Third-Gen Toyota Tacoma Undergoes Huge Facial Reconstruction, Is Now the Renoca Windansea

Take the current version of the truck. Born in 2023, it's only the fourth generation of the model. The previous one ran for no less than eight years, which is roughly double the lifetime of any other car and truck out there.

Of course such a long run can only be a testament of how good a certain model is. But as it often happens with vehicles that are ultimately replaced with newer versions, it could be in need of a little upgrade for it to remain relevant. And this is where a crew called Flex Automotive comes in.

The name was until earlier this year not something Americans came across very often. Established in Japan in 1967, Flex has been in the business of remaking Toyota-produced vehicles for the market there.

At the beginning of 2023 the company announced its expansion stateside, offering the locals a selection of three retrofitted Land Cruisers, called in their new form the Renoca 106, Renoca Wonder, and Renoca Phoenix.

Last week though we got word of Flex readying the first pickup truck it has devised for the American market, the Renoca Windansea. It is, obviously, based on the third-generation Toyota Tacoma, and adds a new dimension of cool for a truck that has started getting a bit old.

First up, you should know the Windansea has been imagined as "a Japanese-style neo-classic massive pickup." What that means is that some of the lines you're used to seeing on this machine have changed completely, especially at the front, the main focus of the redesign.

Made to have a more classic look, the truck now boasts round headlights up front hidden under a very straight hood and flanking a large grille. Beneath it a steel bumper has been fitted, the same kind of hardware like the one at the rear.

Aside from the major facial reconstruction what Flex offers for the Tacoma is the possibility of having it specced like no other. For the exterior look and its functionality, for instance, people have the option of choosing from a variety of bed racks, lift kits, side steps, and of course wheels and tires.

The interior can be customized to specification with dashboard covers, new materials for the seats, and a variety of floor mats. For the trucks that don't come with these features, stuff like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but also new sound systems, can be added.

Such a major frontal redesign does not come cheap. Without all the extras added, the Renoca Windansea is selling from $52,800. For that people get all of the above, plus a V6 engine under the hood rated at 278 horsepower.