A Twin-Turbo V-12 Toyota Hilux Is Our Kind of Truck
The Toyota Hilux has earned a reputation over the years as one of the toughest trucks on sale anywhere in the world. It’s then no surprise that so many Hilux owners choose to modify their trucks to make the most out of the robust 4x4 underpinnings. Thanks to Cars.co.za on YouTube however, we now have a chance to see a modified Hilux unlike any other thanks to its twin-turbocharged V-12 engine.
The Hilux in question was built by the team at FatBoy Fab Works, located in Knysna, South Africa. The story of the truck begins around three to four years ago, when shop owner Francois Fritz used the pickup as a daily driver. It didn’t pack a tire-destroying powertrain at that time, but rather the truck featured a stock 3.0-liter Toyota D-4D diesel engine. In seventh generation Hilux trim, the diesel provides 171 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. That’s a respectable amount of power for a daily-driven mid-size truck, but it wasn’t exactly an exciting endeavor for Fritz. While the shop had initially considered more traditional swaps like a 1JZ or 2JZ inline-six to turn up the fun factor, Fritz wanted to own something truly unique. As such, the team at FatBoy Fab Works spent a little time sourcing a more special powertrain: a 5.0-liter 1GZ V-12 engine.
The 1GZ V-12 engine is famed for its service in the JDM Toyota Century, where it could be found from 2004 all the way until 2017. And while we might now think of Toyota as a V-12 powerhouse, the 1GZ can be particularly sonorous with the right modifications installed. Of course shoehorning a large V-12 under the hood wasn’t enough of a challenge for the enthusiasts at FatBoy Fab Works, who then went on to stick two two Garrett GT3582 turbos on top.
We are feeling reminiscent of Top Secret's infamous twin-turbo 1GZ Supra, best known for clocking 222 mph at Nardo.
In order to support the forced induction system, theFatBoy Fab Works truck also received forged rods and pistons, ARP studs, and a pair of Spitronics ECUs to manage the engine and gearbox. Speaking of the gearbox, the team has finally settled on a four-speed auto sourced from the Supra after blowing a trio of Century-sourced units. Thankfully for the purists among us, the truck is reportedly slated to get a proper manual in the future.
The blown V-12 provides the Hilux with 563 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels, allowing for some rather nasty burnouts and slides. The truck has even competed in local hillclimb events, surprising even race commentators with its shoehorned powertrain. As the world starts to move away from the glory days of the V-12, we’re glad to see the engine still has its fans in the world of the automotive aftermarket.
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