Coolest Tundra YetWhat do you get when you cross a conservative Japanese pickup
 |
| No, it's not a Yamaha-powered truck, although, one may exist... (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
truck with a world renowned motorcycle (and everything else) manufacturer? A hot accessory kit and the Yamaha-built V8 engine from the
Volvo XC90? Close, but no. Then again, this week's tester might have a Yamaha-built V8 under its hood, as Yamaha constructs a fair number of Toyota-designed engines to help the world's second largest automaker meet demand. Just the same, the Toyota TRD (Toyota Racing Development) Yamaha Special Edition Tundra wasn't brought to market in order to showcase either Japanese manufacturer's under-hood technology, but rather as a cool combination of practicality, performance and value added packaging, to a stylish new level.
Toyota's
 |
| TRD adds plenty of add-on goodies, such as running boards, and a special exhaust system. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
longstanding Racing Development division has worked its way into the Tundra segment of the pickup lineup (there is also a Tacoma TRD Special Edition) offering an exclusive dual exhaust system, monotone exterior paint, metallic dash accents, fender flares and possibly the most recognizable asset: the unique Special Edition colour-keyed front grille with exclusive TRD badging. While Toyota's in-house racing shop modifications don't necessarily make the Tundra a track-ready truck, it's ideal for hauling a race-tuned Celica, Scion tC or Supra to the nearest pavement wonderland (with its towing capacity of 3,039 kg (6,700 lbs).
The 2006 Yamaha Edition Tundra is a Canadian market exclusive, not
 |
| Plenty of go from iForce V8 engine. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
only offering its driver a forceful 4.7L V8 engine, boasting 271 horsepower and an authoritative 313 lb-ft of torque, but a double cab configuration enabling it to house five adults comfortably, an excellent 4X4 system that has Toyota's automatic disconnecting differential (ADD) for all the benefits of one-touch, shift-on-the-fly part-time 4WD, and a nice-sized 6-foot, 2-inch bed capable of accommodating whatever your heart desires.
So
 |
| Whatever the brand name attached, this Toyota could certainly haul it. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
why team up with Yamaha? That's easy. The two companies are targeting the same clientele. The Tundra is perfectly suited for hauling a couple of dirt bikes or a full-size ATV into the bush, plus a motor for the boat to go fishing, and even a guitar to strum around the campfire. You name it Yamaha makes it... except for vehicles that is. So, for a carmaker like Toyota, reaching Yamaha's loyal customer base with a co-branded pickup truck is ideal. They couldn't do it with Honda or Suzuki, for obvious reasons. It should also be noted that Toyota Canada has also signed on as title sponsor of Yamaha Motor Canada's motocross, road and ATV factory racing teams, just the "latest chapter in a successful relationship between two industry leaders that spans over 40 years", or so says a recent press release on the subject.
