LOS ANGELES — Motor Trend magazine, announced on December 15 the selection of the Toyota Tacoma as the 2005 Motor Trend Truck of the Year. Each year, Motor Trend evaluates all new eligible pickup trucks and awards the Golden Calipers to the one that most clearly raises the bar in terms of significance, superiority, and value. Toyota has made the 2005 Tacoma´s interior and exterior more engaging, while preserving affordability. The new base 2.7L VVT-i four-cylinder engine produces 164 horsepower and 183 lb.-ft. of torque, while the optional 4.0L V6 offers 245 horsepower and 282 lb.-ft. of torque. Buyers can choose from three cab configurations, two bed lengths, and two- or four-wheel drive to configure a Tacoma to suit their lifestyle or work needs. The editorial staff of Motor Trend tested five new vehicles, for the pickup truck that best represented exceptional value, superiority in its class, and the most significant development on the new-truck scene for 2005. All truly new or substantially revised trucks were considered with the condition that they be available for public sale by January 1. The winner was selected from the following eligible models: Dodge Dakota, Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty, Hummer H2 SUT, Nissan Frontier, and the Toyota Tacoma.