Racer X Canada Tested: The all-new 2007 Tundra
JANUARY 13, 2007

 

The all-new, "Never Quit" 2007 Toyota Tundra at the Gopher Dunes national press launch.

 

The Weapon:
’07 Toyota Tundra

Company:
Toyota Canada Inc.
Phone: 1-888-869-6828
www.toyota.ca or www.thenewtundra.ca
Toyota has been heavily involved with motorcycle racing in the U.S. and Canada over the last year and the company’s support is expected to continue in 2007.
 

Cost:
Unreleased at this time.

Test Driver:
Jason Griffiths

Location:
Gopher Dunes MX Track

I have to make one thing clear before we start this review: I own a Toyota truck.  When Blair Morgan chose to buy a Toyota after winning his first Canadian championship in 1997, I started thinking that there must be something different about these trucks.  Before Blair had a truck of his own, he drove the snot out of his brother’s Toyota 4x4 over jumps and anything else that challenged the superman on their Saskatchewan farm.  Even though the body rusted out on that early ‘80s Tacoma, the rest of the truck stood up to everything the superman could throw at it. 

Well, it took me a long time, but I finally got a Tacoma of my own in 2006, after the new body style was released.  Only slightly smaller than the Tundra at the time, the Tacoma fit me perfectly as a light duty work and fun truck.  Perfect for throwing a bike in the back or for towing a small race trailer, the Tacoma is an ideal all-around truck and I really didn’t understand why anyone would want the full-sized Tundra … until now.  If the Tacoma is the ultimate play truck then the all-new 2007 Tundra could easily be considered the ultimate work truck.   When I heard that Toyota was planning a press introduction at the Gopher Dunes motocross track near Tillsonburg, Ontario, there was no way I could miss out on seeing this new “tough truck.” After speaking with the track owners and Toyota’s management team, I made my way out to the soggy track on the first weekend in January.  With Chief Engineer Yoichiro Obu on hand answering questions about the revolutionary truck, journalists from across the country took the brand new Tundra onto the Gopher Dunes motocross track, over table tops, through tight corners, over logs and through a nasty whoop section.

The national media got their first taste of the new Tundra's capabilities.

 

If you’ve been watching any of the supercross commercials on Speed TV, you’ll already know that the new Toyota's are serious truck—even the Loch Ness Monster couldn’t put a dent in it! The new ads showing oversized disc brakes and ring gears are just a taste of the arsenal Toyota has packed into the new Tundra.  There is no doubt that Toyota planned on being the biggest, baddest and best in 2007.


Here are the meat and potatoes on the new Tundra:

There are two powerful engine options on the new Tundra, including a 4.7 L V8 engine that outputs 271 HP and 313 lb-ft of torque and an incredible 5.7 L V8 engine with dual VVT-i variable valve timing that outputs 381 HP and 401 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7 L engine provides an extreme towing capacity of 10,800 lbs, which is currently more than any other full size pickup (payload up to 1900 lbs (862 kgs)).

The 4.7L engine is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission while the 5.7 L engine is mated with a heavy-duty 6-speed automatic transmission for seamless shifting when hauling heavy loads.

The new Tundra is available in 4x2 or 4x4 in three body styles: regular cab, double cab and the luxurious Crewmax.  Standard on all models, you’ll find brake assist, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, vehicle stability control and traction control.  On paper, the Tundra is looking like one of the safest vehicles to drive.

All Tundras come with a standard towing package that includes a class IV hitch 4 and 7- pin connector, electronic brake controller connector and transmission fluid cooler and temperature gauge. The trailer hitch attaches right into the frame for added strength.
The new Tundra also comes in three bed lengths: 5.5’, 6.5’, and 8.1.’ And all Tundras come with a lockable heavy-duty steel tailgate that has a hydraulic assist to make opening and closing easy.

 

Now on the inside, the Tundra is so sweet with much of the detail being designed for work on the jobsite. On Crewmax models, the rear seat back slides forward and reclines a full 22 degrees or folds to function as work surface. On select models, the passenger seat folds to become a laptop surface. Control knobs and switches are large enough to be operated while still wearing gloves. On some models, the centre console acts as a filing cabinet ready to handle hanging folders and room for a laptop.  There is also an optional backup camera that takes all of the guesswork out of backing up and hitching up a trailer.

 

Designed for the jobsite, you can easily keep files on 4 to 5 jobs in the console as well as your laptop.

 

There are many other special features and options, but everything else pales in comparison to the shear size and capability of this truck.  The “Never Quit” Tundra will no doubt be taking over new territory in 2007.  If you are looking for a purpose built work truck that will make life easier during the week and that will haul you, the family, all your bikes and gear in luxury to the races on the weekend, then the Tundra is calling your name.  

 

 

 

The 2007 Toyota Tundra goes on sale in Canada in February.  Pricing details are not yet available. We are also told that there are many options that Toyota is looking into for the Tundra in the future.  There is no word yet about a diesel engine, but you have to think that’s the next logical step.  

Special Thanks:
The Shuster family, Jeff McKague of L.A. Detail, Bill Petro and Toyota Canada.

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