Turtle Toad -- Actually a lot of new paving has gone on over the last 3 years. From Cerro Azul south it is good. The Alamo route has been paved and bridge repaired, there is a cuota to bypass around Poza Rica, MX180 from south of the Emerald coast to Vera Cruz is still narrow but repaved and now no slanty pavement.
They are actually working on a new road from Tampico south. However the Tampico cops are still a pain but see my "No Bite" sign and walk away.
As Brian says, lots of other stuff to do & see, depending on your interest.
The one feature I like is no mountain driving and very few tolls.