PREVIEW: 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

With Files from Toyota Canada
TORONTO, ON ­ With better performance than many conventional V8’s, the fuel economy of a compact car, and outstanding all-weather handling and stability, the 2006 Highlander Hybrid gasoline/electric hybrid is the new star of Toyota’s popular intermediate Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) lineup. In addition to outstanding performance, the Highlander Hybrid is also the world’s first intermediate hybrid SUV to offer third row seating.

When the Highlander Hybrid joins the lineup alongside the Prius, Toyota becomes the first automotive manufacturer to offer a full gasoline/electric hybrid in both the intermediate SUV and mid-size passenger car segments. Available in both five- and seven-passenger configurations, the 2006 Highlander Hybrid was designed using a range of advanced technologies to create a vehicle with true SUV power and versatility, plus exceptional fuel economy and emissions performance.



- The Highlander Hybrid is powered by a new version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) powertrain, specifically developed to meet the demands of an intermediate SUV. HSD features an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) and Toyota’s first-ever application of on-demand electronic 4-wheel-drive with intelligence (4WD-i). The 3.3-litre V6 works seamlessly with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator developing a peak system output equivalent to 268 horsepower and zero to sixty acceleration in 7.3 seconds.

- Fuel consumption (L/100 km) is half that of conventionally-powered SUVs at 7.5 city, 8.1 highway and 7.8 combined.

- SUV performance is enhanced with Toyota’s new Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. VDIM is an advanced safety system that anticipates and corrects directional stability with a combination of braking and throttle control.

- Emissions performance meets Environment Canada’s Tier 2 Bin 3, and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) tailpipe standard.

- As kind to the eye as it is to the environment, the new Highlander Hybrid has been restyled to emphasize its sporty performance with new 17-inch split five-spoke alloy wheels, chrome accented front grille, new front bumper, rear LED tail lamps, and chrome licence plate trim.



The new Highlander Hybrid goes on sale in Canada this summer. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the well-equipped five-passenger model, with standard air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, VDIM, and power windows and doorlocks, is $44,205. MSRP for the luxurious seven-passenger model, with leather interior, automatic climate control, anti-theft system, and premium audio is $53,145.

NEWS: Subaru Introduces Pricing for New B9 Tribeca

With Files from Subaru Canada
Subaru Canada has announced pricing for the all-new 2006 B9 Tribeca crossover utility vehicle. The largest and most luxurious vehicle in the Subaru line-up, the B9 Tribeca is available in both five- and seven-passenger configurations with a range of options.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the five-passenger B9 Tribeca will be $41,995, and $45,195 for the five-passenger B9 Tribeca Limited with premium audio and leather.



The well-equipped seven-passenger B9 Tribeca will have an MSRP of $44,295. MSRP will be $47,995 for the seven-passenger B9 Tribeca Limited and $52,495 for the seven-passenger B9 Tribeca Limited with Navigation System and DVD rear seat entertainment.

With its distinctive exterior design, bold high-tech interior, and flexible passenger seating capacity, the 2006 B9 Tribeca is the newest innovation from Subaru, the company that invented crossover utility.



The B9 Tribeca is powered by a 3-litre, horizontally opposed, six-cylinder DOHC engine that develops 250 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and peak torque of 219 lb-ft at 4,200 rpm. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission that can operate in either economy or sport modes and allows ‘manual’ gear selection when desired.

NEWS: NISMO Performance Parts Come to Canada

With Files from Nissan Canada
Photos by Mark Atkinson
MISSISSAUGA, ON – NISMO high-performance parts and accessories are now available at Nissan dealers nationwide, Nissan Canada Inc. announced today.

Until now, NISMO components and apparel have been available only in the Japanese and U.S. markets.



Historically, NISMO (Nissan Motorsports International) has been the company’s source of Nissan racing technology and Nissan performance components.

NISMO has provided factory-tuned performance products for everything from Nissan street cars to Nissan racing cars at Le Mans and in the IMSA GTP Series.



NISMO performance products fall into two main categories, S-tune and R-tune.

NISMO engineers S-tune components for the enthusiast that drives on the street. S-tune components offer increased performance, but with an additional feature that the aftermarket cannot match – all S-tuned components are covered by Nissan Parts and Accessory Limited Warranty, one year/20,000km (like any other Genuine Nissan part or accessory).



R-tune equipment is for the hard-core enthusiast or weekend racer seeking maximum performance. These parts are destined for racing or track days and do not carry a warranty.

NISMO equipment is available for the following vehicles sold in Canada: 350Z, Sentra, Altima, Frontier and Xterra..

There is also a selection of Legacy performance parts for older vehicles such as 300ZX, 240SX and Sentra.