Teaser images full of cheeky swipes at the recent patent leaks. However, it also provides the clearest hint yet of the new Tacoma. Image: Toyota USA on Facebook.
In what can only be seen as a good natured jibe at the leaking of patent images pertaining to the new Tacoma, Toyota’s latest teaser image not only parodies the leak itself, but also provides the subtlest of glimpses of the North American twin of the Hilux.
Responding to the uncovering of patents images in Brazil just over two months ago, the teaser, posted by Toyota North America on Facebook, shows the current Tacoma parked on a slope in front of a building humorously named Brazilian Patent Office in reference to where the leaks originated from.
The second dig is the actual caption of the post itself that reads “Patented good looks” as not only a representation of the current model, but also the newcomer depicted in the right-hand corner underneath the building’s awnings.
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More visible than the silhouette image released on Toyota North America’s Instagram page two days ago, the out-of-focus image not only adheres to the Brazilian images, but sees the Tacoma drawing visual hints from the bigger Tundra in the look of the grille and headlights.
As already known, the Tacoma will jump ship to the body-on-frame TNGA-F platform used by the Land Cruiser 300, Sequoia, Lexus LX and from later this year, the all-new Fortuner, Land Cruiser Prado and 4Runner.
The same architecture will also provide the foundation for the next generation Hilux, which, while only tipped to debut in 2025, is expected to incorporate visual and interior similarities as per a closer production alignment for the first time since 1995.
Up front, the Tacoma will follow the same route its key North American rivals, the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, by taking leave of its six-cylinder engine in favour of a turbocharged four-cylinder.
Leaving the Jeep Gladiator and the twin of the Nissan Navara, the Frontier, to offer V6 engines in the segment, the Tacoma’s 4.0-litre unit will be replaced by two versions of the T24A-FTS 2.4-litre unit used in the Lexus NX and RX, the Toyota Crown, Highlander/Kluger and Grand Highlander.
Also replacing the 2.7-litre mill that sits below the V6, the base 2.4 is expected to deliver 205kW/430Nm, while the flagship will benefit from an electric motor and therefore adopt a hybrid configuration developing a combined 273 kW.
The complete opposite is expected of the Hilux though, which will reportedly follow the incoming new Fortuner by having its 2.8 GD-6 turbodiesel engine supplemented with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
Although nothing else about the setup is known, speculation points to a protentional uptake power from the current 150kW/500Nm, although unlikely are the chances of it bettering the 165kW/550Nm made by the Hilux GR Sport.
Also unknown is whether a performance Tacoma will be made in order to rival the Ford Ranger Raptor North America will be receiving later this year for the first time.
Given reports dating back almost three years about a GR Hilux becoming a reality in spite of Toyota not saying much about it, the likely approval of a Tacoma TRD Sport similar to the Tundra could provide a further hint of what to expect from a “hotter” Hilux.
It at stands, speculation is only expected to increase within the coming days, especially as Toyota has all but confirmed the new Tacoma’s reveal date as indicated by the outgoing model’s numberplate.
Brandishing the numbers 040423, the plate suggests 4 April as the date of reveal, which motor1.com points out is a day before the commencing of the New York International Auto Show. If indeed the case, don’t be surprised if more teasers and hints emerge over the coming days.
Image sourced from Toyota USA on Facebook
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