London, Ontario - This time, Toyota saw red. The Japanese automaker wants to break through the American pickup market and it wisely armed itself: the 2007 Tundra is Chief engineer Yuichiro Obu's third project in North America. He picked a team of American engineers and North American suppliers. Decision and resource control now goes through Ann Arbor, Michigan, instead of Toyota City. The team went to great lengths to meet with pickup truck owners and to fully understand their needs in order to create a product that suits their aspirations. The styling process is also all-American: Toyota turned to the Calty design studio, in California.
North American style
When I look at the new Tundra, I now feel like I'm in front of a genuine pickup truck. Its size and its shape are those of a true American pickup: big, long, high and sporting a look that says: "Give me some; I can take it!" The new Tundra is directly derived from the FTX Concept that was introduced at the 2004 NAIAS in Detroit. As I mentioned, Toyota's Californian designers had the honor to pen the final shape of the Tundra.
Three models, three trim levels
Like a true American automaker, Toyota offers three Tundra models. First, there's the base Regular Cab model with an 8.1-feet long cargo bed. The second is the Double Cab with either a 6.5-feet (standard) or 8.1-feet (optional) long cargo bed. Finally, Toyota goes over and beyond with the new CrewMax model, a true half-ton, four-door pickup. You'll notice that the rear doors are wide and that their 80-degree opening angle (as with the Double Cab model) makes access much more easier. All Tundras are available in three trim levels: Luxury, SR5 and Limited. The latter is the top-of-the-line Tundra, featuring leather seating and dual-zone climate control, among other things.
Two configurations: 2WD and 4WD
To maximize the choices, all models will be offered with 2WD or 4WD. The manufacturer has designed two new rear differentials to meet the towing and handling demands of the Tundra. In addition, all Tundras are equipped with a standard towing package as well as a "Tow" mode programmed into the automatic transmissions and activated by a simple switch. The truck is able to adjust accelerations and decelerations accordingly. The 4WD system is entirely controlled by computer; it can also be engaged via a dash-mounted knob.
A new 5.7-liter engine
In addition to the 4.7-liter V8 (mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox), the engineers created a new 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine capable of pulling 4,895 kilos (10,800 pounds) in 2WD Regular Cab configuration. This brand new V8 produces 381 horsepower and 401 foot-pounds of torque while using a dual variable valve timing system -- a segment first. It's also linked to a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Therefore, buyers will be able to choose the engine based on their towing needs. Only the CrewMax model features the more powerful engine as standard equipment. All in all, the new Tundra seems well geared to handle the tough duties we require from a half-ton pickup truck.
London, Ontario - This time, Toyota saw red. The Japanese automaker wants to break through the American pickup market and it wisely armed itself: the 2007 Tundra is Chief engineer Yuichiro Obu's third project in North America. He picked a team of American engineers and North American suppliers. Decision and resource control now goes through Ann Arbor, Michigan, instead of Toyota City. The team went to great lengths to meet with pickup truck owners and to fully understand their needs in order to create a product that suits their aspirations. The styling process is also all-American: Toyota turned to the Calty design studio, in California.
