While the supercharged 5.7 represents lean red meat, there are plenty of garnishes that enhance the sporting flavor. With the proliferation of extended-cab pickups, a regular cab truck looks remarkable svelte. The SR5 package adds bling, utility, and convenience with a chrome bumper, power windows and door locks, cruise control, engine skid plate, remote keyless entry, etc. A body-colored hard tonneau keeps the visuals nice and tight. Underneath, a lower suspension and anti-roll bars help manage over 5000 lb of heft in the corners and lane changes. The huge 22-in. polished aluminum TRD wheels and Toyo Proxes S/Ts almost shrink the external proportions of the truck. Unfortunately, over uneven pavement their bulkiness adds drama to the driveline. The Tundra becomes suddenly uneasy as each corner pogos at a different rate. Our Tundra was equipped with the standard shocks, front and rear. It's feasible that an upgrade to TRD shocks would offer more control perhaps at the expense of overall comfort. The Toyo Proxes S/Ts have a directional pattern that's side-specific -- meaning entirely different tires for the left and right side. They're also mud and snow rated leaving room for improved abilities with a switch to a pure performance tire.
Spec and tech is great for barroom banter but it's your gut and butt that really tell you what this truck is all about. A quick jaunt in this Tundra will humble the most jaded sports car purist. It's too quick. It's a truck. It feels so wrong.
TRD STUFF
In case you don't understand the Toyota/TRD relationship. These parts do not negate your truck's warranty. They are factory performance parts installed through a dealer. You can buy your truck and have it customized to your own performance preferences. This truck is a customer-request modification only. There are no plans to produce it as a special-edition Tundra. If you order one up you can call it whatever you want -- BulletTruck? BuzzSaw? What would you call it? I'll beat someone to it...how 'bout "TRD wagon"?
| 2008 TOYOTA TUNDRA 4x2 REGULAR CAB 5.7L V8 |
| PERFORMANCE |
| 0-60 mph | 4.4 sec |
| 1/4 mile | 13.0 sec @ 106.3 mph |
| 60-0 mph | 141 ft |
| Lateral acceleration | 0.79 g(avg) |
| SPECIFICATIONS |
| Base price | $24,380 |
| Factory Options |
| Cloth bucket seats, tilt/telescoping wheel, center console | $45 |
| Cold kit | $130 |
| Power heated outside mirror | $160 |
| SR5 package | $1,390 |
| Front and rear clearance sonar | $500 |
| Front license plate bracket | $13 |
| Bed mat | $127 |
| Alarm | $299 |
| TRD goodies |
| TRD dual exhaust | $1,065 |
| TRD super charger | $5,875 |
| TRD big brake kit | $2,795 |
| TRD lowering suspension | $1,699 |
| TRD rear anti-sway bar | $299 |
| Tonneau cover | $1,495 |
| Toyo Proxes S/T 285/45 R22 114V MTS tires and TRD polished aluminum wheels | $4,699 |
| DPH | $685 |
| Total | $45,656 |