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2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Debut - 2016 Chicago Auto Show +VIDEO


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2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Debut

MORE INFO:See all of the 2016 Chicago Auto Show Press Conference; News, Photos and Videos


2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro - - Dirtier Than Ever!

Chicago February 11, 2016; Whether tackling treacherous snow-covered terrain, driving off the beaten path, or surviving extreme conditions where roads fear to tread, the adrenaline-pumping TRD Pro Series from Toyota is up for any challenge. Two years ago, the TRD Pro Series arose from Toyota's storied off-road racing heritage, with its numerous victories in the grueling Baja off-road endurance races.  Born from this experience, the Toyota TRD Pro Series Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner have helped serious off-roaders go places they never dreamed possible.
 
This fall, the Toyota Tacoma will rejoin the 2017 model year TRD Pro family with all-new factory-installed off-road equipment designed by the experts at Toyota Racing Development (TRD) to make it even more off-road capable than before.
 
Aimed squarely at extreme off-roading enthusiasts who challenge themselves and their trucks and SUV's in some of the harshest conditions, the new 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro will raise the bar on TRD Pro performance.  Courtesy of TRD, the new Tacoma TRD Pro will add an array of new performance equipment and features, making this a truly second-generation TRD Pro product, and the new benchmark for challenging off-road terrain.
 
Extreme Exterior for Extreme Performance
The 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro is designed to not only look tough, but to perform in the toughest off-road environment.  Based on the Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4x4 Double Cab Short Bed model in either 6-speed manual (with clutch start-cancel switch) or 6-speed automatic transmission, the new Tacoma TRD Pro will be available in three exterior colors: Cement, Barcelona Red Metallic, and Super White.  The exterior of each Tacoma TRD Pro model will also include:
  
* 16-inch TRD black alloy wheels with Goodyear Wrangler(r) All-Terrain Kevlar(r)-reinforced tires
* TRD Pro aluminum front skid plate
* Rigid Industries(r) LED fog lights
* Projector-beam headlights with black bezels, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and auto on/off feature
* Taillights with black bezels
* TRD Pro badge on front door with diamond-pattern knurled finish
* Black TRD Pro and 4x4 rear tailgate badging
 
Each Tacoma TRD Pro will also come equipped with a heritage-inspired TOYOTA front grille with color-keyed surround, blacked out hood scoop and graphic, color-keyed power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, color-keyed door handles, black overfenders, and a color-keyed rear bumper.
 
Interior Sportiness Combined with Convenience Technology
Driving a sporty package in rugged off-road conditions does not mean you can't ride in comfort and with the latest safety and convenience technologies.  The new Tacoma TRD Pro combines sportiness and convenience with standard features that include: 
* Black TRD Pro leather-trimmed heated front seats with TRD Pro logo located in the headrest
* 4-way adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and 4-way adjustable front passenger seat
* Entune(tm) Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite
* TRD shift knob
* TRD Pro floor mats
* Leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth(r)  hands-free phone controls
* Rear parking assist sonar
* Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
 
The new Tacoma TRD Pro also includes an analog instrumentation that features a 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display (MID) with an integrated inclinometer and tilt gauge.  The MID also adds outside temperature, odometer, tripmeters, and average fuel economy.
 
As in all Tacoma models, a GoPro(r) mount is located on the windshield for serious off-roaders who like to document their exploits with GoPro(r) HERO cameras.
 
Pro Performance
The new 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro continues to be all about off-road performance as it strives to raise the bar from the original.  The Tacoma TRD Pro will be powered by a 3.5-Liter V6 DOHC 24-valve direct-injection Atkinson-cycle engine with VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) intake and VVT-I exhaust. 
 
Tacoma TRD Pro really earns its off-road cred through its TRD-installed suspension and exhaust enhancements that include: 
*  FOX 2.5 Internal Bypass shocks tuned by TRD
* TRD-tuned front springs with a 1-inch lift
* TRD-tuned rear suspension with progressive-rate off-road leaf spring
 
Every Tacoma TRD Pro will be equipped with 4WDemand part-time 4WD with a transfer case and Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD) that are both electronically-controlled.  Also standard will be a V6 Tow Package that includes a Class-IV towing receiver hitch, ATF cooler (automatic only), engine oil cooler, power steering cooler, 130-amp alternator, 4- and 7-pin connector with convertor, and Trailer-Sway Control (TSC).
 
An electronically controlled locking rear differential is also standard to help distribute engine power evenly to both rear wheels so they move at the same speed, providing more grip in low-traction conditions.
 
When the trail gets challenging, Tacoma TRD Pro's Crawl Control (CRAWL) will help drivers conquer their off-road adventure.  Equipped on automatics only, this advanced system automatically modulates the throttle and brakes on five low-speed settings so you can keep your focus on navigating across difficult terrain.
 
Equipped on Tacoma TRD Pro automatic is the Toyota Multi-terrain Select system.  With five modes to choose from, the system helps regulate wheel spin by automatically adjusting the engine throttle and traction control.  When combined with the standard Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain tires with tough Kevlar construction, Multi-terrain Select helps enhance traction dramatically, meaning you can get back to the fun more quickly.
 
Tacoma TRD Pro's Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), equipped on automatic transmission models only, helps you safely get up those hills.  This technology helps minimize Tacoma from rolling backward when you move your foot from the brake to the gas pedal, so you can move upward with confidence.
 
The added traction of 4WD is great, but with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), it's even better!  Equipped only on the Tacoma TRD Pro manual, A-TRAC is a 4WD traction control system that uses the 4-channel ABS system to control power flow to the front and rear wheels, all without cutting throttle input, to help make traction no matter where you may be.
 
Street Cred On and Off-Road
The TRD Pro Series is the most-advanced yet in a long line of TRD packages for Toyota trucks that dates back to 1998 when the first Off-Road package was introduced for Tacoma.  
 
TRD has been an in-house engine and chassis developer for successful Toyota racing activities around the world for nearly four decades.  It also develops motorsport-derived accessories for Toyota, Lexus and Scion street cars and trucks.  TRD's U.S. operations were first established in 1979 and are headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., with an additional facility in Salisbury, N.C.  
 
Toyota Factory Warranty
Like all Toyota vehicles, the Tacoma TRD Pro receives a 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. The Tacoma also comes standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.
 
The Tacoma TRD Pro will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc. (TMMTX) in San Antonio. 
 
The Tacoma TRD Pro Series will start getting down and dirty in the fall of 2016.
 

2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Debut Press Event

CHICAGO - February 11, 2016




Bill Fay, Toyota Group Vice President and General Manager

Thank you so much for joining us today.
 
The automotive industry is clearly celebrating some exciting times right now!
 
Quite possibly the most impressive news … has been the growth of the total light truck market …which surged to nearly 60% of the overall industry last year …a trend that Toyota expects will continue through 2016 ... and beyond.
 
Last year we recorded our BEST ever year in light trucks …and we think 2016 will be even bigger.
 
We’re gearing up for this growth …adding more production this year at our San Antonio and Baja plants …improving availability and overall sales volume in the segment.
 
Customers are loving their Toyota trucks …not only for their legendary ...quality, durability, and reliability …but because they allow them to go anywhere …and have plenty of fun getting there.
 
Two years ago ... right here at the Chicago Auto Show ...we introduced the TRD Pro family ... a new line of Toyota vehicles designed to satisfy enthusiasts …that require the ultimate in off-road capability.
 
Inspired by Toyota Racing Development’s 35-year history of accomplishments ...in desert off-road racing ... and its heritage of terrain conquering vehicles … the TRD Pro --- Tacoma, Tundra and 4Runner – have been an enormous hit … quickly becoming the most sought after Toyotas at dealerships.
 
Even now ... the available 2016 4Runner and Tundra TRD Pros are pretty much sold as soon as they roll off of the delivery truck!
 
In 2014 ...the experts at Petersen’s 4-Wheel and Off-Road ...tested the toughest off-road vehicles in a grueling comparison …and the 4Runner TRD Pro came out on top …winning 4x4 of the year!
 
Just one year later …they did the same with the all-new Tacoma …and it also was crowned 4x4 of the year!
 
We're starting to see a trend here!
 
As much as we love to win trophies ... what really excites us about the TRD Pro family …is what it's accomplished for Toyota.
 
It has:

  • Allowed us to reach a younger, more affluent and educated buyer,
 
  • It has created a halo effect …increasing consideration for Tundra, Tacoma, and 4Runner,
 
  • TRD accessories have seen a significant sales increase across the lineup. 
 
  • And most importantly …it has generated lots of Toyota brand excitement.
 
After all ... nothing spells "Let’s Go Places" like TRD Pro.    
 
Now ... there's no doubt that the new Tacoma is a BEAST …but holding true to Akio Toyoda’s vision of ever better cars …Chief Engineers Mike Sweers and Araya-San along with their team ... searched for ways to raise the bar yet again …and they nailed it!
 
Ladies and gentlemen …the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro!
 
This truck looks awesome!
 
The TRD Pro will no doubt ...stand out on the trail …with exclusive exterior features like its:
 
  • headlights and taillights with blacked-out inner housings …and matching hood scoop,
 
  • TRD Pro badging,
 
  • and of course …heritage-inspired TOYOTA grille.
 
 
Adding function to its form ...the TRD Pro also comes with:
 
  • Rigid Industries LED fog lights that will light up any path,
 
  • 16-inch TRD black alloy wheels with an aggressive offset that widens the track by an inch ... giving the truck a more powerful stance,
 
  • And Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires that are reinforced with Kevlar for better off-road performance.
 
I didn’t think the new Tacoma could get any tougher …but this TRD Pro takes it to a whole new level.
 
The TRD Pro is equipped with one of the most high-performance ...off-road suspension systems ever to be offered on a production vehicle ...specifically tuned by TRD:
 
  • Up front, 2.5-inch Fox coil-overs are paired with TRD springs …bringing it up an additional inch.
 
  • Out back, Fox 2.5-inch shocks with remote reservoirs are paired with TRD leaf springs.
 
  • All shocks feature aluminum construction and internal bypass technology that helps adapt to any terrain ...on and off the road …providing an exciting and predictable ride everywhere the TRD Pro goes. 
 
When the going gets tough …adventurers can be confident knowing that the TRD Pro comes standard with features like:
 
  • Four-wheel drive with an Auto LSD,
 
  • Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select
 
  • Locking rear differential
 
  • And a ¼-inch thick aluminum skid plate.
 
Despite its rugged exterior ...the TRD Pro’s interior is refined with black leather-trimmed heated front seats ...and a TRD Pro shift knob …and packed with technology like a multi-info display that sends vehicle lean and pitch angles …and many more features that owners will love. 
 
The 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro will be available as a double cab …with a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic …and they will ALL be built at our plant in San Antonio.
 
We will continue to offer the TRD Pro 4Runner and Tundra in 2017…now in this exclusive color called Cement …as well as ...Barcelona Red and Super White.
 
We can’t wait to see the reaction from the enthusiasts …when they go on sale later this year!
 
I’d like to switch gears for a minute …and talk about one of the core pillars of TRD … racing.
 
Just last year …we clinched our first NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship.
 
We also swept both the NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car Championships.
 
And in 2014 ... the TRD Pro Tundra won its class in the Baja 1000.
 
But you might not be aware of our latest addition to the Toyota racing family.
 
I’d like to introduce Ryan Millen …and his 2016 RAV4 SE Rally.
 
As you know ... the compact SUV segment is one of the hottest in the industry …and we felt the need to add some heat of our own. 
 
Last year was our first shake down year ... and Ryan won 4 out of 5 races.
 
Not bad …especially considering that this RAV4 features a stock engine and automatic transmission.  
 
Be on the lookout for the RAV4 Rally team as it will make its stop at several North American events throughout the year.
 
Who knows …in the future …you just might find some of that TRD racing magic trickle down to a special production RAV4.
 
That would be awesome!
 
If you’re looking for a way to keep warm in this frigid Chicago weather ... we’re giving away these cozy TRD Pro trapper hats.
 
To get one ... just snap a picture of the new Tacoma …and post it to your favorite social platform …and use the "TRDPro" hashtag.
 
Chief Engineer, Mike Sweers, and I will be up here to answer any questions that you might have.
 
Thank you so much for joining us today.