One of the first major products to be manufactured via assembly line was the automobile. What many people don’t know, though, is that the assembly line did far more than speed up the production of just cars – it also created the concept of parts uniformity and interchangeability. These concepts improved the efficiency of assembly of thousands of consumer products and established the United States as the preeminent source of consumer and industrial goods during the 21st century. Let’s go back to the beginning.
Toyota has sold nearly 2 million 4Runners since its introduction back in 1984—and about 75% of them are still on the road. (Or still off-road…) This year, they are releasing the 5th generation of the rugged, go anywhere vehicle, and we got a chance to get a first look at the 2014 4Runner before it hits showroom floors in September or October.
The exterior was given an update, with an aggressive new front facia sporting a muscular front grille and smoked headlamps that flare wide off the front end. Available in the same three trims as the previous year—SR5, Trail for maximum off-roading, and top-of-the-line Limited—the Trail still sports the hood scoop, and the Limited gets 20-inch wheels, painted black for added style and contrast, and enough chrome to keep a posse happy.
Still one of the only SUVs with a truck’s body-on-frame construction, giving the 4Runner optimal off-road capability, it’s coupled with a suspension technology that gives it a smooth ride more often associated with crossovers.
All three trims will get the same engine: a 4.0-liter V6 that pushes 270 horses and 278-lb-ft of torque, allowing the 4Runner to tow a max of 5,000 lbs. with the integrated tow-hitch receiver on the back end.
Toyota has made the interior of the 4Runner a little more refined and a little more “premium” looking for the 5th Gen as well. We finally get a Smart Key system with keyless entry and pushbutton start, although it only comes standard on the Limited. The SR5 and Trail now get a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, with the option to swap the fabric trimmed seats for the Limited’s double-stitched leather.
But the best new feature we love is the standard Party Mode. Ideal for tailgating, Party Mode is a unique audio setting that shifts all the sound to the rear of the 4Runner, especially the liftgate mounted speakers, and pumps the bass for maximum enjoyment in the campground or stadium parking lot.
The new 4Runner is slated to be available starting in September, and from what they’re telling us, the goal is to keep the price points to 2013 levels. And we’ll be test-driving one of the first production models on an off-road course in late July, so watch for that review.
Here’s an excellent slideshow courtesy of exotic model Adella Pasos who looks amazing in these photos. We start of the slideshow with a beautiful sunset photo as Adella sports a red bikini as she shows off her 36-24-36 figure, and then we see her in a Miami Dolphins bikini and hat as well. The we have some pics with Adella posed on a motorcycle and next to some muscle cars. Yeah – every man’s fantasy! Adella has an exotic and sultry look that jumps off the screen.
Adella was born and raised in Chicago and has been modeling since 2006, working with a wide variety of talented photographers. As she gained exposure, she branched out to organizing promotional modeling events, hosting for celebrity parties, and branding her name as a spokes model. Next, she’ll be working on her acting career. Her interests include football, cars, video games, MMA, modeling, fitness and dance.
Bullz-Eye.com brings you some of the sexiest Internet Models from around the web, along with producing our own original glamour photography in channels like our Featured Model and Girl Next Door sections. Check everything out starting on our Opposite Sex page. Contact us if you want your photos featured or if you’d like to shoot with us (all models must be at least 18 years old.)
Buying a good college alumni gift can be difficult if you don’t know what you’re doing. However, we also know that it’s no rocket science. Here are a few alumni gift ideas that you may find interesting…
Big Ticket Gifts
1. Car – Whether the new graduate has never owned a car or simply needs an upgrade, a car can be a really exciting and a useful gift. Every college graduate dreams of freedom after college, and since they’re mostly capable of holding the responsibility of a car, it makes sense to gift one that’s within your budget.
2. Vacation – Most students love travel, and want to go out on tours after graduation. If your graduate is one of them, then a summer vacation is a nice way to get him/her to see the world and understand how life works. Whether you plan to send your graduate to Australia or Europe – the idea is to have them experience a new place.
3. Home Furnishings – If your graduate is moving out of his/her parents home, then why not gift home furnishings? After spending four years in a dorm or being surrounded by childish furniture at home, any graduate would love an upgrade in the furniture department. It’s a great way to help the graduate start on a life with a fresh beginning.
Economical Gifts
1. Books – Yes most graduates are tired of reading, learning, studying, etc. However, if your college graduate is an avid reader, then books can make a fun, personal gift. For example, you can give him or her a “gift set” with books from their favorite/most liked author. Or if he or she is religious, then why not gift a fancy bible with a nice, leather cover?
2. Greek Merchandise – The fraternity/sorority market is hot amongst students and your graduate will love getting some Greek merchandise as gift. Right from a greek hoodie to sorority flip flops sandals – you’ll find that there’s a huge variety to choose from and you won’t run out of options. Greek Gear is a good place to buy fraternity/sorority gifts.
3. Gift Certificates – Even though gift certificates don’t make for a personal gift, they’re much better than gifting money. You can purchase a gift certificate from your graduate’s favorite shop or even better get multiple certificates from multiple stores. Put the certificate or certificates in a simple envelope along with a nice, touching greeting card and you’re ready to go!
Conclusion
Once you find that perfect gift for your graduate, you’ll not only get a great response from him or her but you’ll be fully satisfied that you spend your money on the right gift.
Following last week’s tribute to “The Green Lantern” with a couple of green-themed songs, we would have been fools not to take advantage of a similar tie-in with a certain Pixar movie that a certain someone’s four-year-old son is positively dying to see. Maybe we’ll see someone singing this at a karaoke bar during one of the Tokyo scenes. (As it turns out, no one sings “Cars,” but Weezer sings “You Might Think” by the Cars. And it’s pretty lame.)
It seems amazing that this song was such a big hit at the time. Not because it didn’t deserve to be, because it absolutely did, but because there wasn’t anything else on American radio at the time that sounded remotely like it. What’s even more impressive is how well the song has held up sonically. Whenever someone makes a record using cutting-edge technology, it almost instantly sounds dated. Not this song, and it’s likely because Numan was smart enough to use real drums and an analog bass to anchor the track.
Bonus video: here’s a clip for the B-side to “Cars” (yes, we had the 45), a nifty little track called “Metal.” Almost as awesome as its A-side.
