Good call!

 

The 6.0 VorteMax is offered on some silverado and it has 330 or 340 hp. Also it has more torque. The Toyota 5.7 is adequate, just like the Titans 5.6 BUT it won't out perform the LS range of small blocks and the Hemi V8s. The long deck Mod motors seem to be nice but don't pack the punch of the other 2 domestic V8s. I am sure that Toyota will bump the power but the question remains: will it be enough?

 

Toyota has always been about having 'just enough' power, it seems. In fact the only time I can really recall them stirring the market up by introducing a class-leading power figure is with the new IS350 (as long as you don't consider the IS350 in the same class as the M3 and CTS-V) and the new GS460 and LS460 seem like they might do much the same with their 380-400hp ratings (again, as long as you don't consider them in competition with M, AMG and -V models, which price-wise they're definitely not). So maybe it's a sign of things to come for Lexus, but not for Toyota, or maybe both? Who knows...

WIll the 6.0 available on the true half ton GMT-900s, or only the 1500HD (3/4 chassis trucks with 1/2 ton dimensions)?

 

The "Vortec Max", as the marketing wizards call it, is currently available on 1/2 ton Silverados and Sierras. Unfortunately, I think you can not get it on the reg cab models. But the extended cab and crew cab 1/2 tons (not the 1500 HD) can have it. It is rated at 345 hp and 380 lb-ft (maybe 385?). Basically the engine the Escalade has had for several years now, the LQ9 (IIRC) 6.0L V8.

That engine in a reg cab, 2wd, short box would be pretty damn quick (same engine in the heavier extended cab, awd SS model has done 0-60 in the mid-upper 6 second range). But alas, I think it is only for the extended cab and up...(still way more than enough engine, really).

 

The styling alone is enough to turn me away from this truck. With that said, it would seem that Toyota has finally managed to build a genuine full-size truck. I don't see it setting any sales records, but there can be no doubt that the Japanese makers want to be in the all-important full-size market now. I wouldn't expect them to be class leaders anytime soon, but they are in it to stay.

 

Well, the Avalanche will have the 5.3 standard with 320 hp and the 6.0 will be optional with 355 hp. I have heard that the Silverado 1500 will get the 6.0 and this also bolsters that rumor. I think the 6.2 might be reserved for the HD models though.

On a side note, I went to the dealer and saw a Silverado 2500 short cab, short bed, 2wd with no options and it had the new Duramax with 360/650 in it. I bet that thing would haul ***.

 

Critizing GM for not standing still? Kinda the reverse of the car-market, huh? As evidenced by the last Ford F-150 interior and now the new GM Silverado/Sierra interiors, it's quite apparent that the domestics aren't just going to lie back and let Toyota or anybody else get a competitive foothold into the market. While the next-gen Tundra looks remarkably better and more capable than the current one, what does it do better than a domestic? Toyota's had a "full-size" (well, by their advertising claims for the T100 and the Tundra) pickup truck for the last 12 years -- and it's yet to gain traction for increased market share. Chevrolet enjoyes the best durability claim and the highest resale values in the pickup truck arena. All things considered, I don't think this truck has enough to buy Toyota a significantly larger market share in a brand-loyal environment like the full-size truck market.

 

Being a Toyota/Lexus fan, this truck does nothing for me and does not really hang with the domestics on interior or looks in my opinion. I am sure it will cost more also. Toyota comes closer with this one, but not enough in my opinion to make much a difference in market share. Just like GM with cars these days, Toyota's perception of building a great truck is not even close in many peoples eyes. Just like you said with GM, I will throw it back to you with Toyota. Toyota needs to come out with a truck to blow away the competition to make up for lacking perception of building great trucks. This new truck does nothing for that.

 

Chevrolet's durability claim is based on the number of their trucks from some number of years ago still on the road today. That is indicative of something but not exactly lab quality science by any stretch.

And in regard to highest value pickup trucks... according to this, at least, Tundra (the old style, none the less) had that claim for 2005, followed by the F150, and then the heavy duty series silverado.

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/...3/article.html

Not that Edmunds is the word of god either, but I haven't seen anything to the contrary.

 

Where did you get the 300hp number for this new 5.7 in the Tundra? I didn't see a number anywhere.

The new Toyota 3.5 is among the leaders for FWD midsize family sedans. The only cars that beat it by a significant amount are the GM and DC V8s, which are larger cars than the Camry. Plus the DC cars, being RWD are kind of in a different segment.

 

I do not think any official numbers are out. A couple of articles point to "over 300 h.p.", but who know how much over that figure.

 

Yeah, it's obvious it'll be at least 300. How much over that we don't really know, but I'm certainly not overestimating by just assuming 300.

The IS350 was touted at "over 300" when it was announced and ended up being 306 SAE II.

 

I don't think Toyota are that 'stupid'. The 5.7L donk will be configured for a nice torque spread, I'm sure - you only need to look at the Nissan Titan donk... it's not the hp/L that matters so much in trucks.

I'm sure that a 5.7L Toyota engine, if installed in a car, would be punching out at least 400 bhp.

 

I haven't found any studies by percentage of trucks sold vs. still registered anywhere, so until that proves otherwise it's a pretty legitimate claim. Still, just about anything a manufacturer tells you will be marketing spin anyway.

 

Huh? I think every time they say 'most dependable, most longest lasting trucks on the road' in an ad they have small print or a "micromachines man" voice at the end saying it's based on number of trucks still titled on the road today from 10 years ago (or something to that effect).