Hispanic Enterprise - October/November 2007 - (Page 27)

GS 450H Having sacriﬁced to get a business off of the ground, the successful entrepreneur may want to indulge in a vehicle that reﬂects the conﬁdence that proﬁt brings. The Lexus GS 450h gasoline-electric hybrid provides the brand image and the distinction of owning an environmentally friendly vehicle. The rear-wheel-drive GS 450h is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with a compact magnetic electric motor that produces 340 horsepower and accelerates from zero-to-60 miles per hour in 5.2 seconds. It has an EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy of 25/28 mpg. Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management improves handling and integrates eight other technologies, from ABS to traction control. Safety features include side curtain air bags for the front and backseats, and a rear parking camera and sensor. Standard equipment includes a power moonroof, leather upholstery and heated seats in the front, an AM/FM stereo with a six-disc in-dash CD player and a cassette player. Pricing on the 2007 GS 450h starts at $55,595. CHEVY CORVETTE Like convertibles, sports cars are considered an automotive indulgence—low on functionality, high on pure fun. An American icon, the Chevrolet Corvette satisﬁes anyone’s need for speed, performs with glee on curves, and offers an open-air experience from the base model to the convertible. Redesigned in 2004, the 2008 model further improves on that with an improved engine and transmission as well as more standard features. It is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 with 430 horsepower and 424 ft.-lbs. of torque, capable of reaching a top speed of 190 mph, and a zero-to-60 mph acceleration of 4.1 seconds. It’s mated to a six-speed manual, but an optional six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is available. Standard features include an AM/FM stereo with a CD player and MP3 capability, leather seating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning, keyless remote and push button start.. The base price on the 2008 Corvette Coupe is $45,995. MERCEDES-BENZ CL550 Nothing spells success like Mercedes-Benz, and the CL550 has thetechnology, and price tag, to prove it. Redesigned for 2007, the CL550’s exterior is as eyecatching as its technology is impressive. Its dome-shaped roof, panoramic side windows, and V-shaped trunk lid accentuate the positive on the full-size coupe. The list of modern coupes just under 200 inches long begins and ends with the large and luxurious CL550. Hand-fitted, premium leather upholstery and hand polished burl walnut or chestnut wood trim accentuate the interior. The leather and wood-trimmed interior has been updated and can be ordered in five different color schemes. Front seats with 14-way adjustments enhance the coupe’s ride. For long trips, the front seat includes an active lumbar feature that “breathes,” inflating and deflating about twice each minute to relax the spine and back muscles. It has a 5.5-liter V8 that delivers 382 horses, 391 ft.-lbs. of torque, and goes from zero-to-60 miles per hour in 5.4 seconds. It’s matched to a seven-speed automatic transmission that can skip up to three gear ratios for quick and smooth acceleration and improved fuel consumption. Pricing for the 2007 CL550 starts at $100,675. HISPANIC ENTERPRISE October/November 2007 27

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Hispanic Enterprise - October/November 2007

Hispanic Enterprise - October/November 2007 Contents BIZBUZZ: Business Briefs Trendsetters BIZTECH: Personally Digital BizLife - Travel: The Mobile Meeting Motoring: Is What You Drive, Who You Are? Q&A - Fact Tank for the Hispanic Population Hispanic Commerce Cover Story: Tiles with Style Success & Motivation: Grammy Whammy Finance: Talking Code Event: Masterminds NCLR Report - Improving your Triple Bottom Line Politics & Government: Keep on Truckin' Managing: Avoiding an Identity Crisis Franchising: Beyond the Brand Finance & Investing - Talking Money Movers & Shakers Regional Report - Louisiana, Louisiana Chamber Focus - On the Island of Enchantment

Hispanic Enterprise - October/November 2007

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