Toyota moving US Tacoma and Tundra onto one Platform

[jpd80]

Toyota earmarks $391 million for next era of Texas pickup production
September 17, 2019 02:42 PM
LARRY P. VELLEQUETTE
https://www.autonews.com/automakers-...kup-production

Toyota is pushing ahead with its plan to boost efficiencies in the production of its midsize Tacoma and full-size Tundra pickups, which are moving onto a common platform, with a $391 million investment in its pickup plant near San Antonio.

The Japanese automaker said Tuesday it will "introduce advanced manufacturing technologies" to its production line before moving the two pickups onto a new platform, internally called F1, over the next four years.

Automotive News first reported in April that Toyota's next-generation Tundra and Tacoma would share the platform, which the automaker plans to spread to all of its pickups globally.

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So, I wonder if this "Platform" is actually a share of one type of architecture or,
is it more likely a project cost centre that has a collection of different "platforms"
all rolled in under a one stop shop. I remember Toyota having everything from
Corolla to Camry, RAV4 and Kluger on what it called the same platform

Things like frames are purpose designed and can't be scaled
so I wonder how much is actually shared or is this more about
a common construction process to enable different vehicles to
be build in the same body shop, frame works and assembly line...

Following on from that, does this mean that a future Tundra could
be factory RHD for export to countries in our region?

Current-generation Tundras and Tacomas are built in sequence on a shared assembly line in San Antonio, while the Tacoma is also assembled at a pair of plants in Mexico. Although the two pickups share the assembly line at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas, they are built on different platforms, increasing complexity far beyond that of the 37 cab and powertrain variations of the two pickups.

Development of the shared-platform pickups is near completion and is expected to be introduced beginning in 2021 with the 2022 Tundra. The Tacoma is expected to move onto the F1 platform in 2023 for the 2024 model year. Details of what the shared platform will mean, in terms of design or potential features, remain unknown, although top Toyota executives have pledged to introduce fuel-saving hybrid technology into all Toyota models, including pickups.

[Bossxr8]

From what I can gather from my experiences, they are really talking more in terms of "modules", rather than the whole platform. Like the front suspension for example, that is a left and right module. And can be used on different sized chassis. Throughout the vehicle they have various different modules. They can pick and choose what to use, and some of them can be changed dimensionally to suit medium or large.

Obviously the chassis has to be different between them. Not to mention it would be significantly bigger and stronger in the Tundra due to it's larger payload and towing ratings.

[naddis01]

Hopefully this makes it's way to Australia in factory RHD if it is going to be a cousin of the 300 series Cruiser. It's the only one of the American Pickups that could come in factory RHD in my opinion.


https://www.carsales.com.au/editoria...tundra-130509/

Twin-turbo V6 for new Toyota Tundra

New Toyota LandCruiser’s downsized turbo V6 all but certain for redesigned Japanese full-size pick-up

The drawn-out teaser campaign for the next-generation 2022 Toyota Tundra has continued overnight with confirmation the all-new full-size pick-up will ditch its predecessor’s 5.7-litre petrol V8 for a new powertrain dubbed iForce MAX.

Although no details about the new engine have been released, the ‘iForce’ name indicate it will incorporate forced induction and three mouldings on one side of the engine cover suggest it will be a V6.

That means the new Toyota Tundra, which could be officially sold in Australia for the first time, is almost certain to adopt the same 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 that will power the new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series in markets outside Australia.

In the new LandCruiser, it generates a lusty 305kW of power and 650Nm of torque, while the same engine in the Lexus LS 500 limousine is tuned for power rather than torque with outputs of 310kW/600Nm.

Either way, the biturbo V6 will eclipse the performance of the outgoing Tundra’s ageing and thirsty V8, which pumps out 284kW/544Nm, and the adoption of the 10-speed automatic also seen in the LS 500 and LandCruiser should further improve driveability and efficiency.

Toyota says the new iForce MAX powertrain will deliver “heroic” performance and executives in the US have already confirmed the new Tundra will produce more power and torque than the current V8 pick-up.

“The next generation of heroic iForce performance is ready to power the all-new Tundra,” said today’s press release.

Toyota is expected to reveal more details about the new Tundra soon, before it goes on sale in the US by the end of this year, including a second engine option.

It’s possible Toyota will deploy its even newer twin-turbo V6 – the 227kW/700Nm diesel unit that will power Australia’s new LandCruiser – in the new Tundra.

However, given that North American pick-up buyers traditionally prefer petrol power, the more likely powertrain option will be an electrified version of twin-turbo petrol V6.

Alternatively, Toyota could simply adapt the non-turbo 264kW 3.5-litre V6 hybrid system from the Lexus LS 500h. Whichever way it goes, the same V6 petrol-electric powertrain will eventually also be offered in the 300 Series.

That’s because the 2022 Toyota Tundra – the front-end design of which was also teased recently – will be based on the same TNGA-F ladder platform as the LandCruiser.

Apart from more engine performance, which could increase towing capacity from the current model’s 4580kg, expect the new Tundra to bring improved levels of luxury, refinement and technology, including many of the advances seen in the 2022 LandCruiser.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra has not been confirmed for Australia, but it remains under evaluation for the Aussie market.

Toyota Australia has made no secret about its desire to satisfy demand from local customers for a vehicle that will tow more than the 3500kg capacity of the HiLux and LandCruiser.

It previously said it was working on a business case to bring the all-new Tundra to Australia, where it would be the Japanese brand’s first direct rival for the RAM 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado.

Unlike them, however, the Tundra would not be locally ‘remanufactured’ by an authorised contractor but produced in right-hand drive form in the US, so we presume the RHD Tundra business case depends on sales volumes projected in RHD markets outside Australia too.

Stay tuned for more details.

[Crazy Dazz]

Always thought Tacoma was a weird choice of name, for anything.
If you've heard the name, 99% chance it's in connection with one thing.

Bit like naming something a Titanic or Hindenburg.

[Bossxr8]

Toyota always a decade behind. Ford have had the twin turbo ecoboost V6 in F series since 2011. And the hybrid version of it for a few years.

[GCRXR6]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Toyota always a decade behind. Ford have had the twin turbo ecoboost V6 in F series since 2011. And the hybrid version of it for a few years.

True, but, the baseball cap and jeans wearing bogan thinks anything Toyota is new.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by GCRXR6

True, but, the baseball cap and jeans wearing bogan thinks anything Toyota is new.

But they have a self charging hybrid

Duh, that's what hybrids do. Can't believe they actually use that in advertising.

The funniest part about the self charging part is it's old tech, and vastly inferior to plug in hybrids.

[xafalcongs]

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

Always thought Tacoma was a weird choice of name, for anything.
If you've heard the name, 99% chance it's in connection with one thing.

Bit like naming something a Titanic or Hindenburg.

Tacoma is the Puyallup name for Mount Rainier in Washington state.....near the city of Tacoma, which of course took its name from the mountain.

The small Toyota pick up never had a name in the US, same for the Nissan/Datsun pickup. Neither company named their small truck until the mid 90's.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

But they have a self charging hybrid

Duh, that's what hybrids do. Can't believe they actually use that in advertising.

The funniest part about the self charging part is it's old tech, and vastly inferior to plug in hybrids.

Under European regs, that self charging mode has to be restricted or they take a huge hit on official emissions and mileage as that’s a big assumption of how the cars will be used.

[naddis01]

Well the Tundra has been revealed and there won't be a factory RHD version. That's very disappointing. I really thought if anyone was going to do it, then it would be Toyota with the Tundra.

https://www.drive.com.au/news/2022-t...-to-australia/

2022 Toyota Tundra range revealed, still no closer to Australia

The new-generation Toyota Tundra will adopt twin turbo V6 petrol and hybrid power when it goes on sale in the US next year. For Australia, the vehicle remains on Toyota’s wish list.

Joshua Dowling

14:53, 20 September 2021

The 2022 Toyota Tundra will adopt twin-turbo V6 petrol power – and the option of a twin-turbo V6 petrol hybrid – bringing the V8 era to an end for Toyota’s full-size pick-up when it goes on sale in the US next year.

The complete 2022 Toyota Tundra pick-up range has been revealed in the US three months after one photo was issued following a series of leaked images.

However, for now, the Toyota Tundra appears to be no closer to Australia – either as a factory-built right-hand-drive or a locally-converted vehicle (as per Ram and Chevrolet).

“Toyota Australia has seen the popularity of the full size pick-up segment in Australia grow in the last few years and it is a segment that has been of interest to us and to our customers,” Toyota Australia said in a media statement issued today.

“There are currently no plans for the new model Tundra to be produced in (right-hand-drive) from the factory. However this is something that we will continue to study.”

Although the 2022 Toyota Tundra has been seen before in various stages of disguise, this is our clearest look yet at the full model line-up.

In the US, the Toyota Tundra will be available in three body styles and three tray lengths: 5.5, 6.5 and 8.1 feet, translating 1.68, 1.98 and 2.47 metres.

The 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 – similar to the unit in the new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series – has an output of 290kW and 649Nm (389hp/479lb-ft) while a revised version of the same engine boosted by hybrid power and dubbed 'iForce Max' has an output of 352kW and 790Nm (437hp/583lb-ft).

Both engines are backed by 10-speed automatic transmissions.

The Toyota Tundra's hybrid system uses a 288-volt sealed nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery housed under the rear passenger seats.

Toyota says although the electric motor does most of the work at lower speeds, once above 29km/h, the petrol engine is constantly in operation.

The electric motor continues to give the vehicle a power boost once above 29km/h, to improve mid- and high-speed responsiveness.

Toyota is yet to publish performance times but says maximum payload is rated at 1940lb (879kg), meaning it can carry less than a Toyota HiLux – as is the case with most light-duty, full-size US pick-ups.

Toyota says the new Tundra is rated to tow 12,000lb (5443kg).

A handy touch: the tailgate is opened by pressing the key fob or a panel in the nearside tail-light.

The tray bed is made of "sheet moulded compund" (a type of heavy duty fibreglass) supported by aluminium cross-members.

The all-new frame has multi-link coil spring rear suspension – rather than leaf springs – for improved driving comfort.

Twin-tube shock absorbers are standard; the TRD Pro version gains Fox shocks (the same brand used in the Ford Ranger and F-150 Raptor performance trucks) and a 28mm (1.1-inch) lift.

Every model in the new range will come with Toyota's suite of advanced safety technology – including a speed-sign recognition camera – and higher grades will have the option of a 360-degree camera system that displays an image on the 14-inch infotainment screen, which runs software new for the Toyota brand.

While many of the cabin functions are controlled by the touchscreen, in a welcome move there is still a volume dial (easier to use when on the move) and buttons for key controls. A fully-digital instrument cluster sits in front of the driver on flagship variants.

Prices for the 2022 Toyota Tundra in the US are yet to be announced.

[Rob 351]

With no V8 option you wonder how the ‘Good Ol Boys’ will take to it!

[Charliewool]

Great “truck”... Heaps of em here in the jungle.
Mostly V8s too. Bulletproof compared to the 4x4 Ram

[XR Martin]

The tray bed is made of "sheet moulded compund" (a type of heavy duty fibreglass) supported by aluminium cross-members.

How revolutionary, it has a tub design similar to an AU ute.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Rob 351

With no V8 option you wonder how the ‘Good Ol Boys’ will take to it!

The same way the do now, Tundra’s biggest problem is that it has Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Ram Trucks that are way more popular selling a ton more. It’s hard to make an impression when there’s that many in front of you.

[Rob 351]

America isn’t what it used to be 10-20 years ago though! The younger generation over there have learnt to forgive and forget and they certainly aren’t as patriotic as the older American generation. You only have to look at Toyota’s Tacoma over there it almost doubles it’s nearest competitor which is the Ford Ranger and it now has an enormous cult following over there.
Trust me, when they get the Tundra right, and I still don’t believe they have, the big 3 unfortunately are in big trouble similar to how Toyota dominates here in Australia.

[redxm]

NIMH batteries?? The rest of the world gave up on them years ago


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Rob 351

America isn’t what it used to be 10-20 years ago though! The younger generation over there have learnt to forgive and forget and they certainly aren’t as patriotic as the older American generation. You only have to look at Toyota’s Tacoma over there it almost doubles it’s nearest competitor which is the Ford Ranger and it now has an enormous cult following over there.
Trust me, when they get the Tundra right, and I still don’t believe they have, the big 3 unfortunately are in big trouble similar to how Toyota dominates here in Australia.

No they won't. The US trucks sell in numbers that completely dwarf the Tundra. By many, many multitudes.

The Tundra is a niche vehicle. And it simply doesn't have the range of vehicles to get anywhere near the others. It will never be anything more than a bit player.

The Taco is different, because it's been a market the US manufacturers have only ever been luke warm at. The Ranger was off the market for years. And only recently brought back. I think GM pulled out of that market for quite a while too.

[Rob 351]

Well I hope your right Bossxr8.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Rob 351

Well I hope your right Bossxr8.

He’s on very safe ground, Tundra’s continuing lowish sales are a running joke in America.

[chevypower]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

No they won't. The US trucks sell in numbers that completely dwarf the Tundra. By many, many multitudes.

The Tundra is a niche vehicle. And it simply doesn't have the range of vehicles to get anywhere near the others. It will never be anything more than a bit player.

The Taco is different, because it's been a market the US manufacturers have only ever been luke warm at. The Ranger was off the market for years. And only recently brought back. I think GM pulled out of that market for quite a while too.

Toyota has virtually 0% market share in the commercial space in the US. They don’t market to fleets, and there is no chassis cab version. That being said, Toyota knows who its customers are, and they seem to be comfortable with the market they do have. I’m sure this new gen Tundra will be great.

[jpd80]

Combined sales of Ford, GM and Ram full sized pickups are ten times that of Tundra.
When you’re 10% of sales in a segment, it’s hard to impress 90% of buyers.