2012 Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series Gets A Preview In Texas

2011 Toyota Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series Concept

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Just one day after Ford launched its 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, Toyota has rolled out a limited-edition pickup of its own: the Tacoma Toyota Racing Development (TRD) T|X (Tacoma Extreme) Baja Series.

The T|X Baja Series made its debut yesterday at the 2011 Texas State Fair -- appropriate, since the truck will be manufactured at Toyota's manufacturing facility in San Antonio. Though the vehicle on display was technically a pre-production model, it's not likely to undergo too many changes before it hits the assembly lines. 

That said, Toyota admits that the T|X Baja Series is still in the testing phase. At the moment, it's slated to come with a 4.0-liter V6 engine and to offer buyers the choice of a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Like other vehicles with the TRD package, the T|X Baja Series will have a boosted suspension system for off-roading and will feature an electronically controlled locking rear differential, Active Traction Control, Hill-Start Assist Control, and Downhill Assist Control. It will also come with a higher front ride height of two inches, BF Goodrich T/A KO tires, a TRD Cat-back exhaust system, and off-road wheels.

Of course, there'll be some cosmetic changes, too. Those off-road wheels will come with a special gun-metal gray finish, and the vehicle will be decked out in unique Baja Series graphics. The T|X Baja Series will also benefit from the new look of the 2012 Tacoma, including a redesigned hood, grille, and headlamps on the outside, and a revamped gauge cluster, steering wheel, and center stack on the inside. 

The Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series will likely appear on both Tacoma Access and Double Cab 4x4 models, and there's talk of making it available on PreRunner models, too. There's no word on pricing yet, but Toyota says that consumers should expect to see the T|X Baja Series in showrooms by the spring of 2012.

For a little more detail, check the preview at Motor Authority.

View the original article here

2012 Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series Gets A Preview In Texas

2011 Toyota Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series Concept

Newsletter Stay up to date on car reviews, buying guides, articles and more

Just one day after Ford launched its 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, Toyota has rolled out a limited-edition pickup of its own: the Tacoma Toyota Racing Development (TRD) T|X (Tacoma Extreme) Baja Series.

The T|X Baja Series made its debut yesterday at the 2011 Texas State Fair -- appropriate, since the truck will be manufactured at Toyota's manufacturing facility in San Antonio. Though the vehicle on display was technically a pre-production model, it's not likely to undergo too many changes before it hits the assembly lines. 

That said, Toyota admits that the T|X Baja Series is still in the testing phase. At the moment, it's slated to come with a 4.0-liter V6 engine and to offer buyers the choice of a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Like other vehicles with the TRD package, the T|X Baja Series will have a boosted suspension system for off-roading and will feature an electronically controlled locking rear differential, Active Traction Control, Hill-Start Assist Control, and Downhill Assist Control. It will also come with a higher front ride height of two inches, BF Goodrich T/A KO tires, a TRD Cat-back exhaust system, and off-road wheels.

Of course, there'll be some cosmetic changes, too. Those off-road wheels will come with a special gun-metal gray finish, and the vehicle will be decked out in unique Baja Series graphics. The T|X Baja Series will also benefit from the new look of the 2012 Tacoma, including a redesigned hood, grille, and headlamps on the outside, and a revamped gauge cluster, steering wheel, and center stack on the inside. 

The Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series will likely appear on both Tacoma Access and Double Cab 4x4 models, and there's talk of making it available on PreRunner models, too. There's no word on pricing yet, but Toyota says that consumers should expect to see the T|X Baja Series in showrooms by the spring of 2012.

For a little more detail, check the preview at Motor Authority.

View the original article here

2012 Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series Gets A Preview In Texas

2011 Toyota Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series Concept

Newsletter Stay up to date on car reviews, buying guides, articles and more

Just one day after Ford launched its 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, Toyota has rolled out a limited-edition pickup of its own: the Tacoma Toyota Racing Development (TRD) T|X (Tacoma Extreme) Baja Series.

The T|X Baja Series made its debut yesterday at the 2011 Texas State Fair -- appropriate, since the truck will be manufactured at Toyota's manufacturing facility in San Antonio. Though the vehicle on display was technically a pre-production model, it's not likely to undergo too many changes before it hits the assembly lines. 

That said, Toyota admits that the T|X Baja Series is still in the testing phase. At the moment, it's slated to come with a 4.0-liter V6 engine and to offer buyers the choice of a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Like other vehicles with the TRD package, the T|X Baja Series will have a boosted suspension system for off-roading and will feature an electronically controlled locking rear differential, Active Traction Control, Hill-Start Assist Control, and Downhill Assist Control. It will also come with a higher front ride height of two inches, BF Goodrich T/A KO tires, a TRD Cat-back exhaust system, and off-road wheels.

Of course, there'll be some cosmetic changes, too. Those off-road wheels will come with a special gun-metal gray finish, and the vehicle will be decked out in unique Baja Series graphics. The T|X Baja Series will also benefit from the new look of the 2012 Tacoma, including a redesigned hood, grille, and headlamps on the outside, and a revamped gauge cluster, steering wheel, and center stack on the inside. 

The Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series will likely appear on both Tacoma Access and Double Cab 4x4 models, and there's talk of making it available on PreRunner models, too. There's no word on pricing yet, but Toyota says that consumers should expect to see the T|X Baja Series in showrooms by the spring of 2012.

For a little more detail, check the preview at Motor Authority.

View the original article here

GM to invest $331M, add 110 jobs to build next-gen SUVs in Texas [Update]

General Motors’ large SUV plant in Arlington, Texas, is about to get a major overhaul to the tune of $331 million in order to prepare for the next-generation versions of the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade.

The plant will be getting the necessary changes in order to produce the new models, which are expected to arrive sometime in 2013 to 2014, as well as adding additional production capability. GM has seen solid full-size SUV sales in other markets, namely China, Russia and the Middle East, even as decline has diminished in North America compared to its heyday about a decade ago.

As a result of the changes to the facility, GM will also be adding 110 new hires as part of its overall plan to add approximately 4,000 new jobs in the U.S. over the next few years.

It is expected that GM secured a $1.6 million tax break with Tarrant County this week. The abatement represents a 70 percent cut in tax revenue in exchange for expansion of the plant. While GM will surely welcome to savings, it was far from the $3.4 million the automaker originally sought.

What we know about the next-generation SUVs
GM had not publicly and officially confirmed development of a replacement for its current GMT900 platform-based SUVs until today, when Larry Zahner, the automaker’s Manufacturing Manager, announced the investment.

Zahner called Arlington the “home of GM’s full-size SUVs today and tomorrow,” a comment which elicited an uproar of applause from the plant’s workers, who were gathered to hear the good news.

What Zahner wouldn’t comment on was specifics about the vehicles’ replacements. By most accounts, the GMT900s have been a resounding success for GM – especially given that consumers have generally trended away from large SUVs and smaller crossovers. Still, automakers acknowledge that big SUVs account for a decent share of the market, with sales expected to hit around 250,000 units for the non-luxury market alone.

And that’s a market that GM positively dominates. Its GMC and Chevrolet models are up 7 percent this year to 49,490 units through the first four months of 2011. That’s more than twice what Ford, Nissan and Toyota have sold – combined. Dodge is making big headway with its redesigned Durango, although it is smaller and utilizes unibody construction compared to the simpler – but more durable – body-on-frame design of the GMT900s, the Ford Expedition, the Nissan Armada and the Toyota Sequoia.

At this point, all we can do is speculate about the big GM ‘utes’ future. Look for them continue sharing a platform with GM’s next-generation full-size pickups, although a changeover to a fully independent rear suspension seems like a necessary move for both packaging – think fold-away third rows – and weight reduction for fuel savings.

GM’s next-generation V8s will offer more power and notably better fuel economy – although the trucks are currently the highest rated in the segment at 15/21 with the 5.3-liter V8.

Look for more news about the next-generation GM SUVs to sneak out of the automaker’s headquarters soon.

View the original article here

GM to invest $331M, add 110 jobs at large SUV plant in Texas [Update]

Thursday, May 26th, 2011 @ 1:14 p.m.

General Motors’ large SUV plant in Arlington, Texas, is about to get a major overhaul to the tune of $331 million in order to prepare for the next-generation of the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade.

The plant will be getting the necessary changes in order to produce the new models which are expected to arrive sometime in 2013 to 2014, as well as adding additional production capability.

As a result of the changes to the facility GM will also be adding 110 new hires as part of its overall plan to add approximately 4,000 new jobs in the U.S. over the next few years.

GM is still announcing further details of the deal right now, but it is expected that GM secured a $1.6 million tax break with Tarrant County this week. The abatement represents a 70 percent cut in tax revenue in exchange for expansion of the plant. While GM will surely welcome to savings, it was far from the $3.4 million in savings the automaker originally sought.

Stay tuned for more details from Arlington in the next hour.

References
1.’Tarrant County approves…’ view
2.’GM to add 110…’ view

View the original article here

GM to invest $331M, add 110 jobs to build next-gen SUVs in Texas [Update]

General Motors’ large SUV plant in Arlington, Texas, is about to get a major overhaul to the tune of $331 million in order to prepare for the next-generation versions of the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade.

The plant will be getting the necessary changes in order to produce the new models, which are expected to arrive sometime in 2013 to 2014, as well as adding additional production capability. GM has seen solid full-size SUV sales in other markets, namely China, Russia and the Middle East, even as decline has diminished in North America compared to its heyday about a decade ago.

As a result of the changes to the facility, GM will also be adding 110 new hires as part of its overall plan to add approximately 4,000 new jobs in the U.S. over the next few years.

It is expected that GM secured a $1.6 million tax break with Tarrant County this week. The abatement represents a 70 percent cut in tax revenue in exchange for expansion of the plant. While GM will surely welcome to savings, it was far from the $3.4 million the automaker originally sought.

What we know about the next-generation SUVs
GM had not publicly and officially confirmed development of a replacement for its current GMT900 platform-based SUVs until today, when Larry Zahner, the automaker’s Manufacturing Manager, announced the investment.

Zahner called Arlington the “home of GM’s full-size SUVs today and tomorrow,” a comment which elicited an uproar of applause from the plant’s workers, who were gathered to hear the good news.

What Zahner wouldn’t comment on was specifics about the vehicles’ replacements. By most accounts, the GMT900s have been a resounding success for GM – especially given that consumers have generally trended away from large SUVs and smaller crossovers. Still, automakers acknowledge that big SUVs account for a decent share of the market, with sales expected to hit around 250,000 units for the non-luxury market alone.

And that’s a market that GM positively dominates. Its GMC and Chevrolet models are up 7 percent this year to 49,490 units through the first four months of 2011. That’s more than twice what Ford, Nissan and Toyota have sold – combined. Dodge is making big headway with its redesigned Durango, although it is smaller and utilizes unibody construction compared to the simpler – but more durable – body-on-frame design of the GMT900s, the Ford Expedition, the Nissan Armada and the Toyota Sequoia.

At this point, all we can do is speculate about the big GM ‘utes’ future. Look for them continue sharing a platform with GM’s next-generation full-size pickups, although a changeover to a fully independent rear suspension seems like a necessary move for both packaging – think fold-away third rows – and weight reduction for fuel savings.

GM’s next-generation V8s will offer more power and notably better fuel economy – although the trucks are currently the highest rated in the segment at 15/21 with the 5.3-liter V8.

Look for more news about the next-generation GM SUVs to sneak out of the automaker’s headquarters soon.

View the original article here

GM builds 9 millionth vehicle at Texas SUV plant

View the original article here

Toyota might idle Texas plant; German automakers could be next

Thursday, Mar 24th, 2011 @ 3:14 p.m.

That the massive earthquake that rocked Northern Japan earlier this month could have global ramifications is hardly surprising – especially after news today could Toyota will temporarily idle its San Antonio, Texas, assembly plant and that German automakers and suppliers are considering cutting production.

The production cuts come due to difficulty acquiring Japanese-made goods.

“We are informing our team members that, with the situation over in Japan, it is likely that we will see some nonproduction days coming,” Toyota plant spokesman Craig Mullenbach told members of the media.

Toyota builds its Tundra and Tacoma pickup trucks in San Antonio.

Meanwhile, the situation in Germany, where numerous vehicles and components are assembled, is also worsening.

“We have received inquiries mainly from western Germany, from companies that are signalling that they could face problems because their inventories could slowly start running out,” a spokeswoman for Germany’s Federal Labor Office told Reuters today.

Robert Bosch, one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, says that it has inventory for at least the next week to ten days, but the firm says it could run low on parts shortly thereafter if production is not able to resume in Japan. Although Bosch is a German firm, the company supplies parts for every major automaker across the globe and it has assembly plants in Japan.

References
1.’Toyota Texas plant…’ view
2.’Japan quake sees…’ view

View the original article here