TOYOTA 2010 MODEL YEAR 4RUNNER SLATED FOR THE SCORE BAJA 1000

The Fifth Generation 2010 Toyota 4Runner to run in the “Stock mini” Class
TORRANCE, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2009) – Toyota will make history by entering its 2010 Model Year Fifth Generation 4Runner in the internationally renowned SCORE Baja 1000. With over 672 miles in length and a time limit of 31 hours, the Baja 1000 is one of the toughest desert races in the world.

Over 325 entries are expected from around the world to compete in the 42nd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 – the last desert race of the season scheduled for November 20-21, in Ensenada, Mexico.

Toyota will test its newest 4Runner and showcase the SUV’s capabilities and durability in the Mexican desert’s treacherous terrain. “Historically, only half of the racers finish this incredible test of man and machine, but we’re confident the Fifth Generation 4Runner will be a major contender in the stock mini class and can handle the grueling course”, said Les Unger, Toyota’s national motorsports manager.

One of the scheduled drivers will be the legendary Ivan “Ironman” Stewart – 22-time SCORE Baja race winner. Stewart has successfully conquered the toughest obstacles in off-road racing and was inducted into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2006. “I’m thrilled to have been chosen to be one of the drivers to once again prove the toughness and durability of Toyota vehicles. I’m sure the Fifth Generation 4Runner will be tough enough to survive even my Iron foot”, said Stewart. Co-driving the 4Runner will be the teams of Bob Ditner/Zach Zwillinger from the start line to Borrego Junction, Ken Ziesemer/Mark Sasaki throughout the San Felipe loop, Joe Nolan/Paul Williamsen from Borrego to Valle De La Trinidad, and Ivan Stewart/Bob Ditner from Valle De La Trinidad to the finish line. The 4Runner will run on General Tires and utilize the famous Baja Pits Organization throughout the course.

The 2009 Baja 1000 will be a single loop race – starting and finishing in Ensenada on the Pacific Ocean side of the magnificent peninsula and run through Mexican villages -- luring in tens of thousands of spectators.

The Fifth Generation 4Runner

The fifth generation 4Runner has an improved V6 engine with better fuel economy and 34 more horse-power than the previous V6. It also adds 17 inch wheels and two additional airbags-for a total of eight, providing buyers more than $1,700 worth of added content. However, the price of the popular four wheel drive V6 SR5 remains unchanged at $30,915. Vehicles will begin arriving at dealerships in late-November. For Fifth Generation 4Runner specs visit:
Toyota.com

http://www.toyotaracing.com/motorspo...-04-09-01.html

You got to love how they talk up the "added content" worth "$1,700" but they don't talk about the cheap interior or all the other features they have removed.

Also, hasn't Toyota generated enough fake buzz about the vehicle by now? When are they going to focus on selling them?

:facepalm:

i think it's cool to get a look at the 4runner with larger tires and presumably a lift... it looks sharp (minus the exterior design)

Frankly, if I felt this way about a vehicle or manufacturer I wouldn't buy their product. I certainly wouldn't be in a tizzy trying to get one when a new model is making its way through the distribution channel. Sit back 4Funnr and take a deep breath

Looks pretty bad a$$ to me.

Well that should be a good show-down with the H3. I wonder how much of the 5th gen did they leave stock. I like the look.

It's going to FAIL because of its WEAK V6 engine and lack of torque!!!

Isn't the new V6 MORE powerful than the 4th Gen's V8?

you fail... look at the specs

I am starting to agree with this. I am tired of the hype, just show me the product. I am tired of reading about them. With the economy the way it is they may be a tough sell after the initial hype wears off. I guess they want us all to pay over list price for the first ones.

No, for everyday driving there's a substantial difference.

On paper the new V6 has a tiny HP advantage. All you have to do to enjoy that advantage is get the engine up near redline.

Toyota isn't twisting your arms to buy one,if the new 4Runner isn't your thingsanymore I'm sure Toyota will sell it to others and I think Toyota will be fine with sales;I'm not saying you'll see 100k units a year like the late '90s but I think Toyota has realistic sales goals and will meet them just fine.

I think the 4runner is being poised to snag the FJ market once the FJ finishes it's run which is supposed to be in the next year or two.
I think prices will settle once they become readily available but remember my '99 stickered at over $35k in late summer of '98 so really pirces haven't changed much but the 4th gens did enjoy a price decrease during their run so I understand their displeasure.

No.

2009 Limited, Curb Weight 4530 lbs.
Horsepower: 260 hp Max Horsepower: 5400 rpm
Torque: 306 ft-lbs. Max Torque: 3400 rpm

2010 Limited, Curb Weight 4805 lbs
Horsepower: 270 hp Max Horsepower: 5600 rpm
Torque: 278 ft-lbs. Max Torque: 4400 rpm

While the 2010 has 10 more HP, it comes in at a higher RPM. More importantly, it is down 28 ft-lbs of torque, and the torque peak is 1000 RPM higher. Finally, and most importantly, the 2010 is almost 300 lbs heavier.

In summary, no, the 2010 V6 does not perform as well as the 2009 V8.

as a 4G V8 owner, those specs are kind of a bummer. the edmunds (or was it motor trend?) reviewer also mentioned the v6 feeling a bit sluggish. looking forward to test-driving one and seeing for myself, though.

The party has started in BAJA!! Any T4R members down near there could shoot us some real pics and get the scoop on the engine/drivetrain they are using .
The new look is growing on me! Lots of potential!!
Here are a couple of more links of info on it.Click on the pic on the first one to get a higher res. pic from the back of it.

http://blogs.fourwheeler.com/6603954...000/index.html

http://bajasafari.blogspot.com/2009/...d-updates.html