New Tundra vs.Chevy/GMC

Got back from the Tampa Auto Show. It's a pretty weak show compared to say NY or Detroit. Heck, it was worse than last year. Anyhow, my highlight for the evening was seeing the new Tundra and Silverado/Sierras in person. They even set up the displays right across from each other. They both look far better in person than the magazine/internet pics suggest.

The Tundra will be a stout piece. The one they had was only on the turntable, so I wasn't able to get a hands-on look at it but from what I saw it's gonna sell. The interior, in usual Toyota fashion, looks to be of nice quality and design. The spokesmodel demonstrated the neat hydraulically assisted tailgate. It'll have 3 engines, a V6, the current 270 horse 4.7L V8, and a 5.7 of yet unreleased hp/torq numbers. 6 speed auto std. 9.5-inch ring gear with a pumpkin that is set-up like a Ford 9-in. The truck itself looks tough; a big version of the current Tacoma. I thought the long wheelbase I saw in pics made it ugly, but in person it looks good. It only has a fully boxed frame up front. 10,000lb tow cap.

On the other hand, the GMC and Chevy's had floor models so I was able to get inside and poke around. The interior is top notch as well. My dad just bought an '07 GMC Sierra Classic and he is regretting it already, but he did get a good deal though. But to compare interiors is like comparing fine china to tupperware. The sunroof feature is nice. I prefer the GMC's grill over the Chevy, but the Chevy is still very nice. Fully boxed frame all around; looks very strong vs. the chassis display they had of the Tundra which had a C-type frame from the middle to rear. The top of the front shock mounts looks like a 4th gen F-body since they have gone to a coilover design. More engine choices than the Tundra but only a 4 spd auto for now...boo. The GMC display stated 362hp for the 6.0L. 10,500lb tow cap. They look really good on the available 20's. They had no prices on any of these trucks so I don't know how much the dealer will want.

IMO the new Tundra will probably take a only few GM fans away. The GMT 900s are that good. I can see people that prefer imports definitely taking a Tundra over a Ridgeline or Titan. I just don't see too many converts going from GM to Toyota, unless they really had a lousy experience with their current GM truck. Now they may get more Ford and Dodge converts, but only because the the Toyota is the newer. The new Tundra isn't ground breaking, but they've finally built a full-size truck on par with the Big 3.

I haven't seen the Tundra but I can say from the pics it's just not styled as well as the GMC or Silverado. I know that doesn't always sell but the Toyota's styling is soo bland and tame in comparison. For sedan's thats ok but not your full size truck. We'll see how they work out.

If GM fit GMT900s with 6 speed auto, I reckon they will move another step ahead of Toyota.

Having said that, GM really should watch their backs because Toyota's slowly, slowly approach always seems to reap them reward. For example, there is really no excuse for GM to offer 4 speed autos when the competition offers 6 speeders. Instead of slamming the door shut, GM seem content to leave the door ajar. Don't give Toyota even half a chance, GM!!!

Since I know people will come in hear preaching that the Toyota will get a '381' hp, I put it in quotes because that is just the number floating around, 5.6 with a 5 speed auto I will remind people that the GMC Sierra Denali will get the 403 hp 6.2 with the 6 speed auto. Also according to at least 1 source the 381 is with all optional TRD accessories.

One of my teachers at school is a tech for one of the local GMC/Pontiac dealers. He said that he got a close up of both the Chevy and GMC. He said they are head and heals over what they are now. He did say they had one of the trucks setup so that, either one of the wheels or two opposite wheels, were totally off the ground. I can't remember exactly which one it was. He said you could open and close the tailgate and doors without problems. He made it seem that you might have problems with the current trucks. Either way, he seemed impressed with them.

If GM fit GMT900s with 6 speed auto, I reckon they will move another step ahead of Toyota.

Having said that, GM really should watch their backs because Toyota's slowly, slowly approach always seems to reap them reward. For example, there is really no excuse for GM to offer 4 speed autos when the competition offers 6 speeders. Instead of slamming the door shut, GM seem content to leave the door ajar. Don't give Toyota even half a chance, GM!!!

The 6-speed auto is standard on all 2500/3500 Sierras and Silverados in the new trucks. I imagine it will be added to the 1500s before long, but when you crank out over a milloin trucks a year, its tough to do them all at once.

The 900's rear frame section isn't boxed, but there's really no need to from what I've read.

The 900's rear frame section isn't boxed, but there's really no need to from what I've read.

It's my understanding it isn't boxed behind the rear axle.

It'll have 3 engines, a V6, the current 270 horse 4.7L V8, and a 5.7 of yet unreleased hp/torq numbers.

381hp, according to an article I found on Cheers&Gears (from msnbc).

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15319160/from/RS.5/

Interior styling of the new Tundra looks bad. I'd rather have a Dodge. Ford and Chevy/GMC have by far the best truck interiors.

I expect most GMT900s to get 6 speeds for 2008 and production capacity grows. I think GM should start with the big engines and work their way down with offering 6 speeds. 6.0L trucks should defiantly have it.

While I love the way the new GM trucks looks, I can't deny the Tundras performance.
You guys will see what I'm talking about when Toyota releases their new commercial.
Hopefully GM left themselves some room for improvement (performance wise) in those trucks for the next year. :(