2012 Toyota Tundra
Available under the hood of the 2012 Toyota Tundra are three strong powertrain options: the base 4.0L V6 which outputs 270 horsepower and 278lb-ft of torque. This is one of the brawnier base engines it’s class. The middle of the road 4.6L V8, which produces 310 horsepower and 327lb-ft of torque, comes standard on CrewMax, four-wheel-drive and long-bed models. At the top of the lineup is the 5.7L i-FORCE V8 standard on Limited trim levels. Capable of 381 horsepower and 401lb-ft of torque, this powertrain benefits from the strength of Dual Independent VVT-i technology and enables the Tundra to tow up to 10,400 pounds.
More Modern Lighting
The 2012 Tundra remains largely unchanged from its initial launch back in 2007, which means that it could likely do with a bit of modernisation. One of the most noticeable areas for upgrades is very often the truck’s lights, and particularly the headlights. There is a considerable range of different housing styles available, with projector and halo options, not to mention smoked out lenses and sequential turn signals. That said, the lightbulb itself can be just as - if not more - important. Modern light emitting diodes (LEDs) are lightyears ahead of the stock halogen bulbs on older vehicles. LEDs are brighter and can cast a wider pattern, they use less energy, last longer and emit a whiter color than incandescent halogens, which are usually more yellowish. LEDs usually won’t burn out like halogens, though they may start to dim with time. And, because they are a smaller bulb, LEDs do also allow for more design freedom. With all that said however, many aftermarket headlight setups actually combine LEDs with High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights. The HIDs are the headlight bulbs, as they remain unmatched in terms of illumination capabilities, while the LEDs are more likely to be auxiliary or perimeter lighting: as halo rings for example. Still, full LED systems are becoming increasingly popular - Toyota has since introduced full LED projector headlights for the Tundra from 2018.
A Cabin Refresh
One of the criticisms when the 2012 Tundra was released was the cabin. While roomy, it is quite utilitarian. While that may well be fine for some, for those that are looking for a little more luxury in their interiors, more heavy-duty protection or simply want to update an older truck, seat covers are a fully reversible, and, when compared to re-upholstering or purchasing aftermarket seats, a cost-effective means of doing so. Aftermarket seat covers are now custom made courtesy of computer aid design (CAD) systems, which ensures a perfect fit with OEM Tundra seats every time. They’ll hide any upholstery that’s seen better days, while still allowing your seats to move freely as needed. Covers now come in many different materials: leather and suede for a touch of opulence; water and stain-repellent neoprene and neosupreme for tougher protection; and 100% terry cloth, polycotton and canvas for more of a quick-fix. Their respective levels of care are important to note: leather will need a specialist product, neoprene needs a simple hose-off and polycottons/canvas are completely machine-washable.
Subtle Enhancements for Sound & Style
If you want your Tundra to look impressive from all angles, adding small details at its rear can help make a significant impression. An aftermarket exhaust tip will install in a matter of minutes, and with polished stainless steel, and matte or textured black finishes, add a hint of subtle style. Depending on their size, an exhaust tip can enhance the exhaust note. Tip widths can range as well, from 4-inch to 7-inch. Typically, the wider the tip, the louder the exhaust sound, particularly when the tip is wider than the exhaust piping, but it can vary greatly across manufacturers and models. Single wall exhaust tips are made from a single piece of rounded steel, which will make the tip appear thinner than a double wall model, which thanks to two layers, their tips will look smoother and chunkier.
