Next Gen mule spy shots

Doesn't look like much has changed or that much info was given in the article but still a good look for all the 3rd gen conspiracy guys.


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

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/340344-new-tacoma-mule-caught-testing.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/340336-next-gen-mule-spy-shots.html

 

Well then...besides the gauge cluster, the lock and window switches and the new 6 speed auto...not much else has changed. That said? The 6 speed auto should have been in the 13-14's to start. And I want those gauges.

 

I actually think that cluster looks like a step down, but it does look like there is a new center display. Probably similar to the 4R setup, with a more modern trip computer, mpg settings etc...

 

I am sure the body, grill etc. will be much different by the time they release it. These tests with old bodies on new drive trains are done to test the new drive trains without having to reveal the new body lines. I have seen other manufacturers do the same.

 

mod should probably merge this thread with the first posted thread (time wise)

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/340336-next-gen-mule-spy-shots.html

 

mod should probably merge this with the first posted thread (time wise)

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/340336-next-gen-mule-spy-shots.html

 

If they go to that style pictured in every tacoma model, i'd be ecstatic. I hate the current push on push of brake

 

Don't forget though, based on the steel wheels and lack of function buttons on the left side of the steering wheel that mule is prob just a regular SR5... I wonder if the TRD's will have the nicer amenities to go with it.

 

So there are new gauges, new ebrake, same exact everything else (Panels, seats) but they test on current body to so as not to reveal the redesign...

Which parts can we expect to be updated and which not to be? Why change just the gauges/ebrake and leave same seats and everything?

 

Mainly a test of new components in an updated electrical architecture. Different engineering groups are responsible for their respective pieces.

 

This is strictly a test of a new powertrain. Nothing more. I sure the entire interior will be updated. However the Gauge cluster directly interacts with the mule PCM so it is probably a "test mule" cluster. As far as the e-brake the one that is shown was probably the easiest and fastest way to get a functional e-brake in the truck. The current one may not work based on space occupied by the new powertrain being tested. This may or may not remain the same but it falls to another group of engineers to figure that out.

If you look really closely at the pictures you can see thermal sensors on the transmission in a couple of places. I suspect that the engineering team is trying to determine if the current 6spd is able to handle the higher torque loads of the new engine under extreme heat and towing conditions.

 

I hope the looks are just a modern take on the basic 2nd gen look. The 2nd gen is still a great looking truck, but there are parts that do date it to the mid 00s. The tundra got a great interior update with the 14 model, so hopefully taco gets the same update.

 

I'm really quite shocked at how a lot of you don't know the difference between a mule and prototype, especially as enthusiasts. I guess that some of us are more TW-focused, than all-around automotive onliners. If the former, one can see why, as the last time Toyota entered this testing stage publicly with a truck, it was in February 2003 with this 4G 4Runner test mule. The 2007 Tundra never really had any mules, so such sights are not a common phenomenon here.

Thanks for posting. Regarding similarities, as everyone said below, it's just a test mule and NOT a prototype. This test mule was built in January 2014 an likly not the first of them. It proves my statement of 2016 Tacoma production development starting sometime last year, after 2016 production design sign-off. I mentioned this back in April, when I posted the first next Hilux spy photos and also pointed out that Toyota was hiding Tacoma test mules. This right here was evident of that.

Remember that there is a difference between prototypes and mules. You did not even see mules of GM's new trucks 3 years ago, but likely in 2016 for the T1XX platform due in lat 2018.

Yep, I agree. Prototypes will show up soon. Toyota rarely tests mules in the US, unless for a major redesign. Usually what one sees from Toyota is the production-body prototypes shortly before debut, so clearly a great amount of investment is being put here. I would not trust journalists entirely on "minimal changes".

I agree. However, it will be 10 years in 1 month, since the 2005 model began production at NUMMI on September 14, 2004. That will be an 11-year run, come next year. The 2005 model was revolutionary compared to the 2004 model, so the 2016 explains why a mixture of revolution and evolution applies here.

Everyone I speak to about the 2016 is mum or clueless about it, but I heard some info, which is where I'm coming from on some lesser known information of mine. From the 1988-1995 truck to the 1995.5 Tacoma, it was an evolutionary redesign after just 6 1/2 years. The 1989 truck was already an aesthetic evolution of the 1984 model The vaster gap between early 1995 and late 2004 an similarities to previous generations, required a revolutionary change with the 2005 model year Tacoma.

Despite the long generation, for this reason I do understand Toyota's decision to not go with revolutionary design, but evolution and revolutionary in other areas. There will be similarities to the current version (2011-2015), as seen with the cues from the 2000-04 facelift grille showing up on the 2005 Tacoma.

The Tundra is much younger than the Tacoma, in being launched in February 2007. The Tacoma came out in October 2004, so a major facelift after 6 1/2 years was sufficient for the Tundra. The Tacoma waited 7 years for a facelift (October 2004 to October 2011), save for a refresh in late 2008 and new grille in 2010.

In Toyota's case, maybe. Usually I'd say production-body prototypes likely aren't ready yet, but 8-12 months is long enough. By now such prototypes should be ready, as the mules are quite old now.

After 11 years, it will be mostly ground-up, but not necessarily revolutionary. I'm sure that full-fledged 2016 prototypes have been built already, but Toyota has a tendency to keep all stages of testing undercover and you may not see the actual prototypes for a little while as well. This mule was built in January and is likely not the first one even, as this stage of development started in 2013.

Unlike German automakers, Japan's avoid public testing at all costs. Honda's infamous for only publicly testing at night to avoid photographers, until very late in development. Half of the time, it's just for press purposes to be "spied". This has been carefully timed, as the 2015 model year goes on sale.

 

Anyone have a clue why they mix matched the paint. I mean if you didn't want it to be notices then why not have everything the same color to look like a regular Tacoma?

 

A DCLB with the 6MT would be nice... but again, I'm just dreaming too.

 

Yep, but a 6MT with all the problems and annoyances of the current 6MT fixed.

 

If you're dreamin' I'm havin' a nightmare hopin' fer a 6cyl.reg-cab.

 

Well problem is they're not making anymore reg cabs anyways.