Toyota has unveiled an exciting new concept at this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas – the Toyota Tacoma ProRunner Race Concept. This transformed Tacoma is a TRD Pro model with two doors, designed to give enthusiasts a taste of a race-ready mid-size truck. The concept celebrates Toyota’s Baja racing history and pays homage to pro driver Jimmie Johnson.
The ProRunner Race Concept features a unique appearance that reflects Toyota’s iconic Baja trophy trucks, like the ones driven by legendary racer Ivan “Ironman” Stewart. The truck is adorned with TRD’s signature yellow-orange-red color scheme, modernized with matte black body graphics. The number 84, a tribute to Jimmie Johnson, is engraved on the sail panels of the sport bar.
Under the hood, the ProRunner Race Concept is equipped with suspension parts from the TRD Pro, including 2.5-inch Fox QS3 internal-bypass dampers with remote reservoirs and TRD upper control arms. The truck is also fitted with skid plates to protect the undercarriage from rough terrain. In case of any mishaps, a roll cage and multipoint harnesses ensure the safety of the riders in the trick IsoDynamic seats.
Additional features of the concept include a spare-tire carrier in the bed, along with a fuel cell and a weight-saving net replacing the traditional tailgate. The truck sports chrome mirror caps and door handles for a touch of retro styling, paired with intricately designed aluminum wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich tires with patriotic red, white, and blue lettering.
Toyota’s collaboration with Legacy Motor Club and the nod to Jimmie Johnson in the ProRunner Race Concept showcase the brand’s commitment to innovation and performance. The truck’s eye-catching design and performance-oriented features make it a standout at this year’s SEMA show.
Eric Stafford, a dedicated journalist with a passion for automobiles, has been covering the latest news and reviews for Car and Driver since 2016. His love for cars dates back to his childhood, and his dream of amassing a collection like Jay Leno’s has fueled his career in automotive journalism. Despite the challenges, Eric’s determination to live his passion has led to a successful career testing and writing about new cars. His personal garage boasts a diverse collection, including a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.