All Entries in the "Tundra News" Category

Toyota Tundra New Engine Rumors – A Recap

With rumors of yet another new engine for the Tundra flying about, we decided a recap was in order. Here’s what we’ve seen in regards to rumors of new engines for the Toyota Tundra.

Rumor #1: 4.6L gas replacing the 4.7L – Toyota’s 4.7L iForce engine is a few years old now, and with the recent federal mandate that all auto manufacturers improve the average fuel economy of their vehicles, it seems likely that Toyota will be forced to upgrade, update, or replace the 4.7. The rumor is that a 4.6L engine is being developed, but no one is able to confirm this. Our guess – a replacement for the 4.7L engine is coming, but it’s probably a couple of years away. Toyota doesn’t need this engine before 2011.

Rumor #2: New 4.5L clean diesel V8 – This is technically a rumor still (Toyota hasn’t officially confirmed the reports), but we’ve managed to confirm the existence of this engine with a couple of sources now. The big questions are still unanswered: How much will it cost? How much power will it produce? We expect this engine will be available late next year as a 2010 model. Read more about the Toyota Tundra 4.5L diesel engine.

Rumor #3: New large-displacement diesel – This rumor is based on a stated Toyota objective of offering a true heavy duty Toyota Tundra. While Edmunds.com reported that a 7.0L V8 diesel was in development, the recent and dramatic reduction in truck demand has likely endangered this engine’s future (not to mention the HD Tundra). Our official projection – the heavy duty diesel engine is still at least 3 years away, and 5 years seems much more likely.

Rumor #4: Hybrid engine for the Tundra – This rumor was well-founded as late as one year ago, but recent proclamations by Toyota leadership have all but acknowledged the Tundra Hybrid is dead for the immediate future. Toyota’s stated goal of providing a hybrid version of every model by 2020 seems to be the official timeline for a Tundra hybrid.

Anyone else want to share (or start) some engine rumors?

New Toyota Tundra Problem – Bumper and Lug Nut Rust

UPDATE: After our blog post and press release, Toyota dropped a TSB stating that the rust spots seen on many chrome parts are actually brake dust particles that have stuck to the bumper, lug nuts, etc. and then rusted. The TSB recommends a good clean and polish to get rid of the spots.

While we have seen evidence to support our original theory, this is a possible explanation as well.

In what may be old news for some people, there is growing evidence that Toyota Tundra bumpers may be rusting much faster than they should be. While exact numbers are hard to guess, it’s safe to say this problem affects a very small percentage of Tundra owners. Based on our correspondence and the handful of forum threads we could find, this problem is mostly confined to areas of the country where rust is already an issue.

Here are some pictures of the typical types of rust being described – the first was sent to us, but the rest were found searching TundraTalk.net and TundraSolutions.com. It’s fairly minor rust, but totally unacceptable for such a new vehicle.

These spots are pretty small, but they’re consistent with other photos and descriptions we’ve read. We think they’re the most typical.

More examples of rust found on popular Tundra forums.

What could it be?

Tundra Grade Keyless Entry Question

We received an email last week from a new owner of a 2008 4.7 DoubleCab “Tundra Grade” Tundra. The new owner is very happy with his truck, but he’s got a problem – no keyless entry.

As I’m sure everyone knows, Toyota began offering the “Tundra Grade” package on the Tundra for the 2008 model year. The package, designed to compete with work truck packages offered by Ford, GM, and Dodge, strips the Tundra of a few standard features in exchange for a discount. Here’s what’s taken off the standard truck when you buy a Tundra Grade:

• Black grille surround (replaces chrome grille surround)
• Manual outside mirror (replaces power outside mirror)
• 2-speed wiper (replaces variable intermittent wiper)
• Deletes Cruise control, remote keyless entry, and the glove box, door courtesy, and overhead map lamps.

Tundra Grade trucks also qualify for special rebates and incentives that drop the price some more. So, if you don’t need any of that stuff, it’s probably a great deal.

But what if you bought one and you decide you want keyless entry after all? What if you want Toyota’s keyless entry system installed? Well…you can’t. In order for the factory keyless entry system to work, you need to have the factory keyless entry module installed at the factory.

So if you want keyless entry installed on your “Tundra Grade” Tundra, consider visiting your local Circuit City, Car Toys, or similar. Any good car stereo install shop will be able to add a decent after market keyless entry system for as little as $100. For $200-$300, you can also have an alarm and/or a remote starter. You can also ask our dealership if they recommend anyone and if they can get you dealer price – most sales managers are happy to give you this information.

NOTE: When we were initially asked, we made a mistake here at TundraHQ and told this person that he could get keyless installed, provided he had a V8 Tundra. Our apologies.

Toyota Tundra Production Cuts, Good Time To Buy Or Lease

Toyota, in response to large dealer inventories of the new Toyota Tundra and Toyota Sequoia, has cut back production slightly for an indefinite period.

Toyota sites increasing gas prices and a slow housing market for slowing Tundra and Sequoia sales.

The specific numbers aren’t known, but the rumor is production is being cut by a little more than 10%. That would put the annual production figure between 200k and 225k units. Depending upon summer sales, it’s possible that number could be cut further.

What this means:

Drive a Tundra? Like Bass Fishing? Good News.

Toyota announced a “Toyota Trucks Bonus Bucks” program for this season’s upcoming Bassmaster-affiliated fishing tournaments. In essence, if you use your Tundra or Sequoia to tow your boat to a Bassmaster affiliated fishing tournament, you have the opportunity to win some contingency money.

We’re not exactly sure what this contingency money really represents, but it sounds pretty cool. Toyota is putting some extra money up for competitive anglers – as much as $7,500 for the highest placing eligible entrant (note: Toyota/Sequoia owners are not required to win anything, just place). Most local competitions will offer something to the highest placing owner of a Tundra or Sequoia tow vehicle.

There’s no entry fee either – the definition of “free money”. All you have to do is register.

Learn more about this program on BassZone.com.

Incidentally, Toyota has been doing a lot to sponsor fishing as part of their marketing for the Tundra. Anyone care to share their opinion on this marketing technique? Is it smart and authentic, or does it come across as disingenuous? Comments?