Toyota Recreates A Modern Model Legend With The Unique Hilux Bruiser

For all its toughness, there’s a playful element to the Toyota Hilux that can put a smile on any driver’s face, a big-toy appeal that’s lasted through generations of the world-beating pick-up. Tamiya celebrated this quality when it produced its hugely popular radio-controlled scale model version back in the 1980s. Now Toyota is returning the compliment with its own, custom-built working replica of this miniature hero – the Hilux Bruiser.

The big difference – and we mean big – is that this is a full-size machine that’s kitted out for the extremes of off-road driving, courtesy of conversion specialists Arctic Trucks – the team that built the Arctic-conquering Polar Hilux.

The new Hilux Bruiser makes its debut today (alongside its Tamiya model inspiration) in a new short film released on Toyota’s official UK YouTube channel and available to view below.

The Hilux Bruiser – strictly a one-off – is based on the new Hilux Extra Cab model. To scale-up the original model’s big-wheeled look, Arctic Trucks installed its AT35 conversion, fitting wheels with massive 35-inch tyres. This called for engineering changes, too, with modified, up-rated suspension, new gear ratios in the differential and flared wheel arches.

The wheels themselves have been given a chromed finish to match the model, and the bodywork has been wrapped in a high-metallic Diamond Blue vinyl by the skilled team at Funkee Fish. The Bruiser’s famous “Hog Heaven” livery and all its other decals have been digitally reproduced by hand, along with a faithful reproduction of distinctive tri-colour stripes that run the length of the body and frame the bonnet. On the tailgate, the TOYOTA name looks as though it has been stamped into the metal, an effect achieved using a special dome gel. The same material was used to simulate the raised black window surrounds on the rear section of the cab.

Just like the model, the Hilux Bruiser has a louvred rear window. In fact, it was impossible to install the actual glass, so a two-dimensional print has been used that looks just like the real thing, even at close quarters.

Expert model-maker and fabricator Robert Selway was responsible for recreating some of the details in 1:1 scale, including a (replica) on/off switch in the load bed, R-shape body clips and tubular bumpers and rock sliders. The bonnet clips are magnetic and for show only, while the bumpers and rock sliders have been fabricated from stainless steel exhaust tubing and wrapped in white vinyl to make them look like the model’s plastic parts.

In a move away from the Tamiya original, Toyota’s Hilux Bruiser has a large antenna behind the cab, to reinforce the impression of it being a radio-controlled model.

For a full gallery of high-resolution photographs of the Hilux Bruiser, click here.

James Clark, Toyota GB Press Relations Manager, said: “While Hilux is all about capability, owners and all fans of pick-ups and big trucks know a big part of the experience is also about having fun. In that spirit, we wanted to do something truly original to celebrate the latest Hilux and carry forward the great relationship we have with Tamiya.

“The Hilux Bruiser combines all the colour and character of the wonderful model while also being a seriously engineered machine that can cut it in the roughest conditions.”

The Hilux Bruiser is powered by a standard 148bhp four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, with all-wheel drive through a six-speed manual transmission. It is street legal and will be joining Toyota’s fleet for use by media and appearances at events around the country.

The Hilux Bruiser’s development is another take on the Little and Large theme that Toyota explored in its earlier films showing how the Tamiya models can deal with tough driving conditions, just like their big brother. These videos – a popular hit with online viewers – can be seen below.