The 4x4 which was ahead of its time From the request of the Japanese army, the world's first light weight 4x4 vehicles were developed and named """"Kurogane"""". From December 1937 after various improvements, a new type was produced. It carried 3 passengers, had a 1,400cc 33 horse power air cooled V two type cylinder engine. It had front wheel independent, rear wheel leaf spring suspension and large tires. From 1930 to 1939, about 4,800 vehicles of various types were made. The lightweight 4x4 Kurogane was used for reconnaissance and communication in China, South East Asia, and the Pacific.