You wouldn’t generally call a Toyota Tacoma a hot rod, but this might qualify.
If you’ve been following Toyota’s two latest reveals, you knew what the automaker planned on bringing to SEMA. Not only do we get a couple (classic) Land Cruiser builds, but we also get a couple takes on the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. The most interesting of the pickup builds is a new X-Runner concept, built by Calty’s exterior chief designer Adam Rabinowitz and his team.
“At one time, 2WD street or “sport” trucks make their presence known everywhere,” starts Toyota’s conceit for this build. To that end, we get a lowered and tuned truck that looks right at home on the SoCal streets. What really makes this truck special isn’t just the aesthetic bits, though those obviously complete the package: It’s what makes this particular Tacoma go. Hint: It’s something you won’t be able to buy (at least not from Toyota directly) for your new Tacoma.
Under the hood, the X-Runner packs a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine from the larger Tundra, rather than the puny 2.4-liter four-pot you get in the standard truck. Thanks to the extra forced induction and a couple more cylinders, this rear-wheel-drive truck, remember, puts out 421 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. In other words, more than a Ford Ranger Raptor.
Beyond the beefier motor, the Tacoma X-Runner concept also gets a customized 4.30 rear axle assembly, side exit exhaust, the same TRD Performance Package that will be available for the Tundra next spring and custom suspension arms with the Tundra’s geometry (makes sense, given the powertrain) and 2.5-inch Bilstein aluminum dampers. The X-Runner also borrows the Tundra’s larger brakes (13.9-inch rotors up front and 13.6-inch rotors in the back with four- and two-piston calipers, respectively).
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to spec out your Tacoma in such a manner, but it is cool to see that you can basically cram a Tundra’s running gear into the Tacoma. If you have the means…
