New Tundra to be Bigger, Bolder and Way Badder than Current Model Truck fans are in for a treat at this year's Chicago Auto Show on February 9, when Toyota unveils its redesigned full-sized Tundra pickup.
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| Will the new Tundra pull design cues from Toyota's FTX Concept truck, introduced in 2004? (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
Since its debut in 1999, for the 2000 model year, the Tundra has laid claim to only a tiny share of the full-sized pickup truck market. As it seems, when North Americans think of big trucks, we tend to think of the "Big 3". For countless years, big Ford, Chevy, and Dodge pickups have ruled the land, so it seems difficult to imagine Toyota amongst these heavy-duty machines, slugging it out in labour class. Well look out Detroit, because Toyota is looking to claim their fair share of the market with a revamped and beefed-up 2007 Tundra, geared to compete with America's finest; namely, the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra, and Dodge Ram full-sized pickups. In terms
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| Spy shots show a vehicle that is so big that it seems Toyota doesn't want Dodge's Mega Cab to own the XXXL crew cab market outright (FTX concept shown). (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
of styling, the new Tundra is expected to be a less extravagant version of Toyota's FTX concept truck, seen at Detroit's 2004 auto show. Early spy photos show massive rear doors on the crew cab model, so big, in fact, that they almost appear larger than the front doors. It seems Toyota doesn't want Dodge's Mega Cab models to own the XXXL crew cab market outright. Aside from appearances, don't be surprised to find integrated tow hooks and hideaway bed tie-downs, features also courtesy of the FTX. A common mantra amongst pickup truck fans is, "The more power the better," so news that comes close to confirming that the new Tundra will likely come with V8 power as standard equipment is positive for sure. If so, buyers will have their
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| In saying goodbye to its 7/8ths-sized Tundra, Toyota reportedly will bolt the new model's body to a full-length frame, bumping it into the ¾ ton class (2005 Tundra shown). (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
choice of 4.7- and 5.4-litre engine packages. To further compete with Detroit's big boys, the Tundra will also have its body bolted to a full-length frame, bumping it into the ¾ ton class, and offer varied bed configurations and wheelbase lengths. All these choices make for one potentially tough and versatile truck. In addition, Toyota has yet another trick up its sleeve. The Japanese automaker's executives say that they are in the process of developing a hybrid drivetrain capable of powering their workhorse trucks, which would go head to head with GM's Silverado/Sierra hybrids. Still, adapting Toyota's full hybrid system breeds challenges not present in standard production cars and lightweight CUVs. Engineers are in the
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| One benefit of a hybrid-electric drivetrain would be the ease of integrating in a power generator, ideal for construction crews that need electric power on the job site. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
process of conducting tests to see if the hybrid concept will be feasible in a large truck platform. And on that thought, can a tree-hugging hybrid powertrain meet the demands of a full-sized truck owner? The good news is that, typically, the electric motors driving the non-combustion halves of hybrid vehicles exhibit excellent low-end torque that is immediately available from zero revs, which is exactly what's needed for yanking out tree stumps and performing other tasks that require "quick muscle". Another benefit would be the ease of integrating in a power generator, ideal for construction crews that need electric power on the job site.