Look who I found "WORKING" today!!!

[Ol'Blue]

So today I decided to go for a drive to my local OHV area that I have not been to and check it out. (I know it is in my back yard practically and I have not been, strange). As I toped the Mt. area I could see five trucks all lined up. I thought "Hey they look like 4Runners, wonder if I missed a gathering from T4R.org in the area" It was all 5th gen's so maybe I didn't get the invite right. Anyhow, I parked and gave a friendly hello. The group was extremely welcoming . I commented on all the nice TE 4Runners they had. As we talked and listened some more it was apparent that I was not in the company of normal 4Runner owners. It finally clicked after looking at all the plates. It was the Toyota Engineers/Staff out "Working" from the So-Cal division. They had questioned me about the new TE release and I gave my opinion both ways. After some chit chat I headed down the road because they were busy in "Work Talk and all". I had to say that even the guys that make and plan and market our truck they are truly a great bunch. I'm glad to have happened to stumble across them today. I know you all love pics. and if no pictures it didn't happen. So here it is. My rig with the Toyota "Testing" staff. Thanks Chris for taking the pictures!

Blue


Cleveland National Forest - Wildomar OHV Area

 

[having fun]

So the question is, did they test them while they where there? Or just a b.s session.

 

[blue dog]

did you tell them 3rd gen 5 speed with factory diff lock for the win ?

 

[Ol'Blue]

No they were mashing the trails in them pretty hard actually. The trucks had some nice pin striping jobs on them also, and deep for that matter. One of the guys statement was "What good are they unless we test them".

I told them we want live axles again,full lockers, with 5 speeds,and 33's from the factory on the trail edition. Like a Highlander but better!!!! I made sure they knew the 3rd gen was the best gen though,lol.

 

[having fun]

That was one of my mistakes when shopping, couldn't find a gen3.

Just don't tell anyone on the gen4 plat form I said that.

 

[downpour11]

I told them we want live axles again,full lockers, with 5 speeds,and 33's from the factory on the trail edition. Like a Highlander but better!!!! I made sure they knew the 3rd gen was the best gen though,lol.

^^^THIS!

That's awesome, I would love to have that job.

 

[Ol'Blue]

I was silently celebrating how BA it was to run into them with out being "That Guy". Not to mention one of the staff members was lets say "Attractive" :thumb:

 

[Ol'Blue]

"Brian,



Thanks for the info…I’m reaching out to a colleague who was snapping photos all day. Once I hear back from her on the photos she can send over, I will send as much of what I got over to you. I was also able to read the article, thanks for the kind words…and just for anyone that asks we are all based at the Toyota North American HQ in Torrance.



Hope to see you out on the trails again.



Chris
Toyota Product Marketing Planner – Tundra, Sequoia, Land Cruiser
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc."


What a cool follow up email after reading this post.

 

[KidVermicious]

That's way cool. I dig that the marketing and developing guys are still out putting the trucks through their paces.

 

[zopperman]

I wish I got paid to do that

 

[eddiebx]

Did you spy a TRD supercharger under any of those hoods :hungry:

 

[Ol'Blue]

Did you spy a TRD supercharger under any of those hoods :hungry:

No can't say I did. That would be nice though.