Interview with the chief Engineer for the 2016 Tacoma

[haven]

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2015/05/up-close-tacoma-chief-engineer-goes-deep.html

Pickuptrucks.com had the chance to chat with Michael Sweers, Toyota's chief engineer on the 2016 Tacoma. It's interesting to learn about how Toyota went about designing the (mostly) new truck.

 

[SSF556]

 

[Ryanmb21]

Is it really a whole new truck? the cabin looks exactly the same - no?

 

[Danimal]

They say it's all new, but I agree; the exterior door skins do look largely the same. And since the dimensions are similar, and design language is generally unchanged from the 2015 version - it sure looks like a refresh of the existing truck. Interior stands out from the current model quite a bit, from what I can see.

It is, however, clearly a Tacoma. I do like that it has kept the personality of the 2nd gen truck, which is a great vehicle in my opinion.

Dan

 

[DVexile]

Is it really a whole new truck? the cabin looks exactly the same - no?

Why does everything need to look different for something to be entirely new? They will all have four wheels after all. If something ain't broken don't change it radically. And yes, the interior is new with slightly more room and quite a few different amenities.

They say it's all new, but I agree; the exterior door skins do look largely the same. And since the dimensions are similar, and design language is generally unchanged from the 2015 version - it sure looks like a refresh of the existing truck. Interior stands out from the current model quite a bit, from what I can see.

It is, however, clearly a Tacoma. I do like that it has kept the personality of the 2nd gen truck, which is a great vehicle in my opinion.

Seems like essentially every part of the drive train is changed except for the engine of the 4 cyl. The frame is entirely new as well. Materials changes on many parts of the body. Personally I think they kept what worked in the 2nd gen and made a lot of important changes under the skin. I'm really glad they didn't give it a wedgie with the ridiculously high bedsides most new models have been coming out with.

Anyway, was interesting to hear a few more details compared to the previous Q&A from months ago! Thanks OP for posting!

Though for me it is academic as I just bought a 2015 and don't plan on buying another truck until 2035 or later!

 

[bkg]

I find it funny that the only really cool thing, and one he keeps repeating, is the new locker.

Everything else screams station wagon to me. Trd/sport rides too harsh? The heck?

 

[brianjwilson]

I find it funny that the only really cool thing, and one he keeps repeating, is the new locker.

Everything else screams station wagon to me. Trd/sport rides too harsh? The heck?

Probably just means they will stop using bilsteins and save a few bucks. Lol
Sounds like the only worthwhile changes are the auto trans and sound deadening. Since I'm changing suspension, gearing, differentials and brake lines etc on my 2015 I think that's all I missed out on. Aerodynamics don't really come into play at this point. I can add sound deadening. And I don't have to deal with the looks of the 2015.

It also sounds like only the front of the frame is "new". Which is probably just redesigned for new transmission and transfer case mounts.

 

[NickH]

Probably just means they will stop using bilsteins and save a few bucks. Lol
Sounds like the only worthwhile changes are the auto trans and sound deadening. Since I'm changing suspension, gearing, differentials and brake lines etc on my 2015 I think that's all I missed out on. Aerodynamics don't really come into play at this point. I can add sound deadening. And I don't have to deal with the looks of the 2015.

It also sounds like only the front of the frame is "new". Which is probably just redesigned for new transmission and transfer case mounts.

You don't think a worthwhile change is a new motor?

 

[Finlay]

Is it really a whole new truck? the cabin looks exactly the same - no?

No, the interior is completely different.

I saw one in person at Overland Expo this past weekend. I'm not sold on the new front end, but the other features are nice. It's great that they added sound deadening to the truck - that was by far the best upgrade I have done to mine, but it was laborious to gut the interior to install dynamat and ensolite on every flat surface.

And the comments on that article always get me - there is one that wants a small pickup to tow 8000 lbs and get 30 MPG. Perhaps it should also transform into a robot and fight crime as well.

 

[calicamper]

I think ride quality is a big deal given just about every "adult" I know that has had one #1 complaint was ride quality and interior. If your planning to cover big miles thats a big deal. Not to mention people are dumping big $$$$ into brand new Tacomas putting Icon and other types of suspension on these to make them into long range camping machines. Which says to me Toyota should spend some time improving that aspect of the truck.

I think mileage is a bigger deal than most people think it is and I'm not sure Toyota really has put any serious thought into mileage on any of their models and are simply doing engine updates driven by emissions requirements. Which case I can see Toyota finding them selves in a position of being way behind in mileage and engine tech soon if they are not careful.

 

[bkg]

No, the interior is completely different.

I saw one in person at Overland Expo this past weekend. I'm not sold on the new front end, but the other features are nice. It's great that they added sound deadening to the truck - that was by far the best upgrade I have done to mine, but it was laborious to gut the interior to install dynamat and ensolite on every flat surface.

And the comments on that article always get me - there is one that wants a small pickup to tow 8000 lbs and get 30 MPG. Perhaps it should also transform into a robot and fight crime as well.

To be fair, Ram is almost there...

 

[Finlay]

To be fair, Ram is almost there...

Sure, but it's only a "small" truck compared to a Fruitliner.

 

[DVexile]

I think ride quality is a big deal given just about every "adult" I know that has had one #1 complaint was ride quality and interior. If your planning to cover big miles thats a big deal.

Yes, I think this makes a lot of sense since the market these days seems to be to sell mid-size trucks to fathers as their daily drivers rather than as a utilitarian hauling vehicle. Ride quality and interior are big factors for a daily driver. I personally don't care about them much for my truck use, but I suspect most of the market does and Toyota has been lagging and needed the refresh focused on this.

Not to mention people are dumping big $$$$ into brand new Tacomas putting Icon and other types of suspension on these to make them into long range camping machines. Which says to me Toyota should spend some time improving that aspect of the truck.

I wonder what Toyota can realistically do about that part though. The suspension for a good on road ride with nothing in the back that is economical and low maintenance is really different from a suspension meant for off-road with load. Obviously they could do something more specific with the TRD OR, but honestly I suspect most TRD OR trucks are still mostly driven around empty to the grocery store and work.

I think mileage is a bigger deal than most people think it is and I'm not sure Toyota really has put any serious thought into mileage on any of their models and are simply doing engine updates driven by emissions requirements. Which case I can see Toyota finding them selves in a position of being way behind in mileage and engine tech soon if they are not careful.

I wonder about this myself. I suspect the Tacoma is in an odd position though. It really isn't that much of Toyota's total fleet sales (just 150k units per year). Thus it has little impact on their total CAFE performance as far meeting fleet mileage goes. Contrast this to the F-150 which sells 700k units per year and has a big impact on Ford's total CAFE fleet performance.

So the question is does truck mileage really matter to the market (truck buyers) significantly or is the dominant driving factor to improved mileage in trucks really regulation (CAFE). If it is the former then indeed Toyota better not rest on their laurels, but if it is the later then the Tacoma is in the unique position of not needed to worry about it as much as trucks from other manufacturers.

 

[brianjwilson]

You don't think a worthwhile change is a new motor?

Remains to be seen. Needs several years of abuse to know for sure!

 

[bkg]

Sure, but it's only a "small" truck compared to a Fruitliner.

But consider the fact that RAM nearly hits this in a full size... And toyota is introducing a "new" 6-speed while9 speeds are commonplace in the market. Toyota is sitting on its laurels....