Moviegoers appear to be suffering from superhero fatigue, but that hasn’t stopped Toyota from hitching their wagon to Blue Beetle.
Set to hit theaters on August 18, the movie tells the story of Jaime Reyes who returns home after graduating college. As the story unfolds, Jaime is given an “ancient relic of alien biotechnology” known as the Scarab.
It promptly bonds with him, turning Jaime into the Blue Beetle. The rest seems like a boilerplate superhero origin story as there’s bad guys, struggles, and family drama.
First Look: 2024 Tacoma Shows Why Toyota Dominates The Mid-Size Truck Segment
While the film likely won’t win any points for originality, it will have plenty of product placement as Toyota is the “official automotive partner.” As a result, an older Toyota Tacoma has been integrated into the story and is the “Reyes’ beloved family vehicle” as well as the “pride and joy of Jaime’s Uncle Rudy.”
Since advertising an old truck isn’t the smartest move, the 2024 Tacoma makes a “special cameo.” Toyota has also launched a cringey ad campaign that compares the superhero to the truck.
While the film doesn’t look particularly good, the same can’t be said about the Tacoma as it’s a mid-size pickup that doesn’t make you compromise. As part of this effort, the model can be had in XtraCab and Double Cab configurations with 5′ and 6′ long beds.
Choice extends to the engine compartment as there’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines with outputs of 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS), 270 hp (201 kW / 274 PS), and 278 hp (207 kW / 282 PS). The truck is also notable for offering a six-speed manual, which features automatic rev matching and anti-stall technology.
The manual isn’t the only highlight as the truck offers an all-new i-Force Max powertrain that consists of a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a 1.87 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery, and an electric motor that is integrated into an eight-speed automatic transmission. It produces 326 hp (243 kW / 331 PS) and 465 lb-ft (630 Nm) of torque, which makes it one of the mightiest powertrains in its class.