CHICAGO, IL- Toyota unveiled the redesigned 2014 Tundra full-size pickup truck at a press conference at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show.
The 2014 Tundra will be redesigned, inside and out, representing the first major change since the launch of the current generation for the 2007 model year.
The redesigned Tundra continues to be a truck with true American roots that was once again engineered by Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., and its new look designed by Calty Design Research centers in Newport Beach, Calif., and Ann Arbor. Finally, Tundra continues to be assembled exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, in San Antonio, Texas.
“Toyota prides itself on listening to its customers and the development of the 2014 American-born Tundra is a perfect example,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “Tundra’s new exterior design and all-new interior were inspired by customer feedback requesting a more chiseled exterior and refined interior with improved driver ergonomics, and easy-to-use technology, giving customers more of what they want instead, in addition to what they need.”
The 2014 Tundra will have a grade strategy consisting of the hard-working SR, volume-leading SR5, the well-appointed Limited, and two premium grades: “Platinum” and the all-new “1794 Edition.” The new 1794 Edition is a tribute to the ranch, founded in the year 1794, on which the Tundra plant is located in San Antonio. Tundra is offered in three cab styles, two-door Regular Cab, four-door Double Cab and four-door CrewMax, all available in 4×2 and 4×4.
Significantly New, Unique Exterior Designs; Distinct Look for Each Grade
Inside and out, each grade embodies a specific theme through distinct designs that go beyond just badging.
An All-new Spacious Interior; Each Grade With a Unique Identity
Calty’s design team worked closely with the product planners and Tundra engineers to develop an all-new interior focusing on styling differentiation between grades and improving the availability of features most important to truck buyers. The all-new interior variations are thematic and cater to a specific customer with a specific budget. Ergonomic improvements include easier driver access to controls as the reach to the audio and HVAC controls was reduced by 2.6 inches. Large knobs have been retained so they can be operated with or without work gloves. Overall passenger comfort was improved with an all-new front and rear (CrewMax) seat design and improved front seat ventilation. In addition, front seats have additional travel, and CrewMax rear seats can now be folded up for additional cargo carrying capability while maintaining a comfortable seating back angle.
Three Engine Options Remain Among Segment’s Most Capable
Several enhancements have been implemented on the 2014 Tundra to improve performance. Shock-absorber valving has been re-tuned to improve Tundra ride quality over harsh surfaces.
Steering feel and straight line stability has been improved due to steering system improvements. These improvements reduce the inputs from road variations and imperfections, resulting in improved straight line stability and less driver fatigue.
Patented aerodynamic stabilizer fins are added to the outside surface of the rear tail lamp lens, and the outside mirror bases. These patented “Aero-Fins” reduce the air turbulence along the sides of the vehicle resulting in improved straight-line stability during normal driving conditions and while towing.
Interior cabin noise is reduced from an improved design of engine compartment NVH treatments and innovative engineering to reduce sound transmission from the engine compartment to the vehicle cabin.
Tundra carries over three powertrains. A 4.0-liter Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) V6 is standard on Tundra Regular and Double Cab models and produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. peak torque. It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with uphill/downhill shift logic.
The available 4.6-liter DOHC i-Force V8 offers 310 horsepower and 327 lb.-ft. of peak torque, and the 5.7-liter DOHC i-Force V8 produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of peak torque, in both gasoline and “Flex Fuel” variants. Both V8’s come standard with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. All Tundra engines feature an aluminum cylinder block and DOHC heads, along with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) for a broad torque curve and optimized efficiency.
The SR and SR5 grades will ride on 18-inch styled steel wheels, while the Limited, Platinum and 1794 Edition will ride on all-new 20-inch alloy wheels specific to each grade.
Tundra remains the only full-size pickup in the segment to adhere to the SAE J2807 towing standard. When equipped with a tow package, Tundra has a maximum tow capacity of 10,400 pounds (4×2 Regular Cab).
Source: Toyota
