Car Corner

John Bourne asked:


The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser is both tech-savvy and convenient, with several new features that offer safety as well as reliability. Impressive new features include the Land Cruiser’s available Smart Key System, which automatically unlocks the door as the driver approaches, and voice-activated DVD navigation system with backup camera, which assists the driver while reversing the vehicle, alerting of nearby objects.

The 2008 Land Cruiser offers several standard safety features, including front, knee and side curtain airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system, which alerts the driver when tire levels are critically low. Its novel 4WD Torsen limited-slip differential can sense if a tire loses traction and redistributes force to the front of the vehicle when needed. The Land Cruiser is designed with the family in mind with its child-protector rear door locks, and Child Restraint System, including top tether anchors and lower anchor points.

Color-coordinated front and rear bumpers and frame-mounted towing hooks add to the sporty appearance of the Land Cruiser, while integrated fog lamps and UV-reducing, green-tinted glass make it practical.

Interior comfort is provided by the Land Cruiser’s climate control and 10-way driver and 8-way front passenger power-adjustable heated seats. The Land Cruiser comes standard with JBL® AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, 14 speakers and FM diversity reception. Also available are Bluetooth capabilities, wireless technology and a power-tilt and telescopic steering wheel.

Each Land Cruiser comes equipped with a multi-information display with odometer, tripmeter, shift position, cruising range, fuel consumption, warnings, average speed, clearance sonar, and driving support functions including maintenance data. This Toyota’s power comes with 381-horse power and a V8 engine, making it one of the highest-torque vehicles on the road.

Toyota’s 2008 Land Cruiser combines innovation, safety and practicality, making it a must-have for the luxury-SUV buyer.

Jhoana Cooper asked:


With the help of RAV tyre changers, one can easily do away with the process of tyre fixing and alignment. In the automobile sector, tyre changing, wheel balancing, and alignment machines play an important role in providing a comfortable and hassle free ride.  While going for a professional tyre changer, make sure you get the best RAV tyre changers that come with automatic tyre changing facilities.

Counted among the branded tyre changers, RAV tyre changers include a wide variety such as automatic 30”, 26” and 24” tyre changers offering various utilities. With 30” fully automatic tyre changer, one avails patented auto touch system that works on both upper and lower bead while removing the tyre gently from the wheelbase and reducing any chance of damage.

In this way, one can demount and mount difficult tyres within seconds. Some of the specifications of the 30” automatic tyre changers include self-locking plate with invemotor that regulates the chucking table rotation in a systematic way. Its other quality features include laser pointer and wheel sensor that helps fixing the tyre without damaging the wheelbase.

The 24” RAV tyre changers comes in two models i.e. quick release tool and quick release with assist arm. The quick release tool model comes with heavy-duty gearbox and structure that makes it a quality player. It helps in minimizing the friction and fixing the wheel in a perfect way.

Some of the specifications of the 24” RAV tyre changers with quick release tooling include wheel diameter of 40”, rim width of 12”, outer and inner clamping diameter of 13” and 11”, respectively. Its work pressure is 8 to 10 bar where its patented tool operates with the rim and bead while minimizing the stress on the bead.

In the 24” RAV tyre changers with quick release and assist arm comes with 3-function arm rotation with microcast G steel that offers maximum efficiency. Some features of RAV 500 Prof. include wheel diameter of 40” and rim width of 12”. Its outer clamp and inner clamp specifications are 13” and 11”, respectively.

In case one is looking for RAV tyre changers that come with state of art features such as backlit LCD screen and colour display, one can check out RAV’s RAVSPIN 400 that comes with LCD display. Its specifications include wheel weight of 65 kg, rim diameter of 26” and 10”. RAVSPIN 400 comes with four customised settings and low rotational speed that makes it a value for your money.

If one is looking for advanced RAV tyre changers, one can check out RAVSPIN 800 that comes with tyre optimizer and external unbalancer with monochrome display.

All these RAV tyre changers help in easy mounting and demounting of the tyre without scratching or rupturing the wheelbase. Once the RAV tyre changer fit the tyre, one can get the perfect wheel alignment and balancing for the vehicle that allows great grip on the road.

One should never under-estimate the need of a perfect tyre-changing machine as without it, one can face accidents and numerous other difficulties and to be safe while driving on a road, RAV tyre changers tops the security list.

Craig Chambers asked:


A Southwest table runner is an excellent way to enhance that unique western, rustic or Native American style in your home decor. Because of their versatility and affordability, many people are choosing to buy their southwest table runner online. Used as western accents and also southwestern accessories, in dining rooms or when decorating a cabin or log home with a rustic or western theme, southwestern table runners give your home character and a true authentic Native American look. When buying American Indian style table runners, you will find a wide variety making it easy to use a western table runner and you will definitely want to put a few of the most popular and sought-after runners or table rugs in your home decor. These table runners have a rich history that has evolved over time and can truly be considered as pieces of art.

Among the most popular southwestern and western table runners, in Navajo patterns, each type of runner combines a variety of colors and characters, symbolizing spiritual or historic events and a variation of colors and designs.

Not only is a southwest table runner appreciated for its incredible beauty, but the skill and hard work needed in making Native table runners is also greatly appreciated. The makers of hand woven table runners work very hard and start the runner making process by kneeling in front of a vertical wooden-framed loom. The designs are then put into place by using a shuttle to weave a variety of colored yarn together, making geometric characters and designs. Initially, Navajo rugs as well as those of some other Southwest Indian tribes were weaved of hand spun cotton thread. However, once the wool of domestic sheep was introduced to the region by the Spanish settlers, the people mainly used wool to make their colorful rugs, table runners and other traditional weaving.

Today, many of the modern southwest table runners are woven in areas where Spanish and Native American histories joined together to create colorful designs. Southwestern table runners, with their natural earth tone colors and one-of-a-kind southwestern designs make them a great choice for rustic home decorating. If you are searching for great southwestern decor, you will probably purchase from American companies or directly from Native American weavers. Buying western table runners from Navajo or other American Indian tribes not only allows you the satisfaction of knowing that you have a southwest table runner that is made by Indians but also helps to support the Native American heritage of rug weaving, and the people who themselves sell their rugs, runners, and Native American art.

The table runner style you purchase will strongly depend on what your tastes are and what kind of decorating you decide on. You will find that a southwest table runner is an excellent southwestern accent when combined with rustic or western home decor. Whether you are decorating one room in your house or decorating an entire house using a rustic theme, you will find many designs and colors available to choose from. Among these options you will be able to choose from Zapotec runners with no two alike, to southwest table runners with western style. Home decorators love hand woven wool table runners because of the variety of colors and textures. Whatever your decorating style and whatever your home decor needs, you will no doubt enjoy the warmth and color created by decorating with a southwest table runner.

Darrel Kim asked:


For the past several years, the tough yet sturdy nature of Toyota Land Cruiser has made it possible for it to be used even in the most severe environmental conditions. This is due to the fact that the Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the Toyota cars that are specially designed in order to meet the conditions of the majority of off-road driving while still providing that fashionable, comfortable and accommodating feeling. The Toyota Land Cruiser is a large SUV with an engine of five point seven liter V8 that stirs up to 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque which makes up for the SUV’s rather heavy weight.

Along with the power under the hood, Toyota’s Land Cruiser comes with convenient features on the exterior as well as interior. External features include a lean multiple refraction halogen headlights with extra morning driving lights which come with auto switch off options, hooks provided for towing of the Land Cruiser both at the front and back, mist lights fitted snugly in the bumpers and windows with green glasses that has UV resistance for the back side.

When a person looks into the interiors of Toyota Land Cruiser he can see that it has not only helpful equipments but also some entertaining and soothing one.

The inside features of Toyota Land Cruiser’s are like it has a tilt and telescopic steering wheel that is covered with leather and is equipped with a multi-function and integrated audio display control, power tilt and slide glass moon roof plus sunshade, automatic dimming electro chromic rearview mirror, alternating front and rear wipers, AM/FM 6-disc CD changer with 14 speakers, heated seats that is covered in leather and is power-adjustable in ten ways for the driver and 8 ways for the front passenger, CFC-free air condition with separate second-row control panel, and a direct tire pressure monitor system.

James Flammang asked:


tended for the timid or those who prefer not to be noticed, Toyota’s FJ Cruiser flaunts its potential capabilities like a gladiator brandishing his sword. Not unlike Hummers and Land Rovers, the FJ boasts of its prowess by the way it looks, even when standing still.

Power comes from a 4.0-liter, 60-degree V-6, similar to the one used in Tacoma and Tundra pickups, as well as Toyota’s 4Runner SUV. Running on premium-grade (91-octane) gasoline, the V-6 develops 239 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. An FJ can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Toyota’s five-speed automatic transmission incorporates “artificial intelligence,” along with “uphill/downhill shift logic.” A six-speed manual gearbox, shared with the Tacoma pickup, is available only with four-wheel drive. With manual shift, a Clutch Start cancel switch for off-roading lets you take off without pushing the clutch in.

Two distinct 4WD systems are available. Both incorporate low-range gearing for off-road duties, but only the full-time system offered with manual-shift models can be left engaged on dry pavement. A locking rear differential is offered.

Compared against most competitors, this particular SUV is the real deal, according to Toyota. An FJ is “not for poseurs,” said truck planning manager Mark Amstock at an early media presentation for the vehicle. Rather, it’s “for serious off-roading enthusiasts.”

Even so, anyone expecting a harsh, lumpy ride and ponderous handling under civilized conditions is in for a pleasant surprise. Defying appearances, the FJ Cruiser steers, handles and rides on the highway far better than one might expect from such an off-road capable SUV. Steering feel is quite refined, and the FJ doesn’t come across as especially stiff at all.

Easy to control when off-road, the FJ Cruiser copes capably with a variety of obstacles, approaching or even matching the talents of Jeep models in challenging terrain. Steering feel is quite refined, and the FJ doesn’t feel especially stiff.

A loose-action manual shift lever allows snappy gear changes, and the richness of the exhaust note complements this vehicle’s talents. Automatic-transmission models are capable and well behaved, on- or off-road, but lack of a manual gearbox detracts a bit from the sensation of unfettered toughness.

Climbing inside is the first challenge. Once there, the front seats are sufficiently cushioned with molded contours, not uncomfortable for off-/on-road tasks. Squeezing into the backseat is more of a chore.

Though the upright dashboard is somewhat stark and plain, exhibiting what might be called an “industrial look,” it’s not really like the basic one used in those early FJ40s. Additional gauges are available, including a compass that sits atop the dashboard. Front seats are sufficiently cushioned, though occupants may feel somewhat cozy inside the cockpit, especially if all five spots are filled.

A rear-drive FJ Cruiser lists for $24,120 (including destination). With 4WD, sticker prices are $25,300 with manual shift or $26,710 with an automatic transmission. Running boards are optional. An inclinometer, to indicate how far the vehicle is leaning during off-road excursions, is part of an upgrade option package.

Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, front seat-mounted airbags, curtain side airbags, and an antiskid system. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates 4WD fuel economy at 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway with manual shift, or 16/20 mpg with automatic. With two-wheel drive, the EPA estimate rises to 17/21 mpg.

FJs are aimed at people whose “preferred activity” is off-roading. At least two-thirds of them are likely to be male, and many look forward to personalizing the vehicle. Practical features include easy-to-clean rubberized flooring.

Melih Oztalay asked:


A hybrid system combines different power sources to maximize each one’s strengths, while compensating for each other’s shortcomings. A gasoline-electric hybrid system, for example, combines an internal combustion engine’s high-speed power with the clean efficiency and low-speed torque of an electric motor that never needs to be plugged in for recharging.

Toyota is working to not only further enhance the convenience of its vehicles but is also focusing its initiatives on solving global environmental issues through a variety of activities and proposals for realizing sustainable mobility. The development of powertrain technology is the basis for improving the environmental performance of vehicles, and this technology is being developed from three perspectives: 1) improving fuel efficiency in order to reduce CO2 emissions, 2) making exhaust emissions cleaner to help abate atmospheric pollution, and 3) pursuing energy diversification.

Toyota strives, in its move towards energy diversification, to provide the necessary vehicle at the time and place it is needed, i.e. the right vehicle at the right time and in the right place. In addition, Toyota is actively developing hybrid technology to serve as a core technology applicable to all powertrains.

Toyota’s mission has always been to provide clean and safe products. Thus, the company has positioned the environment as one of its most important issues and has been working toward creating a prosperous society and a world that is comfortable to live in. With this goal in mind, Toyota has been actively developing various new technologies from the perspective of achieving energy security and diversifying energy sources, which is necessitated by the dwindling supply of petroleum resources.

For example, in motive power sources for automobiles alone, we have been continuously improving conventional engines and have developed and commercialized lean-burn gasoline engines, direct injection gasoline engines and common rail direct-injection diesel engines, etc. We have also been modifying engines so that they can use alternative fuels, such as compressed natural gas (CNG), instead of gasoline or light oil, and have been installing these engines in commercially sold vehicles.

Toyota has also developed and has been marketing electric vehicles (EV) that use motors for the driving source; hybrid vehicles (HV) that combine an engine and a motor, fusing the advantages of these two power sources; fuel cell hybrid vehicles (FCHV) that use fuel cells (FC) to generate electricity based on a chemical reaction between hydrogen and the oxygen in the air and that supply this electricity to electric motors to produce driving power.

In January 1997, Toyota declared the start of the Toyota Eco Project. As part of this effort, Toyota decided to tackle the international challenge of reducing CO2 emissions in order to prevent global warming and accelerated the development of a hybrid vehicle with the goal of achieving twice the fuel efficiency of conventional vehicles. Then, in March of the same year, Toyota announced the completion of a new power train called the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) for use in passenger vehicles.

This power train combines a gasoline engine and an electric motor, and because it does not require external charging, as do existing electric vehicles, it works within existing infrastructures such as fueling facilities. This system also achieves nearly twice the fuel efficiency of conventional gasoline engines.

THS was installed in the passenger vehicle Prius, which was introduced in December 1997 in the Japanese market as the first mass-produced hybrid passenger vehicle in the world. In 2000, overseas marketing of the Prius began. The Prius has gained a reputation as a highly innovative vehicle, and its cumulative worldwide sales have exceeded 110,000 units.

Meanwhile, THS has continued to evolve, and in 2001, THS-C, which combines THS with CVT (continuously variable transmission), was installed in the Estima Hybrid minivan and THS-M (a mild hybrid system) was installed in the Crown, luxury sedan, both for the Japanese market thereby contributing greatly to innovations in the automobiles of the 21st century.

Building on the ecology-focused THS, Toyota has developed the concept of Hybrid Synergy Drive. Based on this concept, Toyota has developed a new-generation Toyota hybrid system called THS II, which achieves high levels of compatibility between environmental performance and power by increasing the motor output by 1.5 times, greatly boosting the power supply voltage and achieving significant advances in the control system, aiming for synergy between motor power and engine power.

Toyota has positioned hybrid technology as its key technology. Beginning with the development of EVs and through the commercialization of HVs and FCHVs, its continued efforts have now culminated in the development of THS II. Toyota will continue to endeavor to make technical advances in this area.

Glady Reign asked:


Quite simply because a vehicle cannot function without it, the wheel is considered as one of the most important parts of any automobile. Even used as the term to refer to the entire automobile unit, wheels are so basic that a vehicle cannot travel anywhere without it. Having direct contact with the road while the vehicle moves to different directions, the wheels are key to having a good ride. It is definitely among the things that should be considered by every Toyota truck owner who is serious in finding ways to improve the performance of his vehicle.

Different Toyota vehicles have different needs when it comes to its wheels. It is crucial that one chooses the right Toyota truck wheels that will fit the needs of his vehicle. Wheels need to have the right dimensions and the right material for it to be able to deliver the performance expected from it. Toyota trucks specifically require larger wheels. Moreover, as much as Toyota truck wheels are designed to make installation a breeze, one must see to it that the person to accomplish the task has the proper and adequate technical know-how. In order to ensure safety when driving one’s Toyota truck, proper installation of the Toyota truck wheels is one of the most crucial considerations.

Toyota service outlets do the job best and, of course, the company’s manufacturing facilities that install the wheels on every new Toyota truck gives the best guarantee on safety and reliability. It is for this renowned excellence that the Toyota Hilux pickup truck was awarded by Motor Trend Magazine as Truck of the Year in 1989. Every Hilux, also known as “the indestructible car,” is equipped with reliable Toyota truck wheels that power up the driving experience. As covered by the popular automotive show Top Gear, these wheels, working with a customized 2005 Hilux, were even the first to reach the magnetic North Pole. There is just no doubt that, with Toyota truck wheels, one is bound to reach places.

Anthony Fontanelle asked:


Porsche AG recently announced that it is prepared to raise further its stake in fellow German carmaker Volkswagen AG and is ready “for anything”, its chief financial officer has said.

“We have ensured several options in order to further increase our stake in VW, if there is demand,” Holger Härter told FT Deutschland, the Financial Times’ sister paper. “That prepares us for anything.” After having exercised an option to purchase a further 3.6 percent in March, Porsche holds 30.9 percent in VW.

In the wake of planned environmental legislation by the European Union, which is to set strict carbon emission limits for carmakers, growing influence at VW is becoming increasingly important for Porsche, MSNBC reported.

As a relatively small carmaker that sells mainly high-emission vehicles, Porsche could be hit by the new rules. But provided the planned legislation allows carbon emissions assessments to be made for the whole group, VW could help Porsche to reach its target, the report continued.

The condition for this, however, would be the full consolidation of VW, Härter said, “and that is only possible if we go above 50 percent.” Until now, VW had been helpful mainly in the development of new models, he said. “The co-operation with the VW group enables us to save development costs in the three-digit billion range.”

In the development of the Panamera coupe, the German automakers worked hand-in-hand. Porsche planned a fairly modest budget of $1.37 billion. “We envisage further co-operation with VW and Audi as long as they do not affect central elements such as design, motoring or carriages,” Härter said, adding that in the short term it was not necessary to increase the stake in VW for this reason.

Härter and VW’s chief executive, Wendelin Wiedeking are actively participating in the company’s plans. The venture is not limited to upgrading VW wiper switch or engines – it is far beyond that. “The group has significant potential to improve results,” Härter said. He identified VW’s loss-making business in North America and Spanish Seat, its struggling subsidiary, as issues that needed to be discussed.

Separately, Porsche is looking forward to producing hybrid products. This is an effort to clear its gas-guzzling reputation. First hybrid vehicle will be ready within three years, the head of Porsche’s new hybrid program announced Thursday, saying it showed progress by a company derided by some environmental groups as a climate destroyer.

Porsche’s Cayenne hybrid is being developed in part with VW and Audi AG, and when complete is expected to reduce the sport utility vehicle’s fuel consumption by almost one-third, reported Associated Press. The four-door SUV is expected to be on the market by the end of the decade, the Stuttgart-based automaker said, and such is a major move for the company in an increasingly carbon-conscious world, it added.

Michael H. Leiters, the head of the hybrid program, said that the move toward a hybrid is part of a wider effort to help its customers shake off the image of being gas-guzzling planet haters. “If you drive a Porsche in the neighborhood and everyone is… saying you are environmentally unfriendly, that is not good for us,” he said, adding that developing the hybrid is “for us, a good solution.” The prototype hybrid Cayenne emits just 240 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

“We’ve learned a lot from this project and we can transfer it,” said Manfred Schuermann, the manager of powertrain and alternative propulsion, as the maker of the iconic 911 roadster offered a rare public view at its plans for the hybrid Cayenne. “We think in the next five to ten years that hybrid technology will be a niche technology.”

Mark Clarkson asked:


The best-ever August sales of Toyota was recently reported by Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) USA. Said report divulged sale transactions totaling 240,178 vehicles. Compared to last year’s figure involving same period, the figure has increased by 12.6 percent.

When asked about his reaction to the significant increase of figures, Jim Lentz, TMS Executive Vice President answered, “We are grateful to have the fuel-efficient models today’s market demands. But it’s the strength of our dealer network which is proving increasingly central to our growth.”

Toyota Division has posted its August sales totaling 209,104 vehicles. The number of vehicles sold is 13.6 percent higher than previous sales.

Toyota Division also reported the best-ever passenger cars sales this August. Toyota recorded 125,768 sales, which is 14.7 percent greater than last year’s August sales. Toyota best-sellers were led by Corolla which has 34,971 creating 7.4 percent increase. Next comes Camry Hybrid which has 42,227 sales and its increase amounted to 1.9 percent. Said car went on sale last April. Nevertheless, despite the short span of time, Camry Hybrid has gained remarkable sales. Total Camry got a combined August sales totaling 42,227 which is up by 1.9 percent. Yaris, which went on sale in March, has recorded 11,392 sales for August. Prius, on the other hand got 11,177 sales for August and an increase of 9.3 percent.

In connection with light truck sales, Toyota Division reported an increase of 12 percent. Said increase were led by RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) which has the most remarkable sales amounting to 14,363. Said figure was increased by 87.4 percent than that of last year’s figure. The outstanding sales may have brought about by revolutionary RAV 4 Toyota RAV 4 parts incorporated in the vehicle to effectuate a more powerful performance.

Next to RAV4 comes FJ Cruiser which has reported sales of 6,259 units. The Highlander Hybrid mid-size SUV reported sales of 2,581 units. The Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined August sales of 11,645. So far, August has proved to be the best month for Toyota.

Mark Clarkson asked:


So you have gone totally car and automobile crazy. You may think that you may be too old for that kind of stuff, but who cares, right? You have bought your car your favorite Toyota Tacoma parts but did you know that senior citizens have chosen yet another Toyota vehicle as the favorite and best car for their group? You may want to buy yet another vehicle, a Toyota Avalon this time, along with some Toyota Avalon parts to match.

According to a reviewer from Edmunds.com, one of the leading sources of information on automobiles and cars, senior citizens have chosen the 2006 Toyota Avalon as their top choice for the best car for seniors for the year 2006. Primarily, this is because the Toyota Avalon model for 2006 is much recognized for being a full sized sedan and for the kind of space and room it can provide to its passengers. Being cramped inside a really looker is not enough for the senior citizens group so they chose the Toyota Avalon. The seniors also do say that with the Toyota Avalon’s keyless ignition, those who suffer from arthritis would really be able to work it out well with the mentioned vehicle.

Toyota seems to be the brand that these senior citizens choose to be the best for 2006. Joining the ranks of the Toyota Avalon is the Toyota Prius. According to Edmunds’ reviewer, the Toyota Prius has been one of the chosen few for being the best when it comes to fuel efficiency. Plus, it can be purchased with the optional voice-control system which could be very much helpful for those aging ones.

Another Toyota vehicle joining the ranks is the Toyota Sienna minivan. This one has the capacity to take in eight people inside. So, as a senior citizen, you can take in all your family members, and even all your grand kids for a ride around the block. This vehicle also offers a rear backup camera so there is no need for you to twist and turn to take a look what’s happening at your vehicle’s back.