With no real outside threat, Detroit's Big Three are duking it out between themselves in the full-size pickup truck segment. That's about to change. You don't believe it? Well then, you haven't seen the all-new 2007 Toyota Tundra.
Unveiled last February at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show, the new generation of this Japanese truck has actually been designed and
engineered entirely in the U.S. to cater to the needs of hardcore North American pickup truck owners. Moreover, it will be manufactured in Indiana and Texas.
Redesigned from the ground up, the Tundra is now bigger, bolder and better. The larger exterior dimensions are the result of a brand a new frame (with 30 percent higher tensile strength steel, by the way) and a more muscular design. Aside from the returning 4.0-liter V6, Toyota will offer a new 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine mated to a new heavy-duty 6-speed automatic transmission. The company still hasn't provided the official power figures for this engine. However, we do know that the new towing capacity exceeds 4,500 kilos (10,000 pounds).
Three cabin configurations will be offered, including the Double Cab, while three trim levels will be on the menu: Base, SR5 and Limited. The
redesigned and expanded cabins are loaded with comfort and convenience features as well as oversized door handles and controls for everyday workers. They serve as a mobile office with a center console capable of holding a laptop or hanging file folders.
Because it's a Toyota, the build quality and reliability of the new 2007 Tundra will most likely be superior to those of its rivals. The truck will hit the market at the turn of the new year. Pricing has yet to be announced, but Toyota hopes to sell 200,000 units in the first 12 months versus a Tundra-record of 126,000 in 2005.
Unveiled last February at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show, the new generation of this Japanese truck has actually been designed and
 |
| (Photo: Toyota) |
Redesigned from the ground up, the Tundra is now bigger, bolder and better. The larger exterior dimensions are the result of a brand a new frame (with 30 percent higher tensile strength steel, by the way) and a more muscular design. Aside from the returning 4.0-liter V6, Toyota will offer a new 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine mated to a new heavy-duty 6-speed automatic transmission. The company still hasn't provided the official power figures for this engine. However, we do know that the new towing capacity exceeds 4,500 kilos (10,000 pounds).
Three cabin configurations will be offered, including the Double Cab, while three trim levels will be on the menu: Base, SR5 and Limited. The
 |
| (Photo: Toyota) |
Because it's a Toyota, the build quality and reliability of the new 2007 Tundra will most likely be superior to those of its rivals. The truck will hit the market at the turn of the new year. Pricing has yet to be announced, but Toyota hopes to sell 200,000 units in the first 12 months versus a Tundra-record of 126,000 in 2005.
Article Gallery