Unichip boosts performance of the Toyota Hilux D4D
Versatile, reliable and deemed to be ‘indestructible’ by BBC’s Top Gear, the 3.0-litre D4D 4x4 Hilux is a justifiably popular sight on British roads. However, few would argue that with a pedestrian 0-60mph time of 12 seconds and a 105 mph top speed, the 1830 kilo Toyota could benefit from a power boost, but the problem, until now, is that the Hilux has been viewed as ‘unmappable,’ using traditional OBD based methods.
Happily, electronics expert Unichip Europe has now launched a new Uni-Q upgrade for the Toyota, designed to put a spring into the Hilux’s step. Manufactured in South Africa, the Uni-Q is the world’s leading piggyback ECU, enabling tuners to refine and increase performance of any petrol or diesel vehicle.
For the Toyota Hilux application, Unichip Europe has developed an off the shelf ‘U-Connect’ wiring loom, so that customers can easily install the Uni-Q unit on a DIY basis in a matter of minutes. The Hilux 3.0 D4D Uni-Q comes pre-programmed with the specially developed ECU map settings for fuelling and turbo boost settings, making for an easy and quick performance enhancement proposition – it’s simply a case of ‘plug, play and drive away.’
And on the 3.0 D4D Hilux the results are impressive, with peak power increasing from a measured 155 bhp to 184 bhp at 3500 rpm. Maximum power is only half of the story though because for a car that’s often used for towing or off road work, peak torque jumps by 40 lb.ft from a dyno tested 254 lb.ft to 295 lb.ft at just 3000rpm.
On the road this transforms the in gear acceleration and flexibility of the 3.0-litre D4D Toyota Hilux, endowing it with improved driveability, superior overtaking abilities and more driver enjoyment, all for a comparatively modest outlay.
Suitable for all Toyota Hilux 3.0-litre D4D models produced from 2005 onwards and carrying part number PPTOY15.1, the U-Connect package is available now directly from Unichip Europe or from one of 28 Unichip dealers across the United Kingdom, priced at £465.30 including VAT @ 17.5%.
For more details, visit unichipeurope.co.uk.
