Tundra 5.7L V8 gets flex-fuel option for '09
Toyota has announced updated pricing information for the 2009 Tundra full-size truck, along with a few new options that weren't available before. Chief among these new features is flex-fuel capability on the largest, most powerful 5.7L engine option. Toyota has been planning on adding this capability since the new Tundra was introduced, which makes sense considering that all of its major competitors offer the ability to run on ethanol mixtures higher than 10 percent. The Japanese automaker will specifically be focusing in on the Midwestern states where E85 is more common, and will in fact be made standard on four-wheel drive models in certain areas. There will be no price increase on models equipped with the ethanol capability, which is good since the 2009 Tundra can top out at well over $40K. Prices have risen only modestly across the line - just an average of four percent, or $109 per truck for the new year.
[Source: Carscoop]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tem Kuechle 4:19AM (11/30/2008)
These flexfuel vehicles should be able to run on e100 (100% alcohol). As far as I can understand they can't yet. I don't have a link, but I think that if these engines are high compression, then the higher octane in alcohol fuels can be taken advantage of providing equal mpg and more power. Maybe, someday this will happen.
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MikeW 5:24PM (11/30/2008)
Not really.
The extra fueling can supposedly help cylinder charging
3.55% extra peak torque
3.49% extra peak power
http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2009/HPT%20Library/Gen%20IV/Gen%20IV%20Truck/2009_Vortec_53L_LMG_Silverado.pdf
MikeW 5:34PM (11/30/2008)
Toyota should add direct injection, for better power/mileage in the 5.7
Toyota should offer taller axle ratios with the 5.7 (enlarge the diameter of the 3.909 ring/pinion gearset to be compatible with the 5.7)
6 speed automatic across the board.
How about new heads for the 1gr-fe (use the 2gr-fe, call it a 1.5gr-fe)
Supercharged 2gr-fse to replace the old 4.7 V8.
No, they offer practically useless E70/85 compatibility.
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PVin 7:59AM (12/01/2008)
Can you explain me why do you need a 5.7L Engine ???
Is it a Long 18wheels Truc k :) ( Ok a 18 Wheele in EUrope as Around a10L Diesel Engine ) so it'as a 9 wheels Truck ;)) ??
Why not start reducing the engine to AT LEAST a 3L - pretty sure it could do the same job if it was coppled with a turbo or a more eficient work ...
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MikeW 10:00AM (12/01/2008)
Because the other engines suck.
The 4.7 V8 uses a timing belt, pass.
The 4.0 V6 is one of the crappier members of the GR engine family. and both the 4.0 & 4.7 use the old 5 speed auto, not the 6 speed.
PVin 9:55AM (12/02/2008)
Then you should really consider ( you the US automakers) reduce the Engine sizes before thinking about hybrid or non Hybrid....
I dont see any use of big powerful engines just to go out for supermarket...
Even for off road since the article is about a pick up...
MikeW 10:58PM (12/02/2008)
I'd like to see Toyota put the 8 speed auto in the Tundra.
But it probably wouldn't work with the TRD optional supercharger for the 5.7 (500hp)
A 330hp supercharged 2gr-fse would be perfect with the 8 speed auto. We don't need V8s.
PVin 8:47AM (12/03/2008)
Ok That would be a change but still if a vehicle is used for daily 40 mile rides do you really need a 5.7L or 330hp - for what ? speed limit in motorways USA are even more strict than Europe - AND - probably even more controlled..
So still 330hp are good for ... earing the V8 engine :D - and have a start to 60 in 5 Sec....;
Still a waste of Gas .
A Smaller Engine would be better - and then they could couple an Hybrid engine to add up power ...
ANd the consumer would still get an excellent power ratio + a minimal gas comsuption...