In what can only be seen as a good-natured jibe at the leaked patent image of the new Tacoma, Toyota’s latest teaser image not only parodies the leak itself, but also gives the subtlest of glimpses of the North American twin Hilux.
Poking fun
In response to the discovery of patent images in Brazil just two months ago, the teaser, posted by Toyota North America on Facebook, showing the Tacoma now parked on the slope in front of the building humorously named the Brazilian Patent Office in reference to where the leak came from.
My second dig is the actual caption of the post itself that reads “Patent looks good” not only is it a representation of the current model, but also the newcomer depicted in the bottom right corner of the building’s awning.
Also read: Hints from the new Hilux? Next Toyota Tacoma appeared in patent images
More visible than the silhouette image released on Toyota North America’s Instagram page two days ago, the out-of-focus image not only follows the Brazilian image, but sees the Tacoma drawing visual cues from the larger Tundra in its grille and headlights.
New platform, no V6
As previously reported, the Tacoma will jump to the TNGA-F body-on-frame platform used by the Land Cruiser 300, Sequoia, Lexus LX and starting later this year, the new Fortuner, Land Cruiser Prado and 4Runner.
The same architecture will also provide the foundation for the next-generation Hilux, which, while it will only debut in 2025, is expected to combine visual similarities and interiors as a closer production alignment for the first time since 1995.
Going forward, the Tacoma will follow the same route as its main North American rivals, the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, by ditching the six-cylinder engine in favor of a turbocharged four-cylinder.
Leaving the Jeep Gladiator and its Nissan Navara twin Frontier to offer V6 engines in the segment, the Tacoma’s 4.0-liter unit will be replaced by two versions of the 2.4-liter T24A-FTS unit used in the Lexus NX and RX, Toyota Crown, Highlander/Kluger and Grand Highlander .
It also replaces the 2.7-liter factory located under the V6, the base 2.4 is expected to generate 205kW / 430Nm, while the flagship will benefit from an electric motor and therefore with a hybrid configuration developing a combined 273 kW.
Where did the Hilux come from?
The complete opposite is expected from the Hilux though, which will reportedly follow the incoming Fortuner by having a 2.8 GD-6 turbodiesel engine coupled with a 48-volt mild hybrid system.
Although nothing is known about the setup, speculations indicate a protentional backup power of 150kW / 500Nm at the moment, although there is no possibility that it will be better than the 165kW / 550Nm produced by the Hilux GR Sport.
It is also unknown whether the performance of the Tacoma will be made to compete with the North American Ford Ranger Raptor that will be received later this year for the first time.
Given that reports from almost three years ago about the GR Hilux becoming a reality although Toyota did not say much about it, the possible approval of the Tacoma TRD Sport similar to the Tundra could give us a hint of what to expect from the “hotter”. Hilux.
Open almost here
In the stands, speculation is only expected to increase in the coming days, especially as Toyota has all but confirmed the date of opening the new Tacoma as indicated by the number of the outgoing model.
Brandishing the number 040423, the plate suggests April 4 as the opening date, which motor1.com Points out is the day before the start of the New York International Auto Show. If that’s true, don’t be surprised if more teasers and hints emerge in the coming days.
Image from Toyota USA on Facebook