MECHANICVILLE, N.Y. – Toyota has a long history in the off-road racing scene, and it has used that experience to construct a special-edition Tacoma pickup truck dubbed the TRD T|X Baja Series. Based on the 2012 Toyota Tacoma available at Toyota dealerships, the race-inspired TRD T|X Baja Series features off-road capability usually reserved for a desert race course.
Toyota’s off-road heritage includes nearly three decades of success, with numerous titles at the Baja 500 and Baja 1000. That off-road expertise has made its way to showrooms in the past with the Toyota PreRunner, as well as the TRD Off-Road packages for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma and Tundra pickup trucks. However, the Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series represents the automaker’s most focused offering yet.
“While some automakers talk a lot about being trail rated, Toyota has proven its vehicles are built to take on the roughest races in the world,” said Mike Raucci, general manager of New York Toyota dealer New Country Toyota of Clifton Park. “The TRD packages available for the Tacoma and Tundra already offer more capability than most will ever need, but the TRD T|X Baja Series is a true off-road animal.”
Headed to Toyota dealerships late next spring, a large portion of the TRD T|X Baja Series’ increased capability comes from its thoroughly upgraded suspension, which includes increased ride height to clear larger obstacles and more suspension travel to soak up bumps without jolting occupants. Equipped with Bilstein race shocks and TRD springs, the Baja Series also adds a set of BF Goodrich T/A KO tires and bead-lock style wheels in a unique Gun-Metal Gray finish.
While a variety of the Baja Series’ hardware is unique, features like Active Traction Control, Hill-Start Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control are shared with 2012 Tacomas equipped with the TRD Off-Road package. Another shared component between the limited-edition Baja Series Tacoma and the more readily available Access Cab and Double Cab Tacomas is a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 236 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Most Tacomas come standard with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine.
The TRD T|X Baja Series will also benefit from a refresh that all Tacomas have received for the 2012 model year. New features include a revised exterior that gives the 2012 Toyota Tacoma a more aggressive stance, as well as an upgraded interior with new available Entune technology that can make even the most remote trails feel more like home. Accessed through a Bluetooth- or USB-connected smartphone, Toyota’s Entune system provides access to services like Pandora internet radio, weather and traffic reports, fuel prices, stocks and even sports scores. Entune comes with three years of complimentary service too, which means no additional fees for the added functionality.
“The Tacoma is a midsize truck with full-size capability,” Raucci noted. “The Tacoma has long been known for its toughness and capability, and now the new Entune technology will make the logistics of off-road trips that much easier. It’s the best Tacoma yet, and that’s not faint praise.”
