Extras, options drive all-new 2012 Toyota Tacoma

How those choices break down for buyers:

Access and Double Cab extras: They include five core option combinations. The SR5 Package mixes styling and comfort cues that include color-keyed overfenders and front bumper, chrome grille surround and chrome rear bumper, intermittent wipers and upgraded interior features and trim. The new features showcase a leather-wrapped steering wheel and automatic transmission shift lever.

TRD Sport package: Motorheads and enthusiasts will like this one. It's not for the average person. The package offers suspension tuning and lower-profile 265 / 65 R17 tires on 17-inch alloy wheels. It's the sportiest Tacoma, with cool fog lamps, a hood scoop, TRD graphics and color-keyed rear bumper, mirrors, grille surround and door handles. The TRD Big Brake system was developed by Toyota Technical Center and TRD engineers to improve pedal feel. In motorhead-speak, Toyota explains that the system uses "13 x 1.25-inch semi-floating vented rotors with directional internal fins, forged aluminum four-piston fixed calipers, larger pads with high coefficient-of-friction material and braided steel lines." That's what she said.

T|X and T|X Pro packages: These are for the "hardcore pickup fan." You've got to get this with the TRD Off-Road Package. Here's the intent: Toyota markets the package as "a concept-truck look to the Tacoma V6 Access Cab or V6 Double Cab PreRunner and 4x4 models." T|X ups the boldness of the TRD because Toyota labels the look "menacing." But ask yourself: is that the look you want when a cop is deciding whether to give you a speeding ticket? TRD 16-inch black alloy bead-lock wheels and 265 / 70R16 BFGoodrich Rugged Trail tires boost the sportiness quotient. Plus: Black tube-side steps, a stainless steel exhaust tip and unique exterior graphics give the T|X the aesthetics of a custom truck. The Pro package is performance-driven. Toyota includes a TRD cat-back performance exhaust system that gives the V6 a great growl and power to rock. Both packages offer a strong content and great value. They are covered under Toyota's standard warranty.

TRD Off-Road package: This extra that drives both T|X editions "provides a carefully tuned balance of off-road performance and on-road handling." Toyota sells it this way: "Chassis modifications include an electronic locking rear differential, progressive-rate front springs, specially tuned Bilstein shock absorbers, a 28-mm front stabilizer bar and BFGoodrich Rugged Trail tires." Let's just say it makes the Tacoma one tough truck. The package includes fog lamps, a 400W/115V powerpoint in the bed, sport seats with adjustable lumbar support, an overhead console with a compass and outside temperature display.

You can reach TN's Hawke Fracassa at [email protected] or on Twitter @HawkeFracassa.

Image source: Toyota

For news of the UAW-GM contract, CLICK HERE:
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/ratification-next-step-4-year-gm-uaw-contract
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/show-me-money-what-uaw-got-gm-workers-new-contract
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/why-reopening-idled-spring-hill-factory-makes-sense-gm-and-uaw
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/ion-was-spring-hill-icon-saturn-and-general-motors

For auto news you can use, CLICK HERE:
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/president-obama-best-cars-world-come-detroit
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/president-obama-reaches-out-detroit-auto-workers
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/nadaguides-picks-best-back-school-vehicles
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/ford-motor-faces-music-over-pollution-claims
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/pilot-suv-heads-hondas-comeback

For more analysis of the 2012 Toyota Tacoma, CLICK HERE:
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/best-selling-toyota-tacoma-adds-value-versatility-2012
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/upgrade-sound-systems-big-draw-2012-toyota-tacoma

For news about pricing for 2012 Toyota vehicles, CLICK HERE:
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/toyota-announces-2012-prices-yaris-sequoia-tundra-sienna
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/toyota-fj-land-cruiser-get-price-bumps-starting-today

For news about the 2012 Toyota Camry, CLICK HERE:
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/impressions-2012-toyota-camry-le-hybrid
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/2012-toyota-camry-frenzy-hits-fever-pitch
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/impressions-2012-toyota-camry-se

For news about the 2012 Toyota Prius, CLICK HERE:
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/toyota-prius-steps-performance-plus-option
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/cargo-room-king-2012-toyota-prius-v

For more news about Toyota, CLICK HERE:
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/toyota-expects-thrive-2012
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/toyota-bounces-back-big-way
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/toyota-leads-nadaguides-best-buys-venza-tacoma
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/2012-toyota-rav4-ev-mess-goes-viral
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/ford-toyota-team-bring-hybrids-market-faster
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/whats-behind-todays-toyota-ford-collaboration
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/thoughtful-toyota-auto-workers-help-americans-harmed-tornados
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/toyota-gives-gift-mobility-paralyzed-bride
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/toyota-rewarded-commitment-diversity-and-inclusion
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/toyota-promotes-altruism-america
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/toyota-invests-jobs-technology-woo-us-buyers