Will Toyota discontinue the V8 engines in their next generation trucks and SUVs? There has been a lot of recent discussion about the upcoming new 2021 Toyota Tundra. We recently received a report from an anonymous insider source that the next Tundra will use a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 and a hybrid option. We also heard that specifically the 5.7-liter V8 will be discontinued (see the video below).
Now, we get another report from another anonymous source with insider information. The second source says the following:
base engine: turbocharged V6.
optional high-end engine: turbocharged V6 with an electric hybrid system.
The 5.7-liter V8 will require a significant investment to meet future emissions and fleet fuel economy standards.
The second source does not immediately say that the big V8 will be discontinued, but all information points to the fact that the V8 is unlikely to remain in the lineup for much longer.
This is unwelcome news to all people who love the V8 growl and relative simplicity of design. However, the future emissions and economy requirement may render the big V8 engines in light duty truck the thing of the past.
Keep in mind that Toyota is developing a shared truck architecture that will be shared among the next Tundra, Tacoma, Sequoia, and possibly 4Runner.
Basic V6?
Personally, I think the Tundra also needs a simple naturally aspirated V6 in its lineup. What is wrong with the 3.5-liter that’s currently in the Tacoma if it’s tuned for a little more torque and matched to an 8-speed automatic? This basic V6 would allow fleet buyers a lower entry price and easier maintenance.
Turbo-Diesels?
Everything we have heard from Toyota in recent history says that a turbo-diesel engine is unlikely in a future Tundra or Tacoma trucks in the United States.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell?
We know that Toyota has been working on a hydrogen fuel-cell all-electric powertrain for quiet some time. Toyota has a fuel-cell powered Mirai car and prototype fuel-cell semi trucks in California.
I think a fuel-cell Toyota Tundra is not out of the question, but it may not come in 2021 because of the lack of a hydrogen refueling infrastructure across the country.
There is another report that suggests that we will see the official debut of the 2021 Toyota Tundra in February 2020 at the Chicago Auto Show. That’s less than nine months away.
