Daihatsu Rocky
The Japanese Daihatsu Rugger, mostly sold as Daihatsu Rocky in Europe and also named Daihatsu Taft for some markets, is an off-road vehicle of the car manufacturer Daihatsu.
History
The car was built from 1984 onwards and replaced the Daihatsu Taft / Wildcat - the first vehicle of the brand Daihatsu, which was sold in Germany - (series F1, F2, F5 and F6) by Daihatsu from, but was also by model year 1988 as a Wildcat sold.
He was in the F7 series ( short wheelbase F70 - open or closed, F75 long wheelbase - with non- detachable hardtop, F77 pickup) with 78 hp naturally aspirated diesel, 2.8 l capacity and the F8 series ( F80 short wheelbase, F85RV long wheelbase and F87 pickup) with 2- liter petrol engine offered.
In true tradition of the rugged SUV features rigid axles and leaf springs were, front and rear, taken from the Taft. In addition, a stabilizer bar on the rear axle and a variable differential lock (called a friction lock ) was installed on the front axle, which is used for driving safety in the field and on the road. The F75 still had one in three levels ( hard, medium, soft) adjustable suspension. Remarkable for these relatively small SUV, the high towing capacity of 2.1 tons was (braked ) with a vertical load of 100 kg.
In 1987, the 2.8-liter diesel engine has been fitted with a turbocharger, which is now 67 kW (91 hp) could provide power. 1991 this engine was again modernized by he got a intercooler and modified piston and thus grew the power to 102 hp. This engine was installed unchanged until the cessation of production in 2002. The engine's power was withdrawn for the German (European) market to 72 kW ( 98 PS), due to the use of exhaust gas recirculation to meet the current regulations.
The models were until 1993 only slightly modified (from 1988 square headlights, grill, spare wheel carrier and reduced legal reasons taillights from model year 1992).
From 1993, there was an extensive modification, the models F73, F78, F85 F70 F75 models and F85RV ablösten. Besides the partially revised bodywork the axle suspensions have been modified; Rocky got independent suspension with double wishbones at the front axle and Dehstabfederung, remained behind the rigid axle - but with coil springs and stabilizer. Furthermore, instrument clusters were installed, the open Rocky was no longer offered.
In 1997, production for the Japanese home market has been set. The export model was still in production until 2002. In Indonesia, the Taft was still built up in the year 2007 into it.
Successes in racing
Replicas
The Rocky ( F75 ) was also sold as a license built by Bertone under the name freeclimbers with BMW engines and high-quality interior. The bodies were better protected against corrosion by galvanizing by Bertone.