LAS VEGAS (Oct. 31, 2023) – For enthusiasts who remember the golden era of street trucks, Toyota has ignited a spark of nostalgia and excitement. At the 2023 SEMA Show, amidst a sea of rugged off-road builds, Toyota unveiled the Tacoma X-Runner Concept, a modern reimagining of the iconic sport truck. This concept isn’t just a throwback; it’s a bold statement showcasing the versatility of the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma platform and a potential revival of the street truck scene.
The genesis of the Tacoma X-Runner Concept emerged from a collaborative brainstorming session between Toyota’s Engineering teams at Toyota R&D and the design experts at Calty Design Studio. Adam Rabinowitz, chief designer at Calty Design Research, Inc., explained the team’s curiosity: “There were lots of street trucks in the early 2000s and they all faded… this was a curiosity check to see if there is any market for street trucks at all.” This concept serves as both a market gauge and a powerful demonstration of the 2024 Tacoma’s capabilities beyond off-road adventures.
Fueled by the overwhelming positive reception of the new 2024 Tacoma, Toyota’s teams were eager to explore the diverse possibilities offered by the new TGNA-F product platform. Sheldon Brown, chief engineer at Toyota Motor North America, emphasized the platform’s flexibility: “The TGNA-F platform allows us to efficiently build something this cool in a fraction of the development time it would normally take.” The Tacoma X-Runner Concept embodies this efficiency and innovation, proving that Toyota can quickly adapt and create exciting vehicles that resonate with different segments of the market.
Under the hood, the X-Runner Concept packs a serious punch. It boasts a modified i-FORCE 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, unleashing a formidable 421 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This power is channeled to the rear wheels through a Tundra solid axle with a 4.30:1 final drive and an electronic locking differential. A custom side exhaust system further accentuates the concept’s performance-oriented nature, exiting just below the rocker panel. Notably, the engine modification featured in the Tacoma X-Runner Concept is slated for future availability as a TRD Performance Package upgrade, starting with new Tundra models.
To handle the increased power and performance demands, the chassis of the Tacoma X-Runner Concept has undergone significant enhancements. The overall track width has been widened by over 3 inches, and the frame has been strengthened to ensure structural rigidity. Stylistically, the design team remained true to the Tacoma’s core DNA, incorporating interlocking shapes and fluid forms that define its “chiseled liquid” aesthetic. The concept’s aggressive front fascia is further enhanced by Tacoma XB LED Projector headlights featuring unique “X-Runner” laser ablation lenses. Custom aero-fairings with functional venting are integrated into the front and side bodywork, effectively cooling the massive 13.9-inch Tundra front brakes and providing enhanced heat capacity. A functional hood scoop serves a performance purpose, channeling cool air into the engine bay. At the rear, smoked taillights provide a subtle yet impactful finishing touch to the Tacoma X-Runner‘s purposeful design.
Achieving the perfect street truck stance was crucial for the Tacoma X-Runner Concept. Toyota engineers utilized a Tundra air-suspension system to achieve the lowest possible ride height while maintaining load-carrying capability. The front suspension was modified with lengthened upper and lower arms to match the Tundra’s suspension geometry, and the lower arm was specifically customized for the vehicle’s slammed profile. Similar modifications were applied to the rear, increasing the upper and lower arm lengths to integrate with the Tundra rear axle housing, axle shafts, and bearings, ensuring consistent width and strength front to rear. To sharpen the Tacoma’s already impressive on-road dynamics, stiffer springs and custom-valved, 2.5-inch Bilstein® aluminum bodied shocks with remote reservoirs were implemented at each corner, maximizing power delivery to the road. Completing the aggressive stance are one-off, 21×9.5-inch carbon fiber wheels from Lacks Enterprises® with forged aluminum centers, wrapped in Michelin 285/45R21 Sport Tires, filling the wheel wells perfectly.
The exterior color palette of the Tacoma X-Runner Concept pays homage to its predecessor. Most of the body is finished in the iconic Speedway Blue, the same distinctive hue that debuted with the original X-Runner at the 2004 Chicago Auto Show. A matte black finish on the hood, A-pillars, and roof draws inspiration from the TRD Pro style guide, while vibrant red accents highlighting the hood lines, scoop, and wheel hubs signal the concept’s high-performance street machine identity.
Inside the X-Runner Concept, the Tacoma’s familiar interior ambiance is preserved while seamlessly integrating performance-oriented enhancements. Paddle shifters and custom X-Runner accents elevate the driving experience, reinforcing the concept’s sporty character.
Mike Tripp, group vice president of Toyota Marketing, encapsulates the essence of the Tacoma X-Runner Concept: “There is a Tacoma for everyone… This new X-Runner concept really shows that TRD is about performance, about going fast… It shows the range of the platform and what we could do if we took the Tacoma beyond off-road and everyday capabilities, slammed it, and gave it a little street cred.” The Toyota Tacoma X-Runner Concept at SEMA is more than just a show vehicle; it’s an exploration of possibilities, a nod to the street truck heritage, and a hint at the exciting performance potential within the new Tacoma platform. It invites enthusiasts to dream and Toyota to consider, could the Tacoma X-Runner make a triumphant return?
Vehicles shown are special project prototype vehicles, modified with parts and/or accessories not available from Toyota that may void the vehicle’s warranty, may negatively impact vehicle performance and safety, and may not be street legal.
