Toyota’s rival to full-sized pickup vans just like the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 has been authorized on the market in Australia.
Authorities approval paperwork checklist approval for a Toyota Tundra variant with the mannequin code VXKH75L-PSVLZA, which signifies the usage of Toyota’s i-Pressure Max twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain.
That can make it the one hybrid possibility on this phase domestically.
It is unclear whether or not there will probably be multiple variant supplied right here. Chevrolet, for instance, affords two totally different variations of the Silverado 1500, whereas Ram’s DT-series 1500 is obtainable in three variants and the Ford F-150 will are available in two at launch.
The Tundra can be supplied with a non-hybrid twin-turbo V6 in North America.
As anticipated for a full-sized pickup truck in that market, there’s additionally a bevy of various trim ranges – together with the luxe Capstone and rugged TRD Professional – plus a alternative of 1674mm or 1981mm-long tubs.
Prototype variations of the domestically remanufactured Tundra have already been noticed on native streets, with amber rear indicators.
“In quarter 4 of 2023, Toyota will deploy roughly 300 vehicles throughout Australia, as a part of the ultimate validation stage of the RHD program. These autos won’t be on the market however will contain monitoring underneath actual world utilization circumstances in Australia,” stated a Toyota Australia spokesperson.
“This venture will intention to introduce Tundra to Australia, with a segment-first hybrid drivetrain, and with excessive ranges of suitability to our market and with class main refinement and luxury. We need to paved the way on this phase.
“Whereas that is thrilling information for Toyota and Tundra followers alike, an Australian RHD faces additional checkpoints in Toyota’s world approval course of, earlier than a retail introduction may be confirmed.”
Toyota Australia introduced in August 2022 an “intensive program is underway to re-engineer Tundra” for right-hand drive in partnership with Walkinshaw Automotive Group, which already re-engineers the Chevrolet Silverado for GMSV, and the Ram 1500 for Ateco Group.
Toyota stated it could draw on “key elements” from its world components catalog, together with the steering column and rack, pedals, and shift lever from the right-hand drive LandCruiser 300 with which the Tundra shares a model of its TNGA-F platform.
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Left-hand drive Tundra
Regardless of confirming an costly, long-term improvement program from the ute, Toyota nonetheless has not confirmed if the Tundra will go on sale domestically.
The primary batch of Tundra right-hand drive take a look at mules function the hybrid powertrain.
The hybrid pairs a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 petrol engine and 10-speed computerized transmission with a motor generator, new Energy Management Unit, and a sealed 288V nickel-metal hydride battery charged by brake-energy restoration.
Whole system outputs are 326kW of energy and 790Nm of torque.
Beneath the pores and skin, the newest Tundra options double-wishbone entrance and multi-link rear suspension, together with a rear air suspension possibility designed for consumers who tow heavy masses.
Inside, the Tundra comes normal with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a bigger 14-inch touchscreen elective. A full suite of lively security options is obtainable within the USA.
Given Toyota will probably be within the closing validation stage of testing later this 12 months, this factors to a market launch in 2024. At this level it’ll go up in opposition to the Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 1500 (each transformed to RHD by Walkinshaw at its Clayton manufacturing facility) , and the Ford F-150, which is being transformed by RMA Automotive in Melbourne.
The latter of those autos is ready to launch domestically within the third quarter of 2023, following orders opening again in February.
MORE: All the things Toyota Tundra
