Toyota USA trademarks Hybrid Max name – potentially for new Tundra

Toyota has applied to trademark the Hybrid Max name in the US – hinting towards a powertrain which could feature under the next-generation Tundra pick-up.

The company has recently been drip-feeding details surrounding the new Tundra TRD Pro – in which it has done little more than show off its exterior design. However, the American arm of the Japanese manufacturer has already revealed the vehicle's engine will be dubbed the iForce Max.

While it has not yet been officially confirmed, the iForce Max is likely to be Toyota's branded name for the V35A-FTS 3.5-litre, twin-turbo V6 petrol engine which is set to power the new LandCruiser 300 Series in other markets, although Australian arrivals will only be available with a 3.3-litre, twin-turbo V6 diesel.

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Australian deliveries of the LandCruiser 300 Series will miss out on petrol power but hybrid tech hasn't been ruled out

As for the range-topping Tundra, Toyota hasn't provided any details surrounding the origins or intentions for the Hybrid Max name but it is likely it will lend itself to a hybridised petrol engine, potentially finding itself in a regular Tundra or eventually in the TRD Pro.

Just like the twin-turbo petrol donk in the LC300, it's unlikely we'll see the hybrid engine locally any time soon, but it could wind up in the LandCruiser during a mid-life cycle update in a few years time, given the off-road wagon and pick-up truck are based on the same platform.