Toyota recently upgraded its 2,8-litre GD-6 turbodiesel engine, fitted to the Hilux and Land Cruiser Prado, and now it appears that an even more powerful and sophisticated replacement could be on the horizon.
According to BestCarWeb, as first spotted by CarAdvice, Toyota is planning to release its next-generation Prado during the second half of 2023 – with the vehicle having been delayed by a year due to the company’s hectic 2022 launch schedule.
But the most interesting part of the report, which cites inside sources, is that the Prado will receive a new 2,8-litre twin-turbo ‘clean’ diesel engine, which will be more powerful and efficient than the current unit. Just how much more powerful remains up for speculation, but it will no doubt be an improvement over the current 2,8 GD-6 unit’s 150 kW and 500 N.m output – perhaps somewhere in the region of 180-190 kW and 600 N.m, given that Toyota’s new 3,3 diesel, found in the new Land Cruiser 300, offers 227 kW and 700 N.m.
But will this new 2,8-litre engine also find its way into the next-generation Toyota Hilux, which is due around 2024? It would surely be a good fit, given the widespread rumours that Toyota plans to launch a Raptor-rivalling version of the Hilux, and with Ford’s next performance off-roader said to be powered by a V6 turbodiesel, likely with just over 180 kW on tap, the 2,8 could be a very good fit for Toyota’s next bakkie contender.
But what else do we know about the next Prado?
According to the aforementioned BestCarWeb report, the Prado will get an evolutionary design and it will have similar dimensions to the current model, although the wheelbase is expected to grow by about 50 mm. Toyota will also reportedly offer a hybrid version featuring Toyota’s 2,5-litre normally aspirated petrol engine.
Buy a Toyota Hilux on South Africa’s most trusted car marketplace.
Toyota Hilux for sale
Used Toyota Hilux for sale
Toyota Hilux for sale in western cape
Toyota Hilux for sale in cape town
Toyota Hilux for sale in johannesburg
Toyota Hilux for sale in kwazulu natal
Toyota Hilux for sale in eastern cape
