Daily Drive Brief: Toyota’s Two-Track HiLux, Brabus Goes Topless with a G-Wagen, and Paul Walker’s Ford GT Resurfaces
I love a split-screen kind of news day. On one side: gritty, boots-on-ground utes and work rigs. On the other: a six-figure German convertible brick that sounds like a thunderstorm in carbon fiber. And in the middle? A $12K Toyota wagon that still hustles grocery runs like it’s 2002. Let’s get into it.
Toyota’s HiLux Goes Electric (and Hydrogen) — With Real-World Intent
CarExpert says the upcoming Toyota HiLux EV and FCEV aren’t just there to appease regulators. That tracks with what I’ve felt brewing in the region: fleets asking for torque-rich, low-maintenance drivetrains that can survive corrugations and heat, not just squeeze through compliance tests.
I’ve spent enough dusty kilometers in diesel HiLuxes across the outback to know what owners value: reliability first, everything else second. Quiet torque and low-speed control are where EV pickups shine. I noticed it immediately the first time I crawled a rutted trail in an electric truck—the precision is addictive, and your spotter doesn’t have to shout over turbo whine. For longer routes or remote work sites, a fuel-cell HiLux could make sense too, assuming hydrogen supply turns from “nice PowerPoint” into actual pumps at depots and hubs.
- HiLux EV: Ideal for short-to-medium duty cycles, depot charging, urban councils, and tradies who love instant torque.
- HiLux FCEV: More promising for regional fleets if hydrogen logistics line up—fast refueling, diesel-like uptime.
- Shared goal: Work-grade durability, not a science project.
Duty Calls: Imagining a Ford Ranger “Super Duty” Use Case
CarExpert also dove into how a hypothetical Ranger “Super Duty” might be put to work. I can see it: up-rated GVM, cooling, brakes, tow hardware; fleet-spec interiors you can jet-wash; maybe dual batteries and heavy-duty alternators for accessories. Think mining, utilities, emergency response—places where a full-size truck is overkill but a standard one-tonne ute taps out.
When I’ve loaded Rangers to the hilt, the chassis took it—what you feel fade first is cooling and brakes under repeated abuse. A factory heavy-duty package would be catnip to fleet managers who currently spend a fortune on aftermarket upgrades.
Quick Compare: HiLux EV vs HiLux FCEV vs Ranger “Super Duty” (Concept)
| Model | Energy/Drive | Real-World Edge | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| HiLux EV | Battery electric | Instant torque, low maintenance, quiet worksites | Urban/suburban fleets, depot-charged tradies |
| HiLux FCEV | Hydrogen fuel cell | Quick refuel, diesel-like uptime if H2 available | Regional fleets with hydrogen depot access |
| Ranger “Super Duty” | ICE, heavy-duty spec | Payload/towing resilience, cooling/brake upgrades | Mining, utilities, emergency services |
Another Chinese Brand for Australia—But Not the Usual Playbook
CarExpert is flagging a new Chinese player landing in Australia, apparently with a different angle. That could mean specialty commercial vehicles, a premium-lite pitch, or niche off-roaders rather than another mainstream SUV-and-ute lineup. I’ve spoken with a few Aussie owners lately who don’t mind going off-piste if the aftersales and warranty are robust. If this brand backs product with strong parts pipelines and fleet support, it’ll get attention—especially if it fills in gaps like compact vans or budget EV commuters.
Brabus Builds the Convertible G-Wagen You Secretly Wanted
Road & Track shows Brabus has gone and chopped the roof off a Mercedes-AMG G63, birthing the XL 800 Cabrio. Remember the old factory G-Class Cabriolet? This is that idea after an espresso shot and a gym session. Widebody, towering stance, open sky—and, as the name hints, Brabus’s “800” tune that typically means hypercar-grade thrust from the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.
I’ve driven stock G63s that felt improbably quick; with the Brabus treatment, the throttle response borders on theatrical. Top down, V8 baritone bouncing off buildings? LA Sunset Boulevard will hear you before it sees you. Is it sensible? No. Is it fabulous? Of course.
- Based on: Mercedes-AMG G63
- Brabus magic: Widebody aero, luxury cabin, and a power hike worthy of the “800” badge
- Audience: People who think a yacht tender should have portal axles
Remember This? Paul Walker’s 2005 Ford GT Heads Back to Auction
Carscoops reports a star from the heyday of analog supercars is resurfacing: Paul Walker’s Ford GT. The mid-2000s GT is the rare car that still tingles the spine. Supercharged 5.4-liter V8, about 550 hp, a proper manual, and proportions that look like a Le Mans memory rendered in aluminum. The provenance adds another layer for collectors, but even without the famous owner, these cars are special—clean, linear, and absurdly fast. The last time I strapped into one, the supercharger whine climbed like a kettle, then the horizon folded.
- Engine: Supercharged 5.4L V8
- Output: Approximately 550 hp
- Character: Manual gearbox, old-school grip, new-school speed
Toyota Still Sells a $12K Wagon Somewhere, and Honestly That Rules
Also via Carscoops: Toyota continues to offer a basic wagon in certain markets for roughly $12,000. If you’ve ever driven one of Toyota’s no-nonsense load-luggers—think steel wheels, hard-wearing plastics, zero gimmicks—you know why they endure. Fleet managers adore them; families just appreciate that they start every morning. The trunk is a box, the windows probably wind, and the air-con is Arctic. Perfect for someone who measures a car’s value in years, not in touchscreen inches.
The VW Golf’s DNA, in the Wild
Road & Track’s cultural piece compares Darwin’s finches to the Volkswagen Golf’s evolutionary path. Apt. From Mk1’s crisp lines to today’s tech-stuffed Mk8-and-change, the Golf has adapted to survive every ecological niche: GTI for the canyon, R for all-weather pounce, diesel (where it still exists) for the commuter long-game. I’ve always liked that you can drive a Golf hard and it never makes a scene. It simply does the job better than it looks like it should—classic adaptive radiation.
Why Today’s News Matters
- Work trucks are evolving in two directions at once: electric precision for cities, hydrogen dreams for distance, and beefed-up ICE where uptime rules.
- Luxury excess finds a new high-water mark with a G-wagen that lost its roof and found more power.
- Enthusiast heritage still pays dividends—whether it’s a Paul Walker GT or a Golf that refuses to lose its shape.
Conclusion
From humble wagons to hydrogen utes to roofless G-Wagens, today’s sheet metal tells a consistent story: purpose wins. Whether that purpose is hauling cable reels at dawn or flexing outside Nobu is entirely up to you.
FAQ
-
When will the Toyota HiLux EV and FCEV arrive?
Toyota hasn’t given hard public dates here, but CarExpert reports both are being developed with real-world use in mind rather than just emissions compliance. -
What is the Brabus XL 800 Cabrio?
A Mercedes-AMG G63 converted by Brabus into a widebody convertible with the tuner’s “800” power treatment and bespoke luxury details. -
What’s special about Paul Walker’s Ford GT?
Beyond the celebrity provenance, the 2005 GT is an icon: supercharged V8, manual gearbox, and race-car looks. It’s returning to auction after years out of sight. -
Is Toyota really selling a $12K wagon?
Yes—certain markets still get a very basic, highly durable Toyota wagon around that price point, aimed at fleets and budget-conscious buyers. -
Will Ford actually build a Ranger “Super Duty”?
No confirmation—CarExpert explored how such a heavy-duty Ranger could be deployed. The appetite from fleets is real; whether Ford answers it from the factory remains to be seen.
