Listen to Eddie Vedder when going Into The Wild.
Toyota is sticking to its Taco Tuesday teaser routine, and this week it's showcasing a piece of technology that will make tailgate parties better than ever. The all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma will be available with a JBL Flex removable and portable speaker. You can charge it in the car and entertain the campsite with some Eddie Vedder in the evenings.
As you can see in the images below, the Bluetooth speaker mounts directly on the tailgate, though we suspect other mounting locations will also be available. On the inside, the car slots into the dashboard where it charges. It will be interesting to see whether the removable speaker is incorporated into what we assume is the optional high-end sound system.
If we had to guess, the answer would be yes. We can't find this particular speaker on sale anywhere, and the fact that it features the Toyota badge means this is most likely a collaboration between the two brands.
Exterior speakers seem to be the next big thing in the truck segment, as Ford recently filed a patent to turn Bronco spare wheel covers into outdoor speakers. It dates back a bit further, however. The Dodge Caliber had fold-down speakers in the trunk lid, which was the only remotely exciting and good thing about an otherwise terrible car.
The all-new Tacoma won't fall into the same trap. The more we learn about it, the more we're convinced it will continue being the default buy in the midsize truck segment. The overall design hasn't been revealed, but Toyota found an intelligent way to confirm that the Brazilian patent leaks are real.
Toyota also confirmed the existence of a TRD Pro model, while a rather prominent i-Force MAX badge seems to confirm an insider source claiming that the new Taco will be available as a hybrid. Apparently, the 3.5-liter V6 will be replaced with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The TRD Pro will boast several model-specific features, most notably Fox QS3 shocks, high-performance brakes, and chunky tires with a high profile.
In addition to going after the hardcore off-roader market, Toyota has also teased a new Trailhunter trim aimed at overlanders. While we don't expect the brand to go as over the top as some overland builds, this trim will likely come with some basic ARB goodies.
A final reveal date hasn't been set yet, but looking at the various teasers in April alone, it must be imminent.
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