Thanks to "avid" reader Aaron we have a photo of a Toyota Tundra prototype that was testing in Orange County, CA today.
I've looked at the photo, but it doesn't look like anything but a stripped down version of the current CrewMax. Maybe there is something special under the hood? The truck was followed by a few Lexus LS460 sedans all wearing manufacturer plates.
This is what Aaron said about the truck:
"Guessing here. Allot of sniffers up the tailpipe, and it was VERY quiet. There where 3 tundra’s total. 2 where white. The other 2 didn’t have sensors up the tailpipe, I didn’t even see a tailpipe!"
What do you guys think? Is there something that the new Tundra is lacking that you hope that Toyota is working on? A diesel powerplant?
Related Stories:
Toyota Releases 13 New Low-End Versions of the Tundra
Toyota is Going to Unveil the new 2009 Corolla, HD Tundra and FJ Cruiser Convertible at The 2007 SEMA Show
Comments (12)
my guess is as good as anyone's but Tundra lacking tailpipes? could be hybrid and maybe even fuel cell vehicles...
very quiet would not suggest a diesel power...
Aaron should've played dumb, and after snapping a photo put the camera away and curiously go ask why the convoy and tailpipe sniffing; you never know what could've slipped out....
Posted by SVT | November 13, 2007 8:33 PM
Posted on November 13, 2007 20:33
Please correct the following on my previous submission. It was an inline-6, not V6.
Also add:
Hino is part of Toyota Motor Corp. (1966)
Posted by Jeff Chang | November 13, 2007 8:39 PM
Posted on November 13, 2007 20:39
We have seen photos from SEMA where Toyota was testing the waters with a diesel version. I wouldn't be surprised if a hybrid option was considered as all car makers will be subjected to higher CAFE regulations.
Posted by longdxcommuter | November 13, 2007 8:45 PM
Posted on November 13, 2007 20:45
It could be diesel, could be hybrid, who knows? Trucks are test mules for all sorts of engine types. They have a big engine bay so it is easy for manufacturers to fit under the hood whatever they want.
My bet would be on a diesel. Diesel hybrid to follow. It makes sense to me at least.
Posted by The face | November 13, 2007 9:04 PM
Posted on November 13, 2007 21:04
Maybe its nothing! Just some random guy that wrapped his communist ride around a light pole and bought a new door in primer? Headed to the body shop to get it sprayed...? LOL!
Posted by GM | November 13, 2007 9:50 PM
Posted on November 13, 2007 21:50
Hasn't it already been published that Toyota is working on a Tundra Hyrbrid version? I have known this for a while.
I don't think you will see Toyota going the Diesel route and if they were it would not show up in this truck at this time in North America first. So no I can't see it happening in the Tundra. They haven't had production Diesel trucks for years in NAmerica. As far as I know.
Diesel's are noisy and stink which, thankfully, is not Toyota's style.
Posted by SG | November 14, 2007 1:17 AM
Posted on November 14, 2007 01:17
i am with GM,
you can clearly see the residue of the masking tape on the rear door.
The engine was taken-out for complete engine bay respray, hence no tailpipe.
The follow cars were from the dealership
Posted by rene | November 14, 2007 3:31 AM
Posted on November 14, 2007 03:31
GM, You are my hero for the day........well said!!!
Posted by WOOKIE | November 14, 2007 9:28 AM
Posted on November 14, 2007 09:28
no, i bet it is the mule for the supersecret mini nuclear powerplant that GM was testing in the Escalade
Posted by Staedler and Waldorff | November 14, 2007 10:57 AM
Posted on November 14, 2007 10:57
Maybe a full electric vehicle? The diesel option would be great, and Toyota does have a few new diesel engines that meet even Japanese regulation.
Also, maybe back in the 70's a diesel was loud, but current diesel platforms have noise ratings on par with gasoline engines. Get with the times people....
Posted by Jason | November 14, 2007 11:44 AM
Posted on November 14, 2007 11:44
SG:
Hasn't it already been published that Toyota is working on a Tundra Hyrbrid version? I have known this for a while.
I don't think you will see Toyota going the Diesel route and if they were it would not show up in this truck at this time in North America first. So no I can't see it happening in the Tundra. They haven't had production Diesel trucks for years in NAmerica. As far as I know.
Diesel's are noisy and stink which, thankfully, is not Toyota's style.
Its rumored Toyota will take a Diesel engine from its Hino truck division when Toyota enlarges the tundra platform to compete with the Ford F-250. Hopefully they'll pair it up with a hybrid and take advantage of the best the two different technologies provide.
As for Toyota being shy of using diesel. Thats bull. Toyota sells diesels everywhere but North America. The don't sell diesels in North America for the same reason as every other major automaker, lack of demand for it. Diesels are still seen as dirty, loud and sluggish.
Posted by Curtis R. | November 14, 2007 6:36 PM
Posted on November 14, 2007 18:36
Looks like a current version....and I don't know where are they testing....
Posted by boogster | November 15, 2007 9:26 AM
Posted on November 15, 2007 09:26