Toyota TRD Pro

Last Thursday at the Chicago Auto Show Toyota announced a new package for the Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner. The packages will give the vehicles a beefier off road image both outside and inside. Each model will have its own signature equipment suited to that vehicle but they will also all come with TRD-tuned springs with Bilstein shocks, a TRD front skid plate, a TRD shifter, black wheels, branded floor mats and a "TOYOTA" grille badge which pays heritage to the original 4x4 Toyotas. They will also come in three specialty colors: new Inferno paint color, Black, and Super White.

The Tacoma is the best selling compact pick up in the US, so adding a awesome off road package will most likely boost its even more sales. The Tacoma gets softer springs that boost the ride height a couple inches. An extra inch of wheel travel is available in front and 1.5 inches of travel are provided in back. The Tacoma also features 16-inch beadlock wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires. A TRD catback exhaust is also included.

The Tundra is a lot like its smaller brother getting benefits from softer TRD springs that also provide a two-inch lift and a better ride in the rough, while the truck itself rides on 18-inch wheels with Michelin ORP tires. Each truck gains an extra two inches of wheel travel in front and 1.25 inches in back, while a TRD dual exhaust should generate a nicer sound than the trucks's standard V8 engine. Finally, a unique interior with red contrast stitching freshen up the cabin. Its not quite as extreme as a Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, but it's definitely a very capable off-road oriented truck that is much capable than your average pickup.

Finally the 4Runner, which only gets a 1.5-inch lift, but gains an extra inch of wheel travel. 17-inch TRD wheels come standard, while bumper accents add a bit more personality to the 4Runner. Unlike the pickup trucks, the 4Runner doesn't feature a TRD exhaust. However being the most capable out of the three before the enhancements, mot as much was need to be a tough 4x4 like what Toyota is known for.

I really hope these stay past limited production because I really want one. Toyota has not said how long they will make them and there are no set prices yet for these three musketeers, so we will have to wait for Fall to come around before they hit dealer floors. Until then all we can do is dream and drool, like most of the cars I post.