Toyota Tundra
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Manufacturer: Toyota
Production: 1999–present
Predecessor: Toyota T100
Class: Full-size pickup truck
Related: Toyota Sequoia
Similar: Chevrolet Silverado
Dodge Ram
Ford F-150
Nissan Titan

First generation

Production: 1999–2007
Engine: 3.4 L V6
4.7 L V8
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual Overdrive
5-Speed Automatic Overdrive
Wheelbase: 128.3 in (3259 mm)
Length: 218.3 in (5545 mm)
Width: 75.2 in (1910 mm)
79.3 in (2014 mm)
Height: 70.5 in (1791 mm)
Curb weight: 3935–4215 lb (1785–1912 kg)

Second generation

Production: 2008–
Engine: 4.0 L V6
4.7 L V8
5.7 L V8
Wheelbase: 145.7 in (3701 mm)
Length: 228.7 in (5809 mm)
Width: 79.9 in (2029 mm)
Height: 76.4 in (1941 mm)

The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck sold by Toyota, replacing the T100. The Tundra was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award and was Motor Trend magazine’s Truck of the Year for 2000.

First generation

2-door Toyota Tundra (First generation)Publicly introduced in 1998 as a 1999 model, the Tundra was initially to be called the T150. However, Ford and automotive pundits felt that this name was too close to the market-leading Ford F-150, and following a lawsuit by Ford, the truck was quickly renamed to Tundra.

Toyota countersued, and forced Ford to change the name of their Lincoln LS6 and LS8, introduced around the same time as the Tundra, as Toyota felt that it was too close to that of its iconic Lexus LS sedan.

The Tundra was larger than the T100, but still suffered as being too small and carlike to pose a serious threat to the domestic pickup trucks. Although sales were double the dismal rate of the T100, the 100,000 Tundras sold each year failed to dent the surging Ford and GM trucks, though it arguably ate some sales from Dodge.

The grill was updated for 2004 and the double cab version was added to the lineup. The double cab version is a a true crew cab with four normal doors and interior and exterior details copied from the Toyota Sequoia. It is also 13 inches longer and 3 inches taller than the standard and Accesscab versions. New engines were introduced in 2005: a 4.0 L V6 and 4.7 L V8 with VVT-i with increased torque and horsepower.

Second generation
A much larger Tundra was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show for 2007. It is larger than the competing Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado (and Avalanche), Dodge Ram, and Nissan Titan and sports styling like the Toyota FTX concept shown at the North American International Auto Show in 2004. The double cab version of the Tundra is built in San Antonio, Texas, while the standard and Accesscab versions are built in Gibson County, Indiana for the North American market. The redesigned Tundra goes on sale in early 2007.

Engine choices include a 4.0 L V6, 4.7 L V8, and new 5.7 L V8. A towing capacity of 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) is promised.

Trivia
Some prototypes of the Tundra were given to racing legends Ivan “Ironman” Stewart and Rod Millen.

A Toyota Tundra was featured in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, and in 2003 the truck was also available in a special edition inspired by this movie and called Tundra T3.

A Double Cab version of Tundra was unveiled at the 2003 Chicago Auto Show and joined the Regular and Access Cab models in the 2004 lineup.

In 2004, the Tundra became part of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Starting with episode 2 of the ongoing NBC reality show Treasure Hunters, each team was given a Tundra for use throughout the game.

2007 Toyota Tundra
If you’re looking for photos or information about the 2007 Toyota Tundra, then check out the Toyota Tundra Revealed article over at Gear6.net.