Toyota plans 13 new versions of Tundra for 2008

[dascrow]

By Chris Tutor

That's 13 new versions of the Tundra for 2008. The new variations all come from the addition of what Toyota calls the Tundra Grade, which slots in above the plain Tundra, but "just below the SR5" grade which is mere inches from the Limited Grade. Got all that? Good, now throw in two transmission options, three engine choices, regular cab, Double Cab or CrewMax, two bed lengths, two- or four-wheel-drive, and a partridge in a pear tree and you get a total of 44 different ways to order your truck.

The Tundra Grade lets customers get the popular CrewMax and Double Cab options without paying for extras on the Limited and SR5 levels and starts at $24,715 for a V6, Double Cab, 4x2, automatic, and goes up to $27,685 with the addition of a V8 and the CrewMax cab.

Tundra's top-of -the-line Limited trim with the Double Cab, V8, automatic and 4x4 starts at $38,770 and goes up to $42,070 with the addition of CrewMax seating.

You can read Toyota's full press release after the jump to see what other options are now standard on what levels. Toyota is definitely aiming straight for Chevy and Ford with these new variations, and are obviously intent on selling more than 200,000 Tundras in 2008.

Toyota plans 13 new versions of Tundra for 2008, sets pricing - Autoblog

[dascrow]

[Source: Toyota]

October 2, 2007 - Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. (TMS), Inc. expanded the Tundra full-size pickup truck lineup for 2008, adding 13 new model variations and enhancing standard equipment levels to create a greater value. The 2008 Tundra now offers a choice of 44 model variations in three cab styles. Since its introduction in February 2007, Tundra's share of the half-ton full-size pickup truck segment has more than doubled, going from eight to 17 percent.

"Tundra has been an outstanding success for Toyota and its dealers, and additions to the 2008 model line are intended to maintain our momentum," said Bob Carter, Toyota Motor Sales group vice president and Toyota Division general manager. "Despite tough market conditions, Tundra retail sales were up 57.9 percent through September YTD, and we are on track to achieve our goal of 200,000 unit sales for 2007."

The biggest change for the 2008 Tundra is the increased availability of the two most popular cab styles – Double Cab and CrewMax – in the newly named "Tundra Grade," to increase their appeal to price conscious customers. Previously, these four-door models were available only in the intermediate SR5 and top-line Limited Grades. The new Tundra Grade, positioned just below the SR5, is equipped with all of the key standard features consumers expect in their truck, adding up to a great value.

Toyota is bolstering the value of the Tundra SR5 Grade Double Cab and CrewMax by increasing standard equipment. For 2008, these models include the previously optional power bucket front seats, AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer, cold kit, heated mirrors, and mud guards as standard, at a lower price than for a similarly equipped 2007 model.

The Tundra Limited Grade Double Cab and Crew Max models add the formerly optional front and rear parking sonar, cold kit, and mudguards to the standard equipment list, all at a lower price. Finally, the Tundra Grade regular cab model features more rugged work truck styling for 2008, with a new chrome bumper and matte-black grille surround replacing the shiny black front bumper and grille surround.

The Tundra line-up sets a new benchmark in the full-size pickup truck segment for performance, capability, and standard safety features. The 2008 Tundra is available with 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains and offers three cab styles, three wheelbases, three bed lengths, three engines, and three trim levels.

The Double Cab is the top-selling volume Tundra configuration, accounting for 68-percent of non-fleet sales. The larger CrewMax accounts for 26 percent of Tundra sales. Tundra's available 381-horsepower i-Force 5.7L V8 is one of the most powerful engines available in a half-ton full-size pickup and is chosen by 72 percent of customers.

All Tundra models feature the Toyota STAR SAFETY SYSTEM™ as standard equipment, giving Tundra one of the most comprehensive suites of standard safety technology in the full-size pickup truck category. The system includes ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC).

The manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2008 Tundra Regular Cab ranges from $22,290 for the Tundra grade 4x2 with V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, to $27,770 for the long-bed 4x4 with 5.7L V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

Tundra Double cab MSRP ranges from $24,715 for the Tundra grade 4x2 with V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, to $38,770 for the Limited grade 4x4 with 5.7L V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.


Tundra CrewMax MSRP ranges from $27,685 for the Tundra grade 4x2 with V8 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, to $42,070 for the Limited grade 4x4 with 5.7L V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

2008 Tundra will begin arriving in dealerships in mid-October. The addition to the Tundra lineup consists of 13 all-new "Tundra grade" models for each of the Tundra SR5 Double Cab and CrewMax models.

[kss8]

Are there any color changes planned for the 08 crewmax? also is there any chance of a 6.5' bed on the crewmax?

[BlackMax]

Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Print this Comment on this E-mail this

Toyota adds cheaper Tundras

Toyota Motor Corp. will add 13 more versions of its full-size Tundra pickup, including lower-priced models with fewer features, as Japan's largest automaker targets a bigger share of U.S. truck sales.

Changes for the 2008 model year include "Tundra Grade" DoubleCab and CrewMax trucks for $1,400 and $1,990 less than the cheapest 2007 versions, Toyota said Tuesday. They are aimed at buyers who need a basic work vehicle, said Irv Miller, vice president for U.S. communications.

"We want to have the opportunity to deepen our market, to attract more on the work side, the lower end, people that didn't need some of the equipment that had been standard," Miller said on a conference call.

Toyota is seeking a 60 percent boost in 2007 sales of full-size pickups, a segment dominated by Ford Motor Co., General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC.

The new Tundra, which debuted in February, offers size and engine power that matches or beats U.S. rivals' for the first time. It also cost more.

Tundra sales are up 58 percent this year through September to a record 144,480. The 2008 trucks go on sale this month.

Toyota said the new Tundra will be available in 44 variations, an increase from the 31 initially offered on the redesigned 2007 model. The automaker pared the price on the Tundra Grade trucks by removing the towing package, styled steel wheels and chrome bumper as standard equipment, spokesman Bill Kwong said.

Offering the lower-cost models will help Toyota compete in the "$23,000 to $28,000 segment where 25 percent of the industry resides," said Miller, who is based at Toyota's U.S. sales headquarters in Torrance, Calif.

The Tundra is built in San Antonio and in Princeton, Ind.

[HoustonPerson]

Does anyone have facts?

Any payload changes (increases)? Any frame/spring changes?

Specifically interested in CrewMax Limited 4x4, Big Tow, Off-Road

[Kensaku]

Originally Posted by kss8

Are there any color changes planned for the 08 crewmax? also is there any chance of a 6.5' bed on the crewmax?

CrewMax with a long bed would be nice. Of course, it doesn't do me any good

[akabuzz]

I would have liked to see a DC, LB in SR5 or Limited.