When we are looking for a sport utility vehicle that can negotiate the urban jungle as well as the real jungle, the 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser TRD (Toyota Racing Development) is an outstanding option. This descendant of rugged Toyota off roaders is no longer a one trick pony and has added urban practicality to its impressive off road reputation. Toyota has made the FJ Cruiser TRD a utilitarian option that can do both jobs supremely well whether it is navigating the parking lot at the supermarket or crawling over a sand dune in the Sahara.
Of the different versions and options offered for the vehicle, we picked the the 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser with the TRD package because it offers quite the bang for your buck ($33,461). For that price, we got a genuinely brilliant off roader that can seat five adults, but more importantly, receives a sportier feel with TRD 16-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels and hefty BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires. Then there’s the TRD-developed, high-speed–tuned Bilstein shocks for extra support.
The FJ is a relative newcomer to the market (introduced in 2006) . Now, the FJ is aiming to tackle the suburbs as well the trail. Let’s see if the FJ can truly be the best of both worlds.
Hit the jump to see if Toyota was successful.
Full story
The Cadillac SRX was unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and is going on sale starting at $33,330 for the base 3.0 Liter V6 powered front wheel drive version and climbs all the way up to $51,360 for the 2.8 Liter six cylinder Turbo Premium version. As the Cadillac of crossovers enters its second generation, the completely redesigned SRX delivers a dynamic alternative in terms of visual appeal and driving character to ordinary CUVs with its downsized fuel efficient gas burning engines. The SRX comes standard with a front wheel drive layout and is available with all wheel drive as an option. It is built atop a version of General Motors’ Theta platform that is also used for the Chevrolet Equinox and the Epsilon II platform that is also used for the European Opel Insignia.
UPDATE 04/12/2011: After being dramatically redesigned back in 2010, the Cadillac SRX has once again been put under the magnifying glass, but this time the changes that were made to the lineup were minimal. All SRX fans out there will have much to rejoice over as the 2012 Cadillac will get a more powerful version added to its line-up: a 3.6 liter direct-injected V-6 engine that will deliver a total of 300 HP and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.
UPDATE 07/26/11: Cadillac has released some new information about the 2012 SRX, including adjustments to the performance figures on the SUV, as well as new interior features that will be included in the 2012 model. Head on after the jump to find out what’s in store for us with the 2012 SRX.
Hit the jump for more details on the Cadillac SRX.
Full story
True to its promise of reinventing itself for the new year, Dodge is coming to the 2011 Chicago Auto Show with a roster of R/T edition models, one of which is the hulking mass of power, the Dodge Durango R/T. Joining the Durango R/T at show will be four other R/T models, including the Charger R/T, the Challenger R/T, the Grand Caravan R/T, and the Journey R/T. Incidentally, the last two models are the first of its line to be outfitted with Dodge’s road & track setup.
Similar to the Durango Heat revealed earlier, the Durango R/T comes with a bevy of aesthetic improvements and performance modifications. Essentially, both the Durango R/T and the Durango Heat are the same models except for one pretty important aspect: engine performance. Regardless of the different powertrains, Dodge has set high expectations for both the Durango R/T and the Durango Heat within the full-size SUV segment.
At the Chicago Auto Show, we’ll get a pretty good idea on whether these two gnarly machines are up to the task.
Details on the Dodge Durango R/T after the jump.
Full story
Mini has released many new models in the past two years, but its bread and butter has always been the Cooper and it still remains a high priority. Updates to the Mini Cooper have been coming steadily every year since day one. The R50 Cooper that started the revival for the company in the United States was utilitarian compared to these new models and had left much to be desired.
For 2011, the car receives some minor updates that will help keep it viable until a replacement model is introduced. Refinement is the one word that we would use to describe the new model and that does not mean it is as refined as its BMW cousins, just refined enough for a Mini. The refresh may only be minor, but it is helpful to this car in every way.
Hit the jump for more details on the 2011 Mini Cooper.
Full story
Chevrolet chose San Diego to launch its long awaited Camaro Convertible. On hand were both the high performance SS models and V6 models that will likely account for more than half of convertible sales. Chevrolet also offered writers the chance to get behind the wheel of V8 and V6 Ford Mustangs for competitive evaluation. We were one of the lucky ones to do so.
The Camaro Convertible offers the same engine choices as the coupe: a 312-hp Direct Injection V6 engine for the standard version and a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 426 hp for the SS version. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard, with an optional six-speed automatic.
The Convertible Camaro will be offered with four-wheel disc brakes, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, and 18", 19" or 20" wheels. The SS model gets Launch Control with a manual transmission to optimize hard-acceleration launches for quicker, more consistent performance.
Update 01/31/2011: General Motors has finally put the Camaro Convertible into production at their Oshawa plant. The first units will arrive at dealerships in February with prices starting at $30,000 for a Camaro Convertible equipped with a 3.6L V-6 engine to $37,500 for the SS version.
UPDATE 05/29/11: We’ve uploaded a new video featuring the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible as it undergoes some extreme testing courtesy of General Motor’s highly entertaining Dept. 180. As always, Dept. 180 takes the testing and puts its own unique twist on it. Pretty enjoyable video if you ask us and something that you can spend three minutes of your life watching.
More details on the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible after the jump.
Full story
