Track Tested: 2010 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 4.6-L V8

When the 2007 Toyota Tundra debuted, most of the talk centered on the new 5.7-liter V8. And for good reason. It was one of the most powerful engines ever offered in a half-ton truck, and its six-speed automatic transmission gave it the flexibility to perform brilliantly in almost any situation.

What wasn't talked about very much was the Tundra's smaller V8. A carryover from previous years, the base V8 wasn't nearly as impressive. Whereas the bigger 5.7 had few peers, the 4.7 merely kept pace with the mid-line engines in most of the Tundra's competitors. It also used a five-speed transmission like many of its competitors.

For 2010, the Tundra received a mild refresh. You probably can't tell it from the outside, but the big news is under the hood anyway where a new 4.6-liter V8 replaces the previous 4.7-liter. Although smaller, the new 4.6 produces a more substantial 310 horsepower and 327 pound-feet of torque. It also gets a little extra help from a six-speed automatic transmission which Toyota says helps it deliver best-in-class mileage for a full-size V8-powered truck.

Well, we didn't do a fuel mileage loop at the track, but we did put the new Tundra 4.6 through our normal battery of instrumented tests to see how it moves the big truck. Click through to see the results -- you can be sure the folks at Chevrolet and Ford will be doing the same.

Vehicle: 2010 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 4.6L V8
Odometer: 2,513
Date: 6/22/09
Driver: Josh Jacquot
Price: N/A

Specifications:
Drive Type: Four-wheel drive
Transmission Type: 6-speed automatic
Engine Type: V8
Displacement (cc/cu-in): 4,608cc (281 cu-in)
Redline (rpm): 5,900
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 310 @ 5,600
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 327 @ 3,400
Brake Type (front): Ventilated disc
Brake Type (rear): Ventilated disc
Steering System: Speed proportional power steering
Suspension Type (front): Double wishbone
Suspension Type (rear): Solid live axle
Tire Size (front): 275/65R18 T
Tire Size (rear): 275/65R18 T
Tire Brand:  Bridgestone
Tire Model: Dueler H/T
Tire Type: Mud and snow
Wheel Size: 18x8
Wheel Material (front/rear): Alloy
As tested Curb Weight (lb): 5,469

Test Results:
0 - 30 (sec):  2.9
0 - 45 (sec):  5.2
0 - 60 (sec):  7.9
0 - 75 (sec):  12.4
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 15.9 @ 87.1
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 7.5
30 - 0 (ft): 33
60 - 0 (ft): 134
Braking Rating: Very Good
Slalom (mph): 56.3
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g): 0.69  
Handling Rating:  Average
Db @ Idle:  43.6
Db @ Full Throttle: 73.2
Db @ 70 mph Cruise:  68

Acceleration Comments: Nothing major to report here. Launch technique makes little difference in E.T. or trap speed. Not really enough power to break the tires loose anyway. Still, this engine feels plenty adequate.

Braking Comments: Like other Tundras, pedal feel is excellent and stops are consistent.

Handling Comments: Skid pad: Up against stability control limits, so there's not much a driver can do here. Slalom: Key to getting through the cones quickly is to keep inputs smooth and slow. Otherwise, stability control kills the run with heavy brake application.