That is only true if the truck you are comparing the Tundra to has the same gearing in the trasmission and locks up the converter in the same situation.

 

This is more fuel to the fire thats under GM to get those 6 speed auto's out on more models!

You can have your cake and eat it too.

That and hopefully they make the 6 speed auto's a bit beefier, so they can scale back the tq management software.

 

Gearing ratios and shift schedules should be considered before you jump to that conclusion. You may be basing your comments on what would happen with 4.30 gears behind a 4L60E or 4L80E.

If the Toyota 6-speed has taller internal ratios, and it sounds like it does, then the 4.30 may be just fine for gas mileage.

Btw, if the Tundra that Edmunds tested is representative of the typical 5.7l V8, it looks to me as though the new 5.7l engine is the equal of the 6.2 VVT engine in the top GMC pickup. So mileage should be compared with that model. A 14.8@93 time indicates either underrating, a factory freak, or an extremely flat torque curve. It's faster than any time I've seen for a truck with the 6.2. It'll be interesting to see how GM and Dodge respond (we already know that Ford's working on the Hurricane).

I'm also guessing that the 5.7 is a very large engine that will not fit in a passenger car, based on the stroke and the fact that it has DOHC heads.

 

A few thoughts about the new full-sized Toyota Tundra now that I've seen one…

I must admit, from the pictures I’ve seen I though it was a pretty awful looking truck and frankly, no matter what it has mechanically, I figured no other truck maker had anything to really worry about…that changed this afternoon.

I was at a camper/RV show as I’m considering buying a motor coach…right as I walked in the main entry; there is a new Tundra set-up as if it’s pulling a fifth wheel trailer. This was the first time I had seen the vehicle in person so I took the opportunity to look at it.

This was not their high-end model but the interior seems good; the only part of it I didn’t care for was in the center where they are using black, shiny plastic…it looks good but I would think it would scratch and show dirt/fingerprints very easily. The outside is what really surprised me, however.

Nothing more subjective than looks of course but I actually like the front end quite a bit…far more than the pictures would have had me believe and the truck overall is not bad. I wouldn’t say it’s “great” looking but it’s certainly isn’t the ugly thing I was thinking it would be.

All that to say, I think Toyota may well have a winner on its hands…I wouldn’t expect it to pull a lot of sales from the GM/Ford/Dodge faithful but I think it will pull some from those folds and certainly attract those who already love Toyota and have a need for a pick-up.

 

Sorry if it was already posted and I missed it but how big are the tires on the new Tundra?

 

I just saw a commercial last night showing the new engine compared to an LS?? maybe?? Not sure, but anyway it almost looked like custom headers on that engine. It looked pretty stout.

 

From my first post in the thread:

One more reason that latching onto a single number isn't exactly bright.

 

Getting 381 HP from a 3.7" bore isn't easy, and apparently did indeed require tubular exhaust manifolds.

If a HP war is what Toyota wants, I think they'll get one - at least from GM and Chrysler - and I don't know if there is much more that can be extracted from the DOHC 5.7L.

 

He reached his conclusion before he ever got a single number on the truck - he didn't want to like the Tundra so as soon as the numbers came out he looked for the first thing to latch onto the criticize it.

 

I agree and lets remember there are quite a few very powerful truck powertrains coming. GM has the SC 6.2. We already know that Chrysler is going to put out a 6.4 Hemi that will be QUITE a strong runner for most powerful 1500 series truck engine. Also Ford has their Boss 5.8L and 6.2L V8s coming. I don't think the 5.7 Toyota is going to stay on top for long, if it is considered on top right now.

 

True, but also consider price points.

I saw a lot of people trying to make GM look competitive against the hemi V8 in the Rams by comparing it to the Silverado SS - the thing that nobody seemed to mention was that the Hemi was a CHEAP option that could be added to ANY configuration of half ton Ram you wanted it on. The same applies for the 5.7 in the Tundra. Inexpensive option that can be added to even the most basic configurations of truck.

If GM is going to offer a 6.2L with comparable power and a 6-speed auto in the Sierra Denali... well, that's great, but can't be compared head-on to the 5.7L unless you're strictly talking high end/fully loaded type trucks.

 

I have to admit the more I see it the more I like it. I'm still on the fence with the 'two material' interior. Should be really interesting when the diesels and HD models arrive (accoring to 'Motorweek').

 

For the purpose of my post I was just discussing engines and thier either known or expected output.

 

When it comes to the full-sized pick-up truck market, whatever manufacturer is the big kid on the block today will probably not be there for long...all the other players will always be right on their heals to take over as king of the hill!

 

I wouldnt buy a full size Toyota. Their mid size arent bad They just havent proven yet they can build a full size anything I like.