1785mm 1535mm
Rear track 1800mm 1550mm
Wheels 17 x 8.5-inch Method NV alloy 18-inch alloy
Tyres 35 x 12.5-inch Toyo Open Country M/T-R 265/60 highway
Front brakes Disc Disc
Rear brakes Disc Drum
Park brake Electronic Lever

4WD Portal Axle
• Hub-mounted reduction gearbox supplied by Marks 4WD Adaptors
Suspension
• Heavy duty springs and adjustable remote reservoir shocks from King Springs
Front Bar:
• Steel, airbag compliant, maintains cooling requirements
• Faceted surfacing
• Integrated LED lighting protected by the steel skin
Bash Plate:
• 6mm alloy with front overriders protect sump and front sub-frame
• Laser cut and TIG welded
• Integrated ventilation slots for cooling engine and front differential
Bonnet:
• Carbon-fibre skin is lighter than original steel bonnet
• Front and rear openings for air flow
• Raised centre “power bulge”
Roof Pod:
• High-performance off-road LED light bar
• Fresh-air cooling ducts for vehicle occupants
Rock Rails:
• Tubular surfaces protect body and chassis
Tailgate:
• Carbon fibre skin
• Two airflow ports
• Integrated spoiler
• Release strap
Bedcage:
Removeable tubular frame
• Diesel fuel cans
• Storage boxes for off-road recovery gear
• Fire extinguisher, axe, shovel and high-lift jack
Paint:
• Custom yellow called “Sun Fusion”

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8 responses to “Toyota Australia creates the ultimate Tonka Truck”

  1. CraigSu Avatar
    CraigSu

    That’s not a knife Tonka truck.
    http://www.egmcartech.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/2016-Ford-F-750-Tonka-Dump-Truck-5.jpg
    THAT’S a knife Tonka truck.

  2. outback_ute Avatar
    outback_ute

    So they replaced the tailgate handle with a lightweight strap, on a 2400kg vehicle…

    1. Rover 1 Avatar
      Rover 1

      ‘God is in the details’ Mies Van der Rohe.

  3. Professor Bananahot Avatar
    Professor Bananahot

    Remember that thing we were doing where we were looking for immature-people cars?

  4. Rolly Owens Avatar
    Rolly Owens

    Hmmm, Mud terrain tyres on sand dunes eh? At least the recovery gear is with the high lift jack Bro.

    1. outback_ute Avatar
      outback_ute

      Does tread pattern make much difference in sand?

      1. Rolly Owens Avatar
        Rolly Owens

        Gday from Perth outback_ute.
        I’m told M/T s are bad for dunes not so much because of the tread pattern but the size of the knobs. They will dig you down to the axles on dry sand in no time according to the Subaru Forester guys that I follow.

        1. outback_ute Avatar
          outback_ute

          So if you are in trouble you are really in trouble!