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INFINITI G35 

The 2008 Infiniti G35 Sedan builds on the second-generation 2007 model’s myriad revisions, which included a next-generation 306-horsepower 3.5-liter V6; a striking new exterior defined by the sleek wave form hood, signature G-style taillights and raked A-pillars for an athletic stance; a crafted, Takumi-inspired interior environment; and the audiophile-quality Infiniti Studio on Wheels ä by Bose® .

For the 2008 model year, enhancements include a first-ever offering of a Sport Package for the G35x AWD model (in addition to being available on the G35 Journey Sport Package) and a new 18-inch Tire and Wheel Package for G35x AWD (late availability); revised Technology and Navigation Packages; available Infiniti iPod® Interface and Driver’s Audio Stage; and standard XM® Satellite Radio (requires XM® subscription, sold separately). There is also one new exterior color – Desert Platinum.

The second-generation G35 Sedan’s vibrant design began as an evolution of the original’s, with its long, wave-like hood, raked A-pillars and athletic stance. It is clean, simple and projects a balance of power and grace that is suggestive of the performance potential within.

The 2008 G Sedan’s interior was designed to create a harmony between its dedicated driver’s cockpit and comfortable passenger space – and between modern technology and traditional Japanese design cues. The result is a “modern warmth” that is unique in the sport sedan segment.

The driver’s space of the 2008 G has a simple, intuitive layout. The instrument panel features electroluminescent gauges with white-and-violet instrumentation. White is used because it provides the highest contrast, while violet is used as a premium accent color. A center information display, located between the tachometer and speedometer, conveys updates from the drive computer (average fuel consumption, instantaneous fuel economy, average speed, elapsed time, running distance, distance to empty, outside air temperature, warning displays, odometer and automatic transmission shift indicator).

The soul of the G35 has always been its dynamic performance and at the heart of its advanced drivetrain has always been its award-winning VQ35 3.5-liter V6 engine and advanced FM (Front Mid-ship) platform. Both engine and platform were significantly enhanced for use with the second-generation G Sedan.

Ford Edge

The Ford Edge crossover continues to energize the Ford brand in the hottest vehicle segment in the United States. Ford’s new crossover distinguishes itself with bold, American design, a flexible interior, dynamic driving character and a host of innovative features.

The Edge delivers spirited performance, fuel efficiency and a smooth, quiet ride from its class-exclusive 265-horsepower V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. Edge also delivers on safety, with a host of standard safety features including Ford’s exclusive AdvanceTrac® with RSC®. Edge boasts a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and achieved front and side driver five-star crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Features for the 2008 Edge include:

• Ford Sync™ – an industry-exclusive, voice-activated, hands-free, in-car communications and entertainment system. The available system, developed in collaboration with Microsoft, fully integrates mobile phones and media players into the vehicle using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity.

• Voice-activated navigation system. The available voice-activated DVD-based navigation system features a 6.5-inch touch screen designed for improved clarity. It incorporates text-to-speech technology that reads and communicates directions and street names in English, Spanish and French.

• Power liftgate. This available new feature provides easy access to the rear cargo area and can be opened with the key fob or with a switch mounted on the dash. A new design for the liftgate handle also allows for easier access to the vehicle’s rear cargo area.

Edge customers will find peace of mind in Ford’s comprehensive approach to safety, including standard active safety technology and comprehensive passive safety features.

Ford’s AdvanceTrac® with RSC®, standard on Edge, is the industry’s only electronic stability control system that uses two gyroscopic sensors to monitor both yaw and roll motions. Monitoring both motions allows for yaw-control enhancements, providing class-leading side-slip and roll stability control.

2009 TOYOTA MATRIX 

The Toyota Corolla Matrix, the sporty five-door vehicle that helped redefine the concept of a crossover vehicle, has been redesigned for the 2009 model year to offer better performance while maintaining fuel economy with a wider choice of functional options.

Designers created a more coupe-inspired exterior while providing enhanced interior utility and improved dynamic performance. The result is a package that has a wider, lower stance than the previous model, but maintains driver roominess and creates a more engaging to drive. The 2009 Matrix offers the choice of two different engines, 1.8- or 2.4-liters, a five-speed manual transmission, and either four- or five-speed automatic transmissions.

Matrix is available in three grades – Standard, S and the XRS. All-wheel drive (AWD) returns to the Matrix in the S grade, teamed to the new 2.4-liter engine.  

The 2009 Matrix is offered with a choice of fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines: a new 1.8-liter and re-engineered 2.4-liter. The Matrix Standard, S and XRS are equipped with the all-new 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, which produces 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) controls valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts to help optimize performance and economy. Internal components are optimized to reduce friction, and valve-train components are downsized to provide a compact valve layout.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard with the 1.8-liter engine, and a four-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT) is available. Both automatics use a torque converter with flex lockup for increased fuel efficiency. Uphill/downhill shift control selects the proper gear for conditions and helps provide moderate engine braking during downhill driving.

Like that of the Corolla, the 2009 Matrix chassis begins with a very stiff, rigid body structure that relies on high tensile-strength steels, gussets and crossmembers for its strength, rigidity and light weight. Front suspension is operated by a compact, rigid L-arm-type MacPherson strut with a stabilizer bar.