Like the Ford Expedition on which it is based, the new Navigator gets a new frame and new four-wheel independent suspension, as well as an extended wheelbase version, dubbed the Navigator L. The longer version of the already massive 'Gator stretches the frame by 14.7 inches, adding an extra 25 cubic feet of cargo space.
To keep all that mass on the road, all 2007 Navigators will come with standard traction and stability control. In case the worst happens, Lincoln also has fitted its newest truck with three-row side curtain air bags to protect as many as eight passengers in the new cabin, which looks modern yet pays homage to Lincolns of yore. Real wood trim and square gauges look good, and if the new shapes and colors don't impress first-time riders, the 600-watt THX II audio system and optional eight-inch rear entertainment system definitely will.
There's big news under the RDX's hood: the first turbocharged engine (other than European-market turbodiesels) for a Honda or Acura street vehicle. The all-new, 2.3-liter i-VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder makes 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a five-speed manu-matic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. Acura's Super Handling All Wheel Drive system is standard. One would assume that the RDX is built on a variant of the Honda CR-V platform, but Acura insists that it is actually underpinned by an "all-new global light truck platform." We assume the company will elaborate on that assertion in due time.
As you would expect, the RDX will be equipped with standard front, side, and side curtain air bags. The cabin also can be fitted with Acura's navigation system with real-time traffic reports and an ELS DVD-Audio surround sound stereo system.
The RDX, which will be assembled in Ohio, will enter the small, premium crossover segment, which the BMW X3 hasn't exactly set afire. They'll be joined soon by the Land Rover Freelander replacement and eventually the Audi Q5.
Like the RX hybrid, the GS450h represents the top-of-the-line within its ownmodel range and, as such, will boast more standard equipment than non-green versions.Lexus says, however, that since the GS is already "extremely well-equipped,"the difference in spec will be less than that between the RX330 and RX400h. Expect a price premium of at least $5000-$6000 over similarlyoutfitted, non-hybrid GS430s. Lexus plans to market the GS hybrid not on its environmentally friendlypowertrain, but rather its high-performance characteristics, and says that theprospect of spending less time--not money--at the pump will be what draws buyers to the GS450h. View the original article here
The lengthening of the wheelbase from 95.4 to 116 inches provides more space not only for passengers--Jeep claims 5 adults can fit comfortably--but cargo as well. With the second row seats folded flat, interior cargo space is an ample 83 cubic feet, beating Toyota FJ Cruiser, Hummer H3 and Nissan Xterra.
From the front seats forward the four door model is the same as its two door sibling, sharing all of its improvements to the instrument panel, radio, and HVAC contols. On road usability ought to improve with the lengthened wheelbase and what Jeep claims is a 100 per cent stiffer frame
Though the extended wheelbase cuts about a degree off of the breakover angle, the extra usability from this model should more than make up for it's minor off-road deficiencies. Given that the vast majority of even SUV drivers, even Jeep drivers, rarely get into anything nastier than a dirt road in January it seems that Jeep has made a wise choice in making its icon more usable for the masses without seriously diminishing its off-street cred.
The new LS460 and LS460L, which go on sale this fall as 2007 models, will be powered by an all-new, 4.6-liter V-8 producing about 380 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque, figures that compare favorably with those of the new Mercedes 5.5-liter V-8. (Although Lexus clearly wants to beat Mercedes in the gear-count game, it has little desire to enter the ridiculous horsepower war currently being waged by the Germans.) Lexus promises that the combination of this engine and the eight-speed automatic will result in a 0-to-60-mph time of less than 5.5 seconds while delivering combined city/highway average fuel economy in the high 20s. The current LS430 has a 4.3-liter V-8 producing only 278 hp and 312 lb-ft, enough for a 0-to-60-mph time of 5.9 seconds.
With the LS, the Lexus sedan lineup has been completely revamped within the space of a year, with all three models--the IS, the GS, and the LS--adhering to the new corporate Lexus design theme, which goes by the meaningless name of L-Finesse. The three Lexus sedans now share a clear family resemblance highlighted by modern, broad-shouldered exterior styling. The LS460 has a much more substantial air about it than its predecessor and boasts quite sophisticated surface treatments in its sheetmetal. We wouldn't call it beautiful, but perhaps it could be considered handsome.
The LS460 gets a redesigned multilink suspension; new, variable-ratio, electronic power steering; and the latest version of what Lexus calls VDIM, for Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, which controls all the electronic interfaces for brakes, steering, stability control, and other chassis systems.
The long-wheelbase LS460L measures 202.8 inches in length versus the LS460's 198.0 inches, with a 121.7-inch wheelbase versus the stock 116.9-inch wheelbase. Lexus claims that the long-wheelbase model will establish new levels of comfort and luxury in the premium-sedan class. The LS460L's extra length allowed Lexus to create an optional ottoman package wherein the right-side rear seat reclines 45 degrees and has power leg rests and a massage feature. There's also a fold-away, rear-seat work table; a nineteen-speaker Mark Levinson stereo; and power closers for the rear doors and the trunk. The rear-seat area is not as spacious as the one in the Maybach 62, but it's still pretty opulent. There are even sensors that measure both cabin temperature and passengers' body temperatures. "I've been afraid to ask where that sensor goes," deadpanned Press, "but I'm sure it does a good job.'
Press announced that Toyota will release further technical details on the LS460 during the Geneva Motor Show in early March and will unveil a hybrid V-8 version of the car at the New York Auto Show in April. "It's the ultimate Lexus," boasts Press. Toyota officials have been quoted claiming that the hybrid LS, which likely will be badged the LS600h, will offer performance rivaling twelve-cylinder German sedans. Them's fightin' words: Toyota might not be interested in one-upping the Germans in pure horsepower numbers, but it's clearly interested in ultimate performan
