Word on the Street | The Latest News, Rumors and Changes in the Truck World

The all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra may be born from a rich history of global trucks and SUVs, but the third generation of its namesake is ready to make a big impression on the North American full-size truck segment.

The all-new Tundra will offer two impressive new powertrains: a twin-turbo V-6 engine and an iFORCE MAX hybrid twin-turbo V-6. Mated to both engines will be a 10-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence.

Standard on TRD Pro models and available on 4×4 trucks equipped with the TRD Off-Road package are a slew of off-road upgrades that enhance off-pavement exploration, but the most noteworthy change to handling and performance is the new multi-link rear suspension, which ditches leaf springs in favor of coil springs.

To further enhance the ride comfort, driving performance and overall durability, a newly developed double wishbone front suspension is fitted on the Tundra. It will feature standard twin-tube shocks at the front and rear of each truck. For TRD Off-Road packages, monotube Bilstein shocks improve damping for on- and off-highway driving. For maximum off-road performance, TRD Pro grades are fitted with 2.5-inch diameter FOX internal bypass shocks that stand at the ready. The front FOX shocks provide the truck with a 1.1-inch front lift.

The multi-link rear suspension provided the flexibility for the engineers to add Tundra’s new air suspension system to the rear of the truck. Available on certain grades, the system features automatic and manual leveling functions.

Like the prior generation Toyota Tundra, the new Tundra will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas in San Antonio. Manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing starts at $35,950.

Stellantis Introduces Limited-Edition Mopar ’22 Dodge Durango

 Mopar has announced a new limited-production vehicle featuring a special-edition package of unique quality-tested, factory-backed performance parts and accessories from the Mopar Custom Shop—the Mopar ’22 Dodge Durango.

Offered in DB Black or White Knuckle, the exterior of the Mopar ’22 Durango stands out with exclusive features, including offset asymmetrical Mopar Blue stripe, Mopar Blue “Mopar” front grille badge and Mopar Blue “Brembo”-branded brake calipers.

Exclusive interior appointments include Mopar ’22 instrument-panel badge with serialized build number, a two-tone Mopar logo embroidered into the seat backs, Mopar Blue accent stitching, a Mopar pedal kit and Mopar all-weather floor mats.

The Mopar ’22 Durango is powered by the legendary 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine rated at 360 horsepower and mated to the standard TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission.

Standard 20×10-inch “Lights Out” wheels ride on Pirelli tires, while a Mopar 1-inch lowering kit delivers improved handling, tighter cornering and quicker response.

Each buyer will receive a Mopar ’22 owner kit that features a custom-made, personalized metal certificate of authenticity with serialized vehicle-build number and a special rendering of the vehicle by the Mopar Design team.

Production is limited to 250 units—200 vehicles for the U.S market and 50 vehicles for Canada. The U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the exclusive Mopar ’22 Special Edition Package is $3,995.

Max Capacity EV Truck  2022 F-150 Lightning Pickup’s Mega Power ‘Frunk’ Largest in Industry

The all-electric 2022 F-150 Lightning pickup’s new front trunk or, “frunk,” as it’s known in industry speak, is the largest in the truck industry, with 400 liters (14.1 cubic feet) of cargo space and maximum payload capacity of 400 pounds.

In February 2018, a small group of young user-experience designers set out to California, where they sat down with actual Ford truck and fleet customers to talk about how they might use such a feature. The prototype, made of cardboard for simplicity and cost, was brought to every meeting to help customers visualize the opportunity.

Customers imagined fitting not one, but two golf bags. The additional permanent storage keeps valuables out of sight and is lockable and secure. Fleet owners saw their crews using the space to haul bags of concrete and charge their electric tools at construction sites.

Lighting for the frunk began as typical trunk lighting, but based on feedback, the team pivoted and installed truck bed lamps in the frunk hood. Four electrical outlets and two USB chargers were added to provide versatility for work and play, providing 2.4 kilowatts of power under the powered hood.

Lastly, to lift and remove objects from the frunk, access had to be waist-height, as customers did not want to have to reach over the truck’s bed rails for their equipment. Once the frunk is open, customers can fill it with ice and drinks to “frunkgate” it, since it’s water-resistant, cleanable and has a drainable floor.

Steve McInally, frunk feature supervisor, said the team explored every detail as an opportunity.

“We put the customer first in every decision we made and were able to deliver on a Mega Power Frunk,” he said. “And it’s going to blow people’s minds.”

The 2022 F-150 Lightning pickup will be available starting Spring 2022.