Toyota Tacoma X-Runner RTR: 2010 SEMA Show

Just the Facts:

• Toyota stuffs a 504-hp, supercharged 5.7-liter V8 into its Tacoma SEMA truck.
• The exhaust exits underneath the truck to allow more suspension compression at the drag strip.
• The project truck is based on a Tacoma X-Runner; the HVAC and rear seats are deleted.

TORRANCE, California — Toyota usually serves up performance specials at the SEMA Show, and its first announced entry for this year's event is classic SEMA fare: the Tacoma X-Runner RTR.

The "ready to race" project pickup truck is based on the production Toyota Tacoma X-Runner. It has been modified almost exclusively with components from the massive parts bins of Toyota and its motorsports/performance arm, Toyota Racing Development (TRD). The automaker says the driveline shaft and traction bars are the only non-Toyota bits.

The most significant modification on the Tacoma X-Runner RTR is the 5.7-liter V8 from the full-size Tundra. Toyota fitted a six-speed automatic transmission and bolted on a TRD supercharger, boosting output to 504 horsepower and torque to 550 pound-feet.

Power is fed to a stock Tundra rear axle (narrowed to fit the Tacoma chassis) with an Eaton-designed, TRD prototype mechanical limited-slip differential. The truck rides on fat 30x11.5x15 Goodyear Eagle Dragway Special tires in the rear and 28x4.5x15 Goodyear Eagle Front Runners up front. This rubber is mounted on 15-inch steel wheels widened to 10 inches across in the back. Ride height has been dropped 4.5 inches.

Toyota said the only body modification to the X-Runner is the relocation of the exhaust outlet to underneath the cab, to facilitate maximum rear-suspension compression during hard launches (and, no doubt, to protect the twin TRD perforated-chamber mufflers). Brakes are stock X-Runner, as are all exterior body panels.

To lighten things up, Toyota removed half the hardware from the cockpit, including air-conditioning, power windows, rear seats and audio system, and re-covered the stock Tacoma front seats in vintage fabric. The project truck adds a TRD removable roll bar and a custom TRD steering wheel, plus brake and accelerator pedals and a gated shifter with sport shift mode from the Tundra.

Toyota finished the Tacoma X-Runner RTR in a silver-and-red paint scheme from Five Axis, with lots of graphics on the hood, doors, fenders and rockers.

Inside Line says: A classic SEMA special from an old SEMA hand. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent