4th Gen Tacoma (2024+)

big month for the midsize trucks... new Ranger and Ranger Raptor out next week

https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a43806712/ford-ranger-raptor-debut-date/

 

https://www.reddit.com/r/ToyotaTaco..._new_tacoma_photo_on_toyotas/?utm_name=ioscss

 

SR, definitely SR.

 

Like the side mirrors?

 

What are the two dimples on the roof either side of the antenna? Chase lights?

 

I didn't get a chance to apologize regarding the May 16th date and the claim I made very strongly, that the Tacoma would lose the manual transmission if it didn't carryover the V6, because I believed so strongly, that the torque capacity of the Aisin RC62F like Getrag MTI550 7-Speed Manual Bronco would have reliability issues with the greater torque of the 2.4T engine and they wouldn't spend the money to develop a manual only for the Tacoma. I think the 2.4T is going to be used in other Toyota models unlike the 2GR-FKS, so Toyota is willing to spread the costs around on several TNGA-F vehicles. 2024 Land Cruiser and 2025 4Runner come to mind with that...

As for the date, Toyota chose the 19th I guess because it's closer in proximity to the HQ event and they are a sponsor of the Overland Expo Event.

Also: A Toyota worker claims that during an argument, the date of November 1st Job 1 is correct and no longer December 1st. I've seen this date for some 5-6 months and it's correct. Production begins in November and you will see some by Christmas for sure.

I really need someone to look into this, because I've tried different combinations and none of them work. Sometimes, they do and it shocks you.

Haha, I don't know how after 17 months, anyone should be missing that. In another color, sure. It's virtually dead on to the BEV truck, our first clue Toyota was considering a two tone paint job LOL.

The two-tone treatment happened with the C-HR, 2018 Camry and 2019 Toyota Corolla. Toyota is doing the black roof only, to attract a more youthful and outgoing consumer base. The XSE and TRD have probably lowered the average age of Camry buyers for once. Next gen packs 340-50 hp with AWD possibly on performance model (based on prototype testing comments).

LOL, you caught too. That's one of the few differences from that "concept", which I imagine got changed during aero tests probably in 2022. Even though the design was locked down 2 years ago, details like that in plastic still change.

I work as a design release engineer, where a designer's proposal is made into production feasibility via ensuring parts can be designed at reasonable cost, to be manufactured on an assembly line and meet standards.

Something like that, can be changed after locking the final sheet metal down. I'd reckon for the Tacoma, they reached that point probably last summer. Where all trim levels are well identified inside-out and it's matter of final evaluation testing work on them. Design approval in 2020, main design freeze in 2021, and approval of all surfaces at 100% in summer of 2022 (ahead of final eval testing).

The 4Runner teaser campaign is expected to begin this fall, ahead of being revealed next February (suggested). They won't budge on reveal date, but it just means you'll be waiting much longer. Camry and Land Cruiser, should be autumn 2023 reveals before the 4Runner. Then I'm guessing after that, RAV4.

Toyota has done their very best to push the 920B Tacoma as far back as possible throughout many delays over the years. It was once 2023MY. Even though they moved production start forward by 1 month recently, I don't think most of the public will get ahold of these early units in most cases, especially this forum very opposed to paying ADMs.

According to a Tier 1 engineer who has Toyota as a frequent client and has test driven the 2025 4Runner and 2025 Camry, this teaser was just an excuse to have a showing against BEV criticisms and likely reward faithful Toyota buyers with an early look at their next generation, without direct confirmation. I've been told, it was one of few vehicles that could be moved via its own power. A golf cart engine, likely also remote controlled when needed.

The BEV Tacoma was never in the cards for 2024-26, but Tundra yes. They needed an excuse to show the next generation truck, so call it a "future BEV" and not a Tacoma, no one will be the wiser. Except, anyone with decent knowledge called their bluff. I've heard 2027-28, when this is midcycle. Tundra is more priority on that apparently.

It's also because that the Tundra basically took the successful 3rd generation design language and upsized it with more aggressive details to get garner new buyers.

The corporate mantra is, when you aren't doing well, you try something new, borrowing from what works. When you are doing well, you fix what needs to be fixed to retain your standing, while not deviating too much from what's familiar. (Some of you should bear in mind that plenty of randoms will buy the newer Tundra strictly off of looks, not V8 vs TTV6)

Toyota can see, that the design language created with the 2003 4Runner in early 2000, converted into pickup form in late 2001 for the 2005 Tacoma project by Hino (and shared with Hilux), has been copied by so many manufacturers of compact to midsize pickups since the late 2000s. Every (IFS) midsize pickup in this segment, has been influenced by that vehicle, including the 3rd generation vehicle ending production this fall and its replacement we're discussing.

Toyota already migrating the design to the 2022 Tundra, just had to evolve the existing Tacoma design and make it a little more interesting. All of these final decisions for 920B being made between 2018 and 2020, before even seeing Tacoma sales top the stratosphere in 2021.

There are a lot of funky things going on that front. My spouse is a senior engineer on Ford T6 and we got asked interesting questions back in February about the Ranger by a gal at Toyota (during double date). She is how I found out about early April announcement. I think both of us are gunning for each other and wanted to know about who was doing what and refused to announce reveal dates on both ends, until the very last minute for...opposition research LOL!

 

sign me up!

 

the Rav4 too… My Mrs took one look at the 2020 XSE and wanted it straight away.

 

So, bottom line, any hope for MT T4R in 2025?

That would affect my decision making. I like my ‘16 but I don’t find the bed useful for much and I’d be happier with a 4Runner but MT was a must have.

 

the shifter threads better line up with our trucks too...

 

To make the 'future BEV' look exactly like the 2024 Tacoma to me is saying there will be a Tacoma BEV.

 

Truck looks awesome. No we wait for the specs.

 

Basically the return of the landau top, but with paint. Which screams old man, not youth to me.

 

Sign me up!

 

I can share the conversations I've had with them, if that clears up skepticism. A lot of insight I've gathered in different places, but the one most consistent with accuracy and no funny games is this person. The 2021 concept was a what-if we did a BEV and show it to the public we're looking at doing so. That didn't transpire for the first half of 920B's cycle, so it will come after MMC. It's not coming soon.

This is no different than this "BEV", which is just an ICE Crown for 2024 and might not be made as an, because eTNGA isn't as ideal as planned during 2019-2021.



Part of that BEV presentation, seems to have been a thinly veiled excuse to shut up BEV approach criticism and tease future ICE models barely even differentiated from production styling.

 

Toyota said they are making some of those shown in 2021. Why wouldn't the Tacoma be one of them they recently said they want produced by 2026? I see a PHEV Tacoma before a BEV but I still think a Gen 4 Tacoma BEV will happen.

 

I don't know about that, as although Toyota removed the manual option in August 2000 for the 4R on the last refresh for MY 2001, the Prado 4.0L 1GR-FE, FJ Cruiser, and Tacoma kept the manual option, as did the Land Cruiser 200 in some markets.

Toyota has many manual transmissions for its BOF vehicles currently. If they are able to consolidate them into just 1 or 2 for high torque applications, dependent on RWD vs 4WD, then it begs the question if a 2.4T 4Runner can be offered with that as standard as well and get marketing points by halo effect? The Tacoma business case for a manual is already useless, so continuing it into the next generation is already ridiculous. Would it be so ridiculous to offer it on other midsize TNGA-F models, to spread the costs?

Right now the 4Runner and Tacoma have different engines, but next generation they likely won't. I expect the same for the Hilux, adopting 2.4T as well. I feel like Toyoda-san "Morizo" is a HUGE factor in why this wasn't even killed and gets a future.

He doesn't care about trucks and 4x4s much nor family sedans, but something like this never seems to miss his eye. I'm just speculating on that one, but it just fits. He is part of an executive review and then sees the possibility of cutting the manual option, forces them to look for business cases to marginally justify it (for an already questionable business case). The Corolla GR isn't the easiest business case, yet they did it. If they weren't going to carryover 2GR-FKS, why develop another manual outside of poverty specific developing world specials, when many regions are switching to automatic as well???

Executive input.

 

I'll keep asking and staying up to date, but the Tacoma BEV doesn't seem to be one of them. It's definitely healthy to take your approach and just see what happens, because 11th hour decision-making can surprise you. They tested the Tundra TTV6 in this vehicle and ultimately rejected it for their own reasons, in favor of a marketing dictated tiered-approach.

 

With November 1st being the job 1 date do you think it’s final final or do you possibly see it being moved up again?

 

Why would that even be a thing? The last time a 4runner came in manual was in 2000. Over 2 decades ago.