• Space Shuttle Endeavour was towed across the Manchester Bridge by a 2012 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 1/2 – ton pickup, with a standard 5.7L V8 engine on Friday, October 12, 2012 during the orbiter’s historic 12-mile overland journey to the California Science Center.

 

• The Toyota Tundra successfully towed the 150,000 lb. orbiter, as well as the dolly and towing mechanisms for a total weight of 292,500 lbs., approximately a quarter mile across the Manchester Bridge over the 405 Freeway.–in 4.5 minutes. 

 

• Occupants of the Toyota Tundra included professional driver Matt McBride, former NASA astronaut and Endeavour mission member Garrett Reisman, and Toyota executive Ed Laukes.

 

• The Toyota Tundra used to the tow the orbiter was an unmodified, stock vehicle purchased from a Southern California Toyota dealer.  Any customer can purchase an identical model.

 

• The Toyota Tundra is built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in San Anotonio, Texas.   The $2.2 billion plant employs 2,900 team members.  The Tundra has been exclusively assembled in the U.S. since 1999.

 

• The Tundra has one of the highest levels of North American-sourced parts of any pickup truck.

 

• Southern California has been home to Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. for 55 years.  Located in Torrance, Calif., Toyota’s sales and marketing organization is staffed by 4,000 associates.

 

• Toyota has a 20-year partnership with the California Science Center in support of science learning for everyone through educational programs and world-class exhibits, like Space Shuttle Endeavour.

 
Tow Tundra Stats

Engine: 5.7-liter aluminum i-Force 32-valve V8
Horsepower: 381 @ 5,800 rpm
Torque: 401 lbs.-ft. @ 3,600 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed electronic automatic
Curb Weight: 5,625 lbs.
Gross Vehicle Weight: 7,200 lbs
Towing Capacity: 10,000 lbs
Height: 76.0”
Width: 79.9”
Length: 228.7”
Wheelbase: 145.7”
Front/Rear Track: 67.9”
Ground Clearance: 10.4”
Mileage: 13 city/17 hwy
Base MSRP: $34,630 
 

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