SPY PICS: Next Toyota Tundra spotted

The new-generation Toyota Tundra has been spotted testing in the US, confirming leaked dealer data that the pick-up truck is tracking for a late-2021 launch.

As these first spy photos show, the big Ford F-150 rival appears to be closing in on production readiness, with the massive grille’s horizontal bars visible through the camo.

The headlights involve some vertical design work, given where the white coverings are placed, and a separate leak of what is purportedly an undisguised front corner of the new Tundra – shown on car_secrets Instagram, among a host of blurry shots – confirms the daytime running lights are in the form of a T on its side.

And there’s another thing that’s certain: Toyota is going to great lengths to keep the rear suspension hidden from view.

According our spy photographers, the engineers driving the dual-cab ute were “extremely concerned when we tried to get a shot (down low) near the rear of the bed”.

This implies some major changes taking place at the rear axle, which should remain solid but might see Toyota migrate from leaf to coil springs in similar fashion to the RAM 1500.

The RAM also gets optional air springs, Toyota will no doubt be studying all configurations across one of the new Tundra’s benchmark rivals.

Other elements apparent on the spy shots include side-exit exhaust pipes, slim tail-light clusters and large alloy wheels.

On the powertrain front, there’s talk of a 300kW turbocharged petrol V6 replacing the current 5.7-litre V8 (284kW/583Nm), which currently has a towing capacity of 4580kg.

Our photographers also noted: “We can confirm that we didn’t hear a V8 growl.”

A new hybrid powertrain is almost certain to be offered in the US as well.

Based on the new ladder-frame chassis platform architecture dubbed TNGA-F, or F1 platform as Toyota is allegedly calling it, the new Tundra will share its underpinnings with the next Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and Toyota Prado, as well as the next-generation HiLux due in 2024.

So while it will retain its load-lugging, tow-friendly, off-road-ready underpinnings, the new Tundra will also usher in plenty of new technology, including more intelligent and better-connected infotainment systems with much larger screens (this one had a tablet-style screen, according to the spy shooters).

Toyota Australia is yet to confirm whether the upcoming big rig will hit showrooms Down Under, but local execs have repeatedly made it clear that they are studying the case for it to be sold here.