Author: Staff (Page 11 of 21)

Car Review: 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 4WD

May 9, 2013 / Staff

We drive a lot of cars, and sometimes, redesigned aren’t always much better than outgoing models, but that’s not the case with the 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 4WD. The first-generation Highlander pioneered the midsize crossover utility vehicle segment, ushering in car-like performance, comfort and fuel efficiency with SUV-like roominess and versatility. The current, second-generation Highlander amplifies those attributes and is among the leaders in the segment in standard active and passive safety features. Toyota has really taken serious steps forward with the Highlander as this is one very impressive vehicle.

EXTERIOR

The Highlander now has that wow factor that you don’t regularly see in an SUV, but it’s real. Designed at Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif., the second-generation Highlander conveys a contemporary, dynamic presence via clean, sculpted lines, a wide, stable stance and muscular contours. The Highlander grade could be mistaken for an upgrade model with its six-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels, color-keyed power outside mirrors and silver-painted front grille.

The Highlander Limited as tested has a luxurious appearance with sporty 19-inch alloy wheels, chrome door handles and roof rails, puddle lamps and rear spoiler. The 2013 Highlander Hybrid is distinguished from the gasoline model by its own unique grille and bumper design, color-keyed rockers with chrome accents, plus vertically stacked fog lamps. The projector-beam headlights and taillights feature blue lens covers. Our classic silver metallic test model looked refined and upscale with an overall sleek look.

INTERIOR

Continuing with that upscale feel, the 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited really hit a homerun with the cabin quality, design and fit and finish. All Highlander models feature a standard 50/50 split third-row seat and rear climate control. Generous standard features on the Highlander grade include front and rear air conditioning; eight-way adjustable driver’s seat; power door locks and windows with driver’s window jam protection and auto-up/down feature; manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel; cruise control; multi-function keyless entry system; UV-reduction windshield and rear privacy glass; digital clock; conversation mirror; illuminated entry system; scheduled maintenance indicator light; full-size spare tire and more.

Car Reviews, Cars

Toyota Highlander Toyota SUV

Rockport Parker Hill Moc Oxford Review

May 1, 2013 / Staff

There are some shoes that command attention, and from the time I first tried on Rockport‘s new Parker Hill Moc shoes, they screamed style! You can keep a low profile look with the youthful Parker Hill Moc. With its hand-burnished, dip-dyed, full-grain leather upper, this men’s oxford teams up handsomely with your favorite chinos or denim; seaming details, including a split toe seam and understated moccasin toe, add rich detail. Bolstered by an adiPRENE by adidas dense foam pad to protect on heel strike, the polyurethane footbed is designed to manage moisture as it cushions. There are plenty of color choices to choose from (we tested the rocksand & red combo, which is pictured above) and can be found online at Zappos. The Rockport Parker Hill Moc Oxford is finished with rubber inserts in the sole for added shock absorption and enhanced traction.

The Parker Hill Moc Oxford is priced around $150.00, which is a bargain for the style and quality you literally walk away with. I can’t remember the last pair of shoes I wore that commanded so much attention and looked as good on me.

Gear, Lifestyle, Stuff to Buy, Style

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Car Review: 2013 Honda Accord 4DR Sport

April 30, 2013 / Staff

The new 2013 Honda Accord 4DR Sport is one of many Accord variants produced by Honda, and with a 6-speed manual transmission, it sure is one of the more intriguing. We were fortunate enough to test a sweet, modern steel sport model and came away with some new impressions of the Accord.

EXTERIOR

Crisply styled and aerodynamically efficient, the 2013 Accord Sedan body design is the most sophisticated in Accord history. The 2013 Accord unit-body uses 55.8-percent high-tensile steel, more than in any previous Accord. In addition, 17.2-percent of the steel is now grade 780, 980 and 1,500 – extremely high grades that have never before been used in any Accord. This contributes to higher body rigidity and reduced weight, which directly benefits ride and handling, interior quietness, performance and efficiency and long-term durability.

With its contoured body sides, the Sedan’s exterior design is sleek, bold, decisive and athletic. Extensive use of under-covers improve aerodynamics for increased fuel efficiency, while other advances include available LED headlights, DRLs and brake lights, mirror-mounted turn signals, and the standard Expanded View Driver’s Mirror that increases the driver’s field of vision by 4.2 degrees. Our test model also sported 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, power door mirrors, dual exhaust, rear decklid spoiler and auto on/off headlights.

INTERIOR

As with past Accords, the 2013 Honda Accord 4DR Sport offers a cabin that is clean and stylish. There really is something about the Accord interior that elevates this car over her rivals, and it’s been that way for years. A completely new interior provides a level of luxury and craftsmanship never before seen in the Accord. Available in Black, Gray and Ivory cloth or leather, the interior combines welcoming comfort with an impressive range of available technologies. Standard features include redesigned seating, dual-zone automatic climate control and simplified controls and instrumentation.

Car Reviews, Cars

Honda Accord

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe pricing released

April 29, 2013 / Staff

Chevrolet recently released pics of the 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe, and now, pricing has arrived. The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe will have a suggested starting retail price of $51,995, and the Corvette Stingray Convertible will start at $56,995. Both prices include a $995 destination fee but exclude tax, title and license.

Standard features on the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray include:

– Seating with lightweight magnesium frames for exceptional support, and eight-way power adjustment
– Five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors up to 12 vehicle attributes
– New seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching
– 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine with direct injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system
– Carbon fiber hood on all models, and a carbon fiber removable roof panel on coupes
– Aluminum frame that is 99 pounds lighter (45 kg) and 57-percent stiffer than the previous model’s structure
– Advanced, high-intensity discharge (HID) and light-emitting diode (LED) lighting
– Dual, eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens, with next-generation Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system and rear vision camera
– Bose nine-speaker audio system with SiriusXM Satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and SD card and auxiliary input jack
– Keyless access with push-button start
– Power tilt/telescope steering wheel
– An all-new, fully electronic top on the convertible that can be lowered remotely using the key fob

As shown at the North American International Auto Show, the Stingray Coupe fitted with the major available options would be $73,360, including:

– 3LT interior package, with leather-wrapped interior ($8,005)
– Z51 Performance Package ($2,800)
– Competition sports seats ($2,495)
– Exposed-carbon-fiber roof panel ($1,995)
– Magnetic Ride Control with Performance Traction Management ($1,795)
– Dual-mode exhaust system ($1,195)
– Carbon fiber interior trim ($995)
– Sueded, microfiber-wrapped upper interior trim ($995)
– Red-painted calipers ($595)
– Black-painted wheels ($495)

The 3LT interior package includes: Bose 10-speaker surround-sound audio system; SiriusXM Satellite radio with one-year subscription and HD radio receiver; color head-up display; memory package; navigation system; heated and ventilated seats with power lumbar and bolster adjustment; premium Napa leather seating surfaces; and leather-wrapped dash and instrument panel, console and door panels.

The Z51 Performance Package includes: high-performance gear ratios; transmission-cooling system; larger 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels and tires; larger, slotted rotors and brake-cooling ducts; electronic limited-slip differential and differential cooling system; unique chassis tuning; and available Magnetic Ride Control active-handling system with Performance Traction Management. Equipped with the Z51 package, the Corvette Stingray is capable of accelerating from 0–60 mph in under four seconds, and more than 1 g in cornering.

Cars, News

Chevy Corvette

Rockport Clearview 2 Moc Low Review

April 29, 2013 / Staff

With warmer weather arriving, it’s time for boating season and having a great time outdoors. If you appreciate both style and comfort in your activities, check out the all new Clearview 2 Moc Low from www.rockport.com. Bottom line is these shoes are hot and you can wear them with just about any get-up.

The Clearview collection has found a way to make classy kicks street legal. Inside the trendsetting exterior is adiPRENE by adidas cushioning to absorb shock at the heel. EVA combined with rubber pads creates one of the lightest shoes in their range, but doesn’t sacrifice the comfort you come to expect from a Rockport shoe. The Clearview 2 collection is a contemporary collection of cup-soled dress sneakers with a retro feel, available in one-eye, chukka, lace-up and wingtip styles, which boasts a surprisingly lightweight silhouette based on the unique sole that features adidas technology. The Clearview 2 Mocs are already one of my favorite pair of shoes!

Gear, Stuff to Buy

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