The craziest pickup at the SEMA show?
One of the stars of Toyota’s booth at SEMA 2023, the Tacoma XRunner is an amazing creation to say the least!
Sport pickup trucks were once very popular. But they seem to have largely disappeared from the market in recent years. However, this month we had hope for a strong comeback. In addition to the preparers’ choices, Toyota has also suggested that it is preparing to relaunch the Tacoma X-Runner.
This product was originally sold between 2005 and 2014. It beat out competitors like the Dodge Ram SRT-10 in its day. These models proved that pickups could be true sports cars…or almost. And not just in a straight line. The X-Runner was also comfortable when cornering.
At this year’s SEMA Show, Toyota is showing off the X-Runner version of the all-new 2024 Tacoma, and while it’s officially a concept at the moment, we can hope such a version will see the light of day.
But let us not hope too much that it will cross the Atlantic. In fact, a fast, fun two-wheel-drive pickup could be a hit with our American friends. But with us it will be destroyed by punishment.
A real sporty pickup
Compared to the production Tacoma, this concept benefits from 76mm wider tracks, a strengthened chassis and various mechanical bits borrowed from its bigger brother, the Tundra. We are especially thinking about the air suspension, front brakes and The rear axle has an electronic locking system.
Many parts of the suspension system, such as the arms, have been modified to work with the Tundra components, and the 21-inch carbon fiber wheels. Bilstein shocks were also installed.
But things also happen under the hood. In fact, instead of the Tacoma’s standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, or the four-cylinder hybrid, another engine takes its place.
The most powerful 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 427 horsepower is installed in this minivan. It’s borrowed from the Tundra but has been improved since it initially developed 394 horsepower.
The maximum torque of 650 Nm remains unchanged. Even if this truck never goes into production, the improved engine will soon be available as a “TRD Performance” package for the Tundra.
The Tacoma looks great
The appearance has obviously been improved as well. Transformation isn’t just limited to under the hood. Visually, the new look introduced at the SEMA Show is bold. The “Speedway Blue” paint is a nod to the color worn by the original X-Runner at the 2004 Chicago Auto Show.
But the new pickup offers a more aggressive appearance. Black hood and roof, red detailing, muscular front bumper and side exhaust outlet. Should Toyota put this pickup into production? certainly.
