Hybrid Tundra for Down Under

GOVERNMENT type approval documents obtained by GoAuto suggest the Toyota Tundra pick-up truck is close to Australian launch and appear to confirm that a single variant powered by the company’s new hybrid 3.5-litre turbo-petrol V6 powertrain will launch initially, despite several petrol-only prototypes spotted undergoing local testing.

The documentation refers to variant code VXKH75L-PSVLZA, which Toyota data maps to a Tundra in mid-spec Limited trim with short (167cm) cargo bed and 4x4 hybrid driveline.

Although consistent with Toyota Australia’s initial confirmation that local Tundra models will feature a hybrid system, it seems contradictory that non-hybrid models have been spotted on the streets of Melbourne bearing number plates lacking Victoria’s mandatory electrified vehicle (EV) placard.

Toyota has remained tight-lipped about launch commitments, suggesting the Tundra must pass local testing and validation before any commitments will be made over whether a petrol-only option could be on the cards for Aussie buyers.

“While this is exciting news for Toyota and Tundra fans alike, an Australian RHD Tundra faces further checkpoints in Toyota's global approval process before its retail introduction can be confirmed,” the company said in a satement.

Melbourne-based remanufacturing stable Walkinshaw – famous for its longstanding HSV partnership, has been selected as Toyota’s partner to re-engineer the Tundra for Australia.

Walkinshaw has form in this regard, already conducting factory-backed right-hand drive conversions for RAM 1500, 2500 and 3000 models as well as the Chevrolet Silverado.

Toyota describes the Tundra localisation program as “expected to set a new benchmark in Australia for the re-engineering of a full-sized pick-up truck from LHD to RHD”.

Much of the conversion parts, like steering racks and right-hand drive interior components, will be borrowed from the LandCruiser 300 but full details of the modifications are yet to be confirmed.

Uniquely, Toyota is taking an extra cautious approach for the Tundra conversion, with a plan to deploy about 300 examples with selected customers around Australia as part of the final stage its the RHD re-engineering program.

"This is a dedicated re-engineering program, led by Toyota Australia and made possible by our global partners and is closely supported by our parent company and Toyota North America,” said Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley, when the Tundra was first confirmed for Australia 11 months ago. 

“It will utilise OE levels of design, development, testing and componentry rooted in Toyota's deep commitment to quality, durability and reliability.

"This project shows just how serious we are at Toyota about quality, and a RHD Tundra will not be available for sale in Australia, until we are totally satisfied.”

Once it arrives Down Under, the large Tundra pick-up will serve as a big brother to Toyota’s top-selling HiLux with pricing – based on similar models already on sale – well into six digits.