An open letter to Toyota truck dept

Dear Toyota truck guys,
I am the proud owner of a 2018 Tacoma Sport and the nomenclature of this truck got me really thinking that you are missing a real opportunity to serve a demographic. What if you came out with a real "sports truck"? I think there are a ton of people that would buy this truck that is set up from the factory, ready for twists and turns and a true neck snapping acceleration. A truck that sits lower w special wheels and tires and suspension that allows all the zigging and zagging of a sports truck. Imagine this truck offering with a supercharger as standard and the low body lines built for all of us that spend most of our time on pavement and want a truck for all of its utility as well as making it super fun to drive. Yes we might not be able to take it rock crawling but why not serve those of us that have a penchant for the speed and handling of a sports car and yet can still carry the occasional large object in the back. I am by no means asking to get rid of the Tacoma line, at all. I am only asking to perhaps add to it and see if it doesn't bring more people onto the lot. I know this might not happen but what if somebody at Toyota read this and said hmmmm? The idea would be a vehicle that would redefine the truck experience and hopefully it wouldn't come out as a watered down offering but a true "get your affairs in order" sport truck that plants you in your seat and forces a smile on your face from the pure G's you pull as you bury the pedal deep into the floorboard. Just a million dollar idea for free.......your welcome.

 

They did it before(xrunner) they didn't sell

 

END THREAD/

 

Example : Ridgeline

 

Yup, the XRunner looked fun. But you could do that with any 2 wheel drive truck.

 

"Mr Toyota! We just got this urgent message from some guy .it will solve all of our problems!"

M. Toyota: "you're fired"

 

Not much of a market for a car truck

 

Probably the reason why the Ford Lightning, Ram SRT10 and Chevy SS pickups didn't last long.


No one bought them.

 

Looks like you want a sport car, go buy an STI and call it a day.

 

https://youtu.be/JLAr7U57Y0w

 

Sounds like you wasted your money on a new 2018 when you should’ve bought a used x-runner.

 

I was thinking about buying an X-Runner and put a 700hp 2jz but at the same time I was desprate to get something realiable now so I got a 3rd gen taco

 

Ha... I was thinking about putting 500hp in my 2wd 2015 Prerunner

but my wife decided I should trade it in on a ‘17 sport 278hp 4wd.

Oh well off to blow more money in marketplace.
I had my Toyota truck tire smoking machine.
2.4lt carb 4cyl with 4 speed manual
The 1989 4x2

 

I got a 6 speed manual TRD OR V6. I’m first and foremost a sports car guy, but I need something to tow my sports cars, drive everyday, and do some field work too.
I have an X-runner rear sway bar, and a thicker front sway bar. The truck handles so much better it’s unbelievable. I enjoy every second of driving it.
It’s a practical sports truck set up like I have it. It has the good TRD OR shocks, and much less body roll. It wouldn’t a good idea to put sportier tires on mine since I do tow and drive on dirt a good bit. But if you did lower the truck an inch and put on some lower profile tires I think you’d be pleasantly surprised (you can buy lowering kits btw).

 

Slam an upgraded motor into the xrunner. I'd buy that fucker

 

I think you would sell about seven of that model Tacomas total.

 

Someone should put the Tundra 5.7 power plant into a track ready Tacoma and show up at Toyota headquarters to take the reasearch and developmet team on a field trip! I think Dodge had a huge success with the Dakota 5.9L trucks a while back...

 

X runner

they tried, market said no, they closed shop

Same reason why no other manufacturer has tried the same thing in recent times. There was a while where every manufacturer had their own sports truck but they just didn't sell well. Even the Dodge Ram "Viper" with it's bed spoiler only lasted two years before they realized it was a waste of R&D/manufacturing.

If you want to go fast, get a sports car.
If you want to haul stuff/off road, get a truck.
If you want both, it's probably because you can afford it and can buy a sports car and a truck. (if on a budget, get a truck and a cheap sports bike)