2010 Toyota Tundra Double Cab

Our test vehicle's sticker wasn't a shock; a four-wheel-drive Double Cab V-8 pickup, reasonably equipped, seems like it should cost about $30K. Our tester had the new-for-2010 entry-level V-8 engine, a 4.6-liter unit that replaces the previous 4.7-liter but offers 34 additional horsepower and 14 additional lb-ft of torque. It also teams up with the six-speed automatic transmission that previously was offered only with the optional 5.7-liter V-8.

The smaller V-8 seems like a smart choice for the Tundra; it costs roughly $1300 less than the bigger V-8, depending on which of the myriad Tundra models you're talking about. It accelerates well, although not as effortlessly or as quietly as the bigger V-8; when you push the 4.6, you know you're pushing it. Yet the engine never seems unwilling or unreasonably taxed, and I had no problem piloting the Tundra at 70 to 80 mph on two-lane country roads.

The Double Cab's rear doors are a bit truncated, but they still provide decent access to the rear seats, which fold up nicely out of the way. Note: Toyota also offers a Crewmax model with a full-size rear door.

2009 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4X4 V6 Sr5

As a person who enjoys doing small-scale outdoorsy work or towing the odd small camper, car, or boat, I really like "small" trucks like this Toyota Tacoma, the Nissan Frontier, and the Dodge Dakota, among others. Compared with their full-size kin, such pickups are generally more economical both in initial cost and upkeep, and they're more reasonable daily drivers. This particular Tacoma, however, sports a ton of options and costs nearly $8000 more than a base crew-cab Tacoma. I must admit, though, that its most costly option, a TRD off-road package, makes this Toyota a more desirable truck to me, as it's equipped with lots of four-wheelin'-friendly additions, such as a locking rear differential, skid plates, tow hooks, and an off-road-spec suspension. It's no Ford Raptor, but I'm sure this Toyota could get the job done on most trails that aren't super hard-core.

One option that was particularly annoying were the $399 running boards, which are only a few inches below the truck's floorboards and seem to work best as pantleg scuffers and shin scrapers. The $119 bed mat, however, was so nice and clean that I plopped my infant daughter in the back for a quick photo opportunity.

Also, the Tacoma's decent-size back seats made it easy for me to safely plug her into her baby seat during transit. The Toyota's interior was generally functional, plain, yet attractive. Unfortunately, I found the driver's seat to be too flat, too firm, and simply not very comfortable. Luckily, the ride wasn't terribly harsh for a pickup.

Toyota Fortuner

After several delays and announcements, Toyota will finally launch the much awaited Fortuner SUV in the Indian market on 24th August.

Expected to be priced at Rs 20-22 Lakh bracket, the latest from Toyota stable will take the competition from Chevrolet Captiva, Ford Endeavour, Mitsubishi Outlander and Honda CR-V head on.

Built on the Toyota’s modular IMV platform (same as the Innova) the Fortuner will come with a potent 3.0 Litre 4 Cylinder diesel engine developing 163 bhp of maximum power @ 3400 rpm and 343 nm of torque @ barely idle 1400-3200 rpm! The engine will be mated to either a 4-speed automatic transmission for the the higher end variant or a 5-speed manual for the base variant. A premanent all wheel drive is also expected.

Toyota will launch the 2009 variant which has seen minor tweaks and updates compared to the previous model. The 2009 version features new projector headlamps at the front, new fascia, new rear tail lamps, new light sand interiors and electrically adjustable driver seat in the higher end variants.

Newest Toyota Supra photo

Newest Toyota Supra photo

Toyota Trucks Recalled

More than a hundred-thousand Toyota trucks are being recalled by the automaker.

The recall affects the Toyota Tundra, model years 2000 through 2003, and it specifically targets trucks operated in 20 cold-weather states and the District of Columbia.

According to Toyota, the high use of road salt in those regions can lead to excessive corrosion on the car's frame, which could in turn cause the spare tire to separate and fall onto the road.

Owners will receive notices to bring their trucks in for an inspection. Until then, government regulators say owners of the Tundras should remove any spare tires that are mounted under the frame.

2010 Toyota Tundra Unveiled with all-new 4.6-liter V8 engine

2010 Toyota Tundra

Toyota's Tundra full-size pickup showed in Chicago with minor updates for 2010, including styling updates and a more efficient 4.6 liter V8 engine.

The new 4.6 V8 makes 310 horsepower and 327 ft-lb torque, and preliminary fuel economy estimates have it rated at 15/20, according to Toyota. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment.

The Tundra's styling has been tweaked slightly, with new grille and headlamp treatments as well as minor modifications designed to improve its worksite-friendliness. Two new trim packages join the lineup: the top-of-the-line Platinum Package, and the no-frills Work Truck Package. The Platinum Package stands out with chrome bumpers and a billet-style grille, as well as unique 20-inch wheels and special badges. Inside, this luxury pickup gets special trim, perforated leather upholstery, a navigation system, a sunroof and a wood shifter knob, among other high-class appointments. The Platinum Package stickers for $5140 and will enable the Tundra to compete with the luxury trucks from Ford and GMC.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, there's the Work Truck, which is stripped down for ease of purchasing and upgrading by contractors and fleet operators. The Work Truck gets standard black plastic trim, manual windows and a hose-out vinyl interior. Keyless entry and cruise control are removed from the standard package as well, which lowers the MSRP. The Work Truck package will sticker for $550 to $655 less than the base Tundra.

2010 Toyota Tundra Work Truck Package

The 2010 Toyota Tundra Work Truck Package made its debut today at the 2009 San Diego Auto Show.

Aimed at commercial truck buyers, the decontented Work Truck Package is strictly no-frills. It's slated to debut in the spring, priced below the formerly entry-level Tundra Grade model.

The Tundra's front end has been mildly reworked. It wears a new two-bar mesh-style black plastic grille and surround set over a revised front bumper. The rear of the truck sports new plastic taillight covers. The back lamps continue to use incandescent bulbs instead of LEDs.

Vinyl and rubber are the materials of choice inside the truck. The rubber floor features a unique embossed pattern that plays off Toyota's truck division logo and offroad tire tread. The transmission hump running through the cabin floor is covered in a rubber sheet. Replacing cloth, the vinyl seats are surprisingly comfortable and have a durable feel. The ignition key ring and glove box lighting are deleted, along with map and door courtesy lamps. Also removed are cruise control and remote keyless entry as standard features, although separate Work Truck packages will be offered with these features.

The Tundra Work Truck Package will be available on two- and four-wheel-drive regular and Access Cab models, in standard and long-bed configurations with a choice of six-cylinder or eight-cylinder engines. The show truck has the 5.7-liter V-8 under its hood.

According to Toyota's press release, Tundra models equipped with the Work Truck Package are expected to carry a discount that will make them from $550 to $655 less than the Tundra's suggested retail price, depending on the model. For example, a 2009 two-wheel-drive regular cab Tundra with a 4.0-liter V-6 starts at $22,390, which should put the Work Truck Package Tundra in the $21,000 range.

New work truck by Toyota 2010 Tundra

Toyota showed their new prototype of the Tundra at the San Diego Auto Show. According to tundraheadquarters Toyota step-up their time frame. The new Toyota Tundra will have a new 4.6L V8 engine that is based on the 5.7L. This engine will generate 381hp and will replace the nearly 10 year old 4.7L engine.

We hoped on a “big” difference with this new version, but as far we could see, just the tail-lights have been changed. Look on the images below Not even the shape.. but only the inside…

And here the new Toyota Tundra

Well maybe we said enough for now.. below a couple of nice photo’s of this new version.

New Toyota Trucks Toyota Tundra

New Toyota Trucks Toyota Tundra

New Toyota Trucks Toyota Tundra

New Toyota Trucks Toyota Tundra

Toyota Tundra Dually Diesel

I found a couple of interesting videos of this truck, Toyota put together for auto expos. Its a Toyota Crewmax, with a completely stock Hino JO8E 8.0L inline 6. 220 Horsepower 520 foot-pounds of torque. The transmission is a Allison 5-speed manual. If your like me, your probably wondering what Company Hino is. Turns out Toyota owns about 50% of this large Truck manufacturer. Now this was a fun project that Toyota decided to do. It’s not a concept and it’s not going to be a production model. It was probably to get people talking about the Tundra I’m betting if it gathers large crowds and big interest, Toyota will consider to build a production model for the U.S. However, if Toyota is planing on a Diesel Tundra it will Probably have a smaller displacement engine then the 8.0L that came in this Truck. Also the semi-truck wheels and tires are a little over the top. I Think this would be a good move for Toyota to make. I also believe that the first auto manufacturer to build a compact Diesel pick up truck, will sell them faster then they can build them. People would love a 50mpg Tacoma Diesel. (UPDATE: Toyota will be building a Diesel Tundra for the U.S. New article located here, 2010 Toyota Tundra Diesels.)

2010 Toyota Tundra Diesels

Toyota has plans to take on the big three with two new diesel power plants for the Tundra. To combat the new half-ton Dodge, Ford and GM/Chevrolet Diesels, Toyota has a twin turbo 4.5L V8. To go against the heavy duty diesels, Toyota has a 7.0L V8. Both engines should be available in 2010. The smaller 4.5L diesel will also be offered in the Sequoia. With Fuel Prices rising Truck sales are slowing. Toyota just had to lay off 200 temporary workers at a Tundra Plant in Texas. More fuel efficient trucks will sell better. The 4.5L will probably do very well. Here is what the 4.5L looks like.

2010 Toyota Tundra Pickup Truck

Cheaper Tundra ready for Customizing ~ Toyota just released a Work Truck version of the awesome Tundra fullsize truck. It's a lower-priced model aimed at construction workers and landscapers who don't care about items like leather seats, chrome bumpers, and lighted ignition key rings. We only care because the money you save by buying this truck versus a Limited or SR-5 Tundra can be spent modifying areas of the truck you're probably going to change anyway. The Work Truck is available in 4x4 and 4x2 models, with Toyota's awesome 381hp V-8 engine. Here's a list of the changes to the Work Truck:

2010 Toyota Tundra Work Truck Package

The 2010 Toyota Tundra Work Truck Package made its debut today at the 2009 San Diego Auto Show.

Aimed at commercial truck buyers, the decontented Work Truck Package is strictly no-frills. It's slated to debut in the spring, priced below the formerly entry-level Tundra Grade model.

The Tundra's front end has been mildly reworked. It wears a new two-bar mesh-style black plastic grille and surround set over a revised front bumper. The rear of the truck sports new plastic taillight covers. The back lamps continue to use incandescent bulbs instead of LEDs.

Vinyl and rubber are the materials of choice inside the truck. The rubber floor features a unique embossed pattern that plays off Toyota's truck division logo and offroad tire tread. The transmission hump running through the cabin floor is covered in a rubber sheet. Replacing cloth, the vinyl seats are surprisingly comfortable and have a durable feel. The ignition key ring and glove box lighting are deleted, along with map and door courtesy lamps. Also removed are cruise control and remote keyless entry as standard features, although separate Work Truck packages will be offered with these features.

The Tundra Work Truck Package will be available on two- and four-wheel-drive regular and Access Cab models, in standard and long-bed configurations with a choice of six-cylinder or eight-cylinder engines. The show truck has the 5.7-liter V-8 under its hood.

According to Toyota's press release, Tundra models equipped with the Work Truck Package are expected to carry a discount that will make them from $550 to $655 less than the Tundra's suggested retail price, depending on the model. For example, a 2009 two-wheel-drive regular cab Tundra with a 4.0-liter V-6 starts at $22,390, which should put the Work Truck Package Tundra in the $21,000 range.

4x4 On Road in USA

Colorado

Ron meets me at the airport and invites me to his home and family. Unfortunately my luggage gets misplaced in Minneapolis and I only have a tiny emergency bag with a toothbrush and comb :)

In the morning a little bit of snow had fallen. I feel I have brought something precious with me from Iceland! Weather in Colorado seems similar to what it is often like in Iceland.

The truck looks nice. It has leather seats and a nice stereo.

Ron spends the day showing me around Denver. Of course we take a look at a 4 wheeling shop. In front of the shop we see this typical "American" style off road truck. This is a heavily lifted Toyota Hilux. It looks rugged and ready but a bit too high and lacking proper fender flares.

This old pickup truck with only a little bit rust showing is still going strong.

A friend of Ron's specializes in older military trucks. Like this six wheeled Volvo truck.

Ron had plans on buying this Volvo truck and fix and rebuild it for his own use. It has enough room for his whole family and should look nice on 38 inch tires!

Early Sunday morning I start my long drive. Fog has settled in and it is chilly outside. The plan is to get on Interstate 70 and head east.

As I drive on the fog lifts and I can enjoy the Colorado landscape.

I make a small mistake in taking Interstate 76, but realize my error, buy a map and take the country road to get on I-70.

On the Highway

The first day I soon get out of Colorado and into Kansas. Not much to see - endless fields for hundreds of miles. I drive on all the way to Topeka Kansas where I find a place to stay for the night.

Big trucks are driving on the Interstate highways. I imagine the drivers are as close as you can get to original cowboys. They wake up early and drive the whole day.

2010 Toyota Landcruiser Prado Three Door Official Revealed

Toyota's next-generation LandCruiser Prado is out to prove that "less is more" with the introduction of sporty three-door versions for the first time in Australia.

Aimed at a younger buyer seeking recreational off-road fun, three-door Prado will be sold alongside five-door models from the November introduction of the new Prado 150 range.

The three-door model has the same distinctively LandCruiser-like Prado face of the five-door, featuring a three-dimensional vertical grille.

Its roof and rear-quarter sheet metal are unique, though the back door - which bears the spare tire - is shared with the five-door version.

A higher break-over angle, courtesy of the shorter wheelbase, provides three-door Prado with the ability to travel over steeper peaks than five-door.

Lower weight for the three-door versions is expected to translate into even better real-world acceleration - as well as a small improvement in fuel economy and emissions*.

Another key benefit of the three-door is its strong towing capacity of three tonnes (braked)^ - 500kg more than the already-impressive five-door.

Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said three-door Prado was a valuable addition to the local range.

"Prado three-door will be the ideal vehicle for couples who want a vehicle for its sporty styling, as well as Prado's legendary towing and off-road abilities," Mr Buttner said.

"Even more than new five-door Prado, the three-door will definitely attract buyers who previously have not considered a sports utility vehicle," he said.

"Specification levels will be high across three- and five-door ranges, with several flow-down technologies from Lexus and from LandCruiser 200 Series.

"New electronic features will take Prado's off-road ability to new levels for Toyota, catering even for those new to off-road motoring.

"Handling, stability and ride comfort have been raised to new heights."

All next-generation Prados in Australia will have seven airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes.

Alloy wheels and Toyota's Smart Entry & Start, which provides keyless entry and ignition, are also standard.

Prado first arrived in Australia in 1996 and quickly secured a firm foothold in the mid-size SUV market.

To the end of September this year, Australians have bought almost 149,000 Prados.

The 150,000 milestone is expected to be reached in the first month of next-generation sales.

It was Australia's best-selling SUV overall in 2008.

The medium SUV segment has grown markedly in recent years with sales more than doubling from just 33,468 in 2002 to a record of 75,485 last year.

This year, the segment has basically moved with the overall industry average.

2010 Toyota Tundra

Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A, Inc., today announced that a new work truck version of the 2010 Tundra full-size pickup truck will make its U.S. debut at the 2009 San Diego Auto Show.
The Tundra Work Truck Package is aimed at commercial truck buyers in industries such as farming, ranching and construction, who require a tough no-frills truck with exceptional cargo and towing capacity.
The new Work Truck Package will be available on Tundra 4x2 and 4x4 Regular and four-door Double Cab models in standard and long bed configurations. It will be available with a V6 and two V8 engines including Tundra’s powerful 381 horsepower 5.7-liter i-Force V8, with a towing capability of up to 10,800 pounds.

Designed to deliver only the features commercial truck buyers need to get the job done, the Tundra Work Truck Package will be offered at a discount. Tundra models equipped with the Work Truck Package are expected to carry a discount that will range from $550 to $655 less than the truck's standard manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), depending on the model. Final pricing of the Work Truck package will be announced shortly before the vehicle goes on sale in the Spring of 2009.

On the outside, the Tundra Work Truck Package will include black bumpers and grille surround, replacing chrome. Power mirrors are replaced by manual outside rearview mirrors.

Inside, the truck comes with easily washable vinyl bench seats and rubber floors. To appeal to target buyers, several Tundra standard personal-use features have been replaced or removed. Tundra's standard silver instrument panel and HVAC controls are replaced by basic black and include voltage, oil pressure and warning lamps in place of gauges. Lighting in the ignition key ring and the glove box are removed along with map and door courtesy lamps. The package also excludes cruise control and the remote keyless entry as standard features, although separate Work Truck packages will be offered with these features.

Fuel efficient and innovative vehicles power Toyota sales in September

Canadians looking for innovative vehicles that adjust to ever-changing lifestyles continued to turn to Toyota and Lexus last month, leading to best ever September sales records for several models.

Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) sold 17,569 Toyota and Lexus cars, SUVs and trucks in September (down 9.4% from September 2008).

    -   Toyota sales of 16,065 (down 11.1%) included a new best ever
       September for Toyota Trucks, at 5,626 (up 16.4%).

Four-cylinder Toyota Tacoma 4x4

Small trucks are for people who are not truck people. Truck guys usually end up with Tundras, F-150s, or off-lease Dodge Rams and think anything with a four-cylinder is for wimps. A truck like the Toyota Tacoma is for those who want or need a pickup semi-regularly, but realize they don’t need a cargo ship to sail with a basket of oranges – or don’t need a whole barn for one horse.

This 4-cylinder Tacoma may not be able to pull a JCB excavator up a hill, but it will move patio furniture, that old fridge your brother gave you for the garage, and cart old mattresses to the dump. Trucks are as handy as zip ties and pocket knifes put together, but can make you want to end your life when you open the fuel door. Then again, in this particular Tacoma I got 9.6 L/100km overall, which is quite good for something with a bed and four-wheel drive. That’s better than the mileage you could expect from the full-size Chevrolet and GMC Hybrid pickups. Yes they have a lot more power and towing capacity, but also cost roughly $15,000 more. And traditionally, small import pickups have among the best resale values of any vehicle you can buy. The 4-cylinder Tacoma is a solid option if you don’t need a truck all the time, and are afraid of the running costs that go along with them.

I ended up driving the Tacoma a lot, and the more I did the more comfortable it revealed itself to be. It’s not typically comfortable, it certainly doesn’t look like it, but it gets what matters most, right. For my body type, the seats are well formed and the steering wheel is the perfect distance away. The clutch pedal didn’t ask me to hyper extend my foot to fully depress, yet didn’t require me to lift my leg to get my foot on top. The shift leaver is distanced ideally from the seatback, meaning I didn’t have to lean forward at all while shifting to 1-3-5, and I didn’t have to bend my elbow to go into 2-4-R. I was able to shift with my hand, not my arm.

The current body style is still going strong, from 2005. While almost five years old, it looks as modern as the rest of the trucks out there. I like the Tacoma’s darkened rear taillights and its pleasantly swollen wheel arches. It sits high, but doesn’t look huge. It’s a nice look, for sure, and a great truck to drive, but the interior styling a tad out of date. It’s attractive and well put together, but it doesn’t quite stack up when put beside other 2009 vehicles. Not that it matters as much as it would if it were a car, because usability, comfort, durability and build quality are what matters more in the truck category, all of which the Tacoma delivers.

The rear seats in the Access Cab are okay in a pinch, but no place for people you care about on long trips. It’s very easy to get in and out of the back via the rear swinging doors, and there are child seat anchors too.

2010 Toyota Tundra

The 2010 Toyota Tundra Work Truck Package made its debut today at the 2009 San Diego Auto Show.

Aimed at commercial truck buyers, the decontented Work Truck Package is strictly no-frills. It's slated to debut in the spring, priced below the formerly entry-level Tundra Grade model.

The Tundra's front end has been mildly reworked. It wears a new two-bar mesh-style black plastic grille and surround set over a revised front bumper. The rear of the truck sports new plastic taillight covers. The back lamps continue to use incandescent bulbs instead of LEDs.

Vinyl and rubber are the materials of choice inside the truck. The rubber floor features a unique embossed pattern that plays off Toyota's truck division logo and offroad tire tread. The transmission hump running through the cabin floor is covered in a rubber sheet. Replacing cloth, the vinyl seats are surprisingly comfortable and have a durable feel. The ignition key ring and glove box lighting are deleted, along with map and door courtesy lamps. Also removed are cruise control and remote keyless entry as standard features, although separate Work Truck packages will be offered with these features.

The Tundra Work Truck Package will be available on two- and four-wheel-drive regular and Access Cab models, in standard and long-bed configurations with a choice of six-cylinder or eight-cylinder engines. The show truck has the 5.7-liter V-8 under its hood.

According to Toyota's press release, Tundra models equipped with the Work Truck Package are expected to carry a discount that will make them from $550 to $655 less than the Tundra's suggested retail price, depending on the model. For example, a 2009 two-wheel-drive regular cab Tundra with a 4.0-liter V-6 starts at $22,390, which should put the Work Truck Package Tundra in the $21,000 range.