Toyota Unveils Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series
Limited Edition Pickup at 2011 Texas State Fair
DALLAS - Toyota, the U.S. sales leader in
compact pickups, introduced a pre-production Tacoma Toyota Racing
Development (TRD) T|X (Tacoma Extreme) limited edition pickup truck here
today at the 2011 Texas State Fair. Inspired by Toyota’s Baja racing
heritage, the truck reveals bold graphics with its concept name “Baja
Series.” The truck elevates the capability of Tacoma’s TRD Off-Road
pickup to a new level of fun and function.
All Tacoma T|X Baja Series models will be
built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX) in San
Antonio and are scheduled for launch in late spring 2012.
“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.”
Toyota has a rich Baja racing truck
heritage that dates back nearly three decades and includes numerous
titles at the legendary Baja 500 and 1000. Toyota’s desert racing
program has inspired the development of numerous TRD off-road focused
products and packages over the years including the Tacoma PreRunner and
TRD Off-Road packages for both Tacoma and Tundra. Last year, Tacoma’s
Off-Road Package was enhanced with the launch of the TRD T|X and T|X Pro
packages. TRD now takes Tacoma off-roading to the next level with the
development of the T|X Baja Series.
The T|X Baja Series is currently
undergoing final testing for application on both the Tacoma Access and
Double Cab 4x4 models equipped with the TRD Off-Road Package. Expansion
to include PreRunner models is also being considered. The Tacoma T|X
Baja Series is equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine with either six-speed
manual and five-speed automatic transmissions. In addition to an
electronically-controlled locking rear differential, Active Traction
Control (A-TRAC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist
Control (DAC) currently equipped on the TRD Off-Road package, the
limited edition T|X Baja Series adds BF Goodrich T/A KO tires
(LT265/70R16) and bead-lock style off-road wheels with an exclusive
Gun-Metal Gray finish, TRD Cat-back Exhaust, increased front ride height
of nearly two inches and unique Baja Series graphics.
The front suspension has been upgraded to
include Ø60mm piston Bilstein race shocks with TRD coil springs that
feature a protective zinc plated body and a one inch increase in wheel
travel. The rear suspension is equipped with Ø50mm piston Bilstein race
shocks with a remote reservoir to increase shock oil capacity for
greater heat dissipation and damping sensitivity. The rear shocks also
include a zinc plated body and a 1.5-inch increase in wheel travel.
The T|X Baja Series will be part of a 2012
Tacoma line that is updated with a restyled front end and a refreshed
interior in all models. Exterior changes include a redesigned hood,
grille, headlamps and front bumper, among other changes. Inside, Tacoma
has a new center-instrument panel design with a revised gauge cluster,
along with a new steering wheel. A redesigned center stack adds new air
conditioner/heater controls and power point locations.
The 2012 Tacoma interior also gets a new
look with a black high-contrast center console, switch plate covers,
dash and upper door trim, while the SR5 grade features a new seat fabric
design. Tacoma offers new heavy-duty all-weather flooring option for
2012 on Tacoma Access and Double Cab models equipped with a V6 engine.
The more specialized TRD Sport and Off-Road packages also feature new
water-resistant fabric protection seats.
