Lexus has always been very particular about the sound quality inside their vehicles: from the solid thump of a closing door to the low growl of a turning engine. The audio system is also one of the showcases of technological advancement in any Lexus automobile. The audio system in the new LS 460 offers a new dimension in audio experience. Lexus has teamed up with renowned hi-fi experts Mark Levinson to create the LS 460’s new Reference Sound Audio System, an enhancement of the original Premium Sound Audio System. The trademark quietness of the Lexus vehicle’s interior space is the perfect environment for the excellent sound reproduction of this audio system.

This new Mark Levinson audio system aims to provide the ultimate benchmark of in-car sound quality. This 15-channel amplifier and 450-watt speaker system is perfectly suited for the dimensions and acoustic properties of the LS460’s interior. The system uses an individual, all-digital signal path to each speaker or pair of woofers. The Reference Sound Audio System also uses sophisticated 7.1-channel speaker architecture which guarantees that everyone in the car can experience surround sound.

There’s also an Automatic Sound Leveling (ASL) feature which keeps the volume at a constant when on the move. All these features makes the Reference Sound Audio System one of the most sophisticated car audio systems today – perfect for one of the most luxurious and accomplished cars on the road, the Lexus LS460.

The MINI is undoubtedly one of the most successful cars in recent history. When the new MINI was introduced into the market a few years back, enthusiasts quickly snapped up thousands of MINI Coopers and MINI Cooper S. Sales reached up to 800,000 units sold. Now, the second model generation of the modern MINI is about to make its debut. The new MINI offers a thoroughly enhanced design and a host of essentially new features. Among the new features are an upgraded interior and an evolutionary body design.

The new MINI will provide an enhanced “Go-Kart” feeling, with its new dimensions. The improved chassis and suspension promises a higher standard of agility. The new MINI will also offer an innovative drive technology for enhanced driving pleasure. BMW has developed the new MINI’s power units, transmission, suspension and steering, brakes, and safety systems from the ground up. All MINI models now offer 6-speed with options for manual and automatic transmission. The new MINI also offers standard safety equipment such as six airbags.

With these innovations, the new MINI is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated models in dealers today. Whether you love or hate the MINI, there’s no denying the iconic status that this miniscule vehicle has achieved over the years. The new MINI will be available in two models: MINI Cooper (88 kW/120 hp) and MINI Cooper S (128 kW/175 hp).

Toyota Motor Corp. is finding itself in a bit of a snag these days with a rise in global recalls and a legal probe into its recall practices underway. Thus, Japan’s top automaker has promised to improve further its quality efforts, recognizing that this is a very important step to ensuring continued growth for the profitable automaker. Toyota is known worldwide for producing safe, reliable and high quality vehicles. However, the automaker has issued a recall for more than a million vehicles in Japan, this year alone. Recently, Toyota has also issued a recall of almost half a million SUVs in the US.

Meanwhile, Toyota is also being criminally investigated whether its quality-control officials had wrongfully delayed a recall issue that could have prevented an accident in 2004 which injured a family of five. In response to questions over the quality of its vehicles, Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe said that “The world-class quality that we’ve built is our lifeline. There will be no growth without an improvement in quality. This is the biggest task that this management team must undertake,” Meanwhile, despite these problems, Toyota is still well on its way to achieve its group-based sales forecast of 8.85 million units and production forecast of 9.06 million units for 2006.

Japanese automakers Toyota and Nissan will recall more than half a million vehicles due to various defects. Toyota will recall SUVs due to a piece from the console that can obstruct the gas pedal while Nissan will recall sedans to fix faulty sensors. The Toyota recall encompasses 2004-2005 Highlanders and Lexus RX 330’s as well as early 2006 models of the Highlander and RX400 hybrids. Seven complaints and two accident reports prompted the company to order the recall. Meanwhile, the Nissan recall involves vehicles with 2.5 liters. Defects in these cars sensors can cause the engine to stall at low speeds or at stop-and-go traffic.

Luxury automakers have introduced a number of innovative features in the vehicles they roll out every year in the hopes of attracting more buyers. These range from a supercharged engine to plush leather interiors. Now, automakers are trying out new lighting effects and features to lure in more potential buyers. Some of the newest lighting effects include soft night lighting that aid passengers in finding controls, dropped items without fumbling for a switch. There are also lights fixed into the side mirrors of some vehicles that automatically turn on when a key fob near the vehicle.

Most of these innovative lighting systems are more on aesthetic rather than functional. Usually, lighting systems are standard equipment in vehicles while exterior lights are typically optional. Some of the luxury models offering new lighting systems and features are the Lexus GS and the Mercedes S-Class. The Lexus GS offers 18 lamps that light up different areas of the interior one after the other. Meanwhile, the Mercedes S-Class features a fiber-optic light strip that spans the dashboard and the doors.

The lights in the interior of the new Honda Civic SI glow read while the interiors of the Civic Coupe EX is blue-lit. The Saturn Vue Red Line lets owners choose from two personalized foot-well lighting colors: warm amber and cool blue. The new Dodge Caliber has a removable rear dome light that can double as a flashlight. Other light effects are a bit whimsical, like illuminated cup holders in the Subaru B9 Tribeca and red dashboard and center console illumination in Audis.

Jaguar unveiled three new models at the 2006 British International Motor Show in London this week: the flagship, all-aluminum XLR sports car, the new XJ Long Wheelbase Diesel and the XJR Portfolio. The new XKR is the epitome of what the Jaguar XK is: lightweight, aggressive-looking, and offering supercharged performance. The XKR is billed as the ultimate GT sports car for the real world.

Meanwhile, the XJ Long Wheelbase Diesel offers the refinement of a 2.7 twin-turbo diesel engine and the characteristics of a long wheelbase car. Weighing in at just a mere 1665 kilos, the XJ Long Wheelbase Diesel also offers the advantage of a lightweight aluminum body. The XJ Long Wheelbase provides a smooth, quiet and exceptional ride.

The XJR Portfolio is a special edition 400bhp supercharged performance saloon born out of the successful Concept Eight show car unveiled at the 2004 New York International Auto Show. The XJR Portfolio features aluminum side power vents, bright mesh grille, chrome-finished exhaust system, polished 20-inch alloy sports wheels and Midnight exterior paint.

Volkswagen’s newest compact SUV, the little brother to the Touareg, will be called the Tiguan. The name was the clear winner chosen by readers of the Autobild group in a poll that encompassed ten countries and over 350,000 votes. The name ‘Tiguan’ was chosen from among 4 other names developed by Volkswagen Marketing. The alternative names include Nanuk, Namib, Rockton and Samun. Like its big brother, the Touareg, the new Tiguan compact SUV has an exotic sounding name that promises excitement adventure.

Borne from the desire for excellent driving dynamics and high comfort levels, the Tiguan concept is perfect for both the urban environment and the rough terrain. The VW Tiguan will be manufactured at the Wolfsburg plant and will debut in 2008. The world saw a glimpse of the new compact SUV early this year when VW unveiled its off-road design study, the Concept A.

Drifting refers either to a driving technique utilizing a difference in slip angle between the front and rear tires of a car, or to a sport based on the technique. When the rear wheels are slipping at a greater angle than the front wheels, the car is drifting, or “power-sliding.” The rear end of the car appears to chase the front end around a turn; the driver utilizes both front tires and the rear tires to control the actual direction of the car. More throttle induces more rear wheel slip angle and the rear of the car wants to overtake the front. The goal is for the driver to achieve opposite lock and use the throttle to fine tune the car’s angle and direction.

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The crossover Ford Fairlane concept has been OK’d for production by 2008, confirmed a Ford Motor Co. company executive. The Ford Fairlane will replace one of the minivans in Ford’s lineup. The three-row crossover will come at a time when Ford’s minivan sales are plummeting. In fact, Ford might stop production of the Ford Freestar minivan by the end of the 2007 model year. Ford is betting its fortunes on the Fairlane to turn this around.

The crossover’s bold design is based on the Land Rover and is very different from the usually jelly-bean shapes of contemporary minivans. However, it is almost certain that the new model will not actually be called Fairlane. Some Ford dealers have expressed their disapproval, pointing out that it is not a strong name. A similar vehicle is also planned for the Lincoln brand.

Among the many vehicle types, Sports utility vehicles or SUVs are more prone to rolling over. In fact, SUVs are three times more likely to roll over compared to passenger cars. Moreover, 36% of rollover accidents involving SUVs result in fatalities. This is actually the highest rate in all vehicle categories. To curb this alarming rate, JD Power and Associates offered some helpful safety tips that SUV drivers will find useful.

Drive at safe speed, especially on curved roads; keep steering smooth, avoid sudden turns

Allow extra distance for braking, be cautious of wet pavement

Secure interior cargo behind rear seat when possible, store on roof only when necessary

Keep tires properly inflated, check tire pressure at least monthly

Use caution when towing, avoid sudden turns

Check around vehicle for low-lying objects before entering

Source: JD Power and Associates