Remember your first Tonka truck? Ever wanted to drive a real one? Like, a full sized one?
Check this out.
Described as a full-size dream toy for adults, the HiLux Tonka Concept combines a HiLux with a Tonka truck, and I want one.
The car was conceived, designed, assembled and tested by 150 designers and engineers from Toyota Australia’s product planning and development division in celebration of both Tonka’s 70th anniversary and Toyota’s 80th.
“We have taken Tonka out of the sand pit and reinvented HiLux from top to bottom and from nose to tail,” said product design chief Nicolas Hogios. “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.”
The makeover included adding 150mm in ground clearance, a high-riding axle, heavy-duty suspension and 35-inch diameter tyres. There’s a new front bar, a carbon-fibre skin on the bonnet, a “power bulge” and air scoops. There’s also high-performance off-road LED lighting in the bar and roof pod, a 6mm-thick alloy bash plate and side rails. The carbon-fibre wrapped new tailgate has an integrated spoiler.
Toyota says to date, Australians have bought more than a total of 920,000 HiLux 4x4s and 4x2s. Globally, HiLux sales have topped 16 million – and while the HiLux Tonka Concept is sadly not destined for dealer showrooms, adit will be touring 4WD shows, field days and expos around the country.