Toyota is working on an all-new Tundra and rumors have suggested the truck will be offered with a hybrid powertrain.
Now, a new report from FTL Truck suggests the next-generation Tundra could have a turbocharged or twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine which is backed up by a hybrid system with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack.
The powertrain is said to be similar to the one used on the Lexus LS 500h. That model has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 hp (220 kW / 299 PS). It is paired with a hybrid system that features two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery. This setup enables the luxury sedan to have a combined output of 354 hp (264 kW / 359 PS).
The performance specifications on the LS 500h aren’t too impressive, but the engine in the Tundra is claimed to have around 450 hp (336 kW / 456 PS) and 500 lb-ft (677 Nm) of torque. The powertrain is also rumored to give the truck a fuel economy rating in excess of 30 mpg.
That would be pretty impressive, but we’re a tad skeptical. However, if the rumor is true, the next-generation Tundra would be significantly more powerful than the current model which is offered exclusively with V8 engines. The entry-level 4.6-liter V8 produces 310 hp (231 kW / 314 PS) and 327 lb-ft (442 Nm) of torque. Likewise, the larger 5.7-liter V8 has 381 hp (284 kW / 386 PS) and 401 lb-ft (543 Nm) of torque.
Also Read: Next Toyota Tundra And Tacoma To Share A Platform
Toyota has been tight-lipped about the upcoming pickup, but previous reports have suggested it will ride on an all-new platform that will eventually be shared with the next-generation Tacoma. The truck is coming “soon” and could be introduced next year as a 2021 model.
H/T to Autoblog
