Street trucks, once a dominant force on American roads, are making a potential comeback, fueled by enthusiasts craving performance and style beyond the worksite. Toyota, recognizing this latent desire, has unveiled the Tacoma X-Runner Concept, a modern interpretation of the sport truck, based on the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma. This concept, born from brainstorming sessions between Toyota Engineering teams and Calty Design Studio, signals a fascinating divergence from the current off-road trend, hinting at a possible resurgence of street-focused trucks.
Adam Rabinowitz, chief designer at Calty Design Research, articulated the team’s exploratory approach: “There were lots of street trucks in the early 2000s and they all faded… this was a curiosity check to see if there is any market for street trucks at all.” Beyond market curiosity, the X-Runner Concept serves as a powerful demonstration of the versatility inherent in Toyota’s new TGNA-F platform, especially following the enthusiastic reception of the 2024 Tacoma.
Sheldon Brown, chief engineer at Toyota Motor North America, emphasized the platform’s capabilities, stating, “The TGNA-F platform allows us to efficiently build something this cool in a fraction of the development time it would normally take.” This project highlights the agility and innovation the new platform brings to Toyota’s design and engineering processes.
Unleashing Potent Power: The Heart of the X-Runner
The Tacoma X-Runner 2024 Concept is not just about looks; it’s built for performance. Under the hood lies a modified i-FORCE 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, generating an impressive 421 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This substantial power is channeled to the rear wheels through a Tundra solid axle, featuring a 4.30:1 final drive and an electronic locking differential. A custom side exhaust system further accentuates the concept’s sporty character, exiting just beneath the rocker panel. Notably, the engine modification showcased in the X-Runner concept is slated for future availability, starting with new Tundra models as a TRD Performance Package upgrade.
Chassis and Styling: Marrying Form and Function
To handle the enhanced power and performance, the X-Runner concept’s chassis has undergone significant modifications. The track width is widened by over 3 inches, and the frame is strengthened to ensure structural rigidity. Stylistically, the design team prioritized maintaining the Tacoma’s core DNA, incorporating “interlocking shapes and fluid forms” characteristic of its “chiseled liquid” design language. The aggressive front fascia is further enhanced by Tacoma XB LED Projector headlights, complete with “X-Runner” laser-ablated lenses. Custom aero-fairings, integrated into the front and side bodywork, feature functional venting to cool the X-Runner’s substantial 13.9-inch Tundra front brakes, improving heat management during performance driving. A functional hood scoop is also incorporated, designed to draw cool air into the engine bay, contributing to both performance and aesthetics. At the rear, smoked taillights provide a subtle yet purposeful finish to the design.
Stance and Handling: Optimized for the Street
Achieving the perfect street truck stance and showcasing the TGNA-F platform’s adaptability, the X-Runner utilizes a Tundra air-suspension system. This allows for the lowest possible ride height while maintaining load-carrying capability. The front suspension geometry is adapted from the Tundra, with lengthened upper and lower arms, the latter specifically customized for the vehicle’s slammed profile. Similarly, the rear suspension mirrors the front, with increased upper and lower arm lengths to integrate with the Tundra rear axle housing, axle shafts, and bearings, ensuring consistent width and strength. To further refine the Tacoma’s already commendable on-road dynamics, the springs have been stiffened, and custom-valved 2.5-inch Bilstein® aluminum-bodied shocks with remote reservoirs are installed at each corner. These enhancements work in concert to optimize handling and ensure that the 421 horsepower is effectively translated to the road. Completing the aggressive stance are one-off 21×9.5-inch carbon fiber wheels from Lacks Enterprises®, featuring forged aluminum centers and wrapped in Michelin 285/45R21 Sport Tires.
A Nod to Heritage with a Modern Twist
The X-Runner concept’s exterior color predominantly features the original Speedway Blue, a deliberate homage to the first X-Runner that debuted this distinctive hue at the 2004 Chicago Auto Show. A matte black finish on the hood, A-pillars, and roof, inspired by the TRD Pro style guide, adds a modern, aggressive touch. Red accents strategically placed on the hood lines, scoop, and wheel hubs serve as visual cues, signaling the vehicle’s high-performance street-oriented nature.
Inside the cabin, the X-Runner maintains the familiar Tacoma ambiance while seamlessly integrating performance-oriented elements. Paddle shifters and custom X-Runner accents enhance the interior, creating a driver-focused environment.
Broadening the Tacoma Appeal
Mike Tripp, group vice president of Toyota Marketing, encapsulates the concept’s broader significance: “There is a Tacoma for everyone, with eight grades in the 2024 Tacoma lineup… This new X-Runner concept really shows that TRD is about performance, about going fast… It shows the range of the platform and what we could do if we took the Tacoma beyond off-road and everyday capabilities, slammed it, and gave it a little street cred.” The Tacoma X-Runner 2024 Concept effectively expands the Tacoma’s appeal, demonstrating its potential beyond traditional truck applications and tapping into the exciting possibilities of street performance.
It is important to note that the vehicles shown are special project prototype vehicles, modified with parts and/or accessories not available from Toyota. These modifications may affect the vehicle’s warranty, performance, and safety, and may not be street legal.
