RCR’s No. 31 CATERPILLAR CHEVY UNVEILED AT CHICAGOLAND SPEEDWAY

Burton & Co. Will Have New Look in 2009

JOILET, Ill. July 12, 2008 - Richard Childress Racing unveiled yesterday at Chicagoland Speedway the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet Impala SS to be driven by Jeff Burton in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beginning in 2009.
Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) and RCR announced June 18 that they had entered into a multi-year partnership for the No. 31 Chevrolet team and Burton . Next season marks Caterpillar’s 17^th year of sponsorship involvement in NASCAR. It will also be Richard Childress’ 40^th anniversary in the sport.



“Brand identity is a key element to the success of the partnership between a sponsor and a race team,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “Caterpillar kept the core of its established and very well-known paint scheme and, at the same time, made it unique to the RCR program by including a Cat product into the overall design.”
Burton, a 20-time winner in NSCS competition, is currently third in the 2008 point standings with one victory, four top-five and 10 top-10 finishes in the season’s first 18 races. The No. 31 team has made the Chase for the Championship the past two seasons, finishing seventh in 2006 and eighth last year.
“Fans tell us Caterpillar has one of the most recognizable cars in NASCAR,” said Jim Parker, vice president of Caterpillar’s North American Commercial Division. “RCR is one of the most familiar names in racing. Our new design—with Jeff Burton behind the wheel—combines these two distinct brands yet still adds a fresh new look for 2009.”
RCR has earned 11 NASCAR championships, including six in the Cup series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt, four in the Nationwide Series and one in the Truck Series.
 

Investors, Labonte and New CEO All Part of Team's Future

Mooresville, N.C. 2008 - Petty Enterprises, the most successful organization in the history of American motorsports, today announced a partnership with Boston Ventures, a leading middle market private equity firm which invests in the entertainment, media, and communications sectors. This marks the first time since Lee Petty formed the organization in 1949 that an outside firm has invested in the legendary race team. In addition to introducing new CEO David Zucker and a major investment by Boston Ventures, Petty Enterprises has also extended their contract with former NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Bobby Labonte and will integrate the operations of Petty Enterprises and the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

BOSTON VENTURES

Boston Ventures, which has invested $2.4 billion in more than seventy companies, has agreed to a capital investment in Petty Enterprises and the Richard Petty Driving Experience. This infusion of capital will allow Petty Enterprises to grow significantly and continue to invest in additional personnel, equipment, technology and testing. Barry Baker, Managing Director of Boston Ventures, will become Chairman of Petty Enterprises. He brings more than 30 years of industry and operating experience to the firm. Prior to joining Boston Ventures, Mr. Baker was President and Chief Operating Officer of USA Networks, Inc. Andrew C. Davis, Managing Director of Boston Ventures, will also serve on the newly-formed Petty Enterprises Board of Directors. "The King" Richard Petty will hold the title of Chairman Emeritus and will continue to be actively involved in the business.
"The time has come for Petty Enterprises to take the steps necessary to get back to Victory Lane," said Petty. "This is something I have taken a great deal of time to think about and I'm comfortable with the decision I have made and to have Boston Ventures as my partner in Petty Enterprises. Boston Ventures will provide us with the capital necessary to compete for wins and championships. Over the years, many of their investments have been partnerships with family-owned companies. In each of those cases, Boston Ventures has stayed true to the family mission, while improving the overall well-being of the company."
"There is no doubt this is an emotional decision for our family, for my dad, my mother, for me, for my sisters, for the grandkids, for all of us," said Kyle Petty. "We have labored over this decision for a long time, but it's absolutely the right decision. And not just for our family but for the 152 families that depend on Petty Enterprises. My grandfather founded Petty Enterprises in 1949 and over the years we have won a ton of races and 10 championships, but most importantly created livelihoods for many families and the investment by Boston Ventures will secure the future of Petty Enterprises for many generations.

BOBBY LABONTE

Bobby Labonte, the 2000 Sprint Cup Series champion, has signed a four-year extension to remain the driver of the famed No. 43 Petty Enterprises Dodge. This new contract reinforces Labonte's commitment to Petty Enterprises and the future growth of the organization.
"I have known all along this is where I want to finish my racing career," said Labonte. "The future is very bright for Petty Enterprises. As we continue to develop and learn from this new car, we will increase our testing and engineering support. The investment from Boston Ventures will allow us to compete on the same level as the bigger Sprint Cup teams."

DAVID ZUCKER, CEO

Petty Enterprises also introduced David Zucker as the new Chief Executive Officer of Petty Enterprises. Zucker has more than 20 years experience in CEO and General Manager roles in the sports, media, entertainment and technology fields, and most recently was CEO of Midway Games, Inc. Zucker also spent 11 years with the Walt Disney Company, including eight years at ESPN, where he helped expand their motorsports strategy, directed the programming launch of ESPN2, championed the original X-Games and oversaw the growth of ESPN International to include 21 networks in 20 languages around the world.
"My plans are to work with Richard and the Petty management team to build the business, and to leverage Boston Venture's expertise in areas like marketing relationships and financial management," said Zucker. "One of the reasons I'm comfortable coming into this role is that industry veteran Robbie Loomis is in place leading the race team operations at Petty Enterprises. Robbie knows how to build a winning racing organization, and I'm looking forward to helping grow the organization"
 

HANS ADVANCEMENTS APPROVED FOR NASCAR COMPETITION

Atlanta, Georgia 2008 - HANS Performance Products announced today that NASCAR has approved the use of the new Vision Advantage PLUS sliding tether system and the HANS Device Sport Series.
The new Vision Advantage PLUS sliding tether system permits improvements in left and right visibility by allowing easy but controlled rotation of a racer's helmet. The proven results are tethers that allow over four times the field of view of competing head and neck restraints.
The HANS Device Sport Series provides drivers with class leading performance at a value price. Starting at $595 for youth sizes, the Sport Series features a revolutionary carbon fiber composite combined with an innovative and proprietary molding process.
NASCAR did extensive testing to ensure their driver's protection. Sales Director Howard Bennett said, "We're very pleased that NASCAR approved the Vision Advantage Plus sliding tether and HANS Device Sport Series. We recognize they trust us to keep NASCAR participants secure."
Introduced at the PRI show in December of 2007, the Vision Advantage Plus sliding tether and HANS Device Sport Series have been approved by the SFI Foundation and the FIA.

CREDIT: hansdevice.com
 

DON ARONOW

2009 SUBARU FORESTER EARNS HIGHEST RATINGS IN NHTSA CRASH TESTS

The Subaru Forester received the highest possible safety rating - five stars, for both frontal and side-impact crash tests for all seating positions

CHERRY HILL, N.J., JUNE, 2008 - Subaru of America, Inc. announced that the 2009 Subaru Forester earned the highest rating in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests. The Subaru Forester received five stars in both the frontal and side-impact crash tests for all seating positions.
“Subaru customers have come to expect the highest level of safety in their vehicles,” said Thomas J. Doll, Executive Vice President, Subaru of America, Inc. “The Subaru Forester continues to deliver the highest levels of occupant safety as evidenced by its recent five star performance in the NHTSA NCAP tests.”
New for 2009, all Subaru Forester models feature standard side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, stability and traction control system and Brake Assist safety system. A roll-over sensor activates seatbelt pre-tensioners and the side-curtain air bags.
NHTSA uses a consumer-friendly ratings system - ranging from one to five stars, with five being the highest, that makes it easy to compare the predicted safety performance of tested vehicles. A listing of the NHTSA NCAP ratings for 2009 models can be found at www.safercar.gov. This information is also available by calling NHTSA's toll-free vehicle safety hotline, (888) 327-4236.

Subaru Making Safety Standard
To Subaru, safety means more than protecting a car’s occupants in the event of a collision. Ideally, a passenger vehicle should provide the driver with the means to help avoid hazardous situations. Subaru calls this concept Active Driving/Active Safety. Designing a vehicle for active safety gives a driver a strong sense of control, maneuverability and security.

Active Safety: Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive forms the core of the Subaru Active Driving/Active Safety concept. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive gives a Subaru a significant traction advantage over two-wheel drive cars (front- and/or rear-wheel drive) on all road surfaces. On all Subaru models, the standard 4-channel / 4-sensor Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) incorporates Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). This system enhances braking performance and stability by actively optimizing braking force between the front and rear wheels according to how the vehicle is loaded with passengers and cargo.

Passive Safety: The compact Subaru Boxer engine helps enhance safety, because it allows more crush room in front and on the sides. Subaru vehicles are designed to allow the entire powertrain to slide under the car along the floor tunnel in a severe collision, helping to prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment. All Subaru models are built around a Ring Frame Reinforced body structure design that incorporates front and rear crumple-zone construction to absorb the energy of an impact and help protect the reinforced passenger compartment. Essentially, the Ring Frame Reinforced structure forms a series of “rings” around the passenger compartment, providing excellent protection in a variety of collision types. This structure increases cabin rigidity and can absorb impact energy from any direction.

Advanced Restraint Systems: All 2008 Subaru Impreza, Legacy, Outback and Tribeca models feature side curtain air bags (full side coverage) for head protection. The side curtain air bags deploy from the headliner. All models also employ the Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System. This intelligent air bag system employs dual-stage-deployment driver and front passenger air bags. A seat position sensor on the driver’s seat track detects if the driver is sitting too close to the air bag, in which case the system would delay deployment of the air bag’s second stage. The passenger side front seat incorporates an occupant detection module that detects weight on the passenger seat – determining if it’s a child or adult – to control air bag deployment.
All Subaru models feature standard front seat side impact air bags for thorax-area protection. Mounted in the upper sides of the front seatbacks, the front seat side-impact airbags offer protection regardless of seat position.
The Subaru model lineup also incorporates electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters in the front three-point seatbelts. These systems work together to gradually restrain the occupants and absorb the impact energy of a frontal collision. The seatbelt pre-tensioners operate simultaneously with the front air bags and cinch the front seatbelts to help restrain the driver and front passenger in their seats. Next, the mechanically operated torsion-bar force-limiters extend the belts to reduce the belt forces on the occupants’ torsos. The seatbelt mechanism also absorbs energy through internal deformation.
All Subaru models are equipped with the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) for securing specially equipped child seats in the rear seat. Subaru sedan models are equipped with an internal emergency trunk release with a self-illuminating handle.

NEW YAMAHA V-MAX LAUNCHED

JUNE 08, 2008 - There's been talk on the street for some while, bikers chatting in hushed tones about the rumoured return of The Legend. Now it's official, Yamaha has proudly announced that one of the most talked about bikes of the last quarter of a century is back, except this time it's bigger and better than ever before.



The all-new V-max was launched outside Madrid on the evening of June 4, where the world's media were entertained by drag-car races and jetfighter flybys before they got to see the real thing -- enormous horsepower (200 PS) of metal muscle, a tower of power that unleashes mind-boggling acceleration, created for riders who know that might is right.
The new V-Max stays true to the original V-Max concept, it's a drag bike for the street, powered by the philosophy of genuine hot-rod performance and design, built for the adrenaline rush, pure and simple.
So what's different about the new V-Max? We've already told you that it's got heaps more horsepower than the original. But that's only half the story. The new V-Max is way beyond anything you've seen out on the street.
That 1,679 cc V4 engine is the centrepiece of a radical automotive sculpture that will bring whole neighbourhoods to a halt. And it's not just got horsepower, it's got radical high-tech horsepower, aided by cutting-edge Yamaha electronics technology from our race programme: Yamaha Chipped Controlled Intake (Y.C.C.I) and Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (Y.C.C.T).
The rest of the new V-Max is just as pumped-up and tricked-out: cast aluminium frame, underseat fuel tank, six-piston brakes with ABS, magnesium engine cases, electroluminescent dash panel, LED tail light and mega-wide 200/50-R18 rear tyre.

CREDIT: yamaha
 

HERNDON, Va., 2008 - Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced that two of its models, the Volkswagen Jetta and GTI, have each received a 2008 AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA). AutoPacific’s VSA is an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new vehicle.
“We are thrilled that two of our models were recognized by AutoPacific and our consumers,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “Owner-based awards such as the VSA help consumers make educated decisions in a tough economy. We believe in our cars and we’re glad to see that consumers believe in them as well.”
The Volkswagen Jetta ranked first overall in the Mid-Size Car category while the Volkswagen GTI secured the top ranking in the Image Compact Car category. The Volkswagen New Beetle also ranked in the top 10 of the Image Compact Car category. Three other Volkswagen models, the Passat, Rabbit, and Eos, all ranked in the top 10 of their respective vehicle categories.
The VSA is derived entirely from owner satisfaction which is measured across 46 specific areas related to a vehicle’s operation, comfort, safety, and overall purchase/lease experience. The 2008 ratings reflect input from buyers and lessees of new vehicles acquired between September and December 2007.
AutoPacific is a future-oriented automotive marketing and product-consulting firm. Every year AutoPacific publishes a wide variety of syndicated studies on the automotive industry. The firm also conducts extensive proprietary research and consulting for auto manufacturers, distributers, marketers and suppliers worldwide. Company headquarters and its state-of-the-art automotive research facility are in Tustin, California, with an affiliate office in the Detroit area. Additional information can be found on AutoPacific's websites: http://www.autopacific.com

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Volkswagen of America, Inc. recently announced Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) as standard equipment on all its 2009 model year vehicles. As a result, Volkswagen is one of the only original equipment manufacturers to offer an electronic stabilization control system on its entire product line – ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) deadline requiring stabilization systems in the 2012 model year vehicles. Volkswagen’s ESP technology works in conjunction with anti-lock brakes and helps reduce loss of control, rollovers and other types of crashes. NHTSA predicts nearly 10,000 lives could be saved each year if all vehicles had stabilization systems as standard equipment.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com.
 

TOYOTA AND LEXUS GARNER KEY AWARDS IN J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES INITIAL QUALITY STUDY

Two New North American Plants Earn Gold & Silver Awards With Fewest Defects

June 08, 2008 - Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., and Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing, North America (TEMA) today garnered key awards in the 2008 J. D. Power and Associates Initial Quality StudySM, announced at a press conference in Detroit.
Toyota improved by eight problems per 100 (PP100) and two ranking positions over last year. Tied for fourth place among all industry nameplates, Toyota was the best-performing full-line nameplate and best- performing non-premium nameplate in the 2008 IQS.
Lexus LS ranked first among all segment winners in this year's survey with the fewest PP100, at 68, an all-time low for segment winners in the IQS study.
Combined, TMS won three individual segment awards. Besides the LS award in the Large Premium category, Lexus also took the Midsize Premium MAV award with the RX. The all-new second-generation Toyota Sequoia was tops in the Large MAV category.

Toyota production facilities garnered the most plant awards of any manufacturer, reflecting the lowest number of defects per 100 vehicles at plants in North America and Asia. In North America, the Baja, Mexico plant (Tacoma) won the gold and the San Antonio, Texas plant won the Silver (Tundra). These are Toyota's two newest production facilities in North America. For the San Antonio plant, the Silver Award came in the first year of production of the all-new Tundra, in the first year of operation of the all-new plant. In Asia, the Fujimatsu, Japan plant (Prius) won the Gold and the Tahara, Japan plant (4Runner, Land Cruiser, RAV4 and Lexus models including the LS) won the Bronze.
 

ROAD AMERICA ADDS SPEED WORLD CHALLENGE TO AUGUST LINE-UP

Elkhart Lake, WI, 2008 - Road America has released a revised line-up for its Road Race Showcase, scheduled for August 7-10, 2008. Because of scheduling conflicts caused by the Indy Racing League and Champ Car World Series unification, it appears that Champ Car is unable to hold its Champ Car Grand Prix at Road America that weekend.
The showcase continues to highlight the American Le Mans Series in Saturday's Generac 500. This four-hour race will again culminate in a stunning sunset finale. Sunday's tentative line-up will feature the SPEED Pro Racing World Challenge GT & Touring Championships
According to George Bruggenthies, Road America president and general manager, "The SPEED World Challenge is always a big hit at Road America. We're pleased that we could pair them with the American Le Mans Series and further enhance the experience for our sports car fans."
In addition to the previously scheduled Star Mazda, Formula BMW and Skip Barber National Series, the Atlantic Series will double its show with two races on Saturday and Sunday. For open-wheel fans, these series have always provided fields of young, aggressive drivers whose ambitions fuel unpredictable finishes.
"Fans can count on a solid weekend of premiere, competitive racing," Bruggenthies stated, "It's going to be a full, four-day schedule with very few breaks in track action - one of the best values fans will find this season in road racing."
 

VOLVO CARS INTRODUCES SPECIAL EDITION TO CELEBRATE THE VOLVO OCEAN RACE

MARCH 06, 2008 - Volvo Cars is starting the countdown to the Volvo Ocean Race by launching a series of specially designed cars. The new Volvo Ocean Race Edition encompasses three models: the Volvo V70, Volvo XC70 and Volvo XC90. New is that customers can choose between two exterior colours: Ocean Blue and Electric Silver.
"The Volvo Ocean Race reflects the values that our customers look for when they choose a car. It's all about an active lifestyle, adventure and passion. The cars in the Volvo Ocean Race Edition radiate all this. We are convinced that the marine design connection will make them very attractive," says Lennart Stegland, President of the Special Vehicles division at Volvo Cars.
When Volvo organised the Volvo Ocean Race the very first time in 2001-02, the company sold 4,500 special edition Volvo V70s and X70s. In conjunction with the 2005-06 race, the Ocean Blue family was extended with the Volvo XC90 and sales increased to 8,600 cars.
The most recent Volvo Ocean Race Edition will reach dealers in June 2008 and Volvo Cars expects to sell about 9,000 cars. The five largest markets are Germany, Sweden, Finland, Great Britain and Japan.

Exciting new interiors

"This time we've sharpened our offer with a stronger link to sailing. More interior details echoes the materials used in masts and rigs. The stitching on the upholstery traces its roots to sail making. The aluminium detailing on the mats resembles clews. What is more, the design of the unique wheels has been inspired by the movement of the ocean's waves," says Lennart Stegland.
The Volvo Ocean Race emblem has a new, more exclusive design and the cars' marine aura is enhanced by the Ocean Blue livery in combination with exterior details in chrome. The Volvo Ocean Race Edition cars are also available in Electric Silver.
All the cars feature full leather upholstery in exclusive soft leather and the interior is available in Soft Beige or Offblack, with the centre console and other details in a silk matt aluminium finish. The cars in the Volvo Ocean Race Edition series can be specified with the full range of engine alternatives available for each respective model and market.

Volvo Ocean Race

The Volvo Ocean Race is the world's most gruelling ocean adventure. An extreme race that consists of 10 legs. The vessels start off on 4 October from Alicante in Spain. The finishing line is in St Petersburg, Russia, on June 27, 2009 after stops in Cape Town (South Africa), Kochi (India), Singapore, Qingdao (China), Brazil (Rio de Janeiro), Boston (USA), Galway (Ireland), Göteborg (Sweden) and Stockholm (Sweden). The 2008-09 event also includes an inshore race in most of the ports.

For more detailed information about the Volvo Ocean Race, click on:
 
http://www.volvooceanrace.org
OR
http://www.volvooceanrace.tv
 

NASCAR NEWS SITE SceneDaily.com RE-LAUNCHED WITH EXITING NEW FEATURES

2009 FORD FLEX: AN ALL-NEW FULL-SIZE CROSSOVER REDEFINES THE JOURNEY FOR THE AMERICAN FAMILY

Ford Motor Company redefines the modern American family journey with the introduction of the 2009 Ford Flex, a full-size crossover that sets a new standard for style, features, functionality and comfort in the U.S. industry’s hottest segment.


It is not a plane.

“The new Ford Flex crossover is a game-changer. It’s the first vehicle of its kind that combines seating for seven, interior spaciousness and surprising features with a striking design that looks great on the road and at home for today’s modern American families,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas, as he revealed the new vehicle at the 2007 New York International Auto Show. “The Flex builds on Ford’s leadership in crossover vehicles, which is the fastest-growing part of the auto market today.”

On sale in the summer of 2008, the Flex is arriving as crossovers continue to outpace even the remarkable growth of SUVs during the 1990s and minivans of the 1980s.....
CLICK HERE TO READ COMPLETE ARTICLE
 

LEXUS ANNOUNCES PRICES FOR 2008 MODEL YEAR RX 350 LUXURY SUV

Torrance, CA - Lexus announced manufacturers suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2008 RX 350, the top-selling luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV). For 2008, the RX 350 receives exterior enhancements that include a freshened front-grille design and new exterior chrome door handles. New seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with a Liquid Graphite finish are available as an option. The 2008 RX 350 also adds two new exterior colors: Brandy Wine Mica and Desert Sage Metallic. Inside, the RX 350 offers an additional wood trim color, Black Bird's-Eye Maple, on units with a light gray interior.
The RX 350 retains its excellent value as the MSRP will remain unchanged from 2007. Prices for the RX 350 will remain at $37,400 for the front-wheel-drive model and $38,800 for the all-wheel-drive model. All optional equipment prices also remain unchanged.

Powerful Performance
Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the RX 350 produces 270 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft. of torque. Featuring all-aluminum construction, the V6 harnesses the benefits of advanced technologies to optimize performance, fuel economy and low emissions. The V6 enables the RX 350 to sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 7.3 seconds for the FWD model and 7.4 seconds for the AWD model.
The performance of the RX 350 is comparable to the output of some competitive V8 engines while still providing a fuel-economy rating among the best in class for non-hybrids. Its five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is tuned for refined drivability as well as excellent fuel efficiency. EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating for the RX 350 is 20 mpg (18 mpg city/23 mpg highway) for the FWD model and 19 mpg (17 mpg city/22 mpg highway) for the AWD. The RX 350 retains its ULEV II emissions certification.
The highly sophisticated engine uses electronically controlled sequential fuel injection, which optimizes the fuel mixture and creates a precise burn, higher output and lower emissions to aid drivability. In addition, an electronic throttle control presides over several systems to maintain superior control of power flow. This system, Electronic Throttle Control with intelligence (ETC-i), helps manage idle speed, cruise control, Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). The result is engine efficiency with excellent power and impressive fuel economy.

Refined Comfort and Luxury Features
The RX 350 produces minimal cabin noise allowing for a very quiet interior that provides an exceptional listening environment for its standard premium, satellite-ready, eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio player with in-dash six-CD autochanger. The audio system is compatible with MP3/WPA-formatted CDs and includes Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL), Radio Data System (RDS) and a digital signal processor. Commonly used audio functions are accessible via steering-wheel-mounted controls.
For true audiophiles, a Mark Levinson Premium Audio System is optionally available. This 11-speaker system features an in-dash six-disc DVD/CD autochanger, DVD-audio and DVD-video playback as well as remarkable sound clarity at all volumes (with 210 watts at 0.1% THD, 20-20,000 Hz). An available factory-installed, rear-seat DVD-entertainment system features a nine-inch fold-away video screen for convenient viewing.
The Lexus DVD-Navigation System is optionally available on the RX 350 and includes voice-recognition that will allow the driver to input a desired destination by voice command while driving.
Like other Lexus navigation systems, the system is offered in conjunction with a rear back-up camera to supplement the driver's visibility of the area behind the vehicle. The camera will provide the driver a view of what the camera lens can detect behind the vehicle, automatically projecting a color image on the navigation system's seven-inch VGA screen when the reverse gear is engaged.
In addition to English, the navigation system includes Spanish and French text-display options. The user can select the language preference at system start-up.
Lexus' craftsmanship and renowned attention to detail provide sumptuous comfort by design. Standard dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power front seats with available memory, a sliding center console, adjustable light in the visor vanity mirrors, and wood interior trim set the tone for luxury in the RX 350. Luxury extends to the smallest details, such as illuminated front cup holders and a wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel with integrated audio-system and trip-computer controls.
Premium options include a power-tilt/telescoping steering wheel with memory, and an illuminated entry system that lights the door handles, scuff plates, and front footwells.
A unique, wide-opening multipanel moonroof is an optional alternative to the optional conventional moonroof. With an open area that is 150-percent larger than a normal moonroof and an illumination area that is 250-percent larger, the multipanel moonroof is made of three separate glass panels. The front small panel is angled to reduce wind noise, the rear panel slides backwards on top of vehicle, while the middle glass panel slides backwards on top of rear panel.

Advanced All-Wheel-Drive
The AWD RX 350 model features a viscous limited-slip center differential, which enhances drivability in all types of driving conditions. The full-time AWD system provides a constant 50/50 front-to-rear power split. If slippage occurs, the viscous differential directs torque to the wheels with the most traction.
A direct-type Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system alerts the driver via a warning light on the instrument panel if a significant drop in tire pressure is detected in any of the tires.
Produced in Kyushu, Japan, and Cambridge in southern Ontario, Canada, the 2008 RX 350 will begin arriving at Lexus dealerships by the beginning of February.
 

"A LIFE AT FULL THROTTLE"

“JANET GUTHRIE: "A LIFE AT FULL THROTTLE" NOW IN BOOKSTORES

Janet Guthrie’s own account of her racing adventures, published by SPORTClassic Books ($24.95), is now available through bookstores. For book signing dates and locations, and autographed copies go to http://www.janetguthrie.com
"Guthrie's own eloquent and well-conceived memoir... written in narrative style and reading like a novel."  - Library Journal, April 15, 2005

"This is now one of sports literature's all-time best books." --William Nack, veteran Sports Illustrated writer.

Janet Guthrie is the first woman to earn a starting spot in the Indianapolis 500 (1977) and the Daytona 500 (1977), where she was Top Rookie. Her ninth-place finish in the Indianapolis 500 (1978), with a team she formed and managed herself, was the best by a woman until 2005. She set fastest time of day at Indianapolis on May 7 and May 22, 1977.
In her brief career at the top levels of racing, she earned top-ten starting positions and posted top-ten finishes in both Indy-car Championship racing and in NASCAR Winston Cup (now Nextel Cup). Her fifth-place Indy-car finish at Milwaukee in 1979 was the best by a woman for 21 years. Her sixth-place Winston Cup finish at Bristol in 1977 remains the best by a woman in NASCAR’s superspeedway era. She is the only woman to lead a Winston Cup race. She was Top Rookie in five Winston Cup races.
A graduate of the University of Michigan (B. Sc. in physics), she was formerly a flight instructor and an aerospace engineer. Her helmet and driver's suit are in the Smithsonian Institution. She is a charter member of the Women's Sports Foundation International Women's Sports Hall of Fame.