The latest Toyota Tundra overcomes all barriers–even the flaming ones.

Early this year, Toyota released a Toyota Tundra 2010 commercial to give off-road fans a peek into the truck’s 2010 model year. I have seen the video, and man, how that full-size pickup was able to cross a burning tunnel (of 257.6 degrees Fahrenheit) was simply jaw dropping! And with the truck’s towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, its durability is undeniable.

View the 2010 Toyota Tundra video here:

Stuck in traffic? Perhaps you need a bite or to make last minute changes to your documents on your laptop. When your car is idle, take the opportunity to do something productive. A portable car seat laptop comes in handy for that purpose.

Whether you need a cup holder or a place where you can put your laptop on while working, this gadget is a great way to go. It can be attached to the back of a car seat or even on the steering wheel (just make sure your vehicle is not in motion when you do this). This tray is available on the online market today at $13.99.

Source: Coolest Gadgets

The Audiovox wireless rearview camera promises to enhance the safety of your SUV, van, or truck when you’re backing up or parallel parking. (The features of this product can be found in my previous post.) Does this camera deliver? Yes, according to a review made by CNET. It’s an easy, convenient way to ensure safety for you and your passengers while backing up or parallel parking-only if you can put up with a few kinks of this gadget.

Cheers: Easy installation and clear image

• Only needs simple hand tools when mounting the camera on the rear of the vehicle
• Easy to use as the monitor is always functioning and detecting signal from the camera
• Clear vision of the rear area even at night because of infrared illuminators
• Image on the 2.5-inch monitor is clear and in full color, allowing the user to easily find out what is directly at the back of the vehicle.
• 100-degree wide-angle lens of the camera provides wide field-of-view (but depends on the placement of the camera)

Jeers: Distracting interference

• Main issue with this camera is that it can get interference from other wireless sources when the camera is off, which is distracting during nighttime driving
• Easy target for theft because it’s easy to install

Photo and Info: CNET

Here’s the 2nd part of the list of top 10 useless gadgets:

5. 62TE Transmission (Dodge Grand Caravan)

A manual shift mode with a six-speed automatic transmission for vehicles as grand as the Dodge Grand Caravan is simply useless.

4. Paddle Shifters (Smart Fortwo)

Paddle shifters just don’t go well with a 71-horsepower car. Too bad, the manufacturer thought of equipping Smart Fortwo with this gadget.

3. Brush Guard (Hummer H3x)

A brush guard that supposedly complements the Hummer’s grille isn’t only ugly, but also useless.

2. Leather Air Vents (Porsche Cayenne)

Can somebody tell me why these air vents are present in the Cayenne? I wonder why they thought of equipping this model with an expensive yet useless gadget.

1. Advanced Parking Guidance System (Lexus LS)

Lexus is a luxury vehicle, and the last trouble that a Lexus owner has to go through is concerning parking space. So why need the parking guidance system?

Photo and Info: AskMen.com

If there are electronic car devices that deserve cheers for their functionality, some deserve jeers and boohs as well. Maybe they’re completely unnecessary, or they’re not consistent with the image of their vehicle models.

AskMen.com also came up with its list of “Top 10 useless car gadgets.” Most of the devices that made it in the list even have more advanced features than their “useful” counterparts. Nevertheless, they’re still considered in the shame list. Read on…

10. Airscarf (Mercedes-Benz SL/SLK)

See the photo? You might think the gadget is missing, but no, it’s actually there. The Airscarf is a small built-in heater that gives out warm air onto the driver’s and passenger’s necks during cold weather. But how can one find this useful if it wears off every few minutes?

9. Tachometer (Lincoln Town Car)

A tachometer is a useless gadget? You’ve gotta be kidding me, you might say. Tachometers used to be seen only in performance vehicles, but now ordinary cars that are not speed-oriented like the Lincoln Town Car has one.

8. Emergency Trunk Release (Lotus Elise/Exige)

The emergency trunk release was meant to be a safety feature. But for the Elise and Exige models, this feature is just ridiculous because their trunks are not very big. Why need an emergency release?

7. Bose Media System (Ferrari 612 Scaglietti)

Since this audio system is exclusive only to expensive BMWs and Ferraris (with the system’s quality similar to basic home audio systems), who would want it for their cars? None but those young Miley Cyrus fans.

6. Park Distance Control (MINI Cooper)

This electronic parking assistant is unnecessary for a 12-foot car such as the MINI Cooper.

*To be continued tomorrow.

Photo and Info: AskMen.com

Here’s the second installment of the list:

5. Naim Audio System (Bentley Azure)

Regarded as the most powerful audio system to be installed as standard equipment in a car.

4. SI-Drive (Subaru)

A multimode system that enables unique response patters for a car’s transmission and throttle for a more fuel-efficient operation.

3. Night Vision (BMW 5-Series)

Shows anything more than 300 yards ahead using an infrared camera mounted in front. Prevents vehicle from bumping with things at night.

2. Personal Car Communicator (Volvo S80)

A keyless drive system that keeps the driver out of road troubles.

1. OnStar (GM Vehicles)

An all-around safety device. Enables turn-by-turn navigation, hands-free calling, monitoring vehicle diagnostics. Activates instantly during crashes.

Photos and Info: AskMen.com

A vehicle can live without high-tech gadgets, some people say. Others even regard car gadgets as causes of distraction while driving. But for a tech savvy guy like me, gadgets are the God’s gift to the automotive world. Dispute that claim if you want, but there’s no denying the fact that gadgets are here to stay (they even evolve as time goes by), and they come in handy when we need them.

I found an interesting feature in AskMen.com that lists the top 10 useful car gadgets. Check the list below to see if your car is already equipped with one of the useful gadgets.

10. Starlight headlining (Rolls Royce Phantom Coupé)

Creates the illusion of a glittering night sky with its LED technology and fiber optic. Can be adjusted according to the situation or one’s mood.

9. Chrono Package (Porsche 911)

A dashboard-mounted stopwatch for do-it-yourselfers enables downloading results onto a portable gadget.

8. iDrive (BMW)

Gives the driver full control over all the BMW’s function like the Internet and navigation system. Allows drivers to focus on the road without any interruption.

7. Sirius Backseat TV (Dodge Grand Caravan)

Delivers live broadcasts of popular kiddie shows like Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Disney Channel. Obviously saves you from whining kids who are dying of boredom during long journeys.

6. Manettino (Ferrari 430 Scuderia)

A steering wheel’s multifunction system that maximizes vehicle performance and settings. Can be set to Race mode or Sport mode.

Photos and Info: AskMen.com