German Car Zone

Big, brawny work trucks often find another purpose on American roads - hauling big, brawny Americans around. Toyota's latest gladiator to join the big-truck arena is the 2010 Tundra, and it's packing an all-new 4.6L V8.

The big engine may not stand up to the likes of the 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel or 5.7L Hemi found in Chrysler's new Heavy Duty work trucks, but it still cranks out 310hp (231kW) and 327lb-ft of torque. Perhaps best of all, it manages 15mpg city and 20mpg highway thanks to the new mid-range displacement of the 4.6L V8.

Folks looking for more grunt can opt for the 5.7L V8 already in the Tundra lineup. Both engines are paired with a standard six-speed automatic transmission. All 2010 Tundras get a facelift by way of a redesigned grille and tail light design, though the bulk of the previous truck carries over.

A pair of new packages are also available on the new Tundra, including the Platinum Package, which offers a billet-style grille with chrome bumpers, one-off 20in alloy wheels, daytime running lights, door sill protectors bearing the Platinum logo and Platinum badges. The Platinum Package is available on CrewMax Limited models.

Inside the Platinum package features power memory function on the driver’s seat, outside power mirrors and puddle lamps, and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Also included in the Platinum Package is a power tilt and slide moonroof, navigation system, ventilated seats with a unique perforated leather seating surface, wood trimmed shift knob and door switch plates, auto up/down driver and front passenger windows, chrome accented HVAC vents and controls, and headrests with an embroidered Platinum logo.

For those interested more in work and less in day-to-day comfort, Toyota is offering the aptly-named Tundra Work Truck Package. This is targeted primarily at commercial buyers since its no-frills approach won't win a lot of lifestyle customers. The basic package focuses on delivering cargo and towing capacity, available with either a V6 or either of two V8s, including the 5.7L i-Force engine rated at 381hp (284kW). The big engine bumps the Tundra's towing capacity up to 10,800lb (4,910kg).

That car is awful!

Whats with the headlights hiding be hide the grille anyway?