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When it arrived on the scene, the genuinely full-sized, second generation Toyota Tundra appeared to have the goods to take on the likes of Ford, GM and Dodge. With it’s brawny styling, 381 horsepower iForce 5.7-liter V8 and 10,800 towing capacity, along with Toyota’s reputation for quality, ads declared  ”the truck that’s changing it all.” However, after getting off to a healthy start, the Tundra hasn’t enjoyed anywhere near the success its maker originally hoped.

Sources  say that the next Tundra will arrive by 2014, just in time to take on all new full size light duty pickups expected from GM, Nissan and Ford. That time period is looking like it will be a replay of 2007-08, which also had a fast cadence of new half-ton introductions.

But while Toyota is keeping the faith in Tundra, at least for one more generation, the Japanese automaker is said to be cutting its losses with the Toyota Sequoia full-size SUV that’s based on the Tundra platform. We hear the big people-mover will be killed at the end of this life cycle.

Toyota Tundra Hybrid Rumors

However, there are rumors that Toyota’s first hybrid truck will not be a Tundra. The new Tundra model will be delayed until at least 2013 or 2014. Instead, it will be more likely that Toyota will be releasing something compatible to the A-BAT concept. However, the upcoming Tundra makeover is simply a fuel-efficient upgrade of the conventional pickup.
It seems as though Toyota is primarily interested in developing the Tundra as a lithium-powered vehicle. The delay in the release is due to the delay of the lithium batteries. This delay will be at least one or two years. The battle for fuel-efficient truck dominance is going to shape up to be a good one with both GM and Chrysler bring dual mode fuel economy pickups to market, while Toyota will not be far behind.

While Toyota offers an electric motor which is good for low end torque, such as used in pulling a tree stump, it does not offer many benefits if pulling a camper or trailer. Hence, the new model wouldn’t help increase fuel efficiency when pulling a trailer, unlike GM’s dual mode, such as the Silverado.

source:newsoxy

2014 Tundra, What To Expect?
click here to read more

Definite Enhancements
1. Larger fuel tank. Based on comments from Toyota engineer Mike Sweers (the man currently in charge of designing and developing the next generation Tundra) in this Wall Street Journal article, we know that the new truck will have a larger fuel tank.

2. More traditional styling. From the same article above, we learn that the truck will have a more traditional and aggressive truck like look. Hopefully, we’ll see a glimpse of this new look in the next year or two on a Toyota concept.

3. New dash. This is almost a foregone conclusion. While we may still see the over-sized knobs, we’ll definitely see better quality materials, new gauges, and a modified layout.

Likely Enhancements
1. Direct injection. Direct gasoline injection is a great way to improve fuel economy – it’s estimated that it can improve gas mileage from 5-10%, depending on the engine.

2. Variable valve lift. Variable valve timing (VVT) is commonplace, but variable valve lift is still a newer feature on most vehicles. Toyota, long a fan of VVT, currently has a couple of engines running a variable-valve lift system. This should make it’s way into all Toyota vehicles in by the middle of the decade.

3. Electric steering. Hydraulic steering pumps are less efficient than electric motors. GM and Ford both plan to move this into their full-size trucks soon, and Toyota will likely follow. In fact, this will be a common feature industry wide.

4. New frame design. Between the Tundra frame rust fiasco and complaints about harsh ride and bed bounce, the current Tundra’s frame is a weak spot in many consumer’s eyes. While it’s true that Toyota’s frame is similar in design to heavy-duty trucks offered by GM and Ford, the fact of the matter is that the current frame doesn’t have a good reputation. Look for Toyota to come up with something new.

5. Integrated trailer brake controller. If this feature isn’t already an option, it will be by 2014. Here’s to hoping it comes along sooner.

6. More configuration options. We’ve been told that Toyota recognizes the Tundra’s limited configurations hamper sales – especially fleet sales. If Toyota allowed customers to pick and choose options, they could probably gain some sales.

7. A new smaller and more efficient V6. Toyota is all but certain to bring a replacement to the 4.0L V6 to the Tundra (and Tacoma too).

Possible Enhancements
NOTE: These items are based on informed speculation…but speculation none the less.

1. An HD version of the Tundra. This seems to be the next big move for Toyota, but it will be interesting to see if they actually have the guts to do it. Creating an HD Tundra gives the brand another level of legitimacy, not to mention more sales. However, HD trucks must have a diesel option to be truly competitive. Considering the level of investment required to design, build, and test a new diesel – not to mention the strict emissions requirements – it’s hard to imagine Toyota will pursue this option. Still, some of the people we talk to seem to think it’s coming.

2. Engine stop-start. This system shuts off the engine at stop lights and then quickly restarts when it’s time to go. It’s a pretty good idea, it saves fuel, and the technology has been around for years. The problem? The EPA’s fuel economy test doesn’t account for wasted gas at idle…so adding this system does nothing to improve a vehicle’s official fuel economy rating (dumb). If the EPA fixes this rule (and they may), we’ll see more stop-start systems.

source: http://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2014-tundra-what-to-expect/

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