Toyota has announced that the addition of new "Ironman" versions of its Tundra, Tacoma and FJ Cruiser SUV.
The special Ivan “Ironman” Stewart versions of the three vehicles will be available at dealers later this year. Dealers will be set up to convert the Tundra, Tacoma and FJ Cruiser in their service centers with kits supplied by Halo Special Edition Vehicles, of Irvine California.
The Ironman version of the Tundra gets a boost in power from 381 hp to a whopping 504 hp from its 5.7L V8. The Tacoma and FJ Cruiser Ironman versions also get a bump in power from 239 hp to 304 hp from the 4.0L V6. The packages start between $8,000 and $10,000 and a top of the line version will add about $20,000 to the sticker price.
“I have total control over this,” Stewart said. “I didn’t want lift kits or monster tires. I wanted to keep it classy.”
It may seem a little odd that Toyota is launching these vehicles during this time, but I guess the automaker needs to do something to spark some interest in the declining truck and SUV market.
Full Story: eGMCarTech
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Comments (19)
Will it void the warrantee?
Posted by Tim | June 23, 2008 10:55 PM
Posted on June 23, 2008 22:55
Excellent idea. Even Detroit realized this market is currently dead. Toyota should have just cut their losses in this segment, now they'll have "special edition" trucks sitting on the lots instead of just normal versions. Hopefully they're gearing up for increased pressure from Honda in the small car segment. They leave the corolla as the most unintersting small car (yes, behind the focus, cobalt and civic) and make fancy versions of unpopular and weak market products.
Posted by thetruth | June 24, 2008 3:14 AM
Posted on June 24, 2008 03:14
I wish Toyota would put that 5.7L in a RWD car. They could make one awesome Challenger/Camaro/Mustang competitor.
Posted by CCL | June 24, 2008 4:43 AM
Posted on June 24, 2008 04:43
Ummm....any of these people look at the news lately?
Posted by WS | June 24, 2008 5:27 AM
Posted on June 24, 2008 05:27
Toyota - Moving Backward.
I agree with WS. Have these people been outside their offices lately and seen what has been going on with oil and the economy?
Posted by Dan | June 24, 2008 6:02 AM
Posted on June 24, 2008 06:02
At least with the Tacoma it sounds like they are just adding their TRD supercharger for the HP gains. This has a negligible effect on the mileage compared to stock. It's really a smart move.
They still have trucks to sell
Posted by Jake | June 24, 2008 6:17 AM
Posted on June 24, 2008 06:17
Nice special edition car lot ornament. Never move. This is circa 90's ideals in '09 gas price hell.
What a lame truck anyway. All cabin no truck. Useless rust bucket toyotas.
Posted by Sandman | June 24, 2008 7:15 AM
Posted on June 24, 2008 07:15
I don't think anyone posting actually read the post. They are not manufacturing any additional trucks just to make these special editions. They are not manufacturing these special edition trucks at all. If a buyer comes into the dealership and wants one then, and only then, they will convert the truck to a high performance ironman version. As Jake already alluded to, all they're doing is bolting on a TRD supercharger which you can already buy for either truck anways. There will be no Ironman version on any lots because they're custom made to order. If someone wants the crappy gas mileage they can buy it and choose it themselves. This is a good move by Toyota because it makes them more money and has no negatives, aside from all the hate from ignorant Prius loving middle schoolers home for the summer. Stop bashing Toyota, If no one wants these Trucks, then no one will build them!
Posted by CCL | June 24, 2008 7:38 AM
Posted on June 24, 2008 07:38
Honestly, I don't think any decision maker at Ford has a grip on reality. Have they ventured out into the real world and actually pumped a gallon of gas recently? Oh wait, this is a Toyota...smart move then. If it's TRD branded, this should work out well for both the company and its customers.
Posted by cobaltssman | June 24, 2008 9:41 AM
Posted on June 24, 2008 09:41
Yes I can make my truck an "Ironman"! Does that mean my frame won't rot now??????????????? Toyota sucks! Honda is the best.
Posted by Cappy | June 24, 2008 9:48 AM
Posted on June 24, 2008 09:48
codaltssman
Far too offten I see posts like yours.
Posted by 426Hemi | June 24, 2008 9:48 AM
Posted on June 24, 2008 09:48
@426Hemi
I do believe that cobaltssman was being sarcastic. Or were you? I can't tell anymore, sarcasm escapes me.
On-topic:
Toyota has to do something to move that metal sitting on their lots. If all they have to do is bolt-on a few parts to make it happen, good for them.
Personally, I doubt it'll work.
Posted by AutoBoy | June 24, 2008 12:33 PM
Posted on June 24, 2008 12:33
Codaltssman's the sarcastic one, I was serious. I'm sick of peaple judging car companies simply because of their country of origin.
Posted by 426Hemi | June 24, 2008 12:45 PM
Posted on June 24, 2008 12:45
Wow... all you guys with your opinions on why this will fail. You must all be marketing analysts. Or at least own your own multi-billion dollar companies. Oh... you don't? Hmm... either Toyota doesn't know what they're doing, or you guys may be wrong in your assumptions.
Yeah... maybe Toyota, the largest Japanese auto manufacturer and currently the top rated manufacturer in the world who also has the best selling car in the world (the Corolla) and the most *proven* reliable vehicles out there, is wrong...
We can all spout off opinions and theories, but the facts prove half you idiots wrong. Perhaps next time, before posting, look at Toyota's past marketing schemes and then think a little more.
Posted by Jason | June 24, 2008 1:43 PM
Posted on June 24, 2008 13:43
What else is in this kit? A supercharger doesn't cost $20K.
Posted by Jung | June 24, 2008 2:13 PM
Posted on June 24, 2008 14:13
Hello, it comes with an adhesive-backed "Ironman" badge.
Posted by Tommy Boy | June 24, 2008 2:55 PM
Posted on June 24, 2008 14:55
@426Hemi
that wasnt me. that chick CKV.
I told her to shut up about "I LOVE WHINNING" and shes been posting things under my name.
I dont choose cars because of country of origin. O drive a cobalt ss over a civic si or a spectra spec v. soooo yeah. that chick needs to grow up
Posted by cobaltssman | June 24, 2008 7:57 PM
Posted on June 24, 2008 19:57
Codltssman
I had that same problem back when I was Tommy Boy.
Posted by 426Hemi | June 25, 2008 8:02 AM
Posted on June 25, 2008 08:02
Does the "Ironman" Badge keep the frames from rotting?
Posted by Cappy | June 28, 2008 1:12 PM
Posted on June 28, 2008 13:12