With all the attention focused on diesel powertrains, it's no surprise there is talk that Toyota's next Tundra will use the Cummins ISV5.0 V-8 turbo-diesel that also will sit inside the next-generation Nissan Titan.
According to WardsAuto, Toyota will likely use the Cummins 5.0-liter V-8 diesel engine in the 2016 model year to help meet the next level of corporate average fuel economy targets. The engine will act as a placeholder for more powertrain and weight-reducing improvements to come in the next version of the full-size pickup truck.
Earlier reports projected that Toyota was looking to its subsidiary, Hino Motors, for help with a new diesel hybrid powertrain (already available in global heavy-duty truck platforms), but that project was delayed due to the recession.
There is a lot of discussion about light-duty diesels, especially in the full-size pickup truck market, but this kind of powertrain could also work well in the full-size SUV segment, assuming diesel fuel prices come down and the extra costs associated with purchasing an optional diesel engine shrink as well. Right now, Ram's EcoDiesel is the only player in the segment, but the new Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon will have a baby Duramax option (already used overseas) for the 2016 model year. Additionally, Ford will have a five-cylinder baby Power Stroke available for use in its full-size Transit van ready to debut this year, and there doesn't seem to be any reason why that engine could not fit in a new F-150.
Depending on how you use your vehicle, how long you plan to keep it and the cost of diesel fuel in your area, a diesel-powered pickup may not be the best choice. As those with diesel engine experience know, diesels do not drive like gas engines so it will likely take some time in the marketplace for consumers to get up to speed on the gas versus diesel performance differences.
Posted by Mark Williams www.pickuptrucks.com
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