Autoblog

Toyota swung for the fences when they unveiled the Toyota Tundra in Detroit, with an optional 381 HP V8, 10,500 pound tow rating, and huge proportions. The problem is, ever since the vehicle hit dealer lots, it seems as though one piece of bad news is hitting the pickup after another. First came rebates on the brand new Tundra, which is almost unheard of for any Toyota out of the blocks. Almost immediately after that, we told you about the four star NHTSA crash test rating of both the Regular and Double Cab Tundra. Next the folks from Aichi Japan got a bit of a reprieve when the IIHS gave the Tundra a "Good" rating, which lent some credence to Toyota's claim that the Tundra should have scored better on the NHTSA test.

Now NHTSA is giving the Tundra another four star black eye, this time on the popular CrewMax model. Even worse, the folks over at PickupTruck.com astutely pointed out a 40-percent variation in head injury scores between the regular cab and the CrewMax. With lower scores being better, the Crew Max scored a 677, while the Regular Cab receives a 486. At the same time, the Tundra's competitors are hitting five-star crash test scores, Toyota's biggest truck is now sporting an unenviable trifecta of four-star models, although we can't find any pictures or details of the Double Cab tests, and test data of the Regular and Double Cab are identical.

With Toyota's stellar safety record and the "Good" IIHS test scores, we find the results of the NHTSA scores to be puzzling, but with tests completed on more than one Tundra variant, the four-star bottom line doesn't look good for the all-new Tundra. You can check out the short video of the CrewCab crash after the jump.

[Source: PickupTruck.com]

Toyota's foray into the world of full-sized pickups has taught the company several lessons –- the hard way. According to Automotive News, the automaker is trying to adjust the production of certain trim levels to meet market demand; increasing output on some, while reducing others.

The CrewMax pickup, sporting the range-topping 5.7-liter V8, is Toyota's biggest seller, to the point where supply isn't keeping up with demand. What was originally thought to comprise between 50- and 60-percent of sales is, in actuality, closer to 70- to 80-percent. As such, Toyota is in the process of cutting back production of the standard-cab model, equipped with either the V6 or 4.7-liter V8, since sales of the entry-level truck aren't meeting expectations.

One of the other factors differentiating the Tundra from its domestic competitors is the standard equipment, including safety features, that the Big 2.5 considers optional extras. Naturally, this inclusion of more toys increases the price of the Tundra, possibly scaring off potential customers.

Other lessons learned by Toyota execs include a higher rate of trade-ins (up 20-percent), which is populating dealer lots with an excess of used cars, plus the fact that online inquiries about the Tundra are matching the numbers generated by the Camry –- a sign that Toyota's message is getting out. Which is great for Toyota, as long as they have the stock to meet demand.

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]

click on image above to view 68 high-resolution images of the Tundra CrewMax

Constantly pushing to increase its stake in the US market, Toyota debuted in Detroit today the Tundra CrewMax, a spy shot of which we brought you a month ago. The CrewMax is a full four-door version of the company's new, all-American full-size pick-up, The regular and double-cab of the Tundra made their debuts at the Chicago show last February, and will reportedly be in showrooms this February, with the new CrewMax following in March.

More on the Tundra after the jump, as well as Toyota's full press release with more specs and detailed info. You can also view our high-resolution gallery full of 68 (!) pics, some live and some official glamour shots.

Toyota has announced that the 2007 Tundra CrewMax (read: four-door model) will be unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in early January. But why wait until Autoblog arrives in Detroit next month to see the big behemoth, we have a blurry cameraphone pic of the CrewMax for you now. The photo was found by Autoblog reader Terry D. on SnoWest.com, a snow mobile forum of all places. Forum member polarman posted the shot along with some incredibly detailed information on the Tundra, which can be read after the jump. He claims to be in the know because he is a Toyota dealer, so while all bets are off concerning the veracity of the following claims, it's quite possible polarman's telling the truth.

Follow the jump for inside info on the Tundra's towing capicity and horsepower rating, as well as the company's official press release announcing the debut of the Crew Max in Detroit.

[Source: Toyota and SnoWest.com]