2016 Tacoma Teaser Pictures

[DHC6twinotter]

What do you all think?

http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/GLOB/legacy_thumbnail/800x450/format/jpg/quality/85/http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/GLOB/crop/1280x716+0+0/resize/628x351!/format/jpg/quality/85/http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/359f8e1c1a6c249208e898d17b06a50a/201264644/Toyota-Tacoma-Teaser-Front.jpg

http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/GLOB/legacy_thumbnail/800x450/format/jpg/quality/85/http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/GLOB/crop/1280x716+0+0/resize/628x351!/format/jpg/quality/85/http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/f892b0c3702ac473578ba0aebfb24a40/201226448/toyota-tacoma-teaser.jpg

I don't think it looks too dad, and so far, I think it looks pretty good. Projector headlights and LED DLRs are a good start, plus there is no large mouth bass looking front end.

The new Tacoma is supposed to debut at the Detroit auto show next month, along with a couple new Lexus vehicles.

[Good Times]

I'll reserve my thoughts until I see it in person. Cropped photos can be deceiving. The headlights look cool but I'm surprised they didn't go big with LED's like Acura. =)

[paddlenbike]

I agree, it looks like they could have done worse. When I saw the 5th gen 4Runner sneak photos I thought for sure it was a joke. At least that wasn't my first reaction to what you posted above.

I will be somewhat surprised if it shows up with projectors though. Toyota has a history of releasing fresh sheetmetal sans-projectors and LED taillights, but maybe the market just won't accept that anymore, as it shouldn't.

EDIT--It will be interesting to see what the powertrain options are. Toyota actually has competition now, so if they just throw the old 4 liter back in there and call it a day, the competition will have them for lunch. I think the new Chevy Colorado is rated at 26 mpg highway.

[YotaFun]

Is it just me is does that grill resemble the freshly updated Tundra....?

I'm not surprised about the LED but to tell you the truth thats probably a higher up model, the latest gen corolla when they released it had regular halogens or you could upgrade it to the LED projection headlights.

Ken you are right, if they keep the 4 liter sales will be sure to fall, plus with Chevy strongly considering a small diesel option in the Colorado, all auto makers are going to have to step up there game.

[DHC6twinotter]

I'm curious about the powertrain as well. The TR and GR series of engines have been in production for nearly 12 or 13 years now. By comparison, here's how long production ran for some of the other engines:

MZ: 17 years
VZ: 16 years
UZ: 22 years
AZ: 12 years

There might be some life left in the UR and TR motors, but competition may dictate otherwise. One thing I noticed on the test mule that was photographed a few months back, is that the tach goes up to 8. Where the redline starts isn't really visible, but it does make me wonder if there is a smaller, more rev happy engine under the hood. Revised 3.5 maybe? Test mule also had a manual tranny.

The Tacoma has never been released with a carryover engine either, but then again, there have only been two generations of the Tacoma. It seems like if there was a new engine, we would have heard about it by now.

My guess:
The 4.0 from the 4Runner is offered in the Tacoma with a revised 6 speed auto from the 4.6 UR motor, or (less likely) the 8 speed auto from Lexus makes it over. Other possibility is a revised 3.5. The 2.7 engine is dropped in favor of a new, slightly smaller AR series motor. I do think a diesel will make it sometime in this generation of Tacoma, but maybe not right off the bat. The test mule had a manual tranny with a V6, so I think it seems safe to say a manual will continue to be offered.

Test mule pictures here: http://wot.motortrend.com/1412_next_gen_toyota_tacoma_scheduled_for_detroit_ debut.html

Avy, I thought the same, especially with Tacoma stamped across the tailgate.

[Seanz0rz]

Don't discount the possibility of an 8 SPD. CAFE standards are driving their adoption.

[YotaFun]

Don't discount the possibility of an 8 SPD. CAFE standards are driving their adoption.

Yeah, this is starting to get out of hand, 7, 8, 9 speeds, but I would gladly take that over a CVT any day, I can't stand CVTs, and of course my first experience with a CVT was in a Dodge Caliber

[Robinhood4x4]

Yeah, this is starting to get out of hand, 7, 8, 9 speeds, but I would gladly take that over a CVT any day, I can't stand CVTs, and of course my first experience with a CVT was in a Dodge Caliber

Same here. That was the worst car I have ever rented.

[DHC6twinotter]

That's funny. My sister-in-law has a Caliber, and it's probably the worse car I've driven as well. She and my brother both hate the car, but my brother is now driving it since he had to sell his 4Runner to buy their condo. It's a terrible car.

[paddlenbike]

CVTs = death to any sort of driving experience. Even worse than a standard auto, which I can barely tolerate as it is.

CVTs are light duty and you generally can't tow more than 1,500 lbs when equipped with one, so the Tacoma at least won't get one. That may change someday, but not today is not that day.

[garrett]

From another forum...

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l85/fddriver02/Random/2016-toyota-tacoma-spied-2_zpsaaubmqod.jpg

LOL.

[Kryptoroxx]

You wish....lol! They better start putting diesels in stuff. The Colorado is getting one I think. Read about it somewhere.

[Seanz0rz]

From August:

http://www.autoblog.com/2014/08/13/next-gen-toyota-tacoma-mule-caught-towing-in-the-desert/

http://www.autoblog.com/2014/08/13/next-gen-toyota-tacoma-mule-caught-towing-in-the-desert/#image-10
http://www.autoblog.com/2014/08/13/next-gen-toyota-tacoma-mule-caught-towing-in-the-desert/#image-18
http://www.autoblog.com/2014/08/13/next-gen-toyota-tacoma-mule-caught-towing-in-the-desert/#image-19
http://www.autoblog.com/2014/08/13/next-gen-toyota-tacoma-mule-caught-towing-in-the-desert/#image-21
http://www.autoblog.com/2014/08/13/next-gen-toyota-tacoma-mule-caught-towing-in-the-desert/#image-22

[YotaFun]

Now just need info on the drivetrain:
http://www.fourwheeler.com/news/1501-2016-toyota-tacoma-revealed/?adbid=10153058951349343&adbpl=fb&adbpr=134572609342&sm_id=social_aumofourwheelerhub_4WdandSportUtility _20150110_38547877

[DHC6twinotter]

Overall, not bad. Could be much worse. The front looks a bit off, but otherwise, the rest of the appearance seems much more cohesive than the 4Runner. I never was a huge fan of the asymmetrical fender flares on the 2nd gen Tacoma, so I like the fenders here better.

The front is my only real complaint. I think the grill is a bit too large, and the flat hood looks a bit odd. I think it would look ok with an aftermarket front bumper though. The rear overhand looks longer than the 2nd gen Tacoma, but maybe that's just the way the sheet metal looks.

It'll be interesting to see what motors are available.

[paddlenbike]

Powertrain details are finally in. 2.7 stays and a new 3.5 V6 replaces the 4.0. The new 3.5 does have direct injection, but thank god it's D4S direct injection, which means it has both port and direct injection. That will most certainly reduce or eliminate the carbon buildup problem that plagues DI engines. 6 speed manual is available.

[fenrisx]

Overall, not bad. Could be much worse. The front looks a bit off, but otherwise, the rest of the appearance seems much more cohesive than the 4Runner. I never was a huge fan of the asymmetrical fender flares on the 2nd gen Tacoma, so I like the fenders here better.

The front is my only real complaint. I think the grill is a bit too large, and the flat hood looks a bit odd. I think it would look ok with an aftermarket front bumper though. The rear overhand looks longer than the 2nd gen Tacoma, but maybe that's just the way the sheet metal looks.

It'll be interesting to see what motors are available.

Yeah... the front is my least favorite part.. specifically the grill. I hope that it grows on me... and I'm sure it looks better in person than in pictures.


Powertrain details are finally in. 2.7 stays and a new 3.5 V6 replaces the 4.0. The new 3.5 does have direct injection, but thank god it's D4S direct injection, which means it has both port and direct injection. That will most certainly reduce or eliminate the carbon buildup problem that plagues DI engines. 6 speed manual is available.

I don't care if I'm wrong or right... doesn't matter to me... but I'm guessing the power is down compared to the new GM trucks. Otherwise I think they would be boasting about that.

[YotaFun]

Sounds like they took the 3.5l that is in the IS and GS Lexus...
This is a time I wish I was back at Toyota so I could do the module for the new engine and fill you all in lol!

Though I won't hate to be at the dealer when they roll out, customers complained enough about the loud injectors on the BRZ/FRS...
Lets just roll out a reflash to try to reduce the noise of the injectors....

[DHC6twinotter]

The 3.5L engine sounds interesting. It uses an Atkinson cylce, which makes me wonder if Toyota has sacrificed power for efficiency.

I like the new interior, and a standard GoPro camera is something different. The new wheels look good too.

[Seanz0rz]

I was thinking the same Dan. I know the CAFE numbers are suffering, and that is a place for the most improvement. I suspect there is a fair bit of aero on the vehicle as well.

It is OK. I felt the same way about the 2012 or whatever facelift, but I actually like it a lot now. I am hopeful this design will grow on me. I am a little disappointed that there was no alt-fuel version (hybrid, diesel, small children), but maybe that is being saved for a LA autoshow debut.

[fenrisx]

Aside from the bling.. not too shabby looking...

http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/10898156_10153026733623872_7358506166844478141_n.j pg

[DHC6twinotter]

Here's a picture of a factory Tacoma with the TRD Off-Road package:

http://www.toyota.com/content/vehicle-landing/upcoming-vehicles/tacoma/full/TAC_MY16_0055_V001.jpg

I quite like it. I'm not a fan of the blue shown on the other Tacoma, but this off-white color with the black trim looks pretty good. I like the wheels too. I'm still not a fan of the bumper, but that can be fixed.

[YotaFun]

I am with you Dan, I like everything but that bumper, it reminds me a little of the chrome bar on limited edition on the newer 4runner....

[CJM]

I like it all except for the lights. Look too slitish.

And 3.5L? What was wrong with the 4.0L engine? It better not be down on power..

[paddlenbike]

And 3.5L? What was wrong with the 4.0L engine? It better not be down on power..

Mileage. Who ever would have thought Toyota would have to up the ante to keep up with GM? The new Colorado gets 26 mpg.

[CJM]

Mileage. Who ever would have thought Toyota would have to up the ante to keep up with GM? The new Colorado gets 26 mpg.
that's just stupid. It's a truck. I'd say they should make it optional if anything

Colorado is garbage anyways n

[DHC6twinotter]

At the reveal they said it was the most powerful Tacoma ever. I don't think power will be as high as the Colorado, but i would guess at least 275hp and at least as much torque as the 4.0. The current 3.5 (2GR-FSE variant) already makes more torque than the 4.0, but at 800 RPMs higher. Toyota claims this is an "all new Atkinson cycle engine", but I would assume that means a new version of the 2GR.

Does anybody know if the Atkinson cycle engines use a different cam than the Otto cycle engines? If not, and if the difference is just in tuning, I wonder how long it will be before somebody comes up with a re-tuned ECU for an Otto cycle with more HP.

Avy, I thought the exact same thing about the front bumper.

[YotaFun]

Once I get moved into my new apartment and find all my Toyota school stuff, I will see if I can still long in and try to get some info on it from the module.

I wonder if it utilizes the head setup thats on the new 4cyl corolla uses, on top of the VVT it also has a motor in the head that moves the cam shaft side to side almost like V-tec from Honda, if thats the case yay, more parts to fail...

[Robinhood4x4]

that's just stupid. It's a truck. I'd say they should make it optional if anything

Colorado is garbage anyways n

Government regulations mostly, but probably also consumer demand. Personally, I don't mind it. I'll take better mileage.

[paddlenbike]

Government regulations mostly, but probably also consumer demand. Personally, I don't mind it. I'll take better mileage.

I highly suspect we are close to the peak of piston engine engineering. Mileage, power and NVH seem like they are about as good as they are going to get for a bunch of cans rattling around inside a block.

[Seanz0rz]

I am awaiting the Konnesseggegegseg... pneumatically actuated valves. Make the valve timing completely independent of crank position and allow for infinitely variable valve timing.

But I tend to agree. Diminishing returns. It used to be "toss some FI on there and it's better", so a few hundred dollar addition created much more power, much more efficiency, and much lower emissions. Now we are tossing a few thousands of dollars at engines and getting a little bit more power, a little bit more efficiency, and a little better emissions.

[CJM]

Government regulations mostly, but probably also consumer demand. Personally, I don't mind it. I'll take better mileage.

Likely right. Maybe it will have as much power as the 4.0. Who knows.

[Kryptoroxx]

I would love to see a developed idea using electric motors in a truck. They are incredibly torqy but the problem remains how to produce enough electricity in an efficient manner.

But otherwise I think the new tacoma got the better end of the deal vs. The 4runner lol.

[DHC6twinotter]

I wonder what the new 3.5 means for the 4Runner? It will be interesting to see if Toyota will wait to put the 3.5 in the 6th gen 4Runner, or put the 3.5 in the current 5th gen (with a new front end, hopefully).

I think cam-less motors are the next big thing for internal combustion engines, but I also think we are years away from this. By that time, some sort of electric cars are probably going to be the norm.

[Seanz0rz]

2018 would be the expected end of the 5th gen, either as the last year or the first year as a 6th gen. Especially with the cold reception of the 5th gen and the demise of the FJ Cruiser. I would not be surprised to see development mules this year.

[paddlenbike]

I think cam-less motors are the next big thing for internal combustion engines, but I also think we are years away from this. By that time, some sort of electric cars are probably going to be the norm.

An internal combustion engine is only 18% efficient at converting fuel to forward motion, where an electric car is 89% efficient at converting electrons to motion. An engineering group decided to make a V8 engine and replace the fuel burning piston stroke with the stroke of an electric motor. Even with the efficiency of the electric solenoids driving the "combustion," the efficiency losses are huge from the crank turning in the journals, cams pushing lifters, etc. Here's the site:
http://insideevs.com/electric-motor-efficiency-versus-v8-illustrated-video/

Cam-less would help, but the cost and complexity to get past that 18% efficiency to what, 30% efficient--is it even worth it? I think that's why most companies are coming out with hybrids. You can use a much simpler and cheaper piston engine, throw out that expensive and complex 8 and 9 speed transmission and replace it with a simple electric motor and fixed gearbox and end up with way higher efficiency than a gas engine with 2 kinds of fuel injection (direct injection and port), variable valve timing, variable compression, cylinder deactivation, etc etc.

[YotaFun]

Technically we have already had a cam-less motor with the Rotary that was offered in the Mazda, who themselves have dropped research into....

Ken hit the nail on the head, we have gone as far as we can go with internal combustion, and hybrid will reach its max soon enough, we have to rely now on battery technology or new forms of fuel, such as the new hydrogen powered Toyota, as ugly as it is, with the patents open for all, hopefully that will be the spark that ignites the fire to new age or power.

The 4Runner should look to get the 3.5l for 2016 for sure, I would be surprised if it didn't along with the new terrain mode for the TRDPro and Trail version, though like in the past I am sure it will be detuned for the 4Runner...

As far as the face lift, that wont be till the 6th gen, and I have no doubts it will get worse then what it is now, I guess I am just biased towards loving the 4Runner because I still don't think its that bad, a different bumper and it will be fine, my same feel towards the Tacoma.

Another reason the front end looks of our beloved suvs and trucks is going to get worse is because what we see is not a bumper, its a bumper cover, to hide the plan bar behind it, our 4Runners are the last to actually have a steel bumper that is exposed to the exterior view. Unless we are a Ford, Chevy or Dodge truck or Full frame SUV (certain models) we are only going to see a molded piece of plastic until we throw the bumper we want on...

End Rant on body look lol

[paddlenbike]

For many years Toyota was the technology leader for engines. Now that leader just might be Ford. The new 2.7L Ecoboost (twin turbo V6) used in the new F150 uses a compacted graphite iron (CGI) block (only found in high end diesel and race engines), main bearing caps are wedge fracture-split caps strong enough to support its own weight in a deadlift without the bolts. Skirt and lower crankcase are aluminum with a 1-piece ladder securing the main bearing caps (I think the 5VZ might use this too.) Makes 120 horsepower per liter, and it's a truck engine. Yet, the hardware and design more closely resemble a race engine.

[YotaFun]

For many years Toyota was the technology leader for engines. Now that leader just might be Ford. The new 2.7L Ecoboost (twin turbo V6) used in the new F150 uses a compacted graphite iron (CGI) block (only found in high end diesel and race engines), main bearing caps are wedge fracture-split caps strong enough to support its own weight in a deadlift without the bolts. Skirt and lower crankcase are aluminum with a 1-piece ladder securing the main bearing caps (I think the 5VZ might use this too.) Makes 120 horsepower per liter, and it's a truck engine. Yet, the hardware and design more closely resemble a race engine.

That truck and engine are beautiful, you really don't think its a V6 till you open the hood.
Then again, they de-tuned the 5.0 in the F150 from the mustang making it feel weak...

[paddlenbike]

Not sure if you guys saw this or not.

http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/1292880108845389712.jpg

Comparison done by jalopnik.

Jalopnik, BTW, did not think too highly of the TRD Pro Tacoma. Read this:
http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/why-the-2015-toyota-tacoma-trd-pro-is-a-cool-idea-with-1670461402