Tundra Grade…interesting.

No one really bought the standard models, so it’ll be nice for them to maybe draw buyers who want something more basic.

how about one model that does everything?

How about a model that isn’t crap?

I like Toyota, but do we really need 13 models of any car?!?! I think 4 is too many. Dang, just put out a standard, sport, luxury, and industrial “tough” grade. This will get ridiculous like the Harley Davidson editions Ford has.

HoosierHero, 44 models isn’t much at all. I was thinking that Toyota needs extra models for the truck to survive. There’s enough niche buyers to warrant it. After all, trucks are the most configurable vehicles on the market. Before counting engine choices or trim designations, Chevy has 34.

Options out at 42k? What the xxxx is in it, to go from 27k for the 4×4 5.7L V8 to 42k?

it could come in 1000 different models and configurations, it’s still the ugliest truck out there.

Okay, I want a standard cab 4×4 5.7L 6A sunroof and all option delete (except for cruise) for $20k. Is that model available?

the autonews article mentioned an underlying reason for this was to get more moderately pirced units on dealer’s lots. They’ve had their asses kicked in the lower priced markets and need to succeed there to get the volume they want.

I wonder if any of the new models will get over 12 mpg?

44 and the 25 hybrid models are not even out yet

These trucks are awesome. Don’t knock ‘em cause they’re not from the big 3. They drive superb and have great HP and TQ out of the box. I hope Banks or some quality 3rd party comes out with some modes for even more TQ. Yeah, they may not be the best looking, but they at least are better looking than the Honda.

But that many models is stupid.

^i agree with that statement. mar solo

Even if they do look like a ‘cylon’ on wheels, I’m happy with them. Plus the wife approval factor weighs in alot here too. Mine can pull my 5th wheel 29′ with ease.

I want one with a Bowtie on the front

Maybe I’m starting to get too outspoken on this issue. Real truck drivers don’t want or need 4.30 rear ends on ‘half-ton’ trucks, especially when the low ratio is needed just to compete! Nor is a hopped-up 5.7L necessary. There’s just too many components compensating for other components. The truck is so poorly designed that if Toyota didn’t have great marketing and great rapport it’d never sell.

I want to buy a silver one and trick the top of the hood out with a red “cylon eye” LED bar! The rest of the truck has proportions that make it look as big as a battlestar so why not.

Wow they are pretty desperate

I think Toyota is chasing Ford in stupidity dept. When gas is going up and WILL be going up, do you really need to invest resources into model differentiation of the biggest truck? How average consumer who is shopping for truck will differentiate between them with options? is this marketed for engineers and statisticians who can dissect decision table/algorithm only? I hope that those plans were penned under their former honcho who joined Chrysler; it is either Toyota or Chrysler will be laughing.

13 models??? why???

Mr. Suppy, meet Mr. Demand.
GM, Ford, and Dodge better watch out, Toyota wouldn’t be building this kind of flexibility if they didn’t see a market for it…

global_lightning, I may have to eat a crow, but I cant imagine it being the right move. Toyota, unlike Honda, usually gives 2-3 trims & million options. Now there 13 trims (how they will take options away from dealers who love options?) and this will be less confusing?
BTW, they do not have diesel V-8, even Ford has one; it may need repairs daily, but they do offer one. This motherlover does suck 11-12 MPG (ok maybe 14 with V6 & rwd), but at 2.75-3/gallon it is a testicle buster.

global_lighting – What you basically said is “whatever Toyota does is right, so I trust them that they made the right decision and now the domestics need to watch out”

This is a perfect opportunity for Toyota. They’re expanding their lineup to attack the Big Three. Even if you naysayers are correct, that gas prices will destroy the truck market, then Toyota is still wise to sell the Tundra. If, with Toyota’s huge resources, they can take a majority marketshare of Ford and GM’s biggest stronghold, then it would surely be a crippling move. Especially if the market (according to some of you) is or will be tanking. I think that Toyota would gladly eat the losses if it meant that it’s main competitor (GM) was defeated.

All these “trim” levels are irrelevant if the basic line doesn’t include diesel.

If Toyota is so perfect and only builds what people crave why are they offering such big incentives to get rid of the fugly Tundras currently ugly-ing up dealer lots? The new Silverado puts this monstrosity to shame.

Grande? Remember the GMC Sierra Grande? LOL

What Toyota has done is entered a 1/2 ton market with a 9/16 ton truck. People buy 1/2 ton trucks because they need some towing power but they’re not towing stuff like 5th wheelers. Wow the Tundra does have power but truck owners know if they want something that will tow alot of weight, get a 3/4 ton truck so you have a frame, trans, suspension to match. Guarentee you a Tundra moving alot of weight wil see transmission failure at 50k or some other form of fatigue…

But the F150 still tows more hehe

the new tundra is a joke.. the inside is very cheap.. the new 09 dodge ram and f150 will blow this jap crap away.

We ran 6 2009 F-150’s 2 weeks ago all the way through, all crew cabs and I think night shift ran a super. Base motor looks to be a 3 valve 4.6, upgraded 5.4, 6.0 due out later with the diesel I am told. All had 6 speed trannies. Truck is all new from A-Post forward. Longer crew cab, and is 2 to 3 inches taller. Tail lights look like a tundra, all were Top of the line King Ranches with all the bells and whistles. Front end has a massive one piece all aluminum radiator support. One thing that concerned me was the steel STAMPED lower control arms instead of the big forged aluminum ones we use now. Interior is awesome. Had fold away box steps behind cab to get into the front of the box, and step tail gate. From what I could see ( alot of wrap on truck, I mean covered) it looks better than the Chevy. I see all this rumour about a September 08 launch, no way. I hear as soon as March or April. We need this out NOW. This thing to me is huge, and I drive an 04 crew cab 4×4.Kansas City F-150 is down this week and next due to inventory and more new tooling upgrades being installed for the 09, have had alot of construction since July, they are in here every day.I hope it’s another winner with all these new powertrains.

I have a crewmax and it’s the best thing i’ve ever owned…i drive it with pride and it’s SO pimp status!!! my truck is the best one compared to others where ever i pull up! thanx TOYOTA!!!!