The one-off truck was commissioned by Toyota UK and built by Arctic Trucks
Tamiya's popular Bruiser radio-controlled scale model from the 1980s now has a modern, full-size equivalent.
While the Tamiya Bruiser was ten times smaller than the Hilux pickup that inspired it, the Hilux Bruiser is a full-size pickup styled to look like the toy car — think of it as a compliment Toyota is returning to Tamiya.
Commissioned by Toyota UK and built by Arctic Trucks (the makers of the Polar Hilux), the Hilux Bruiser is based on the latest-generation Hilux Extra Cab model, since the toy car's two-door appearance needed to be retained.
The custom-built working replica manages to mirror the Tamiya Bruiser's big-wheeled look thanks to the fitting of Arctic Truck's AT35 conversion that consists of 17-inch chromed wheels shod with fat 305/80 R17 off-road tires. It may sound like a simple job, but it wasn't. Engineering changes had to be done as well, with the Hilux Bruiser gaining an uprated Fox Shox suspension, flared wheel arches, and new gear ratios in the differential needed to maintain speedometer accuracy.
To be worthy of the word "replica," the Hilux Bruiser also gained a high-metallic Diamond Blue vinyl wrap, courtesy of Funkee Fish. The "Hog Heaven" livery and all other decals were digitally reproduced by hand, as were the reproductions of the tri-color stripes that span the length of the bodywork.
At the rear, the Hilux Bruiser appears to have a louvered rear window, but that is just a well-executed two-dimensional vinyl print. Model-maker and fabricator Robert Selway replicated other toy car details including the on/off switch in the load bed, R-shape body clips and tubular bumpers and rock sliders.
Unlike the original, however, the Hilux Bruiser features a large antenna behind the cab to fool people into thinking it's a radio-controlled model. Another essential difference is the drivetrain: while the Tamiya model features an electric motor linked to a three-speed gearbox, the Hilux Bruiser is powered by the standard 150-hp (148-bhp) four-cylinder turbodiesel engine mated to a six-speed transmission that drives all four wheels.
A one-off effort, the full-size Bruiser is street legal and will be used by Toyota UK as a promotional vehicle.
If you like the Hilux Bruiser, chances are the Toyota Hilux Tonka Concept is your cup of tea too.