 The Coolest New Car Tech for 2009
The new car year brings the latest auto-based technology.
To learn more
By autos.msn.com |
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Introducing the All-New 2009 Toyota Venza
A "Crossover" designed for New England!
"DRIVES LIKE A SEDAN WITH THE UTILITY OF AN SUV."
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If you have ever considered buying or leasing a new Toyota, you already know that they offer a broad range of models to choose from. Well, it’s about to get broader. Sometime before the end of the year, Toyota is introducing a new crossover vehicle to their lineup. The 2009 Toyota Venza combines the comfort and performance elements of a five-passenger sedan with the utility of a sport utility vehicle.
This crossover was designed specifically with the North American market in mind. Sold here exclusively, it was engineered at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The exterior was developed at the Toyota’s Calty design studios in Newport Beach.
The Venza was designed with a sleek sedan concept in mind, rather than styling it to look like a standard SUV. Nonetheless, it features a spacious interior providing room for five passengers and abundant cargo space behind the second row of seats.
Levers, one on each side of the rear cargo area, allows the 60/40 split rear seats to fold flat, providing additional storage space for extra long items. For added passenger comfort, the rear seats recline up to 14 degrees.
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| Fall Car Care |
- Windshield Wipers - Replace old blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent -- you'll be surprised how much you use. Carry an ice-scraper.
- Battery- The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly.
- Tires-
Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Let the tires "cool down" before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don't forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.
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| Family Recipes |
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Pumpkin Black Bean Soup
15 min prep | 30 min cook | 45 min ready in | |
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Ingredients
• 3 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 1/4 cups chopped onion
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 1/2 pound cubed cooked ham
• 3 tablespoons sherry vinegar
Directions:
- Pour 2 cans of the black beans into a food processor or blender, along with the can of tomatoes. Puree until smooth. Set aside.
- Melt butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Cook and stir until the onion is softened. Stir in the bean puree, remaining can of beans, beef broth, pumpkin puree, and sherry vinegar. Mix until well blended, and then simmer for about 25 minutes or until thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Stir in the ham, and heat through before serving.
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Copyright©
2008, Consumer Creativity, Inc. All rights reserved.
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