For Those Who Desire the V8 for the 5th Generation

[Augdog1964]

I guess blame GM

My belief is GMs attempt at diesel cars in the late 70s early 80s DESTROYED the market for diesel cars in the US for a long time. I believe that is changing now. In europe the vast number of cars are diesel, petrol being the smaller number. Now not that we should copy Europe, its just an indication that they are the leaders in TDI diesel technology and its really incredible.

Audi, VW, BMW, and MB all have fantastic diesel options... we need to get moving here in the US. Maybe with the new F150 powersmoke we'll have something. I know I love my F450 powersmoke... Just too much power for daily driver!

Dave Bane
Augdog1964

 

[Hawkdog21]

I've heard all the reasons but I still can't fathom why we don't have more diesels available in the US. AUDI is one of the few companies bold enough to bring their models here...and I applaud them for it.

BTW.....

I haven't seen this one, the AUDI R15 TDI but I've seen the old R10 TDIs in person at Road Atlanta, Laguna Seca, and Infineon and they were a sight to behold, unbelievably fast, got great mileage (for a LMP car), were bulletproof, and startlingly quiet. You couldn't even hear them as they shot by at 150+ mph.

Well, thats the concept R15, the actually R15s look a bit different but are saaaweet. I think they took 1st and 3rd at sebring on their first time out.

I too have seen the R10s at RA, and you are so right, they are quiet. They do have a cool sound though, it sounds more like a jet engine whooshing by than a motor.



Sorry for the off-topic talk. I just think a diesel 4runner would be much smarter than a gas V8. If our 4runners got the 1VD-FTV (twin-turbo one for me thanks), we would get between 23-28 MPG while getting 270hp and 479 lbs. ft.

This might not be for everyone, I but for one would love this in my 4runner.

 

[philsey]

Having said this:

...Having owned a diesel meself.....

I can attest that this is right on the money:

....My belief is GMs attempt at diesel cars in the late 70s early 80s DESTROYED the market for diesel cars in the US for a long time...

I owned one the first year (1978 Olds wagon) they were sold. Absolutely the worst decision that I ever made. What a POS!

I said "never again" - who knows?

 

[bigbwb]

I sent an email as well requesting the V8 back.

Reply:
Thank you for contacting us.

We appreicate your interest in 4 Runner and we are sorry to learn that its current engine size fails to meet all of your driving expectations.

Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

We make every effort to manufacture a quality product by researching, testing, and constantly monitoring performance. Consumer opinion and perception also play an active role in our ongoing efforts to lead the automobile industry in quality, innovation, styling, and reliability.

It is through communications such as yours that we become aware of the reactions and expectations of our customers.

Your email has been documented at our National Headquarters. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us, Toyota Help.

Typical response, but it cant hurt to voice our opinion. I have a 2010 TE and my previous 2003 and 2006 both had the V8.

Brandon

 

[TRDSmokedU]

Thank for sending the e-mails. I think the trick will be to send them periodically to let Toyota know we have not forgotten about it. I think a diesel would be an awesome option but realistically, I don't think that is going to happen for a long time. I think we will see a diesel in the Tundra first and depending on the success will dictate if Toyota will use a diesel in any other vehicle.

 

[DaveS]

Knowing my luck when the diesel 4Runner finally arrives it will be in some ridculously priced hybrid setup that tows 3500lb.

 

[Hawkdog21]

Thank for sending the e-mails. I think the trick will be to send them periodically to let Toyota know we have not forgotten about it. I think a diesel would be an awesome option but realistically, I don't think that is going to happen for a long time. I think we will see a diesel in the Tundra first and depending on the success will dictate if Toyota will use a diesel in any other vehicle.

Well, I do agree with you that it will most likely never happen, just a reminder that all the diesels toyota has ever made besides the twin turbo version of the 1VD-FTV, have all been small diesels. Most have an output of less than 300 lbs ft of torque and are for light duty, making it seem that putting a diesel in a 4runner would be much easier (since they already do it in prados) rather than building a new diesel and tranny from scratch like they would for the Tundra.

I would love to see an HD version of the Tundra with a big fat diesel in it though :tongue:

 

[Woodztoy]

Just to let you guys know, Toyota has re-opend there Diesel R&D for North America they did this about a year ago. So weather that means that its just the Tundra or what I'm not sure.

 

[JasonCz]

Just to let you guys know, Toyota has re-opend there Diesel R&D for North America they did this about a year ago. So weather that means that its just the Tundra or what I'm not sure.

I know this thread has gone sideways, but I really think a diesel would better fullfill peoples demands for a torquey engine better than a gas V8.

Wasn't there a rumor a couple years ago that Toyota was partnering with Caterpillar for a diesel Tundra?

 

[Woodztoy]

LOL there has been that Rumor but not at all close to anything, ( from what I remember it was because CAT sposered the toyota nascar. Toyota own's Hino, and the Sema Tundra that had a diesel in it was an 8.0L Hino diesel. now that was back in 08

 

[JasonCz]

LOL there has been that Rumor but not at all close to anything, ( from what I remember it was because CAT sposered the toyota nascar. Toyota own's Hino, and the Sema Tundra that had a diesel in it was an 8.0L Hino diesel. now that was back in 08

Ok, thanks for clarifying. I wasn't really in the Toyota scene then. A Hino diesel is fine by me, but boy would Caterpillar bring name recognition and really draw some of the die-hard domestic truck buyers.

 

[Hawkdog21]

LOL there has been that Rumor but not at all close to anything, ( from what I remember it was because CAT sposered the toyota nascar. Toyota own's Hino, and the Sema Tundra that had a diesel in it was an 8.0L Hino diesel. now that was back in 08

I remember that, the concept truck was pretty cool, but I was not too surprised when nothing came from it.

Hopefully with the new Diesel R&D opening up that means they gotta be working on something (oh how I do ever so hope)

 

[TRDSmokedU]

I know this thread has gone sideways, but I really think a diesel would better fullfill peoples demands for a torquey engine better than a gas V8.

Wasn't there a rumor a couple years ago that Toyota was partnering with Caterpillar for a diesel Tundra?

Yes, but the V8 is already available and already doing well in the GX. The MPGs are way too close plus the 6 speed tranny is already mated to the 4.6. Toyota has been quiet lately, I am thinking something is going to happen soon with new engines and transmissions.

 

[Augdog1964]

Cat is no go...

Cat pulled all diesel development and engineering from over the road engines a couple years ago. Due to the diesel emission regulations and their position vs. Cummins they realized they couldn't compete without substantial money and reengineering. Add to that their labor issues that seem to come up from time to time and they folded it.

How do I know? We sold CAT diesel engine motorhomes on various platforms for the short years they were in the game.

Dave Bane
Augdog1964

 

[M1911]

Wasn't there a rumor a couple years ago that Toyota was partnering with Caterpillar for a diesel Tundra?

Toyota was working on a diesel for the Tundra, but not with Caterpillar. Toyota shelved the program, just as GM and Ford shelved their ~4 liter diesel engine programs for their light duty pickups.

Since then, I think GM or Ford may have restarted their program.

 

[Hawkdog21]

Toyota was working on a diesel for the Tundra, but not with Caterpillar. Toyota shelved the program, just as GM and Ford shelved their ~4 liter diesel engine programs for their light duty pickups.

Since then, I think GM or Ford may have restarted their program.

They have, GM is planning on the 4.5l duramax being in the 1500s by 2012.

I believe Ford is doing the same.

 

[DaveS]

I thought the Tundra diesel development that got shelved in 2009 was related in part to the investment Toyota made in Isuzu.

 

[harper7]

GF and I were out and had some time this morning so we stopped by the Lexus dealership in Grapevine to test drive a couple of vehicles. She test drove an ES11 that she wants to buy and I test drove a GX460 to feel the 4.6L V8.Told them I might trade the 4runner in...........not,but played their game.

It's a dual VVT-i of course like the new 4.0L and has the same higher rpm torque curve.In other words it felt like a dog too on the low end and didn't kick in til you floored it. Nothing like the feel of the older V8 with it's low end torque. Much smoother and quieter then the 4.0's though. Go test drive one ......it's free!

GX460's only take premium gas unlike the 4.6L in the Tundras that takes regular gas.A friend at work has the 4.6L in his '10 Tundra that I drove before and it felt waaay faster then the GX460 .Maybe the GX460 needed broken in more and the Tundras are probably much lighter.

 

[TexasAg]

Cummins V6 & V8

I know Cummins has built a V6 & V8 to possibly be used in a half ton truck.

 

[Koz]

She test drove an ES11 that she wants to buy and I test drove a GX460 to feel the 4.6L V8.Told them I might trade the 4runner in...........not,but played their game.

It's a dual VVT-i of course like the new 4.0L and has the same higher rpm torque curve.In other words it felt like a dog too on the low end and didn't kick in til you floored it. Nothing like the feel of the older V8 with it's low end torque. Much smoother and quieter then the 4.0's though. Go test drive one ......it's free!

I've owned the 4.7 (6 years) and now own the 4.6 and the 4.6 is more responsive, smoother, more powerful and gets better mileage. The low end is noticeably more sensitive, it may be the trans gearing and/or final gear ratio (3.91). I'm looking forward to towing my TT this summer.

Koz