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Sales of the consummate gasoline/electric Toyota Prius hybrid reached a milestone mark of more than one million worldwide, Toyota announced today. Since the Prius first went on sale in Japan in 1997, then in Europe and North America in 2000, total cumulative sales through April 2008 hit 1,028,000 units, with—believe it or not—most units being sold in North America. Toyota says it believes that, compared to emissions of straight gasoline-powered vehicles, this many Prius hybrids on our earth’s roadways have done their eco-friendly part, resulting in a 4.5 million ton reduction in CO2 emissions—that nasty stuff environmentalists and other people who like to breathe believe to be a big cause of global warming. In their quest to build and sell even more fuel efficient vehicles, Toyota also offers other hybrids, such as the Camry and Highlander , and various Lexus models, like the GS 450h and LS 600h sedans and RX 400h luxury crossover SUV. They’re not alone in their efforts, though, as more and more manufacturers are aiming to do the same with their own brand of gasoline/electric hybrid technology, from compact cars to midsize sedans and SUV s.
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News flash: The cost of luxury continues to rise. Toyota Motor Sales has announced updated pricing for a variety of Lexus 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 Lexus IS 250 - $30,855, increases by $300, or 0.9 percent. 2008 Lexus IS 250 AWD - $34,485, increases by $300, or 0.9 percent. 2008 Lexus IS 350 - $36,305, increases by $300, or 0.9 percent. 2008 Lexus ES 350 - $34,120, increases by $300, or 0.9 percent. 2008 Lexus GS 350 - $44,550, increases by $400, or 0.9 percent. 2008 Lexus GS 460 - $46,500, increases by $400, or 0.9 percent. 2008 Lexus GS 450h - $55,800, increases by $900, or 1.6 percent. 2008 Lexus GX 470 - $47,315, increases by $500, or 1.1 percent. 2008 Lexus LS 460 - $62,900, increases by $900, or 1.4 percent. 2008 Lexus LS 460L - $72,900, increases by $900, or 1.4 percent. 2008 Lexus LS 600h L hybrid - $104,900, increases by $900, or 0.9 percent. 2008 Lexus LX 570 - $74,700, increases by $900, or 1.2 percent. 2008 Lexus SC 430 - $66,355, increases by $900, or 1.4 percent. 2008 Lexus RX...
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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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It was 60 years ago when the original Land Rover was shown at a motor show in Amsterdam, on April 30, 1948. The current Defender is clearly descended from that first vehicle, known as a Series 1. Extraordinarily, they even share a couple of original parts, an oil filler plug and a cleat for tying down the canvas roof. Today, Land Rover has five-model line-up headed by the Range Rover, and record global sales of over 226,000 vehicles in 2007. Land Rover sets a high standard for both luxury and off-road performance, two characteristics often considered mutually exclusive. Around the world, Land Rover will be celebrating its 60th anniversary year throughout the summer with a series of special activities and events. Land Rover Timeline 1948 LAND ROVER SERIES I The iconic British SUV makes its debut at the Amsterdam Motor Show 1949 ARMY EDITION British Army orders its first Land Rovers 1953 Long-wheelbase version introduced 1958 LAND ROVER SERIES II UNVEILED 1966 500,000th Land Rover 1970 RANGE ROVER 1971 LAND ROVER SERIES III LAUNCHED 1976 Millionth Land Rover built in June 1982 FOUR-DOOR RANGE ROVER 1989 DISCOVERY Third Land Rover model launched 1990 DEFENDER Original 'Land Rover'...
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The entire 2009 Volkswagen model line will be covered by a no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program that covers scheduled maintenance described in each vehicle’s maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty—three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The maintenance intervals covered under this program and detailed in each vehicle’s maintenance booklet are 10K, 20K, and 30K miles for most 2009 model year Volkswagens. These long service intervals are aided by the use of synthetic oil. Co-developed with Chrysler, the Routan minivan requires services at 6K, 12K, 18K, 24K, 30K, and 36K miles. The Carefree Maintenance Program will launch with the introduction of the Tiguan, Volkswagen’s all-new crossover vehicle . Research Volkswagen in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.
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At the 2008 Beijing Auto Show, Audi took the wraps off the latest SUV to join its swelling ranks, the Q5. Slotting below the three-row Q7 in the range, the Q5 enters the luxury crossover vehicle market for 2009, boasting two inches in length and width over the popular BMW X3. It will be offered in the United States with a 3.2L, 265-hp V-6 FSI direct injection with all-wheel drive and a six-speed Tiptronic transmission. The exterior design has a premium yet friendly feel that reminds of the Volkswagen Tiguan, wrapped in Q7 elegance, and finished by the distinct brand-signature trapezoidal grille. Bi-xenon headlamps are available, and LED taillights are standard. Audi brags about the 0.33 drag coefficient—low for an SUV. Thankfully, it appears the Q5 has bucked the recent trend for short side glass and large C-pillars conspiring to reduce outward visibility. The interior balances luxury with versatility. The cabin materials count aluminum, woods, chrome, leather, and Alcantara, as well as a large selection of optional design packages. The instrument cluster has a display screen, and there is large, central monitor. A navigation system with real-time traffic ability is available. The infotainment...
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Mopar and the Mopar Underground team showcased their customized Jeeps and Dodge trucks project vehicles last month at Moab Jeep Safari 2008. Since 2002, the Mopar Underground design team has been customizing production vehicles, often to be shown at the massive Specialty Equipment Market Association ( SEMA ) show in Las Vegas—where the industry’s greatest project cars often first see light. The 2007 Jeep Wrangler was named one of the most accessory-friendly vehicles by SEMA members. To anyone who has hit a trail before, this should come as no great surprise. At this recent event, the factory-backed project trucks broke out from the typical convention center confines and stormed the craggy Moab terrain, proving the modifications truly enhance these models off road. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Developed by Mopar Underground, this Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (shown above) features a 3.0-liter CRD diesel engine under the hood that pushes 230 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. There are Tru-Lok-equipped Dana 44 axles underneath. A suspension lift allows clearance for 35-inch BFG Mud Terrain tires mounted on custom 18-inch aluminum wheels. The exterior features a Warn 9.5ti winch mounted...
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Lexus has released pricing on its Pebble Beach Collection RX 350 and ES 350 special edition packages, marking the first time that these models have received the Pebble Beach treatment. Production of the Pebble Beach Collection RX and ES is limited to 6,000 vehicles each. The MSRP for the RX 350 Pebble Beach package is $3,880, while the ES 350 package carries an MSRP of $4,170. Lexus has produced an SC 430 Pebble Beach edition every year since 2003. So, what do you get besides exclusivity and sand? Both the RX and ES Pebble Beach models will feature signature colors, unique wheels, popular options, and unique badging. Additionally, Pebble Beach Edition owners will have the opportunity to customize their ownership experience by selecting from one of three distinctive merchandise packages: Callaway Golf Experience, travel, or Epicurean Encounter. Research Lexus in the buyer’s guide. Read our last ES 350 and RX 350 reviews.
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At the upcoming 2008 New York International Auto Show , Mercedes-Benz will showcase its growing range of SUVs and three-row people movers. Freshened styling on the M-Class may stand out in pictures, but it is what’s under the hood that makes the 2009 M-, G-, and R-Class models worth a closer look. We all knew it was coming, but the clean-diesel BlueTec engine arrives in the Big Apple ready to meet 50-state emissions limits, thanks to a new AdBlue exhaust treatment system. The BlueTec engine promises 20-30 percent better fuel economy than equivalent gasoline engines, surprisingly good performance, and low exhaust emissions. With the added fuel economy, the BlueTec equipped models have up to 600 miles cruising range. The BlueTec diesels use an NOx storage catalytic converter in combination with an SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue injection to lower NOx emissions. The AdBlue system injects an aqueous urea solution into the exhaust flow, which releases ammonia (NH3), reducing nitrogen oxides to harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR catalytic converter. The AdBlue tank needs to be refilled every 10,000 miles during routine maintenance intervals. At a time when consumers are...
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Infiniti revealed the all-new 2009 FX crossover vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show this week. An evolution of the original FX, the second-generation model adds to both the sport and luxury sides of the equation, while retaining a familiar form. Based on the Nissan FM (Front Midship) platform, the FX increases performance with a new 390-horsepower, 5.0-liter DOHC V-8. The base FX uses a V-6 engine. Infiniti hasn’t released specs for the V-6, though a 3.7-liter engine producing more than 300 horsepower is likely. Both powerplants will be paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control. All-wheel drive will be offered. The sporting character is enhanced with four-wheel independent suspension, which can be upgraded with Continuous Damping Control suspension, Rear-Active Steer, and 21-inch aluminum wheels. To balance out all this mechanical temptation, the FX also delivers a wide range of available safety technologies, including: Intelligent Brake Assist provides forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Lane Departure Warning/Lane Departure Prevention system to help keep the vehicle in its travel lane. Intelligent Cruise Control maintains a pre...
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The all-new 2009 Subaru Forester starts at $1,200 less than the out-going, second-generation Forester. For a $19,995 base price, car shoppers will be able to buy an SUV that is three inches longer and 4.5 inches taller than the model is replaces. Riding on a 3.5-inch longer wheelbase, the new Forester will have improved legroom, addressing a key weakness. The overall size increase puts the Forester in a better competitive position against the segment sales leaders, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The Forester will again be offered with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer engine, with a turbocharged variant delivering WRX-grade power in a sporty 2.5XT trim level. The 170-hp models are available with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, while the 224-hp turbocharged models come with the automatic transmission. All Forester models feature front seat side-impact air bags and side-curtain air bags, plus active front head restraints. Electronic stability control and four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock are also standard. Model Highlights: 2.5X - $19,995 All-wheel drive; power windows, door locks, and mirrors; keyless entry; thermometer; air conditioning; AM/FM/CD stereo;...
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The 2009 Nissan Murano was the best performer in the latest crash tests conducted by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS ). Results from this group of midsized SUVs saw span the safety spectrum, with only the Murano earning a Top Safety Pick award for good performance in front, side, and rear tests and including electronic stability control as standard equipment. All is not perfect for Nissan; The recently redesigned Murano has also been the subject of a safety recall to address airbag-related software. Results were largely mixed from the other nine SUVs. For example, the lowest-ranked model, the Kia Sorento did earn a good rating for front crash protection and a good for rear protection, a score many vehicles fall short of. However, it got the lowest rating of poor for side protection, despite being equipped with front and rear head-curtain airbags. The rear measure assesses mainly the whiplash risk. While whiplash is a very common, often long-term injury, it is seldom fatal. The greater physical risk is with a harsh side impact that can cause significant trauma, hence the greater importance for the side rating. The general rule that vehicles are getting better every year...
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Prior to its official unveiling at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show next month, Volvo has released the first official pictures of the all-new 2009 Volvo XC60. Positioned as a smaller alternative to the XC9 0, XC90, aimed at more youthful active types, Volvo claims the XC60 will be the brand’s safest vehicle. This is quite a boast from a company that has written the book on automotive safety. (Read about Volvo's safety "firsts." ) A unique City Safety system on the XC60 is engineered to help the driver avoid or reduce the effects from common low-speed impacts that occur in urban traffic. If the car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car automatically applies the brakes. Smart systems have been fitted to other Volvo models, like the Collision Warning system on the S80 sedan that alerts the driver to potential, imminent collisions. Volvo has confirmed the U.S. version will be launched with a 281-horsepower, turbocharged six-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive when it goes on sale the first quarter of 2009. Given the poor fuel economy of that engine in other applications, it is safe to assume there may be a lower-level powertrain available...
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Following the success of the FJ Cruiser TRD, Toyota has released a limited-edition FJ Cruiser with a distinct, monochrome appearance and off-road gear upgrades. On sale now, the Trail Team has a white body and roof, offset with black front and rear bumper end caps, front grille surround, exterior mirrors, and door handles. And to make it clear that this is special model, there is a Trail Teams badge on the rear door. Ready for adventure, the FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Edition includes trail-tuned Bilstein shock absorbers, BF Goodrich Rugged Trail Tires with custom 16-inch TRD alloy wheels, Cyclone air cleaner, rear differential lock, TRD exhaust system, rock rails, all-weather floor mats, front bumper-mounted auxiliary lights, and front and rear skid plates. The exterior theme carries to cabin, which features white color-keyed door trim and instrument panel trim. It also includes a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, AM/FM/CD nine-speaker audio system with MP3 player, and 115-volt auxiliary power outlet. As much as the Trail Teams preps the FJ for off-roading, it also provides a jump-start for customizers. The white-on-white exterior will likely be covered in dirt on the...
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