HotCars Digital Artist Rostislav Prokop gives the classic Toyota pickup a design makeover and an engine swap that’s worthy of its iconic status.

The Toyota Hilux is often overshadowed by its larger pickup truck siblings, the Tacoma and the Tundra, specifically in the US. After all, the Hilux was not really an option for US buyers so we never really knew what we were missing. However, the Toyota Hilux is still considered a worldwide success and many Toyota fans wonder if the US will ever see another version arrive.

While we wait for Toyota’s next move regarding the future of the Hilux in the United States, HotCars digital artist Rostislav Prokop pays tribute to the workhorse pickup with decades of pedigree in a new concept render.

Prokop is most well-known for his work on reimagined classic muscle cars. This time though, he gives the restomod treatment to a stunning Toyota Hilux that is now ready to conquer the quarter-mile strip.

The Toyota Hilux Gets An Updated Look And Epic Engine SwapToyota Hilux Engine Swap Restomod RenderHotCars Photo © 2023 ValnetRostislav has based these renders off the classic second-generation Toyota Hilux and given it a dark maroon paint job and black wheels. He’s added a wide-body design with the front wings and rear side panels blown out. This gives the truck a more muscular appearance than the original had.

The front end now has a modern bumper that is lower to the ground. The same effect is present at the back, and on the sides by adding color-coded side skirts.

There’s no hood on this insane Toyota Hilux and that gives a great view of the swapped engine with a carbon fiber racing air intake mounted on top. While an LS engine from Chevrolet or a 5.0-liter Coyote from Ford could do the job nicely, we think this Hilux should keep it all in the family by using a Lexus 5.0-liter V8 engine from the 2023 IS500 F Sport sedan. With a few modifications, this little pickup could be putting out around 500 hp.

Surrounding the block is a metallic red engine cage that matches the roll cages on the interior and the rear of the exterior of the vehicle. Housed under the cage at the back are a tastefully fitted fuel cell and nitrous tank that would help this Toyota Hilux engine swap compete on the drag strip.

Blending The Old Hilux The New FeaturesToyota Hilux Restomod Rear RenderHotCars Photo © 2023 ValnetThere are some modern touches on this Toyota Hilux like updated wing mirrors, LED lights on the front and back, and an up-to-date Toyota badge on the modern front grill, but overall this render has a deep connection to the original second-generation truck. The nostalgia is also present in the serifed typeface that reads “Toyota” on the rear, which Toyota stopped using with the release of the third-generation Hilux.

The result of this is a pick-up masterpiece that Hilux fans would likely want to add to their collection.

The History Of The Toyota HiluxEngine Swapped Toyota Hilux RenderHotCars Photo © 2023 ValnetThe Toyota Hilux pick-up truck has been in production since 1968 and is world-renowned for its reliability and durability. Those qualities have been present throughout all eight generations of this truck and have made the Hilux a bestseller for Toyota all over the world – except in The United States. Although Toyota sold the early versions of the Hilux in the US, which went under the alternative titles of the “Toyota Pickup” and “Toyota Truck”, in 1995 the Japanese manufacturer pulled this model from the US market and its spot was then taken by the Toyota Tacoma.

Understandably, that’s made this truck a much sought-after vehicle for many enthusiasts. And as Jeremy Clarkson once famously found out, it’s virtually impossible to wreck one of these trucks. So, it’s a vehicle that a lot of racers would like to add to their garage because it will take a lot of punishment and still come out swinging.