The 2024 Toyota Tacoma made its debut earlier this year with a redesigned look and turbo-4 powertrains. However, a concept version of the Tacoma, called the X-Runner, was unveiled at the 2023 SEMA show, hinting at the possibility of a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine for the mid-size truck.
The Tacoma X-Runner concept pays homage to the classic street truck formula by featuring a lowered stance and a focus on speed. However, this concept is likely not suitable for off-road adventures due to its rear-wheel-drive system.
According to Adam Rabinowitz, the chief designer at Toyota’s Calty Design Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan, one of the reasons for developing the concept was to gauge interest in a potential production version. Additionally, the concept aimed to showcase the versatility of the Tacoma’s TNGA-F body-on-frame platform.
The TNGA-F platform is shared with Toyota’s Tundra pickup truck and other vehicles, allowing Toyota engineers to easily incorporate some of the full-size truck’s features into the Tacoma X-Runner concept.
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One notable feature borrowed from the Tundra is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine. In the Tacoma X-Runner concept, this engine boasts a 421-hp rating, 32-hp more than what it delivers in the Tundra. The extra horsepower is thanks to the TRD Performance Package, which was also announced at the SEMA show and will be available to Tundra buyers next year.
The concept also adopts a solid axle with a 4.30:1 final drive and an electronic locking differential from the Tundra. This differential allows the torque to be split between the rear wheels for improved traction. Additionally, the 13.9-inch front brake rotors from the Tundra are utilized on the Tacoma X-Runner concept.
To achieve the desired street truck stance, the engineers installed an air suspension system from the Tundra. This modification required adjustments to the Tacoma’s suspension arms to match the Tundra’s suspension geometry. The X-Runner concept is equipped with 2.5-inch Bilstein aluminum-bodied shocks with remote reservoirs at each corner and 21-inch wheels fitted with 285/45-size Michelin performance tires. The wheels feature a unique design that combines an aluminum hub with carbon-fiber spokes.
Inside the Tacoma X-Runner concept, sporty touches are incorporated to enhance the driving experience. These include a 12 o’clock mark on the steering wheel, body-hugging seats, and paddle shifters for the Tacoma’s 8-speed automatic transmission.
Overall, the Tacoma X-Runner concept presents an exciting possibility of a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine being offered in the future for the Tacoma lineup. Toyota’s decision to showcase this concept at SEMA demonstrates their commitment to creating innovative and high-performance vehicles. With the success and popularity of the Tacoma, offering a more powerful engine option would likely be well-received by truck enthusiasts.
By utilizing features from the Tundra and demonstrating the adaptability of the TNGA-F platform, Toyota shows their dedication to providing versatile and capable trucks for different driving preferences. Whether it’s for off-roading adventures or street truck enthusiasts, the Tacoma X-Runner concept showcases the potential for a high-performance variant of the beloved mid-size truck.
