Brits Get Limited Edition Toyota Hilux Invincible

Toyota launches a new limited edition range topping model of its Hilux pickup truck for the UK market. The model is based on Hilux Invincible 200 Double Cab powered by the 3.0-liter D-4D diesel engine which regularly pumps out 169bhp and 343NM of torque, this new Invincible limited edition model has a Toyota Motor Sport engine performance kit raising maximum power to 194bhp and 430 Nm of torque. Despite the power increase the fuel consumption and emissions remain the same.

Toyota has also made to minor changes to the look of the vehicle, the exterior gets a news stainless steel mesh grille and a black metallic livery with a set of metallic finish alloy wheels. The interior gets a new two-tone leather upholstery with heated front seats and a full-map touch screen satellite navigation.

Production is to be limited to just 500 units of the model with pricing to start from £21,540.

Gallery: Toyota Hilux Invincible Limited Edition

Spy Shots: Toyota Hilux Disguise Hides VW's New Pickup

It has been already confirmed that Volkswagen will produce a midsize pick-up in Germany, South Africa and Argentina. Internally called “Robust Pick-Up”, or RPU, it will compete mainly against the Toyota Hilux in emerging markets.

As the spy shots you see above Volkswagen uses a Hilux body to hide its brand new pick-up truck, which is expected to be launched by the end of 2009. It may really seem to be a Toyota Hilux, but the wheelbase of this vehicle is larger and the registration plate of the pick-up truck indicates it was registered in Brunswig, a city close to Wolfsburg here VW has its headquarters, and is commonly used by the company to register its prototypes. Engines are expected to be turbodiesels, but there may be gasoline powerplants if it plans to export the pick-up truck to the USA. Probably there will be a four-wheel drive version of the new Taro, just like this one, which was being tested in Northern Scandinavia. Rumors are that the 2WD version will be front wheel drive. Besides the Taro (or Taro II), a SUV based on the platform is also expected.

Ironically, the test mule that was chosen by Volkswagen evokes a previous partnership between the German and the Japanese automakers, as well as the possible name of the new pick-up truck. Although the official name has not been released yet, it could be called Taro or Taro II. This was the name used by VW to sell a rebadged Hilux that was produced both by Volkswagen and Toyota from 1989 until 1997.

Gallery: Volkswagen Taro Spy Shots

Toyota Australia To Unveil TRD Hilux In Brisbane

Last year in Melbourne, Toyota showed off a TRD Hilux concept truck. And now, Toyota announced that the TRD Hilux will be unveiling in February.

The TRD Hilux, will get the bodywork, wheels, and graphics you see above. Power numbers haven't been released yet for its 4.0L V6, but you can expect something in the general neighborhood of 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft underhood, along with upgraded brakes and suspension.