Earlier this year, Toyota introduced a revamped 2024 Tacoma featuring exclusively turbo-4 powertrains. However, a concept presented at the 2023 SEMA show this week tantalizes with the prospect of incorporating a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine into the mid-sized truck.
The Tacoma X-Runner concept reimagines the traditional street truck paradigm. It is characterized by a lowered chassis, impressive speed, and is likely not suitable for off-road excursions, as it is configured with rear-wheel drive.
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Adam Rabinowitz, the lead designer at Toyota’s Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Calty Design Research, outlined two main objectives for developing the concept. One goal was to assess consumer interest in a possible production model. The second was to demonstrate the adaptability of the Tacoma’s TNGA-F body-on-frame architecture.
This platform is also utilized by the Toyota Tundra pickup and other vehicles, making it feasible for Toyota engineers to incorporate features from the full-sized Tundra into the Tacoma X-Runner concept.
Insights into the Toyota Tacoma X-Runner Concept
Among the Tundra-derived features in the Tacoma X-Runner is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine. This engine boasts a 421-horsepower rating, which is an increase of 32 horsepower over its application in the Tundra. This enhancement is made possible by a TRD Performance Package, also revealed at the SEMA show, and expected to become available to Tundra customers next year.
Also integrated from the Tundra are a solid axle with a 4.30:1 final drive ratio and an electronic locking differential for distributing torque between the rear wheels. The concept additionally employs the Tundra’s 13.9-inch front brake rotors.
For an authentic street truck posture, the engineering team adapted an air suspension system from the Tundra. This required alterations to the Tacoma’s suspension arms to align with the Tundra’s suspension geometry. The framework is finalized with 2.5-inch Bilstein aluminum-bodied shocks with remote reservoirs at each corner, as well as 21-inch wheels fitted with 285/45-size Michelin performance tires. The wheels exhibit a hybrid construction, coupling an aluminum hub with carbon-fiber spokes.
In terms of interior modifications, the changes are comparatively subdued, encompassing sport-oriented accents such as a steering wheel featuring a 12 o’clock marker, form-fitting seats, and paddle shifters coupled with the Tacoma’s 8-speed automatic transmission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Toyota Tacoma X-Runner Concept
What is the Toyota Tacoma X-Runner Concept?
The Toyota Tacoma X-Runner Concept is a street truck that was unveiled at the 2023 SEMA show. It features a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine and is based on the Tacoma’s TNGA-F body-on-frame platform. The concept aims to modernize the traditional street truck paradigm, offering speed and rear-wheel drive but is not designed for off-road use.
What engine does the Tacoma X-Runner Concept feature?
The Tacoma X-Runner Concept features a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine. This engine has a 421-horsepower rating, which is 32 horsepower more than its counterpart in the Toyota Tundra.
What is the purpose behind the creation of the Tacoma X-Runner Concept?
According to Adam Rabinowitz, the lead designer at Toyota’s Calty Design Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the concept was developed for two primary reasons: to gauge consumer interest for a potential production model and to demonstrate the flexibility of the Tacoma’s TNGA-F body-on-frame platform.
Yes, the Tacoma X-Runner Concept shares its TNGA-F body-on-frame platform with the Toyota Tundra. Additionally, several features like the twin-turbocharged V-6 engine, a solid axle with a 4.30:1 final drive ratio, an electronic locking differential, and 13.9-inch front brake rotors are borrowed from the Tundra.
What modifications have been made to the Tacoma X-Runner’s suspension system?
The Tacoma X-Runner features an air suspension system borrowed from the Tundra. To make it compatible, modifications were made to the Tacoma’s suspension arms to align with the Tundra’s suspension geometry. It also includes 2.5-inch Bilstein aluminum-bodied shocks with remote reservoirs at each corner.
What are the interior features of the Tacoma X-Runner Concept?
The interior modifications in the Tacoma X-Runner Concept are relatively subdued, focusing on sport-oriented elements. These include a steering wheel with a 12 o’clock marker, form-fitting seats, and paddle shifters coupled with the vehicle’s 8-speed automatic transmission.
Is the Tacoma X-Runner Concept suitable for off-road use?
No, the Tacoma X-Runner Concept is designed primarily as a street truck with a lowered chassis and rear-wheel drive, making it unsuitable for off-road activities.
More about Toyota Tacoma X-Runner Concept
- Toyota’s Official Website
- 2023 SEMA Show Highlights
- Calty Design Research Overview
- Toyota Tundra Features and Specifications
- Introduction to the TNGA-F Platform
- TRD Performance Package Details
- Bilstein Shocks Official Website
- Michelin Performance Tires Information
6 comments
i gotta say, I’m more of an off-road person myself, but this is cool for those who like the street truck scene. But if it ain’t for off-roading, it’s not my cup of tea.
Wow, the Tacoma X-Runner concept sounds like a beast. Twin-turbo V-6 in a Tacoma? That’s some serious power right there. Wonder if it’ll ever see the light of day tho.
The TRD performance package sounds promising. 32 extra horsepower is no joke. Do we know when this will be available for the Tundra?
Whoa, 421 horsepower in a mid-size truck? Toyota’s not playing around, are they? Can’t wait to see if this concept turns into reality.
Loving the interior features. A 12 o’clock marker on the steering wheel and paddle shifters? It’s all in the details.
Interesting how they are borrowing so many features from the Tundra. Makes sense, I guess. but what’s the price point gonna be like? Any info on that?