Toyota Unveils Tacoma X-Runner Pickup Concept At 2004 Calgary Auto Show

MARCH 3, 2004 (Calgary) - Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) will unveil an all-new Tacoma X-Runner pickup concept at the 2004 Calgary Auto Show starting on March 10. This concept truck moves well beyond the dimensions of the current Tacoma compact pickup with a larger wheelbase and wider track, which translate into more interior room.

"This Tacoma X-Runner concept will mark the first step in expanding our presence in the Canadian light truck arena," said Tony Wearing, Managing Director at TCI. "Larger in every area of comparison, this concept offers substantially more passenger room, cargo volume and towing capacity than ever before."

The Tacoma concept rides on an exclusive "X-braced" reinforced frame that provides enhanced torsional rigidity. The chassis sits one inch lower than the standard Tacoma, riding on 18-inch 45-series V-rated  performance radials mounted on alloy wheels. Firmer and shorter springs are used at all four corners, while specially-tuned Bilstein gas shock absorbers are positioned out board of the frame rails for improved stability. Large-diameter stabilizer bars with firmer bushings are a feature at both front and rear.

Power is provided by a new 4-litre, 240 horsepower V6 engine with 275 pounds-feet of torque and a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission. For buyers seeking an added boost for this already impressive powertrain, a TRD-developed supercharger system will be offered, capable of providing output in the neighborhood of 300 horsepower.  The X-Runner concept is capable of zero-to-60 mph acceleration in seven seconds, and as much as one second less with the optional supercharger.

The Tacoma X-Runner concept was designed at Hino Styling Studio in Tokyo where just about every detail, from how the ground-effects integrate into the body panels, to how the wheels-and tires fill the wells, was accomplished. The X-Runner's four-door Access-cab design incorporates full-vehicle-surround ground effects, a hood scoop and integrated fog lamps.

Tacoma X-Runner Pickup Concept Preliminary Specifications

ENGINE: 4.0-litre V6 24-valve DOHC with VVT-i
Horsepower: 240
Torque: 275 lb.-ft.
Expected EPA Emissions Rating: Ultra Low Emission (ULEV)
Transmission: Six-speed close-ratio manual

Exterior Dimensions: Wheelbase: 3,236 mm (127.4 inches)
Overall Length: 5,258 mm (207 inches)
Overall Width: 1,824 mm (71.8 inches)
Overall Height: 1,620 mm (63.8 inches)

Bed Dimensions: Bed Length: 1,892 mm (74.5 inches)
Bed Width at top rail: 1,488 mm (58.6 inches)
Wheel Well Width: 1,125 mm (44.3 inches)
Bed Depth: 432 mm (17 inches)