The Toyota Tacoma X-Runner Could Lead the Street Truck Race
Welcome the new Toyota Tacoma to a long list of truckers with street racing potential. We’ve seen teasers about a racing-oriented Ford Maverick, a single-cab Ram 1500 TRX, and plenty of Chevy Silverado concepts. However, the Toyota Tacoma X-Runner could actually hit the streets first.
What is the Toyota Tacoma X-Runner concept?
The Toyota Tacoma X-Runner Concept envisions the resurgence of street racing trucks. As Toyota points out, there used to be plenty of 2WD street-racing models in the early 2000s.
However, this is when traditional single-cab trucks, like the classic Ford Ranger, started to disappear. People seemed to go for larger, lifted trucks instead. Everything started to get bigger and more rugged.
But the interest surrounding concepts like the Ford Maverick ST or Maverick Lobo racing truck proves that the desire is still there.
Toyota engineers built the X-Runner Concept to display at SEMA. It’s based on the brand-new Toyota Tacoma with street racing upgrades. It also peaks interest with the two-door cab. We enjoyed taking an upclose look at the LA Auto Show.
What comes with the Tacoma X-Runner Concept?
With the Toyota Tacoma X-Runner Concept, the modified i-FORCE 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine cranks out 421 hp and 479 lb-ft of peak torque. The unmodified version of this hybrid powertrain provides 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque.
The Tacoma X-Runner Concept also features a solid axle from the Tundra with a 4.30:1 final drive and an electronically locking rear differential that splits torque to the rear wheels. A custom side exhaust sits under the rocker panel.
Plus, the track was widened by three inches, and it uses the Tundra’s 13.9-inch disc brakes. Custom aero-fannings with functional venting enhance cooling. The attractive hood scoop is functional.
An air suspension adjusts the Tacoma to the lowest possible height, and the control arms were elongated to match the Tundra’s size. The springs were stiffened, and custom-valved 2.5-inch Bilstein aluminum bodied shocks with remote reservoirs sit at each corner.
The X-Runner Concept rides on Lacks Enterprises, one-off, 21×9.1-inch carbon fiber wheels with forged aluminum centers wrapped in Michelin 285/45R21 sport tires.
For an aggressive look, the front facia has XB LED Projector headlights with ‘X-RUNNER’ laser ablation lenses and smoked taillights. It wears Speedway Blue paint, which is the color that the first X-Runner Concept wore in 2024.
Its look is completed by matte black hood graphics and accents. Then, subtle red hues on the hood wheels, brake calipers, and badging display its street-racing nature.
When could the X-Runner debut?
There’s a chance that the Toyota Tacoma X-Runner could arrive by 2025. Toyota engineers can quickly develop different modifications because the new Tacoma rides on the diverse TNGA-F platform.
Engineers are available to develop models for this platform in a fraction of the time it normally takes to deliver special editions and concepts.
Plus, the modified engine will be available as part of the TRD Performance Package in 2024. So, the more powerful engine and unique Tundra parts are already available.
Concept vehicles are put on display at shows to guage how well fans react to new ideas. Fans have been loving street racing trucks, proving that the demand could be there.
We’ve been waiting for the racing performance Ford Maverick to finally arrive, but Toyota could beat it to the streets. Stay tuned for updates.
