Toyota demos its TRD Pro Series line [w/video]

Fri, 07 Feb 2014

With a rich history of creating off-road worthy trucks and SUVs and a somewhat bland impression of its brand overall, Toyota has wisely created a line of TRD Pro Series vehicles to spice up its showrooms and newly engage customers. Debuting at this year's Chicago Auto Show before rolling into dealers this fall, the TRD-tuned vehicles include the 4Runner, Tacoma and Tundra, all with added rough-road gear and amped-up looks.

The TRD Pro Series trucks might end up, in many cases, as lifestyle accessories for outdoorsy types, but that doesn't mean they're all show. TRD springs and Bilstein dampers are set up for off-road performance, while skid plates will protect the softish underbellies of these would-be rock-crawlers. The trio all get lifted over stock height, as well, with two-inch gains for the Tundra and Tacoma (lovingly referred to as "Taco Supreme" in the Toyota press release), and an inch-and-a-half rise for the 4Runner.

We detailed all of the changes to the Pro Series vehicles in our original announcement post, and you'll also find more granularity of information in the Toyota press release below. Before you dive in, however, be sure to take in our set of live, action-packed images from the Chicago Show floor.

Let's Get Dirty!

Toyota Kicks Up Some Dust with the All-New TRD Pro Series of Off-Road Vehicles

February 06, 2014
CHICAGO (Feb. 6, 2014) – Get ready to go where even roads fear to tread with the adrenaline-pumping TRD Pro Series from Toyota. Already favorites among serious off-roaders, the 2015 Toyota Tundra, Tacoma and 4Runner will get even more capable with these new, aggressive off-road packages designed by the experts at Toyota Racing Development (TRD).

Rising from the Desert
The TRD Pro Series arises from Toyota's storied off-road racing heritage, with numerous victories in the grueling Baja 500 and 1000 endurance races. Born from this experience in the desert, Toyota's terrain-conquering vehicles will help serious off-roaders go places they never dreamed possible.

Serious Specs for Serious Off-Roaders
The new factory-installed TRD Pro Series is aimed squarely at extreme off-roading enthusiasts who push their trucks and SUVs to the limit.

Available on 4X4 models of Tundra, Tacoma and 4Runner, all TRD Pro Series vehicles will be equipped with:
TRD Bilstein shocks with remote reservoirs
TRD-tuned front springs
TRD front skid plate
Unique front grille with "TOYOTA" badging (pays tribute to early iconic Toyota models)
TRD floor mats
TRD shift knobs
Black wheels
A hot new color, Inferno, is joined by Black and Super White, cool classics for off-road rigs.

Tundra Like No Other
In addition to the shared features, the Tundra TRD Pro will be equipped exclusively with:

TRD-tuned springs with 2" lift for the front of the vehicle
Decreased spring rate to improve ride quality over harsh terrain
All-black 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin ORP tires
TRD dual exhaust system
TRD PRO quarter panel bed stamping
Unique interior seat color with red stitching
Unique instrument panel ornament insert

Taco Supreme
Building on the best-selling compact pickup in the industry, Tacoma TRD Pro beefs up and adds a little hot sauce with:
TRD-tuned springs with 2" lift for the front
Decreased spring rate
16-inch black beadlock-style wheels
BFGoodrich® All-Terrain LT265/75R16 tires
TRD Exhaust
Black TRD PRO badge

Rock Star 4Runner
Adding to its rock-crawling prowess, 4Runner TRD PRO will be exclusively equipped with:
1.5" lift for the front of the vehicle
1" of additional wheel travel
All-new 17-inch TRD all-black alloy wheels
Black TRD Pro badges
Black front and rear lower bumper accents
Street Cred On and Off-Road
The TRD Pro Series is the most-advanced yet in a long line of TRD packages for Toyota trucks that dates back to 1998 when the first Off-Road package was introduced for Tacoma.

TRD has been an in-house engine and chassis developer for successful Toyota racing activities around the world for nearly four decades. It also develops motorsport-derived accessories for Toyota, Lexus and Scion street cars and trucks. TRD's U.S. operations were first established in 1979 and are headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., with an additional facility in Salisbury, N.C.

The TRD Pro Series will start getting down and dirty in the fall of 2014.

Original Toyota Off-Road Game Returns!
Be the first to take the TRD Pro Tundra, Tacoma and 4Runner off-road and online by playing, Super Off Road™: TRD Pro Edition Presented by Toyota.

Choose your favorite TRD Pro model and put them to the test on the toughest, muddiest, most grueling online off-road track. Score power-ups, challenge friends and compete to beat the leaderboard. Visit www.ToyotaSuperOffRoad.com for more information.

By Seyth Miersma