2015 Toyota Tundra Baja 1000

The Toyota Tundra really needs an all-star halo truck to liven up its competent but forgettable range of full-size trucks, which are redesigned for 2014. This exclusive speculative preview of the 2015 Tundra Baja 1000 imagines how a Ford Raptor rival from Toyota would compare with the hot-selling off-roader from the segment-leading F-150.

The Tundra reached its U.S. sales peak in 2007, when the big rig was all-new and came from its billion-dollar assembly plant right in the heart of Texas. Since then, the Tundra has struggled to even crack 100,000 units, which is a major sore spot when even the dullest Toyota sedans like the Corolla are able to rack up more than triple the total volume of the Tundra.

So what is missing from the Tundra’s three cab styles, short and long bed options, and three engines that top out with a potent 5.7-liter V-8 making 383 horsepower? The Tundra is missing more than a few million loyal customers, first and foremost, versus the long-trenched buyers of Ram, Ford, Chevy or GMC trucks.

Even the also-ran Nissan Titan PRO-4X is trying on some new off-road hero truck ideas for next year’s all-new model. For slow-moving

Toyota? So far, the world’s most admired car maker has only dipped its toes into the pool.

The new 1794 Edition of the Tundra packs more fake silver trims than a Nokia factory, and the Toyota Racing Development 4x4 stickers its dealers like to apply do not seem to have the same effect as the Raptor’s unique grille, huge fender flares, Fox racing suspension and sand-basted attitude.

TRD is just about the worst acronym imaginable, so this TopSpeed preview of a Tundra off-roader is dubbed the Baja 1000.

Exterior

The exterior makeover for this Tundra Baja 1000 preview is relatively light and very do-able by Toyota for the 2015 model year, which will reinvigorate sales after the new trucks’ first year momentum begins to slow.

Functional enhancements to the Toyota Tundra’s new styling include a solid steel racing bumper with very little lower air dam that could get caught in the rough stuff when off-roading. A tougher-looking mesh insert for the lower intake is paired with a slim piece of brightwork in the dark lower bumper.

Up in the grille, the Baja 1000 preview takes its cue from the Raptor’s grille and written letters versus the traditional blue oval or Toyota badge in the center. The Tundra Platinum wears a graphite grey color for the grille already, but the stock truck has a busy and slatted appearance to the grille that is distracting. A slim air vent in near the leading edge of the hood is shared with the production trucks, as are the LED daytime running light accent on the lower headlamp edge.

Fender flares are a detail tweak to the Tundra’ design and are not nearly as impressive as the unique side panels worn by the Raptor in front and back.

A larger set of off-road rubber and a modest suspension lift are the final ingredients to make this hardcore factory racing machine.

2015 Toyota Tundra Baja 1000 Preview - LED and Grille Detail

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Interior

The Tundra’s interior is a real selling point for previous Toyota owners, but this truck is far roomier than any T100 or Tacoma ever was. A huge and wide cabin has a flat floor with room to cross your legs comfortably, while the premium leather trim of this loaded production model seen above is certainly a big step ahead of the Nissan Titan.

Limited interior updates will be needed inside, but an adjustable traction control that is more forgiving is a mandatory requirement versus the intrusive factory safety settings.

Drivetrain, Suspension and Brakes

For the Baja 1000 Tundra, the top engine is the most likely candidate to keep the Toyota moving forward over quicksand, rocks and water crossings. This 5.7-liter V-8 is one of the best in any pickup truck, with a smooth and sophisticated design that allows it to purr as smoothly as a Lexus.

383 horsepower through the 4x4 chassis and standard six-speed automatic are plenty of power to stomp out a 6.3-second 0-to-60 mph sprint in the 2013 production models, so a similar time is likely on the Baja 1000 edition.

Larger tires do slow sprint pace, typically, so a power-operated airbox with closed and wide open settings would be a large asset. It will also give the Tundra Baja 1000 something that the Toyota trucks lack from the factory: exciting engine noise.

A remote-operated exhaust baffle is also popular in the Hennessey VelociRaptor, allowing drivers to have a safe and responsible setting for Sunday drives to church, or a loud and scary mode for impressing your buddies.

Pricing and Availability

This 2015 Tundra Baja 1000 rendering and speculative preview does not have pricing or an arrival date as of yet. The standard Tundra is all new for 2014, with pricing that spans from $26,000 for the V-6 models up to $47,000 for the loaded versions with the big V-8. The new Tundra is available at Toyota dealers now.

Competition

Ford F-150 Raptor

The Raptor has a new Special Edition for 2014 that brings a new color option and dark projector beam headlights up front. These were previously part of the Raptor Luxury package, and really crank up the menace of this already-intimidating machine.

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Conclusion

The Tundra lacks road presence, a stability control system that trusts its drivers, and engine drama like the best pickups trucks out there.

The Lexus-based V-8 is almost too good at its smooth and silky mission, but a dual-mode airbox and switchable exhaust will let this solid and dependable full-size truck roar like an LF-A as it jumps the dunes and mountains of the Baja California peninsula.

Top 10 Fastest Cars in 2013

A number of automotive manufacturers are constantly trying to keep up with their competitors by designing and developing the finest and fastest cars in the industry. In fact, numerous records have been broken and made when it comes to the latest supercar ever invented. If you have the need for speed, then you may want to check out this list of the top 10 fastest cars in 2013.

10. Koenigsegg CCX

This top-of-the-line supercar is designed and assembled in Sweden. The main objective by Koenigsegg in creating this outstanding car was to make it available to various parts of the world including the United States. Thus, the maker achieved this purpose by designing its engine to run efficiently on 91-octane fuel, which meets the U.S emission standards. It also manages to run the 14 mpg in combined cycle, as well as 18 mpg in highway road travels.

9. Pagani Huayra

The Pagani Huayra got its name from the “God of the Winds”, which is based on the Inca Empire. With the car’s superb speed and top performance, it is without a doubt that the name is indeed a perfect fit. This car model features the twinturbo Mercedes AMG 60-degrees 6-liter V12 engine, which can produce a stunning 730 horsepower and about 740 lb-ft torque. The interior features of this car is as impressive as its performance, as it includes futuristic components that are typical in a Pagani car. There are also gull-wing doors that add to the contemporary appeal of this automobile.

8. Zenvo ST1

Although the production is only limited to three cars a year, the Zenvo ST1 has placed Denmark as one of the most recognized countries that have produced high quality supercars in this era. The car is equipped with a 7-liter V8 with a supercharger and turbocharger strapped securely to it, and these components propel the car to a massive speed of 233 mh. Aside from being Denmark’s first and highly recognized supercar ever built, it also comes with a hefty price of about $1.23 million.

7. McLaren F1

It is a wonder to recall that only about two decades ago, McLaren started designing and producing the epic F1, and it was about 15 years ago that the maker has set a world record as the fastest car in the world. The McLaren F1, however, has revolutionized the automobile industry, and its car makers have attempted to assess and comprehend the technology that was used in the F1, which for most people seemed rather ahead of its time. While only about 106 Formula One cars were made, this model remains as the greatest and quickest cars that have ever cruised the road.

6. Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse WRC

The World Record Car by Bugatti has made the record as the fastest convertible in the entire world. This record was evaluated and verified at the 5.6-mile test track at the Volkswagen Group proving ground. In the test, the Veyron Grand Sport by Bugatti was equipped with 1,106 lb-ft torque and 1,200 horsepower, which was produced by the 7.9 liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine. This superior engine is then matted to an outstanding 7-speed dual clutch transmission. On top of all these great features, the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 3 seconds.

5. Saleen S7 Twin Turbo

This hand-crafted, carbon-fiber automobile is another supercar manufactured in the United States. The recent model includes a more powerful pair of turbochargers, which is capable of increasing the horsepower to about 750. Furthermore, the Saleen has a new and improved rear spoiler, as well as rear/front diffusers to maximize the downforce by up to 60 percent. This hypercar model was based on the design by Phil Frank, and it was Steve Saleen who first came up with this original concept for the car’s features.

4. Koenigsegg Agera R

The Koenigsegg Agera R from Sweden is known for its exotic and extraordinary appearance, which makes this car model quite a stunning one in the industry. Moreover, the remarkable look makes it among the most enviable cars in the world because of its catchy design and features. Aside from its impressive speed, the car is known for its fuel-efficiency components, as it runs on E85, which is a type of bio-fuel. It also produces about 180 more horsepower than a single tank on petrol. Additionally, it boasts of a new suspension system, increase on rev limiter to 7,500 rpm, and a lightweight feature for the rear exhaust system.

3. SSC Ultimate Aero

In 2007, this supercar’s speed was tested in West Richland, WA, along with the Guinness World Records to verify the results. The Aero held the record as the fastest car in the world for nearly three years until the Veyron SS was invented and took the top spot. Unfortunately, the Aero is not produced anymore, yet the latest model “Tuatara” projects a top speed at 276 mph.

2. Bugatti Veyron “SS” SuperSport

Known as one of the best hypercars in the world, the Veyron SuperSport has claimed the title as among the fastest cars. Although several manufacturers of supercars have attempted to take away this title from this car model, not one of them has succeeded in doing so. In fact, the Veyron SS produced a record-breaking speed when it was tested in Germany, in 2010. Since then, the Bugatti has become a staple when it comes to fast and pricey cars.

1. Venom GT

While this fancy car may seem like a fragile lotus at first glance, the Venom GT performs like no other. In fact, it has set an impressive world record because of its immense speed as it produced an average of 0-186 mph and acceleration time of about 13 seconds. Thus, this top record makes this car the quickest in the world. The Venom GT is manufactured in the Sealy Texas plant, and only a maximum of 10 vehicles is produced each year.
These are only some of the fastest and most lavish supercars in 2013. With the immense speed and spectacular features of these cars, they are sure to meet the high standards of automobile enthusiasts all over the world. What’s more, each car has something new and different to offer, which makes them a part of everyone’s wish list and must-haves.