2016 Toyota Tacoma reuses 2005-2015 cab design?

FYSA, based on some dealer source data posted by user "7GR" in another thread, the new taco engine will be a new code, 7GR-? (Maybe shared with new Lexus RX350)...not the IS350's 2GR-FSE.

 

If they did indeed recycle the old suspension setup and stuff it into the new 2.5 gen i'm going to chime into a or this thread where it is being discussed and be the one to say I told you so.

 

Why should the suspension be changed? It's the same basic size and weight, minus a tiny amount due to the frame being slightly lighter. There was nothing wrong with the suspension except for the leaf springs which are weak for a comortable ride on and offroad when not towing.

As far as the seat belt bracket, I think he was referring to the interior, which IS totally redesigned. The exterior didn't need any redesigning. They kept it modern, everything looks great to me except that grille.

 

Even if he was only referring to the the interior, the steering wheel carries over from current model. Just makes his statement iffy, with obvious things that look carried over.

 

The real question is, why shouldnt the suspension be changed? I don't mean so much the shocks (then again their dimensions coincide with the size of the supporting harware along it) but I meant more of the control arms maybe the rear end too. Make it better. Get some more travel capability out of it, get taller shocks to accomodate for the new revisions. The stock configuration does leave some to be desired by the wheeling crowd. A lot of people do after all buy these and modify them anyways so why not tailor the suspension to be new and improved and appeal a little more to the offroad crowd?

Eh. The appearance grows on you some. I still think some badass front bumper options will really set this thing off once they are available. Not to mention some new rims and tires as well.

 

I looked up the quote and actually that was a statement about the redesign in general, not even the interior. You're right about the steering wheel. Definitely a shady claim about saying nothing is the same...

In stock form, nothing is wrong with the control arms, and how could you make the rear better? Altering the travel would be like putting rear bilsteins for 2"-4" of lift on a stock ride, wouldn't it? I think travel is determined by certain factors. If it were a simple and worthwhile change I think we would have seen it before now.

The truck performs really well offroad in stock form. No it isn't a long travel setup but long travel users aren't the target demographic.

Why would Toyota later the suspension to appeal to a crowd that is going to modify the suspension?

I think the way it is designed fits 99% of Tacoma drivers' needs. It's hard for us to think that way because TW has over 100,000 members but we must realize there are over 2 million Tacomas on the road, mostly unmodified.

 

Hard to argue with that thought process. I am not looking for a long travel myself but I still enjoy getting the most out of my MT. With that being said they could easily give it a a small lift 1.5 or 2" and give it the kind of travel that the MT crowd spends thousands pursuing and leaving room for extra growth if desired. If implemented on a mass scale production it would not cost that much from the getgo. Of course I realize that that would involve some changing of geometry but since you have a new truck on the drawing board up for redesign why not just shoot for it already? I'm not getting at huge changes here. I'm getting at tweaks and small redesigns that could easily be done. Hell even run something beefier like the Bilstein 6112's.

 

Look again... Pretty similar...

 

The 3rd gen is as new a truck as the new f-150 is. A lot of design is carried over but almost no interchangeable parts. The frame and body of the 3rd gen, while extremely similar, are made from a higher strength, lighter steel. Many people are also claiming the suspension is the same, but Mike has been on record saying the new stock suspension has more travel.

 

When you stand next to one, not much is different except cosmetics. Suspension is pretty the same down to stupid spindle too close to the tire.
Looking at the front of the frame almost everything is bolted the same way. I bet you somebody can take whole front clip of 2016 and bolt on to 2015 with out issue.
Rear is exact copy of 2015. I did nto see anything different there at all.
So minus cosmetics and v6 drive train. The rest is pretty much 2 gen truck.

 

3rd gen tacoma looks completely different than the 1st gen...

 

Wow, look what I started.

 

Yes, it's on Wikipedia now: https://www.toyotaasg.com/data/publications/901/MY 2016 Model Reference 4-23-15 Field Copy.pdf Note new number doesn't indicate significant change. For example, Toyota gave the 4.0L V6 with dual-VVTi a "6GR-FE" designation for use in Asian mini-buses, even though it's largely the same as the engine in 2010+ FJ, 4Runner, and Tundra. (Photo of the 6GR-FE here: http://www.bjjsfd.com/_c_oeAx9GK1DC...hiBnQM08SSEtalERhqq29s5599GLACdbTqQiD6Mo4.png)

 

Okay..., but for what it's worth there are more differences than merely a model number: the 2GR-FSE and pics of the 7GR look definitely different. Also, the redline on the 7GR is ~400RPM lower and the toyota PR rep during the initial release fanfare called it a "truck line" engine during an interview. Not saying you're wrong (I have no actual proof or anything)..and I am *not* dismissing your point...but I personally see more evidence for "not camry engine" vs "camry engine in taco" at this point.

Anyhow, I have not seen any evidence other than pure speculation and the number "3.5L" pointing to the 2GR, while there are actually several points that indicate the Tacoma engine is something else. No big deal if we disagree, but I thought I would speak up since this 2GR thing seemed to come from nowhere and lives on without supporting evidence. (Full disclosure: I was betting it was a 2GR variant awhile back)

...and now I am getting us off topic of cab shiz. my bad.

 

You didn't start anything. It's just another thread about a big debate since the 1st pics have been released.

 

They kept what works...aside from the grill its still a great looking truck.

 

Change your damn sig pic, I can't concentrate on what I'm trying to read!!!

 

Hard to say one way or the other, besides the oil cap being relocated. So far all the photos of the 7GR I've seen are installed in the truck with the large plastic cover blocking the view. If you have photos of the 7GR on a stand, I would like to see. For comparison this is a 2GR-FSE with the large plastic cover removed: http://blogs.youwheel.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Lexus_2GR-FSE.jpg

 

Reusing 2gen components is not an issue, if you call this Gen 2.5 Tacoma, Since Toyota eng. commented that the only thing from previous truck is a seat belt buckle, a lot of people immediately realized that's a big fat lie.

 

I'm aghast. No access cab, off-road, V6 MT !