Toyota’s new pickup dares you to get it dirty

The 2017 model year Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro – made for taking the rough with the smooth. – AFP/Relaxnews pic, February 13, 2016.The 2017 model-year Tacoma TRD Pro, unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show demands to be driven off the beaten path, come rain or snow.

TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development, and it's a department within the company that has helped the brand break into all kinds of endurance and off-road competitions. And it's the TRD's expertise that ensures the new pickup can cut it, no matter how hard it's pushed.

So the Tacoma gets tuned front springs and rear suspension, tuned FOX 2.5 internal Bypass shocks, a special front aluminium skid plate and its 16-inch wheels are wrapped in Kevlar-reinforced tires.

Under the hood is a 3.5-litre V6 with variable valve timing that can send power to any of the four wheels as traction demands. There are a number of electronic off-roading aids including crawl control, Hill Start Assist Control and electronic locking differentials.

The truck also gets the Toyota Multi-terrain Select system and active traction control features found on its flagship Land Cruiser SUV.

So that owners can take the rough with the smooth, the interior is a place of comfort with leather heated sports seats, a premium sound system, smartphone connectivity and a number of active driver aids including Blind Spot Monitor and rear parking assist sonar.

The final touch for off-road and endurance fanatics is simple integration for GoPro action cams. There's a dedicated mount on the dashboard.

The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro will go on sale this fall, just as the weather starts to turn. – AFP/Relaxnews, February 13, 2016.