Taco Tidbits, The Secret Menu

"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
01/12/2015 at 18:49 • Filed to: Truck Yeah, Tacoma

Toyota is keeping pretty tight lipped about the details in the new Tacoma, but that wont stop me from picking through the press release in a desperate attempt to summon the secret menu, enjoy.

"Built From The Ground Up"

"Starting with the frame, they added high strength steel to enhance rigidity and overall strength. Ultra-high strength steel was integrated into the body shell using a new hot stamping process that reduces weight."

Translation - We started with the exact same frame, and put in different steel to make it stiffer. Also, we are really trying to keep weight down.

"Get Your Motor Running"

"an all-new, segment-first 3.5-liter Atkinson cycle V6 equipped with Toyota's D-4S technology, featuring both direct and port fuel injection."

Translation - This will undoubtedly be the 2GR engine that has served Toyota and Lexus (and lotus) well since 2007, the Atkinson cycle part is the interesting bit. Without getting nerdy and getting all Wikipedia, no its not TECHNICALLY an Atkinson cycle, it just means it has late closing intake valves. This COULD be the 2GR-FXE in many Lexus hybrids, but I doubt it since the power output on those is poor. No, My money is on the 2GR-FSE in the Lexus IS/GS but with Toyota's new VVT-iW electric cam phasing that allows for both Otto and modified Atkinson cycle.

Expect HP to be north of 305 above 5000

Expect torque to be north of 275 at or below 4000

EDIT: I didn't even notice the tach and that it redlines at 6000 rpm, which means HP will NOT be north of 275, though torque may be much higher.

Also "The V6 can also be mated to a new six-speed manual transmission" is excellent news.

!!! UNKNOWN HEADER TYPE (MULTI-LINE BREAK?) !!!

blah blah blah technology and style. noteworthy points:

1. 16-18 inch wheels. Thank heaven for 16 inch wheels!

2. LED DRLs

3. Pushbutton start - boo

4. Qi wireless charging - um, okay.

5. "And much more!"

"Making The Grades"

SR5

TRD Sport

TRD Off-Road

Limited

The limited is a new model, and will include more more chrome, big ass wheels and options like leather and a moonroof. Also, there is a CHANCE that the limited 4X4 will be full time 4wd only, borrowed from the 4Runner limited...but I don't have high hopes. EDIT: doesn't look like it, its part time only.

"Traveling Off The Beaten Path"

"Tacoma off-roading adventures will reach new levels of fun in the TRD Off-Road grade thanks to the addition of incredible technology. A Multi-Terrain Select system allows the driver to choose between different types of terrain such as loose rock, or mud and sand. Each input regulates wheel spin by adjusting throttle and brake pressure to provide maximum traction on almost any terrain.

Additional off-road technology includes Automatic Limited Slip and Locking Rear Differential, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Clutch Start Cancel (manual transmission only), Active Traction Control, and Crawl Control. Engaging Crawl Control allows the driver to select a speed of 1-5 mph. The Crawl Control system takes over the acceleration and braking, allowing the driver to focus solely on steering. "

Translation - Terrain select, crawl control and the rest is old hat...except...

"Automatic Limited Slip and Locking Rear Differential"

Sounds like its both an LSD and a locker...and not a push button locker either....hmmm. Could be that an LSD OR locker are offered, but even then..."automatic"? interesting.

All Toyota's will continue to have the hoonstar fun ruining system as standard.

Full press release !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! (Photos from Toyota press release for use in editorial work)

DISCUSSION (7)

For Sweden > HammerheadFistpunch
01/12/2015 at 18:50

It is Taco Tuesday in Sweden; this post may remain.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > HammerheadFistpunch
01/12/2015 at 18:57

Pushbutton start - boo

I share this feeling. Also I have a feeling you like the Tacoma!

HammerheadFistpunch > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
01/12/2015 at 18:59

I know, i know, im a truck whore. Yeah, I dig it. mainly because:

1. I didn't think there was too much wrong with the old one that a little extra stiffness, more trans ratios and a better engine could fix...done.

2. I don't really care how it looks, only how it is to see out of. win there.

3. I like playing the guessing game on these trucks.

Textured Soy Protein > HammerheadFistpunch
01/12/2015 at 19:00

Also, there is a CHANCE that the limited 4X4 will be full time 4wd only, borrowed from the 4Runner limited...but I don't have high hopes. EDIT: doesn't look like it, its part time only.

BOOOOOOOO.

"Automatic Limited Slip and Locking Rear Differential"

Sounds like its both an LSD and a locker...and not a push button locker either....hmmm. Could be that an LSD OR locker are offered, but even then..."automatic"? interesting.

The front and rear diffs on my Grand Cherokee are ELSDs (computer-controlled clutch packs) that can go to full lock and stay there as needed. Maybe something similar?

Either that or it's like the rear diff in the 6-speed FJ which is a Torsen unit that can also lock with a push-button.

HammerheadFistpunch > Textured Soy Protein
01/12/2015 at 19:04

I'm REALLY hoping for a locking Torsen in the rear, but its hard to say. Yeah bummer about that center diff though.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > HammerheadFistpunch
01/12/2015 at 19:05

I'm a big truck guy too, primarily GM trucks but I like pretty much everything on some level or another

RallyWrench > HammerheadFistpunch
01/12/2015 at 19:52

1. 16-18 inch wheels. Thank heaven for 16 inch wheels!

It's good they still realize people might want to put real tires on them.

As far as push button start, it does suck, but the old ones (including my old 4Runner & 4x4 Taco) had the clutch override button, so technically there's a precedent ;)