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The full-sized American truck will enter right-hand-drive development this year
Following in the footsteps of the likes of Ram, Chevrolet, and Ford, Toyota has confirmed that the Tundra will be entering local right-hand-drive development within the year.
According to Toyota Australia, a partnership with Walkinshaw Automotive Group has also been revealed, which will handle the hands-on aspect of converting the full-sized trucks to a right-hand-drive configuration.
The program is set to kick off in September with in-house developed prototypes hitting public roads around the country.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, Toyota plans to deploy 300 of these right-hand-drive Tundras onto Australian roads, signalling the final stage of the development process. Toyota notes that these vehicles will not be available for purchase.
Walkinshaw is no stranger to converting American trucks from left-hand drive to right-hand-drive configuration, with the group previously being responsible for both Chevrolet and Ram conversions locally.
It will be kept as quite an in-house operation, with Land Cruiser 300 Series parts being utilised in these Tundras. The steering column and rack, accelerator, brake pedals and shift lever will all be carried over.
In terms of engines, just the 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 will be introduced to Australian conditions. It’s also worth noting that this powertrain makes use of an in-line hybrid system.
Toyota has made sure to note that the right-hand-drive Tundra faces a few more checkpoints in the road before it can be confirmed for the Australian market.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley commenting on the prospect of the Tundra’s entry in the official release:
“This project shows just how serious we are at Toyota about quality, and a RHD Tundra will not be available for sale in Australia. until we are totally satisfied.”
If the Tundra does end up launching in Australia, it will be joining the Ram 1500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, both of which are already on sale in right-hand-drive form. Ford’s F-150 is set to also launch next year, which will likely become its biggest rival.
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