2007 Detroit Auto Show: 2007 Toyota Tundra
New Segment Leader?
Yes, I know... the Chevrolet Silverado is the Motor Trend Truck of the year for 2007. And 2007 Tundra sales will be far short of Silverado 1500 sales. But for my money the about-to-be-launched 2007 Tundra (which was not eligible for the MT award because it wasn't on sale January 1, 2007) may be the best 1/2 ton pickup on the market.
The all-new Tundra manufacturing launch is already underway, and public introduction is planned for February. What a truck! The original Toyota 1/2 ton, the T-100, was too small, underpowered, and overpriced. Not a success. The second effort, today's Tundra, was much better. A little smaller than the competition, a little less powerful than facing Ford, GM and Dodge entries, but nevertheless a high quality vehicle that sold well - about 125,000 units per year.
The 2007 Tundra is a no-holds-barred 1/2 ton pickup truck program. Right size, right power, appropriate style (exterior and interior), right feature availability, and competitive bodystyle and powertrain availability. Traditional Toyota reliability, durability and quality are expected. Prices are not yet announced, but assuming they are competitive, Toyota should be able to achieve their 200,000 units per year sales objective.
Cab Availability
There are three cabs. The Regular cab, which has segment leading room behind the seats. Then the Double Cab (with forward-hinged rear doors that don't have to be opened sequentially and power widows), and the CrewMax Cab, so large that it has a reclining rear seat.
Powertrain Avalability
Three engines are available: a 4.0L V6, a 4.7L V8, and the rompin', stompin' 5.7L 381 HP, 401 lb.ft super honker V8. Not the most powerful engine in a 1/2 ton pickup (the Dodge Ram SRT10 retains that crown with over 500 HP), but plenty of power for a real work truck - which the SRT10 is not. it should also be noted that the 5.7L Tundra comes, not with a 5-speed automatic, but with a 6-speed. Pretty impressive.
Features Galore
If you can name it, Tundra offers it. Satellite radio. Electronic navigation. Column shift or console shift. Power whatever. Toyota claims over 10,000 pounds of towing capacity (yes, I know, this can be little more than a liars contest, but impressive nevertheless).
Are 3/4 Ton and 1 Ton Models Coming?
For now the approved program is 1/2 ton only. My guess is that Toyota will establish success as a 1/2 ton player over the next couple of years, and only then seriously consider Heavy Duty line extensions. They will come...but maybe not for 4-5 years. And their diesel supplier is any body's guess. Mabe Hino ? Maybe Caterpillar? Who knows?
Comments
I still think the Silverado is clearly the best product out there right now. Obviously the award criteria is stupid though. I think the Ford F150 truly deserved the award back in 2004 over the Titan, too. It really is the better product. Nobody is afraid to diss the domestics anymore, so awarding it to a foreign truck maker is no longer a big deal anyway to that or any other mag.
Posted by: The Car Geek | January 24, 2007 09:50 PM
Great piece, if it's a CAT will they use the CAT tranny coming out. I'm would guess the C7 and C6.6 might merge, maybe. Perkins becomes the main provider/with US facility/UK. I can tell you this, if Toyota puts a CAT with ACERT badge on the side. Sign me up for one. That engine in the back is a 07 C7, at least by my limited look. Common Rail, 300+HP/860 torque. Nice article again.
Posted by: Doug Blaine | January 15, 2007 10:37 AM