Monday, January 12, 2015
Toyota Unveils All-New Tacoma Mid-Size Pickup at NAIAS 2015
DETROIT – Toyota wasted no time in unveiling its all-new 2016 Tacoma mid-size pickup truck, another world premiere at the 2015 North American International Auto Show.
The vehicle, which will find its way into showrooms this fall, will include offerings of either a four-cylinder or new Atkinson cycle V6 engine.
Toyota engineers began with the frame of the new truck, adding high-strength steel to increase rigidity and overall strength and integrating the body shell with that same material, thanks to a new hot stamping process that the company says reduces weight.
The 3.5L V6 is equipped with Toyota's D-4S technology that features both direct and port fuel injection. That powerplant can be paired with a new six-speed manual or new six-speed automatic transmission.
Mileage estimates are not yet available but Toyota said the new vehicle will be the most powerful and fuel-efficient Tacoma it has produced.
"The new Tacoma is all about recreational action and athletic ability," said Bill Fay, Toyota's group vice president and general manager.
“The front end is all about attitude," added Fay. "A new aggressive hex shape upper grill and definitive skid plate design connects together with a clamp-shaped bumper."
There is a locking tailgate and an available lockable, tri-fold hard tonneau cover, the first for the Tacoma.
Toyota also said the new Tacoma emphasizes a sharp, sport truck image that reflects the off-road Baja feel the company is after with the badge.
Premium features for the vehicle include Qi wireless charging, smart key with push-button start, power moonroof and a blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert.
The vehicle will come in five grades, including an entry-level, the S45, Limited and two TRD models, the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road.
Toyota's Fay said some 40 percent of Tacoma buyers fall into one of the TRD grades.
Off-road features of the new Tacoma include the ability to select from five different types of terrain, such as loose rock or mud and sand, with the input regulating wheel spin by adjusting throttle and brake pressure.
By selecting "Crawl Control" and choosing a speed of 1 to 5 miles per hour, the driver need only focus on steering to make it through almost any terrain.
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