Toyota Debuts All-New Tundra Full-Size Pickup
14 August 1998
Toyota Debuts All-New Full-Size Pickup and Announces Name: The Toyota Tundra INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 14 -- Today, in its home state of Indiana,
the all-new Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck made its world debut.
"Today marks the beginning of the launch of one of the most important
vehicles ever introduced in the 41 years we've sold cars and trucks here in
America," said Don Esmond, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. group vice
president and general manager, Toyota Division, at a press conference held at
the Indiana State Fair.
"To compete in the exclusive full-size pickup truck arena we knew we would
need an all-new truck that was larger and more substantial than the current
T100. It would need the power of a V8 engine and the capacity to haul more
and tow more. It needed to offer a roomier interior and four doors to make it
easier to get into and out of. Finally, it needed to be built in America
because it needed to offer better value."
The Tundra will be built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing,
Indiana (TMMI), an all-new $1.2-billion facility located in Gibson County,
near the city of Princeton. When plant construction is completed, the two-
million-square-foot facility will have the capacity to build two vehicles,
produce 150,000 units per year and employ approximately 2,300 team members.
The Toyota Tundra will feature all-new sheet metal and ride on an all-new
chassis that is larger and considerably stronger and more rigid than that of
the T100. This will allow the Tundra to grow in every key interior and
exterior dimension. It also provides a platform for a vehicle that will set a
new standard in the segment for handling, ride comfort and interior noise
isolation -- key considerations to full-size truck buyers seeking the perfect
blend between work and personal use.
Beneath its hood will beat the heart of the most sophisticated power-plant
ever offered in a full-size pickup. The Tundra's 4.7-liter engine will be the
first double-overhead cam, 32-valve V8 ever offered in the segment. It also
will be the first V8 engine in the segment to achieve an L.E.V. (low emission
vehicle) emissions classification from the EPA, and will achieve exceptional
fuel efficiency. Most important, this engine will deliver approximately 245
horsepower and the industrial strength of 315 pounds-feet of torque.
This powerful V8 will provide the strength to haul an impressive maximum
payload of nearly one ton and pull a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 pounds
depending on the model and level of equipment.
Tundra will be offered in a wide variety of configurations powered by
either V8 or V6 engines, including two- or four-wheel drive, two-door regular-
cab with an eight-foot bed or four-door Access Cab with a six and-a-half-foot
bed.
The new Access Cab features large double-doors and one of the most
expansive entry areas in the segment. It also is the only four-door pickup to
feature an exterior handle on each door providing easier operation from the
outside than the commonly used door-jam mechanism.
The Access Cab's 60/40 rear split-bench seat provides seating for three
passengers, dual adjustable outboard headrests and a fold-down center armrest
with cup holders. Valuables can be hidden out of sight in a storage
compartment under the rear seat cushion or the cushion can be folded up to
handle cargo, instead of passengers.
The Toyota Tundra full-size pickup packs a full load of roominess, comfort
and convenience in both regular and Access Cab layout. Tundra can be ordered
with either a front 60/40 split-bench seat with fold-down center console
armrest or dual contoured captain's chairs with two-level center console. The
extra-large console features a removable tray and coin holder, cassette or CD
storage below and twin cup holders in front with up to 32-ounce cup capacity.
When ordered with leather trim, the driver's seat features an eight-way power
adjustment.
Tundra will offer a wide range of standard equipment, which will include:
-- Dual 12-volt power outlets
-- Driver- and passenger-side air bags, with passenger air bag cut-off
switch
-- Driver- and passenger-side dual sun visors with pull-out extensions
-- High Solar Energy-Absorbing glass
-- All-new sound systems, including an optional 3-in-1 AM/FM cassette with
6-CD changer and six speakers
TMMI plans to build approximately 100,000 units the first full year. The
truck will be sold in the U.S. and Canada and will arrive in dealerships in
late May 1999.
