Toyota Highlander Hybrid – Breaking The Barriers
Author: William HauselburgWith great fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness the hybrid vehicles are slowly gaining popularity worldwide. The limited choice of hybrid options keep these vehicles with hefty price tags. Though these hybrid vehicles are costlier than the conventional ones, they are far more beneficial. The true fact is that it is worth to spend some extra cash in buying hybrid vehicles as you will be able to save a great deal of money in a long run. For example, the hybrid vehicles use fossil fuels and also give you great mileage. Hence you can save your money spent in filling gas to your vehicle. Toyota is a well known manufacture of hybrid vehicles. Recently Toyota launched a new SUV named "Highlander Hybrid" (New version of 08 Highlander Hybrid) with many advancements. The 2009 Highlander Hybrid seems to break all the limitations of the other hybrid SUVs available out there.
Highlander Hybrid – Power Unleashed
The Highlander Hybrid has proven that the hybrid vehicles needn’t be underpowered. The hybrid VVT-i V6, 24 valve engine delivers unmatched power to the Highlander. A test run of the Highlander hybrid proved to generate 208 hp at 5600 rpm, which most of the hybrid SUVs available today failed to deliver. The Highlander Hybrid was also able to develop a maximum torque of 247 lb.-ft. at 0-1500 rpm. Surprisingly, this powerful monster is easy to control. The power assisted disc brakes with ABS and EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution- only available in 09 Highlander) will offer great control even in the roughest terrains.
Unmatched Safety
Toyota has been providing ultimate safety features in all their vehicles. The Highlander Hybrid is no exemption. Toyota has included some of the best modern safety features in the Highlander Hybrid. Toyota refers the safety system of the Highlander hybrid as "Star Safety System" which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control with a cutoff switch. As the Highlander is an SUV that has to be driven in rough terrains, it is equipped with the latest sophisticated traction control (TRAC). The Highlander Hybrid is also equipped with the regular safety features like airbags, side impact door beams and a collapsible steering wheel. The combination of "hill start assist control (HAC)" and "downhill assist control" makes the Highlander to be driven with ease in steep hills. With HAC "on", even rookie SUV enthusiasts can drive the Highlander Hybrid in steep hills without backward rolling.
Great Looks
The 09 Highlander Hybrid grabs the attention of people with the multi-reflector halogen headlamps and the shiny unique hybrid grille with chrome surround. Toyota has thrown some eye candy to the door handles with a layer of chrome. The UV reduction windshield looks very classy. If you want to get the envy of other SUV owners you can opt for 19-inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with silver-painted accents which will add more beauty to the Highlander hybrid.
Buying the Highlander Hybrid
Alright, now we are sure that you will be eager to have a look or even buy the Highlander Hybrid. The only authorized seller of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid in the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area is "Greensburg Toyota". So what are you waiting for? Grab the keys of this unique SUV and experience the power along with becoming environmentally responsible.
About the Author:Toyota Greensburg provides Highlander Hybrid cars that are recognized as environment friendly and fuel efficient. The EPA and the US Department of Energy recognizes the Greensburg Toyota having the best gas mileage of any car on the market in the 2009 Fuel Economy Guide.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/toyota-highlander-hybrid-breaking-the-barriers-798594.html
Hybrid Car Tax Credit
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 replaced the clean-fuel burning deduction with a tax credit. A tax credit is subtracted directly from the total amount of federal tax owed, thus reducing or even eliminating the taxpayer’s tax obligation. The tax credit for hybrid vehicles applies to vehicles purchased or placed in service on or after January 1, 2006.
The credit is only available to the original purchaser of a new, qualifying vehicle. If a qualifying vehicle is leased to a consumer, the leasing company may claim the credit.
Hybrid vehicles have drive trains powered by both an internal combustion engine and a rechargeable battery. Many currently available hybrid vehicles may qualify for the tax credit.
This reflects a decrease in the credit amount as of Oct. 1, 2006, due to the manufacturers meeting quarterly sales of 60,000 qualified hybrid cars — See Quarterly Sales, below.
This credit amount does not phase out. The full amount of the altenative fuel vehicle credit would be available for vehicles purchased on or before December 31, 2010.
Quarterly Sales
Consumers seeking the credit may want to buy early since the full credit is only available for a limited time. Taxpayers may claim the full amount of the allowable credit up to the end of the first calendar quarter after the quarter in which the manufacturer records its sale of the 60,000th hybrid passenger automobile or light truck or advance lean burn technology motor vehicle. For the second and third calendar quarters after the quarter in which the 60,000th vehicle is sold, taxpayers may claim 50 percent of the credit. For the fourth and fifth calendar quarters, taxpayers may claim 25 percent of the credit. No credit is allowed after the fifth quarter.