Redesign for 2012...

Well every Toyota truck I've owned so far (my next one will most likely me an auto though) has/had a manual transmission. I've experienced zero problems with Toyota's manual transmissions.

A dual clutch transmission can basically be described as two manual transmissions in one housing working as one unit. In fact they are sometimes referred to as automated manuals.

Again, like the direct injection and turbos it’s not as far reaching as you’re claiming.

 

Toyota is the TOP R&D spender in the Auto world - I'm talking 10s of Billions and all they can give us is a new front end?

WEAK!! (I hope some Toyota executives actually troll this site)

 

"Toyota FJ Cruiser
2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser: First introduced in 2007, the FJ Cruiser has already passed the midcycle stage with no significant improvements. This means it's either going to get a full redesign soon, or it's getting dropped from the lineup. Given its V6-only configuration and ever tightening fuel mileage standards, we predict the latter."

I heard from the owner of a toyota dealer that the fj is going to be dicontinued. They have been offer all kinds of cash for them. My girlfriends mom just traded her 08 in for a tundra. she got like 25Gs for it

 

But the 4banger is NOT fine. First off, most won't even consider the 4banger because it's not powerful enough for them.

Second off, BOTH engines in the current generation of Tacoma (4 cyl/V6) are old technology engines (in the grand scheme of things) - the Tacoma engine line up has the oldest line up in the entire fleet with every other Toyota model (with the exception of the Yaris) having a newer engine design, and every other engine design having Dual Variable Valve Timing and a few other minor technological goodies that enhance power, available torque accross the RPM band, and especially, fuel efficiency. The current 4 liter hasn't changed since it was introduced in 2003 in the 4th generation of 4runners, the current 4 cylinder was introduced in 2005 in the Tacoma. It's 2011 by the way, in case you forgot.

I like what someone put earlier about giving BOTH the 4 cyl and V6 6 speed auto's in the redesign. That is a great idea. And at the same time, how about they absolutely ditch the 6 speed manual, and give both the 4 cyl and V6 engine as options one of their proven R150+ family 5 speed manuals from their previous trucks (or the curren Tacoma 4 cylinder). No R & D needed - these transmissions are bullet proof, efficient, can handle big power, heavy duty, easy to drive/shift, and will work with either engine with just some bell housing adjustments on the V6. Note that Toyota has put 6 speed auto's on 4 cylinders in their SUV's. Although we probably won't see it because the 4runner got a 5 speed auto. But one can hope.

Toyota has a history of saving money on R & D by making less engines/transmissions but devising them in such a way that they are competitive in mulitple vehicles in multiple segments, as opposed to making seperate engines for each vehicle like GM is known to do costing them R & D headaches.
So I see the 4.0 liter Dual VVT-i coming to the Tacoma. The 4 cylinder, however, is unique to the Tacoma only. However if they gave it some more power, perhaps it might be worthy to bring back to the 4runner as well (they used it for 2010 but quickly ditched it - I wonder why, because the 4runner became a pig at 4700+ pounds compared to 4400 pounds in the previosu generation, and less weight even in previous generations to that).

The Tacoma, in the grand scheme of things, has been as far as I'm concerned, a low cost vehicle for Toyota to produce when you look at recalls/issues it sees/faces (it's got its issues, but compared to other Toyota vehicles, it pales in comparison). It's the best selling mid-size truck currently, and yet it lags behind in technology and development. Perhaps Toyota wants to capitalize on the average consumer not knowing the difference, however Toyota can make an great truck even better as far as I'm concerned.

 

crap, my lease is up next month and i was gonna get a tacoma... wondering if i should just wait for the nw gen now?? what u think???

 

Definately wait, based on the info on this site the next gen will be out by 2015

 

haha thanks

 

This is like déjà vu!
What do you mean dual clutch transmissions (DCT) are not meant for heavy hauling? You don’t think they can handle the output from the Tacoma? The surface areas of the clutches are too small for this application?
Please explain yourself and please include facts with sources for a change!

Manufactures of dual clutch transmissions like Getrag, BorgWarner, Volkswagen and ZF just to name a few already manufacture dual clutch transmissions that can easily handle the output from the Tacoma.
I’ve proven DCT can be cost effective because Ford, and Volkswagen for example are putting them in entry level cars. Other manufactures such as Chrysler, Hyundai, BMW, Mercedes…. are starting offer dual-clutch transmissions as well.
Before you start with the same argument as before that DCT are only for cars here are some articles that will punch some holes in that theory of yours as well:
http://www.allpar.com/corporate/auto-manual-transmission.html
“The dual-clutch will be a major advantage for Dodge trucks and minivans…”
Ram is looking mate a dual clutch transmission to the Cummins turbo diesels in their trucks!
http://www.trucktrend.com/features/news/2010/163_news100729_fuso_trucks_dual_clutch_automatic_transmission/index.html
“Fuso, a subsidiary of Daimler, has announced its first dual-clutch automatic transmission for its commercial truck lineup.”

 

Did you miss read again?

Ram is looking to put a dual clutch transmission on their Cummins turbo diesel trucks. Yes this is a full size truck but it’s not vehicle that has room for a “monster dual clutch transmission” as you put it.

Here’s another example:
The Porshe 911 Turbo S puts out 530 hp and 513 lb-ft of torque and has a 7 speed DCT. If you’re not aware the 911 is a very small car, yet it has room for a DCT that can handle twice the horsepower and torque output as the Tacoma.

 

Fuso currently offers a dual clutch transmission on their commercial trucks.

 

It has a lot to do with the logistics of their current activities on other car model launches, the engineers and technicians are already spread thin on on the full-blown model launches. Because Toyota just blew a huge wad of cash to move production from NUMMI to San Antonio, a refresh was more prudent than a full new model launch just months on the heels of getting the current Taco up and running.

 

...On another note how awesome is the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT! Might be a bit pricey for me though.



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The v6 is fine if you are back in 2005. But we're talking about 2012-13 and the expectations need to be raised. Toyota can definitely make a new engine/transmission combo that can compete with other auto makes and win, but right now fords new 3.7 and 3.5 ecoboost are leading the pack.

 

what do you mean? both those engines are there new V6's. I know that ours has a reputation for being bullet proof, but thats not a reason to stick with it for another 10 years when its outdated and toyota can just make a new bullet proof engine.

 

Apparently engines have class sizes now according to whippersnapper02. The Toyota 4.0 V6 is used in both the Tacoma and the Tundra so what does that mean is the 4.0 in the compact/midsize class or the full size class, whippersnapper02?

It doesn’t matter what class of truck the engine is in, what mgrande is saying, along with what I tried to tell you. Ford is get more horsepower and torque per liter out of their V6 engines, which can have the benefit of higher mpg. Toyota is behind.

mgrande I completely agree with you, whippersnapper02 just doesn’t get it. You might as well give up, I’ve already proven you can’t beat ignorance. He’ll never get it!

 

My bad. It's the Dakota that you can get a v8

 

That's cause the SHO is heavier. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of weight reduction

 

Dear Toyota put in a 2.0 turbo diesel