Service Cars

2007 Toyota Tundra Preview

Toyotas Tundra Turns into a Full-Size Truck for 2007

Toyota introduced its brand new 2007 Tundra truck at the Chicago Auto Show on February 9, 2006. This next generation Tundra is a full-size truck thats set up to tow 10,000+ pounds thanks to a new engine and heavy duty powertrain.



The 2007 Tundra will be available in three different body styles and three different trim levels. Flip through the gallery shots for a close up look at Toyotas newest truck.

Overview

Toyota spent the last seven years researching what truck buyers want in a truck, classifying six distinct groups of buyers and focusing on a particular segment of the market. The company refers to this group as True Truckers, who depend on their trucks every day and make up more than one quarter of all full-size truck buyers.

Toyota describes this group of truck loyalists as the true opinion leaders in the full-size truck market because they use, punish and demand the most out of the pickups they buy. Toyota believes the all-new Tundra will best satisfy the needs of this important buyer group, and will compete with any other truck on the market.

The 2007 Tundra will be offered in three cab configurations. The Tundra Double Cab 4x4 Limited was the only configuration shown at the Chicago show. The Double Cab will replace the current Access Cab in the lineup, and an even bigger four-door version will be shown at a later time, closer to vehicle launch.

Increased in every dimension, the 2007 Tundra has a longer wheelbase and an increase of 10 inches in overall length compared to the Access Cab it replaces. The new features include heavy-duty front brakes with four-piston calipers and larger discs, standard rear disc brakes, and a bigger, wider frame with 30 percent higher tensile strength steel.



The bold and powerful exterior styling carries over the "Power of the Fist" shape from the Toyota FTX concept. The body is thicker, the doors are taller and bold fender flares add to the aggressive stance.

Inside, Tundra surrounds the driver with a U-shaped cluster that keeps all controls easily within reach while also offering increased passenger room.

In addition to the new 5.7-liter V8, two other engines will be offered: a 4.0-liter V6 and a 4.7-liter i-Force V8. Tundra will be available in base, SR5 and Limited trim levels—buyers can choose from more than 30 different configurations with three engines, three cab styles, two-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, three trim levels and three different bed sizes, including a full 8-foot bed.


In fact, the Japanese brands world premier Tundra is a Double Cab 4x4 Limited pickup designed to replace its current Access Cab, and is just one of over 30 different models available including an even larger four-door model debuting later this year. Combine the three engine choices, three trim levels, three bed sizes, three cab configurations and the choice of two- and four-wheel drive, and Toyota has a truck for just about everyone.

To further emphasize the Tundras functionality, drivers will find an array of practical features both inside and out. For example, adjustable headrests and extra large door handles allow those wearing bulky protective gear to easily move in and out of their truck without removing their hardhats or work gloves. A "U-shaped" cluster surrounds the driver with large control knobs and easy-to-read gauges keeping everything within reach while maintaining a clear view of the road ahead. The interior also features a glove compartment large enough to store a standard sized thermos and an easy access center console ready to hold a laptop computer or an assortment of file folders. Outside the truck, extra large side mirrors provide an expansive field of view while reducing wind noise and annoying image vibration. An optional widescreen backup camera is also available to assist in lining up a potential trailer or even just backing out of a stall at the grocery store. The camera is so small that Toyota has managed to hide it in the rear tailgate handle.

The tailgate itself is easier to operate than ever before. Heavy-duty dampers were installed in the hinges that let the tailgate down softly and smoothly. Just pull the handle and let go, the dampers will do the rest. This feature also reduces bouncing if the tailgate is left down while driving.

The new Tundra was fully designed and engineered in the U.S. It will be built in Princeton, Indiana, and San Antonio, Texas, making it an all-American truck, even if it does have a Japanese nameplate.

Pricing will not be released until the Tundra goes on sale, but Toyota says it will be competitively priced with its closest competitors.