Auto Highlights of the Month
By: Jay Chen
The all-new, fully redesigned2007 Lexus ES 350 marks the fourth Lexus sedan to benefit from the L-finesse design language. The fifth-generation ES improves upon every level of comfort, safety, performance and craftsmanship in the elegant five-passenger sedan. From a styling standpoint, the ES marks the latest Lexus sedan to receive a complete redesign emphasizing a more sculptural direction, one that reveals a family resemblance across the entire passenger car lineup. With an over two-inch longer wheelbase and more than an inch wider track, the ES has a more confident stance. A long hood, pulled-back cabin and short rear deck are characteristic of the new L-finesse design theme, recalling classic sports car proportions with a contemporary look unique to all new-generation Lexus sedans. The creation of a spatial feeling in the passenger compartment is central to the new Lexus design direction. Without increasing the overall exterior length, engineers were able to increase rear legroom while maintaining the already roomy driver and front-passenger compartment. The interior of the new ES introduces a new level of craftsmanship as well. Premium wood and leather accents provide a level of luxury never before seen in the entry luxury segment. Everything inside the ES is designed and styled to create a comfortable and harmonious interaction, with touchpoints that convey quality and refinement. The roomy, luxurious cabin is complemented by intelligently designed displays and controls to make driving both simple and pleasurable. Bright, clear Optitron gauges combined with smartly integrated metallic and authentic brown walnut wood trim help create a luxurious, elegant ambience. Toyota FJ Cruiser Toyota advances both the art and science of the off-road vehicle while recalling its own off-road heritage with the introduction of the 2007 FJ Cruiser sport-utility vehicle (SUV). The FJ Cruiser offers a youthful, contemporary spirit and employs the same state-of-the-art comfort, power, economy, safety, emissions and convenience technology available in other Toyota vehicles. As it does so, it provides optimized off-road capabilities, value and styling clues reminiscent of Toyota's famed FJ40 4x4 utility vehicle, sold in the U.S. from 1960 to 1983. The FJ40, which during its production life served around the world as the safari and expedition vehicle of choice, remains a desirable and collectable off-road vehicle. The FJ Cruiser's tough, wide stance is based around a frame and front-and-rear suspension systems adapted from those found on the 120-Series Prado. The frame is a boxed steel ladder-braced unit to which is mounted the FJ Cruiser's welded steel body. Independent front suspension, which offers a generous 7.87 inches of wheel travel for outstanding suspension articulation, is via double wishbones, the geometry of which is adapted for superior road feel and ride comfort. Tubular shock absorbers and an anti-sway bar also are employed.
The FJ Cruiser is powered by a high-compression 4.0L
(242.1 c.i.) V6 engine, a 24-valve, double-overhead-cam (DOHC) unit
that produces 239 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque – nearly double the
numbers produced by the six-cylinder engine of the FJ40. The quietness of the engine's operation comes
in part because of special sound-absorbing
material present under the engine cover. Its pleasing exhaust note,
meanwhile, is shaped by a specially
designed exhaust system that provides for efficient elimination of exhaust
gasses with minimal backpressure. The FJ Cruiser's dual catalytic converters
and its sophisticated fuel-delivery system help it meet the stringent LEV
II/Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards.
Toyota Camry The Toyota Camry, the best-selling car in America four years running and eight of the past nine years, is completely new for 2007 as Toyota engineers and designers follow a strategy that refuses to take continued success for granted. Toyota set out to redefine the new Camry. To accomplish this, Toyota chose to expand the very definition of Camry and in the process create a new benchmark for sedans. Designers rethought every aspect of the Camry, from its chassis to its body, interior, accessories and drivetrain. As designers and engineers refined their goals, they focused on trading what some owners felt was a conservative image for a more stylish, athletic, modern image. At the same time, they sought new standards of performance for both standard and hybrid models. The challenge was to accomplish a thorough redesign without sacrificing traditional Camry qualities, including roomy interior, comfortable ride, low noise levels, and class-leading value. Toyota designers accomplished those goals by rethinking every aspect of the Camry, with special attention paid to improving driving dynamics, comfort, and low noise. As interested as drivers will be in Camry’s enhanced performance, refinement, value and style, they’ll also be interested in its fuel-economy numbers.
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