The roar of the street truck, once a dominant sound on American roads, is echoing once more thanks to Toyota. For devotees of lowered, performance-focused pickups, the dream of a modern-day iteration is becoming tantalizingly real with the unveiling of the Toyota X-Runner Concept. At the 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Toyota designers and engineers showcased their vision, drawing inspiration from the legacy of street trucks while injecting cutting-edge technology and design into the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma.
The Inspiration Behind the X-Runner Concept
In a landscape now dominated by rugged, lifted off-road vehicles, Toyota’s R&D and Calty Design Studio teams in Michigan pondered a question: Is there still a pulse for street trucks? Adam Rabinowitz, chief designer at Calty Design Research, Inc., explained the team’s curiosity. “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.” This concept serves as a litmus test, gauging whether enthusiasts are ready to embrace the street truck ethos once again.
Beyond market curiosity, the X-Runner Concept is a powerful statement about the potential of the new 2024 Tacoma and its TGNA-F platform. Sheldon Brown, chief engineer at Toyota Motor North America, emphasized this, stating, “On the heels of the Tacoma launch, we wanted to showcase the diverse possibilities of the new truck’s architecture.” The TGNA-F platform’s adaptability allowed for the rapid creation of this concept, highlighting its versatility beyond traditional truck applications. For Toyota’s engineering and design teams, this project was an exciting opportunity to push boundaries and explore new horizons within the automotive landscape.
Performance and Engineering Marvel
The heart of the Toyota X-Runner Concept is a modified i-FORCE 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, unleashing a formidable 421 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of peak torque. This substantial power is channeled to the rear wheels through a Tundra solid axle with a 4.30:1 final drive and an electronic locking differential, ensuring optimal power delivery and thrilling acceleration. A custom side exhaust system further accentuates the performance-oriented nature of the X-Runner, emitting a distinctive and aggressive sound.
It’s noteworthy for performance enthusiasts that the engine enhancements seen in the X-Runner Concept will soon be available as a TRD Performance Package upgrade, initially for new Tundra models. This hints at Toyota’s commitment to bringing performance upgrades from concept to reality for their discerning customers.
Design and Styling: A Nod to the Original, Yet Modern
The design of the X-Runner Concept remains true to the Tacoma’s core DNA, embracing the “chiseled liquid” design language with interlocking shapes and fluid forms. However, it amplifies the aggression and sportiness expected of a street truck. The front fascia is undeniably assertive, featuring Tacoma XB LED Projector headlights with unique “X-Runner” laser ablation lenses, a distinctive detail that sets it apart.
Custom aero-fairings on the front and sides are not merely aesthetic; they incorporate functional venting to cool the massive 13.9-inch Tundra front brakes, ensuring high heat capacity for demanding street performance. Similarly, the functional hood scoop is designed to draw cool air into the engine bay, contributing to both performance and visual appeal. The rear design maintains a purposeful simplicity, punctuated by smoked taillights for a clean and modern finish.
Chassis and Suspension: Street Stance and Handling
To achieve the quintessential street truck stance and showcase the TGNA-F platform’s adaptability, the X-Runner Concept utilizes a Tundra air-suspension system. This allows for an ultra-low ride height while maintaining load-carrying capability. The chassis modifications are extensive, with track width increased by over 3 inches and the frame strengthened to handle the enhanced performance.
The suspension geometry is meticulously engineered, with lengthened upper and lower arms in the front to match the Tundra suspension. The lower arms are custom-designed to accommodate the vehicle’s slammed profile. At the rear, similar modifications ensure compatibility with the Tundra’s rear axle housing, axle shafts, and bearings, maintaining width and strength parity with the front end. To sharpen the Tacoma’s already impressive on-road dynamics, stiffer springs and custom-valved 2.5-inch Bilstein® aluminum bodied shocks with remote reservoirs are employed at each corner, maximizing power delivery and handling prowess. Finally, the wheel wells are filled with eye-catching Lacks Enterprises® one-off 21×9.5-inch carbon fiber wheels, featuring forged aluminum centers and wrapped in Michelin 285/45R21 Sport Tires, completing the aggressive street truck aesthetic.
Paying Homage to the Legacy: Speedway Blue and TRD Pro Accents
The X-Runner Concept’s exterior is largely finished in Speedway Blue, a deliberate nod to the original X-Runner that debuted this iconic hue at the 2004 Chicago Auto Show. Adding a modern touch and a link to Toyota’s performance lineage, a matte black finish adorns the hood, A-pillars, and roof, drawing inspiration from the TRD Pro style guide. Red accents strategically placed on the hood lines, scoop, and wheel hubs serve as visual cues to the vehicle’s high-performance street machine character.
Interior: Tacoma Feel with Performance Touches
Inside the X-Runner Concept, the familiar Tacoma ambiance is preserved while seamlessly integrating performance-oriented enhancements. Paddle shifters provide a sporty driving experience, and custom X-Runner accents subtly reinforce the concept’s unique identity. The interior refinements complement the exterior and mechanical upgrades, creating a cohesive and driver-focused environment.
Toyota’s Vision for Performance and the Tacoma Platform
Mike Tripp, group vice president of Toyota Marketing, encapsulates the X-Runner Concept’s significance within the broader Tacoma lineup. “There is a Tacoma for everyone, with eight grades in the 2024 Tacoma lineup,” Tripp stated. He further emphasized the X-Runner’s role in showcasing TRD’s performance focus: “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 Toyota X-Runner Concept at SEMA 2023 is more than just a show vehicle; it’s an exploration of possibilities, a tribute to street truck heritage, and a powerful demonstration of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma’s versatile platform. For street truck enthusiasts and performance aficionados, the X-Runner Concept ignites the dream of a new era for street-focused pickups, blending Toyota’s renowned engineering with a passion for exhilarating on-road performance.
