2008 Toyota Highlander starts at $27,300

The new generation of Highlanders will be slightly more expensive than the outgoing model of the popular crossover SUV. In return, Toyota promises more power, better fuel efficiency and an impressive set of safety features coming as standard.



Based on the Toyota Camry sedan, the 2008 Toyota Highlander will be available in three trims -- Base, Sport and Limited. They will all be motivated by the same new 3.5-liter V6 VVT-i engine capable of producing up to 270 hp, which is 55 hp more than the older 3.3-liter engine could provide. Toyota says that, although being more powerful, the new motor will not be significantly thirstier than the engine available with the last-year's Highlanders.



The crossovers will also be much safer than the older model. The list of standard safety equipment includes enhanced vehicle stability control, with electronic power steering, traction control, seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three rows in addition to active headrests for the driver and front passenger, anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.



As to the prices, the Base trim will be available at $27,300 for the 4x2 models and $28,750 for the AWD. Both models will be about 2 percent more expensive than the outgoing vehicle.

The Sport trim will carry a little bit heavier price tags of $29,950 for the 4x2 and $31,400 for the 4x4.

The top of the line Toyota Highlander Limited will be available at $32,700 for the 4x2 and $34,150 for the 4x4 model. Both members of the Limited trim will be 6 percent more expensive than the current Highlander. Dollar is getting cheaper all the time, yeah?



See also: Hyundai Veracruz crossover will start at $26,350

Technorati tags: Toyota, Highlander, V6, crossover, VVT-i, cars, SUV

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Nissan QASHQAI 2.0 dCi got 'Best SUV' award

Recently introduced Nissan QASHQAI 2.0 dCi equipped with ALL-MODE transmission has just received its first award. The editorial staff of the British "What Diesel Car?" magazine has granted the small crossover SUV the 'Best SUV' award praising the vehicle's "lovely drive", capability and good look.



The magazine considered the Nissan QASHQAI 2.0dCi the best option in the whole range taking into account its decent mileage (which is up to 40.9 mpg) and low CO₂ emissions of just 184g/km "when fitted with manual transmission and in 4WD configuration."



The diesel engine produces up to 150hp @ 4,000 rpm and generous 320Nm of torque peaking at 2,000 rpm.





See also: 2008 Nissan Pathfinder starts at $25,700

Technorati tags: Nissan, QASHQAI, dCi, crossover, diesel, cars, SUV

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StarTech exterior tuning for the Jeep Wrangler

Startech keeps introducing its fresh tuning packages for the recent bunch of American compact SUVs. The complete tuning program for the new Jeep Wrangler is yet to be developed, but the owners of the all-terrain vehicle may now order some exterior enhancements elements developed by Startech's designers.



The most interesting part of the package is the new set of polished STARTECH Monostar IV 9Jx20 light-alloy wheels designed to feet the SUV's 285/50 R 20 both on- and off-road tires. The company insists that the rims not only provide the vehicle with more exclusive look but also ensure 'more agile' and safer handling.



There will also soon be available stainless-steel tubular side guards, a spare wheel cover with high-gloss stainless-steel ring, and a stainless-steel exhaust with a pair of oval chrome tailpipes.

Inside the Wrangler, you can install new scuff plates and a Startech sport steering wheel.

The German tuner also promises to soon add a STARTECH SD 4T tuning module for the Jeep Wrangler's recently introduced 2.8-liter common-rail oil-burner.

See also: Jeep Compass Rallye Package from Mopar adds insult to injury

Technorati tags: Startech, Jeep, Wrangler, tuning, SUV

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Range Rover Sport TDV8 tuned by Arden

Arden has again done its best in refining the top of the range (no pun intended) Range Rover Sport TDV8 SUV. Although the body kit offered with the tuning program looks as lousy as usual (I mean, converting an SUV into a race car looks more like a kind of perversion, not personalization), the engine tuning makes quite a solid impression.



After all the modifications, the TDV8's turbodiesel engine produces 315 hp (the original model squeezes out no more than 275 hp if the weather is good) and its peak torque has also been increased to monstrous 700 Nm (516 lb-ft).



The vehicle comes equipped with a custom stainless steel exhaust system, 22-inch monoblock 'Dakar' rims, V_max deactivation unit and new electronic air suspension system



See also: Range Rover SportAR6 Stronger by Arden

Technorati tags: Arden, Range Rover, TDV8, tuning, cars, SUV

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Mazda CX-7 is dressing up for Europe

Mazda CX-7 small crossover, which has already been launched in Japan and North America with about 46,000 units sold to date, has been undergoing serious tuning to meet the Europeans' somewhat different tastes and local safety and environmental regulations.



The mini-SUV has been tried and tested at Mazda's European research and development center in Oberursel, Germany with tests conducted at both local Autobahns and the famous Nurburgring's Nordschleife race track.



As the result of the tests, the Mazda CX7 has got its body rigidity increased and different parts of chassis reinforced. The vehicle's top of the range 2.3-litre gasoline-powered DISI turbo engine, which is capable of producing up to 260 PS and 380 Nm of torque has also been mated with a specially developed six-speed manual gearbox.



Looks like the Europeans have again received a product, which is considerably superior to its sibling delivered across the Pond.



See also: 2007 Mazda CX-7 is one of the safest SUVs on the market

Technorati tags: Mazda, CX7, Europe, DISI, cars, SUV

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BMW X5 E70 4.8i M Sport package

The new generation BMW X5 E70 sport utility vehicle is now available with the legendary M Sport label. Clearly aiming at the latest Porsche Cayenne SUV, the new BMW X5 M Sport is a potential hit since about 90 per cent of all X5s are sold in a Sport trim anyway.




The BMW E70 X5 4.8i M Sport will offer not only horsepower and torque but also almost excessive luxury. The car comes to market with Nevada leather upholstery, and Dark Walnut interior trim, which may also be changed to Brushed Aluminum, Dark Bamboo or Light Poplar at no additional cost.



Equipped with a 4.8-liter 355 hp engine featuring Bi-VANOS and Valvetronic variable valve technologies, the X5 M Sport will be available with 19- or 20-inch V-spoke M alloys, Sports suspension, M Aerodynamic body styling, Sports seats, matt aluminum surround to the side window frames, high-gloss Shadowline roof rails, Anthracite headlining and M leather steering wheel.



And it is fast, too. BMW promises that your new and shiny BMW E70 X5 4.8i M Sport will take only 6.5 seconds to accelerate from zero to 62 mph and will reach a top speed of 150. What's really nice (it's not really crucial if you are ready to pay some £53,440 for the beast) is that being that powerful, the X5 M Sport will feature up to 22.6 mpg on the combined cycle.

It is promised that the M Sport package will soon be available for both 3.0d and 3.0si models.

See also: BMW X5 E70 tuned by Hamann

Technorati tags: BMW, X5, E70, M Sport, cars, SUV

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