Pneumatici Toyota Hilux

History of the Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux started production in March 1968 as a short-wheelbase pickup truck, equipped with a 1.5L Straight 4. The following year a long-wheelbase model started production alongside the short-wheelbase model, however, this was not made available in export markets. The Hilux was redesigned in 1975, making it larger and featuring more standardised parts as well as a larger 2.2L engine with an optional 5-speed manual transmission. The Hilux name began phasing out in North America in 1973 and by 1975 the brand name was redubbed the much simpler "Truck".

The Hilux Mk3 was introduced in 1978 and the following year a 4WD variant was introduced. The Mk3 had similar dimensions to the MK2 but had a wider track width alongside a torsion bar design front suspension, replacing the coil springs used in prior models. In 1981 a vehicle development agreement with Winnebago Industries and a couple of other aftermarket customisation companies led to the Trekker and the Trailblazer models. The Trekker inspired the 4Runner / Hilux Surf that would be introduced in 1984.

In 1983 the MK4 Hilux hit the market as 1984 model year vehicles in the US. This generation saw many changes to the engine configurations; whilst the carbureted 22R engine would stay in the lineup, two diesel engines would be introduced, the 2L and 2L-T turbocharged option, however, these models would be discontinued in the US in 1986 due to higher performance expectations from customers in the US as well as cheaper petrol. The next year a turbocharged petrol engine was brought to market which some speculate was to be a competitor to the V6-powered Nissan Truck, however, the Hilux received a V6 model in 1988.