The bigger, badder Hilux; RHD 2023 Toyota Tundra models set to start testing in Australia
Arvind · Sep 13, 2023 09:00 AM
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The first units of right-hand drive (RHD) converted Toyota Tundra full-sized pickups are set to start testing in Australia very soon.
This is first time the bigger, badder brother of the Toyota Hilux, the Tundra, has been adapted for an RHD market, previously only available as a Left Hand Drive for the US market.
According to Australian automotive website GoAuto, the first 50 units of converted RHD Tundras will be delivered to potential customers for long-term evaluations in December 2023; to gauge performance and overall reliability.
Converting to RHD goes beyond just moving the steering wheel, it requires a rethink of the overall cabin architecture, and electronics, as well as adapting other structural and mechanical hardware
In all, some 300 potential customers will have the opportunity to lease the RHD Tundra as part of a real-world evaluation and validation program dubbed the Tundra Insider Program.
Sean Hanley, VP of Sales, Marketing and Franchising of Toyota Australia said, “We have been testing and evaluating the re-engineered right-hand drive Tundra for the past 12 months and are confident it more than meets our exacting quality, durability and reliability standards and we are looking forward to receiving feedback from potential customers.”
The extensive program began last year. Toyota partnered with Walkinshaw Automotive Group, for its experience in this type of work, to develop and build Tundra RHD vehicles for Australia.
The program also sets a new benchmark in Australia for the re-engineering of a full-sized pick-up truck from LHD to RHD. It will include adopting key components from Toyota's comprehensive global parts catalogue, including the steering column and rack, accelerator, brake pedals and shift lever from the Land Cruiser 300 platform.
Australian-specified Tundra Limited variants feature the ‘i-Force Max’ 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 hybrid that develops a whopping 448 PS and 790 Nm of torque. The more powerful of two 3.5-litre V6s offered on the Tundra in the US market.
The engine is coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission driving a part-time four-wheel drive system with a dual-range transfer case.
According to GoAuto, standard equipment includes synthetic leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with driver’s side power adjustment, dual-zone climate control, and a 14.0-inch infotainment screen and JBL premium audio system.
First Australian customers will receive their RHD Tundras in December, with all 300 units expected to be delivered by the end of April 2024.
Arvind can't remember a time when he didn't wheel around a HotWheels car. This love evolved into an interest in Tamiya and RC cars and finally the real deal 1:1 scale stuff. Passion finally lead to formal training in Mechanical Engineering. Instead of the bigger picture, he obsesses with the final drive ratio and spring rates of cars and spends the weekends wondering why a Perodua Myvi is so fast.
