Toyota Tundra

Update:

Toyota Tundra Triumphs over Chevrolet and Nissan in Edmunds' Inside Line Half-Ton Truck Comparison Test SANTA MONICA, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Feb. 20, 2007

Inside Line, Edmunds' high-speed online car magazine and the most-read automotive enthusiast Web site, today announced that the 2007 Toyota Tundra squeaked by the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado to win the 2007 Half-Ton Pickup Truck Comparison Test.

The Inside Line editorial team recently compared three 4X4 full-size half-ton trucks, each equipped with a heavy-duty engine and optional trailer-towing packages. The trucks were tested on their capability, performance, price and feature content. Following the team's usual protocol, the comparison test included the winner of the last test and all new and significantly redesigned models in the category. The vehicles in the test were:

-- 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD Crew Cab LT2, with a

four-speed automatic transmission, eight-cylinder

367-horsepower engine, towing capacity of 10,500 lbs. and an

Edmunds.com True Market Value(R) (TMV(R)) of $35,057

-- 2007 Nissan Titan 4X4 SE, with a five-speed automatic

transmission, eight-cylinder 317-horsepower engine, towing

capacity of 9,300 lbs. and an Edmunds.com TMV(R) of $31,860

-- 2007 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 4X4 Limited, with a six-speed

automatic transmission, eight-cylinder 381-horsepower engine

and towing capacity of 10,300 lbs and an Edmunds.com TMV(R) of

$39,195.

"In the end, it was the Tundra's powertrain, performance and feature content that gave it the edge over the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado," said Edmunds' Inside Line Engineering Editor Jason Kavanagh. "In fact, the Silverado enjoyed a minuscule lead over the Tundra in the subjective portion of our scoring, and was the unanimous choice as the truck we'd most recommend to others for casual use.

However, the chasm in performance capability between the Tundra and Silverado simply couldn't be bridged by the Chevy's friendly ride and interior."

Kavanagh continues, "It comes down to utility and the 2007 Toyota Tundra simply offers more of it. No matter what we threw at it, the Tundra never blinked. It's almost as though Toyota built a 3/4-ton truck and honed it for half-ton duty, such is its unburstable nature."

To read the review and to get more information on the Edmunds'

Inside Line editors' evaluation and rankings, visit 2007 Half-Ton Pickup Truck Comparison Test.

Toyota Makes a Major Product Announcement

Click Pic to see Video

Ernest Bastien, vice president of the vehicle operations group, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. unveils the latest full-size pickup truck configuration, the Tundra CrewMax.

All-New Tundra CrewMax To Make World Debut At 2007 North American International Auto Show

12/05/2006 Torrance, CA

December 5, 2006 – Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. will stage the world premiere of the all-new 2007 Tundra CrewMax full-size pickup at a press conference at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The four-door CrewMax will offer the most room, versatility and storage in the Tundra lineup.

Larger in every dimension than the model it replaces, the 2007 Tundra is available in 31 model configurations, with a choice between 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, and towing capacity of more than 10,000 lbs. This second-generation Tundra offers three cab styles, three wheelbases, three bed lengths, three engines, and three trim levels.

The next-generation Tundra was designed and engineered in the United States and will be assembled exclusively at the company's truck plants in Texas and Indiana.

The press conference will be held on Sunday, January 7 at 12:10 PM Eastern Time in the Riverview Ballroom in COBO Center and simulcast live to the Toyota display area at the show. A video clip of the press conference will be available for viewing following the event on the Toyota.com website.

Toyota Stages World Premiere of All-New Tundra Full-Size Pickup at 2006 Chicago Auto Show

February 9, 2006 – Chicago - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new next-generation Tundra full-size pickup truck at a press conference today at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show.
The Tundra was first introduced in 1999 as a 2000 model. Since then, it has won numerous awards and has been recognized for its value, quality and reliability. The completely redesigned 2007 Tundra will be bigger, more powerful and will offer new body and engine configurations.

"From bumper-to-bumper, under the hood and from the inside out the new Tundra is a true American truck that will set a new benchmark in the full-size truck segment," said Jim Lentz, TMS group vice president and general manager. "It will be aimed at the ‘True Trucker,' the true opinion leaders among full-size owners. True Truckers are highly credible because they use, punish, and demand the most out of the pickups they buy."

The expanded size and power of the new Tundra will be reflected in its ability to tow over 10,000 pounds. To achieve this towing capacity every major component was designed for maximum strength, durability and reliability over the long haul. This will be accomplished with an all-new 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine manufactured at Toyota's Alabama engine plant. The V8 will be mated to a new heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission. In addition to the new powertrain, Tundra will also come equipped with heavy-duty front disc brakes with four-piston calipers and vented rotors increased by nearly one and one-half inches, and standard rear disc brakes. High capacity cooling and electrical systems will help Tundra tow heavy loads through the toughest weather. Finally, Tundra will ride on a new rock-solid chassis platform with 30 percent higher tensile strength steel.

Development of the new Tundra was spearheaded by Toyota's U.S.-based facilities. Product planning began at TMS headquarters in Southern California. All engineering development was directed by the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Styling, inside and out, was the work of Toyota's Calty Research and Design Centers in NewportBeach, California and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Finally, the new Tundra will be built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Princeton, Indiana and Toyota's new truck plant in San Antonio, Texas.

Tundra has been super-sized in every metric of comparison with the vehicle it replaces. Its all-new, full-size platform will feature a significantly expanded wheelbase and an increase of 10 inches in overall length. Tundra will also gain nearly five inches in height and will be four full inches wider than before, placing it among the segment leaders in overall size.

Buyers of the new Tundra will have a choice of three engines. In addition to the new 5.7-liter V8, the capable 4.0-liter V6 and the legendary 4.7-liter i-Force V8, both also built in Alabama, will be available.

The new Tundra will come in three cab configurations. It will retain its three-grade strategy with the Base, SR5 and well-appointed Limited trim levels. In all, Tundra will be offered in more than 30 different models, nearly double the current generation

Calty designers set out to complement the new Tundra's increased size by creating a design with bold, brave and distinctive character lines that are different from anything on the road today. From the front, the new Tundra features a bold front grille, strong bumper and large headlights with a steely glare, conveying a strong and powerful physical presence. The profile reveals a thicker body and taller doors with character lines and fender flares that add dimension and strength as well as an unwavering stance.

Tundra's powerful and rugged exterior styling characteristics extend to the inside. A "command and control" center provides an unobstructed view of the instrument panel and puts knobs, switches and buttons within close reach of the driver.
All Tundra models will feature a class-leading, roomy passenger cabin providing front passengers with four inches more shoulder room. Two-row models will offer rear passengers nearly three inches more shoulder. Front passengers will receive nearly four more inches of hip room while rear passengers will enjoy six inches of additional hip room. Interior storage capacity is increased with the addition of hidden storage compartments, second-row seats that double as work surfaces (two-row models only), and a larger center console box.

For buyers who use their Tundra as a work truck quick and easy access to the truck bed is essential. The new Tundra will feature a tailgate that can be opened and closed with just two fingers. Robust dampers on the hinges have been added to help cushion the tailgate when opening and also help reduce bouncing when driving with the tailgate down. Other design features with workers in mind include large door handles, inside and out, easy-to-turn HVAC knobs, and adjustable headrests, allowing drivers and passengers to ride to their next work site without having to remove protective gear such as hardhats or gloves.

Designers also had safety in mind with the addition of extra large side mirrors to provide a wide field of view, while reducing wind noise and image vibration, always important when towing precious cargo. Additionally, a trailer hitch will be integrated into the Tundra's frame for better stability when handling heavy loads.

The Tundra will be loaded with standard-equipped comfort and convenience features. An array of options and accessories will also be offered, such as a JBL premium audio system with Bluetooth telephone compatibility, 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a wide-screen backup camera integrated into the tailgate handle for enhanced rear-view safety.

"As much as the new Tundra has changed, there are a few things that remain the same," said Jim Press TMS president and COO. "Tundra will again offer the most comfortable, quiet and refined ride in the full-size truck segment. Its build quality, reliability, and durability will, again, be second to none."