Ninth Generation Toyota Hilux (GUN226)

The real Japan pickup, the Toyota Hilux, is now on its ninth generation, and this new model, known to most Thais as the Hilux Travo, is showing the opposition that you can't beat the real king of midsize pickups.

2027 Toyota Hilux

Starting at 4,980,000 Yen excluding additional costs, the all-new, fully imported Toyota Hilux promises to pick up where its Revo predecessor left off while intimidating rivals such as the Mitsubishi Triton, the Ford Ranger, and the Volkswagen Amarok with its trademark toughness loved the world over.

2027 Toyota Hilux

The all-new Hilux features a striking Cyber Sumo design that's tough enough to handle the harshest conditions in Hokkaido, if that's your style. While its dimensions are similar to the previous GUN125 model, the GUN226 is all about making a bold statement. It is available in two variants: the base Z model and the rugged Z Adventure model. The Z Adventure model comes fully equipped with a central locking tailgate, a deck rail with a sliding tie-down, a marine carpet bedliner, and an electric roller cover.

2027 Toyota Hilux interior

2027 Toyota Hilux interior

The all-new Toyota Hilux features a contemporary interior design typical of modern Toyota vehicles. It includes a new digital instrument cluster and a standard 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen display positioned above the center console across all variants. Interior comfort has been improved with newly designed front and rear seats. Depending on the model grade, the driver's seat offers up to eight-way power adjustments with lumbar support and leather-accented upholstery.

Regarding the rear bed dimensions, it measures 1,555 mm in length, 1,540 mm in width, and 480 mm in height. Unlike its competitors, the all-new Hilux is equipped with a tailgate assist system, making it easy to open and close. Similar to the previous model, it can carry a maximum load of up to 500 kg.

2027 Toyota Hilux

Powering the all-new Hilux is the 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, producing maximum outputs of 204PS of power and 500Nm of torque. That's 30Nm more torque than one of its main rivals, the Mitsubishi Triton. Mated only to a 6-speed Sequential Shiftmatic with S Mode, fuel economy is around 11.9km/L based on the WLTC Mode cycle. That's more fuel efficient than the Mitsubishi Triton.

In the Z Adventure trim, the Hilux features an upgraded suspension system to enhance ride quality, including a coil-sprung front end and a leaf-sprung rear end. It comes equipped with part-time 4x4 and a rear differential lock for improved control. Additionally, the Multi-Terrain Select has been retuned to boost off-road performance. The vehicle is also fitted with larger front disc brakes and durable rear ventilated disc brakes, providing better stopping power in extreme weather conditions.

The all-new Hilux features a robust ladder frame and a globally recognized GOA safety body structure. It also includes an extensive range of safety technologies, such as the Blind Spot Monitor, Panoramic View Monitor, Parking Sensors, Trailer Sway Control, Hill-start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, Parking Support Brake, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beam.

The all-new Toyota Hilux GUN226 is completely revamped while maintaining the legendary toughness that the Hilux is famous for worldwide. Featuring a striking Cyber Sumo design, a refreshed interior, a more powerful diesel engine, and advanced driving technology, this model proves it remains the most formidable vehicle in its class. The next time you want a midsize pickup truck with a world-proven status, just be sure it's from Toyota.

Available Colors: Platinum White Pearl Mica, Silver Metallic, Ash, Attitude Black Mica, Sulfur Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

007: FIRST LIGHT

IO Interactive, the team behind the Hitman: World of Assassination trilogy, has unveiled a new game that explores the origin story of the legendary agent known as 007, James Bond. This latest third-person shooter from the creators of the Hitman series brings to life the beginnings of Bond's journey like never before.

007: FIRST LIGHT (PS5)

007: FIRST LIGHT, the newest 007 game made in partnership with IO Interactive and Amazon MGM Studios, brings James Bond's origin story to life, featuring an all-original story penned by the folks who worked on the 007 movie universe.

The game's story revolves around James Bond before he becomes 007. MI6 is hesitant to promote Bond due to his reckless behavior, but Bond is determined to prove himself worthy of the 00 status. As he travels the globe, he works to hunt down threats to global security.

FIRST LIGHT, which shares DNA with the Hitman trilogy, is a third-person shooter game featuring unique gameplay mechanics that demand strategic thinking for successful infiltration and elimination.

The stealth-focused missions require careful planning due to the limited instinctive abilities, such as the capacity to fast-talk through enemy guards. 

In combat scenarios, players can employ various creative methods to take down opponents. While action disarms and throwing weapons can be effective, players must also devise inventive strategies to defeat heavily armed enemies that are harder to eliminate.

Apart from a wide array of weapons from handguns to heavy weaponry, mastery of gadgetry is the key aspect of FIRST LIGHT. One example is the famous Q Watch, which features a radar ping to find incoming objectives, a short-range laser for various uses, and others.

FIRST LIGHT includes exciting driving segments where you can drive iconic vehicles like the Aston Martin V8 from The Living Daylights, the Aston Martin DBS from Casino Royale, and the heavily-armed Aston Martin Valhalla. You will chase down enemies or escape from hostile forces, all in the spirit of enhancing the fun factor in this 007 experience.

If you're seeking a greater challenge, consider trying mission simulators. In these simulators, you'll complete various tasks to earn experience points, which you can use to purchase upgrades, skills, and outfits. You can also set a high score to showcase your abilities and prove who the top agent is. Expect more missions post-launch.

A 007 game like no other, FIRST LIGHT combines IOI's Hitman DNA with the world of 007, featuring unique storytelling, dynamic third-person combat, thrilling driving missions, and non-stop excitement for 007 fans to enjoy.

Time to show MI6 you're worthy of becoming a 00 Agent.

WRC 2026 - FORUM8 Rally Japan

The 2026 World Rally Championship continues with the FORUM8 Rally Japan. The Gazoo Racing team is making headlines in its home country, where many people marvel at the rally cars racing through the beautiful nature of Japan.

Screengrab from WRC

Elfyn Evans secured his third victory at the FORUM8 Rally Japan on Sunday, further strengthening his lead in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) with a steady performance on the home roads of Toyota Gazoo Racing.

The Welsh driver took the lead from the second stage on Friday morning and maintained control throughout the event, finishing 12.8 seconds ahead of defending champion Sébastien Ogier after completing 20 challenging asphalt stages in Aichi and Gifu. Sami Pajari finished third, 51.4 seconds behind the leader, while local favorite Takamoto Katsuta placed fourth, allowing Toyota to take the top four spots on home turf.

This victory marked Evans' second win of the season and his 50th career podium in the WRC. He now has 151 points in the drivers’ championship, leading Katsuta by 20 points after seven of the 14 rounds this season.

The 2026 WRC will continue with the legendary EKO Acropolis Rally Greece, which will take place in Loutraki from June 25 to 28.

2026 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship - SCORCHED

The streets of Orlando, Florida, are the next stop for the 2026 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship with SCORCHED.

Screengrab from Formula DRIFT

Odi Bakchis, driving his new BRZ drift car, and James Deane, in his Mustang drift car, faced off in the finals, impressing the Orlando crowd with their exceptional drifting skills. In a unanimous decision, Odi Bakchis emerged victorious over James Deane. Fredric Aasbo, noted for his skills in the GR Supra, finished in third place.

The next round is at Stafford, Connecticut, for the Battle At The Springs this June 20, 2026.

2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship - Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic

The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix brought the streets of Detroit to life, showcasing thrilling racing from both IMSA and IndyCar. In this article, we will primarily focus on the IMSA race, highlighting the GTP and GTD PRO competitions in the Motor City.

Screengrab from IMSA

At the Detroit podium, two Cadillac V-Series.R GTP racers secured the top spots, sandwiching the #25 BMW M Team WRT M Hybrid V8. The #31 Cadillac Whelen V-Series.R took first place, while the #10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R finished in third. In the GTD PRO class, the #3 Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports Corvette Z06 GT3.R claimed victory, followed by the #9 Pfaff Motorsports Temerario GT3 in second and the #65 Ford Racing Mustang GT3 in third place.

The next race is the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen this June 25-28, 2026. The summer racing season in IMSA begins.

Let's Do The News! (May 29, 2026)

     

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Senator Jinggoy Estrada was granted bail in his graft case for ₱90,000.

- Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano announced that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will continue its investigation into the alleged flood-control anomaly on June 4.

- Five families of missing sabungeros have filed an obstruction of justice complaint with the PH Department of Justice (DOJ) against Atty. Caroline Cruz, the legal counsel of gaming tycoon Atong Ang, and others.

- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ensured the safe and orderly opening of classes this June.

- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is dismayed by the controversies currently involving the Senate, including the alleged fake shooting incident on May 13. During a Kapihan with the Media in Japan, the President said that the Senate has changed a lot compared to when he was still serving as a senator.

- An Austrian man was jailed for 15 years over a plot to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna two years ago.

- A Blue Origin rocket explodes during a Florida test.

- The AC Cobra GT Coupe was unveiled. It's powered by a 5.0L V8 engine in both naturally aspirated and supercharged configurations.

AC Cobra GT Coupe

- Mitsubishi announced the Pajero's comeback and will be unveiled in Fall 2026.

- Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion during his remarkable NHL career, has died, the NHL Alumni Association announced on Thursday. He was 60 years old. Authorities report that Lemieux died by suicide.

TTFN.

My FH6 Log: GET STARTED/始める

Congratulations on the start of your Horizon Japan journey. Getting started on your Forza Horizon 6 gameplay is like the start of a new show, if you catch my drift. Although you are feeling excited about Horizon Japan, the path to the top is not an easy task because there is so much to do in Horizon Japan before earning the right to bear the Golden Wristband.

Having enjoyed the Prologue, your real quest begins at Mei's House, your first Player House, where you will be given a set of three starter cars to drive. They're all yours to keep.

These are the three starter cars in question: an S13 Nissan Silvia, the ST205 Toyota Celica GT-FOUR, and the GMC K5 Jimmy. Pre-tuned at the start, these starter three musketeers are in fighting form for you to take on the Horizon Qualifiers. Complete enough races to unlock the qualifiers challenge, which is a form of a road trip that will take you to the festival site. Get to the destination, and you will earn your first Horizon wristband, the yellow one.

Earning a yellow wristband not only unlocks a new set of races to challenge yourself with but also provides three exciting cars to drive. This second batch of starters is proven to be better than the first batch you received from Mei's House at the beginning. The Toyota GR86, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI, and RAM 1500 TRX are all worth your time as you tackle the races exclusive to yellow wristband holders, giving you a taste of what Horizon Japan has to offer.

The goal of your Horizon Japan adventure is to achieve the Golden Wristband. By completing races, open-world time attacks, and PR stunts, anything under the HORIZON FESTIVAL progression from your journal, you'll earn points required to advance to the next Horizon Wristband. Achieve enough points, and you will take on Wristband challenges, which involve either a Horizon Rush obstacle course or a Horizon Showcase, where you will pit your car against a unique competition. Long story short, but you get the point.

Having enjoyed my time with the Horizon Japan starters, I decided to take some time to compare them to prove their might. Let's begin with the S13 Silvia and the GR86, two drift-happy RWD JDM coupes.

Next up, the two rally classics: the Toyota Celica GT-FOUR and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI.

Lastly, the GMC K5 Jimmy and the RAM 1500 TRX. Two cross-country beasts capable of showing Japan what cross-country is all about.

Experience the thrill of winning races, tuning cars, and collecting vehicles in Horizon Japan. It's an all-you-can-eat buffet of excitement, so take your time exploring the finest that Japan has to offer. Compete against others in the fight for the Golden Wristband and earn your place on Legend Island.

As always, make your dream come true. Good luck.