It’s that time of year again- the three-month stretch filled with countless activities, beach vacations and road trip getaways. Unmatched by any other vehicle in its class, the 2015 Toyota Highlander is ready to take you wherever you want to go this summer.

The Highlander features exceptional seating, which allows room for eight passengers. The entire family can ride in comfort and enjoy the luxury of reclining third-row seats and available second-row captain’s chairs. There isn’t a bad seat in the house. And guess what? There’s plenty of room for shuffling kids back and forth from summer camp or early morning swim lessons. The Highlander is truly the perfect summer companion!

Do you have a lengthy road trip ahead of you? Are you tired of the “are we there yet” question every 10 minutes? The Highlander allows you to stay focused on the road, while entertaining your passengers. The available Blu-ray Disc™ rear-seat entertainment system with a 9-in. display screen comes with RCA jacks, remote and two wireless headphones. The Highlander also includes an Entune™ Audio system with Intelligent Touch controls. Blasting your summer tunes down the highway has never sounded so good.

Hauling beach necessities is no longer a pain with the Highlander’s spacious cabin. The 60/40 split third-row seat has the ability to fold flat and recline to accommodate your needs. Say goodbye to the days of cramming and packing the car.

As you’re hauling all your summer essentials in the Highlander, one must take into account the most precious cargo: your children. The Highlander and Highlander Hybrid have been recognized for their high levels of safety by being named an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus when equipped with an available pre-collision system. Equipped with an Advanced Airbag System and the Star Safety System™, the Highlander prepares you for anything.

Interested in learning more about the 2015 Toyota Highlander? Contact us today! The 2015 Highlander is now available at Continental Toyota, allowing you to complete everything on your summer wish list.

Toyota 4Runner is the ultimate travel companion for your next off-road summer adventure. Built for exploration, this vehicle will get you off the beaten path, accompanied with the latest audio technology features. Containing a 6.1” high-resolution touch-screen display, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, and Entune™ Audio Plus system, the 4Runner will provide the perfect soundtrack to your summer voyage.

Connect like never before with the Entune™ Audio Plus system. With a USB port with iPod connectivity, simply plug in your Apple device for a playlist fit for any unique quest. Bluetooth wireless technology allows you hands-free phone capability to stream your favorite artists, while Entune™ App Suite allows you to bring mobile apps and data with you on your journey. Not only will the 4Runner allow you to discover new terrains- connect to Pandora, Spotify, or Soundcloud to uncover the hottest bands and todays top hits. The 4Runner’s audio system will heighten your experience on the road, and off it.

Built for a trailblazer- stay wild. Experience your authentic summer adventure with a premium audio system.

Interested in learning more about the Toyota 4Runner? Contact us today! The 2015 Toyota 4Runner is now available at Continental Toyota, just in time for your summer getaway.

Americans all over the country cheered as they witnessed the US Women’s soccer team win the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. With over 25 million fans watching the game, it was the most-watched game in US soccer history, bringing home a victory to millions of proud Americans.

Toyota is giving the U.S. something else to be proud about. The 2015 Tundra is a legendary Toyota tough pickup that redefines the full-size pickup capability. Styled and created in the U.S., the Tundra embodies the American way.

With the American consumer in mind from the beginning, inspiration was taken from all over the nation to design the groundbreaking new Tundra. Styled in California and Michigan, engineered in Michigan, and built in Texas, the Tundra is all-American.

Interested in learning more about the Toyota Tundra? Contact us today! The 2015 Toyota Tundra is now available at Continental Toyota.

Chicago area Toyota is proud to be a part of a brand that has developed many patented technological innovations over the past two decades. More than 20 patents have been given to five Toyota engineers. One of the engineers has more than 29 patents, which is more than and North American Toyota team member. Here are some examples of great innovations by Toyota engineers in the past 20 years.

Combating Slim Jims for Theft

It used to be that thieves had an easy way to break into a car: slim jims. All they had to do was slip it in between the glass and doorframe, pull, and open the door. Carmakers got wise to this and started making countermeasures that would keep crooks bay. The problem was that only some of their solutions worked. They also added to the cost of the vehicle and made manufacturing more complicated. Norm Kerr III, a Toyota engineer, came up with a better idea in 1995. His idea was much cheaper and wold save time on the assembly line.His idea became a symbol of the first patent that was issued to Toyota Technical Center (TTC) engineers.

More Patents for Toyota

20 years later, another engineer for TTC, Nora Arellano, was given the patent for side curtain airbags that were installed in the Toyota Tundra. This idea could shield passengers during different crash scenarios, and was the 1000^th patent that Toyota's North American Manufacturing and Engineering headquarters was issued. The brilliance of these engineers was honored at an event at the Toyota Engineering Theater on June 11^th, at the Michigan Science Center. Arellano, Kerr and 114 more Toyota researchers engineers were recognized for their innovations and the patents they had earned.

The Annual Congressional baseball game took place on June 11, and La Grange area Toyota is proud of the donations to youth made by Toyota USA. Both Toyota USA Foundation and Toyota made large donations to grow educational opportunities in the STEM area for the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy and the Boys & Girls Clubs National Youth of the Year.

About the Congressional Baseball Game

Scholar-athletes of the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy were presented a $300,000 check by the Toyota USA Foundation before the game got underway. The money is intended to support unique programs in character development, literacy and STEM. The goal is to help these youth expand their educational opportunities and develop leadership skills. The program primarily supports the most undeserved communities in Washington with the highest drop-out rates, unemployment and crime. More than 5,000 fans were in attendance to witness the check being presented. The game resulted in the Democrats beating the Republicans 5-2.

Toyota and the Boys & girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year

$5,000 and a brand-new corolla were given to the 2014-2015 Boys & Girls Clubs of America's National Youth of the Year. The winner, Maryah Sullivan, lives in Orlando, Florida and was chosen because of her academic excellence, leadership skills, healthy lifestyle and service to her community. This is the fifth year in a row that a Corolla was given to the national winner.

The signature sponsor of the Youth of the Year program is Toyota, and Sullivan expressed how excited she was to get the Corolla and could not wait to get it on the road. The Boys 7 Girls Clubs of America serve close to 4 million youth nationwide.

Chicago area Toyota has the heavy duty and spacious 2015 Land Cruiser on our lot waiting for you. This eight-passenger SUV will provide you with a smooth ride, yet still take on all the bumps with no problem off-road. With one trim level, the Land Cruiser gives you all you'll ever need in a full-sized SUV.

Power and Performance

The 2015 Land Cruiser is stocked with a mighty 5.7-liter V8 engine that kindles a thunderous 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. Full-time four-wheel drive is also standard to get you through all the tough terrains and inclement weather situations. With the proper equipment, the Land Cruiser will tow a maximum 8,200 pounds, which is excellent for this class of vehicle.

Off-Road Capabilities of the 2015 Land Cruiser

For better off-road capabilities and on-road handling, the Land Cruiser gets a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System that modulates electronically the stabilizer bars. Traction and stability control settings are matched to specific surfaces with Multi-Terrain Select. A five-speed crawl control is a way of using cruise control off-road at low speeds. Hill-start assist helps on inclines, and the brakes are automatically hit to the inside wheels when cornering for a better turning response with Off-Road Turn Assist. A locking center differential is also featured.

Interior Space and Features

Behind the third row is 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold down rows tow and three and it opens to 82 cubes to store your gear. Standard interior features include: power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel trimmed in wood and leather, four-zone automatic climate control with controls in the second row and vents in the third, perforated leather upholstery, power ventilated and heated front seats, 10-way driver seat and 8-way passenger front seat and a 14-speaker JBL audio system with CD, HD and satellite radio.

The Toyota Corolla already has a reputation for being an extremely reliable vehicle. When you choose the 2015 Corolla LE Eco at Chicago area Toyota, you'll get even better fuel economy than the original model. Stop in and see the sporty new look of the Corolla and you'll surely be impressed.

Performance and Power

The 2015 Corolla LE Eco has a more efficient version of a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine than the other Corolla trims receive. Instead of 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque, it has a bit more power with 140 horsepower, but torque drops only slightly to 126 pound-feet. The ECO Mode button lowers the output for the gas pedal, and it will tweak the air conditioning for increased fuel efficiency. All you have to do to save on gas is simply push a button and get more distance out of your gas tank.

A continuously variable transmission is standard with Toyota's CVTi-S Valvematic technology. This aids in allowing for a smoother ride and increased fuel efficiency, while giving the driver more control. The LE Eco gets the best fuel economy out of all Corolla trims with 35 miles per gallon combined city and highway driving. The standard form LE Eco will go from 0-60 in a quick 9.2 seconds.

Features in the 2015 Corolla LE Eco

The exterior of the 2015 LE Eco gets decked out with a rear spoiler, improved aerodynamic design, and 15-inch steel wheels wrapped in low-rolling resistance tires. The trunk has a wide opening for easy loading and unloading, and will hold up to 13 cubic feet. Interior features include: automatic climate control with pollen and dust filter, integrated backup camera, 8-way power adjustable driver's seat and 4-way adjustable front passenger seats with heat, cruise control, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel swathed in leather, metallic interior trim, chrome interior door handles, power accessories, 60/40-split rear folding seats with two cup holders and a center armrest and a six-speaker audio system with CD, 6.1-inch touchscreen, bluetooth and 3 month SiriusXM satellite radio trial.

La Grange area Toyota knows how important the right vehicle is for a family, which is why we recommend the 2015 Sienna XLE. It has plenty of interior space and versatility to accommodate your family and their travel storage needs. Toyota has equipped the sienna XLE with the latest in safety features so you know your ride and loved ones will be safe and secure.

Interior Space and Versatility

The XLE trim of the 2015 Sienna is available to seat seven or eight passengers, based on the best configuration to suit your needs. If you would like to seat only seven passengers, the second-row becomes two reclining captain's chairs with extendable foot rests. The Captain's chairs will also slide back and forth quite a bit to increase cargo space. Otherwise the eight-passenger configuration comes with a second-row 40/20/40-split bench seat. If you have small children, the middle section will slide up close to the front seats so parents can better tend to them. For maximum cargo space of 150 cubic feet, remove the second-row seats, which can actually be stowed inside the van.

Safety Features

The 2015 sienna scored very high on government and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash safety tests, as well as tests for whiplash protection. Standard equipment for safety aboard the 2015 Sienna XLE includes: active front head restraints, stability control, driver-side knee airbag, antilock disc brakes, traction control, rearview camera, side curtain airbags the full length of the cabin, cushion airbag for the front passenger seat and front-seat side airbags.

When was the last time you opened an Atlas, unfolded a map across the front of the car, or printed directions off the internet? If you know exactly when, you must not have in-car navigation yet. It is everywhere now. Pre-owned vehicles and new models offer navigation as an extra convenience feature, and once you experience the drive with a navigation system, you will wonder how you ever lived without it. La Grange area Toyota praises the benefits of in-car navigation.

Maps vs. GPS

Younger generations cannot use a map as well as older drivers. Now, we rely on technology to get us around town and across the country. Is that good or bad? Some drivers just prefer to have the large Atlas open across the center console or the accordion map stretched across the dash. Using a map encourages drivers to pay attention to their surroundings, and it allows drivers to track where they have been and where they are going. Using a map does get a little tricky when you are all alone. If you don’t know the route, you can get yourself into quite a bind.

In-car navigation eliminates the map tangle and the need for a co-pilot. In-car navigation gives you verbal directions, points of interest, traffic information, and in some cases, weather info. In-car navigation helps you recover from wrong turns, and they are affordable.

But I use my Cell Phone

Many drivers prefer to use their cell phones to get around, but a few issues arise will cell phone use: battery power, attracts thieves, they can get lost, accessories, and screen size. Another downside to using your cell phone is data use. If you have a long trip, your phone can eat up your data quickly.

What do you get when you combine an AWD drivetrain with a turbocharged engine? A sassy little commuter and weekend toy. It is okay to admit you want more power and to demand that you get it. Your local Toyota dealer has an exciting selection from which you can choose your next turbo toy. Ask Chicago area pre-owned Toyota dealer about the turbocharged AWD treasures on the lot.

2015 Subaru WRX STI

The price for the 2015 Subaru WRX STI is less than $36,000 miles and the sedan has fewer than 10,000 miles on the engine. A spicy 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 is under the hood and it kicks out 268 hp at 5600 RPM and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. An AWD drivetrain and 6-speed manual accompany the hyper engine. The estimated fuel economy rating is 17/23 mpg. Installed features in the Subaru include digital radio, satellite radio, CD player, dual-zone A/C, LED lighting, carbon-fiber look trim, leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a rear-view camera. The Subaru is an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

2012 MINI Cooper Countryman AWD S All4

The 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman is priced below $22K. The 1.6-liter turbo inline-4 sports 181 hp at 5500 RPM and 177 lb.-ft. of torque. The estimated fuel economy rating is 23/30 mpg. In 2012, the IIHS awarded the Countryman with a Top Safety Pick Award. The 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman AWD S All4 is loaded with a 6-speaker stereo system, premium package, cold weather package, panoramic roof, satellite radio, and Bluetooth®.

2011 BMW 5 Series 535 xDrive

How about a BMW for less than $26K? The AWD 2011 BMW 5 Series 535i xDrive sedan sports a 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 fires up 300 hp at 5800 RPM and 300 lb.-ft. of torque. The estimated fuel economy rating for the AWD 535 xDrive with an automatic transmission is 19/29 mpg. BMW equipped the sporty sedan with leather interior, 12 speakers, luxury trim, Bluetooth®, navigation, heated seats and steering wheels, premium package, and adjustable front seats.

When you look at car specs, you look at power, design and safety features. Are you confident you know what all of it means, especially when it comes to listed safety features? We can help you decipher car spec codes. Chicago Toyota service professionals explain Brake Assist.

Common Terms

Brake Assist is also referred to as Emergency Brake Assist. Brake Assist (BA) is part of Toyota’s Star Safety System™. Every new Toyota Vehicle is equipped with the system. The Star Safety System™ is composed of six safety systems: traction control, stability control, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, smart stop, and ABS.

What is Brake Assist?

Brake Assist is an active safety feature. Active safety means the vehicle is equipped with devices and technologies that assist the driver and vehicle with maintaining control. The features are designed to compensate for driver error. Brake Assist is one such feature, as it compensates for panicked braking. Many times, drivers do not brake strong enough in an emergency situation, and that is where BA steps in. When the system detects panicked braking, the system adds additional braking power to force the vehicle to stop faster than it would have otherwise stopped. Both the time required to stop the vehicle and the distance to stop the vehicle reduce when the Brake Assist system kicks in.

Safety Pays Off

Toyota’s commitment to safety pays off year after year, and the industry awards Toyota for its impressive performance in safety testing. When the IIHS handed out Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ Awards, seven Toyota vehicles earned recognition and took home awards.

Toyota has an extensive collection of hybrid vehicles. The iconic Toyota Prius set a high bar for Toyota and every other manufacturer in the industry, and now you can buy many hybrid versions of your favorite Toyota models. Cut down on your summer driving expenses with a hybrid sedan at Chicago Toyota.

2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid

The 2015 Toyota Avalon is a 2015 IIHS Top Safety Pick. The starting MSRP for the hybrid is $36,470 for the XLE Premium. Under the hood is a 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid engine that nets 200 hp and averages an estimated 40/30 mpg. Standard features in the 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE Premium include LED brake lights, tilt/slide power moonroof, 17-inch painted alloy wheels, dual-zone A/C, a 8-speaker audio system with 6.1-inch color touchscreen display, HD Radio™, Bluetooth®, iPod® connectivity, USB ports, backup camera, and leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel.

2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid is the winner of the US News and World Report 2015 Best Hybrid Car for the Money, and the Camry earned a 2015 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award.  A 2.5-liter gasoline-hybrid engine power the Camry Hybrid. It produces 200 hp and averages an estimated 43/30 mpg (LE). Both the SE and XLE versions average an estimated 40/38 mpg. Standard installed features in the Toyota Camry Hybrid LE include 10 airbags, Star Safety System™, dual-zone A/C, 6-speaker audio system, satellite radio, Bluetooth®, backup camera, USB ports and 12V power outlets. The starting MSRP for the 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid is less than $27K.

Women are power players in the automotive industry. Many consumers automatically picture men when they think about cars, racers, top auto execs, and mechanics, but women are playing with the big boys and making significant strides. Some women started long before the new millennium and paved the way for strong women today. Chicago area Toyota looks at some of influential women in the auto industry.

Toyota Senior Officer: Julie Hamp

Julie Hamp is the company’s first female, non-Japanese senior official. Toyota appointed Hamp in May in an effort to diversify leadership at Toyota, and Hamp has big plans for the company. Hamp started out as the chief communications officer for Toyota. Hamp grew up in Queens, studied at Ferris State University, and started her career at General Motors in communications.

Women in Racing

Women are burning up the racing circuit. From the pavement to the sand, women are flying past the men. Of course we cannot talk about women in racing without first mentioning Shirley Muldowney, the first woman ever to receive a license from the NHRA. Hellé Nice set the world land-speed record for women in 1929. Ashley, Brittany and Courtney Force followed in their famous father’s footsteps.

Women in the Shop

One of the most recognizable women in the shop is Jessi Combs. Combs earned a degree in automotive fabrication from the WyoTech, and she was the first female to place at Ultra4 events. Lately, Combs can be seen on her television show “All Girls Garage” where she joins her all-female cast, Bogi Lateiner and Cristy Lee. Another female face under the hood is Army Spc. Samantha Brumley. She is the first female tank mechanic in the National Guard.

There are many more powerful women in the auto industry. Who is your favorite trendsetter?

Not very many car manufacturers are willing to sell you a new vehicle and then maintain it for two years at no cost to you. Toyota has never been one to follow the crowd. In fact, it is a trendsetter in the industry. Toyota builds the most reliable vehicles and the safest vehicles, then the company protects them with extensive warranty coverage AND free maintenance. La Grange area Toyota explains how you can benefit from ToyotaCare.

What is ToyotaCare?

ToyotaCare is a complimentary service extended to all consumers who buy brand new Toyota vehicles. The ToyotaCare maintenance plan provides free maintenance services to all new Toyota leases and purchases. The maintenance plan covers the vehicle for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. In addition to no-cost regular maintenance, Toyota extends two years of roadside assistance coverage with no mile limitation.

What is Regular Maintenance?

If you look in your owner’s manual, you will find a schedule for regular maintenance. The manual tells you when the vehicle should go to the dealership and for which maintenance tasks. Maintenance includes fluid inspection and replenishment, oil and filter change, tire rotations, and a thorough multi-point inspection. It is important to remember the plan is only for factory-scheduled service. The dealership service professional can help you understand the details and program exclusions.

What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?

The unexpected tends to happen when you are on the road or in a rush, but Toyota has your back. The 24-hour roadside assistance plan offers drivers towing and winching services, fuel delivery, lockout services, battery jumpstarts, and tire services.

If you live or work around Chicago, then you’re an old hand at this kind of thing. The problem is that even people who grew up driving around big cities can sometimes forget about the hazards that a city can create. Continental Toyota, your Chicago Area Toyota and Scion dealer, has these reminders for you.

Traffic

It seems inevitable and all the time, but traffic is one of the things to beware of. Whether it’s due to construction, an accident, or just normal time of day rush hour, other drivers get a little crazy. Always be on the lookout for erratic drivers who are looking to get ahead or aren’t paying attention.

Tourists

You might be experienced when it comes to heading into the city, but we all know there are a lot of people who aren’t. They’re called tourists. Out of state plates should signal the need to give a wide berth. Without knowing where they’re going, these folks can cause a serious hazard.

Pedestrians

Children are the real thing to look out for here as they don’t always think about the rules of crossing busy streets and can rush out into traffic. But that doesn’t mean the occasional adult or two won’t barge into a crosswalk either, so be alert.

Potholes and Parking Lots

Particularly in the springtime before there’s a chance to fix them, be on the lookout for the large potholes common to city streets. These can range from nuisance to axle-buster. Parking lots also pose a real threat. Parking real estate comes at a premium in the city, so be extra careful backing out.

There are some who argue that a luxury car needs to come from one of a few, elite carmakers and must cost a small fortune. The good folks at Toyota don’t agree. The way they see it, everyone should be able to get the kind of luxury they deserve. That’s why they make the 2015 Avalon Limited, available from Continental Toyota, your La Grange Area Toyota dealer.

Under the Hood

The Avalon uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Using variable valve timing, multi-point fuel injection, and a high efficiency automatic transmission, the Avalon delivers 268 horsepower and 248 pounds of torque as well as an EPA-estimated 31 miles per gallon on the highway.

On the Road

The horsepower alone will allow you to accelerate in the red, but the independent front and rear suspensions use a combination of struts, coil springs, multi-link, and stabilizer bars to create a feel that is smooth without losing the curves. Top it off with a manual mode for a real driving feel.

Inside the Bones

It’s four-wheel, anti-lock disc brakes are managed through a brake assist system to help you stop faster and safer. Electronic traction and stability control make sure your wheels are doing everything they can. Inside, intelligent airbags adapt to crash conditions to minimize injury.

In the Lap of Luxury

Let’s begin with cruise control, power windows, and remote locks. Then let’s add triple-zone climate control, leather upholstery, and a sunroof. Finally, let’s throw in on-board navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system with SiriusXM, color touchscreen, and Bluetooth streaming.

For many of us, car insurance is just another utility bill. It’s just something we pay. When our rates go down, we’re happy. When they go up, we grumble but pay it anyway. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into the math to make up your insurance premium, Continental Toyota and Scion, your Chicago Area Toyota dealer, has the answers.

Your Coverage and Your Record

Let’s start with the obvious. Like all things, if you want more, you need to pay for it. Getting $300,000 worth of liability coverage is much less expensive than $950,000. The more you want the more you’ll be charged in your premium. However, insurance is about risk. If your driving record has multiple accidents, traffic violations, or suspensions, you can count on paying more.

Location and Use

The next biggest factor has to do with geography. If you live in the middle of nowhere, you’re really not likely for an accident. On the other hand, a metropolitan area like Chicago sees accidents all the time. Similarly, if you’re driving 20, 30, even 50 miles a day for work, your premium will be higher. The more you’re on the road, the greater your chance of an accident.

Age, Sex, and Credit

If you’re in your early 20’s, you can expect to pay more. Risk behavior is still an issue for the young. Likewise, older drivers over 75 can see higher premiums, too. Males almost always pay more than females (again: risk behavior is higher). Finally, your credit can affect your payment, too. If your credit is bad, insurance companies can see you as a payment risk and so charge you more.

If you’ve wanted to jump into the hybrid market, the best place for you to start is undoubtedly with a pre-owned and certified model. Whatever it is you’re looking for in a green machine, Continental Toyota and Scion, your La Grange Area dealer, has got you covered.

2014 Toyota Prius V

With under 7,000 miles, the Prius is a steal at twice the price. The undisputed industry leader in hybrid engine sales, the Prius uses a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine to generate 134 horsepower and MPGs in the high 40s and low 50s. Ventilated disc brakes, rear view camera, and intelligent front airbags are just some of the safety features. Inside, a six-speaker audio system features SiriusXM readiness, AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback, and Bluetooth connectivity.

2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE

If you’re looking for a bit more space, try the 2013 Camry with a 2.5-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine. A continuously variable transmission works with the battery engine to generate 200 horsepower and excellent fuel economy. The interior is leather trimmed and has a dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise, and a six speaker audio system.

2010 Ford Fusion

Another incredibly efficient option is the Ford Fusion with a 2.5-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine. Generating 191 horsepower, the Fusion comes with four-wheel, anti-lock, ventilated disc brakes, intelligent airbags that use sensors to adapt to crash conditions, and rear sensors for parking assistance. Meanwhile, on-board navigation, automatic climate control, cruise, heated seats, and six-speaker audio keeps things more than comfortable.

Not too long ago, Toyota announced that it was building a state-of-the-art development and production campus in Plano, Texas, to replace some of the smaller facilities around the country. Along with that, though, are some exciting numbers. Continental Toyota and Scion, your Chicago Area Toyota dealer, wants to tell you all about it.

The What

The move is one of the biggest Toyota has ever made. By consolidating employees from New York to California, Plano is looking to see a huge influx of citizens. But that isn’t all. Along the way, nearly a thousand jobs will be opening at the plant to complement the nearly 4,000 workers who will be transferring. On top of that, Toyota is likely to need several hundred contractors and subcontractors in the building of the plant, slated to open in 2017.

The Why

This is huge news for Plano, of course, as it will make it a company town and one of the premiere spots for automotive innovation. By gaining thousands of people already employed, Plano’s base increases, but it will also attract businesses to provide services for those employees. Finally, since the contract work for the building of the plant could very well become permanent, Plano could easily attract even more small businesses as satellites.

The Result

So what does this mean for folks not in Plano? Likely it means better deals and better vehicles. Consolidating will cut down on delays and costs and Toyota promises the new plant to be at the forefront for new engineering methods. It’s not just good news for Texas; it’s good news for Toyota and Scion fans, too.

These days, it’s important to be prepared for anything. Being ready for what comes your way can mean a lot of things, though, especially for those of us in Chicago. One sure step forward though is the functional and comfortable 2015 Venza Limited from Continental Toyota and Scion, your La Grange Area Toyota dealer.

The Engine

The Venza comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with dual overhead cams, variable valve timing, and multi-point fuel injection. The result is 268 horsepower, 246 pounds of torque and an EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Capacity

All-wheel drive does ensure you’re ready for any road conditions, but so does the automatic transmission with manual mode for added control when you need it. The V6 means you can handle over 1,200 pounds in payload and 3,500 pounds in towing. Oh, and naturally it can seat five comfortably.

The Safety

Four-wheel, anti-lock disc brakes are managed through a brake assist system while electronic traction and stability control keep you on the right track with the right traction. Intelligent front airbags use sensors to adapt to crash conditions and are aided by side and curtain airbags to protect the whole cabin.

The Spoils

Life isn’t all work. Neither is the Venza. The Limited comes with leather interior, sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated driver seat, on-board navigation, and thirteen-speaker audio system with subwoofer, AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback, USB 2.0 input, touchscreen interface, and Bluetooth connectivity for streaming or hands-free calling.