The next generation of the super-reliable pickup truck is on the way. As you probably already know, there is a full load of novelties to come and among then, the powertrain department belongs to those most anticipated things. At this point, it’s clear that the new model will come in a hybrid version, but the intriguing thing is that the Japanese manufacturer has filled the “I-Force Max” trademark. What this means, we can’t say for sure. However, it all indicates that the 2021 Toyota Tundra I-Force Max would be a version with the next-generation V8 engine.
On the other side, many believe this will be a nameplate for the new hybrid powertrain, though that doesn’t sound too likely to us. In any case, this looks promising for the lovers of the Japanese pickup truck, which has always been famous for exceptional reliability and amazing performances. Things will become even better in the next year.
2021 Toyota Tundra I-Force Max – Hybrid Or Not?
As we’ve just mentioned, this is definitely a possibility. Moreover, many reputable websites suggest such a scenario, including Motor1. According to them, the 2021 Toyota Tundra I-Force Max would feature a new hybrid powertrain, which is on the way. That would be a system based on a six-cylinder engine, with a lot of similarities with Lexus LS 500h. However, this version would be characterized by significantly more power. The max should go around 450 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.
With such numbers, the new Tundra would be more than competitive in all aspects. Still, the first thing that comes to mind is an exceptional fuel economy, which will go over 30 mpg according to our insiders.
2021 Toyota Tundra I-Force Max Will Feature New Gasoline Engine
All these things about the new hybrid powertrain sound amazing and there is no doubt that this will be one of the highlights of the next-generation model. However, we strongly believe that this version won’t feature this badge. We see 2021 Toyota Tundra I-Force Max as a version with the company’s new V8 engine, which will be a more affordable option. Moreover, we are pretty sure that many drivers would rather stick with a gasoline engine in the future, as we are talking about the most reliable engine in the class.
At this point, it is still unclear whether is this going to be a completely new generation of engines or just an updated version of the current unit. The I-Force has been around for almost two decades. The latest iteration powers the current model and delivers 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Of course, the new engine would come with more power. However, the aspect that seems more important at this moment is fuel economy, which is the weakest point of the current version. In our opinion, the “Max” in the nameplate is to accentuate the company’s maximization of performances, both in terms of power and efficiency. However, it’s hard to talk about exact numbers at this point.
In any case, this engine should be reserved for more basic versions of the new truck, due to expected more affordable price compared to the hybrid. On the other side, the electrified version would be reserved for higher trim levels.
What Else to Expect from new Tundra?
Of course, the 2021 Toyota Tundra I-Force Max won’t be the only novelty for the next year. This will be a massive overhaul, which is about to bring improvements in all aspects. The first thing that comes to mind is a new platform, codenamed F1. Of course, this will be a body-on-frame iteration of the new TNGA platform. It should bring improvements in pretty much every aspect.
That leads us to the conclusion that the new Tundra will be much more capable and much better to drive. Count on notable weight savings, which will definitely be beneficial in terms of fuel economy. Speaking of the new design, one of the things that seem obvious is that the company prepares a new suspension setup. Just take a look at the test mule you will notice that the rear axle has been camouflage. That clearly indicates a new suspension setup at the rear end. At this point, it’s hard to talk about details, but it looks like we might see some air components as well, at least in higher trim levels.
Of course, this redesign will bring new styling as well. At this point, details are unknown. Still, we believe that the new model won’t bring any radical change in this aspect. We count on conservative styling solutions, with the evolutionary approach. You can see easily find some rendering images on the internet, which suggest the look of the new generation.
2021 Toyota Tundra I-Force Max Release Date and Price
The 2021 Toyota Tundra I-Force Max is about to arrive along with the rest of the lineup, which means sometime late in the next year.
