After getting unveiled at last year’s SEMA show, Toyota will reportedly roll out a similar version to the Tundra Desert Chase concept. Looking at the current model, one can notice that the Toyota pickup should pose similar features as the Ford F-150 Raptor, suggesting that the Japanese marque is developing a competitor for the American truck.
Toyota Tundra Desert Chase concept
In a report by The Drive, the production version of the Raptor fighter is currently being tested. The media outlet tried to reach out for a comment, but a Toyota spokesperson said that they cannot touch on the matter. Reports suggest that the new Tundra will enter the stock class of an unspecified event, a similar story happened on the F-150 Raptor.
Based on the all-new Tundra launched last year, the model can come with new multi-link suspension coil springs, a setup found on the F-150 Raptor. The two full-size pickup trucks also run on 37-inch tires, with the Japanese model supplied by General Grabbers, while BF Goodrich aids the Tundra’s American rival.
Toyota might be taking aim at the F-150 Raptor
Even the powertrain numbers compete closely. The Toyota Tundra can produce 437 horsepower and 790 Nm of torque thanks to its hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain. On the other hand, the Raptor delivers more power at 450 horsepower, but less torque at 691 Nm via its 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine.
It is a good thing to note that these features can still vary once Toyota officially introduces the unnamed Tundra. This upcoming performance-oriented truck will be sitting above the flagship TRD Pro trim of the model.
An even tougher Tundra is on the way
For obvious reasons, none of the said Toyota models will be coming to the Philippines as the Tundra nameplate is not even offered locally in the first place. But now that the F-150 helps highlight the full-size pickup segment, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) might consider introducing a Raptor fighter to put up a show in the country.
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