A rebirth of the legendary Stout may be Toyota’s ‘Baby Hilux’
Speculations about what the 'Baby Hilux' might offer is rife – but none more so than the bakkie's possible design.
After a roundtable with Toyota in Johannesburg a few weeks ago, the automotive giant alluded to creating a ‘Baby Hilux’ of sorts. Now, rumours suggest that Toyota is planning on reviving its mid-size 1.5-ton Toyota Stout.
The Toyota Stout made its debut in the 60s as the first pickup truck/bakkie in America for the Japanese automaker and is considered a pioneering model that paved the way for subsequent bakkies. The model was in production from 1954 to 1989, spanning three generations and one facelift. It started with the RK23 pick-up, followed by the RK45 in 1960, and the final model, the RK110, which offered single and double cab configurations.
The Stout is slightly smaller than the current Toyota Hilux, with dimensions of 4 674mm in length, 1 690mm in width, 1 710mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2 800mm. Powering the third-generation Stout was a water-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine with a power output of 95kW @ 5 000r/min.
Recent speculation suggests that Toyota has a bakkie in the works, which is more compact than the current Hilux and could be a revival of the iconic founding model. According to these speculations, the revived Stout might be based on Toyota’s current TNGA-K platform, shared with the Tundra, Tacoma, and Highlander. It is expected to have a smaller size than the Hilux and feature an engine already utilised in TNGA-K-based models, offering petrol and diesel options paired with a six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission. This correlates with information CAR Magazine digital editor Alex Shahini received after a roundtable with senior Toyota South Africa Motors members. Read more about it below.
Related: Toyota has a ‘baby Hilux’ bakkie on the horizon for SA
Earlier this year, Toyota unveiled the Toyota Mobility Concept, aiming to expand its mobility offerings. Rumours and speculation suggest that Toyota is on the verge of introducing a compact bakkie based on a ladder-frame platform, potentially related to the revived Stout. This model is anticipated to have a price tag undercutting that of the Hilux.
Related: The all-new Toyota Tacoma may be a preview of the next-gen Hilux
Do you think the next bakkie offering from Toyota could indeed be a revival of the Stout? Rendered images courtesy of a project undertaken by Kleber Silva.
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