So we know you have already seen photos of the all-new 2016 Toyota Tacoma, but now we have more news for you to gawk over. According to Bill Fay, group vice president/general manager of the Toyota Division, the engineers began the transformation to the new Tacoma at the frame by adding high-strength steel to build up its sturdiness and rigidity. Next, the suspension was tuned to make it better off road, as well as to improve its street manners. The body is also made from high-strength steel that is hot-stamped into shape, helping to drop some weight.

Some of the other new features that are sure to please Tacoma buyers are a choice of four aggressive-looking wheels in sizes ranging from 16 to 18 inches. The new truck has a locking tailgate that also offers an easy lowering system, allowing it to drop gently. A new first for Tacoma is its available lockable tri-fold hard tonneau cover for the bed. The new Tacoma TRD Off-Road gets a power outlet in the composite bed, and a GoPro camera mount located near the rear-view mirror is standard in all Tacoma models.

The all-new 2016 Toyota Tacoma also offers multi-terrain select technology in its drivetrain system, which allows you to select between five different types of terrain. It works by regulating wheel spin through throttle and brake pressure adjustments, helping to provide the ultimate traction for each type of terrain the vehicle encounters such as loose rock, mud, or sand. It also delivers Crawl Control that assists the driver during steep descents by allowing the selection of any speed from 1 to 5 mph, causing the Tacoma to control the accelerator and the brakes while the driver concentrates on steering.

However, the best news is under the hood. The new 2016 Tacoma is offered with the choice of a 2.7-liter four-cylinder or an all-new Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 engine. For those not familiar with the Atkinson design, it basically incorporates all four cycles into a single rotation of the crankshaft, and is designed to improve efficiency. The 3.5-liter V6 will also get Toyota’s D-4S technology that combines direct injection for high-speed operation and port fuel injection for the lower rpm range.

This new 3.5-liter V6 design may be something similar to the workings of the new 5.0-liter V8 found in the 2015 Lexus RC-F. The choice of a new six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission is offered for the 3.5-liter V6 as well. We don’t have power numbers on the two engines yet, but stay tuned to Off Road Xtreme, we’ll bring you the breaking news as it hits our desks. See a full Gallery of more photos below.