New Tacoma to be shown in Detroit

The Prius is dead reliable for the most part. Toyota already has hybrid fleet trucks. The hybrid highlander and Lexus RH seem to be fine. It would be fine for your average consumer.

 

I think they could do some awesome things by putting a center diff in the transfer case (with electronic torque split control), put an electric motor in the place of the front prop shaft as a generator to recover energy and drive the rear wheels, and an electric motor attached to the input of the front differential. Electric drive for slogging around town but still have a robust engine and trans system for towing or off-roading.

As always, the problem is cost. I doubt the Tacoma is super profitable as is.

 

There is an official sneak peak picture from Toyota:

http://www.toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/Tacoma

Can't see much.

 

Theres a difference between having heated mirrors, sunroof etc and having a battery drive combined with a truck engine.

attached with fender visible

 

I'd imagine payload would be bumped up in lieu of the GM's 7,000 lbs. Maybe on par? Time will tell.

Allegedly, the 3rd gen will have some nifty new features.... allegedly.

 

Oh yeah I've seen those, thought they'd released another without me noticing.

 

new photos, front is looking a lot like the 4runner like I expected.

http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1412-2016-toyota-tacoma-spied-testing-in-michigan/

 

Looks like the hood/engine area is longer. That's what we needed, a longer truck

 

To me it looks like what they did with the tundra, its a redesign of the same truck, not a complete redesign. Different body panels and interior. I'm guessing the front will look similar to the 4runner limited crossed with a current tacoma.

 

If this is the top of the bumper then the front grill is going to be tall and huge.

 

I think this is Toyota trolling us again. Like how people started freaking out about the Hilux mule, and the mule with old body paneling on it. I am sure some Toyota engineer is drinking his coffee just loving this thread.

 

Kind if looks like the front end comes forward a bit at the top like a dodge.

 

BUT I DO LIKE THIS JUST RELEASED FROM TOYOTA

 

I don't get it. It's already known the motor will not be the same.

 

I am liking what I am seeing so far. From what I have seen, this grill looks nice.

 

Please don't do a huge grill, like the current trend in truck styling. I don't see why the front of every truck has to look like a 1973 Peterbuilt.

The Japanese manufacturers need to be comfortable with having Japanese vehicles look Japanese, not something that is trying too hard to look yee-haw american (looking at you Tundra...)

 

I agree with not wanting a huge grill. I don't think that will be the case by looking at the test mules. Actually looks simlar size to old one.

 

I like what I see in the photo!!! Looks like they are doing the same as other companies with the sharing photos of bits and pieces until launch date...

 

Even more!