Lou Kaltenstein
President
Gene Norris Buick-GMC Trucks Inc./Norris Auto Group
18170 Bagley Rd
Middleburg Hts., Ohio 44130
There has been a lot of talk about Toyota Tundra’s new ads and how
impressive they are. Here are some myths about their spots that I
have found and that should be refuted. Also, they are offering a
“IVC” type program on Tundra to help with sales.
I would guess all of you have seen the ad where the Tundra pulls a
trailer up a steep grade (a ‘see-saw’), and then barrels down hill and
locks the brakes up just before the end of the ramp. Many of you have
commented on how well done the spot is visually. However, here are
the actual facts to share with people:
The V.O. at the beginning of the spot says…“It’s tough
pushing 10,000 lbs up a steep grade”. Myth: Toyota would like the
audience to believe the trailer is 10,000 lbs. Fact: It’s a 5,000 lb
truck pulling a 5,000 lb trailer. A little slight of hand? You bet.
Then, on the way down the grade, the camera zooms in on the
brakes as the vehicles comes to a screeching halt just prior to the
end of ramp. Next time you see the ad…look for the ‘mice type’.
It indicates the trailer is equipped with electric brakes.
Fact…the electric brakes stop the trailer – not the truck. A
little slight of hand? You bet.
And why does Toyota have bigger brake pads? They need
them…their truck is heavier. Stopping distance between our truck
and theirs is virtually identical. And why does Toyota have a 6 speed
transmission? To improve their fuel economy…which is still 2 mpg
less than ours.
And don’t forget…their big V8 has one axle ratio – a
4.3. Suck fuel much? Our trucks offer several axle options to
optimize towing and fuel economy. Bottom line: OUR TRUCK IS BETTER!
Spread the word…we can all make a difference.
toyota small trucks> anything domestic
gm fullsize trucks> anything else on the road.
give it time though, i can see toyota giving the general a run for the money. esp now that they are in nascar. they are going to “americanize” themselves.
the midsize / smaller toyota trucks are great… Im really referring to the mid 80s - > late 90s 22re trucks… just cant beat them… but being a toyota lover if it came down to a full size truck I would go gm all the way.
I am in no way saying the Tundra is the best truck out there, but do yourselves a favor & go drive the new 5.7L Tundra. It simply rips ass. I was doing burnouts thru 3rd gear. It will even smoke the tires while rolling. I was doing (just cruising) 120mph on rte 30 between Latrobe & Greensburg & it felt stable and had very little wind noise. This was all in a stock 4x4 full size pickup. My 454SS didn’t even go 120 mph when new. The Tundra is more comfortable, quieter, better looking, and better equipped, than a new Chevy. The new chevy’s are fugly & they don’t run all that good. I drove a new Avalanche right before the Tundra & I thought it was a POS. I drove a Ridgeline after the Tundra & it was like driving a minivan.
The day I drove these 3 trucks, I had full intentions of buying an Avalanche or the Ridgeline. Mostly the Ridgline because GM (the company) sux donkey balls. After driving the Tundra, I’m convinced Toyota has done right with it. It is just too big for my needs. It is 20 inches longer wheelbase than the Ridgeline. The Ridgeline would be perfect for me with about 100 more horsepower.
Pewters old 8.1 gas dually crew cab with allison was a beast. Would not even consider buying anything less for a truck. who ever bought that is one lucky SOB