Future Truck Rumors – August 2011 Edition
Jason Lancaster | Aug 08, 2011 | Comments 26
Over the past week, a lot of news has hit regarding future pickups. From Chevy to Toyota, news has been flying. Here’s a total summary of every future truck news item, starting with our favorite, the Toyota Tundra:
2014 Toyota Tundra: Will be released in 2013. Will feature a more aerodynamic and traditional look, a completely new interior, a redesigned frame, and the same V8s we have now. Look for variable valve lift and direct injection technology to add power to the 5.7L as well as boost efficiency, as well as some assorted small additions. See full article on 2014 Toyota Tundra.
2013 Toyota Tacoma: The 2012 Tacoma is a relatively minor refresh, only 2013 will see a new set of engines. Rumors are that some sort of turbocharged and/or direct injection engine will be available.
2014 Scion/Prius Pickup: As we reported back in September 2010, rumors of a 2014 Scion pickup – with a Prius hybrid pickup coming along as well – are picking up steam. According to our Toyota sources, this truck has been talked about for a long time, with doubts that consumers will buy a small unibdoy pickup being the major concern. However, if these same rumors are to be believed, this Scion pickup will be both affordable ($22-$25k target price) and fuel efficient (25mpg minimum). The Prius version could see a rating as high as 35mpg…not bad for a pickup that will haul at least 1,000 lbs and tow more than 3500 lbs.
2014 F150: PickupTrucks.com is reporting that the 2014 F15o will offer not one, but THREE EcoBoost V6s, with the V8 lineup all but being replaced. The new EcoBoosts will be 2.7L and 3.0L in size, with the 3.0L destined to replace the 3.7L V6. This means Ford will be offering as many as six F150 motors in 2014:
- 6.2L V8
- 5.0L V8
- 3.7L V6
- 3.5L EcoBoostV6
- 3.0L V6 (same output as 3.7L but 15-20% more efficient)
- 2.7L V6 (F100 or Ranger engine – see below)
2014 Ranger or F100: Ford has cancelled the small Ford Ranger pickup. However, a “Ranger edition” F150 (also possibly known as an F100) is said to be on the way. The truck will feature the same frame and chassis as the F150, only it will be smaller and it will use the new small V6 currently in development.
2014 GM Silverado-Sierra: According to PickupTrucks.com, the next generation GM trucks will feature engine enhancements and six-speeds across the board. [GM – welcome to the 21st century! Thanks for joining the 6speed revolution…can you bring Ram with you?] The next-gen GM trucks will also feature a turbocharged V6 designed to compete with Ford’s EcoBoost.
2014 Honda Ridgeline: According to PickupTrucks.com, 2013 *IS* the very last model year of the current Ridgeline (we predicted it would die in 2012. Missed it by one year). However, there are discussions of a smaller replacement for the Ridgeline coming out that will be based on…wait for it…a Civic.
2014 Nissan Titan: According to Automotive News, the next-gen Titan will feature a 4cylinder Cummins diesel that is rumored to be capable of 28mpg…pretty exciting news if it is indeed true (and this is a very reputable news source, so that’s likely the case).
2013 Nissan Frontier: Again, according to Automotive News, the 2013 Frontier will be re-skinned.
2015 Ram 1500: The only rumor is that Cummins and Ram are cooking up a light-duty diesel. Considering that Nissan is using a Cummins diesel in the next Titan, and considering that Titan and Ram had a deal to share a pickup truck platform, it seems likely the Ram 1500 will indeed get the diesel…but probably not before the Titan has a chance to run with it. UPDATE: Ram’s 1500 will also be getting an 8 speed transimission by the 2015 model year (that’s 2014 in the real world).
2014 Ram Dakota: Still supposedly on the way, still based on the Chrysler-Fiat minivan platform, and still anyone’s guess if this will be a good attempt at a car-based compact pickup.
2014 Jeep Pickup: Not in the cards at this time – still just a concept.
Finally, it’s not a pickup but
2014 Toyota Sequoia: Will not be based on the next-gen Tundra. According to Automotive News there is still debate in the company on this, but our sources are adamant that the Sequoia will not be canceled. If that is the case, it seems likely the Sequoia and Land Cruiser will end up sharing a platform.
Filed Under: Auto News
I’m still patiently waiting on TRD to get the supercharger compatible with my 5.7 flex. I’ve learned from some friends in Dubai that Hennessey teaches mechanics how you can install a supercharger with the 5.7 flex. I think Jason should pay to have mine done, then he can review it for the site….c’mon you know you want to.
[…] Tundra and other news… Alot of news lately…Tundra to get direct injection and valve lift… Future Truck Rumors – August 2011 Edition | Tundra Headquarters From what I know about direct injection Toyota should not have any issues with bumping HP by […]
Wow, if Ford scraps the V8’s for all V6 engines, I wonder how many loyal Ford owners will part ways? Seems to me Ford is going to make the biggest change in engines for sure and GM is once again trying to catch the pack with 6 speed trannys across the board. Man, if that is the case, I foresee the v8 tundra winning hands down with direct injection and more hp/fuel efficiency in terms of the most powerful V8 out there once again in a stock 1/2 ton truck. Can’t wait to see the design inside and outside though and sure hope they don’t screw it up.
GM has had 6 speed trans for hd trucks fo years, no one I know uses them across the board, the writer and yours comments on welcome gm is confusing??
Reality there anonymous is when you actually open your eyes and see what you really have.
Say what Mickey? Never mind. There, isn’t anything could do to explain that statement. What you have Mickey is Tundra sharing the bottom 10% of the market with Titan. That is reality.
Rob – LOL. If I win the lottery.
mk – I don’t think Ford will scrap all the V8’s, but they might just offer the 5.0 in the F150 and the 6.2 in the Superduty and call it a day. It just depends on gas prices.
I agree that could be good news for Toyota too.
[…] […]
Jason: Not only will Ford be installing smaller turbo’d motors for gas price reasons, but also for CAFE ratings. All trucks will be mandated to have much better fuel efficiency by 2025, with the roughly 54mpgs across the board requirement they are attempting to pass. Ford is just attempting to make the change and work through the kinks sooner than later. As other manufacturers may wait until we get closer to the requirement date.
Now I don’t think Ford will ever go away from V8’s, but think they may be offered in much smaller quantities and displacements, like the 80’s and early 90’s, at least on the 1/2 tons. Remember back in the day, most F150’s had either a 4.9L (300cid) I6 or a 5.0L (302cid) V8. Only a very few F150s could be found with the 5.8L (351cid) V8.
But if sales figures tell us anything, consumers aren’t afraid to jump over to the EB3.5L. It’s a hot seller and one quick ride, and can get down and dirty hauling/towing as well.
Justin – I hear you on the need to meet the new CAFE standards, but a lot can happen between now and 2025. As a matter of fact, I’m pretty sure the target is lower now (Obama backed down the regs I think…).
The light duty diesels are good ideas but with technology advancing and things getting lighter they might exterminate the hd version
I drive trucks! owned by Americans and made by Americans! Seeing a man or woman driving a toyota tundra is a joke. And most people that drive trucks think the same. The only thing that makes me more ticked off is when you see a presidential bumper sticker on it. Jackass! Pickup trucks are American! Toyota isn’t! Support American companies ! This person should lose there right to vote! FYI and I don’t care that tundra’s are made in Kentucky, if we only bought American trucks Toyota wouldn’t be building trucks in Kentucky. and leave it the dodge to let Nissan have the first half ton diesel, jackasses! Let me guess “Mexican made” at least it’s in the ballpark
Umm.. Bob.. Tundra’s are built in Texas by American workers. Ford is built in Mexico, Chevy has dibbs on Canada. Granted the money may come to the US or not as both are global companies. So since our country is in the crapper due to both worthless parties in Washington who would sell your family out to a Chinese factory worker in a heartbeat, don’t give the company that is paying good wages to old UAW that were given pink slips from Ford and GM such a hard time. If American didn’t mean going for the lowest price (WalMart) and we actually were will to pay a bit more for “Made in the USA” you would not be pissed. Oh Yeah, I drive a Tundra, my 3rd and they are all sweet rides. Mine is made in Texas, what does your sticker say?
Bob’s a moron. The Tundra is the most American truck out there by ANY count. Bob, get back in your Volvo and go troll the My Little Pony boards. BTW, Toyota built a little (MASSIVE) factory in TExas just to build Tundras, but that would be to hard for you to look up, moron.
Haha just noticed this is a tundra site, well it’s the truth so suck it up and buy American next time.
Chuck- real workers use HD’s! The HD’s will always be around. It’s the half-ton that’s going to be shrinking. CAFE reg’s for fleet will be 35mpg for 2016, which means half-tons will need to get about 30mpg’s.( law as of 1/15/12)
Bob – The Tundra is more American than any other half-ton on the market, and it has been for years. Check your facts: https://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2011/06/29/tundra-most-american-truck-2011/
A Ford F100 based on the F150 frame would be an great idea. Build it wide but short so it fits in parking garages and mid sized parking spaces. Seating for 5, with small bed that folds into the cab (via midate) and out the back to the tailgate. give it creative tool storage under the bed and on the rails. If that engine can pull 5000lbs and run 30mpg city it’s a real game changer. I’m waiting for something like this.
Bob popped his first can at 10 am-he’s our president! He’ll change his tune when gas goes above $5 gal-the whole country will! Won’t have to wait long now! Too many small brains/big egos driving gas guzzlers and I ain’t a liberal-not even close!
I have a Tacoma double cab 4WD that I love, but I cannot stand the Toyota company. It is the Asia mindset that drives them, so I am going to trade it in on a Ford 150 or Ram 2500 Cummins and not looking back.
CAuse you’ll be too busy pushing it to get it fixed to look back.
New option for Toyota trucks. ” Heated tailgates ” so your hands dont get cold in the winter while pushing it.
Bob…you NEED to wake up!! I’m a GOD FEARING TRUE AMERICAN…I BLEED RED, WHITE & BLUE!! I work my fingers to the bone providing for my family, and I will ONLY DRIVE TOYOTA PICKUPS!! I have been let down time and again by FORD, CHRYSLER, AND GM!! The quality that Toyota produces is what I look for…it’s called DEPENDABILITY! If Im going to invest $20,000 + in a pickup, then it had better last me more than 2 years without component failure!! Im tired, and embarrassed by ignorant people that can’t get a clue as to why our American car companies have been paying more attention to THEIR OWN PERSONAL “GREED” THAN THE NEEDS OF THEIR CUSTOMER BASE!! I guess it takes a car company from halfway around the world to figure it out before our car companies can…WTF??!!! You can buy whatever you want, because that is your freedom to choose, I can say that because I served my Country, and I dont look down on those that use their brain to make smart decisions, and choices! Our American car companies would be much further along, and wouldnt have let Toyota take the lead in market share, by offering BETTER QUALITY VEHICLES for all these years!! I choose to buy QUALITY…PERIOD!!!
IMO Toyota makes a good car. The camry. Thay last a long time. Good mpg too. Trucks? Well all I hear is 9 mpg this 11 mpg that, truck in shop again. But hey, it will out run the Hemi and stop fast. Oh and cost $10k more too. Toyota Truck Run with a 6spd auto with ( 4.30 gears ) dodge has 3.92. When i put the 4.56 gears in my 2010 Ram 1500 4×4 HEMI Quad cab I was smoken 2 wheel drive Toyota V8 trucks all day long. Its all about the gears. The good thang is I still get 12 mpg city and 16-17 HWY. So im happy!!! Before gear swap was 13.5 mpg city and 18-19 HWY. But the good thang is we all have the right to buy what we want. It would be a boring world if we all drove the same thang. Cause then this chat we are on now would’nt even exist. LOL!!! I love AMERICA!!!
I’ve looked forward, for a long time, to a match up of my favorites: TOYOTA + DIESEL + 4 X 4 + HD 1 TON DUALLY + CUMMINS. I’d buy in a heart beat and I believe so would many other Toyota owners. Why? For us, we are Toyota loyal; live deep in the country where 4X4 is a must; diesel power is preferable; and finally, the hauling and towing capacity to move heavy loads. I want one on my Christmas List.
Richard,
It probably won’t be a Cummins.
https://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/tundra-cummins-diesel/
-Tim