For last year, Toyota was only able to sell 3376 units of the Land Cruiser. Although this is the case, no one can contest that the Land Cruiser is the Toyota model that was able to sell most since the Japanese maker started selling their vehicles in America in 1958. It is not surprising then that Toyota will be introducing another generation of the Land Cruiser. And it will do so as part of the company’s 50^th year in existence in the United States. Changes in the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser includes a hauling of its 4.7 liter engine to a Tundra 5.7 liter V8. This gives the Land Cruiser more power with an additional 116 hp and 73 lb-ft in torque. This power gives the new Land Cruiser more ability to easily manage its 5690 pound curb weight. As for its output, it can generate as much as 381 hp and 401 lb-ft.

All these features are supposed to make the Land Cruiser all the more lovable to the American market. Apart from these, the big Land Cruiser ute even gets bigger. For the latest model, it gains 265 pounds and 2.4 inches more when it comes to length and a 1.2 inches add-on its width. As for the torsion bar type front suspension system that used to be found on 2007 models of the Land Cruiser, it gets replaced with a double A-arm setup that are equipped with coil over Toyota shocks that are available at Bilstein shocks. This unique combination of the ’08 Land Cruiser’s suspension system increases the wheel travel to around 9.05 inches. This is an inch higher than the previous ones. As for the rear suspension, it basically stays the same. It has a four-link solid axle that is geared with coil springs as well as Panhard-bar setup. This setup is especially engineered in order to handle a considerable increase in power from the engine.

As for the ride on-road, Toyota estimates that 99 percent of Cruisers in the Unites States are to spend 99 percent of their time close to perfection. This is because the Cruiser has a big body frame that hardly glides over the pavement. The ’08 edition is relatively quiet. When inside the cabin, one can rarely hear any noise from the outside, which makes it perfect for anyone who wants to have comfort in his or her driving

Having good control of one’s ride is one of the things that many auto users are keen of. When it comes to ride control, the vehicle’s suspension system is the one that does most of the works. The suspension system includes the struts and the shock absorber, which can be availed of at Bilstein shocks. In the past years, many have been doing what they can in order to develop the suspension system. This is because the suspension is simply one of the most important systems that comprise one’s vehicle. Research has been going around finding ways on how to improve on the damper rate. The goal is to make it vary according to road conditions. Recently, word has it that Matthew Beecham is on the latest designs made.

If we take it literally, there is something not quite right about the term “shock absorber.” For one, the device simply does not do that. It does not absorb the “shock.” What it does is to “dampen” the movement of the springs (coil, torsion bar, or whatever it is that needs dampening). It works to limit the road shock that gets transmitted to the tires, hub, and the spring mount. On the other hand, the task of the “damper” is to control the oscillations of the springs. When these are properly taken care of, the tires are able to keep a good contact with the road. This leads to a more comfortable ride, a reliable braking system, smooth acceleration, and good vehicle handling.

In our time, certain advances when it comes to shock absorbers are already in existence. If one wants to enhance the ride comfort one gets without having to shell out a lot of money, manufacturers are coming up with a longer shock absorber movement. Another thing that the manufacturers do is to put together electronics. The advantage of electronic dampers is that it allows for a large range of damping levels and can easily alter its functions in order to provide a comfortable ride and a definite control of the vehicle. By means of incorporating mechanical as well as electronic functions in the vehicle, manufacturers were able to enhance the suspension system with considerable reduction in the costs of making one.

Among the automakers that feature such technology are Delphi and Tenneco. Some Volvo shocks, Mercedes shocks, Ford shocks, and Audi shocks also offer this technology.

Heico Sportiv has become the leading tuning firm of Volvo. It was founded in 1995 and since then proved its way to being the tuning firm with the longest history when it comes to tuning racking Volvo vehicles. It has done so for over 13 years already. At the 2007 SEMA Show, the Volvo C30 by Heico Sportiv debuted. This modified version of the C30 is able to leave a good impression on those who have seen it. What people find fascinating about the Volvo C30 is that it can be liken to a blank canvas. It really gave way for Heico Sportiv to do wonders with the vehicle. Designers of Heico Sportiv altered the solid white flanks of the vehicle’s exterior and turned it into radiant orange surf-pattern kit. Its dazzling orange wave stems from the lower front fenders. It then cunningly soars to the doors, to the tailgate’s edges until it enfolds the rear end part.

The Volvo C30 by Heico Sportiv got its inspiration from the well-toned surfers. These surfers that inspired the creation of the Heico Sportiv Volvo C30 constantly find themselves on the beach, spending innumerable hours riding the waves. For this reason, the Heico C30 has a rather developed bodywork that is both athletic and muscular in its air and appearance. It has widened fender flares, it has painted lower side skirts that matches perfectly with the body. This gives the Heico C30 an illusion of seamlessness. As for its front, it features integrated spoiler flaps, fog as well as cornering lights, three large air ducks, sports grill that is adorned with a Volvo iron mark. Apart from these the Heico C30 also features wider and deeper rear skirt frames and also, stainless steel exhaust pipes.

Looks are not all there is to the Heico C30. In order for a vehicle to be truly modified, its performance has to take on some alterations as well. Its 19-inch light alloy Volution(R) V Titan wheels are wrapped with 235/35R19 Continental Sport Contact III tires. The brake system also went through some hauling. 326 x 30 mm discs of sport brake pads can be found on the C30.

Aside from the brake system, the Heico C30’s suspension system is geared up for performance. Volvo shocks and springs that lowers the C30 by around 40mm. The Volvo shocks are known to provide quality smooth rides even on bumpy roads. For those who won’t be able to avail of the Heico C30, the next best thing is to equip ones ride with good shocks from Bilstein shocks.

Suzuki has a sports-minded heritage. This heritage topped with a goal to excel and be one of the world’s most capable automaker, Suzuki Auto yet again enters a motorsports challenge. For this year, Suzuki has an entry in the World Rally Championship (WRC). The vehicle they entered is the SX4 WRC. The vehicle is said to be pattered from the five-door SX4 Crossover and was first introduced in the Geneva Motor Show last February 2006. The people behind Suzuki developed this vehicle to be driver-friendly. It is a World Rally Car that features superb controllability even when subjected to different range of rally conditions. A creation of Suzuki Sport, which is Suzuki’s motorsports division, one can expect only the best from the SX4 WRC.

The vehicle has undergone various extensive testing programs in different road conditions and driving surfaces. In order to bring the tests for this vehicle a notch higher, Suzuki Sport entered the vehicle to two events that both occurred this year. These are the Rallye de France as well as the Wales Rally GB. These two events are said to add on the surface types on which the SX4 WRC will be tested. The former has a reputation for being one of the most challenging when it comes to tarmac events. The latter, has a varied array of surface types that will sure to test the SX4 WRC’s capacity. The SX4 WRC features a 2.0 liter turbocharged J20 engine, a full-time 4WD drivetrain as well as a five-speed sequential gearbox. Its 1,997 cc engine has the capacity to deliver 320 brake horsepower involving 4,000 and 4,500 rpm. As for its maximum torque, it can go up to 590 N-m at 3,500 rpm.

As for the powertrain, the SX4 WRC boasts of a carbon three-disc clutch, which has an electronically controlled center differential topped with a mechanical differential for both the front and rear portion. It has a balanced chassis with a rigid structure that makes way for the front and rear MacPherson struts to function at their finest. It has Reiger shocks rather than Suzuki shocks that delivers dynamic vehicle handling. For more information on shocks, visit the Bilstein shocks website.

When it comes to having the most capable lineup of GMC Sierra vehicles, the 2008 is definitely it. As for the ‘08 lineup, Sierra vehicles feature good fuel economy topped with fine power and superb capability. Apart from these, the 2008 GMC Sierra lineup also features supple rides as well as good handling. For those who are after quiet rides, the Sierra 1500 might be the perfect vehicle for you. The said vehicle is exceptionally quiet. Even though it doesn’t create so much noise, the Sierra 1500 is a rather powerful vehicle. It is available in various trim packages that include Work Truck, SL, SLE, and the SLT that comes in configurations of 2WD and 4WD. Buyers can choose from three cab styles namely regular, extended, and crew cab. There are three cargo box sizes, 5 ft 8 inches, 6ft 6 inches and 8ft.

Another part of the lineup is the Sierra Denali. It is truck that is designed to incorporate performance and luxury. Yes, luxury for a truck. Who says one has to be dirty and not have a comfortable ride when riding a truck? It is unique and distinct in its characteristics. Among its features include a 6.2L V8 engine that is made from aluminum, it has variable valve timing as well as a six-speed automatic transmission. Since the Sierra was all geared up for this year, changes for 2008 edition are relatively minor. Mostly, the style is the most focused upon when it comes to improvements. This also includes accessories. Among those that come as a standard for the 2008 line-up is the XM Satellite Radio. Power-adjustable driver’s seat come as an option and buyers can choose from two new colors: the dark crimson metallic and the Sonoma red metallic.

As for light-duty models, their 2008 line-up also features integrated trailer brake controller. Also integrated in these models is the ABS system. The system makes it possible for immediate brake force signaling to be transported to electric-controlled trailer brake systems. No requirement for external or other aftermarket brake control systems is needed. For vehicles that are part of the 2008 line-up, the brake controller switch is mounted on the instrument panel’s lower-left section.

To further improve on the line-ups refinement, off road packages comes as an option. Apart from these, special GMC shocks are installed on the line-up that can be availed of at Bilstein shocks.