For those fellow Tundra enthusiasts out there who live and die by the Tundra, you will absolutely love the hybrid version. Not only is Tundra completely different but the way it is designed will blow your mind.
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The Toyota Tundra has a legendary heritage starting over 20 years ago. Made for the 2000 model year, the pickup boasted a 4.7 liter V8. The pickup market, which was previously dominated by domestic-made vehicles, now had a new contender, competing with them, it did.
Tundra has a massive following, and people still flock to the pickup despite the higher initial cost. Anyone that has ever owned a Toyota knows that the resale value is significantly higher than most other domestic pickups (other than diesel).
Now Toyota is at it again and is giving Tundra buyers a new opportunity to fall in love with owning a pickup. This article will highlight why the hybrid system is the best way to love Tundra.
What Makes The Hybrid Tundra Better?
If you had spent 30 years refining your specialty, do you think that maybe you would have a few things figured out? Toyota certainly has. Toyota placed bets on proven hybrid technology to give users an experience unlike anything before with an all-new platform that could be riddled with issues.
GM did try at one time to make a 2 mode hybrid but with little success. GM made the Silverado and the Tahoe Hybrid for the "green credits," not to help in any other way. They slammed a 6.0 V8 into the vehicle, and it literally got 1 MPG better than its counterpart.
Toyota has rethought the hybrid pickup differently. Offering a twin-turbo V6 powertrain coupled with an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission, you can bet this setup is the foundation for a big win.
Smaller and more efficient does not mean a lack of power. Tundra smashes previous horsepower numbers with 437 hp at 5,200 RPM and a generous amount of torque (583 lb.- ft.) at an impressive 2,400 rpm.
Tundra better in the powertrain department is that all the stop-start nonsense you would find in a "regular" new gasoline pickup does not exist with Tundra. The simplicity of the hybrid powertrain will help make Tundra a much more reliable pickup for years to come.
As mentioned before, the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) now has over 30 years of refinement. It is poised to take on larger vehicles such as Tundra. It is no wonder Toyota wanted to get the all-new Tundra equipped with a powerplant that could carry on the legacy of the famed pickup.
Conclusion
When I say all-new, I mean it. Toyota completely redesigned the entire Tundra platform from the ground up. New suspension, brakes, wheels, and all the components in between.
The i-Force Max (hybrid) allows motor-generator assistance while towing and smooth, quiet driving while going slower in town. Toyota is still using a "tried and true" 288V nickel-metal hydride battery. That tells me Toyota wants this pickup to succeed.
I think this redefined pickup will completely disrupt the pickup market and give others a run for their money.
I cannot wait to get in and drive one and see for myself how good this pickup is.
That is all for today. Thank you for reading. Remember Today's Adventure is Tomorrow's Story.
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Peter Neilson is an automotive consultant specializing in electric cars and hybrid battery technologies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Service Technology from Weber State University. Peter can be reached on Linkedin and you can tweet him at The_hybrid_guy on Twitter. Find his page on Facebook at Certified Auto Consulting. Read more of Peter's stories at Toyota news coverage on Torque News. Search Toyota Prius Torque News for more in depth Prius coverage from our reporter.
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