Toyota->ke88 has announced it will enter a new Tundra TRD Pro series truck in the 2014Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 taking place in mid-November 2014. The Tundra TRD Pro being entered is only slightly modified in order to compete in the full-size truck class, leaving the majority of the truck as stock. “Competing in the full size sock Class allows our team to test the Tundra TRD Pro as close to stock as possible,” says Andrew Franceschini of Toyota. “ showcases its strength and durability in the Mexican desert’s treacherous terrain.”

A few items were added to the Tundra TRD Pro in order to compete, mainly to do with safety. A full roll cage and safety fuel cell was added, along with Mastercraft racing seats with five-point harnesses. A full suite of GPS navigation and race communication radio equipment was also thrown in.

The truck will compete in the 47th Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, a race spanning over the harsh desert terrain between Ensenada, Baja California to La Paz, Baja California Sur. Though the race’s name suggests otherwise, the endurance even lasts a grueling 1,130 miles, testing both vehicle and occupants.

The Baja 1000 is set to take place November 12th through the 16th. 2014 with several checkpoints between the start and finish lines. Check back with TopSpeed for more coverage of the Baja 1000, but until then, check out more information on the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro truck.

Click past the jump to read more about the Toyota TRD Pro Tundra Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.

2015 Toyota TRD Pro Tundra Tecate SCORE Baja 1000

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Toyota TRD Pro Tundra Tecate SCORE Baja 1000
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 381
  • Torque: 401
  • Transmission: six-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Toyota TRD Pro Tundra Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 in detail

The Tundra TRD Pro is all-new for 2015 and comes stock with some pretty hard-core off-roading equipment like Bilstein shocks, meaty tires, skid plates, and extra cooling capacities. In order to compete in the Baja 1000, Toyota TRD engineers beefed up the Tundra just a smidge by adding a host of safety equipment and a few off-roading goodies to aid in the endeavor.

The tires are the first noticeable change. Gone are the stock units and in their place are 37-inch BFGoodrich Baja T/A KR tires. They are mounted on the stock 17-inch TRD forged wheels. The shocks are TRD-tuned Bilstein units with Blackhawk bypasses. The rear leaf spring system remains stock. A TRD cat-back exhaust system helps the 5.7-liter V-8 breathe out, while a TRD cold air intake system brings in fresh air free of dust.

Extra lighting is added by Hella HID and LED units. The front driving lights are HIDs mounted on a custom, front lightbar while the A-pillar lights are Hella LED Rally 4000 units. Helping to power the extra lights is an Optima Blue Top battery.

Of course the safety items have to be included. A full-tube roll cage is present with two-inch diameter, 0.120-inch wall, chromoly tubing for extra strength should things turn upside down. A fuel cell replaces the stock fuel tank. Purpose-built racing seats and five-point harnesses replace the Tundra’s stock seats and three-point seat belts. A six-inch Lowrance GPS screen displays info for the driver, while the passenger/navigator gets a 10-inch Lowrance unit. A Kenwood race radio allows for communication with the Toyota support team, while a PCI intercom keeps the in-truck conversation flowing.

Amazingly the control arms, uprights, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, and hubs are all stock Tundra TRD Pro equipment. Those components will surely be tested to the extreme over the 1,130 miles of unforgiving desert.

Toyota Tundra

The 2014 Toyota Tundra enjoys a welcome refresh over the outgoing model. A newly redesigned exterior and interior make the Tundra more modern and competitive. Most of the changes can be seen on the front grille, rear tailgate, and on the dashboard inside.

Powering the mighty Tundra is Toyota’s venerable, 5.7-liter V-8. The engine pumps out 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. The Tundra is also SAE J2807-certified to tow 10,400 pounds worth of trailer on its receiver hitch. A 4.0-liter V-6 and 4.6-liter V-8 are also offered in the Tundra for those looking for a smaller car payment and better fuel mileage.

Pricing for the 2014 Tundra starts at $25,950 while the all-new 2015 Tundra TRD Pro starts is expected to start around $35,000. We’re still waiting on Toyota to release solid pricing information as of 8/6/2014. The TRD Pro series trucks are set to hit dealerships this fall, just as the Baja 1000 is taking place.