2016 Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma has been redesigned for 2016, and recently hit showrooms. It made its live debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January. A similar model known as the Hilux is sold overseas and was also redesigned for 2016. I'm pretty sure the Tacoma will remain the the best-selling mid-size truck in America as it approaches its fifth generation. It is available in either Access (extended) or Double (four-door) cab configurations, and a 2.7L four-banger (159 HP) or 3.5L V6 (278 HP) under the hood. A single-cab configuration is not being offered for the 2016 model year due to a lack of demand. Power goes to either the rear wheels or all four wheels through a five- or six-speed manual, or a six-speed automatic with a manual shifting mode. It can launch to 60 mph in the seven- to ten-second range, onto a top speed of 109 mph. It can tow up to 3,500 pounds and gets approximately 19 city/24 highway mpg. The 2016 Tacoma is offered in five trim levels: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited, with a starting price of $24,200. The Double Cab V6 Limited 4x4 tops out at $38,720. In my opinion, the Toyota Tacoma is a great truck; It has excellent reliability and off-road capabilities. However, I'd rather drive a new Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon or a few 1/2-ton pickups, such as the current-gen Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 and Ford F-150 because they look and perform better than the Tacoma.

Lamborghini Aventador SV

The Lamborghini Aventador SuperVeloce is one of the fastest, most insane Raging Bulls ever produced. It was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and I was lucky enough to spot one this early (the Aventador SV has been on sale for only a few months now). Under the hood of this beast is a 6.5-liter V12 with 740 horsepower and 509 pound-feet of torque at 8400 RPM. It can reach 60 mph from a standstill in a blistering 2.8 seconds, onto a top speed of 220 mph. Power is transferred to all four wheels via a seven-speed manual. Compared to the standard Aventador, the SV has a higher redline, weighs 110 pounds less, more exposed carbon fiber elements, such as its chassis, body panels, rear wing, wheels, and racing seats, and features lateral strut-type magnetic shocks, which Lamborghini claims are a first for a production vehicle. The Aventador SV has reportedly lapped the famed Nurburgring Nordschleife in under seven minutes. It offers three driving modes, listed from most tame to most aggressive: Strada, Sport, and Corsa. Strada is geared more toward  streets and highways; Sport is recommended for driving on windy mountain roads; Corsa is intended mainly for track use. Only 600 units will be made, each starting is at $493,095, but climbs quickly once you add on a variety of options. Also, Lamborghini unveiled a roadster variant of the Aventador SV at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August. The SV roadster is almost identical to its fixed roof counterpart, except the former is 100 pounds heavier, $50k more expensive, and a tenth of a second slower to 60 mph. I absolutely love the Lamborghini Aventador SV, and feel that it is one of the best cars in existence. It looks and sounds menacing, and goes extremely swiftly.

1955-57 Chevy 150/210/Bel Air

The 1955-57 Chevy is one of the most iconic American cars in existence. The 150 is the base model, the 210 is the mid-range model, and the Bel Air is the full-size, top-of-the-line model. These three model years make up the second generation of Chevy's flagship sedan/coupe/convertible/wagon and are commonly known as the "TriFives." Styling features and power outputs set each model and model year apart. Also, the 1955 150/210/Bel Air was the first Chevrolet model to offer the well-known small block V8. It was specifically the 265 cu (4.3L) V8 with outputs of 162, 170, 180, 210, and 225 horsepower. Other engine options include a 235 cu I6 rated at around 140 horses and a 283 cu (4.6L, introduced for 1957 MY) V8 with outputs of 185, 220, 270, and 283 horses. Extra power is added through quad-barrel carburetors or Ram-jet fuel injection. It is available with either a three-speed manual, two-speed auto, or three-speed auto. Its 0-60 mph time is reported to be approximately 13 seconds, which was quick for a vehicle in the 1950s. Like many classic American touring cars, the 1955-57 Chevrolet came with front and rear bench seats, offering room for up to six. Bench seats are now quickly becoming a thing of the past due to current U.S. safety regulations. As one would expect, the Bel Air is the most desirable model of the TriFives among collectors and enthusiasts alike, and also the most valuable. As for me, the 1955-57 Bel Air is one of my favorite classic cars. It looks and sounds beautiful, and rides smoothly and comfortably. However, it wasn't meant to be the fastest vehicle on the road. Back in the day, the Bel Air was one of the best vehicles to drive on road trips, especially those that were long-distance, and pull up to the drive-in theater and chill with. Lastly, these are commonplace at many car shows that I have previously attended, as displayed in the gallery above.