Added on January 12, 2015  The News Wheel  
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Redesigned 2016 Tacoma and Tacoma TRD Debut at NAIAS

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Truck fans, get ready; 2015 is set to be the year of the Toyota Tacoma. The mid-size pickup, which has been in its third generation since 2004, was finally unveiled in front of a large audience of automotive journalists and photographers earlier today at the Detroit Auto Show. And while we caught a sneak peek at the truck last week, seeing it in real life certainly lived up to our expectations.

Redesigned 2016 Tacoma

Redesigned 2016 Tacoma Debuts in Detroit

The redesigned 2016 Tacoma is as impressive in real life as it is in pictures. Due out this fall along with its sporty TRD sibling, the Tacoma is the ultimate American-built truck. It’s designed and engineered in Michigan, tested in Arizona, manufactured in Texas, and sold nationwide. It’s built with high-strength steel which makes the truck ultra-tough, while helping it remain lighter and therefore more efficient. Its two engine choices will include a 2.7-liter four-cylinder motor, and a segment-first 3.5-liter Atkinson cycle V6, which is equipped with Toyota’s D-4S technology that combines both direct and port fuel injection. Both engine choices will come mated to six-speed automatic transmissions, and the V6 is also available with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The Tacoma’s appearance has been redesigned to give it a rugged look reminiscent of its larger sibling, the Tundra. Its hexagonal-shaped grille (we still think it looks like a duck’s beak) sits in front of a taller hood, while slimmer headlights sit either side of it. From behind, you’ll notice an integrated spoiler, which is designed to enhance the truck’s aerodynamics. The Tacoma logo is stamped across the bumper, giving it a vintage feel.

Gallery: Redesigned 2016 Tacoma

Inside, a plethora of various available features adorn the Tacoma, including Qi wireless charging, a power moonroof, dual-zone temperature control, leather seats, a blind-spot monitor, and enhanced touchscreen audio. Drivers who have previously owned or ridden in a Tacoma will instantly notice the 2016 version’s lack of noise, thanks to the addition of a multi-layer acoustic windshield, sound-absorbing headliner, floor silencer pad, and enhanced seals.

The 2016 Tacoma debuted alongside the Tacoma TRD, which gave Toyota VP Bill Fay the chance to use this line when inviting photographers up on stage for a closer look: “Please watch your step—this is an off-road stage.” And that made the whole press conference even more awesome.

Gallery: Redesigned 2016 Tacoma TRD