Toyota is working on an all-new Tundra and rumors
have suggested the truck will be offered with a hybrid powertrain. Now, a new report from FTL Truck
suggests the next-generation Tundra could have a turbocharged or twin-turbo 3.5-liter
V6 engine which is backed up by a hybrid system with an electric motor and a
lithium-ion battery pack.
The powertrain is said to be similar to the one used
on the Lexus LS 500h. That model has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 hp. It is paired with a hybrid system that features two electric
motors and a lithium-ion battery. This setup enables the luxury sedan to have a
combined output of 354 hp.
The performance specifications on the LS 500h aren’t
too impressive, but the engine in the Tundra is claimed to have around 450 hp and 677 Nm of torque. The powertrain is also
rumored to give the truck a fuel economy rating in excess of 30 mpg.
That would be pretty impressive, but we’re a tad
skeptical. However, if the rumor is true, the next-generation Tundra would be
significantly more powerful than the current model which is offered exclusively
with V8 engines. The entry-level 4.6-liter V8 produces 310 hp and 442 Nm of torque. Likewise, the larger 5.7-liter V8 has 381 hp and 543 Nm of torque.
Toyota has been tight-lipped about the upcoming
pickup, but previous reports have suggested it will ride on an all-new platform
that will eventually be shared with the next-generation Tacoma. The truck is
coming “soon” and could be introduced next year as a 2021 model.
