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Toyota Motor Sales has announced updated pricing for a variety of Toyota branded vehicles to take place starting mid May. The revisions see incremental increases in all cases, though the price bumps only impact the models listed below. Base retail prices do not include destination charges. 2008 Toyota Avalon - $27,325 , increases by $250, or 0.8 percent. 2009 Toyota Camry - $18,920 , increases by $200 or 0.9 percent. 2009 Toyota Camry hybrid - $25,650 , increases by $300 or 1.1 percent. 2008 Toyota Camry Solara coupe - $20,180 , increases by $250 or 0.9 percent. 2008 Toyota Camry Solara convertible - $27,440 , increases by $250 or 0.9 percent. 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser - $23,045 , increases by $500, or 2.1 percent. 2008 Toyota Highlander - $27,500 , increases by $200, or 0.7 percent. 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid - $34,200 , increases by $500, or 1.3 percent. 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser - $64,100 , increases by $900, or 1.4 percent. 2008 Toyota Prius - $21,500 , increases by $400, or 1.8 percent. 2008 Toyota RAV4 - $21,500 , increases by $250, or 1.1 percent. 2008 Toyota Sienna - $24,440 , increases by $100, or 0.4 percent. 2008 Toyota Tundra - $22,390 , increases by $100, or 0.3 percent...
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Suzuki will pack its 2009 SX4 sport sedan and SX4 Crossover hatchback with a standard, integrated navigation system, making it the only new vehicle under $16,000 to include navigation as a standard feature. Navigation systems are increasingly common as options on an expanding range of vehicle, although the cost typically associated with them is in $1500-$2000 territory. This GPS system is sourced from segment leader Garmin, and it will offer premium services through Microsoft Network, including real-time traffic, weather forecasts, local event listings, and a gas station finder capable of locating the lowest priced fuel in town. Distinguishing its points of interest (POI) functionality, the SX4 system will feature a number of lifestyle-oriented, Suzuki-recommended destinations and landmarks, such as hip music venues, popular surf spots, interesting road trip attractions, and other activity-focused destinations. Referred to as the Suzuki T.R.I.P. (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play), the navigation system has a flip-up 4.3-inch touch screen display and Bluetooth hands-free calling technology that can receive and audibly play text messages. This system should add high-tech...
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Audi will freshen its entry-level five-door hatchback model for the 2009 model year, with exterior and interior updates. Although Audi has released only this teaser image, we can see the exterior is distinguished with a revised front end. The new hood and fenders are more expressively styled, and the bumper and large single-frame radiator grille have been modified. Daytime running lights are standard features, and the optional bi-xenon headlamps incorporate LEDs. Not shown are new door handles and wheels. The rear features a modified bumper and lights, with fiber-optic light strips. Inside the car, the updates center around a more premium look to controls and switches, as well as an updated instrument panel. The 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower turbo four and 3.2-liter, 250-horsepower V-6 carry over. The 2.0 TFSI engine is supplied as standard with six-speed manual transmission, and the 3.2 is available exclusively with the six-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, now also available for all engine versions. The independent suspension is an enhanced with an available adaptive-action shock absorber control system. The driver can choose between "Normal" and "Sport" programs...
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Scion proved its hip to be square with its original xB, being affordable, frugal, and urban chic. Nissan has been watching the success of that enthusiast-rallying box from afar, while offering its own successful take in Japan, the Cube. Over the past few years, the Cube has made token appearances at international auto shows with side comments made by officials about consideration for the United States. Well, that trend has extended now to New York, with the announcement that we can expect the next-generation Cube to reach our shores. The Denki Cube concept on display at the NY auto show gives Americans a close look at an asymmetrical design that looks like it popped right out of an iMac computer. The word “Denki” is Japanese for “electric,” hinting at the electric powertrain demonstrated in this show model. To spark conversation about its future alternative-vehicle strategy, Nissan replaced the Cube’s standard 1.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor and laminated lithium-ion batteries located under the floor and seats. The laminated structure and unique material technology offer more power, energy and battery stability, as well as compact size and packaging flexibility...
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Honda unveiled the all-new 2009 Honda Fit at the New York International Auto Show, revealing a model that has evolved from the first-generation car without changing the successful formula. During the press days, Honda remained tight-lipped on technical details, especially for a car that is already on sale in overseas markets. What we do know is that the ’09 Fit is incrementally longer and wider than the outgoing model, with the base of the windshield moved five inches forward—increasing the interior space. This change allows for larger glass sail panels in the forked base of the A-pillars, enhancing visibility. Less obvious changes include a focus on improved structure for occupant safety, adapting the much-touted Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) design approach. The fancy acronym boils down to a dedicated, computer-engineered structure that addresses common collision parameters and smartly controls forces to best protect passengers. Good stuff. In addition, the Fit includes active head restraints, side and side-curtain airbags, and anti-lock brakes. Electronic stability control is available. Comfort is improved by addressing driver leg room and offering a tilt/telescope steering...
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For a company known for not displaying concept vehicles , Saab has been quite prolific the past couple years showing a variety of hatchback and SUV models that reveal future design language and powertrain technology. The latest example, the 9-X BioHybrid, was unveiled last week at the Geneva Motor Show. Building on design themes seen in the Aero X and earlier 9X, the Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept again tests the waters for a small three-door, while showcasing a high-tech, green powertrain that was wide, cross-brand applications. “This car is all about efficiency in design and performance,” says Director of Advanced Design at General Motors Europe Anthony Lo, who led the 9-X BioHybrid design team in co-operation with the Saab Brand Center in Sweden. The 9-X BioHybrid uses active aerodynamics to reduce both drag and fuel consumption at cruising speeds. Above 43 mph, the upper and lower bodywork is reshaped as the roof spoiler automatically extends to further lengthen the roof line and an underbody diffuser is deployed from the bottom of the rear bumper. More significantly, the 9-X BioHybrid demonstrates the potential for ultra-efficient power from a 1.4-liter/200-horsepower BioPower turbo...
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The doors have opened at the Geneva Motor Show, and one of the more intriguing cars on display is the Volkswagen Scirocco. This is a fitting venue for the unveiling, since the original Scirocco made its world debut in Geneva 34 years ago. The fondly remembered VW classic is making its production return, at least in Europe. The coupe-like 2009 Scirocco has the same length and wheelbase as the Golf GTI. It will be offered in Europe with a range gasoline and diesel engines, including the engaging 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The 197 horsepower is routed to the front wheels and commanded via a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearboxes. A range of gasoline and common-rail turob-diesel engines will be added to the range teamed with six-speed manual and seven-speed DSG gearboxes. The sporting character is enhanced with adaptive chassis control offering three driver-selected settings: comfort, normal, and sport. Noteworthy, especially at its low-20s price point, the system’s influence extends to the steering system. For example, in “sport” mode, the steering firms up to provide more feel while “comfort” mode makes the steering lighter and easier to operate at low speeds...
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At the Geneva Motor Show next month, Mini will debut its new, performance-focused sub-brand, Mini John Cooper Works. (OK, so it isn’t entirely new.) Two models will be shown in ever-icy Geneva--a JCW Cooper and a JCW Clubman--each promising maximum verve in their compact packages. Underhood, the 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder is stoked to product 207 horsepower, marking an increase of 35 horses. This mini-displacement engine will be able to reach a matching torque peak during overboost state. It otherwise tops out at 192 lb.-ft. The standard six-speed manual transmission is fortified to withstand the increased power output. The combined powertrain enables the Mini JCW Cooper to boast a 0-60 mph time under 6.5 seconds, with the larger JCW Clubman trailing just 0.3 seconds behind. Three levels of suspension are available, from the sporty JCW configuration, to the firmer midlevel setup, to a lowered, track-focused arrangement. The brakes are derived from Mini Challenge race cars, with red-finished calipers emblazoned with JCW logos. The brakes are supported by an alphabet soup of safety systems, such as electronic stability control and brake assist. Inside, the cabin features a...
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The second-generation Toyota Matrix will arrive at dealerships this month, starting at $16,190, with the top model stickering for $21,850. First unveiled at the fall SEMA show , the new Matrix has a wider, lower stance than the original model, though it doesn’t stray far from the basic formula shared with the twin Pontiac Vibe. It is available in front- and all-wheel drive with two different engines, a five-speed manual transmission, and either four- or five-speed automatic transmission. The base engine is a thrifty 132-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, with the top offering being a 158-horsepower, 2.4-liter engine. The Matrix features three trim levels, Standard, S and XRS. The S and XRS models integrate a front underbody spoiler with a large mesh fog lamp bezel and rear underbody spoiler, while a rear deck spoiler is standard for all XRS models. The interior again combines sporty flair with versatility, targeting people on the go, as evidenced through the numerous storage nooks, universal mini-jack port for digital music players, and available fold-down seatback table for the front passenger's seat.ther standard equipment includes 16-inch wheels, seat-mounted side airbags...
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