Toyota Australia has introduced that deliveries of its Tundra analysis autos have now begun with all 300 examples anticipated to be in buyer palms by April (2024).
It’s a part of a “real-world analysis and validation program” aimed toward figuring out the potential for full-time import and right-hand drive conversion of the Tundra full-size pickup.
The information comes nearly two years after this publication reported on the corporate’s choice to import the Tundra domestically, Toyota Australia telling GoAuto on the time that it had “no plans to introduce the Tundra domestically”, regardless of recognising competitors within the section was rising.
In August of 2022, GoAuto obtained authorities approval paperwork suggesting Toyota Australia had imported petrol-electric hybrid variations of the Tundra for native analysis – the identical program formally revealed by the importer nearly 12 months later at an unrelated media occasion.
Quick ahead to December and the Toyota Australia ‘Tundra Insider Program’ now sees the primary of 300 examples of the mannequin able to be delivered to potential clients on a full-service lease foundation.
The “real-world analysis and validation program” goals to judge the mannequin’s enterprise case Down Underneath, with chosen clients “reporting again repeatedly to Toyota on their expertise”.
Clients chosen to be a part of the analysis are offered a car on a full-service lease administered by way of Toyota Finance Australia. A month-to-month fee of $2500 covers all servicing and upkeep, mechanical repairs, alternative tyres and roadside help.
Insurance coverage and registration are additionally lined by the month-to-month lease funds.
“We all know there’s a demand for full-size pickups just like the Tundra, however we needed to make sure that the native right-hand drive conversion and the car as a complete met Toyota’s exacting requirements for high quality and the wants of our clients,” mentioned Toyota Australia vp of gross sales, advertising and marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley.
“That’s why we’re placing this car by way of such a rigorous and demanding analysis program. Our engineers have been engaged on this mission since 2019 and now, along with our companions at Walkinshaw Automotive Group, it’s nice to see autos being delivered to our clients.
“Toyota has by no means undertaken a mission like this earlier than and we stay up for listening to what these first clients assume and really feel in regards to the new Toyota Tundra.”
Melbourne-based Walkinshaw Automotive Group is tasked with changing the 300 US-built Tundra autos, every that includes “a number of new or modified parts”.
These embody the steering rack, instrument panel, firewall, headlights, wiring harnesses, entrance seats, carpet, and trim, a lot of that are sourced from the associated LandCruiser 300 Collection.
Powered by a hybridised model of Toyota’s VA-series 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine, the ICE portion of the which develops 290kW of energy at 5200rpm and peak torque of 650Nm from 2400-3600rpm.
Electrical help of 36kW and 250Nm is contributed by a transmission-mounted motor/generator and 6.5Ah nickel steel hydride (Ni-MH) battery, contributing to an total output of 326kW and 790Nm.
The engine drives by way of a 10-speed computerized transmission with part-time all-wheel drive, a two-speed switch case, and computerized restricted slip differential.
Driving on a ladder-frame chassis and suspended by a double wishbone entrance and multi-link rear association, the Tundra gives a most braked towing capability of 4500kg. Payload capability is rated at simply 758kg. The mannequin ideas the scales at 2778kg.
The Tundra’s steering is electrically assisted whereas braking duties fall to 354mm rotors and four-piston calipers up entrance and 335mm rotors and a single-piston caliper on the rear.
Contained in the Restricted grade Tundra – the one grade at the moment in Australia – is seating for 5, artificial leather-based upholstery, a 60:40 split-fold rear bench, and heating, air flow and eight-way energy adjustment for the entrance seats.
The steering wheel and shift lever and leather-accented whereas instrumentation is dealt with by a 12.3-inch digital array with central speedometer and analogue-style tachometer.
Additional comfort options embody dual-zone local weather management, energy home windows, wi-fi gadget charging pad, 5 USB ports and adaptive cruise management. Infotainment comes courtesy of a 14.0-inch touchscreen internet hosting Bluetooth, wi-fi Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, AM/FM/DAB+ radio and 12-speaker JBL sound.
Driver help and security applied sciences from the Toyota Security Sense vary embody autonomous emergency braking with (day/night time) pedestrian and (day solely) bicycle owner detection, lane departure alert, lane hint help, emergency steering help, and auto excessive beam.
