It seems small pickup trucks have been all the rage this auto show season. Another look at the new Tacoma X-Runner (which debuted in Chicago) reveals a bigger, stronger-shouldered truck with a horse-collar grille reminiscent of the big FTX concept from Detroit. The X-Runner is more slab-sided than the old Tacoma, with more distinctive taillamps and a kick-up in the rear fender opening, just like the Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, and the new Dodge Dakota. Compared with the current Tacoma X-Runner, the new model is five inches longer overall, with a four-inch increase in track width and 4.5 inches more interior shoulder and hip room. Compared with other upcoming '05 Tacomas, the X-Runner features an exclusive x-brace frame, with a chassis lowered one inch. Lateral acceleration is 0.90 gs, better than the Nissan 350Z that Toyota says it used as a benchmark for this truck. Standard engine is a 4.0L/240-hp V-6 with 275 lb-ft of torque, coupled to a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox. (A TRD supercharger pumps it up to about 300 horses.) The X-Runner also has 18-inch wheels, firmer, shorter springs and Bilsteins mounted outboard of the frame rails. Toyota hopes the X-Runner will appeal to youthful Scion shoppers who decide on a pickup.
