|
2004 Toyota Tacoma Offers New
Dynamic Control Systems
click photo to preview
09/01/2003
The Toyota Tacoma compact pickup truck line for 2004 is offering
advanced dynamic handling control systems that help enhance
traction, stability and safety. For 2004, all Tacoma models feature
standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force
Distribution (EBD). The 4x2 PreRunner V6 and Tacoma 4x4 V6 models
can now be equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), while the
4x4 models now also feature Active TRAC, a traction control system
thatfs especially useful in rugged off-highway driving conditions.
The 4x2 PreRunner models are equipped with TRAC and an automatic
limited-slip rear differential for enhanced control in rugged
driving conditions. Tacoma compact pickup trucks offer one of the
most extensive model selections in its segment, and documented
industry-leading quality is one of the top reasons customers cite
for choosing it. Seventeen model configurations make up the Tacoma
line, based on three cab types - regular cab, extended Xtracab with
rear jump seats and the four-door Double Cab. The Tacoma
standard-cab and Xtracab models feature a 74.5-inch long bed. The
Double Cab comes with a bed length of 61.5 inches The
sixth-generation of Toyota compact pickups, which first launched in
1964, the Tacoma accounts for nearly 10 percent of Toyota sales in
the United States. The Tacoma is assembled at the New United Motor
Manufacturing, Inc. production facility in Fremont, Calif.
Tacoma Configurations Regular Cab Xtracab Double Cab 4-cyl. V6
4-cyl. V6 4-cyl. V6 4x2 X NA X X NA NA PreRunner X NA X X X X 4x4 X
NA X X NA X
New Level of Control Tacoma PreRunner and 4x4 models offer some
of the most sophisticated dynamic control technology in the Toyota
inventory for 2004. The standard four-wheel anti-lock brake system
(ABS) is newly augmented for 2004 by the Electronic Brake-force
Distribution (EBD) feature and Brake Assist. EBD optimizes brake
pressure at each wheel for greater control under braking, especially
when cornering. The Brake Assist system is designed to determine if
the driver is attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not
stepped hard enough on the brake pedal to engage the ABS, the system
supplements the applied braking power until pedal pressure is
released. The available Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system on
4x4 models helps keep the vehicle going on its intended course by
detecting front-wheel slide and rear-wheel slide during cornering
and attempting to control either condition with throttle
intervention and/or by braking individual wheels.
High Torque Engines for Big Payloads A 142-horsepower 2.4-liter
four-cylinder engine with 160 lb./ft. of torque powers the 4x2
regular cab and provides for a 1,500-pound payload capacity. Tacoma
PreRunner and 4x4 models are available with two engines, a brawny
150-horsepower 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder that produces 177
lb.-ft. of torque and a strong but smooth DOHC 190-horsepower
3.4-liter V6 that puts out 220 lb-ft. of torque. The V6-powered
Tacoma models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, the four-cylinder models
up to 3,500 pounds. Outstanding power-to-weight ratios help give
Tacoma models impressive performance and fuel efficiency. Toyota
dealers offer a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) supercharger kit for
the V6 that boosts horsepower to 260. The system carries a full
factory warranty and is EPA-certified.
2WD, 4WD and PreRunner Tacoma offers both two-wheel drive and
four-wheel drive models in all body styles. Forty percent of all
Tacoma models sold are 4x4 models, which feature a two-speed
transfer case and a heavy-duty chassis. A locking rear differential
is available as an option on PreRunner V6 models and 4x4 V6 models.
The Tacoma PreRunner is available in all three cab types. PreRunner
combines the high-ground clearance chassis and rugged styling of a
4x4 in a more affordable, more fuel-efficient 4x2 chassis. A
four-speed electronic automatic transmission is standard equipment
on all PreRunner configurations. PreRunners account for a third of
all Tacoma sales, the most popular configuration being the V6 Double
Cab. Payload capacity among the PreRunner models ranges from 1,625
to 2,005 lb. With up to 12-inches of ground clearance, as well as
the heavy-duty suspension and larger brakes from the 4x4, PreRunners
can easily handle most off-highway driving chores. The newly
available dynamic handling systems add a higher level of control in
this rugged driving environment. Like the 4x4s, a locking rear
differential is available with the V6 PreRunner models. [Still true
with TRAC?] All Tacoma models ride on double wishbone coil-spring
front suspension and leaf spring rear suspension with staggered
shock absorbers for secure axle control. The 4x4 models and
PreRunners upgrade to gas-filled shock absorbers for better
rough-road and off-road control. An optional TRD Off-Road Package is
available for both the 4x4 and PreRunner models. The package
provides even greater off-road capability, adding a locking rear
differential, off-road shock absorbers, progressive-rate front
springs, heavy-duty rear springs, a larger front stabilizer bar,
aluminum wheels and 265/70 R16 BF Goodrich off-road tires. Black
overfenders and TRD graphics top off the package for a tough, sporty
appearance.
Double Cab Is One Third of Tacoma Sales The Double Cab models
account for nearly a third of Tacoma sales in the United States.
Toyota developed the Tacoma Double Cab exclusively for the U.S.
market. The Double Cabfs cargo bed measures an impressive
61.5-inches, and Toyota offers an optional fiberglass Super Sport
Shell developed by SNUGTOP. The Double Cab is available in both 4x4
and PreRunner configurations and offers a higher level of standard
equipment than in other Tacoma models. Double Cab models can be
equipped with an optional Limited package that adds a color-keyed
front bumper and overfenders, a chrome rear bumper and additional
chrome trim, sport seats with driverfs power lumbar, a deluxe
3-in-1 audio system with six speakers, a sliding rear window, rear
privacy glass and 265/70R16 tires on 16-inch five-spoke alloy
wheels.
Muscular S-Runner The Tacoma S-Runner is a muscular
"customizing" alternative that features a dealer-installed
TRD color-keyed body kit. Itfs available exclusively as a 4x2
Xtracab powered by the V6 engine with a five-speed manual
transmission. Performance-tuned suspension lowers the S-Runner by an
inch compared to the standard 4x2 Tacoma and also sharpens handling
response. The S-Runner comes in only two colors, Black Sand Pearl
and Radiant Red. The S-Runner interior is likewise customized and
features front sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift
knob, white-faced instrument gauges and other amenities. S-Runner
comes standard with air conditioning, 3-way audio system with six
speakers, power windows and door locks, a sliding rear window with
gray privacy glass and a digital clock.
Toyota Value The unbeatable advantages of Toyota quality and
long-lasting value do not come at a premium in the Tacoma.
Competitive pricing is a hallmark of the entire line. Therefs more
to value than price, of course, and the Tacoma pays its owners the
double dividends of Toyota quality heritage and high resale value.
The Tacoma offers a wide variety of interior and exterior upgrade
options, as well as a large selection of dealer-installed
accessories to personalize the truck. Many buyers choose the sporty
SR5 package to add the most desirable options at a high-value price.
The SR5 package includes air conditioning, 3-in-1 audio, tilt
steering wheel, tachometer, digital clock, sunvisors with vanity
mirrors, and a chrome or color-keyed appearance package. Toyotafs
36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty applies to
all components other than normal wear and maintenance items.
Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60
months/60,000 miles and corrosion perforation for 60 months with no
mileage limitation.
# # # Contact: Toyota Product News
|
