From The Associated Press
May. 17, 2007 10:41 AM
TOKYO – Toyota’s commitment to hybrid automobiles was on full display Thursday when it unveiled its most expensive gasoline-electric vehicle yet – the 15 million yen ($124,000 Lexus Hybrid) luxury sedan Lexus LS.

Top executives at Japan’s No. 1 automaker are fully convinced that hybrid cars are the way of the future. And they’re betting that growing consumer concern about the environment – and higher fuel prices – will attract even wealthy buyers to the new model, which went on sale This past Thursday in Japan and will arrive later in other markets.

Executive Vice President of Toyota Motors Masatami Takimoto denied hybrids were “a transitional technology” that will be replaced by more advanced ecological technology in the future.

“As long as cars exist, the need for hybrid technology will remain,” Takimoto said.

Toyota Motor Corp., which introduced its first hybrid vehicle, the Prius, 10 years ago, sold about 300,000 hybrids worldwide just this last year, and it plans to sell a million hybrid vehicles a year sometime after 2010.

Although all the world’s automakers are working on hybrid technology vehicles, Japan’s No. 1 automaker has dozens of patents on the technology and has sold more hybrids than any other automaker in the world.

The most common hybrids today switch between a gas engine and electric motor to deliver better mileage and reduce emissions that cause global warming.

But Toyota Motors President Katsuaki Watanabe said the technology for hybrid systems can be applied to power other types of vehicles, which run on fuel other than gasoline, including bio-fuels and hydrogen flex fuels.

“The hybrid system is a core technology that can be applied anywhere,” Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe told reporters.

Toyota Motors, which has introduced two other hybrid Lexus models, said the hybrid LS went on sale in Japan Last Thursday.

Starting next month, it will gradually roll out in Europe, North America and parts of Asia, including China, and other regions.

Toyota expects to sell 7,000 Lexus LS cars in 2007, including 4,000 in Japan. The company did not give other regional breakdowns.

The success of hybrid vehicles has been a big plus for Toyota’s public image at a time when concerns about the global environment and soaring gas prices are growing. Watanabe said he hopes hybrid Lexus models will further enhance Toyota’s value.

I love Lexus and Toyota vehicles, although I drive a gas guzzling Ford F150 Pickup truck. I would buy one of the Toyota Hybrid vehicles though for my next vehicle. I think Toyota and Lexus have the best maintenance records, best resale values and over all customer satisfaction of all the major car manufacturers.

Saturn Sky Red Line

The 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line convertible is an impressive roadster with a definitely modern style. First of all, you’re trading up from the Saturn Sky’s 177-hp, 2.4 liter, 16 valve inline-4 engine to a blast of a 260-hp, 2.0-liter, 16-valve, turbocharged, inter-cooled, direct injection, inline-4 engine. Hold on tight as the turbocharger takes you from zero to sixty in 5.5 seconds.

Next, choose from a 5-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter for an estimated MPG of 22/31, or an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission for an expected MPG of 21/29. And however you decide to control your ride, you’ll appreciate the limited slip differential and performance-suspension—including larger stabilizer bars, stiffer springs, and unique shock tuning especially designed for the 2007 Sky Red Line.

Some additional features on the 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line are:

• 18-inch flangeless polished alloy wheels
• Blackout headlamp bezels
• Digital turbo-boost gauge
• Front brake cooling vents
• Goodyear Eagle F1GS-2 P245/45R18 96V performance tires
• StabiliTrak with Traction Control and selectable competitive mode
• Stainless steel high-flow exhaust system with dual polished aluminum tips

To make sure you are not only impressed with the performance but also comfortable in the cockpit, the 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line sports both stylish and luxurious interior. The top is a sound-insulated cloth convertible top whose rear window is equipped with defroster-equipped glass. The premium trim package includes:

• Leather seat inserts
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with contrast stitching and audio controls
• Metallic-finish sill plates
• Stainless steel pedal covers

Be sure to upgrade the CD player to a six-disc, in-dash CD/MP3 player 225-watt Monsoon system with auxiliary input jack. Also available is XM Satellite Radio with the programming variety to customize your drive.

For security, you’ll get a remote keyless entry system with extended range, automatic projector-beam halogen headlamps and daytime running lamps, as well as projector-beam halogen fog lamps. Dual-stage front air bags with passenger sensors, three-point safety belts with pretensions and load-limiting retractors, and an OnStar system with a complimentary one-year service plan. The 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line will of course have a factory security system and an engine-immobilizing theft-deterrent system.

Other than a shiny new coat of paint, the 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan is a 2006 Grand Caravan with a new label. Looks like Dodge is saving their engineering dollars to make a big splash in the minivan market with a re-designed Grand Caravan for 2008.

What can you expect if you wait until 2008 to get a new Dodge Grand Caravan? You’ll probably get a bigger engine somewhere in the 4.0 Liter range. And performance will also be enhanced with a six-speed transmission. Also expect Dodge to factor in loads of storage capacity and options—since those are the features that the Grand Caravan has become so popular for.

But since it is still 2007, let’s look at what you can expect from this year’s model. Two snazzy new paint colors aren’t everything that Dodge is offering this year. If you and your family are expecting to travel quite a bit in your minivan, then the Grand Caravan is for you. You’ll find storage space in removable consoles, in the floor, and even on the ceiling. Extra water bottles for everybody fit in the amazing fourteen standard cupholders. And you have up to thirteen different configuration options for seating with the Grand Caravan’s Stow-n-Go seats that fold into the floor.

Other popular features and options include:

• Powerful 3.3 L or 3.8 L V6 engine (standard)
• Four-speed automatic transmission (standard)
• Leather seats
• Adjustable power driver seat and pedals
• Power sunroof
• Power liftgate
• Power sliding doors
• Side impact airbags

The 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan is known for its smooth ride and interior versatility. If you want the best value for your minivan bucks, choose the Grand Caravan SE. It comes standard with a 3.3 Liter V6 engine with 170 horsepower. Expect 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway gas mileage.

If you are inclined toward a more luxurious model, then the Grand Caravan SXT is for you. The Grand Caravan SXT is equipped with a 3.8-liter, V6 engine boasting 200-horsepower. You get approximately 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

Dodge also offers the Grand Caravan in a cargo van model for owners who haul more stuff than people. The MSRP range for the 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan models is $23,690 – $27,775.

Saab is offering the Saab 2007 9-3 as a sedan, a SportCombi wagon, and of course a convertible. They have dressed up the new 9-3 for 2007 with lots of new options, an updated gauge layout, and four beautiful new colors to choose from. Sedan and SportCombi buyers can choose a really cool Titan Gray Metallic exterior paint, and convertible shoppers get three new colors to pick from:

• Electric blue metallic
• Smoke beige metallic
• Artic White

What else will you find on your new 2007 Saab 9-3? Standard wheels are 16-inch alloy, and you can get special 60th anniversary 17-inch wheels as an option. Also available is the Aero upgrade trim package. Aero models also offer more power engines, larger brakes, and a lowered, sport-tuned chassis. You can get manual or automatic transmissions on either the standard or Aero packages.

The 2007 Saab 9-3 comes with a 2.0 L 4-cylinder high-output turbocharged 210 HP engine. The 9-3 SportCombi wagon has a 250 HP turbocharged 2.8-liter V-6. The Aero comes with a 2.8 L turbocharged V-6 engine.

The cockpit of the 2007 Saab 9-3 has been re-engineered to arc around the driver. The gauges are backlit with green, which is easy on the eyes, and you can also opt for a night panel to help even more.

Of course you can expect leather trimmed seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, plush carpet floor mats, and even a cooled glove box. Saab engineers in a Smart Slot storage system into their interiors which can be customized with a range of exchangeable accessories like a CD storage compartment or a cupholder.

The seats are designed with active head restraints and can hold an optional fifth head rest, and the rear seat features a 60/40 folding split. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags are standard. Convertibles are equipped with side-impact airbag head extensions in place of the curtain airbags. Convertibles also sport pop-up roll bars.

The previously-mentioned Aero editions also offer the coolest option of all: a complimentary two-day driving course that could be one of the great memories of your lifetime. Aero Academy is designed to equip owners for the full potential of their new performance cars. What else would you expect from a car company founded by jet engineers?

MSRP for the 2007 Saab 9-3 sedan is $26,995 and the Aero package starts at $33,454. Pricing for the SportCombi wagon and the convertible models start at $28,240 and $38,240 respectively.

The 2007 Saab 9-7X is a five-passenger SUV. The body style is based on the GMC Envoy and Chevy TrailBlazer, with appointments and features to make it look distinctively like a Saab. For example, the ignition switch is in the center console between the two front seats in traditional Saab style.

Other interior upgrades, such as French-seam contrast stitching on the leather appointed seats and a metallic-framed instrument panel that resembles a cockpit, give the 9-7X a much more luxurious feel that you’d find driving a Chevy SUV.

Expect a stiffer ride than you’d experience in an Envoy or TrailBlazer, but you’ll be compensated with a great deal more responsive handling and performance. The 2007 Saab 9-7X SUV is designed with a Saab-tuned sport chassis and automatic all-wheel drive. As expected, it has the Stabilitrak® vehicle stability management system, anti-lock brakes, limited slip rear differential, and a rear air-suspension load leveling system.

You can choose between the 2007 Saab 9-7X 4.2i model, which has a 4.2 Liter 6-cylinder engine and 290 HP, and the 2007 Saab 9-7X 5.3i model with a 5.3 Liter 8-cylinder engine and 300 HP. The 5.3i engine is an Active Fuel Management V8 with 15 city/21 hwy estimated MPG performance.

Saab has included quite an impressive list of amenities as standard features for both of these 2007 Saab 9-7X SUV models. Here is a partial list of what to anticipate:

• OnStar navigation, diagnostic, and safety systems
• Head curtain side air bags as well as driver and passenger dual-stage front airbags
• Rollover sensor that deploys the head-curtain side air bags
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Heated, 8-way power front seats with lumbar
• 2-position memory for driver seat, mirrors and pedals
• Power moonroof
• Heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators
• Toolkit under rear seat
• Retractable cargo area cover

MSRP for the 2007 9-7X SUV starts at $38,990.

The massive 2007 Hummer H2 has created a new definition of style and performance. For starters, it is equipped with a huge Vortec 6000 6.0L V8 engine with a cast iron block, cast aluminum cylinder heads, and sequential fuel injection. With this engine, you get 325 HP at 5200 rmp and 365 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rmp.

Combine that engine with a Borg-Warner two-speed, electronically controlled drivetrain with full time four-wheel drive, and you’re starting to really have some fun. And where do you want to go? Sporting a ten-inches ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, hard line approach and departure angles, multiple skid plates, and a locking rear differential, the 2007 Hummer H2 can probably handle just about any trail wide enough to accommodate its substantial girth.

And exactly how big is it? At around 6,400 pounds, the 2007 Hummer H2 weighs the same as two Honda Accords. Of course, such incredible bulk means that even with 325 HP and 365 lb-ft of torque, the Vortec 6.0L V8 has to really crank itself up to get this vehicle up to performance range. As you’d expect, gas mileage is a huge let-down at an average of less than 10 mpg.

So what do you do in such a huge car? The most popular activity among H2 owners seems to be being seen in it. The Hummer H2 has been popular with celebrities, rap artists, and suburban housewives alike. It’s a real eye catcher. And if you fancy being seen at the gas pump, it’s even better.

The 2007 Hummer H2 is also available as an H2 SUT model, which is a cross between an SUV and a truck. The H2 SUT has a midgate bed similar to the GMC Envoy and Chevy Avalanche. When you fold down the forward bed and the rear seats in the cabin, you can get about 4 x 6 feet of usable space. And the bed is lined with a durable composite material to resist damage.

Hummer is offering two 2007 Hummer H2 Limited Edition models: one in Victory Red and one in Glacier Blue, both available in either an SUV or SUT luxury model. Some of the features included in these limited edition offerings are:

• Carbon fiber appearance interior trim pieces
• Rear DVD entertainment center /li>
• Heated windshield washer fluid system
• 17 in flangeless chrome wheels
• Roof-mounted light bar
• Rear vision camera
• Numerous chrome accents

These limited edition models come with an MSRP in the $65K to $66K range depending on model and options.

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After seeing the Hummer at the Houston Auto Show, I still don’t know where to start to write about it. The 2007 Hummer H3 is massive. I could write all day about its design and luxury, another day on its performance, and another on the technology tucked into every nook and cranny. For this article, I’ll concentrate on the H3 and the differences between the Hummer H3 models offered for 2007.

Base MSRP for the Hummer H3 is $29,995. The Hummer H3 Adventure starts at a MSRP of $32,070, and the Hummer H3 Luxury model starts at MSRP of $33,225. At these prices, a five-speed manual transmission is standard; however, you can get an optional four-speed automatic transmission.

The off road suspension package isn’t available in the base model 2007 Hummer H3. It is standard in the 2007 Hummer H3 Adventure, and an optional package for the H3 Luxury.



Leather appointed interior with heated eight-way adjustable front seats is a standard feature for the 2007 Hummer H3 Luxury model, but these features aren’t available in the base H3 or H3 Adventure Hummers for 2007.

All 2007 Hummer H3 models come standard with a Vortec 3700 3.7L engine. This powerful piece of machinery is specifically designed for trucks. It is very durable, yet is lightweight and provides the best fuel economy it can for such performance—EPA 15 city and 20 highway. Hummer also provides the GM 100,000 mile/5 year powertrain warranty.

OnStar system with one year Safe and Sound service plan is standard on all 2007 Hummer H3 models. This system provides peace of mind for drivers. In the event of an emergency, the system can notify authorities and can help them locate you. If the car is stolen, the system can help pinpoint the location of your H3 and assist you in getting it back. It can even perform a diagnostic check of your engine while you’re driving.

Here is a list of some more features that are standard on the 2007 Hummer H3:

• Stabilitrak stability enhancement system
• 2 speed electronically controlled drive train w/fulltime 4WD
• Power-assisted rack and pinion steering
• Anti-lock braking system with Dynamic Rear Proportioning
• 16 x 7.5 in cast aluminum wheels
• 3 12-volt auxiliary covered power outlets
• Dual front air bags with passenger sensing system
• Electrochromic rearview mirror w/8 pt compass
• Swing-gate-mounted full-sized spare tire
• Front and rear recovery hooks
• Tire pressure monitoring system

The Saab 9-5 Sedan is a beautiful car. I was very impressed with its slick styling and high tech design, especially the SportCombi model. Combine an awesome automobile with 30 MPG highway driving capability, and I’m ready to take this car for a spin.

I love the performance engineered into the Saab 9-5 Sedan. Standard on Saab automobiles is their traction control system (TCS). The TCS distributes the drive force to the wheel with the best grip, helping to reduce the risk of the tires slipping as you accelerate on slick surfaces. You can switch off the TCS if you don’t want to use this feature.

Of course, the Saab 9-5 also comes with the anti-lock braking system we have all grown to expect, as well as Saab’s electronic stability program (ESP). The ESP compares the movement of the car with the steering-wheel inputs. In the event of a skid or slide, the ESP system is designed to brake one or more of the wheels and, if necessary, reduce the engine power. The ESP also includes an anti-spin function. If desired, the ESP can be switched off.

As always, safety is paramount in the design of the Saab 9-5 Sedan. The active head restraints are designed to actually move upward and forward to catch your head as it begins to move backward during a rear-end collision. Saab was able to implement this feature using very few moving mechanical parts. Now that’s good technology.

The front seats have been equipped with torso side air bags. They are integrated into the outer edge of the front seats’ backrests and are in position no matter what position the seat is in. The air bags are designed to reduce the risk of upper-body injuries to front-seat passengers in the event of a side impact. There is also an automatic occupant sensor in the front passenger seat so that the air bags won’t deploy unless needed.

The body structure of the car features high-tensile steel in the floor-and roof-panel area to provide additional side-impact protection.

The baseline Saab 9-5 Sedan comes with the following standard features:

• 2.3T high output turbo-charged engine w/260 HP and 258 lb ft torque
• dual-zone automatic climate control system
• heated front and rear leather seats
• active head restraints in front seats
• power moonroof
• 100,000 mile GM warranty
• Onstar availability
• in-dish 6 disc CD changer
• XM® satellite radio
• complimentary scheduled maintenance
• Harman/Kardon-tuned audio with 200W

The MSRP of the Saab 9-5 Sedan starts at $35,440.

Want a real SUV driver’s SUV? Want the most powerful 6+ seat vehicle on the road? Then you are looking for the new 2007 Cadillac Escalade. Each one comes with an impressive 6.2 Liter 403 horsepower Vortec V8 Variable Valve Timing (VVT) engine with 417 lb-ft of torque.

Not only will the Escalade get you where you are going in style and comfort, but the VVT continuously manages the exhaust and intake valves to ensure the most favorable combination of high-end horsepower and low-end torque for your driving conditions. What does all of this mean in plain English? You’ve got yourself the most powerful, efficient, luxurious driving machine on the road.

The Escalade is also equipped with Cadillac’s Driver Shift Control (DSC) feature which allows you to manually shift gears. If you are going to be driving in the mountains or trailering with your Escalade, this feature is a must-have.

Along with performance, safety is paramount in the design of the 2007 Escalade as well. For starters, there are very few vehicles on the road that could run over you in this thing! And for those crazy enough to try running into you (“Gosh officer, I just didn’t see that massive hunk of car!”), you’ve got head curtain side-impact air bags in all passenger rows. Partner incredible safety features with an OnStar System—packaged with one year of directions and their connection plan—and you’re about as secure as you can be.

Here are some of the great features and options for the 2007 Cadillac Escalade:

• 6.2L 403 HP Vortec V8 VVT engine
• StabiliTrak computer controlled stability control
• Electronic road-sensing suspension
• Power adjustable gas and brake pedals
• Side-impact air bags in all passenger rows
• Segment-leading maximum capacity cargo area
• Power liftgate
• Rainsense automatic windshield wipers with heated fluid
• Xenon HID headlamps
• Bose® Discrete Surround Sound Audio System
• OnStar System

And what are you going to pay for your beautiful new 2007 Escalade? If the rear-wheel drive Escalade will meet your needs, you are looking of a base price of around $53,850. If you are looking at the all-wheel drive Escalade models, you will be spending $56,405 and up.

The 2007 Cadillac XLR Roadster is a midlife crisis management tool like no other. Beautiful and sporty on the outside (especially in a gorgeous dark red), it’s also built like no other convertible on the inside.

The frame and structure of the Cadillac XLR Roadster are true works of engineering technology. The XLR is built of aluminum, magnesium, and other complex materials that enable to car to resist bending and torsional forces. The XLR gets its strength and stability from two 170 inch long hydroformed (shaped by water pressure) steel perimeter rails that run the entire length of the frame.

The extremely rigid aluminum cockpit and other lightweight but incredibly strong components insure that you cruising in style and speed all the way to retirement. What I’m trying to say here is that you are going to love driving this roadster so much that you won’t ever want to part with it.

You’ll enjoy the one-button power retractable hard top. You’ll appreciate the radar guidance adaptive cruise control. You’ll feel like you are floating down the road with the magnetic ride control suspension. And you won’t feel cramped at all with an impressive 42.5 inches of leg room.

The XLR makes you feel like you are in luxurious control with its keyless push button start access and its OnStar Turn-by-Turn navigation system. And don’t forget the XLR windscreen to reduce wind noise and wind-blown hair.

What is this ride of your life going to cost you? Prices start at $79,000.

A few of the great standard features for the 2007 Cadillac XLR Roadster:

• 4.6L 320 HP Northstar V8 engine
• StabiliTrak computer controlled stability control
• MagneticRide Control
• 18 inch aluminum wheels
• Magnasteer steering
• Power retractable roof
• Keyless access
• Adaptive cruise control
• memory package