Now it's official... Here's the text of a new announcement from Toyota (http://pressroom.toyota.com/photo_library/display_release.html?id=20040122):
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Toyota Will Stage Double World Premiere At The 2004 Chicago Auto Show

01/22/2004 Torrance, CA

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., will debut the all-new Camry Solara Convertible and Tacoma X-Runner pickup truck at a press conference at the 2004 Chicago Auto Show.

The Solara Convertible will launch in March 2004 and join the all-new second generation Solara Coupe which was introduced last summer. The X-Runner will be one of a wide variety of models and configurations offered in the Tacoma lineup when it goes on sale this fall.

Journalists and consumers will be able to watch live streaming video ofthe Toyota press conference through the Toyota pressroom and consumer websites. After the press conference, journalists and consumers also will be able to watch a replay of the event via archived video on the same sites.

The press conference will be held at 9:15 a.m. EST, Wednesday, Feb. 4 in the Grand Ballroom at McCormick Place and can be seen live through the following sites:

* Journalists: http://pressroom.toyota.com
* Consumers: http://www.toyota.com

NOTE: This 'Tacoma X-Runner' is NOT to be confused with the Avalon-based 'X-Runner' concept developed and presented by Toyota Australia. The Aussie concept is an entirely different species.

it is feb 4 already.
anybody got a pic of the new taco?
i am dying to see it.

FTX, not Tacoma <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

what is this? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

What is this??? Seriously, it looks like a big toy. This would be a disgrace to the tacoma name if you ask me...

Here it is:

More photos here:
Toyota Pressroom

very nice in my opinion.
will this be also available in pre-runner version?
thanks.

The rear seat design seems a lot more useful to me. Looks like more storage underneath plus you can make that space flat with those little entension thingies!

I like the AC jack in the bed! Wonder what that other thing is next to it?

I'm curious to see what other people say here. (Alas, the Buick grill is gone.) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

well yeah, the one perpetrator showed is pretty darn nice though...

I always thought it was a Hyundai Sonata grill.