2012 Toyota Tundra

2012 Toyota Tundra Provides Outstanding Value and Dependability in the Full-Size

• Simplified Option Packages for 2012
• New Chrome Package for Double Cab and CrewMax Models
• Standard Back-up Camera on TRD Rock Warrior

The Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck, recognized for its value and dependability, offers simplified option package selections for 2012, as well as detailed enhancements throughout the lineup. The Limited grade and available TRD Rock Warrior package both include a standard back-up camera for 2012.

The hard-working, hard-playing Tundra has been recognized for its outstanding value and dependability. IntelliChoice named the Tundra a '2011 Best Overall Value' in the full-size pickup §egmènt, and Tundra was named 'Most Dependable Large Pickup', for the sixth year in a row in the 2011 J.D. Power & Associates Vehicle Dependability Study.

The Tundra offers three engine choices, a 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6, a 310-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 and the 5.7-liter V8 wîth 381 horsepower. For 2012, all Tundras have standard heavy-duty battery, heavy-duty starter, windshield wiper de-icer, daytime running lights (DRL), front and rear mudguards, and heated, power, outside mirrors. All Tundra grade models feature standard styled steel wheels for 2012. The Tundra DoubleCab and CrewMax models offer an optional Chrome Package that includes chromed exhaust top, side mirrors, door handles and chrome-clad 18-inch steel wheels.

The 2012 Tundra is offered in two grades (Tundra and Limited), three cab styles (Regular, Double Cab and Crew Max), three wheelbase lengths (126.8, 145.7 and 164.6 inches, depending on model and configuration) and three bed lengths (78.7, 97.6 and for CrewMax only, 66.7-inches).



A Tundra Work Truck Package is aimed at commercial truck buyers or customers who need a tough, no-frills truck wîth exceptional cargo and towing capacity. The package features heavy-duty vinyl-trimmed seating surfaces, and heavy-duty all-weather flooring; it is available in Regular and Double Cab configurations wîth any of the Tundra's three engine choices. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Platinum Package available for the Tundra CrewMax Limited model offers numerous luxury features, such as heated and ventilated front bucket seats wîth embroidered headrests, perforated leather-trimmed seating surfaces, power tilt/slide moonroof wîth sliding sunshade, and wood-grain-style interior trim.

Performance
The 4.0-liter Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) V6 engine wîth Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing wîth intelligence (VVT-i) standard in Tundra Regular and Double Cab models produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. peak torque. It is paired wîth a five-speed automatic transmission wîth uphill/downhill shift logic.

The available 4.6-liter DOHC i-Force V8 offers 310 horsepower and 327 lb.-ft. of peak torque, and the 5.7-liter DOHC i-Force V8 produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of peak torque. All Tundra engines feature an aluminum cylinder block and DOHC heads, along wîth Dual Variable Valve Timing wîth intelligence (VVT-i) for a broad torque curve and optimized efficiency.

The Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) in all the engines uses butterfly valves inside the intake manifold that switch the length of the intake runners in two stages, based on engine RPM and throttle angle, to optimize efficiency across the engine speed range.

Both i-Force V8 engines are teamed wîth a six-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) A warming unit quickly brings the transmission fluid up to operating temperature to optimize cold-weather performance. Both V8 engines meet Últra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ÚLEV II) emissions certification requirements.

Capability, Handling and Ride
Tundra's advanced TripleTech frame uses wide, full-boxed rails for the front portion, a reinforced C-channel under the cab and an open C-channel underneath the bed to maximize strength, ride quality and durability. The double A-arm front suspension uses coil-over spring shock units, while a front-mounted §teering rack helps enhance §teering feel and response. The rear suspension uses staggered shocks mounted outboard of the springs to improve the shocks' dampening efficiency. Spring rates are tuned to provide a flat vehicle stance when fully loaded.

The Tundra is equipped wîth standard 18-inch styled steel wheels wîth P255/70 R18 tires. Limited grade models get standard 18-inch five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels wîth wider P275/65 R18 tires and optional 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels wîth P275/55 R20 tires. An optional TRD Off-Road Package combines off-road tuned suspension featuring Bilstein gas-charged mono-tube shock absorbers, P275/65 R18 BFGoodrich® off-road tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, plus fog lamps, fuel tank skid plates and TRD Off-Road graphics.

The available TRD Rock Warrior Special Edition package combines a tough off-road look wîth rugged off-road capability. Available only as a 4x4, the truck includes Bilstein® shock absorbers and 17-inch TRD Rock Warrior forged alloy wheels wîth LT285/70 R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO tires.

The package is available in Black, Radiant Red, Magnetic Gray Metallic or Super White exterior colors wîth color-keyed front bumper and grille surround wîth matte black rear bumper. The Rock Warrior Tundra is also equipped wîth fog lamps, privacy glass and front bucket seats wîth eight-way adjustable driver's seat, four-way adjustable front passenger seat and black fabric-trimmed seating surfaces.
New for 2012, the package adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror wîth integrated backup camera display, compass, and HomeLink® universal transceiver.

The standard four-wheel disc brakes use large ventilated rotors - 13.9 inches and 1.26-inches thick - wîth four-piston calipers in front; and 13.6 x 0.71-inch wîth two-piston calipers in the rear. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) wîth Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) are standard on all Tundra models. EBD optimizes brake pressure at each wheel for greater control under braking, especially when cornering. BA is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not pressed firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage ABS, the system supplements the applied braking power until pedal pressure is released.

The standard Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD) helps provide better acceleration in deep sand or mud and on mixed-friction surfaces. Compared to a conventional mechanical limited slip differential, the Auto-LSD system is much more responsive and has better wear characteristics. The Tundra's VSC system integrates traction control (TRAC) and enhances traction on or off-road by helping keep the vehicle on its intended course.

Integration of these technologies also provides driver-selectable versatility to tackle just about any road surface or driving condition. In 'normal' mode, VSC, TRAC and Auto-LSD all function to help enable traction and control capability. 'TRAC Off' and 'Auto LSD' modes activate Auto-LSD to help extricate the Tundra from extreme conditions. The 'VSC Off' mode turns off all three of these systems.

Tundra 4x4 models use a part-time, electronically controlled four-wheel drive system featuring a six-pinion planetary reduction gear set to provide 4x2, 4x4 Hi and 4x4 Lo ranges. The driver selects the drive mode using a dial on the dash.

Safety
All Tundra models feature the standard Toyota Star Safety System™. The system includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop brake override technology. Smart Stop Technology is designed to automatically reduce engine power when both brake and accelerator pedals are pressed at the same time under certain conditions, helping the driver bring the vehicle to a stop. Tundra features standard front seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear Roll-sensing Side Curtain Airbags (RSCA) in all models, as well as three-point seatbelts and adjustable headrests for all seating positions. The front seatbelts include pretensioners and force limiters. All models are equipped wîth driver and front outboard passenger Advanced Airbag System, and driver and front outboard passenger knee airbags.

Comprehensive Towing Package
An available Tow Package on all V8 model helps increase towing capacity up to 10,400 pounds, depending on the model and drivetrain. A one-piece towing receiver is integrated into the frame prior to bed installation. The structure runs nearly two feet down the length of the frame and attaches to each side around the rear spring shackles' cross-member wîth 12 bolts. Tow Package rear springs help provide level full-load rear suspension height and maintain a full range of suspension travel.

The standalone optional Tow Package also upgrades Tundra's cooling and electrical systems. An integrated engine oil cooler helps handle the demands of towing under a full load, and a power §teering fluid cooler is added, as well.

The seven-pin towing hitch connector sits above the hitch to help avoid damage during high-departure-angle driving.

Electrical upgrades include an under-dash connector pre-wire for a third-party trailer brake controller, both seven- and four-pin trailer brake connectors near the hitch, and an up-rated alternator. On 5.7-liter models, heated, power, outside tow mirrors wîth turn signal indicators and manual-extend feature are available.

With the Towing Package, the six-speed automatic transmission gains a TOW/HAÚL shift mode, selectable by a dedicated switch. The TOW/HAÚL mode applies specific logic for adjusting the throttle sensitivity and transmission shift control, favoring and holding lower gears when accelerating or decelerating to help enhance control and safety. Standard for all models, Trailer Sway Control uses the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) to help counteract handling forces applied to the truck in an effort to minimize the impact of trailer sway.

Exterior Design
Tundra offers three cab styles: two-door Regular Cab, four-door Double Cab, and the super-sized four-door CrewMax wîth the §egmènt's leading rear-seat legroom. Tundra Regular Cab and Double Cab models are offered in standard bed (78.7-inch) or long bed (97.6-inch) configurations, while the CrewMax comes wîth a 66.7-inch bed; all beds are 22.2-in. deep. The Tundra's lockable all-steel, easy lower and lift tailgate lowers slowly wîth no slam and can easily be removed. On Double Cab and CrewMax models, the standard power rear windows retract completely into the doors. Regular and Double Cab models offer an optional horizontal sliding rear window. A power vertical sliding rear window is standard on CrewMax.

A standard cargo lamp illuminates the bed at night, and a Deck Rail System wîth four adjustable tie-down cleats is standard on Limited grade models and available on all others. Featuring four adjustable tie-down cleats connected to the rails of the all-steel bed, the rail system can be used to secure many types of loads, wîth a 220-lb. rating per attachment.

Genuine Toyota Accessories available for the Tundra include a number of cargo bed enhancements: tonneau cover, bed mat, bedliner, bed extender, bed step, deck rail accessories, cargo divider, and tie-downs wîth utility hooks.

Interior Design
Tundra's Ú-shaped 'command and control' center provides an unobstructed view of the road and gauges, while keeping all controls within easy reach. The large door handles and easy-to-turn control knobs can be operated even while wearing work gloves. The 3.4-liter upper glove box can hold a standard Thermos™ bottle, wîth additional space available in the 9.5-liter lower glovebox.

The center console in bucket-seat models can hold a laptop computer or hanging file folder storage, which was a pickup truck first. There are two 12-volt DC power outlets, one on the dash and one in the center console. CrewMax models add a third outlet at the rear of the console; outlets remain live for up to two hours after the ignition is switched off.

The Tundra Regular Cab offers generous behind-the-seat storage, and the Double Cab features front-hinged rear doors that open up to 80 degrees. Double Cab models provide a roomy rear seat wîth a 22-degree backrest angle and 34.7 inches of rear legroom, which is on par wîth some midsize sedans.

The Tundra CrewMax has limo-like maximum rear legroom of 44.5 inches, plus the §egmènts only reclining and sliding rear seat. A 10-inch slide range allows the owner to tailor both passenger comfort and room for onboard cargo. CrewMax models have additional storage under the rear seat.

A concealed compartment to the right of the shift lever can hold a Thomas® guidebook. The built-in toolbox behind the rear seat in all models provides clean, accessible storage for the jack, handle and lug wrench. In Double Cab models, the rear-seat cushions flip up wîth an easy one hand operation to provide additional storage area. In CrewMax models, the rear seat backs fold in an easy one-hand operation to provide a flat storage area.

In CrewMax models, the rear seat backs fold in an easy one-hand operation to provide a flat storage area. The front doors have large storage pockets and can also hold two 22-ounce bottles. Rear doors on Double Cab hold one bottle, and CrewMax holds two bottles.

Comfort and Convenience
Inside Tundra, richly textured fabrics and deep-grain leathers are available in four colors. A standard manual tilt and telescoping §teering wheel was a first in the §egmènt, and Limited grade offers an available power tilt and telescoping §teering wheel. The Limited Grade's four-spoke §teering wheel features standard audio controls; they're available on all Tundra grade models wîth the optional AM/FM CD player wîth MP3/WMA playback capability, SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio (includes 90-day trial subscription to XM Select Package), auxiliary audio jack, ÚSB port wîth iPod® connectivity, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® audio system.

Tundra offers in-demand user technology, including available Bluetooth® phone compatibility, high-end JBL® audio and an optional DVD navigation system wîth integrated backup camera display.

Tundra-grade models come wîth a standard AM/FM CD player wîth MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers (four in Regular Cab), SiriusXM® Satellite Radio compatible (additional hardware & subscription required) and auxiliary audio jack.

Limited models come standard wîth a JBL AM/FM six-disc CD changer wîth MP3/WMA playback capability, 12 speakers including subwoofer (10 in Double Cab), SiriusXM Satellite Radio (includes 90-day trial subscription to XM Select Package), auxiliary audio jack, ÚSB port wîth iPod® connectivity, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology.

All Tundra-grade models come standard wîth dual zone air conditioning wîth individual temperature settings for driver and front passenger, including a seven-speed blower and a replaceable dust and pollen filter. Limited grade models feature a dual zone automatic climate control wîth individual temperature settings for driver and front passenger. Limited grade Double Cab and Crew Max models add front and rear parking sonar, to the standard equipment list. An auto-dimming rearview mirror wîth integrated backup camera display, compass, and HomeLink® universal transceiver is standard on Limited grade models and optional on Tundra grade.

Standard High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass helps filter solar heat and most ÚV light energy entering the vehicle. This helps reduce occupant sun exposure, helps to keep the interior cooler, and enhances durability of interior materials. Limited grade models receive standard IR-cut glass, further reducing solar levels.

Other notable features that distinguish the Limited grade models include a chrome grille surround wîth matte silver billet-style grille insert; chrome, heated, power and auto-dimming outside mirrors wîth turn signal indicators, and power-folding feature; leather-trimmed and heated front bucket seats wîth 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat wîth power thigh and lumbar support and four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat wîth power lumbar support and rear door privacy glass.

Features inspired by luxury sedans include Optitron instrumentation wîth color-illuminated speedometer, tachometer, voltmeter, coolant temperature, automatic transmission fluid, fuel, and engine oil temperature gauges, and a LCD Multi-Information Display wîth customizable settings, odometer, trip meter, instant/average fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and trip timer.

Options
The Tundra grade offers an optional audio system: AM/FM CD player wîth MP3/WMA playback capability, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (includes 90-day trial subscription to XM Select Package), auxiliary audio jack, ÚSB port wîth iPod® connectivity, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® JBL audio system or navigation system.

CrewMax models offer an optional power tilt/slide moonroof wîth sliding sunshade.

The Limited grade offers an optional Memory Package, which includes leather-trimmed and heated, 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat wîth memory function and power thigh and lumbar support; chrome, heated, power and auto-dimming outside mirrors wîth turn signal indicators, puddle lamps, power-folding and memory features; and leather-trimmed four-spoke tilt/telescopic §teering wheel wîth memory and audio, Bluetooth® hands-free phone controls.

Limited grade CrewMax models offer a rear-seat DVD entertainment system wîth nine-inch display, two 115V AC power outlets, remote and two wireless headphones.. The available DVD navigation system also includes an integrated backup camera display. This feature is particularly useful when backing up the Tundra to a trailer, or for positioning a boat trailer on a launch ramp.

Limited Warranty
Toyota's 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion wîth no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty. Tundra will also come standard wîth Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Source - Toyota

Introduced at the beginning of the new millennium, the Toyota Tundra featured a refined V8 engine and Toyota's distinct reputation for durability and reliability. Originally going into production in 1999 as a 2000 year model, the Tundra had an all-American look and feet and came with something that the T100 never had; a fierce V8 engine underneath choice. Enthusiasts believed that the Tundra was the first import-brand full-size pickup that could face off against the Big Three's pickups. Nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award, the Tundra was also named as Motor Trend Magazine's Truck of the Year in 2000 and 2008. As of the 2007 model year, the Tundra carried 17% of the 1/2 ton full-size pickup market and single handedly beat the GMC Sierra in monthly sales. Today, the Tundra is assembled in San Antonio, Texas and Princeton, Indiana.

Strangely enough though, the first-generation Tundra was more popular with recreational pickup buyers than actual hard-core users. The Tundra was aimed more at those seeking an easy-to-drive commuter or customers tat wanted a utility vehicle that was capable of handling weekend trips to the local home depot. Not quite full-size in dimensions or work capacity, independent contractors or people with heavy trailers or boats to pull, were not interested in the original Tundra's limited body configurations, lower tow ratings and smaller size.

Sharing many similarities with the unpopular Toyota T100, the first generation Tundra was also quite similar to the more popular Toyota Tacoma. Though the Tundra was slightly larger than the T100, it unfortunately was perceived as being too small and ‘car-like' and wasn't any threat at all to other domestic pickup trucks.

One of the largest similarities was the utilization of the 3.4 liter V6 engine, which had been the top of the line engine in both the T100 and the Tacoma and was the base engine in the Tundra. Available engine choices for the Tundra included a 24V 3.4 liter V6 engine that produced 190 hp and 200 lb/ft of torque and a 32 valve 4.7 liter V8 engine that produced 245 hp and 315 lb/ft of torque. Sales of the Tundra were 120,000, more than double the rate of the T100. The Tundra also had the largest initial vehicle sales for Toyota in its entire history at the time.

Already available at the time was a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) derived supercharger engine for the 3.4 liter V6 that bumped the horsepower up to 260 hp and achieved 260 lb/ft of torque. The TRD also introduced a supercharger for the V8 engine near the end of the second year of production for the Tundra that pushed the V8 numbers to the mid 300 hp range and torque to the 400 lb/ft range. The V6 supercharger is still widely available, but the V8 supercharger is becoming more and more rare due to TRD ending production of the device because of issues regarding its compatibility with the engine.

Tundra prototypes and 'show trucks' were originally known as T150's but Ford and automotive enthusiasts discouraged the name as it seemed too close to the market-leader F-150. A lawsuit ensued and the production truck was dubbed the Tundra Ebay Boulay Strikes Again.

For 2003 the grille on the Tundra was updated and the Double Cab version joined the lineup in the 2004 model year. A genuine crew cab with four normal doors, the Double Cab featured interior and exterior details that were copied from the Toyota Sequoia. The bed of the Double Cab was almost 5 inches longer than the competing Ford F-150 or Nissan Titan and was also 13 inches longer and 3 inches taller than the Regular and Access cab versions.

For the 2005 model year, a brand new engine was introduced that was a 4.0 liter V6 rated at 236 ft/lb of torque. The 4.7 liter V8 was updated with Toyota's VVT-i variable valve timing technology that was rated at 271 hp and 313 lb/ft of torque. The 5-speed manual eventually morphed into a 6speed manual and a 5-speed automatic replaced the 4-speed. The Double Cab featured a towing capacity of about 6,800 lbs, and the Access Cabs and Regular Cabs came with a 7,100 pounds towing capacity.

The current version however was redesigned and was aimed at attracting only serious pickup buyers. With true full-size proportions, the Tundra was an American-built half-ton truck. The second generation came in three cab sizes; regular cab, Double Cab and CrewMax, with three different bed lengths and a choice of three engines. The Regular Cab and the shorter-bed Double Cab featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine as standard, and was rated at 236 horsepower and 266 lb/ft of torque. Optional on these models and standard on all other Tundra's was a 4.7-liter V8 engine that achieved 271 horsepower and 313 lb/ft of torque. All Tundra's featured an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine that achieved 381 hp and 401 lb/ft of torque. The smaller V8 and the V6 came teamed to a five-speed automatic transmission while the larger V8 was joined to a six-speed automatic. All of these versions were available with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

The Double Cab is basically a larger extended cab with four forward-hinged doors and the Tundra CrewMax is an extra-large crew cab. The regular cab came in just a basic Grade trim level only. Both the Double Cab and Crewmax are available in more upscale SR5 and Limited trim levels. Both the regular and Tundra Double Cabs came with a available bed length of a 6.5-foot or an 8-foot bed, while the CrewMax came strictly with a 5.5-foot bed. The Tundra was now on equal or higher standing with other competing half-ton pickups.

The Toyota Tundra is now equipped even easier for a variety of possible configurations as either a work vehicle or a family hauler. The Double Cab was medium-sized and was the extended-cab version of the Tundra and was just as large as many of the competitors' crew cabs. The huge Tundra CrewMax came with the roomiest four-door cab in the full-size segment. Inside, the current Tundra features extraordinary interior room with plenty of handy features and great road handling.

Introduced at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show; a larger Tundra was introduced with a variety of enhancements that included a towing capacity of up to 10,000+ lb and a payload capacity of over 2,000lbs, along with a new 6-speed automatic transmission. This was the second generation of the Toyota Tundra and 3 engines were now available, a new 5.7 liter V8 that produced 381 horsepower and 401 lb/ft of torque, a 4.7 liter V8 rated at 276 hp and 313 lb/ft of torque and a newly introduced 4.0 liter V6 that was rated at 236 hp and 266 lb/ft of torque.

The newest, second generation Tundra was introduced in February of 2007 and was available in 31 configurations that consisted of 3 bed lengths, 4 wheel-bases, 3 cab configurations, and 2 transmissions. The previous generations Access Cab was replaced with the new Double Cab. The previous generations Double Cab was also replaced with a brand new Crew Max; which was built to compete with the Dodge Ram Mega Cab. The Double Cab came with the available option of either an 6 and a half foot bed, a regular bed, or an 8 foot long bed. The Crew Max was only offered with a 5 and a half foot short bed.

A new 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode was standard with the 5.7 liter engine and gave it a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds. It also featured a quarter mile time of 14.7 seconds. Built to deliver power and fuel economy, the 5.7 liter is a VVT-i engine. The Toyota Tundra's 5.7 liter 4x2 engine was rated to deliver an estimated 20 miles to the gallon on the highway.

The newest generation of the Tundra was very popularly aimed at construction workers, because it included extra large door handles, headrests that could accommodate a worker with his hard hat on, a deck rail system and an integrated tow hitch. This newest model, as a standard model, also came with an automatic limited slip differential vehicle stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, traction control antilock brakes, brake assist and tailgate assist. Unfortunately the Toyota Tundra was priced at the extravagant MSRP of $22,290, which was priced more than the Chevy Silverado Work Truck and the base Ford F-150.

Other updates for 2007 included optional tow mirrors, a 27 US gallon fuel tank and the option of 22 inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, large center console, backup camera, extra-large disc brakes and 6-speed sequential automatic transmission.

This newest model of the Tundra is built in two different locations, both of them located inside the U.S. The 2008 Tundra model added 13 variations, bringing the grand total up to 44 model variants. This newest model featured even more additional features at an even lower price. A new 'Tundra Grade' trim was available, and was lower than the SR5 trim and was aimed at trades-folk, rather than the price conscious customer.

For 2009 the Toyota Tundra received an E85 fuel capability that was now standard and was equipped with the 5.7L V8 in very select regions. The TRD Sport package was also updated by Toyota this year and a TRD Rock Warrior Package was also introduced. Compared to the year previously, the Toyota Tundra's prices are estimated to rise 0.4%.

By Jessica Donaldson