Early next month, a Toyota Tundra utility will haul the space shuttle Endeavour part of the way on its final journey to its resting place at the California Science Centre.
The Endeavour will travel about 20km over city streets from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the Science Centre, with the Tundra to tow shuttle the final 400 metres or so. The big utility is not sold here in Australia where the Hilux reigns supreme, but it's been tested to make sure its up to the job.
Weighing in at 136 tonnes the Endeavour will travel down Bill Robertson Lane in Exposition Park, near downtown Los Angeles, on the final leg of its journey. It will be towed by a stock 2012 Tundra CrewMax 1/2 ton pickup, identical to models currently found in US Toyota dealerships, with no additional modifications made to increase towing capacity or generate more power.
The Tundra CrewMax is equipped with Toyota's powerful 5.7-litre V8 engine, producing a maximum tow capacity of 4.5 tonnes. Toyota has done extensive testing and worked with The Sarens Group, a heavy lifting and engineered transport company, to develop a dolly specifically for hauling the Endeavour.
"There is no larger or more recognisable icon of the US space program's success than the shuttle, and to have it towed by the Toyota Tundra is not only an incredible example of the capabilities of the truck, but an honor to be part of history," said Toyota's Ed Laukes. The tow Tundra will go on display with the Endeavour when the exhibit opens on October 30, 2012.
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