|
Approach Angle - Fresh Ideas on Toyota Truck Features, Technology & News
Tundra fuel-economy features - Tundra engines are built for power to work and efficiency to save money.
A pickup truck must first be capable of towing and hauling specific weight loads to meet customer needs. Unfortunately, power does not always go hand in hand with fuel economy. Toyota engineers, however, have built a series of Tundra engines with many technological advantages to improve fuel economy without giving up performance. In other words, Tundra’s engines are among the most powerful of any competitor. Tundra’s towing and payload capacities are also among the best for all of its cab/bed configurations, not just one model that’s used for boasting big numbers in advertisements. Yet the Tundra still compares favorably when matching up EPA fuel economy estimates.
Toyota engine and transmission0Atechnologies share the spotlight in helping improve the Tundra’s fuel economy. And many of the features are easy to identify and explain.
All three engines—4.0-liter V6, 4.7-liter V8 and 5.7-liter V8—are dual overhead cam (DOHC) with 4 valves per cylinder. This design is much more efficient than the 2- and 3-valve per cylinder engines offered by most of the competition. Toyota Tundra engines also utilize variable valve timing w/ intelligence (VVT-i), which alters the valve timing depending on engine RPM and vehicle load to boost low-end torque without giving up top-end power and maintain optimum engine efficiency. The 5.7-liter is even more precise with Dual Independent VVT-i in controlling valve action to achieve power and improve fuel efficiency. The V6 and 5.7-liter engines have all-aluminum block/cylinder head construction to help reduce weight and save fuel.
Toyota engines have Electronic Throttle Control System w/ intelligence (ETCS-i). That means there is an electronic connection between the gas pedal and the engine, not a mechanical cable or link. ETCS-i understands what the driver wants by monitoring the gas-pedal position, but the sophisticated engine-management computer system sends instructions to the engine’s throttle based on what’s most productive. The computer also controls fuel delivery and ignition spark for the most efficient operation.
The overdrive transmissions are very effective at improving fuel economy. The 5-speed automatic is mated to the V6 and 4.7-liter V8 while a 6-speed automatic is teamed with the 5.7-liter V8. The latter transmission features two overdrive gears for increased economy during highway cruising. It also provides a very low First Gear for exceptional pulling power. Again, computer controls are programmed to shift both transmissions for maximum fuel efficiency.
Toyota engines are not only designed for optimum fuel efficiency and work capability, but they’re among the cleanest of any large gasoline pickup. All three engines are California rated Level 2 Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV II).
To learn more:
Toyota Truck Handbook, pages 24-25, 32-33
Toyota Truck Essentials I, Performance chapter, pages 5-13
Toyota Truck Essentials II, Technology chapter, pages 4-12
Toyota 2008 Source Book, Tundra chapter, pages 17-20
Also see Approach Angle #2, #9, #12, #13, #20, #23, #28, #32, #38, #54, #123, #139
Log onto www.Toyota-eShowroom.com - enter your SPIN and dealer code.
Next Approach Angle: Silverado talking points
Approach Angle - Fresh Ideas on Toyota Truck Features, Technology & News
Tundra Honored in JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study - Survey measures number of problems after three years of ownership.
For the second straight year, J.D. Power and Associates has ranked the Toyota Tundra top in its segment in the 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).
The Tundra beat out the Ford F-150, the Dodge Ram and the Chevy Silverado for this year’s honor. Of the 19 vehicle categories, Toyota won five and Lexus won six—both the best of any manufacturer in their respective division. Many of Toyota’s award winners were from the truck class, including Toyota RAV4, Highlander and Sequoia, and Lexus GX 470 and LX 470. The Tacoma finished second in its category.
According to J.D. Power, the VDS surveys owners of light vehicles about problems they’ve encountered during three years of ownership. The survey lists 147 total problem symptoms grouped into nine categories, similar to the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. About 3,800 Toyota customers and 1,500 Lexus customers completed the survey, said J.D. Power. The 2008 VDS covers 2005 model-year Tundras purchased from November 2004 through April 2005, and there’s no reason not to believe that the current-generation Tundra will continue to build on this success.
The rankings are important because vehicle brands with better long-term dependability retain loyal owners, have lower warranty costs and are more likely to be recommended to other shoppers.
The Tundra scored 159 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in the Large Pickup category followed by the Ford F-150 at 176 PP100, and the Dodge Ram at 206 PP100. The Silverado trailed the pack at 216 PP100.
Overall, Toyota vehicles averaged 159 PP100, which is well below the non-premium industry average of 209 PP100. Lexus was No. 1 with just 120 PP100. Toyota’s overall performance improved over 2007 when it scored 178 PP100.
Here’s how the other top-ranked trucks scored:
- Large MAV – Sequoia, 198 PP100, Chevrolet Suburban, 232 PP100, Ford Excursion, 239 PP100
- Midsize MAV – Highlander, 138 PP100; Buick Ranier, 168 PP100; Mercury Mountaineer, 169 PP100.
- Compact MAV – RAV4 and Honda Element both scored 166 PP100; Honda CR-V, 172 PP100.
To learn more:
www.jdpower.com
Log onto www.Toyota-eShowroom.com - enter your SPIN and dealer code.
(To access all previous Approach Angles, go to the Truck Business Development site (Vehicles > Trucks > Tacoma or Tundra ) and click on Training > Approach Angle.)
Next Approach Angle: Finding Truck Information
|
