2012 TACOMA MEGA-THREAD

Toyo continues to run the VVT-i in the Taco simply because they have to reduce inventory. Taco is the red-headed step child of Ms. Toyo.

 

Toyota does just in time manufacturing which means there shouldn't be a lot of inventory. Inventory is money sitting idle which no manufacture wants.

 

that doesnt really make sense because they still have to improve fuel efficiency to meet government standards over time. Something has to be planned, motortrend just wrote that GM has started work on their 8 speed auto to match with their next gen engines. Toyota is slightly behind, so you know that something has to be planned for the near future.

 

gotchya, and why toyota makes a million different matchbox cars to offset the 5.7
I still think they have to have something planned, the other guys are gaining ground

 

twin turbo with a 6 speed auto.

 

Toyota just announced some info regarding the national dealer meeting and said noting about the Tacoma except that it is expected to be in full production again in Sept. Also talked briefly about Entune and said it is to be released in the fall in the "Camry and Corrolla," and didn't say anything about the Tacoma this time.

http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+highlights+national+dealer+meeting+june+2011.htm

 

You mean Entune will debut this fall in the Camry and Prius V (not Corolla). Crazy because a Toyota executive was quoted as saying the Tacoma would receive Entune this fall. ...it does fall in line with the ordering guides I received, there was no mention of Entune on them for the 2012 Tacoma.

 

I love how they parade the new scion thats not even past concept yet but cant give the tacoma people any info.

 

No heated mirrors again ?

Get a fucking grip Toyota , I live in Canada

 

i agree, heated mirrors should be a must, even cold not even freezing just misty nights and you know how they behave...

regarding the engine, could it be because of cost? for another year, must be big difference in cost to offset same plant different engines (tundra) instead of using same "new" dual vvti...

ps: please do use thicker windwhields Toyota...

 

Normally the Tacos follow the four runner by a year or two. The new four runner body style is out, so I am expecting the Taco to follow shortly. I would like to have a small displacement V-8 in the Taco, but it probably isn't going to happen. I would also like to have a sunroof, and a bunch of the mods from the mod thread included into the factory production line. (Wig wag turn signals, anyone?) How about brighter backup lights??? A lighted 4X4 switch, better interior lighting, a 110V outlet in the cab, and lights in the bed to name a few. I will hold onto my 06 till I see what the folks at Toyota come up with.

 

What?? No speedway blue??? I am going to have to write a letter, this is bogus. Speedway blue is the BEST color for a Tacoma, I know I have one. (Before everyone blows up on me, the preceding comment was made in jest. Everyone calm down.)

 

???

The dual VVT-i 4.0L V6 is already in the Tundra, started at the 2011 model year.

So the Texas plant has the 5.7 V8, 4.6 V8, 4.0 V6 dual VVT-i, 4.0 V6 single VVT-i, and the 2.7 I4 single VVT-i (for those counting that is 5 engines). They could simplify things, standardize and perhaps reduce some cost (higher volumes of one variation instead of two engines) if they went to the dual VVT-i.

I still can not justify why they wouldn't go with the updated engine.

 

Wow, great info... I was just coming to the point where I was thinking the 2012 was going to be just like the 2011 & was thinking about just getting a 2011 instead.

Now I HAVE to wait to see the 2012s for sure!

 

No, I've emailed him as he was going to get more info but have not heard back yet. Hoping to hear soon. He's confirmed well over a year ago that the duall vvti was in the next truck scheduled for 2012 (when he was still at Toyota). He has reconfirmed that a few months ago. Unless there's some change to Toyota's current plan at the last second, I have no doubt about it in my mind. This is straight from Toyota. Hoping to hear back from him - I'm trying to not annoy him by asking over and over.

 

So your source reconfirmed a few months ago that it was going to be Dual VVT-i. Where did he get the information from if he is no longer working for Toyota? A former colleague?

I know I've said it a ton of times, and I'll say it again. It only makes sense for them to switch to the dual VVT-i for 2012. Especially if they are making a bunch of other changes at that time.

Keep us posted if you hear anything. I completely understand not wanting to continually bother your source.

I should have bought a new truck last year but held out hoping for the updated engine for 2012. However I would consider buying a 2011 (would most likely be a little cheaper) if the engine doesn't change for 2012.

 

Still stewing about the ’12 Tacoma….


Here’s another question, why wouldn’t Toyota also employ the 6 speed auto from the 4.6L V8 in the Tundra with the updated 4.0L V6 (or any place the dual VVT-i is used ie 4Runner, FJ & Tundra)?


The current Tacoma utilizes a 5 speed auto that has been around for quite some time, it was originally mated to the 4.7 liter V8 in the Tundra and 4Runner (276hp & 313lb-ft torque). Toyota redesigned the 4.7L V8 to be dual VVT-I 4.6L V8 I believe for the 2010 model year Tundra (310hp & 327lb-ft torque). They also created a brand new 6 speed automatic just for this engine, the 5.7L V8 has its own 6 speed automatic.


The Dual VVT-I 4.0L V6 in the 4Runner is rated 270hp & 278lb-ft of torque which isn’t that far off from the 4.6L V8.


Here are the numbers:
4.7L V8 vs Single VVT-I 4.0L V6 (engines use the same 5 speed auto transmission)
Horsepower (276 vs 236) = ~17% more
Torque (313 vs 266) = ~18% more


4.6L V8 vs Dual VVT-I 4.0L V6 (why not use the same 6 speed auto transmission?)
Horsepower (310 vs 270) = ~15% more
Torque (327 vs 278) = ~18% more


They can design and manufacture a brand new 6 speed automatic for the 4.6L V8 for one vehicle but they can’t spread the cost and use it in the 4Runner, FJ, Tundra and Tacoma for the Dual VVT-I 4.0L? The Tacoma outsells the Tundra! The 6 speed automatic would be another way they could improve the fuel economy in the Tacoma. ….and it’s already designed, and in production!!!

 

He called his friends that still work there.

 

I can not imagine how Toyota could not offer the Dual VVT-i V6 in the next Tacoma. There is no reason at all for it not to be. HECK! It should have been offered in 2010 at the same time the 4Runner and FJ got it. All the other manufactures offer improved engines at different times during a model cycle!!! ie: 2011 F150, same body style as 2009 but now new 5.0L V8 and Eco-boost V6 options!

 

WHY NO HEATED MIRRORS !!!!!!!! ?????????