We might be Toyota Hilux crazy here in NZ where the robust ute rules supreme. But in America the land of massive trucks and massive people to put in them, it’s a slightly different story. The Hilux is marketed as the Toyota Tacoma and despite adapted styling to suit American tastes, still hasn’t reached the same level of popularity with tradesmen and weekend warriors. With this in mind Toyota is attempting to widen its fan base by introducing the Tacoma X-Runner RTR (Ready to Race) at the upcoming SEMA Motor Show in Las Vegas.

Built to show off the Japanese company’s V8 engineering prowess, the truck features a Tundra-sourced 5.7-litre V8 which has been fitted with a TRD supercharger. Thanks to the forced induction, the engine produces 504 hp (376 kW) and a massive 752 Nm of torque.

Other upgrades include a mechanical limited slip differential, a lowered suspension set-up, a custom side-exiting exhaust and 15-inch wheels with race-specific Goodyear Eagle rubber.

To look the part, there’s a sporty red/silver paint job and some dapper graphics. Inside, weight has been saved by stripping of non-essential equipment and it’s been outfitted with a TRD steering wheel and a roll bar in case it goes a bit wrong.

Check out images of the Tacoma X-Runner RTR in the gallery below, and check back for more updates before the SEMA show. (more…)

Fighting for traction all the time, Millen slithers his way up the hill. Watch him try to avoid the Range Rover at the top!