It's not often a carmaker's media
launch of some new or redesigned product is close enough to
Greenville for me to drive rather than fly. One such event was
Toyota's introduction of the renovated Tundra pickup several weeks
ago. Toyota threw this outing – the Tundra East Coast Drive Camp,
they called it – at Barnsley Gardens Resort. Located just northwest
of Atlanta, it was about a three-hour haul from Greenville. I slog
nearly that far to the airport when I fly out of Atlanta.
A couple of years ago, Toyota used
Barnsley Gardens to host the launch of something else – what
exactly escapes me. I've probably been to 30 such events since then.
This stuff just doesn't stick with me. In fact, I didn't realize I
had been to Barnsley before until dinner that night, which was in the
ruins of the mansion that once served as the home to the property's
owners. I looked at the lounge areas set up inside the ruins and it
all looked suspiciously familiar.
I don't know how big a deal the Tundra
is for Toyota. Toyota would love to be a major player in the
full-size truck arena; but truck owners are stubborn coots and Toyota
hasn't been able to elbow past the domestic brands. Consequently, one
gets the impression Toyota has sort of reconciled itself to being
satisfied with making a solid truck pleasing a smaller audience.
As is always the case with a full-size
truck, Tundra's array of trim levels, engines, cab configurations,
options and so forth could confound a squad of Mensa members. No
point in boring you with all the ins and outs; I don't have the
energy any way. Among the facts you might want to know, though, is
that Tundra is purely a product of North America. It was designed and
is being built right here in the U.S. of A.
Pricing starts at $25,920 for the SR
Regular Cab 2WD version and meanders all the way up to a whopping
$47,320 for the 1794 Edition CrewMax 4x4. Each of the five grades has
a distinct appearance. The liftgate is lockable and a power-operated
rear window is available on some models. One 270-horsepower V6 and
two V8s – a 310-horsepower 4.6-liter and a 381-horsepower
5.7-liter – comprise the engine choices.
The interior of the 1794 Edition, named for the year the ranch was founded where the assembly plant now sits. |
Driving on pavement, as well as off
road, Tundra is a comfortable, competent pickup. Its cabin features
quality materials and is carefully assembled. I'm not a big-truck
kind of guy, but I could live with Tundra. Well, for a while at least.
My little cottage in the woods. |
I arrived at Barnsley Gardens in time
for lunch on day No. 1 of our two-day familiarization. Lunch was in a
lawn dining area in the center of the living-quarters section of the
complex. There was no wondering what meat was being served. I was
just glad it wasn't beef or alligator.
Mmmm....they certainly know how to make a boy's mouth water. |
Toyota experts tutored us in all things
Tundra, as well as delivering a mini update on the 4Runner that was
also at this program. We then tackled paved and off-road routes in
both.
Cocktails and dinner that evening were
in the aforementioned ruins. I found myself cursing the “damn
yankees” as I strolled around the place. I do that only because I'm
from South Carolina. They had nothing to do with the destruction of
the mansion that was the result of a fire and simple neglect.
After dinner we were encouraged to fill
Tundra-labeled little airplane bottles with spirits supposedly
blended just for us. I eventually staggered back to my cottage where
I had a private room and bath attached to a common living area and
kitchen. Nice digs!
On the trail with our intrepid guide, Dusty. Well, maybe it wasn't Dusty. |
After breakfast the next morning anyone
so inclined could tow a boat or whatever behind a Tundra. I passed on
that and went directly to the stables where I mounted up and got a
little tour of the surrounding woods from the saddle. This was the first time I'd
been on a horse in three or four years. I had dragged my riding boots
along on this trip and was happy to use them again. Some journalists
headed for the clay-shooting range, while others tried a little fly
fishing. Yes, Barnsley Gardens has plenty to keep one entertained.
Polishing off a quick lunch, I was
ready to slug my way through the outskirts of Atlanta and head home.
At least I didn't need to deal with the TSA.
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