In talking with Mike Levine of PickupTruck.com yesterday about the F-150 diesel, some interesting tidbits—actually nothing more than rumors at this point—came to light about Toyota's upcoming diesel plans.
As I'm sure you're aware, Toyota recently introduced a new DOHC 4V 4.5L V8 twin-turbo diesel in Australia in the Land Cruiser 200 (here ). Well that engine, or a variation of it, is coming here. That's not a surprise...
What is a surprise is that it likely will be offered with three transmission choices.
The current 6-speed automatic is pretty much a given, that's tranny # 1. Tranny # 2 is likely a 6-speed manual. The big question is what is tranny #3? We're guessing it's a CVT, and likely based on the very powerful Lexus LS 600h, which uses a CVT—but beefed up for truck-duty.
So, if the Tundra gets this diesel I think it's safe to assume that it will also find a home in the Toyota Sequoia, Land Cruiser and the Lexus LX560 (probably to be re-named the LX450d).
Again, this is all rumor and speculation at this point—but check back in a year or two, and see if we're right!
The current 6-speed automatic is pretty much a given, that's tranny # 1. Tranny # 2 is likely a 6-speed manual. The big question is what is tranny #3? We're guessing it's a CVT, and likely based on the very powerful Lexus LS 600h, which uses a CVT—but beefed up for truck-duty.
So, if the Tundra gets this diesel I think it's safe to assume that it will also find a home in the Toyota Sequoia, Land Cruiser and the Lexus LX560 (probably to be re-named the LX450d).
Again, this is all rumor and speculation at this point—but check back in a year or two, and see if we're right!
jerrywimer says:
03:19 AM, 05/ 1/08
Sounds cool. But what's a V4 4.5L V8?
rsholland says:
04:49 AM, 05/ 1/08
V4 = 4 valve per cylinder.
Hmmm... I guess it should have read 4V.
vacagrande says:
06:43 AM, 05/ 1/08
Do CVTs exist that can handle an engine like this? The strongest application I can think of is the Nissan VQ35 V6, although that has gotten relatively good reviews for a CVT.
rsholland says:
09:22 AM, 05/ 1/08
I mentioned the Lexus LS600h, which has a CVT. That vehicle is very powerful, much more so than the VQ35.
ateixeira says:
11:41 AM, 05/ 2/08
A CVT could keep the diesel engine in the boost all day long. Torque output should be sweet.