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Imagine a vehicle that combines the ruggedness of an SUV with the laid-back style of a beach pickup truck. It sounds like a summer dream, but at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Toyota made that dream a reality with the launch of the Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept. This concept not only captures the classic spirit of the original 4Runner, but also refreshes it with modern elements for those seeking a sporty and unique look.
In the United States, where Toyota already boasts the popular Tacoma and Tundra pickup trucks, a new “SUV-based pickup truck” might seem redundant. However, Toyota is banking on the nostalgia and emotional appeal that the Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept evokes. Inspired by California and sunny beaches, the model was developed by Toyota Motorsports Technical Center Operations Leader Marty Schwerter. According to Schwerter, the idea was to create something that harkened back to the first 4Runner, a model known for its rugged looks and powerful engine. Schwerter says: “We wanted something that resonated today, but that paid homage to the past. The removable top was essential, just like on the original model, and we made sure it was as functional as it was stylish.”
A project made for the beaches: Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept
Derived from the Toyota 4Runner, the Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept It is a model fully adapted to enjoy the summer. With an open bed and a tubular roll bar, it has the look of a beach pickup truck – the kind of vehicle that seems tailor-made to parade along the American west coast, whether in California or sunny Florida.
The back seat seats up to three people, providing a relaxed environment to enjoy the waves and the sunset. And, for those who don't want to be at the mercy of the weather conditions, the vehicle has a retractable roof, offering protection on rainy or windy days.
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Design, chassis and technical details
The Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept impresses with its structure: Mounted on a shortened chassis with side members, the model maintains the original rear suspension of the 4Runner, equipped with coil springs. This gives the concept not only stability on varied terrain, but also a touch of lightness to face the road. The “SUV-based pickup” has a robust look and a high height, reminiscent of off-road vehicles and promises adventure, whether on sand or asphalt.
Technology and style at the SEMA Show 2024
The choice of the SEMA Show to unveil the Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept was a fitting one, given that this is the event where the automotive industry showcases innovations and design concepts. For Toyota, the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept is not just an “SUV-based pickup truck,” but a celebration of the American outdoor lifestyle. The cool design and sporty feel captured the public’s attention and left one question in the air: will we ever see this model on the streets?
With the Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept, the brand seems to have found the perfect mix between nostalgia and modernity, presenting a vehicle that rescues the essence of the classic SUV and combines it with the relaxation and style of a convertible pickup truck.
