Let me open by saying that I am not a truck guy whatsoever. This story called to me though. The Toyota Tundra has been around for twenty years now. When it arrived on US shores it was an upgrade from the T100 Toyota had been making for some time but it was mired in a few issues.
First, Toyota was going to call it the T150. Ford didn't take kindly to that and subsequently sued Toyota. Second, the 3.4 V6 used for the T100 and Tacoma wasn't going to be powerful enough.
To solve these problems Toyota decided to name their truck Tundra and give it the first V8 ever in one of their trucks. That same 4.7l V8 laid the groundwork for the truck we're focused on today.
For a while, Toyota actually offered a factory supercharger package on the 5.7l V8 that increased horsepower up over 500 and could manage 0-60 in 4.4 seconds. Let's take a look at some of the greatest examples of Tundra owners capitalizing on that feature.
14 Weekend Warrior
Clearly this Tundra owner is taking full advantage of the torque side of the equation. All that twist is used well to turn those 35's and haul that happy little boat around. I'm sure the paint job gets a lot of looks too.
13 Ducati-Yota
This particular show truck example is outstanding because if the truck isn't fast enough for you, it's built to help you nurse your need for speed with a ton of Ducati motorcycle gear packed into the back. This is what we call enabling.
12 Wider Is Better
This Tundra took that phrase seriously and literally widened the track all around. Notice those huge fender arches that are needed to keep the truck in compliance with state and local laws. One of my biggest issues with trucks is that they suck at handling but I can confidently say that this one is far better than most.
11 X-Runner Style
The X-Runner was a Tacoma based speedster. This Tundra seems to be modeled after it quite heavily from the hood scoops to the lowered stance and more. The only real difference is that this Tundra would ruin its little brother's day.
10 Ominous Eyes
This Tundra demonstrates that there are still those out there willing to put a little sweat equity into their older rides to keep them fresh. Those headlamps are very 2020 and clearly the paint job is clean and clear. That's attention to detail most would overlook.
9 Black & Gold
Much like the owner of the Tundra that widened the track out, this one has done the same but taken it a few steps further. First, let's note the bumper that actually matches the width. Next, the gold wheels to accentuate the incredible matte black paint. This is a truck I could proudly drive.
8 Dragging Friends Along
The Tundra is one of the few vehicles that are at home with 4 passengers and at the drag strip. It just so happens that you can combine those two things at the same time for some incredible antics and fun. Your 1/4-mile time will suffer, but those friends will enjoy the ride and won't notice those few tenths.
7 Low Isn't Slow
This nearly stock Tundra is a great visual reference point to one of the best first mods you can do to your supercharged truck. While I've mentioned that handling improves thanks to a wider track above, it also improves when the center of gravity gets lower. It'll also improve fuel mileage. Win-win!
6 Working Horses
This is a good moment to remember that 100 years ago real horses were doing the work of the thing that we're seeing get pulled by something with the power of 500 of them stuffed in a 4-foot by 3-foot space. That is some serious progress and the Tundra on its own is a wonderful example of that.
5 Toyota Superleggera
This Tundra combines that Ducati monster above with a low and wide stance. They've also made it lighter by removing things it didn't need and adding a tiny little trike to the bed for when you want to have a little extra fun. Clearly this dealer is thinking of everything they can to get customers in the door.
4 Smoke Show
Perhaps a little understated on this list is a truck like this one. Notice that it's bone stock aside from some aftermarket wheels. Nevertheless, it's capable of absolutely blinding everyone behind it with copious amounts of smoke.
3 No Roads - No Problem
Perhaps a part of the repertoire that we haven't really covered is how vital solid power is when you're in sticky situations. Clearly the Tundra above is in just such a situation and thankfully they've come prepared.
2 Unstoppable
You know those guys running around in Jeeps or Xterras that have "Zombie Apocalypse Response Vehicle"? They have nothing, and I mean nothing on this guy. Not only does this Tundra have a lift and a snorkel, but it also has rhino lining all over it, a massive steel brush guard and countless other accessories.
1 A Young Heart
Ok, OK, OKAY - I know it isn't a Tundra. Guess what though. It looks better and had the mighty heart of the Tundra installed before showing up to this auto show. It's even practical. It's wide, well-appointed and light so it may be the fastest of all the trucks seen here.