2014 Toyota Tundra Video

There's no doubt Toyota has done much to engender the 2014 Tundra's intimidating demeanor. From the larger, more chiseled grille to the character lines that define its body, it's clear that this full-size pickup truck has been infused with a bad attitude (in a good way). Even more impressive, says PickupTrucks.com Editor Mark Williams, are extensive interior improvements that eschew some of the old Tundra's less-impressive features.

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Despite all the "drama" on the surface, though, Williams says we'll have to take it on faith that the automaker intends to expand the Tundra overhaul to its structural elements. Will this first step be enough for the Tundra to compete in an increasingly heated segment? Watch the video below and decide for yourself.

2014 Toyota Tundra: Photo Gallery

With little in the way of structural changes to speak of, the 2014 Toyota Tundra's unveiling at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show today was all about the full-size pickup truck's redesigned exterior. With a larger, more angular front grille and face, along with more character lines and visual depth over each fender well, the new Tundra gains a beefier, more imposing presence. In the rear, the truck gets a new tailgate with an integrated spoiler.

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Another notable update to the Tundra is on the inside: new, modern instrumentation, which replaces aging features that have elicited criticism in recent years. Some segment-first technological enhancements also have been added, including a standard backup camera and cross-traffic alert system. Check out the gallery below.

2013 Chicago Auto Show: What to Expect

The Windy City is considered one of the fan-friendliest destinations during auto-show season, and to that end the 2013 Chicago Auto Show is unlikely to disappoint. This show will give visitors a first glimpse of a few new vehicles along with a closer look at a host of exciting cars that made flashy debuts at the Detroit auto show.

The 2013 Chicago show — the 105th time the event has been held since 1901, according to organizers — will be open to the public 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 9-17 and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 18, with media and charity previews Feb. 7-8, at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive. Organizers promote the Chicago show as the largest in terms of exhibit space used, as it occupies 1 million square feet of floor space and hosts about 1,000 vehicles.

For those most interested in the latest thing, the Chicago show will host the world debuts of the redesigned 2014 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck and the Kia Cross GT Concept. That's in addition to the North American reveal of the new Chevrolet Cruze Diesel. The 2014 Ram ProMaster van and the custom Superman-inspired Kia Optima Hybrid also are expected to be unveiled.

Toyota May Expand Tundra Frame Recall

Toyota has alerted dealers in 30 additional states that it is conducting a “Special Service Campaign” over the same 2000-2003 Tundra rust issue that caused the automaker and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a recall in November 2009 in 20 cold weather states. 

While Toyota isn’t calling the campaign an official recall, spokesman Brian Lyons said to think of it as a “heads up” for the other 30 states:  

“The service campaign could mirror what’s in the current recall, but final instructions won’t come until March,” said Lyons.  

Owners of Tundras originally sold or currently registered in the remaining 30 states will be notified by Toyota in the coming weeks. In the original recall, corrosion could lead to spare tires falling from the vehicle’s underside, as well as excessive corrosion affecting brake lines and fuel tank straps.  

We’ll be following developments as they become available, so stay tuned.

Toyota Recalls 2.3 Million Vehicles Over Sticking Accelerator Pedal

A new recall announced today by Toyota includes approximately 2.3 million Toyota cars, trucks and SUVs. No Lexus or Scion models are included. The recall is to fix accelerator pedals that become stuck and lead to severe accidents. This recall is separate from the 4.2 million vehicles recalled over floormats trapping the accelerator pedal. Toyota says 1.7 million vehicles are included in both recalls.

Below is Toyota’s explanation as well as the models affected.

Recall Alert: 2000-2003 Toyota Tundra

Toyota and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have announced that Toyota will recall approximately 110,000 Tundra pickup trucks from the 2000 to 2003 model years in 20 cold-weather states and the District of Columbia to fix a frame rust and corrosion problem that could cause the spare tire to fall away from the truck.

Originally, NHTSA's investigation covered only 2000-01 Tundras but during Toyota's investigation of the problem, the number of trucks discovered with the problem grew to include 2002 and 2003 models.

Toyota has just announced the recall, but NHTSA recommends that owners remove the spare tires before taking the trucks to the dealers to be remedied.

In addition, the corrosion may also cause damage to the rear brake lines and lead to brake system failures.

The states in the recall include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. These states typically use chemical de-icers, such as road salts, to treat roadways in winter weather.

3.8 Million Toyota, Lexus Recalled Over Floor Mats

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration issued a wide-ranging announcement late today that Toyota will recall 3.8 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles. The recall stems from faulty floormats that can become stuck under the accelerator pedal causing unexpected acceleration. The defect is suspected to be the cause of one recent fatal accident.

The recall includes the following models:

• 2007-2010 Camry
• 2005-2010 Avalon
• 2004-2009 Prius
• 2005-2010 Tacoma
• 2007-2010 Tundra
• 2007-2010 ES 350
• 2006-2010 IS 250 and IS350

NHTSA suggests all owners remove the driver-side floormat from these cars immediately and not replace them with anything. Toyota has released a warning for owners including steps to take in case of an accelerator issue. We've posted the notice below.

2010 Toyota Tundra at 2009 Chicago Auto Show

While the full-size Tundra has not yet vanquished its Big Three competitors, only a fool would think Toyota could give up on such a lucrative segment. Today at the Chicago auto show, the automaker unveiled a brand-new 4.6-liter V-8 and a new six-speed transmission.

The engine is a bridge between the high-output 5.7-liter V-8 and the entry-level 4.0-liter V-6. The available option will go on sale with the rest of the 2010 Tundra range, starting April 2009. Toyota’s cost-cutting eliminated a press conference for the model. Fortunately for us, PickupTrucks.com has the inside scoop, with exclusive videos and information.

For full coverage, check out PickupTrucks.com.

Toyota Airing Second Super Bowl Ad for Tundra

We were mildly surprised yesterday to learn that Toyota is going to air a Super Bowl spot for its all-new Venza crossover. Today, we’re simply blown away that the company — which today will report its first annual net loss in history — is spending another $3 million on a commercial for its full-size pickup, the Tundra.

Two years ago, Toyota used the Super Bowl to debut the redesigned Tundra. The series of commercials were well-received, showing off the truck’s capabilities in extreme tests. However, the reality of dismal sales of the truck recently — and failure to make a significant dent in the domestics’ hold on the segment — make the idea of showing it off in a Super Bowl commercial puzzling, to say the least.

Titled “Killer Heat,” the ad will show the Tundra in more extreme circumstances. We’ll have a full wrap-up of all the big game’s best and worst car commercials Monday morning, so see if Toyota can score with its two spots.

Toyota Shelves Diesel Tundra, Moves Ahead With A-BAT

Citing a lagging full-size truck market and the challenges of selling vehicles with diesel engines in the U.S., sources said it would put plans for a light-duty diesel version of its Tundra pickup on hold, according to our sister site, PickupTrucks.com.

The technical challenges of producing diesel engines that meet federal emissions standards, coupled with the high price of diesel fuel, forced Toyota's hand, although the automaker does think it could return to the idea if fuel prices drop and the market for trucks recovers — both big ifs.

Toyota has instead decided to go ahead with production of a vehicle based on its A-BAT concept (Advanced Breakthrough Aero Truck) that we saw at the 2008 Detroit auto show. Cars.com's David Thomas called it one of his favorite vehicles from that show, and with two fuel-efficient drivetrains in the works, Toyota may be working on a winner.

Check out the story on the A-BAT from last year, and watch a video on it here.

Sources: A-BAT a Go, Tundra Light-Duty Diesel Shelved (PickupTrucks.com)