Toyota’s rivals to full-size pickup trucks such as the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 have been approved for sale in Australia.
Government approval document listing approval for a Toyota tundra variant with model code VXKH75L-PSVLZA, which means using Toyota’s i-Force Max twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain.
That would make it the only hybrid option in this segment locally.
It’s not clear if more than one variant will be offered here. Chevrolet, for example, offers two different versions of the Silverado 1500while Ram DT Series 1500 offered in three variants and Ford F-150 There will be two at launch.
The Tundra is also offered with a non-hybrid twin-turbo V6 in North America.
As would be expected for a full-size pickup truck in that market, there’s also a range of trim levels available – including the classy Capstone and the rugged TRD Pro – along with a choice of 1674mm or 1981mm trunks .
Prototype versions of locally reproduced Tundra have been spotted on the local street, with amber rear indicator lights.
“By the fourth quarter of 2023, Toyota will deploy approximately 300 vehicles across Australia, as part of the final validation phase of the RHD programme. A spokesman for Toyota Australia said the cars would not be sold but would involve monitoring under actual conditions of use in Australia.
“This project will aim to introduce the Tundra to Australia, with the first hybrid powertrain in its segment and a high degree of relevance to our market as well as class-leading refinement and comfort. segment. We are looking to lead in this segment.
“While this is exciting news for Toyota and Tundra fans, Australia’s RHD faces additional checks in Toyota’s global approval process, before a retail rollout can be made. can be confirmed.”
In August 2022, Toyota Australia announced an “extensive program underway to re-engineer the Tundra” for right-hand drive in partnership with Walkinshaw Automotive Group, which has redesigned the Chevrolet Silverado for GMSV and Ram 1500 for Ateco Group.
Toyota says it will use “key components” from its global parts portfolio, including the steering column and bracket, pedals and gearshift levers from the right-hand drive. Landcruiser 300 with which Tundra shares a version of its TNGA-F platform.
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Tundra left hand drive
Despite confirming a costly, long-term development program from the ute, Toyota has yet to confirm whether the Tundra will be sold locally.
Tundra’s first right-hand drive test car has a hybrid powertrain.
The hybrid engine combines a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine and 10-speed automatic transmission with an engine generator, a new Power Controller and a 288V nickel-metal hydride battery charged by energy recovery. brake.
The total output power of the system is 326kW of power and 790Nm of torque.
Underneath the skin, the latest Tundra gets a double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, along with an optional rear air suspension designed for buyers with heavy loads.
Inside, the Tundra comes standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the option of a larger 14-inch touchscreen. A full suite of active safety features is offered in the United States.
Since Toyota will be in final validation testing later this year, this means a market launch in 2024. At this point it will compete with the Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 1500 (both converted to RHD by Walkinshaw at its Clayton plant), and Ford F-150being converted by RMA Automotive in Melbourne.
The latter of these vehicles will launch locally in the third quarter of 2023, after orders are reopened in February.
THAN: Everything Toyota Tundra
