Which is More Fun on the Track: Toyota GT86 or Ferrari F12Berlinetta?

This should be a no-brainer; which is more fun to drive, the 730hp V12-powered Ferrari F12Berlinetta or the 197hp 4-cylinder Toyota GT86? Although both are front engined, rear-wheel drive sports cars, they couldn’t be more different. One is a very expensive, extreme Italian exotic and the other is an affordable, highly controllable sports coupe.

While in terms of performance the Toyota doesn’t stand a chance in front of the Ferrari, when the fun factor is taken into account, the GT86 can bring a big smile on the driver’s face. It’s a tail-happy machine thanks to its skinny tires, which make it very enjoyable on the track.

But can it compare with the Ferrari? Autocar magazine tested both cars on the Snetterton circuit to find out.

For one thing, the F12Berlinetta is definitely more challenging to drive than the GT86. The Toyota is playful all the time, while the Ferrari is frisky, just as long as the driver remembers the immense power produced by the 6.3-liter V12 and respects it. It’s the sort of car that keeps drivers on their toes all the time and does not like giving second chances.

For the full review, watch the video below.

By Dan Mihalascu

VIDEO

Jesse James' Texas Barbeque Take on the Toyota Tundra

You may know Jesse James as a reality television personality, but his main job is being the owner and CEO of West Coast Choppers (WCC), which will be heading to the SEMA Show (November 5-8) with a custom concept of the Toyota Tundra truck with a Texas barbecue theme.

Now, you'll probably be wondering, "where the heck is the Texas barbeque theme?", and rightfully so, since nothing of the sort can be seen in the two pictures released by Toyota.

Well, it’s all hidden under the Tundra's covered truck bed as James says he drew inspiration from Texas restaurateur Tim Love to build an 8-foot combination KitchenAidÒoven and white oak chopping block that extends from the tailgate.

“We didn’t want anything silly. We wanted a high-end look to go along with the fully serviceable chef’s kitchen,” James said. “Nothing is visible until you slide out the stovetop from the back. It came out great.”

The exterior of the Toyota truck has been modded with wheel arch extensions, bigger off-road wheels, a Camburg suspension and N-FAB nerf steps.

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Toyota Truck Recovery Goes from Bad to "Holy F@%$" Faster Than You Can Say Down Under

The last thing you want or need when you're out in the wild "more than six hours away from the nearest help" is to have both of your main transportation means disabled, which is precisely what happened to a trio of Australians filming for an upcoming episode of the 'All 4 Adventures' television show on 7TWO.

Then again, since we are talking about television, perhaps this is the best thing that could have happened (ratings-wise, of course, of course) to presenters Jason Andrews and Simon Anderson, and to a lesser extent, Al the cameraman.

When the first Toyota truck got itself into a muddy and sticky situation, it wasn't that bad, but things took a turn for the worse when the tide starting coming in, and even more so, when the other Toyota that was doing the pulling…turned over. Watch the NSFW video below.

VIDEO

Dubai Motor Show Teases Toyota GT-86 Sedan with Amateur Photoshop, Which Then Vanishes…

All it takes is an amateur photoshop (we wouldn't be surprised if the above rendering was actually made with MS Paint…) and a Facebook posting for some to come out with grabby titles containing the words "official" and "confirmed".

Case in point, the Facebook page for the Dubai International Motor Show that posted the photo you see along with the claim that the Toyota GT86 Sports Sedan will have its "regional unveil" at the event held from November 5 to 9.

Needless to say, there's some BS going on here beginning with the photo that's a badly done digital render of the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show Toyota FT-86 Concept and continues with the "regional unveil", which would mean that the car has already made its world premiere somewhere else…

Funny thing is that, the post disappeared altogether today from the event's FB page.

Like we said in another posting about the same issue regarding a purportedly insider report on the Toyota GT 86 / Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ sedan, while the Japanese automaker might be considering such a model down the line, one should always question these reports and separate those that are made for grabbing headlines and clicks by using fictional information (purposely or not), from those that are based on cold, hard facts.

By John Halas

Story References: Autoblog.com , Autoguide , Worldcarfans

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Consumer Reports Says 2014 Toyota Tundra Can Still Cut it, But it’s Showing its Age

The Toyota Tundra that you can go out and buy today is basically the same underneath as the 2007 model, albeit with a series of technical and aesthetic improvements done to it over the years to keep up with the pack.

Consumer Reports has had a go in the very latest version, equipped with the popular 5.7-liter V8 engine, and while they did appreciate it for its undeniable qualities, they did concede that it is lagging behind the times, especially in the refinement department, where the Ram 1500 and GM rivals have no trouble being better.

Speaking of qualities, it’s still touted as being the most reliable vehicle in its size class. There’s also the new interior to mention, though while it looks more modern than before, it’s still not as visually appealing as that of the Chevy Silverado, for instance.

So, if you can live with the below-standards refinement and excessive use of chrome on the exterior and want to do zero to sixty in 6.7 seconds with the largest V8 equipped, and have a lot of stuff to haul, then the Tundra is for you. Scroll down and check out the video posted after the virtual jump.

By Andrei Nedelea

VIDEO

Check Out Toyota's Custom Concepts for the SEMA Show

For a second year in a row, Toyota is organizing the Dream Build Challenge competition for the SEMA Show, but whereas in 2012 it had four of its own race car drivers build a one-off model, this time, it called in athletes from other sports as well.

The four competing models (in Toyota's own words) are the following:

-BMX rider Drew Bezanson with partner Skullcandy created the “Crusher Corolla” inspired by music and BMX.

- Supercross stars Justin Brayton and Josh Grant with partner Joe Gibbs Racing Motocross, built “Let’s Go Moto Tundra” for desert competitions and training

- Freestyle skier Simon Dumont and partner Oakley will showcase the “Ultimate Dream Ski 4Runner” complete with customized ski racks and a grill.

- NASCAR driver Parker Kligerman and partner Kyle Busch Motorsports built the “CamRally” capable of handling rougher terrain

You can vote on which one you like more at the ToyotaDreamBuild site for the next few days ahead of their SEMA Show reveal on November 5 in Las Vegas.

In addition to the aforementioned concepts, the Toyota brand will also showcase a couple more custom models, including a Triathlon-Themed RAV4 and the DC Shoes Tacoma truck.

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Toyota Presents Alphard Type Gold and Vellfire Golden Eyes Special Edition Vans in Japan

Toyota is giving its Japanese minivan customers a couple more options with the release of special edition versions of the related Alphard and Vellfire full-size people carriers.

The first model is the Alphard Type Gold LL, which adds gold-plated and –colored details inside and out, such as the exterior badging, interior trim accents and the carpet with gold-colored motifs, along with extra specification.

Despite the James Bond connotations, the Vellfire Golden Eyes is anything but that, with Toyota simply adding "yellow" colored projector lamps and a combination of leather and Alcantara in black with red accent stitching, plus some added features, including a power tailgate.

Both models are available in Japan with a choice of two engines, a 2.4L unit and a 3.5-liter V6 in two and all-wheel drive configurations.

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