Big trucks are judged on qualities like durability, reliability, and capability. These can be found in the 2012 Toyota Tundra. It is the auxiliary features which will really decide the fate of this vehicle when compared to others in its class.

It does not lag much behind in terms of performance and outright capability. It has got better features than its predecessors and isn’t a bad truck, but is outperformed by most of the domestic rivals in US.

Exterior

The full size Toyota Tundra is available in a two door regular cab, the Crew Max, and the double sized cab. Two trim levels are available, the base level Tundra and the Tundra limited. A regular cab has a bed length of 6.5 feet and a double cab has a bed length of 8 foot. CrewMax has a smaller bed size of 5 foot but is made of superior hinged doors.

Entry level regular cabs have 18-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, chrome bumpers, windshield wiper de-icer, full power accessories, power windows, dual-zone air conditioning, tilt-only steering wheel, damped tailgate, 40/20/40 split bench rear seat.

The double cab offers keyless entry, eight way manually adjustable seats, cruise control, and good carpeting. In limited trim level we get color-keyed bumper, fog lights, power folding, bed-rail system having adjustable tie down, leather upholstery, built in camera display, power operated sliding back door, and rearview mirror having auto dimming feature with built in back up camera display, phone and music player can be connected through Bluetooth.

Performance

The 2012 Tundra comes with three engines with rear-wheel and four-wheel drive options. The four wheel rear-drive cabs offer a 4.0 liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 278 pounds-torque.

They have a standard five speed transmission which is common to all 4.0 liter V6 engine. The fuel efficiency of this engine is16 mpg in city and 20 mpg in highway. A standard 4.6 liter V8 engine that gives a 310 hp is mounted on a CrewMax and long bed double cab models.

The best engine in the Tundra lineup is the 5.7 liter V8 engine with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft torque. This power will allow Tundra to pull trailers which are up to 10,500 pounds. Good for people who would like to tow their heavy trailers.

Safety

It has standard anti-lock brakes, traction and antilock controls, and system to control trailer sway, front and side airbags, knee air bags. Safety features of Tundra are top of the line. Tundra has got light steering which makes it easier for riding and it has good ride quality when compared with other trucks.

Competition

2012 Toyota Tundra lacks major upgrades in its mechanics since its launch in 2007. Competitors give Toyota a run for their money. These include, the Ram 1500 (MSRP $23,115; 14 city / 20 hwy) with its coil-spring rear suspension will give a more comfortable ride. Ford F-150 (MSRP $27,800; 17 city / 23 hwy) is known for its cutting edge features and engine lineup.

This makes them a better choice over the Tundra. The specifications and performance of Toyota Tundra are better when compared to GMC Sierra (MSRP $28,960; 14 city / 19 hwy) and Chevrolet Silverado (MSRP $23,190; 15 city / 20 hwy). The differences in all these trucks are minor and we can definitely say that Tundra stands tall among others in the class of full-size pickups.

Overall Rating
70 out of 100

What others say:

“It’s been a big, expensive experiment, and the Toyota Tundra is clearly a glass half full for Japan’s biggest automaker. Toyota had plans to conquer the big truck market just as it had done in sedans and economy cars.”Car Connection

“Disappoints with overboosted steering feel, lazy reactions, and some noseplow in quick changes of direction. These deficits are minimized with the 18-inch wheels vs the 20s.”Consumer Guide

“The Tundra offers three engines and three cab sizes. Handling is relatively responsive, but the ride with the TRD package is stiff.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Strong V8 powertrains; capable six-speed automatic; large Double Cab with traditional rear doors; colossal CrewMax cab; one axle ratio fits all.”Edmunds

“Toyota’s full-size Tundra Pickup truck is a genuine workhorse every bit the equal of long-established pickup trucks from Ford, Chevy and Ram.”KBB

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Pick Up Truck	Base Price: $25,155.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 26.4 gallons (99 liters)	MPG: 16 city / 20 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 209.8 in. (532.8 cm)	Wheel Base: 126.8 in. (322 cm)
Height: 75.8 in. (192.5 cm)	Width: 79.9 in. (202.9 cm)
Curb Weight: 4580 lbs (2077 kg)	Ground Clearance: 10.2 in. (25.9 cm)
Luggage Capacity: NA	Maximum Seating: 3 people

Performance

Engine: 24 valve V6 DOHC w/ VVT-i	Displacement: 4.0 Liter
Horsepower: 270 HP	Max RPM: 5600 RPM
Torque: 278 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed ECT-i Automatic
Max Towing Capacity: 4900 lbs (2222 kgs)	Maximum Speed: NA

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Double Cab 4×2	MSRP: $27,365; MPG: 16 city / 20 hwy
Option:CrewMax 4×2	MSRP: $30,335; MPG: 15 city / 20 hwy
Option:Double Cab 5.7L V8 4×4	MSRP: $31,805; MPG: 13 city / 17 hwy
Option:Regular Cab 5.7L V8 4×4 FFv	MSRP: $30,350; MPG: 13 city / 18 hwy
Option:CrewMax 5.7L V8 4×4 FFv	MSRP: $34,630; MPG: 13 city / 18 hwy

Falcon introduced its production version of the Falcon F7 at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, which follows after a great response to its Falcon F7 concept showcased at the 2011 Detroit auto show.

For those who don’t know, Falcon F7 is produced by Falcon motor sports and it’s based out of Michigan. The company is known for making body modification kits and structural components for manufacturers like Plymouth in their Prowler and Dodge’s Viper.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe

Est. Market Price: $225,000.00

Dimensions

Maximum Seating: 2	Length: 174 in. (441.9 cm)
Height: 44 in. (111.7 cm)	Width: 78 in. (198.1 cm)
Curb Weight: 2785 lbs (1263 kg)	Ground Clearance: 5.0 in. (12.7 cm)

Performance

Engine: V8 Alum Naturally Aspirated	Displacement: 7.0 Liter
Horsepower: 620 HP	Max RPM: 6600 rpm
Torque: 585 lb-ft @ 5400 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds	Top Speed: 195 mph (314 km/h)

Exterior & Interior

The Falcon F7 design is inspired from the 1980’s era of super cars, the dramatic design with flowing curves and sharp cuts to meet the demand of the wind tunnel. Many people confuse the car with a Ferrari or Lamborghini and it certainly is an attention getter.

This Falcon F7 is placed in the same segment as exotic GT cars, but it has carved its own niche with features that are seen in much more expensive handcrafted cars. These features include carbon fiber body, monocoque chassis made of carbon fiber/aluminum, handcrafted interiors, billet suspension and exceptional power-weight ratio.

The handcrafted interiors exude quality and one can’t help but appreciate the attention to detail. The car is very roomy from inside, from supercar standards and can easily accommodate tall drivers.

Engine Performance

The Falcon F7 is powered by a 7-liter V8 that churns out 620 horsepower. The engine responds with a linear elasticity to give the true joy of driving. The engine has been mated to a 6-speed manual transmission based on a design by Ricardo, world’s one of the most premium transmission manufacturer.

The performance of the car is exhilarating considering an extremely high power to weight ratio. The car weighs only 1.5 tons, thanks to its light weight carbon fiber body. The car can do 0-60mph sprint in 3.3-3.6 seconds and the car can attain top speed of 200 mph.

The company plans to sell 15 of these in the 1st year of production and more than 25 in the 2nd year and then slowly increasing it in the subsequent years.

Speed never looked good until the 2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR was unveiled in the Charlotte Motor Speedway Media Tour. Ford wanted to make a statement to race cars around the world by making this new car with the right recipe.

This is one of the most anticipated cars that is now part of the Sprint Cup. Ford also wants to bring back the meaning of “stock car” to NASCAR with the new Ford Fusion. Future car racers will be brought once again to a wonderful world of speed and fame by next year.

Future in Mind

NASCAR has always been a home for amazing and fast cars that are developed from around the world. Fans and car enthusiasts will surely be in awe once they see the brand new design from Ford. This is going to be a great way to reengage fans of speed and NASCAR to become part of the sport again.

The brand new technology in the Ford Fusion NASCAR will also bring future drivers a whole new experience on the track. This new car is going to be tested whole year round to make sure that it is working perfectly in time for next year’s 2013 Daytona 500.

New Design

Car racers are also assured that they will have a new experience when it comes to aerodynamics. Bernie Marcus spent the past year developing the aerodynamic capability of the Fusion NASCAR. Most of the details when it comes to this new and fast car are still under wraps.

People will just have to wait and see how this new car will perform around the track. The company also made sure that the car’s design compliments well with its proportion. The brand and design cues are also strategically placed at the side of the Ford Fusion.

To top that, the front end grill is also a distinct look coming only from Ford. There truly is a lot to expect when it comes to the world of speed racing and with the new Ford Fusion it is going to be a blast.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Sedan(BASE)

Base Price: NA

Performance

Engine: I-4 Duratec®	Displacement: 2.5 Liter
Horsepower: 175 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 172 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Selectshift

The 2025 Bugatti Aerolithe Concept is the work of Douglas Hogg, a Coventry graduate. The design draws its inspiration from the original Bugatti Aerolithe concept showcased at the 1935 Paris Motorshow.

The old Bugatti Aerolithe concept was also the inspiration of the Atlantic 57SC.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe

Est. Market Price: $1,405,800.00

Performance

Engine: Micro Turbine/Electric Hybrid	Electric Horsepower: 450 HP
Torque: 1500 lb-ft	Curb Weight: 3000 lbs (1361 kg)
0-60 mph: 2.7 seconds	Top Speed: 220 mph / (354 km/h)

The Future in Mind

Designed 75 years after the original Aerolithe was launched in Paris, Douglas Hogg has introduced the modern interpretation of the design. The car looks quite futuristic, despite being based on a design that was made quarter of a century back. Hogg suggests that he has used a minimalistic approach in pure surfacing for the design and applied a principle of Ettore Bugatti for Automotive design.

The car design represents simplicity, elegance, and intelligence. The design follows a smooth flow, uncluttered by door handles, external mirrors or spoilers. It’s in complete harmony with advanced aerodynamics.

The underbody aerodynamics are an important feature of the design that allows two air channels to traverse the entire length of the body, funneling air from the front of the body to the diffuser at the rear, producing enough down force in the process to keep the car glued to the tarmac at high speeds.

Features

Some of the key features of the design include aeronautics inspired split canopy doors, split windshield, pronounced windows, bullet proof windows, lightweight construction material and Bugatti’s signature front grille.

Performance

The car is powered by a Microturbine-battery hybrid powertrain. Microturbines do not power the wheels directly and merely function as a generator to charge up the batteries on the run and acts as a range extender for an otherwise purely electric vehicle. A single fill of the tank can make this car run up to 800 miles.

The Bugatti Aerolithe design is a great concept that showcases the design elements that may inspire the cars of tomorrow. It’s a great tribute to Ettore Bugatti, who was way ahead of his time when he launched the first Aerolithe.

The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser looks like the usual SUV behemoth, but it is actually mid-sized, and for an SUV, affordable.

There are people satisfied with the new FJ Cruiser and pleased to use it both off road and as a daily commuting vehicle. Both inside and outside, the FJ Cruiser is simple. People find it comfortable to drive, if not loads of fun.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: SUV	Base Price: $26,925.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gallons (72 liters)	MPG: 17 city / 20 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 183.9 in. (457.1 cm)	Wheel Base: 105.9 in. (269 cm)
Height: 71.3 in. (181.1 cm)	Width: 75.0 in. (190.5 cm)
Curb Weight: 4079 lbs (1850 kg)	Ground Clearance: 8.7 in. (22 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 27.9 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 24 valve V6 DOHC	Displacement: 4.9 Liter
Horsepower: 260 HP	Max RPM: 5600 RPM
Torque: 271 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed ECT-I Automatic
Max Towing Capacity: 5000 lbs (2268 kgs)	Maximum Speed: NA

Available Trims & Engine

Option:4WD Auto	MSRP: $28,855; MPG: 17 city / 20 hwy
Option:4WD Manual	MSRP: $28,105; MPG: 15 city / 18 hwy

The FJ Cruiser is also surprisingly agile, though not agile enough for someone who’s looking for a family car that can easily handle off-road terrain. Some have complained about the SUV’s poor fuel economy.

Compared to other SUVs, the FJ Cruiser doesn’t fare quite as well as the Jeep Wrangler, which has a long and proud history of being able to perform very well off road. The Wrangler also has options like soft or hard roof, or two or four doors, that the FJ Cruiser doesn’t. The FJ Cruiser only has one trim and for 2012 it has one new paint color. But, rare for a new SUV, it can come with manual transmission.

Performance

It has a 4.0 liter, V6 engine with 260 horsepower, as well as 271 pound-feet of torque. The standard features include an adjustable steering wheel, voice command, power locks and windows, a stereo system and air conditioning. The FJ Cruiser can seat five and gets 17 miles per gallon in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Most reviewers found the FJ Cruiser’s performance fairly good, if not as smooth as a car’s. It is also praised for its on road “manners,” which are more refined than a typical SUV’s. But it can labor when it has to go up hills and can have trouble passing on the highway.

Exterior

People love the outside look of this vehicle, mostly because it’s so retro and chunky. Some people complained that the design made it a little hard to see everything they wanted to see through the front windshield.

Interior

The FJ Cruiser’s interior is simple. Some drivers wanted something a bit sexier. People who liked the interior lauded the fact that the controls were easy and the materials and fabrics were sturdy and water resistant, a must for a vehicle that’s meant to spend a lot of time off road.

There is also enough leg and headroom for tall drivers and passengers. However, some people complained that the plastics were hard and “cheap feeling.” Others complained that the back seat can be hard to climb into because of the rear suicide doors.

When the second rows of seats are folded, the FJ Cruiser has room for 66.8 cubic feet of cargo. When all the seats are upright, it has room for 279 cubic feet of cargo, which is not as much as most SUVs of its size. More, if the driver wants to fold down the second row of seats the cushions have to be removed beforehand.

Safety

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety gave the FJ Cruiser fairly good scores, but again, the exterior design made visibility problematic for a lot of drivers.

Reliability

J.D. Power gave the FJ Cruiser high marks for reliability. The 2012 model has a basic three year or 36,000 mile warranty. All in all, the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser is good for every day use, but really comes into its own off road.

Competition

Other vehicles that come close to the FJ Cruiser include the Jeep Wrangler Sport (MSRP $31,915; 16 city / 21 hwy) and the Nissan Exterra (MSRP $25,715; 16 city / 22 hwy).

Overall Rating
70 out of 100

What others say:

“The Toyota FJ Cruiser has changed very little since its introduction five years ago, and during that time the range of serious off-road-worthy models hasn’t changed much. Hummer is now gone, and Jeep has honed its Wrangler, but the FJ Cruiser remains one of the better bets for off-road toughness and trail prowess.”Car Connection

“Close-quarters maneuverability is good, and stopping control feels more than adequate. The available off-road traction-control system keeps FJ going through very deep ruts and over extra-tall humps.”Consumer Guide

“The FJ is based on the 4Runner and is superb off road. Visibility is compromised by the thick roof pillars and small windows, and the rear doors are awkward to use. The V6 is smooth, but fuel economy is 17 mpg. ESC is standard. Reliability has been above average. Crash-test results are excellent, but the FJ scores too low in our testing to be recommended.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“It’s not the most versatile choice available, but if distinctive looks and outstanding off-road ability are important to you in a midsize SUV, the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser is hard to beat.”Edmunds

“The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV is the modern take on the classic FJ40 Land Cruiser sold round the world from 1960 until the early 1980s.”KBB