Next Gen mule spy shots

Some spy shots of the next gen mule of the Tacoma testing using the current body and modified frame.

http://m.autoblog.com/2014/08/13/ne...esert/?post=1&icid=autoblog_toyota_river_item

 

Nice find. Thanks.

 

Why does it look exactly like the current generation? This is basically test of new tranny?

 

I have a feeling the interior and exterior will change slightly, but will not be drastic. The driveline will probably be different. Looking at the leaf springs, it looks like they are slightly different now as well. That stick looked a LOT different than we are used to seeing. Is it just a test model, or is it actually going to look like an old school stick shift coming out of the center 2 feet?

 

Whaaaaat! No diesel! WTF

 

Wow that's hideous

Did they shrink the bed ?

 

Well it doesn't tell us anything as far as what it will even look like.... But at least finally a new one is close

http://m.autoblog.com/2014/08/13/next-gen-toyota-tacoma-mule-caught-towing-in-the-desert/

 

What an ugly truck, it doesn't even look like a Tacoma because it's so "highly modified"
we really know what to expect now...

 

I’m debating if I should get a 2015 Taco or wait an extra year for this next gen. Thoughts?

Benefits of a 2015:
Most bugs are worked out.
Tried and true engine.
Lots of aftermarket parts available.

Benefits of a next gen:
New, more economical and more powerful engine, etc. (speculation).

What would you do? I’m antsy for a new truck (TRD AC), but if it’s worth waiting an additional year, I might be able to do that.

(I currently own a Jeep JK Rubi Unlimited, but plan to sell it to get a Taco so I can actually haul stuff around.)

 

Benefit of 2015 is bugs are worked out and tried and true engine, but benefit of 2016 (speculative) is a new drivetrain that will have bugs and have no history?

 

Lol.
I'll see your "why does it look exactly like the current generation" and raise you "Completely redesigned and significantly upgraded"

 

Toyota really hasn't put out too many lemons. Grab a next gen if you want it. The fuel savings alone would be worth the possible cost of any hassles down the road.

 

looks like they did away with the twist and turn e brake.

 

You can always wait and if the next gen isn't something you want the current gen will be available at a cheaper price.

 

Looks identical but it will change, frame looks different, rear diff looks different, exhaust route underneath is different, driveshaft is different, t-case looks different as well

 

If I were in the market right now I'd get a 15 rather than wait. The benefits of a 15 outweigh saving a few mpg to me.

 

The sicker that said "location: MI-powertra", guessing that means Michigan- powertrain???

So maybe they are testing different parts of the next gen on different trucks in different places?

Has auto companies every done something like this?

 

If you read the text they say it is a nxxt gen frame and drivetrain with a current body. As to wait for the new one or buy a current model? don't sweat it, if you ned a truck NOW buy one now. I doubt the next gen Tacoma will be much different. hopefully the additional grear in the tranny will improve fuel mileage. rerely drive mt 2012 V6 auto Tacoma because it gets half the mileage of my car. This is okay because it will make the Taco last a long time and get used when I need 4WD or to haul something.

 

It means it OUT tows that F150 LMAO