Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A. Inc. unveiled the redesigned 2014 Tundra full-size pickup truck at a press conference at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. (See a video of the truck at the bottom of this story.)

The 2014 Tundra has been redesigned, inside and out, representing the first major change since the launch of the current generation for the 2007 model-year.

View a photo gallery by clicking here.

Tundra continues to offer three powertrains. A 4.0L Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) V-6 is standard on Tundra Regular and Double Cab models and produces 270 hp and 278 lb.-ft. peak torque. It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with uphill/downhill shift logic.

The available 4.6L DOHC i-Force V-8 offers 310 hp and 327 lb.-ft. of peak torque, and the 5.7L DOHC i-Force V-8 produces 381 hp and 401 lb.-ft. of peak torque, in both gasoline and “Flex Fuel” variants. Both V-8’s come standard with a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.  All Tundra engines feature an aluminum cylinder block and DOHC heads, along with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) for a broad torque curve and optimized efficiency.

“Toyota prides itself on listening to its customers and the development of the 2014 American-born Tundra is a perfect example,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “Tundra’s new exterior design and all-new interior were inspired by customer feedback requesting a more chiseled exterior and refined interior with improved driver ergonomics, and easy-to-use technology, giving customers more of what they want instead, in addition to what they need.”

The 2014 Tundra will have a grade strategy consisting of the hard-working SR, volume-leading SR5, the well-appointed Limited, and two premium grades: “Platinum” and the all-new “1794 Edition.” The new 1794 Edition is a tribute to the ranch, founded in the year 1794, on which the Tundra plant is located in San Antonio, Texas.

Tundra is offered in three cab styles, two-door Regular Cab, four-door Double Cab and four-door CrewMax, all available in 4x2 and 4x4.

The redesigned 2014 Tundra will reach Toyota dealers in September.

The redesigned Tundra was once again engineered by Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., and its new look designed by Calty Design Research centers in Newport Beach, Calif., and Ann Arbor. Tundra continues to be assembled exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, in San Antonio.

Interior

Ergonomic improvements include easier driver access to controls as the reach to the audio and HVAC controls was reduced by 2.6 inches. Large knobs have been retained so they can be operated with or without work gloves.

Overall passenger comfort was improved with an all-new front and rear (CrewMax) seat design and improved front seat ventilation. In addition, front seats have additional travel, and CrewMax rear seats can now be folded up for additional cargo carrying capability while maintaining a comfortable seating back angle.

The interior has a rugged, interlocked construction with an all-new instrument panel. The meters feature 3D metallic rings and individual gauges grouped in a clear, easy-to-see design with a center-mounted multi-information display screen. The console design holds multiple storage areas for personal items and electronics plus additional padded surfaces and accent stitching in premium grades. Both Double Cab and CrewMax will be available with a bench or bucket seats for the front row.

The interior of the SR5 features a “professional gear” theme, with unique driver and passenger zones, metallic accents and bold contrasting fabric.  Most importantly, the all-new design uses premium surface treatments to enhance interior quality and durability.

The Limited grade has an “active premium” image with leather seating surfaces matching soft-touch stitched door and console surfaces, and wood-style interior trims. The Limited will be available with Black, Sand Beige and Graphite leather-trimmed interiors and will have standard auto HVAC controls.

The Platinum grade features perforated black leather-trimmed seats with double-stitched diamond plate leather, door and instrument panel inserts, and chrome seat and console accent badging for an upscale yet urban feel. In addition, Platinum uses premium leather never before used on a Toyota truck and comes with many standard amenities, including a 12-speaker JBL audio system with Entune, heated and ventilated front seats, navigation and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The 1794 Edition reflects a western lifestyle theme and includes premium saddle brown leather seating with embossed leather and ultra-suede accents. Matching soft-touch materials also accents the shift console, the front and rear door trim, and the instrument panel. Like the Platinum, the 1794 Edition includes an array of standard features.

Engineering, Towing and Safety

Steering feel and straight line stability has been improved due to steering system improvements, Toyota said. As well, patented aerodynamic stabilizer fins have been added to the outside surface of the rear tail lamp lens, and the outside mirror bases. These patented “Aero-Fins” reduce the air turbulence along the sides of the vehicle resulting in improved straight-line stability during normal driving conditions and while towing.

According to Toyota, Tundra remains the only full-size pickup in the segment to adhere to the SAE J2807 towing standard. When equipped with a tow package, Tundra has a maximum tow capacity of 10,400 pounds (4x2 Regular Cab).

The SR and SR5 grades will ride on 18-inch styled steel wheels, while the Limited, Platinum and 1794 Edition will ride on all-new 20-inch alloy wheels specific to each grade.

All Tundra models will also feature the standard Toyota Star Safety System that includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop (SST) brake override technology.

Tundra will be equipped with eight standard air bags including front seat-mounted side air bags, and front and rear roll-sensing side curtain air bags (RSCA) in all models, driver and front outboard passenger air bags with an advanced air bag system, and the segments only driver and front outboard passenger knee air bags.

Preliminary Specifications

POWERTRAINS

4.0 Liter V6
270 hp @ 5600 RPM
278 lb-ft Torque @ 4400 RPM
5-Speed Automatic Transmission

4.6 Liter V8
310 hp @ 5600 RPM
327 lb-ft Torque @ 3400 RPM
6-Speed Automatic Transmission.

5.7 Liter V8
381 hp @ 5600 RPM
401 lb-ft Torque @ 3400 RPM
6-Speed Automatic Transmission

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