Regardless of "touch-feely" matters, it's clear that Toyota began building performance into the X-Runner from the moment the pencil hit the paper, or more accurately the CAD program was initialized. They designed an exclusive "X-braced" reinforced frame that provides enhanced torsional rigidity over the current generation of Tacoma trucks. In the case of the X-Runner, the chassis sits 2.5 cm (1 in) lower to the tarmac than the conventional Tacoma, giving it a much-improved center of gravity.
 |
| Toyota put a lot of forethought into the overall design of the X-Runner to ensure its handling and performance match its racey styling. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
Combining this favorable center of gravity with 18-inch alloy wheels and 45-series V-rated performance tires should send the truck well on its way to handling nirvana. And just to ensure it gets there, Toyota has pulled additional performance hardware from its automotive top hat in the way of firmer springs, specially tuned Bilstein gas shocks positioned outboard of the frame rails, and large diameter front and rear stabilizer bars with firmer bushings.
 |
| The X-Runner gets its life from a 240 horsepower V6 engine capable of a substantial 275 pounds-feet of torque. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
Based on Toyota's selection of handling componentry, it's fair to assume the X-Runner's personality will be more "sports car" than "work truck," which is a significant departure from the utilitarian profile formerly applied to the Tacoma line of pickups. Toyota knew that a shift to a performance profile for the Tacoma would involve a little more muscle under the hood, and that's what Toyota gave it. The X-Runner benefits from the installation of a 240 horsepower V6 engine capable of a substantial 275 pounds-feet of torque. Linked to a close-ratio 6-speed manual shifter, Toyota expects a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of seven seconds. If that's not what the speed doctor ordered, there's more medicine on tap in the way of a TRD-developed supercharging system that would boost the prescribed dose to a walloping 300-horsepower. Toyota expects this configuration to shave a full second off the run to 60-mph (96-kph).