Holden, Ford and Toyota have something on the cards CLICK HERE TO READ THIS STORY IN OUR ONLINE MAGAZINE There are plenty of special-edition 4WD utes and tow rigs floating around at the moment. But beyond some special stickers and…
Holden, Ford and Toyota have something on the cards
There are plenty of special-edition 4WD utes and tow rigs floating around at the moment. But beyond some special stickers and paint options, the cars are mechanically identical to others in the range. So from a performance or towing point of view, you effectively have zero gain.
But that appears to be changing. Most of the big players in the 4WD ute segment are looking to change up the formula, with proper performance-rated vehicles. This means chassis and suspension upgrades, and improved engine figures.
One we know the most about is Ford’s Ranger Raptor, which is definitely coming to Australia. It’s going to be coil-sprung all-round, and have some fancy go-fast suspension bits. What lies under the bonnet is yet to be confirmed, but you can expect it to pack some punch. It might be a next-generation 2.0-litre turbo-diesel or a high-powered petrol turbo, we aren’t 100 percent sure yet.
Beyond the Ranger, there are a few more in the works. Toyota has admitted it needs something in the HiLux range above the SR5, and Holden is spicing up
the Colorado.
HSV will soon release the Colorado SportsCat, which will have the same 2.8-litre diesel donk, but will have updated styling along with improved suspension and brakes.
It’s an obvious move – sales are dominated by two segments at the moment: SUVs and 4WD utes. Traditional utes and sedans are a small part of the market, and manufacturers are racing to offer Aussies more options.
