Articles by CarsGuide team

...And, of course, it intoroduced The Hoff to the world. For a family show, the set-up is kind of sinister. A reclusive billionaire finds a detective who's been shot and left for dead, and instead of sending him to the nearest hospital, takes him to his mansion, nurses him back to health, gives him a new face and a new identity and hires him be the sharp end of a private police force, the scary-sounding Foundation for Law and Government. Read the full story here.  

   

The Rolls-Royce 'Spirit of Ecstasy' bonnet ornament is one of the most recognised -- and beautiful -- in the car world. The luxury British brand has taken it to another level in this sultry commercial. We’re a bit surprised Rolls thinks it has to advertise… even the last Kalahari Bushman we bumped into knew who they were. However, they’re doing it in great style and with very sexy flavour, judging by this behind-the-scenes video.

Early next month, a Toyota Tundra utility will haul the space shuttle Endeavour part of the way on its final journey to its resting place at the California Science Centre.The Endeavour will travel about 20km over city streets from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the Science Centre, with the Tundra to tow shuttle the final 400 metres or so. The big utility is not sold here in Australia where the Hilux reigns supreme, but it's been tested to make sure its up to the job.Weighing in at 136 tonnes the Endeavour will travel down Bill Robertson Lane in Exposition Park, near downtown Los Angeles, on the final leg of its journey. It will be towed by a stock 2012 Tundra CrewMax 1/2 ton pickup, identical to models currently found in US Toyota dealerships, with no additional modifications made to increase towing capacity or generate more power.The Tundra CrewMax is equipped with Toyota's powerful 5.7-litre V8 engine, producing a maximum tow capacity of 4.5 tonnes. Toyota has done extensive testing and worked with The Sarens Group, a heavy lifting and engineered transport company, to develop a dolly specifically for hauling the Endeavour."There is no larger or more recognisable icon of the US space program's success than the shuttle, and to have it towed by the Toyota Tundra is not only an incredible example of the capabilities of the truck, but an honor to be part of history," said Toyota's Ed Laukes. The tow Tundra will go on display with the Endeavour when the exhibit opens on October 30, 2012. 

The CX-9 is a big crossover sport-utility SUV featuring a distinctive sporty appearance, a high quality cabin, the flexibility of three-rows, and sharp driving dynamics.The revised CX-9 carries over the utility and dynamic driving performance of the current model while adopting Mazda's ‘KODO Soul of Motion' design theme at the front and rear. Enhancements inside further the feeling of quality and refinement.Equipment upgrades include the infotainment system featuring the latest audio, navigation and speech-recognition systems based on an intuitive HMI (Human Machine Interface).In addition, new and advanced active safety features such as Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and High Beam Control (HBC) anticipate danger and help the driver avoid it.The new-Look CX-9 carries over the MZI 3.7-litre V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission from the current model.