The current generation Toyota Tacoma has been in production since 2005 and it’s about time the truck got some changes. For the 2012 model year, the Tacoma has been updated with a restyled exterior look and a redesigned and modernized interior, with some technological goodies to boot. What hasn’t changed is the power source: the Toyota Tacoma will still be running on either a 2.7 liter four-cylinder engine producing 159 HP and 180 lb-ft of torque or the 4.0 liter V6 delivering 236 hp and 266 lb-ft.
Some of the highlights for the 2012 Tacoma include a redesigned hood, new grille, new headlamps, and a new front bumper. The inside is where Toyota got real schnazzy, sprucing up the truck with a new six-speaker system with an AM/FM/ Satellite Radio-capable head unit and a single-disc CD player for the Access Cabin model and the new Entune infotainment system with seven speakers for the Double Cab model.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
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The Toyota Camry first debuted back in 1982 and after thirty years on the market, the sedan will now be entering its seventh generation. The new Camry has received a bold, sophisticated new design with a more spacious interior, improved driving dynamics, and an even quieter ride than before. Also, both of the vehicle’s engines have been improved to deliver more HP and improved fuel economy.
"The all-new 2012 Camry blends an evolution of the car’s values – such as comfort, efficiency, reliability and safety – with a more appealing design and engaging driving experience," said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. "Competition in the midsize sedan segment is the strongest it’s ever been, and the all-new Camry is designed to maintain its long-standing leadership while also broadening its appeal."
For 2012, the Camry will be offered in four different model grades: entry-level L, value-driven LE, premium XLE, and sporty SE. Prices start from $21,955.
Hit the jump to read more about the seventh generation Toyota Camry.
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The year 2011 marked a new time for the Jeep Wrangler after Chrysler introduced a facelifted version of the off-road vehicle. A year later, the 2012 model has been released and while it looks pretty much the same as that of the 2011 model, Jeep is introducing a new powertrain that is significantly more powerful than the last model.
With the new engine, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler now produces an output of 285 horsepower and 260 lb/ft of torque, an improvement of 83 horsepower and 23 lb/ft of torque from the 2011 model, while also carrying an improved fuel efficiency rating of 21 mph. This comes as an improvement from the 15 mpg city / 19 mpg highway rating of the facelifted 2011 version.
“Our new 3.6-liter V6 engine gives the ever-capable Wrangler a completely new, more refined on-road driving experience – complete with more fuel efficiency, power and torque," said Mike Manley, President and CEO of the Jeep brand.
Find out more about the 2012 Jeep Wrangler after the jump.
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The Toyota Highlander entered production in 2000 and, in 2007, Toyota was already offering the second generation of the SUV. Being the first car-based midsize SUV or midsize crossover offered in North America, the Highlander soon became one of the most successful models on the market, setting the industry standard for car-based SUVs in innovation, comfort, and sales.
The second generation revealed in 2007 was significantly larger, roomier, and more powerful than the previous Toyota Highlander. It is noticeably quieter, smarter, and more spacious with improved unprecedented versatility and ride comfort. It is powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 with dual independent variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that delivers a total of 270 HP - a 55 HP increase over the previous generation. This engine delivers an impressive fuel economy of 31 city and 27 highway, making the Highlander the most-fuel efficient mid-size SUV.
Hit the jump to read more about the second generation Toyota Highlander.
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When you ask most Americans what comes to mind when you say Fiat, one word consistently came up: "broken." Now with Fiat making a re- entrance behind their fantastic 500, feelings are changing. Although the Fiat 500 has only been on US soil for about a year, it is already gaining momentum like a blue whale rolling down a hill. It has just been announced that the long awaited Fiat 500 Abarth will make its American debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show and go on sale in the first half of 2012 . This is a huge move forward because according to Inside Line, the initial debut for the Abarth models was supposed to be introduced in the first half of 2013.
When this hot hatchback hits the market its major competitors will be the venerable VW Golf GTI and the Mini Cooper S. The angle that the Fiat successfully utilizes is that over the years both of its competitors have gone somewhat soft and strayed quite far from their roots. In the Fiat Abarth, the lineage is as clear as day and also adds a touch of warm nostalgic familiarity. As soon as your right foot hits the gas, a direct channel to your adrenal glads will be opened. The exhaust note from this peppy 1.4 liter engine reminds us of a little Boston terrier behind a fence, it sounds big but it’s really not. These primal signals will serve as a reminder of how a ’hot’ hatchback can enrich your life.
We adore the little Fiat. Its sense of style, presence, and plucky attitude make it a must have vehicle. This admiration will be multiplied with the Abarth version of this venerable Italian hatchback. The Fiat 500 Abarth serves as a case in point for automakers; in order to move forward, one must often look back.
When we buy a car, we want it to make us feel special. Now that the Fiat 500C has hit our shores, it’s easy to see that this convertible has excelled in this aspect. It combines the fun of a convertible and the ease of use of a compact car. You feel so happy when driving the 500C it should be categorized as an anti depressant. With such a cheap and cheerful car, you would expect it be made of plastic and have the same cosmetic qualities as an outhouse. As soon as you peek inside and out, you are amazed.
The 2012 Fiat 500C promises all the fun and style of the Fiat 500 with a convertible drop top that lets you soak up the glorious sunshine. The amazing thing is a fully loaded 2012 Fiat 500 C is the same price as a base model MINI convertible. We just looked up thew word value in the dictionary and not surprisingly, it showed a picture of the 2012 Fiat 500C.
Details on the Fiat 500C after the jump.
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The Chevrolet Camaro came back from an eight year hiatus in its fifth generation with something to prove. No longer willing to let the Ford Mustang reign the muscle car kingdom, the Camaro was designed as "a heritage-inspired sports car for the 21st century, combining great looks and performance; advanced technology and surprising efficiency."
These new goals set for the Camaro were instantly illustrated in the overall shape of the vehicle and the advanced, 3.6L direct-injected V-6 engine available in the two lower trim levels: the LS and LT versions. The higher end Camaro was given the SS designation and carries with it a 6.2L V-8 engine with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management on automatic-equipped combinations. All three trims are available in 10 different exterior colors.
The Camaro was well received when it made its comeback in 2010, even pulling off the title of World Car Design of the Year at the World Car of the Year Awards. Chevrolet made sure that title stays true with subtle changes to both the 2011 and 2012 model years.
Updated 03/27/2012: Chevrolet has announced today a series of changes for the 2013 model year Camaro that is set to make its world debut next month in New York. Changes for 2013 include the addition of a new 1LE package, an electric power steering system standard on all SS models and an available dual-mode exhaust system, available on Camaro SS models with the LS3 V8 engine and six-speed manual transmissions.
Also, the interior will get Chevrolet’s color touch radio with MyLink infotainment and a 7-inch touch screen that can be paired with an available in-dash GPS navigation system – a first for the Camaro.
Full specifications of the 2010-2013 Chevrolet Camaro after the jump.
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Kia has added a new trim level to their successful Sportage line-up. It’s called the SX Turbo and is powered by a Theta II 2.0-liter Turbo GDI engine with an output of 256 HP. These figures make it the most powerful model in the line-up. Next to the impressive engine, the SX version will also get distinctive features on both the exterior and interior.
"Sportage offers an ideal mix of performance, fuel efficiency and utility for the discriminating compact CUV buyer," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "With the addition of a more powerful Turbo GDI engine, unique interior appointments and improved performance, the Sportage SX makes an already appealing CUV even more fun to drive."
The new Kia Sportage SX will go on sale later this month, with prices starting from $25,7952 for the FWD version and at $27,2952 for the AWD version.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2011 Kia Sportage SX Turbo.
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In 2007, Jeep launched a vehicle that was an abomination of this classic American title. The name on the back of the car read Compass, but direction was the one thing Jeep just didn’t have with this particular model. Our guess is that Jeep had no idea in which direction to head in next.
The exterior was classic Chrysler, as they attempted to give crossover buyers some Jeep attitude, but instead insulted them with fake muscular looks. Sort of like a body builder on steroids, the previous-generation Compass was all show and nothing underneath.
The interior was plastered in cheap plastics and a design that would damage retinas. Basically, what buyers were forced to live with was a Dodge Caliber that was more expensive and useless. Hard to believe the Jeep actually kept the name for this next-generation model. However, nearly four years later, the Compass is back and that needle may finally be pointed in the right direction.
More details on the Jeep Compass after the jump.
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America is unlike any other country on the planet, larger than most and with the most diversified population. Why do you think they call us the “melting pot”? This diversity is for certain, but another thing that makes America unique is their taste in vehicles. Unlike many countries around the world, the United States seems to enjoy riding high, while having the luxury of a car-like ride. Seems counter-intuitive, as those that like riding high go for trucks and those that want a smooth and cushy ride opt for sedans. Yet, the crossover, or CUV, has become a bigger hit than the Whopper and that’s mighty impressive.
Nissan has come to the table a tad late, but they have made up for their tardiness with a pleasant all-rounder: the Rogue. It blended Murano style with smaller proportions and, for some, it worked. Now, three years later, Nissan has revamped the Rogue in the hopes of garnering strong sales before a major refresh is in order.
More details on the 2011 Nissan Rogue after the jump.
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