Toyota USA has unveiled the 2024 model of its Tundra nameplate. Aligned with the “bigger is better” adage, the 2024 Toyota Tundra makes one wish that these Herculean bakkies were bought over to SA.
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Although Ford’s Ranger Raptor is the largest local offering from the Blue Oval, the F-150 Raptor R variant makes it look like a toy by comparison. The same can be said for Toyota’s Hilux and its US-only Tundra, which not only features a larger powerplant, but larger everything!
The chassis of the Tundra is composed of high-strength steel to aid in rigidity, whereas the bits of aluminium are introduced to help reduce overall weight. As a step up from its predecessor, the cross members have doubled in size to improve rigidity and add some reinforcements. Additionally, the Tundra also utilises a front cross member for steering, which the firm claims improves steering input and handling dynamics. The Tundra’s bed is formed from a sheet-moulded compound construction accompanied by aluminium cross members.
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Toyota has done away with the leaf spring suspension system that underpinned the previous Tundra generation. In its place is a double-wishbone front suspension system and a multi-link rear suspension system. The Tundra is also offered with a TRD Off-Road package that imbues the suspension system with Bilstein monotube shocks, while the TRD Pro variant uses 2,5-inch FOX internal bypass shocks resulting in a 1,1-inch front lift.
At the core of the new Tundra is a twin-turbo V6 that is offered in two configurations, namely, the i-FORCE and i-FORCE MAX. The i-FORCE V6 produces a total output of 290 kW and 649 N.m. The higher-strung i-FORCE MAX is characterised by its use of a hybrid powertrain. The electric motor used in this configuration is responsible for movement below 30 km/h, whereafter the motor will work in tandem with the V6 petrol engine. Power is said to stand at 325 kW and 790 N.m. Mated to the engine is a 10-speed automatic transmission. What makes this performance even more significant is its towing capacity of more than 5 400 kg!
Related: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Envisioned as Shorteded 2-Door Cabrio
Despite a raving bakkie cult in South Africa, markets like the US are spoiled for choice from mid-size double cabs to truck-like bakkies with ludicrous powerplants.
