Toyota launches Tacoma TRD T|X Baja series

The compact and mid-size truck market in the United States is uncompetitive; most people would agree that small trucks are already in the back seat of full-size trucks. It's mainly about volume-the full-size truck is where it is. As a result, the market segment is pretty stagnant-Ford is discontinuing the old Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado (and GMC Canyon) have no updates, and the same is true for Dodge Dakota. Toyota Tacoma is the best-selling and freshest truck in this segment. Today, Toyota released a pre-production performance version in Texas. Is there a better place to release new trucks than Texas? It is almost the home of trucks, which is why Toyota produces trucks at its San Antonio plant. Although Tacoma is not a real competitor of Raptor, you must thank Ford for reawakening people's interest in high-performance trucks with that truck.

This more extreme Tacoma has been developed by the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) division, and it is dubbed the Tacoma T|X (Tacoma Extreme) Baja Series. Toyota is currently planning on offering the Baja Series line on the Tacoma Access and Double Cab 4×4 models equipped with the TRD Off-Road Package. The changes are all off-road focused – The front suspension has been upgraded with 60 mm piston Bilstein race shocks and a one inch increase in wheel travel. Other upgrades beneath the skin include a TRD cat-back exhaust and TRD coil springs with a protective zinc-plated body front and rear. The rear suspension has new 50 mm piston Bilstein race shocks that include a remote reservoir to increase shock oil capacity. Rear wheel travel is increased by 1.5 inches.

Ride height has been increased by two inches, and the Tacoma Baja Series features Gun-Metal gray bead-lock style wheels with BF Goodrich T/A KO tires. Exterior changes are mainly limited to Baja Series graphics.

Power comes from Tacoma’s 4.0-liter V-6, which matches your choice of five-speed automatic or six-speed manual. The Baja series builds on some of the other features of the existing TRD off-road kit, including Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Uphill Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Assist Control (DAC), and electronically controlled rear differential. The kit will be available on the 2012 Tacoma, which has recently adopted a new front panel, headlights, bumpers, hood and grille, as well as updated interiors. The Tacoma T|X Baja series will be available next spring.