Tim Esterdahl | Nov 04, 2013 | Comments 32

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In a recent video interview on Autoline after dark, Chief Tundra Engineer Mike Sweers hints that a new transmission and differential ratios are coming fueled by the CAFE requirements. Check out the video.

With the pending CAFE requirements, a new transmission with new differential ratios seems like a no brainer. Sweers admits that nobody really knows what a full-size truck will look like in 2024 (the second CAFE deadline). He shares his personal stories and reasons for many of the 2014 changes.

The video starts midway through the show. Also, there are moments when the journalists respond to questions that aren’t Toyota specific. Here it is.

Our takeaways are:

25% of 2014 Tundras are sold with the top-of the line packages (Platinum or higher)…wonder if this number will hold.

27% of Tundras are sold to people who used to own domestics

Future models may have the option of more than one rear axle ratio…another good indicator that a new transmission is coming

No plan to merge the Hilux and Tacoma…but that doesn’t mean that these vehicles couldn’t share some components

No plans for a bigger, stronger motor than the 5.7

Diesel is unlikely (which is what we’ve heard for a long time…)

Diesel exhaust systems cost $3k in addition to the premium for the engine, and that number is likely to increase in 2017 when the new emissions regs kick in

HINO makes the Tundra’s rear diff

What do you think?

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