2016 Lexus LX 570 Revealed – 2017 Toyota Tundra Powertrain Preview?
Tim Esterdahl | Aug 14, 2015 | Comments 16
Yesterday, Lexus unveiled a refreshed 2016 Lexus LX 570. While its “sweeping” new design, 20-inch wheels and an available heads-up display are great other items really stood out to us. We think these changes could easily show up in the 2017 Toyota Tundra.
The Lexus LX570 is one of our favorite vehicles next to the Tundra. We can’t wait to get our hands on the 2016 model.
Before we get to the changes, why would this vehicle’s equipment affect the Tundra? Easy. Toyota, like most OEMs, utilizes similar equipment and features throughout their lineup. This cuts cost and maximizes profit. For example, the Lexus LX 570 uses the same engine as the Tundra. This engine is officially known as the 3UR-FE and is found in: Toyota Tundra/Sequoia/Land Cruiser and Lexus LX570 Trucks. It is part of the UR family and is available in 4.6L, 5.0L and 5.7L.
Also, safety and technology features are also largely borrowed throughout the lineup. What does this mean for Tundra fans?
New Transmission
Undeniably the big news for truck fans is the 2016 Lexus LX 570 will come equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission mated to the 5.7L engine. This transmission will improve fuel economy in the Lexus truck.
The additional gears found in the 2016 Lexus LX 570 should find there way into the 2017 Toyota Tundra.
New Panaromic-View Camera
Also new in the Lexus LX 570 is a panaromic-view camera. Lexus calls this an “invaluable aid when hitching and maneuvering a trailer, viewing the surround terrain when off-roading, and helping view the area around the vehicle (sides, front and rear) when maneuvering tight spaces.” Sounds like ALL of these scenarios apply to Tundra owners as well. This seems really likely for a 2017 model.
This camera is viewed in a new, larger 12.3-inch screen. It shows several view combinations like: panoramic/driver’s side, panoramic/passenger’s side, panoramic/rear, panoramic/front, side/side, rear, front/side/side, underfloor/side/side, rear/side/side.
Better Fuel Economy
The new 8-speed transmission is a shoe-in for better fuel economy, but we see Toyota doing several other things. These things include items like weight reduction through additional high-strength steel, changes in aerodynamics with the weight loss, electric steering (like the Ford F-150 features) along with other nuisances. Add all of this up and around a 20 percent increase in fuel economy seems feasible.
This means, the Tundra could move from 15 mpg (combined) to 18 or 19 mpg (combined) in a 4×4, but that’s huge as far as CAFE is concerned.
BONUS: New Engine?
There is an ongoing debate going on between Jason and I on the timeline for the 5.7L V8 engine. The thinking is most Toyota engines have about a 10-year life span and the 5.7L V8 is getting real close to this age (2017).
Also, the new 2015 Lexus RC-F has a new 5.0L engine which seems pretty suitable for the Tundra. It is a 2UR-GSE V8 engine which features the Atkinson cycle. This engine could be plenty powerful 414 hp at 6,600 rpm and 373 lb·ft at 5,200 rpm.
Toyota would likely change up these specs through reprogramming the engine. With the weight savings from the smaller displacement and Atkinson cycle, this engine could really push the fuel economy numbers higher.
Whatever happens, our guess is the 2016 Detroit Auto Show would likely be the debut spot for any Tundra changes. However, the 2016 Chicago Auto Show could be a strong possibility as well. In any event, we foresee something happening with regards to powertrain changes very soon.
Filed Under: Tundra News
Very interesting. Did they release any EPA estimates for the LX 570?
I’m ready for a new truck but could wait for the 2017 model if it was possibly getting the new trans/engine.
Travis,
No, they didn’t release the MPG numbers. I’ve learned over the years, these figures simply aren’t available when they reveal a vehicle. The vehicle will likely be sent for testing in a week or two.
-Tim
These would certainly be nice improvements to the Tundra. The bigger question is whether Toyota will do anything at all with the Tundra as long as the SAT plant is running at full capacity.
My only concern is that they don’t start Frankensteining the powertrain like they have been with the rest of the new features (e.g. fuel tank and TBC). Where we get a new piece every model year. As long as they are selling trucks they seem in no hurry to make meaningful changes happen at the same time.
no where near enough torque out of that 5.0, also peak at 5200?
Not gonna like that
Well I hope so for everyone else……. now it will take ALOT for me to jump ship as I just traded my 10 in for a 15 with the TRD blower 🙂 who cares about mpgs now? not me LMAO although i’ll wish I had the 8 speed trans later as I’m guessing that will be a shoe-in!
I have ALWAYS wondered why in the world doesn’t Toyota add the Torsen Center Diff in the upper end Tundra’s like the Sequoia has………. seems as if that would be a REALLY nice addition.
5.0 sounds good! 8spd even better! Please for the love of god make the next tundra available with a 6.5ft bed! Fingers are still crossed for the Cummins 5.0!
2018 Model Year or if they get the parts together faster 2017.5 model year.
“Lexus LX 570 uses the same engine as the Tundra”. Not necessarily, it may be the same model but the engine for the LX570/Land Cruiser is built solely in Japan. Also the LX570/LC engine uses SFI while the Tundra use EFI. The same with the transmission, the LX/LC is built in Japan while the Tundra’s is built in the US. But do they share the same parts? I’m not entirely sure. Finally, the LX/LC is built in Japan and the Tundra, as we all know, is built in the US; more on this shortly.
Here’s my source of information:
http://www.nhtsa.gov/Laws+.....A)+Reports
It does make sense that a manufacturer could reuse some stuff, but a more influential factor is the location of assemble: they’re just about on opposite sides of the globe. And one more factor: Sweers. If HE doesn’t think the Tundra needs it, it won’t get it.
LJC,
I agree with your last statement about Sweers.
On the others, you bring up good points on assembly location, yet I don’t see that being an obstacle. Toyota is actively moving to a global platform and sharing parts/technology is going to be a big part of that plan.
-Tim
An 8-speed trans with a new engine w/more power and better mpg is exactly what I’ve been calling for. And is what it will take to get me back into a Tundra.
The 14 mpg was killing me, and the interior needs a refresh as well.
Crossing my fingeres for all of these things in 2017/2018.
Until then I’ll enjoy my Limited 4Runner.
Land Cruiser just got the 8-speed, so Tundra and Sequoia (if they dont’ cancel it) are probably next.
Goldie,
Hey! Quit stealing my story idea. LOL. I was just going to write that up.
-Tim
Tim,
Here’s another story idea for you. The 4.5L V8 diesel for the Australian market was just updated to meet Euro 5 emission standards. I don’t know how different Euro emission standard is from the EPA, but maybe this might be a sign that Toyota may bring the it to the US. 1VD-FTV backed by an Aisin 8-speed, that would be an awesome combo…oh well I can always dream about it for now.
Darn you Goldie! You are such a tease with these ideas.
I recently had a chance to talk with Cummins about this very topic. You are correct, the regulations are getting closer, yet the equipment costs are the same. With the increased cost, I have a hard time seeing Toyota pulling the trigger.
-Tim
Our 6 speed has a .54 to 1 ratio in 6th. I’ve seen newer 8 spds with a .approx. a .65 to 1 in 8th gear or a similar ratio to our 6th gear which makes no sense. The highest two gears should improve on our 6 spd’s, 6th gear.
Unless these 8 spds go better then .54 to like a .48 to 1 in 8th gear, it isn’t worth it. The spread of the first 6 gears will improve the acceleration in a heavy vehicle, but those last two gears would do a lot to be substantially under driven on the hwy during a long trip.
What are the gear ratios of this 8 spd? Is toyota making its own transmission – or using the Aisin?