CHICAGO — Toyota unveiled a new 4.6-liter V8 engine for the 2010 Toyota Tundra at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show on Thursday with the aim of making its full-size pickup more affordable for a wider range of buyers. The company also introduced two new option packages for the 2010 Tundra, which goes on sale in April.
The new 4.6-liter V8 is available on all Toyota Tundras for 2010. It makes 310 horsepower and 327 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Toyota estimates 15 mpg in town and 20 mpg on the highway for the new engine, though you can expect that to vary depending on the drive configuration.
In a similar vein, Toyota introduced the Tundra Work Truck package, which subtracts as much as $655 from the price of the Tundra by eliminating many higher-end features. For example, manual outside rearview mirrors replace the power mirrors and black bumpers and grille replace chrome.
The Work Truck, as its name suggests, is intended for commercial buyers and those who are looking for a "tough no-frills truck with exceptional cargo and towing capacity." It's available on 4x2 and 4x4 models and comes with several engine choices, including the 381-hp 5.7-liter V8, which gives it a towing capacity up to 10,800 pounds. However, we're betting that the new 4.6-liter V8 will be the bigger draw for Tundra Work Truck buyers.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, there's the new Platinum Package, priced at $5,140, which dresses up the CrewMax Limited version of the 2010 Tundra. This model has a flex-fuel version of the 5.7-liter V8, along with a billet-style grille, chrome bumpers, Platinum-logo badging on the doorsills and 20-inch alloy wheels and tires. Inside, there's a power tilt-and-slide moonroof, a navigation system, perforated and ventilated leather seats, wood-trimmed shift knob and chrome-accented vents and controls.
Inside Line says: As good as the Tundra's big 5.7-liter V8 is, it makes for an expensive pickup, so we expect the new 4.6-liter V8, with its six-speed automatic, to be a popular choice. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent
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