(January 13, 2016) DETROIT — The Toyota Tacoma has been rebuilt inside and out with an all-new powertrain and enhanced suspension tuning. America’s best-selling mid-size pickup for 10 years running, the Tacoma has a legacy of off-road victories and over seven million units sold since 1964. Toyota hopes to stay on top of an expanding mid-sized truck segment with the introduction of the 2016 Tacoma.

“For the past 50 years adventure-seeking Americans have relied on Toyota trucks to take them places, on and off-road,” said Bill Fay, group vice president & general manager, Toyota Division.  “The all-new homegrown Tacoma is a tough truck designed, developed and built for lifestyles of the young and young-at-heart.”
 
The new 2016 Tacoma was primarily developed by the Toyota engineering team at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich.  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.



To create a truck to meet the needs of active drivers on a variety of tamed and untamed surfaces, the suspension was fine-tuned to help deliver a smoother on-road ride, while making it even more capable off-road.
 
The new Tacoma will be powered by a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and 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.
 
Both engines will be paired to a new six-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift delivering quick and easy shifting.  The V6 can also be mated to a new six-speed manual transmission.  The new powertrain makes the Tacoma more powerful and fuel efficient than ever before. 
 
Serious, yet fun!  This is the Toyota truck design DNA.  The Tacoma and Tundra are amazingly capable trucks that are designed to reflect their capability.  The Tacoma shares big brother Tundra’s more chiseled face, with a hex grille.  From there, Tacoma expresses its own identity.

Inspired by desert racing, CALTY designers in Newport Beach, Calif., and Ann Arbor, Mich., made the new Tacoma all about recreational action and athletic agility.  To achieve this, the new Tacoma’s wheel flares are strong and muscular for greater wheel travel and the high-lift image reflects its purposeful capability.  Four new wheel designs range from 16 to 18 inches.

The front end portrays an aggressive attitude with its bold upper grille and a taller, more muscular hood.  Mounted high above the clamp-shaped bumper sits slim, high technology headlights that feature projection beam lamps with available LED Daytime Running Lights.

From behind, the new locking tailgate emphasizes Tacoma’s wide stance and tough image.  The tailgate features an integrated spoiler for improved aerodynamics and a stamped Tacoma logo.  The tailgate also adds an easy lowering feature, which allows it to slowly retract, preventing it from slamming down. For the first time ever, Tacoma is available with a tri-fold hard tonneau cover for securing gear when you’re away from the truck.

Tacoma’s tough exterior is complemented by an interior that conveys a sport truck image reflecting an athletic, go anywhere, off-road feel.  Once inside, drivers will notice a “handlebar” design theme in the instrument panel for a more driver-focused experience.  Soft-wrapped trim and metallic accents set the stage for a high-quality look and feel.
 
In addition to offering more premium features, Toyota engineers also made the new Tacoma quieter than ever.  To accomplish this, all seals were enhanced and a multi-layer acoustic windshield and sound-absorbing headliner were added.  Finally, a floor silencer pad further reduces road noise.