A Toyota: Some of these concept vehicles are "runners" and some aren't. We store them but currently have no plans to make them available in a museum setting. These vehicles can be used as a reference when future product design studies are underway.
Tow Rig Tundra
Q Is a heavier-duty Tundra a possibility, or has that program been scrapped?
A Toyota: We have nothing to announce at this time.
4WOR: We'll take a diesel dualie like your concept vehicle.
Terrain-Tamer Tundra
Q Why are there e-locker options for the Tacos and 4Runners but never for the Tundras? Will there be one in the future now that Tundras are making a name for themselves off road?
A Toyota: There are currently no plans to offer an e-locker for the Tundra. Our anticipated consumer use for Tundra indicated it would be more appropriate to equip Tundra with our A-TRAC system for the off-road conditions we envisioned it operating in.
4WOR: Ford announced a rear selectable locker in the back of its Super Duties, and Dodge has it in its Power Wagon. Just saying.
Toy-Tech
Q Is there a place where I can find hard technical data for my truck and other Toyota vehicles such as spring rates, torque specs, and power/load limits for drivetrain components?
A Toyota: These data items are typically not published. Currently there is no reference data to provide on these areas of driveline performance.
Toy U.
Q I've heard of Toyota University. Is this something I can attend or contact for information as a Toyota owner?
A Toyota: That is the name of our corporate training division. Toyota University produces training courses and materials on the products to both the dealer sales force and technicians, as well as to internal corporate departments, and also provides training to corporate associates on various work-process subjects.
4WOR: Are there Toyota fraternities and sororities? Like Pi Tapa Toy, Lambda Loda Tacoma, or Alpha Beta Cruiser?
Automatic Taco Taste
Q Why did the previous-model Tacoma Double Cab only come with an automatic transmission?
A Toyota: At that time, it was determined that there would be very limited demand for a manual gearbox from the Tacoma Double Cab customer.
Toyota Listens
Q There are many complaints of wheel chatter and chassis flex in the Tundra during highway driving over expansion joints. Is this being addressed in newer Tundras? What type of upgrades can we see?
A Toyota: We have nothing to announce at this time regarding changes to the Tundra chassis; however, all our products are evaluated in various areas of vehicle performance. We also utilize customer feedback in our evaluations.
Traveling Toy
Q Toyota has a multitude of off-road vehicles: FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, 4Runner Trail, and Tacoma TRD. If I were setting up an around-the-world road trip, which vehicle would you recommend as the best expedition off-road machine?
A Toyota: This is a very difficult question. We feel that any of these vehicles could get you where you want to go.
4WOR: Boo! All right, we'll answer for you. The four-door Tacoma with a small camper shell would make the best expedition vehicle (excluding some of the cool diesel solid-axle trucks you can get in other parts of the world). It is cheaper than the Land Cruiser, larger than the FJ for hauling people or gear, and available with a rear locker like the 4Runner. The Tacoma has a rugged leaf-spring rear suspension and a great 4.0L V-6. Add a winch bumper up front, some cargo drawers with a sleeping mattress on top in the back, and maybe an auxiliary fuel tank.
4by Hybrid
Q As lame as I think the Prius is, I understand the value of a hybrid for fuel economy. Any chance we could see a true hybrid off-roader from Toyota? Or would all the batteries short-circuit when the thing drove into a deep stream?