Jada Toys 1:50 2006 Toyota Tundra pickup



On the other end of the spectrum the amount of replica's of the first-generation Tundra or the T100 is very slim:  The only T100 is the Baja rally trucks like the Hot Wheels Toyota off-road truck.  The Tundra is between the NASCAR truck series 1:24 scale from 2000-2006, or this Jada Toys version.


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The first-generation Tundra replaced the T100 in 2000 as a closer alternative to full-size Big 3 trucks, but still too small.  It offers the first V8, a 4.7L DOHC i-Force V8 from the Lexus LS sedan; it produces 282 hp. and 325 Ib-ft. of torque through a 5-speed automatic on the updated 2005-2006 models.  The update featured new headlights, taillights, and an updated grille, along with the addition of a new crew cab version, a stepside bed, and a new V6.  The styling was based on the 1997-2003 Ford F-150 pickups and shows a lot.  The extended cab's rear seat was unbearable as it was upright, though the exterior rear door handles were nice.  There was two different models sharing one chassis: regular cab long bed or extended cab short bed.


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Jada used an extended cab based on the 2006 model for the 2007 High Profile line, shown here in metallic blue with green graphics.  The front has detailed headlights with the proper grille featuring Toyota and V8 badges, and lower bumper with foglights.  The sides have the proper look with Tundra badges on the doors and the lack of door handles.  The rear has detailed taillights with the rounded lower bump in the lens, Tundra badges on the tailgate, and a chrome bumper.  The bed is nothing more than a solid tonneau cover in black.  The stance was stupid-ridiculous as it was too tall and was wearing chrome 5-spoke wheels that looks more like the Dub City-era cars than proper off-road wheels.  As you look behind the raised suspension you can still see the stock frame and drivetrain layout on the metal base.


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The interior has the clean car-like dashboard as the real truck with 4-spoke steering wheel, central controls for radio and HVAC controls, and front bucket seats with a center console, and of course the unsupportive rear seats as well.  Still, the look of the High Profile series contributed to Jada's failed success, but most of it was the downturn of the economy in the 2008 series introduction.  When the new Just Trucks series was revived in 2011 the Tundra returned with a new suspension that was still raked, but lower and with wider tires that have aggressive treading for a proper truck-like stance.  It also helps that the exterior is much cleaner with far few graphics aside from a racing stripe and Tundra badges.  This version was much special because of the color:  The light blue matches the Tacoma's Speedway Blue color offered on TRD and X-Runner models only; it never was sold on the Tundra.  Combine that with a blacked-out front grille, rear bumper, and wheels and you've got one cool-looking truck that I almost mistaken for a Tacoma in this color!  The only negative point I found on this casting was the relocation of the Tundra badge on the tailgate to align with the body stripe for cost-cutting simple layout purposes.


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Both versions of the Toyota Tundra are nicely done and look neat, but i'm still smitten by the new Just Trucks version in that Speedway Blue color the most.


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