Toyota UK has partnered with Arctic Trucks to bring the 1980s Tamiya’s radio-controlled ‘Bruiser’ scale model to life as a full-sized vehicle.
The Hilux Bruiser is “strictly a one-off” and is based on the new Hilux Extra Cab model. To get this Hilux looking like the remote control version, Arctic Trucks installed its AT35 conversion adding massive wheels with 35-inch tyres. The pick up also gained a new modified suspension, as well as new gear ratios in the differential and flared wheel arches.
The wheels have a chrome finish to match the model, and the company Funkee Fish wrapped the bodywork in a high-metallic Diamond Blue vinyl with the Bruiser’s “Hog Heaven” livery and all its other decals digitally reproduced by hand. The tri-colour stripes that run the length of the body and frame the bonnet, were also added. The name Toyota looks as though it has been stamped into the metal, an effect achieved using a special dome gel.
The Hilux Bruiser has a louvred rear window like the model, but this is a (very realistic looking) two-dimensional print rather than real louvered glass.
The Hilux Bruiser is powered by a standard 110kW four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, with all-wheel drive through a six-speed manual transmission. The street legal machine will joining Toyota UK’s fleet for use by media and appearances at events around England.