“The Tacoma has long been the sales leader by a wide margin in the compact pickup segment thanks to its well-earned reputation for stellar quality, durability, reliability and off-road capability,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “The limited edition TRD T|X Baja Series adds another chapter to Toyota’s truck legacy by offering a new level of capability for off-road enthusiasts.”

Inspired by Toyota’s history with the world-renown Baja rally race, this special edition Tacoma features a lot of heavy-duty kit. The Tacoma TRD T|X takes a Tacoma Access or a Double Cab 4×4 with the TRD Off-Road Package, gives it a collection of off-road electronic assists, heavy duty BF Goodrich T/A KO tires, bead-lock style off-road wheels, and a TRD cat-back exhaust. Thanks to special heavy duty Bilstein race shocks with TRD coil springs, the Tacoma gets an increased ride height of two inches. Also added is an electronically-controlled locking rear differential.

Click here for more news on the Toyota Tacoma.

Power comes from the company’s 4.0 liter V6 and both a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission are available.

Prices have yet to be announced for these special edition Tacomas. But they are slated for a launch in late spring of 2012 and will be built at Toyota’s Motor Manufacturing plant in San Antonio, Texas.

- By: Chris Chin

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma continues to be available in three cab types in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations: Regular Cab, Access Cab, and the four-door Double Cab.

Click here for our original post on the 2012 Toyota Tacoma for more details.

Prices start at $16,875 for the 2012 Tacoma Regular Cab 4×2 with a 2.7 liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Prices top out at $27,835 for the Tacoma Double Cab 4×4 long bed with a 4.0 liter V6 and five-speed automatic. That’s a price increase ranging from $10 to $645.

Check out the complete pricing details after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma gets a new front fascia with a redesigned hood, grille, headlamps and front bumper, among other minor changes. On the inside, the 2012 Tacoma gets a new center-instrument panel design with a revised gauge cluster, new steering wheel and a redesigned center stack.

The new Tacoma also offers new heavy-duty all-weather flooring in the Access and Double Cab models, while the more specialized TRD Sport and Off-Road models offer new water-resistant fabric protection seats. The TRD Sport Package for the 2012 Tacoma adds side mirrors with turn-signal lamps for 2012, as well as optional chrome-clad 18-inch wheels. The inside also gets a higher-resolution display with an available back-up camera, available rear-view mirror with compass  and the new Toyota Entune infotainment system.

Two engine options are available including a 2.7 liter Dual Overhead Cam 4-cylinder making 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, and a 4.0 liter DOHC V6 that makes 236 horsepower with 266 lb-ft of torque. When mated with a V6 Tow Package, Access Cab models boast a maximum tow capacity of up to 6,500 pounds.

Toyota sold more than 106,000 Tacoma models in 2010, outselling its closest competitor by nearly two-to-one.

- By: Omar Rana

The year 2012 is shaping up to be a big one for Toyota…and not just the rest of the world in terms of those who believe in the end of the world in 2012. First, we have the all-new Camry making its debut later this year. Now, we have unofficial photos of what could be the next update for the 2012 Tacoma pickup.

The truck in the pictures is unquestionably a Toyota Tacoma, but compared to the current model, the one in the picture has a revised front end, while the rest remains untouched.

Toyota said that some time ago that a refreshed Tacoma will come for the 2012 year and will launch at dealers beginning this October. However, there was no official word from Toyota as to whether the Tacoma in the pictures is the actual thing.

2012 Toyota Tacoma (Leaked Images):

- By: Chris Chin

Source: PickupTrucks.com

During the first six months of 2011, Toyota has sold more Tacoma pickups than its full-sized Tundra pickup. With that in mind, Toyota is planning to sell a redesigned version of the Tacoma pickup in October, one of the many redesigned vehicles to come from the Japanese automaker.

Bob Carter, Group Vice President and brand manager for Toyota said that the Tacoma will undergo a new exterior redesign and an upgraded interior.

“It’s an important segment for us because it provides us with young customers,” Carter said.

Tacoma currently dominates the compact pickup market as FoMoCo, GM and Chrysler have stopped investing in smaller pickups in favor of higher margins from full-sized trucks.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: WSJ

Not a fan of the design of Toyota models? Things may just get a little better because Toyota in North America is now taking product development authority away from Japanese bosses and keeping it in the hands of North American executives. The move is a part of its response to the quality crisis that hit the company hard in 2010.

Up until now, vehicles that were designed, developed and produced in North America required a sign-off by a chief engineer in Nagoya. Local engineers and sales and marketing executives had to jump through many hoops to get things going their way.

Yoshi Inaba, CEO of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., said Toyota adopted a new system that takes Japan out of the equation. That means that vehicles unique to the U.S. market – Toyota Avalon, Venza, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra – no longer need Japanese approval in the development process.

“We are going to implement the process from design to preparation for production to development, cost planning, and identifying and selecting suppliers,” said Inaba, said. “All these processes are going to be 100 percent done here, without going back to Japan for approval.”

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

2011 Toyota Sequoia

Toyota is recalling 22,000 vehicles due to a problem with the tire pressure monitor. The recall includes the Toyota FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Tacoma and Tundra from the 2008 to 2011 model years.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicles safety standard No. 138, ‘Tire Pressure Monitoring System.’ The agency said that the tire pressure monitoring systems in the Toyota vehicles were not re-calibrated correctly and therefore do not start illuminating the low tire pressure warning at the required minimum activation pressure.

Dealers will re-initalize the tire pressure monitoring system free of charge. Owners can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 for more info.

- By: Omar Rana

Toyota Tacoma X-Runner RTR

Toyota has released its Tacoma X-Runner RTR (Ready to Race) project pickup, which will debut at the 2010 SEMA Show. The project car shows Toyota’s engineering capabilities by creating an in-house, high performance pickup with the use of Toyota parts.

The Tacoma X-Runner RTR is powered by the current-generation Tundra 5.7L V8 engine making 504-hp and 550 lb-ft of torque with the help of Toyota’s Racing Development (TRD) Supercharger Kit. The study car is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that transfers power to the wheels while using premium gas rather than race fuel.

Check out the press release for more details along with the high-res gallery.

Toyota Tacoma X-Runner RTR:

Press Release:

Toyota Tacoma X-Runner RTR (Ready to Race)

The Tacoma X-Runner RTR (Ready to Race) project pickup truck, which will make its public debut at the 2010 SEMA Show, is an exercise in demonstrating Toyota”s engineering prowess by creating an in-house, high performance vehicle through the utilization of Toyota parts. As a result, the Tacoma RTR is a “parts bin” build with all but a few components currently available on Toyota products (traction bars and drive-line shaft are the only two non-Toyota parts).

The Tacoma X-Runner RTR achieves its performance credentials by dropping in a completely stock, current-generation Tundra 5.7-liter V8 engine into the unmodified engine bay along with a six-speed automatic transmission. A Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Supercharger Kit was added, bringing the SAE certified power stats to 504 horsepower and 550 lb.-ft. of torque. The truck runs on premium gas rather than race fuel.

A stock Tundra rear axle, with a 4.3 ratio and 10.5-inch ring gear, was narrowed a total of 5.7 inches to Tacoma rear-track width). A TRD prototype mechanical limited slip differential, designed by Eaton, was added to maximize traction. The truck rides on current generation Tacoma 15-inch styled steel wheels that were modified to 10-inches wide in the rear and wrapped by 30×11.5×15-inch Goodyear Eagle Dragway Specials. The front wheels are 4.5-inches wide and mounted to 28×4.5×15-inch Goodyear Eagle Front Runners.

The Tacoma X-Runner RTR was lowered approximately 4.5 inches from stock X-Runner height, and a custom exhaust system was fabricated to include two TRD perforated-chamber mufflers with a 3.5-inch pipe. The only body modification to the X-Runner RTR was the relocation of the exhaust outlet from behind the passenger-side rear wheel to underneath the cab to help maximize rear-suspension compression, which is common in hard launches. The brakes were left untouched from the stock Tacoma X-Runner braking system, and vehicle traction aids are still functional, including ABS, Vehicle Stability Control and traction control.

The exterior body panels of the Tacoma X-Runner remain untouched. A silver and red paint scheme applied by Five-Axis was inspired by classic low cost but ready-to-race sports cars, including the late 1960s Dan Gurney Cougar XR7-G. The number “95″ on the doors signifies the first model year the Tacoma nameplate was sold in the U.S. The Tundra i-Force engine badge was painted on the front fenders to signify the upgraded power plant and is in the same location it would be found on the current Tundra. In classic hot rod style, the hood is adorned with “504 HP” graphics signifying the SAE verified horsepower. Also on the hood, and unique to this build, is a TRD Supercharger graphic featuring a tornado, signifying the forced induction. The side rocker panels feature the X-Runner logo.

Inside, all non-essential equipment was removed to make the vehicle as light as possible, including the audio head unit, speakers, air conditioner, power windows, front fog lamps, windshield water bottle, and rear seats. The stock front seats remain but are covered with classic Toyota fabric trim found on 1980s era vehicles. Added interior features include a custom TRD steering wheel, Tundra stock accelerator and brake pedals, and a stock Tundra gated shifter with sport shift mode. A TRD designed removable roll bar was also installed.

Toyota Tacoma X-Runner RTR Features

“¢ Stock Tundra i-Force 5.7-liter V8 engine with TRD Supercharger Kit ““ produces 504 HP and 550 lb.-ft of torque
“¢ Tundra six-speed automatic transmission
“¢ TRD mechanical limited slip differential
“¢ Stock Tundra rear axle with a 4.3 ratio and 10.5-inch ring gear narrowed by 5.7 inches to Tacoma rear-track width
“¢ Custom fabricated exhaust system including two TRD perforated chamber mufflers with 3.5-inch pipe
“¢ Vehicle lowered 4.5-inches
“¢ 10-inch wide rear wheels on 30×11.5×15-inch Goodyear Eagle Dragway Specials
“¢ 4.5-inch wide front wheels with 28×4.5×15-inch Goodyear Eagle Front Runners
“¢ Stock Tacoma X-Runner braking system
“¢ Stock body panels
“¢ Stock seats with classic Toyota fabric trim
“¢ TRD-designed removable roll bar
“¢ Custom TRD steering wheel
“¢ Tundra stock accelerator and brake pedals
“¢ Stock Tundra gated shifter with sport shift mode
“¢ Five Axis Classic Silver and Red paint scheme with Toyota branded livery
“¢ TRD Supercharger Tornado body graphic

- By: Zain Haq

2011 Toyota Tacoma TRD T|X Pro Performance Package

While the production of the Toyota Tacoma pickup began last month but was celebrated on Aug. 6 at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas. The $100 million investment boosts total investment to $1.4 billion.

“The San Antonio plant has shown a great deal of resilience during the recession and is fully prepared to ramp-up Tacoma production,” said Chris Nielsen, TMMTX president. “By building Tacoma in Texas, we are able to consolidate pickup truck production in the United States under one roof, allowing us to fully utilize the plant”s capacity.”

Tacoma’s production at TMMTX was announced a year ago and adds 1,000 jobs at the plant. The plant currently employs a total of 2,800 workers and is fully positioned to ramp up Toyota”s pickup truck production for the American market.

During last year’s economic downturn, TMMTX was one of the several plants impacted by poor sales, however, the Japanese automaker kept its workforce instead of laying them off.

2011 Toyota Tacoma TRD T|X Pro Performance Package:

- By: Stephen Calogera

2011 Toyota Tacoma TRD T|X Pro Performance Package

The Toyota Tacoma is one of the very few best-selling compact pickup trucks left in the United States. To give its customers a little more Toyota is offering two new accessory packages for the 2011 model year. First shown at the 2009 Speciality Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) show, the T|X and T|X Pro packages are now available with the Off-Road Package and Toyota Racing Development accessories.

The new T|X and T|X Pro Packages are available on a limited basis and can be added to a Tacoma V6 Access Cab or V6 Double Cab on both 4×2 PreRunner and 4×4 drive types equipped with the TRD Off-Road Package. The packages make the Tacoma the most capable off-road pickup in the Japanese automaker’s lineup.

Prices for both packages start at $1,699 and come with a three-year/36,000 mile comprehensive vehicle limited warranty. Both will be available for ordering in September.

Click through for the press release and the high-res gallery.

2011 Toyota Tacoma TRD T|X Pro Performance Package:

Press Release:

2011 Tacoma Pickup Offers All-New TRD T|X and T|X Pro Performance Packages

TORRANCE, Calif., July, 29, 2010 – - The Toyota Tacoma, the best-selling compact pickup truck in America, offers two new accessory packages for 2011 based on a concept truck first shown at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) Show. The T|X and T|X Pro packages, available in conjunction with the Off-Road Package, add Toyota Racing Development (TRD) accessories in a unique combination at a special value price.

Toyota developed the Tacoma T|X concept truck to gauge consumer reaction at the 2009 SEMA Show. The concept featured unique dual custom graphic designs on each side of the truck, and an assortment of aggressive performance features inspired by traditional TRD elements that conveyed the lifestyle of Tacoma owners. The overwhelmingly positive reaction to the truck was a major inspiration for the development of the two new packages.

Available on a limited basis, the new T|X and T|X Pro Packages translate a sporty SEMA concept into a package the customer can add to a Tacoma V6 Access Cab or V6 Double Cab on both 4×2 PreRunner and 4×4 drive types equipped with the TRD Off-Road Package. The extra dose of performance makes it the most capable off-road Tacoma in the Toyota lineup.

The T|X Package gives the Tacoma a sporty and even semi-menacing look with TRD 16-inch black alloy bead-lock wheels and 265/70R16 BF Goodrich Rugged Trail tires. Black tube side steps, a stainless steel exhaust tip and unique exterior graphics give the T|X the look of a custom truck, but at a special value. The MSRP of the T|X Package is $1,699, a savings of $754 compared to the package items ordered as separate options.

The T|X Pro Package is a performance-driven package with a TRD cat-back performance exhaust system to give the V6 a throatier sound and a bit more power. Also priced at an MSRP of $1,699, the T|X Pro Package represents a savings of $720 versus the package contents added as separate accessories. Both T|X and T|X Pro packages deliver a superior value to aftermarket accessories, especially considering that they are covered under the three-year/36,000 mile comprehensive vehicle limited warranty.

The TRD Off-Road Package underlying both T|X editions provides a carefully tuned balance of off-road performance and on-road handling. Chassis modifications include an electronic locking rear differential, progressive-rate front springs, specially tuned Bilstein shock absorbers, a 28-mm front stabilizer bar and B.F. Goodrich Rugged Trail tires. Fog lamps top off the package for a tough, sporty appearance. Added features on the TRD Off-Road Package include a 400W/115V powerpoint in the bed, sport seats with adjustable lumbar support and unique fabric, plus an overhead console with a compass and outside temperature display.

Ordering for the 2011 Tacoma T|X Pro Package will begin in July and the T|X Package will launch two months later in September.

- By: Omar Rana

By now, we’ve lost count of how many vehicles Toyota has recalled (it’s somewhere north of 8.1 million vehicles). According to a Toyota spokesman, the Japanese automaker is also voluntarily recalling approximately 8,000 four-wheel-drive Tacoma pickups to fix a problem in the front propeller shaft.

Toyota says that a crack can develop in the rear joint of the Tacoma leading to the driveshaft separating and falling away from the truck.

The issue was discovered by Dana Corporation during the manufacturing process of the front prop shaft.

The recall affects Tacoma models that were produced from mid-December 2009 to early Feb. 2010.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: PickupTrucks.com

Toyota plans to to add 850 workers when they institute a second shift at their San Antonio, Texas pickup factory in February, according to company manufacturing spokesman, Mike Goss.

The move is to make San Antonio able to handle the influx of volume that it will be receiving by way of Toyota moving production of the Tacoma from California to the plant, reports Automotive News. The Tacoma will be relocated because the plant where it is currently produced – NUMI – will be closing.

The plant, which had previously produced the Toyota Tundra exclusively, had to cut the second shift after a disappointing 2008 wither regards to Tundra sales. The plant was built in 2006 with the intention of producing 200,000 Tundras annually. With the new merger, the plant should be putting out about 150,000 units annually – still under capacity.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Toyota has announced the pricing details for its 2010 lineup including the new 2010 Avalon, Yaris, RAV4, Highlander, Tacoma and the FJ Cruiser.

For 2010, The Toyota FJ Cruiser gets several upgrades including dual VVT-i and roller rocker arms on the 4.0-liter V6, that adds 19-hp and a 1 mpg. The 2010 FJ Cruiser also gets some minor suspension upgrades and a new Army Green exterior color option. Pricing starts at $23,680 for the 2WD automatic to $25,270 for the 4WD automatic, an increase of $360.

2010 Toyota RAV4: $21,500 for the 2WD 4-cylinder – $27,810 for the 4WD Limited V6.
2010 Toyota Highlander: $25,705 for the 4-cylinder 2WD – $41,020 for the Limited 4WD hybrid.
2010 Toyota Avalon: $27,945 for the XL – $35,285 for the Limited
2010 Toyota Tacoma: $15,170 for the Regular Cab with a 5-speed manual – $27,075 for the V6 4×4 Double Cab Long Bed with a 5-speed automatic.
2010 Toyota Yaris: $12,355 for the 3-door model with manual – $13,915 for the 4-door sedan with an automatic.

Click through for the press release.

Press Release:

Toyota Announces Pricing on 2010 Avalon, Yaris, Highlander, FJ Cruiser, RAV4, and Tacoma

TORRANCE, Calif., July 30, 2009 — Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2010 Avalon full-size sedan, Yaris subcompact, FJ Cruiser off-road sport utility vehicle (SUV), Highlander mid-size SUV, RAV4 compact SUV, and the Tacoma pickup truck. The 2010 models will begin arriving at dealerships in August, with the exception of Highlander (September).

The 2010 FJ Cruiser, the most capable off-road SUV in the Toyota line-up, will feature several upgrades, including dual VVT-i and roller rocker arms on the 4.0-liter V6, which add 19 horsepower and a one mpg increase. Minor suspension changes reduce the turning radius by more than a foot, and a new Army Green exterior color is offered. The base MSRP for FJ Cruiser will range from $23,680 for the 2WD automatic to $25,270 for the 4WD automatic, an increase of $360, or 1.4 to 1.5 percent.

The RAV4, the first ever car-based SUV originally introduced in 1996, receives minor styling enhancements for 2010, including chrome-accented interior appointments on the limited model. The MSRP remains unchanged for 2010 RAV4. RAV4 models will carry a base MSRP that ranges from $21,500 for the base model 2WD four-cylinder to $27,810 for the 4WD Limited V6.

The 2010 Highlander gas model, which will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) beginning in October, will have an available backup monitor on the multi-informational display for the Base grade V6, and a power tilt/slide moonroof for the Base grade four-cylinder. Highlander Hybrid carries over unchanged for 2010. The MSRP for the 2010 Highlander gas and hybrid models remains unchanged except for the Highlander Sport, which adds a stainless-steel exhaust tip and will increase $50. The base MSRP for the 2010 Highlander ranges from $25,705 for the base four-cylinder 2WD to $41,020 for the Limited 4WD hybrid model.

Avalon, Toyota’s flagship passenger car since 1995, continues to set the standard for performance, luxury, and value in its class. For 2010, Avalon adds rear-passenger auto up/down windows and one new exterior color, Sandy Beach Metallic. The base MSRP for the 2010 Avalon ranges from $27,945 for the XL to $35,285 for the Limited, an increase of $100, or 0.3 to 0.4 percent.

Tacoma, the best-selling compact pickup truck in the U.S., will carry over unchanged except for an enhancement to the front cup-holder functionality, and it will not receive a price increase for the 2010 model year. Tacoma’s base MSRP ranges from $15,170 for the Regular Cab with a five-speed manual transmission to $27,075 for the V6 4×4 Double Cab Long Bed with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Yaris will receive standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) in 2010, equipping all Yaris models with Toyota’s Star Safety System^TM that also includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electric Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Yaris is the only vehicle in its segment to offer this set of safety features as standard equipment. With all of these enhancements, Yaris base MSRP will increase only $150 and will range from $12,355 for the three-door model with manual transmission, to $13,915 for the four-door sedan with an automatic transmission, an increase of 1.1-1.2 percent.

Base MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $750 for passenger cars and $800 for light trucks. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

- By: Stephen Calogera