I suppose there are several different ways of defining "Most Significant." Personally my vote would be for the Silverado/Sierra....it's the best selling platform in America and a crucial product for GM. I don't think Toyota would suffer if the Tundra gets a lukewarm reception.

On the other hand, the Tundra needs to be right this time around or they could risk never gaining ground on the Domestics in the full-size arena. It's their first real shot at the Big 3 in the last market they dominate. And it's also shaping up to be a worthy competitor, at least specs-wise.

http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/25/t...07-by-edmunds/

 

I guess for Toyota they need to get this right. Titan hasn't met its goal of 100,000 a year yet and I got a feeling the Tundra won't hit 200,000 untis a year either.

 

On GMI, there was a report from MSNBC that the 5.7 will make 381hp.
If Toyota can make a 381hp engine, come within 1 mpg of a Vortec Max or L92, GM will have problems.
GM is already behind the 8 ball due to the use of the 4spd, in the eyes of the critics. Toyota will have all this, all strapped to a 6spd auto and my guess, will take Truck of The Year.

 

Its still on pace to sell 820,000 trucks (chevy fullsize + sierra) in its last run in this generation....

 

You may be right. Much like the Big 3's cars have a certain stigma to overcome, however, the Tundra will have the same challenge. No matter how good it is.

GM, Ford and Dodge have generally not given truck people reasons to switch.

And finally, look at the Titan. Best standard motor in the class. It hasn't done much for them (granted, the configurations are sorely limited...)

 

Everyone keeps comparing the Titan to the Tundra.
Guess what, thats the worst idea anyone could do.
The Tundra will offer 3 engine choices
The Tundra has an already decent source of start up sales from former Toyota truck owners
The Tundra is a Toyota, and with that name and badge means that even if the thing gets single digit gas milage, it will be views as the saving grace of Truckdome in the eyes of the tree-huggers. It will already have the perception of using love and cheer for fuel, and produce only laughter and flowers for exhaust.
Will Tundra take away any big number of the Big 3's truck sales? No, probably not. But the point is that Toyota is going after the last line of the Big 3's hope. The barbarians arent at the gates...they are inside the walls, and knocking on the Kings door.