The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck manufactured in the US by the Japanese manufacturer Toyota since May 1999. The Tundra was eventually nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year in 2000 and 2008. Currently the Tundra is assembled in San Antonio, Texas, USA where production was consolidated in 2008.
The first generation Tundra had many similarities with the older Toyota T100 and the compact Toyota Tacoma. The biggest of those similarities was the shared use of a 3.4-liter V6 engine which was the top of the line engine in both the Tacoma and T100. The V6 engine would serve as the base engine for the Tundra, while a second powerplant, a first for a Toyota truck, a V8 engine sized at 4.7-liters was added to the lineup.
As of 2013 the Toyota Tundra is sold in the NAFTA region in LHD only.
| Toyota Tundra | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Production | May 1999–present |
| Model years | 2000–present |
| Assembly | Princeton, Indiana (TMMI ended in 2009) San Antonio, Texas, USA (TMMTX) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size pickup truck |
| Body style | 2-door Regular cab 4-door Double cab and Crewmax |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| Related | Toyota Sequoia |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Toyota T100 |
First generation (1999–2007)
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | May 1999–2007 |
| Model years | 2000–2006 |
| Designer | Hideo Kondo, Yusuku Fukushima (1997, 2001) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door Regular cab 4-door Access cab 4-door Double cab |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
3.4 L 5VZ-FE V6
282 horsepower (2005)190 horsepower (2000-2004) 4.0 L 1GR-FE V6 236 horsepower (2005-2006) 4.7 L 2UZ-FE V8 245 horsepower (2000-2004) 271 horsepower (2006) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual (2000-2004) 4-speed A340 automatic (2000-2004) 6-speed manual (2005-2006) 5-speed automatic (2005-2006) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 128.3 in (3,259 mm) Double Cab: 140.5 in (3,569 mm) |
| Length | 2000-04: 217.5 in (5,524 mm) Double Cab: 230.1 in (5,845 mm) 2005-06: 218.3 in (5,545 mm) |
| Width | 75.2 in (1,910 mm) Double Cab & Limited: 79.3 in (2,014 mm) Limited Double Cab: 79.7 in (2,024 mm) |
| Height | SR5 V8 4WD: 71.1 in (1,806 mm) 2000-04 SR5 Access Cab 4WD: 71.5 in (1,816 mm) SR5 Stepside Access Cab 4WD: 71.3 in (1,811 mm) Limited 4WD: 71.7 in (1,821 mm) 2WD: 70.5 in (1,791 mm) SR5 Access Cab 2WD: 70.7 in (1,796 mm) Limited 2WD: 70.9 in (1,801 mm) Double Cab 4WD: 74.4 in (1,890 mm) Double Cab Limited 4WD: 75.0 in (1,905 mm) Double Cab Limited 2WD: 74.6 in (1,895 mm) Double Cab 2WD: 74.0 in (1,880 mm) |
| Curb weight | 3935–4215 lb (1785–1912 kg) |
Publicly introduced in May 1999 as a 2000 model, the Tundra prototypes and "show trucks" were initially known as T150s. However, Ford and automotive pundits felt that this name was too close to the market-leader Ford F-150, and following a lawsuit by Ford, the production truck was renamed the Tundra (Toyota claimed they never truly intended to use the T150 name in actual production).
The Tundra was slightly larger than the T100, but still suffered the perception of being too small and car-like to pose a serious threat to the domestic pickup trucks. With a production capacity of 120,000, sales were double the rate of the T100. At the time the Tundra also had the largest initial vehicle sales for Toyota in its history. It garnered impressive honors, including Motor Trend's Truck of the Year award for 2000 and Best Full- Size Truck from Consumer Reports. Built in a new Toyota plant in Princeton, Indiana, with 65 percent domestic content, the Tundra showed that Toyota was serious about closing the gap on the "Big Three" in all major segments.
Engine choices available in the Tundra were a 24V 3.4-liter V6 engine that produced 190 horsepower (140 kW) and 220 lb·ft (298 N·m) of torque and an LEV certified 32 valve 4.7-liter "i-Force" V8 engine that produced 245 horsepower (183 kW) and 315 lb·ft (427 N·m) of torque. A Toyota Racing Development (TRD) supercharger was already available for the 3.4-liter V6 (2000-2003 models) that bumped horsepower to the 260 horsepower (190 kW) range and 260 lb·ft (350 N·m) of torque. TRD introduced a second supercharger for the V8 (2000-2003 models) engine late into its second year of production that pushed the V8 numbers to the mid 300 horsepower (220 kW) range and torque to the 400 lb·ft (540 N·m) range. Although the V6 supercharger is still widely available, the V8 supercharger is rarer and harder to find because TRD stopped its production once Toyota released the updated VVT-i equipped 4.7-liter engine.
The grille was updated in 2002 (for the 2003 model year) along with a new Stepside Cab which was a Stepside version of the Access Cab to get more competition with Ford and Chevy and the Double Cab version was added to the lineup in 2003. The Double Cab model was a true crew cab with four normal doors, with interior and exterior details copied from the Toyota Sequoia. Its bed is nearly 5 inches (130 mm) longer than the competing Nissan Titan or Ford F-150. It is also 13 inches (330 mm) longer and 3 inches (76 mm) taller than the Regular and Access cab versions. A new engine was introduced in 2005: a 4.0-liter V6 rated at 236 horsepower (176 kW) and 266 lb·ft (361 N·m) of torque, and the existing 4.7-liter V8 was updated with Toyota's VVT-i variable valve timing technology and was rated at 282 horsepower (210 kW) and 325 lb·ft (441 N·m) of torque while the 2006 versions were rerated at 271 horsepower (202 kW) and 313 lb·ft (424 N·m) of torque . The 5-speed manual gave way to a 6-speed manual, and a 5-speed automatic replaced the 4-speed. With a towing capacity of just 6,900 lb (on the Double Cabs) and a 7,100 pounds towing capacity on the Access Cabs and Regular Cabs with a V8 engine, it still did not have enough muscle to compete with the heavy-duty offerings of the Big Three and Nissan. Domestic truck aficionados still derided it as a "7/8 scale" pickup.
In 2006 the Darrell Waltrip Edition was sold honoring the NASCAR star and his participation in the NASCAR Truck Series. Only 2000 V8 powered Double Cab models were produced. The package included special badging and unique 18" wheels.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Tundra "Good" overall in their frontal offset crash test. It was the first full-size pickup awarded a "Good" score, its then competitors from Ford and Dodge were rated "Poor" and in the case of GM's entry "Marginal".
Safety recalls
During late 2009 Toyota issued a recall on 2000-2003 model year Tundras regarding rust problems of a rear crossmember. This recall involved 110,000 vehicles and followed a similar action for the Tacoma. Following the Tacoma voluntary recall Tundra owners began complaining of rust issues. Calls to Toyota regarding the Tundra rust issue were met with utter denial. In some cases, trucks were inspected by dealers (at a cost of $95 that the owners had to pay) and found to be unsafe to drive. The dealers refused to let the owners take their vehicles without signing an affidavit that they had been informed that Toyota had declared their vehicles unsafe to drive. Complaints were subsequently brought to Channel 5 investigative reporter Susan Wornick and the story ran repeatedly in spring and fall 2009 prompting the NHTSA to begin an investigation. NHTSA was particularly concerned that owners reported the potential for the spare tire to drop from the vehicle without warning due to corrosion and they opened an investigation on October 6, 2009. Toyota recalled 2000-2001 Tundras, soon expanding it through 2003. If no rust is detected an anti-corrosion compound will be applied, if rust is detected the crossmember will be replaced.While Toyota originally limited the recall to 20 cold-weather states, problems were already evident elsewhere. In March 2010, the recall was expanded throughout the country. Toyota has been replacing frames on affected vehicles rather than paying the 1.5 times Kelley Blue Book value they offered Tacoma owners in a similar campaign for frame rust in Tacomas. Toyota began replacing frames later in the Tacoma campaign.
As of January 2012, Toyota Motor Co. is recalling 533,000 trucks and SUVs because of possible steering and suspension problems caused by faulty ball joints. The recall marks a sudden shift in policy for the Japanese automaker after repeatedly denying consumer complaints about ball joint problems and failures in the Tundra and Sequoia. The Toyota recall includes 2004 to 2007 model year Sequoia full-size sport utility vehicles and 2004 to 2006 Tundra pickups sold in the U.S. A ball joint in the front suspension may wear out causing the vehicles to be difficult or sometimes impossible to steer. Toyota reports that the defect may be the cause of 11 accidents resulting in six injuries. This can cause the wheel to fall off the truck without any notice.
Second generation (2007–2013)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | Feb 2007 – Sept 2013 |
| Model years | 2007 – 2013 |
| Designer | Craig Kember (2004) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door Regular cab 4-door Double Cab 4-door Crewmax |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
4.0 L 1GR-FE V6 (VVT-i)
5.7 L 3UR-FE V8 (Dual VVT-i)236 horsepower 4.7 L 2UZ-FE V8 (VVT-i) 276 horsepower 4.6 L 1UR-FE V8 (VVT-i) 310 horsepower 381 horsepower |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic 6-speed automatic (AB60E/F) 6-speed automatic (A760E/F) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Regular cab 6.5' box: 126.8 (3220 mm) Regular cab 8' box/Double Cab 6.5' box/CrewMax 5.5' box: 145.7 (3700 mm) Double Cab 8' box: 164.6 (4180 mm) |
| Length | Regular cab 6.5' box: 209.8 in (5,329 mm) Regular cab 8' box/Double Cab 6.5' box/CrewMax 5.5' box: 246.7 in (6,266 mm) Double Cab 8' box: 228.7 in (5,809 mm) |
| Width | 79.9 in (2,029 mm) |
| Height | Regular Cab 4WD: 76.2 in (1,935 mm) Regular Cab LB 4WD & Double Cab 4WD: 76.4 in (1,941 mm) CrewMax 4WD: 76.0 in (1,930 mm) Regular & Double Cab 2WD: 75.8 in (1,925 mm) CrewMax 2WD: 75.6 in (1,920 mm) |
A larger Tundra was introduced at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show. It had lifted cues of its smaller brother the Toyota Tacoma along with some cues from the Toyota FTX concept truck. The truck had many enhancements, such as a towing capacity of up to 10,000+ lb, and a payload capacity of over 2,000 lb (910 kg), a new 5.7-liter 3UR-FE V8 engine mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission. The second generation Tundra has 3 engines available. The new 5.7-liter V8 that produces 381 horsepower (284 kW) and 401 pound force-feet (544 N·m) of torque, and the carry over 4.7-liter 2UZ-FE V8 rated at 276 horsepower (206 kW) and 313 pound force-feet (424 N·m) of torque, as well as the previous 4.0-liter 1GR-FE V6 rated at 236 horsepower (176 kW) and 266 pound force-feet (361 N·m) of torque.
.jpg)
When the new Tundra first came out in February 2007 it was available in 31 configurations, which consisted of 3 bed lengths, 3 cab configurations, 3 wheelbases, and 2 transmissions. The new Double Cab replaces the previous generation's Access Cab, and the all new CrewMax replaces the previous generation's Double Cab, it is also built to compete with the Dodge Ram Mega Cab. The Double Cab is available with a 6.5-foot (2.0 m) bed, regular bed, or an 8-foot (2.4 m) long bed, while the CrewMax is only available with a 5.5-foot (1.7 m) short bed. The Tundra also features a new 6-speed automatic transmission which can lock the torque converter in 5th and 6th gears with amanual shift mode which is standard with the 5.7-liter, giving it a 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of 6.3 seconds and a quarter mile time of 14.7 seconds.
Toyota made the new Tundra useful for many construction workers, by including extra large door handles, deck rail system, integrated tow hitch, and head restraints that can fit a worker with a hardhat. The Tundra also includes as standard: an electronic automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD), Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, anti-lock brakes and tailgate assist. However, its starting MSRP of $22,390 makes it more expensive than the Chevy Silverado Work Truck (MSRP $17,860) and the base Ford F-150 (MSRP $17,345).
Some other changes Toyota included in the new Tundra are optional tow mirrors, a 26.4 US gal (100 L; 22 imp gal) fuel tank, available 22-inch (560 mm) alloy wheels,backup camera, Bluetooth, large center console (big enough to fit a 15-inch (380 mm) laptop), extra-large disc brakes and calipers, and the aforementioned 6-speed sequential automatic transmission.
All 5.7-liter Tundras come equipped with a tow package which includes engine oil and transmission coolers, integrated trailer hitch, 4.30:1 axle ratio, and large braking hardware for increased fade resistance. Equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 the Tundra has a maximum tow rating of 9,000–10,400 lb (4,100–4,700 kg) depending on body configuration. Toyota began rating the Tundra under the SAE J2807 protocol beginning in 2010.
Assembly
The second generation Tundra was initially assembled at two different United States locations, the original Princeton, Indiana plant supplemented by a newly built San Antonio, Texas plant. Combined, the two plants give Toyota a maximum capacity of produce 300,000 Tundra units annually or 100,000 units from the Indiana plant and another 200,000 units from the Texas plant. When designing the Texas plant, Toyota arranged for 21 key Tundra suppliers to set up factories on the same site to avoid logistical issues, however those suppliers are more vulnerable to a market downturn. Toyota also included a $9 million health care facility to serve workers and their dependents. Third Generation Tundra will be assembled at Toyota's San Antonio's Facility only.
The Tundra has 75% domestic parts content.
In the second quarter of 2008 Toyota moved all Tundra production to the Texas plant.All Tundra engines and transmissions are built in the United States. As sales fell in 2008, production of the Tundra at San Antonio stopped for three months.
Engines
2007–2009 model years
- 4.0 L V6 GR engine 236 hp (176 kW) and 266 lb·ft (361 N·m) (California Air Resources Board (CARB) LEV II certified)
- 4.7 L V8 UZ engine 276 hp (206 kW) and 313 lb·ft (424 N·m) (CARB ULEV II certified)
- 5.7 L V8 UR engine 381 hp (284 kW) and 401 lb·ft (544 N·m) (CARB ULEV II certified)
2010 model year
- 4.0 L V6 GR engine 236 hp (176 kW) and 266 lb·ft (361 N·m) (CARB LEV II certified)
- 4.6 L V8 UR engine 310 hp (231 kW) and 327 lb·ft (443 N·m) (CARB ULEV II certified)
- 5.7 L V8 UR engine 381 hp (284 kW) and 401 lb·ft (544 N·m) (CARB ULEV II certified).
Model year changes
- The 2008 model added 13 variations bringing the total to 44 model variants. The 2008 models feature additional standard features at a lower price, also include a new "Tundra Grade" trim which is slotted below the SR5 trim, and geared toward trades people and the price conscious consumer.
- Toyota made E85 fuel capability standard to 2009 Tundra's equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 in select regions. Toyota also updated the TRD Sport package and added a TRD Rock Warrior package. Prices increased 0.4% over the previous 2008 model year.
- The 2010 model year Tundra received visual updates to the grille and tail lamps. A premium Platinum trim level was added. And a new 4.6-liter V8 paired with a 6-speed automatic replaced the previous 4.7-liter 2UZ-FE V8 engine. For added safety a driver and front passenger knee airbags became standard and NHTSA frontal crash test scores improved to five stars.The 2010 Tundra began arriving at dealers in late April 2009.
Third generation (2014–Present)
| Third Generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | September 2013-Present |
| Model years | 2014–Present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door Regular cab 4-door Double cab 4-door Crewmax |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
5.7 L 3UR-FE V8 (Dual VVT-i) 381 horsepower |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic 6-speed automatic (AB60E/F) 6-speed automatic (A760E/F) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Regular Cab: 126.8 (3220 mm) Crew Cab: 145.7 (3700 mm) Double Cab: 164.6 (4180 mm) |
| Length | Regular Cab: 209.8 in (5,329 mm) Crew Cab: 228.7 in (5,809 mm) 2007-09 Double Cab: 246.7 in (6,266 mm) 2010- Double Cab: 247.6 in (6,289 mm) |
| Width | 79.9 in (2,029 mm) |
| Height | Regular Cab 4WD: 76.2 in (1,935 mm) Regular Cab LB 4WD & Double Cab 4WD: 76.4 in (1,941 mm) CrewMax 4WD: 76.0 in (1,930 mm) Regular & Double Cab 2WD: 75.8 in (1,925 mm) CrewMax 2WD: 75.6 in (1,920 mm) |
On February 7, 2013, a redesigned Tundra was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show. The redesign featured a larger grille, more enhanced fenders, a redesigned tailgate and tail lights, as well as a completely redesigned interior. The interior featured a standard 3.5 inch information screen, bluetooth connectivity, back up camera, updated ergonomics, and a reworked dashboard. Toyota announced they would keep the same 3 engines, a 4.0L V6, a 4.6L V8, and a 5.7L V8. Sales are expected to begin in September 2013.
Safety
The Tundra comes equipped with dual front airbags, front row side torso airbags, and rollover sensing side curtain airbags for both the front and rear rows. Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, brake assist, and electronic brakeforce distribution are also standard.For the 2010 model year, a driver and front passenger knee airbag becomes standard.
Toyota's Tundra was the first full-size pickup to have earned the IIHS's Top Safety Pick accolade, followed by the redesigned 2009 Ford F-150. In tests conducted by the IIHS, the Tundra received an overall "Good" score in the frontal offset crash test, the highest possible rating in the side impact crash test, and the maximum score for rear crash protection.
| Frontal Driver |   |
| Frontal Passenger | |
| Side Driver | |
| Side Rear Passenger | |
| Rollover | |
The primary difference between IIHS and NHTSA frontal crash testing, is the IIHS conducts an offset test where a smaller portion of the vehicle's structure absorbs the energy of the crash. This type of crash test is more demanding on the vehicle's structure, while the full frontal crash test is more demanding on the vehicle's restraint systems. Both IIHS and NHTSA frontal impact tests can only be compared among vehicles of similar weights.
Because the Tundra's Vehicle Stability Control system is disabled when the vehicle's 4x4 system is engaged Consumer Reports has questioned the Tundra's Top Safety Pick award. Toyota's response is the Tundra does not feature a center differential which would become a weak point in the drivetrain.However the stability control system remains operational at times when the truck is in 4x2 mode though many drivers will select the 4x4 mode in slippery conditions. As of the 2010 model year this has been corrected. Electronic stability control functions in 4x4hi and is disengaged in 4x4lo. This is verified by the updated owners manual, visor instructions, and road tests in snow and ice in 4x4hi. When under steer or over steer occurs in 4x4hi a beeping noise is emitted, and the dash indicator lights up yellow indicating that VSC is activated, braking individual wheels to match driver input at the steering wheel.
TRD supercharger
Toyota began selling a bolt-on TRD supercharger kit for the 5.7-liter V8 Tundra during June 2008. Power output is increased to 504 hp (376 kW) and 550 pound force-feet (750 N·m) of torque. When the installation is carried out by a Toyota dealership the existing warranty remains intact. This kit features Eaton's TVS Roots-type supercharger which utilizes twin four-lobe rotors, a design shared with the newly introduced Toyota TRD Aurion, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and Cadillac CTS-V. MSRP for the kit is set at $5,875.
Edmunds tested a TRD supercharged Tundra which completed the 1/4 mile in 13.3 sec @ 103.8 mph (167.0 km/h).Edmunds previously tested a naturally aspired 5.7-liter V8 Tundra which posted a 14.8 sec @ 93.7 mph (150.8 km/h) time.Motor Trend's test of the supercharged Tundra resulted in a 1/4 mile of 13.0 sec @ 106.3 mph (171.1 km/h). This Tundra needed 4.4 seconds to run from 0-60 mph.
Special editions
In June 2008 Toyota introduced the Ivan "Ironman" Stewart Signature Series Tundra. Three different packages are offered, one of which includes the TRD Supercharger.
As of 2008, Stewart has won the Baja 500 seventeen times driving Toyota vehicles.
Awards and comparison tests
Awards
- CanadianDriver crowns the Tundra as Truck King, selecting it as the best 1/2-ton pickup with an engine displacing greater than 5.0-liters, and again as best 1/2-ton with an engine displacing less than 5.0-liters.
- Trailer Boats awards the Tundra with its 2007 Tow Vehicle of the Year award after completing nearly two weeks of testing.
- Truckin' Magazine awards the Tundra Crew Max with its 2008 Truck of the Year award.
- Motor Trend declared the Tundra its 2008 Truck of the Year.Other competitors tested were the Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD, and Ford F-250, F-350 and F-450.While the Chevrolet Silverado, Motor Trend's 2007 TOTY was not in the competition, it was defeated by the Tundra in an earlier three round comparison as noted below. However, Motor Trend ranked the Silverado and Sierra ahead in a later comparison test.
Media comparison testing
- May 2009: A Motor Trend comparison test with the Ford F150 Supercrew resulted in a defeat.
- April 2009: An Edmunds.com test of 4x4 trucks resulted in a 2nd place finish for the Tundra.
- November 2008: A test conducted by Pickuptrucks.com rated the Tundra 3rd,Motor Trend was asked to join the test and rated the Tundra 5th.
- 2007: Motor Trend and Truck Trend magazines rate the Tundra ahead of its GM competitor in a three round battle. Parts of this comparison took place before the Tundra was officially on sale to the public. All sections were published in both magazines.
Introduction Round 1: Head-to-Head Round 2: Down and Dirty Final Round - Up, Over, and Out:
- 2007: Peterson's 4-wheel & Off Road magazine gave the Tundra a 2nd place finish in their 2008 4x4 of the Year competition. First place went to the Toyota Landcruiser
- August 2007: Consumer Reports rates the Tundra as the 2nd best full-size pickup behind the Chevy Avalanche.
- April 2007: Car and Driver placed the Tundra 3rd in a 5-truck roundup.
- March 2007: Popular Mechanics ranks the Tundra 2nd in a full-size pickup comparison.
- January 2007: Edmunds.com places the Tundra first in their 1/2-ton comparison test.
Recalls
In May 2007, a Toyota spokesperson stated 20 camshaft failures occurred in Toyota's all-new 5.7 L 3UR-FE V-8 engine. Toyota said the failures were the result of a flaw in the camshaft casting process, and the supplier of the camshafts has since fixed the error. In the event of a camshaft failure Toyota will either replace the engine and extend the warranty or repurchase the truck from the owner. Toyota originally intended to begin selling the 5.7-liter equipped Tundra during the northern hemisphere summer of 2007 but decided to rush the engine into production in order to match the February 2007 launch date. This decision was the result of product planners and dealers desire for the larger V8's availability at the initial sale.
On December 13, 2007, Toyota Motor Corp recalled 15,600 4x4 2007 model-year Tundras in the United States because a rear propeller shaft joint may fail. "There is a possibility that a joint in the rear propeller shaft may have been improperly heat treated, resulting in insufficient hardness," Toyota said. Adding, "This may cause a section of the rear propeller shaft to separate at the joint." There has been one reported case of abnormal noises in the affected vehicles. No accidents have been connected to the recall. Tundra owners will be notified beginning in late-December 2007 and are requested to contact their local Toyota dealer for inspection. If the hardness is not correct the dealer will then replace the rear propeller shaft.
In Consumer Reports' 2007 survey, the 4x4 Tundra had a below-average reliability rating due mainly to problems with the four-wheel-drive system. However, as of November 10, 2008, Consumer Reports' 2008 survey showed that Toyota in general has apparently solved the problems. In April 2010 the Tundra had an average reliability rating and the 4x4 Tundra would have earned Consumer Reports recommendation, but they have suspended the recommendation pending the resolution of recall issues with of the 2007-2010 Tundra, along with several other Toyota vehicles.
At the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show a Toyota exec stated the Tundra's quality woes brought "shame" to the company. In July 2006, the then Toyota CEO Watanabe bowed in apology for Toyota's decline in quality, however he also promised the company was taking major steps to fix these problems.
The 2007-2010 Tundra was recalled as part of the 2009–10 Toyota vehicle recalls for its accelerator pedal.
Diesel Tundra
During September 2007 Toyota Motor Corporation announced plans to add a diesel variant of the Tundra.This was again confirmed in January at the 2008 North American International Auto Show. There Toyota President Watanabe stated, "I am happy to confirm that a new clean-diesel V8 engine will be offered in both the Tundra and the Sequoia in the near future."But later in 2008 at the State Fair of Texas a Toyota official stated the Tundra diesel is on hold due to poorer than expected sales.
Motor Trend and Car and Driver, have earlier reported Toyota will produce a heavy-duty version of the Tundra designed to compete in the 3/4-ton class.
At the 2007 SEMA auto show, Toyota showcased its Tundra Diesel Dually Project Truck. This heavy-duty Tundra Diesel is based on a heavily modified Tundra Crew Max chassis. It features 8.0L Hino diesel engine, Eaton manual transmission, along with an extensive list of other modifications. High-resolution images are available in autoblog's gallery.
The Australian and European version of the Toyota Land Cruiser features a 4.5L diesel which a future Tundra Diesel could be based on.
Hybrid Tundra
Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe has stated that he would like to develop a hybrid electric version of the Tundra. However, Toyota faces several technical challenges that it must overcome before it could bring such a vehicle to market.
According to the Japanese newspaper Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Toyota is considering developing a gasoline electric hybrid Tundra, for sale in North America around 2010.
Toyota may also introduce a diesel electric hybrid system for the Tundra. In Japan, the Toyota Dyna and Hino Dutro light trucks produced by the Toyota Motor use diesel electric hybrid systems. The Hino Ranger a medium to heavy duty cab-over truck could also provide hybrid technology for the next generation Tundra.
At the 2008 North American International Auto Show, Toyota USA President Jim Lentz stated "different models require different types of fuel saving technology...there may be a few [models] where hybrid technology doesn’t make sense". He further went on to say that the Tundra and the new Sequoia will not be offered with a hybrid engine in the near future, instead those vehicles would feature "clean, fuel efficient diesel engines. For now, it seems, the Tundra Hybrid has been sent back to the drawing board or cancelled entirely.
Sales
The Toyota Tundra has sold at or just under its production capacity since 2000. The Indiana factory can produce 130,000 Tundras a year. The Tundra has been on the market for more than a decade, and has captured 17 percent of the full-size half-ton market. In the year 2000 Toyota sold 107,798 Tundras, which was a huge step forward from the Toyota T100 pickup which sold roughly around 50,000 units. By 2005 Toyota Motor Corporation managed to sell 126,529 Tundras. The best selling Ford F-150 sold 756,980 units that same year. With the added capacity of the San Antonio plant, Toyota planned to sell around 200,000 Tundras for 2007. Toyota missed its sales target for 2007, selling just under 200,000 vehicles.
Currently 70-80 percent of the Tundra sales are coming from the 5.7-liter, and 46 percent are coming from the Crew Max. The Double Cabs are also doing well, but the Standard Cabs are selling much slower than expected.
No comments:
Post a Comment