In the past, 2WD street trucks, known as “sport” trucks, were a common sight on our roads. These vehicles, customized for speed and agility by passionate enthusiasts, prioritized rapid acceleration between traffic lights over off-road adventures.

However, at the 2023 SEMA Show, a brainstorming session between Toyota’s engineering teams and the Calty Design Studio in Michigan gave birth to a fresh idea – a modernized X-Runner Concept based on the 2024 Toyota Tacoma.

Adam Rabinowitz, chief designer at Toyota’s Calty Design Research, Inc., explained their motivation. They wanted to explore whether there was still a market for street trucks, given the current trend favoring tough, rugged, and lifted vehicles.

But this project wasn’t just about market research. It was a chance to showcase Toyota’s new TGNA-F product platform, made possible by the positive response to the 2024 Tacoma’s launch.

Under the X-Runner Concept’s hood lies a modified i-FORCE 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6, packing 421 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Power flows to the rear wheels through a Tundra solid axle with an electronic locking differential. This engine upgrade will be available next year for new Tundra models through the TRD Performance Package.

The X-Runner Concept’s design maintains the Tacoma’s signature features, with an aggressive front fascia, custom aero-fairings, and functional venting for cooling. The vehicle’s street stance is achieved through a Tundra air-suspension, and the chassis enhancements include stiffened springs and custom-valved shocks.

The X-Runner Concept’s body retains the original Speedway Blue color, with matte black accents inspired by the TRD Pro style guide. Red highlights emphasize its high-performance character.

Inside, the X-Runner maintains a Tacoma feel while featuring paddle shifters and custom X-Runner accents.

Mike Tripp, group vice president of Toyota Marketing, summed it up, “The 2024 Tacoma lineup offers something for everyone, with eight different grades to choose from. This new X-Runner concept truly exemplifies TRD’s commitment to performance and speed.”

Toyota’s showcase at the Las Vegas Convention Center from October 31 to November 3, 2023, demonstrates their dedication to delivering thrilling performance on all terrains.

#ToyotaXRunnerConcept
#2024ToyotaTacoma
#SEMA2023
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