Burgh Heath, England - Scale model vehicles, by their very nature, replicate larger, real-life vehicles, but this Toyota Hilux concept is doing things the other way around.
Built for Toyota’s UK division by Arctic Trucks, the Hilux Bruiser takes inspiration from Tamiya’s radio-controlled scale model of the 1980s.
Only difference is, the Bruiser is a real-life, street-legal, modern bakkie built for extreme off-roading.
But before you reach for that cheque book, it’s worth noting that the Bruiser is strictly a one-off creation.
Sporting an Arctic Trucks AT35 conversion, this ‘working replica’ rides on huge 35-inch tyres, while also receiving the appropriate suspension mods, revised gear ratios and flared wheel arches.
Remaining stylistically faithful to the ‘80s R/C that inspired it, the Bruiser gets a Diamond Blue vinyl body wrap as well as the full ‘Hog Heaven’ livery, a louvred rear window and even a just-for-show giant on/off switch in the loadbed. There’s also an antenna to reinforce the whole R/C illusion.
It’s a completely standard Hilux under the bonnet, however, fitted with the familiar 110kW 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine, driving all four wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox and Toyota’s proven four-wheel-drive system.
See the Hilux Bruiser in action:
“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,” said Toyota’s UK PR manager James Clark.
“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.”