Toyota: Tundra Limited on 2040-cars

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Where the 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X fits into the hierarchy of off-road trucks

The world of off-road pickups sure seems like it's getting crowded, but the reality is that half-ton trucks were always pretty capable, even with what seemed like fairly basic 4x4 packages. It wasn't until recently that manufacturers really started to carve out different off-road niches for their mainstream pickup offerings. With the introduction of the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X (alongside its mechanical twin, the Chevy Silverado ZR2), the crowd has grown even thicker. Even we have trouble keeping up with the increased segmentation of off-road pickup trucks, so we threw together this handy guide to help you understand just where these various packages fit into the broader pickup hierarchy. Let's dive in.  Your basics If we say "Z71" or "FX4" to you, both will probably ring a bell. That's because they've been around a few days short of forever and their respective customers have grown so used to these package codes that OEMs got into the habit of just plastering them on the side of so-equipped truck beds. Anybody who sells a pickup truck offers some sort of basic off-road prep package like this one. Z71 is found on GM vehicles; FX4 is Ford's. Ram just calls it "Off Road Group," but no matter what you call them, they're all pretty similar.  Typical upgrades for this category include some additional ground clearance, a basic all-terrain tire, heavy-duty suspension upgrades and likely either a limited-slip or locking rear differential. These are pretty handy for anything beyond a rutted dirt road. On newer trucks — especially on higher trim levels — you'll probably also get some dedicated off-road drive modes.  Mid-range This is where things start to get interesting. To qualify for this category, a locking rear differential is a must. Most of the names in this segment are well-established too, though some (Nissan Titan Pro-4X, anyone?) may not necessarily be on your radar. The Toyota Tundra TRD Pro checks in here, as does the Ram Rebel, Chevy Silverado Trail Boss and GMC Sierra AT4 (no X!).  Realistically, if there's somewhere you need to go and one of these trucks won't do it, you might want to consider a helicopter. But it's 2021, and our thirst for capability is strong, so of course, there's a way to spend more of your money on this type of thing. Onward! Entry-hardcore Here we are, the home of the new 2022 GMC Sierra AT4X and Chevrolet Silverado ZR2. This is a tiny niche, otherwise occupied only by the Ford F-150 Tremor.

Recharge Wrap-up: Senators want stronger RFS, Toyota working to improve mobility in Bangkok

A new E15 bill has been introduced to the US House of Representatives. Sponsored by one Democrat and three Republican congressmen, the bill is a companion to the Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act of 2015 recently introduced to the Senate by Rand Paul and Chuck Grassley. The House bill's goal is similar: to remove certain restrictions to help get E15 to the marketplace. This bill also targets the EPA and its rules regarding the Reid Vapor Pressure of the ethanol blend. Read more in from Domestic Fuel. A bipartisan group of 37 senators is urging the EPA to strengthen the Renewable Fuel Standard. Stated reasons tend to focus on economics and energy security, but also on the future of other alternative fuels. The RFS "has strengthened agriculture markets and created hundreds of thousands of jobs in the new energy economy, many of which are in rural areas," the senators say in a letter to the EPA. "A stable RFS will also provide the certainty needed to unlock future investments in renewable fuels and necessary infrastructure, reduce our nation's dependence on foreign sources of energy, and drive innovation and progress toward cellulosic, biodiesel, recycled-waste, algal, and other advanced biofuels." See the full letter at Senator Chuck Grassley's website, and read more at Domestic Fuel. The Toyota Mobility Foundation has launched a pilot program in Bangkok, Thailand. In partnership with Chulalongkorn University, Toyota's program aims to help "people move, grow and explore in a world that is comfortable, safe and clean," says Toyota President Akio Toyoda (traditional rickshaws are pictured above). The program will focus on reducing congestion by creating sustainable shuttle and park and ride services, encouraging people to use multiple modes of transportation, use traffic simulation models to pinpoint particular problem areas and work with police to optimize traffic signals. The Bangkok project is expected to last a year and a half, ending in December 2016. Read more in the press release below. Realizing the Future of Mobility: Toyota Mobility Foundation Launches First Pilot Program in Thailand Program Supports Foundation's Global Mission to Advance Solutions for a More Mobile Society Tokyo, Japan (April 22, 2015) - More people everywhere are about to get moving. Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) today announced that it is launching its first pilot program.

Toyota breaks ground on new Texas HQ

Automakers are on the move in America: Cadillac is shifting from Detroit to New York, Mercedes is moving its US headquarters from New Jersey to Atlanta, and Toyota is relocating its North American operations from locations around the country to a new facility outside of Dallas in northern Texas. That process started yesterday when the Japanese automaker broke ground at the new facility. Toyota used a 2015 Tundra TRD Pro Series pickup to officially break ground at the intersection of Headquarters Drive and Palomino Crossing in Plano, TX, with the city's mayor joining Toyota Motor North America CEO Jim Lentz and a crowd of 100 dignitaries. Toyota announced the relocation back in April, and in the months since has purchased the property, hired a developer, architect and project manager, and filed preliminary plans with city hall. The site is set to be ready late in 2016 or early 2017, moving operations from California, Kentucky and New York. Other facilities like the one in Ann Arbor, MI, will not be affected by the relocation. Related Video: TOYOTA PLOWS FORWARD IN PLANO, BREAKS GROUND ON NEW HEADQUARTERS PLANO, TEXAS, JAN. 20, 2015 – A V-8 engine growls, and the earth moves. With the roar of a 2015 TRD Pro Series Tundra, Toyota today formally broke ground on its new North American headquarters at the intersection of Headquarters Drive and Palomino Crossing in Plano, Texas. The Tundra took center stage, bulldozing the first soil on the site of Toyota's new campus in a manner that can only be described as not your traditional groundbreaking ceremony. "The support and encouragement we've received from the community, civic leaders, business partners and nearby corporations has been nothing short of tremendous," said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor North America chief executive officer. "Our goal is to build an environmentally-sustainable campus that our new neighbors will welcome and our team members and associates will be proud to call home." Toyota also unveiled an installation during the ceremony: the word "TOYOTA" in large letters, standing 10 feet tall and 64 feet wide. Inside each letter are native Texan Yaupon Holly trees, which represent "wish" trees, a Japanese cultural tradition. Students from the Plano ISD Academy High School and community participants contributed to the event by adding handwritten notes to the trees representing their wishes, dreams, hopes and inspirations.