The Toyota Tacoma X-Runner Concept Premieres at SEMA

Toyota has decidedly moved away from the beaten path with their latest offering, choosing the 2023 SEMA Show to introduce the Tacoma X-Runner Concept. With the buzz still fresh around the newly launched 2024 Tacoma, Toyota’s Calty Design Studio and engineering teams decided to venture into relatively uncharted territory. The goal was clear: explore the untapped potential of street trucks in an era dominated by rugged, off-road behemoths.

Sheldon Brown, Chief Engineer at Toyota Motor North America, described the X-Runner as a perfect project for anyone passionate about the automotive industry. According to Brown, the TGNA-F platform’s flexibility drastically cuts down on development time, allowing for more ambitious endeavors like this concept truck.

The Power Under the Hood and Engineering Marvels

What sets the X-Runner apart is its robust i-FORCE 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which cranks out 421 horsepower and a peak torque of 479 lb-ft. This power is smoothly transmitted to the rear wheels through a Tundra solid axle that features a 4.30:1 final drive and an electronic locking differential. Fans of the Tundra will be pleased to hear that this high-performance engine modification will also be available as part of a TRD Performance Package in upcoming models.

But Toyota didn’t stop with engine enhancements. The Tacoma X-Runner Concept also has a widened track—by just over 3 inches—alongside a strengthened frame. This is accompanied by a Tundra-sourced air-suspension system to ensure a lowered yet stable ride height. The vehicle’s front and rear arm lengths have been increased to mesh with Tundra’s existing axle housing, axle shafts, and bearings. Furthermore, custom-valved 2.5-inch Bilstein aluminum-bodied shocks with remote reservoirs adorn each corner, ensuring optimized performance.

Aesthetic Details: More than Just a Pretty Face

In terms of aesthetics, the X-Runner is a feast for the eyes. With its front fascia sporting Tacoma XB LED Projector headlights and specialized "X-Runner" lenses, the truck makes a statement from the get-go. The color scheme harks back to its predecessor, the original X-Runner, by predominantly featuring the Speedway Blue paint. However, matte black and red accents add a contemporary touch, signaling its high-performance nature.

Inside, the X-Runner ensures a seamless blend of Tacoma familiarity and a reimagined, performance-oriented aesthetic. The inclusion of paddle shifters and custom X-Runner accents only add to the interior’s allure.

As Mike Tripp, Group Vice President of Toyota Marketing, succinctly puts it, the X-Runner Concept demonstrates the expansive range of the Tacoma platform, far beyond off-road terrains. It hints at a future where street trucks could once again capture the automotive imagination.