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Redesigned 2014 Toyota Tundra spied testing in Canada

When Toyota first announced that it would be bringing the 2014 Tundra pickup to next month's Chicago Auto Show, we weren't quite sure if the truck would fall into the "all-new" or "refreshed" category. After seeing this latest set of spy shots, we're striking "all-new" from the record, but the enhancements do appear to be more than just a simple nip/tuck.
While the overall shape and greenhouse haven't really changed, heavy cladding found on the front fascia suggests that a totally redesigned nose is in store, with a fully reworked grille flanked by new headlamps. Smaller styling details are hidden by the big panels of camouflage, but we anticipate a few minor tweaks to the rest of the pickup's design when all that black tape finally comes off.
Mum's the word on powertrain enhancements (if any), as well as any changes that have been made to the chassis. But with the updated 2013 Ram 1500 already on the street, the recent unveiling of the updated 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra twins, and a preview of what's to come from the likes of Ford, we certainly hope Toyota has injected enough new blood into its 2014 model year pickup to keep it competitive in this American-dominated segment. We'll know for sure come Chicago.

Toyota issues stop sale on 6 key models over seat fabrics; recall possible? [UPDATE]

Toyota has issued a stop-sale order on six of its core models due to concerns about the flammability of certain seat fabrics. The issue rests not with the cloth and leather covers themselves, but with a piece of seat heater beneath them that fails to meet US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for flame retardancy.
There have been no reports of fires or injuries from the affected cars, which include some of Toyota's biggest volume sellers. 2013 and 2014 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Avalon and Sienna models equipped with heated seats are included in the stop-sale, as are 2014 Tundra pickups and Corolla sedans. The exact number of vehicles with the non-compliant materials are still being tabulated, according to The Detroit Free Press.
According to a Toyota spokesman, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been notified, although it remains to be seen if a recall will be issued. Outside of a full recall, though, it's unclear how Toyota will deal with vehicles equipped with the flammable materials that have already found homes.

Next-gen Toyota Tacoma mule caught towing in the desert

With the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon set to arrive in dealers in the near future, it's high time Toyota got to work on a replacement for the Tacoma, a vehicle whose present generation debuted in the middle of the Bush Administration. Now, we have images of that new pickup undergoing testing.
Our spy photographers picked up this heavily modified mule undergoing tow tests in the desert. It rides on a modified version of the current Taco's frame, as evidenced by shots of its undercarriage, although our spies cite the lack of riveted sections as indications that the current truck's footprint should remain unchanged.
Aside from underbody changes, this particular Tacoma featured a six-speed manual transmission, which we're expecting to be joined by a six-speed automatic. The current four- and five-speed autos found on the current truck will almost certainly be killed off. Marching to the grave with those slushboxes will be the two-door Regular Cab body style. Our spies are expecting Toyota to focus its efforts on the larger, more accessible Double Cab.