At 2007 and 2008 SEMA shows we could see diesel-powered Tundra pickup that came with 8.0-liter turbocharged Hino diesel engine under the hood and rear wheel drive. This was definitely a unique approach, but unfortunately, the Japanese carmaker decided not to introduce an oil burner for the US market.
Currently, Toyota has a large number of diesel engines that are made for various models for other markets, but due to a strict emissions regulations that we have in the U.S., those are not available here. For more than a decade there have been speculations and rumors that the Japanese company could introduce this option. We are still waiting for something similar to happen.
“According to reports and stories, there are three engines that could be offered in Toyota Tundra Diesel, and those include Hino 8.0-liter I6, 4.5-liter V8 by Toyota and 5.0-liter V8 Cummins. One mechanic in Peoria Arizona welcomes the idea of Diesel engines in Toyota trucks, he says it will just bring in more business.”
The first one is known from the concept vehicle presented a decade ago, but we doubt that it will be used in this truck. Hino Motors is a Japanese company that makes heavy-duty trucks and offers heavy-duty diesel engines. With 8.0-liter displacement, it is highly doubtful that this unit will find its way to a vehicle of Tundra’s size. It would mean that they are adding 1,500 lbs engine, and emission regulations with such a monster under the hood would be hard, even impossible, to comply with.
Source: thoughtco.com
8.0L Hino J08E-TB Quick Specs
| Configuration: | Inline 6 cylinder |
| Displacement: | 8.0 liters |
| Bore x Stroke: | 4.41″ x 5.12″ |
| Injection: | High pressure common rail |
| Aspiration: | Single turbocharger, intercooled |
| Horsepower: | 260 hp @ 2,500 rpm |
| Torque: | 585 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm |
4.5L Toyota Tundra Diesel V-8 Quick Specs
| Configuration: | V8 Turbodiesel DOHC |
| Displacement: | 4.5 liters |
| Block/Head Material: | • Compact graphite iron (CGI) block. • Cast aluminum cylinder heads. |
| Injection: | High pressure common rail |
| Aspiration: | Twin turbocharged |
| Horsepower: | 265 hp @ 3,400 rpm |
| Torque: | 480 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
5.0L Cummins Quick Specs
| Configuration: | 90 degree V-8 |
| Displacement: | 5.0 liters, 305 cubic inches |
| Block/Head Material: | CGI engine block, aluminum alloy cylinder heads |
| Injection: | High pressure common rail |
| Aspiration: | Single sequential turbocharger |
| Horsepower: | 310 hp @ 3,200 rpm |
| Torque: | 555 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
The second option that was mentioned a few times is the 5.0-liter Cummins V8 that is used in Nissan Titan XD. This engine produces 310 hp and 555 lb-ft of torque which would be a good choice for a truck of this size. Cummins sourced unit brings more power than Hino option that offers 260 hp but is short on torque as the 8.0-liter beast is capable of pushing 585 lb-ft of torque.
The third option and the one that might be the simplest and cheapest solution for the Japanese car company is the 4.5-liter V8 that is made in-house. This unit produces 265 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque and fits nicely into what Toyota representatives are saying: “The Tundra may be offered with an all new clean-diesel option in the near future.”
Hopefully, Toyota Tundra diesel will be introduced as an option in the next few years as we think that there would be a decent number of interested buyers. Would you take one of those?
