Glad to hear it. Not sure what shop built the 4runner. Could have been one of the rare factory Toyota builds. It may have been developed near Phoenix, AZ at the TAPG. (Toyota Arizona Proving Grounds)
I know one of the other drivers is a Toyota engineer so it looks like it may be an in house operation.



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

 

God I want one.

 

I cant wait to order mine, Black Trail Edition here I come. I just want ARB to get on the ball so I can start playing with it ASAP. And whatever that company did with the suspension I want now....

 

I think ARB is going to have a hard time making a bumper for a truck when the existing bumper is one-piece and covers the whole front end

 

Sweet....

antoher pic here...
http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/toyo...ore-baja-1000/

 

Does anyone know the specs on the Baja 4Runner wheels?

 

Or just one Bad-A bumper that takes it place, I'm hopeful ARB will make a good fitting bumper

 

I thihnk they should build a 84/85 again for a year stright front the whole 9. What I would give for a 84 4 runner with all the new stuff they have now.

 

Hmmm can't seem to find out any results... Anyone know if they actually ran the 2010 4Runner in the Baja and how it did?


EDIT:OK - found it ... looks like they came in SECOND!!!.

http://www.toyotaracing.com/motorspo...-23-09-01.html

John

 

I hate bust everyone's stones, but the 4Runner came in second out of.......
TWO finishers in the class.
There were only three entries in the Stock Mini class, which was won by an H3 Hummer and a Honda Ridgeline did not finish.
I suppose just finishing is a feat in and of itself, as roughly half of the 300+ entries DNF.
Here's to hoping Toyota continues to support off road racing in the future.

Here are the 2009 SCORE Tecate Baja 1000 results

 

How much of those Baja trucks is stock, how much is one-off components that are built for the race only, not used on the stock trucks?

 

I was wondering that also, honestly the suspension cant even be anywhere close to stock specs. Its great that as a whole the new runner could do it, but how is this representative of a "stock" runners performance offroad?

...either way, that runner still looks wicked awesome!!!

 

The new runner looks sweet but it reminds me very much of a Mitsu Outlander styling wise...
Love the commercial though... some of those scenes look like they could have been lifted from our own videos here...

 

I work at the Toyota Arizona Proving Grounds, and that truck is inside the garage being worked on this week. The suspension is massive. They had it up on a lift with the tires/wheels pulled from it and the brakes were pretty worn.

 

I like the new 4runner but, its just to much, price wise, luxuries and size.

 

What is Toyota's problem with the rear of their cars...It's like the get to the back door and tail lights and go nuts. The tail light look like the stepside tundra...way too bulky and the rear door on all of their SUV's just look like they don't belong.

I also hate the wheel on that limited...not sporty enough....

 

have you guys seen this 1 independent rear susp
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2008/11...008-trd-t.html