MECHANICVILLE, N.Y., June 6, 2011 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Toyota truck fans know that the Tundra pickup is one tough hombre, but a recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) test revealed just how strong it is. Available at Greater Albany Toyota dealership New Country Toyota of Clifton Park, the 2011 Toyota Tundra was one of just two large pickups to be named an IIHS Top Safety Pick after passing the institute’s roof crush test with flying colors.
This is the first time that large pickup trucks have been subjected to the IIHS roof strength test, which measures roof strength by pushing a metal plate against the corner of the cab at a constant speed. The test’s highest rating of “Good” requires that the roof withstand four times the vehicle’s weight before it is crushed in five inches. Passing easily, the 2011 Toyota Tundra held up 4.5 times its own weight. That result, combined with its previous top ratings in front, side and rear crash tests, earned the Toyota Tundra a Top Safety Pick. Three large pickups, the Chevrolet Silverado, its GMC Sierra twin and the Dodge Ram received only marginal ratings for roof strength.
“The roof strength test is a good indicator of how well a vehicle’s occupants are going to be protected in a rollover,” said Mike Raucci, general manager of New Country Toyota of Clifton Park. “To think you would have to pile more than four Tundras on the roof just to crush it in five inches is pretty impressive, and it’s a good indicator of the overall strength of the vehicle. The Tundra is built to last.”
The Tundra’s safety goes well beyond its roof strength – all 2011 Tundra pickups leave Toyota dealers with a host of standard safety features like vehicle stability control, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution and smart stop technology. Interior safety features include a suite of airbags for front passengers and roll-sensing curtain airbags for the front and rear passengers in crew cab models. For improved safety while towing, the 2011 Tundra also comes with trailer sway control technology as a standard feature.
The same strong chassis that earns the Tundra a Top Safety Pick also makes it a proper work truck capable of towing 8,100 pounds or carrying 1,550 pounds in its bed when paired with a powerful 310-horsepower 4.6-liter V8. Upgrading to the available 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine increases towing and payload capacity to 9,200 and 1,720 pounds, respectively.
“Toyota is offering a great alternative to truck buyers who are tired of the offerings from the Big Three automakers,” Raucci added. “The Tundra offers powerful drivetrains in a rock-solid body that can take a beating and come back for more.”
The same dedication to excellence evidenced in the Toyota Tundra is on display at New Country Toyota of Clifton Park, which recently was awarded its sixth straight Toyota President’s Award. The President’s Award is one of the highest honors a Toyota dealer can receive, and is only given out to dealerships that showcase a commitment to customer satisfaction in line with Toyota’s high standards.
About New Country Toyota of Clifton Park:
Albany Toyota drivers have trusted New Country Toyota of Clifton Park for years for one reason: respect. Whether they’re looking for a refined new Camry or a tough, certified pre-owned Tundra, New Country Toyota of Clifton Park puts customers’ needs first. When it comes to maintaining Toyotas, their trained Toyota service technicians keep vehicles running like new for years to come. Part of the New Country Motor Car Group family of dealerships, New Country Toyota of Clifton Park is located at 202 Route 146 in Mechanicville, N.Y. Browse their extensive new and used Toyota inventory at www.toyotaofcliftonpark.com , Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NCToyotaClifton or reach them by phone at 866-979-9894.
Media Contact:
Robert Maizner, of New Country Motor Car Group, 518-584-7700
