Toyota to Reveal 2010 Tundra Pickup And New 4.6-liter V8 Engine at 2009 Chi

02/11/2009

Toyota

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today debuted the 2010 Tundra full-size pickup truck and an all-new 4.6-liter V8 engine at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.

On display are two new packages, including the debut of an all-new Tundra Platinum Package and the recently announced Tundra Work Truck. Value will be enhanced on all 2010 Tundra models with the addition of standard and optional exterior, mechanical, safety and convenience feature upgrades. The 2010 Tundras will arrive at dealerships in April.

The new 4.6-liter V8 engine will be available on all 2010 model year Tundra models. With 310 horsepower, 327 lb-ft. of torque and internal preliminary fuel efficiency estimates of 15 mpg city and 20 mpg on the highway, the new engine is expected to deliver the best combination of power and fuel economy among any standard V8 in the full-size pickup segment. Like Tundra's optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, the new 4.6-liter V8 will be mated with a six-speed automatic transmission.

For Tundra buyers looking for a higher level of refinement and additional convenience features, the 2010 Tundra will offer a new Platinum Package that will be available on 2010 Tundra CrewMax Limited models equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 and Flex Fuel powertrains. The package contains a vast assortment of features that make the CrewMax Limited virtually monospec and will carry a manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) of $5,140.

On the outside, the Platinum Package includes a new Limited grade billet-style grille with chrome bumpers, unique 20-inch alloy wheels and tires, daytime running lamps, door sill protectors with a Platinum logo, and Platinum badging.

The Platinum Package will be available in four exterior colors that include Black, Silver, Slate, and Salsa Red.

Inside, the top-of-the-line package adds an array of luxury comfort and convenience features including a power memory function on the driver's seat, outside power mirrors and puddle lamps, and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Also included in the Platinum Package is a power tilt and slide moonroof, navigation system, ventilated seats with a unique perforated leather seating surface, wood trimmed shift knob and door switch plates, auto up/down driver and front passenger windows, chrome accented HVAC vents and controls, and headrests with an embroidered Platinum logo.

With a focus on utility, the Tundra Work Truck Package is aimed at commercial truck buyers in industries such as farming, ranching and construction, or those who require a tough no-frills truck with exceptional cargo and towing capacity. The new work truck 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 or one of 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 will be offered at a reduced MSRP. Tundra models equipped with the work truck are expected to carry a price adjustment that will range from $550 to $655 less than the truck's standard MSRP, depending on the model. Final pricing of the work truck will be announced shortly before the vehicle goes on sale this spring.

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.

All 2010 Tundra models receive a freshened look with a redesigned front grille and taillamp design. The Tundra and SR5 grades will receive similar grille designs and the Limited grade will be equipped with a unique billet-style grille. Additional standard equipment on all Tundra models include driver and front passenger knee airbags, height-adjustable headlamps, and a redesigned seven-pin towing hitch connector that sits above the hitch to help avoid damage during high departure angle driving. Also, a shelf to help organize storage space has been added to the lower glovebox.

Two new optional audio systems supplement the three existing systems. The new Tech Audio system features AM/FM/CD, integrated satellite radio receiver, Bluetooth(R), auxiliary and USB inputs and six speakers. In addition to the carryover JBL navigation system, a new non-JBL navigation system includes AM/FM/CD, auxiliary input, a backup camera monitor and six speakers.

Pricing for the 2010 Tundra will be announced closer to its launch in April.