Toyota has decided to tease us with a new commercial showing a new off-road package – the TRD Pro. While details are non-existent, the timing seems to lineup with an unveil at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. Here is what we know.
The commercial teaser was aired on January 18 during a motocross event. Click here to watch it.
Starting with the larger, full-size Tundra, it looks to borrow the grille idea of the Ford Raptor with its large Toyota name spelled out across it. It also seems to have no exterior modifications beyond the grille and may have different wheels on it. Also, the TRD Pro badge is on the lower part of the tailgate. If this truck came to market, it would fill a gap left when Toyota didn’t unveil a new Rock Warrior. Unfortunately, the Rock Warrior was really just a “trim level” upgrade and was missing several mechanical piece like a locking rear differential or supercharger to make it stand out.
The smaller Tacoma looks like it will also be offered in the new TRD Pro package. This makes sense with Toyota killing the Baja package early last year. This package had:
- BFGoodrich T/A KO tires
- 16-inch gunmetal gray beadlock-style wheels
- Front suspension: 60mm Bilstein race shocks, TRD coil springs
- Rear suspension: 50mm remote-reservoir race Bilsteins
- TRD cat-back exhaust
- Custom graphics
Much like the Rock Warrior, the Baja package was interesting, it wasn’t, though, a “Raptor” like upgrade.
Speaking of the Raptor, it has long been speculated if any of the other makers would ever challenge it. It seems like now they won’t have to with rumors the Raptor is being killed.
The death of the Raptor would mean that this off-road “trim” packages are the future of stock offerings. This is sure to be a bummer to many the truck fan who wanted a real off-road option from the factory. Seems like after the success that the Raptor has enjoyed, it was natural for other makers to follow suit. Guess not.
