Some interesting and funny stuff here:
The new T/X Pro package includes "bold angles, skid plates, big color-matching fender flares and a front bumper with integrated fog lights".
And the TRD package includes "an off-road-tuned suspension system using Bilstein shocks, hill start assist, downhill assist, an electric locking rear differential and automatic traction controls".
"BFGoodrich 265/70R16 Rugged Trail tires and black TRD 16-inch alloy, bead-lock wheels are a welcome upgrade, which sets the tone for the capabilities of this pickup". (I'm sure they're fake bead-locks).
"The real knockout punch from the T|X Pro package, however, is the TRD sport-tuned exhaust system that delivers a deep sound and extra power to spin the wheels slightly from a standing start. Toyota doesn’t make any claims as to how much power the sport-tuned exhaust adds to the 4.0-liter dual-overhead-cam 24-valve V-6."
"The off-road-tuned suspension handles short frequencies, such as minor highway bumps and pot holes, with a noticeably stiffer ride than most four-wheel-drive pickups in its class. The Bilstein dampers are true ultrahigh-pressure mono-tube (not twin-tube) shocks that tend to carry these frequencies to the driver, but they are good insurance in knowing that they won’t fail under extreme conditions."
"The rocks that we had to try to maneuver the Tacoma T|X Pro over initially took us by surprise. Because we didn’t expect to air down the tires, we were worried we wouldn’t make it through, and it took all of our rock-crawling skills to maneuver the Toyota over the terrain without a scratch. We were lucky to use the truck’s rear locking differential to help us get out of some difficult situations more than once."
Looks like the Raptor is inspiring pickup truck manufacturers inside and out.
Check out the front "skid plate" - look familiar?
Toyota's new T|X Pro off-road package for the 2011 Tacoma is much more than just a fresh set of stickers, wheels and tires. But how tough is it? We put it to the test in Last Chance Canyon.
