LAS VEGAS (Oct. 31, 2023) – In the past, 2WD street trucks, also known as “sport” trucks, were popular on roads everywhere. These trucks were customized by enthusiasts who focused on their performance between stoplights rather than for worksites, campsites, or trailheads.

During a concepting session between the Toyota Engineering teams at Toyota R&D and the design team at Toyota’s Calty Design Studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the idea of building a street truck emerged. This resulted in the creation of a modernized X-Runner Concept based on the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma, which diverged from the off-road focus at the 2023 SEMA Show.

Adam Rabinowitz, chief designer at Toyota’s Calty Design Research, Inc., explained the inspiration behind this X-Runner Concept. He mentioned the curiosity to see if there is still a market for street trucks or if the market has completely shifted to tough, rugged, lifted vehicles.

However, building the X-Runner Concept was not just about checking the market’s pulse. The Toyota R&D and Design Teams were eager to demonstrate the possibilities of Toyota’s new TGNA-F product platform after witnessing the enthusiastic consumer response to the launch of the new 2024 Tacoma.

According to Sheldon Brown, chief engineer at Toyota Motor North America, the TGNA-F platform enabled them to efficiently build something like the X-Runner Concept in a fraction of the time it would usually take. The team saw this project as a testament to why they got into the automotive business.

The X-Runner Concept features a modified i-FORCE 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 421 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of peak torque. It also includes a Tundra solid axle with a 4.30:1 final drive and an electronic locking differential for torque distribution. Additionally, it has a custom side exhaust.

The engine modification will be available in the next year as part of a TRD Performance Package upgrade for new Tundra models. More details can be found in the Performance Package press release.

In terms of design, the X-Runner Concept maintains the Tacoma’s signature look by incorporating interlocking shapes and fluid forms. The front fascia features Tacoma XB LED Projector headlights with “X-Runner” laser ablation lenses. Custom aero-fairings with functional venting cool the X-Runner’s 13.9-inch Tundra front brakes, while the functional hood scoop draws cool air into the engine bay. The rear of the X-Runner Concept is kept simple, highlighted by smoked taillights.

To achieve the desired street stance and showcase the flexibility of the TGNA-F platform, the team utilized a Tundra air suspension for a low ride height while still being able to carry a load. The suspension geometry was adjusted to match the Tundra’s specifications, and the springs were stiffened. The X-Runner Concept also features custom-valved, 2.5-inch Bilstein aluminum-bodied shocks with remote reservoirs to optimize performance. The wheel wells are filled with one-off 21×9.5-inch carbon fiber wheels with forged aluminum centers on Michelin 285/45R21 Sport Tires.

The majority of the body is painted in the original Speedway Blue color, paying homage to the original X-Runner that debuted the hue in 2004. Matte black finishes on the hood, A-pillars, and roof follow the TRD Pro style guide, while red accents on the hood lines, scoop, and wheel hubs highlight the X-Runner’s high-performance nature.

Inside, the X-Runner Concept retains the Tacoma’s familiar feel while incorporating paddle shifters and custom X-Runner accents.

According to Mike Tripp, group vice president of Toyota Marketing, the X-Runner Concept showcases the range of the Tacoma platform and what could be done by pushing its boundaries beyond off-road capabilities. It demonstrates that TRD is about performance and speed.

Toyota’s featured vehicles, build concepts, and a variety of production cars, SUVs, and trucks can be seen at the Las Vegas Convention Center from October 31 to November 3, 2023.

Note: The vehicles shown are special project prototype vehicles modified with parts and/or accessories not available from Toyota. These modifications may void the vehicle’s warranty, impact performance and safety, and may not be street legal.