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 | The Pageant Planet Helped Me Win Miss Montana "Pageant Planet is an amazing resource for anyone in pageantry! - Kacie West, Miss Montana 2010 |
One Thing to Consider - It's Important
You know, every time I talk to a girl competing, it isn't long before she begins
asking me how to win the judges over during pageant interview. If you are like
the majority of girls competing this is a topic of great concern.
The question is how do you stand out to the judges during interview when there
are so many other beautiful, intelligent girls whom are also trying to win them
over? How can you make the judges fall in love with you in just a few short
minutes?
My Guarantee To You
Here's one thing I can guarantee you: If your pageant training does not change,
you cannot expect your results to be different. As the saying goes, if you want
something different you have to do something different.
Win Pageant Interview Win the Pageant
If you want to win the pageant you have to win the judges over in private interview.
And if you want to win your pageant interview then you really need to take a
fresh, objective, completely logical look at what your interview training has
accomplished so far. Then start exploring new and better approaches so you can
improve your results.
Which is precisely what The Virtual Interview Pageant Coach (VIP Coach) delivers.
Not only will it give you the strategies you need to succeed in competitive
pageant systems - VIP Coach will show you how to prepare and implement these
strategies without spending a fortune.
Pageant Interview Training Breakthrough
Within the first year of being online more than 500 girls trusted us with one-on-one
training and 281,115 girls were helped through our articles. Here are some examples
of our pageant training at work:
 | The Pageant Planet was instrumental in my success! "The Pageant Planet has been instrumental in all my success. I literally ~ Miss Teen Utah World 2010, Lauren Biada |
 | The Pageant Planet Gives Insider Secrets "The Pageant Planet is an amazing way to not only stay up to date on the pageant world, but also to learn inside tricks from titleholders ~ Lacey Wilson, Miss Mass USA 2010 |
 | Thank You For The Interview Tips "Steven - Thank you so much for this! It has been so helpful! THANK how grateful I am for this." ~ Layne Alexander |
 | First Runner up During First Pageant Hey Steve! Took First Runner-Up and Most Photogenic at the 2011 Mrs. Not to shabby for my first pageant ever! Thanks for all of the emails ~ Tamara Johnson |
The Pageant Planet has been a consistent, reliable, easily accessible resource
that has helped girls win the crown, score 10's in interview, break into the
top 5, and pierce the top 10 inside various pageant organizations from all across
the world. And we have consistently done this via the Internet, since our conception.
11 Key Benefits of the VIP Coach
With this in mind let's take a look at all of the key benefits that come with
the Virtual Pageant Interview Coach:
1.Stay current on Headline News! The VIP Coach will deliver
Bi - weekly recaps of the headline news from a pageant prospective. Pageant
interview preparation books are updated at best every 6 months, but news is
changing daily. We will study the news for you and then give you our findings
every 2-weeks!
2.Master Interview Questions! With every summary you will
receive a list of strategic interview questions based on the news from a judge's
prospective
3.Monthly Coaching Sessions - Once per month participate
in an interactive 1-hour coaching conference call with pageant coaches throughout
America who will answer your questions surrounding pageant interview.
4.Monthly MP3 - Can't make the coaching calls? No worries,
they will be available for download so you can listen at your leisure.
5.Save on Coaching Costs - You will pay anywhere from $50
to $150 per hour for an interview coach. If you hired a pageant interview
coach at $50 an hour to do what we are doing you would be paying them at least
$450 per month (let alone travel costs)!
6.Reduce Pageant Stress - With all your time being spent
working out, with walking coaches, makeup consultants, at dress shops, doing
your homework, juggling a boyfriend and making appearances the daunting task
of where to start with your pageant interview preparation can be overwhelming.
VIP Coach reduces stress.
7.Save Time - We do the research so you can spend more time
in the gym, working with your other coaches, or just catching up on all that
homework
8.Increase Your Confidence - By preparing weekly you will
gain the confidence that is required to achieve your best possible score in
interview. Your teachers have told you that when studying for a test to prepare
little by little. We have applied this principle with our VIP Coach.
9.We Train You on YOUR Schedule - When you hire a pageant
coach, you either are driving or flying to be where they are so that you can
receive their wisdom. That takes time (and more money). We come to you and
make all of our tools available for you to experience regardless if you are
ready to train at 3pm or 3am.
10.I Guarantee You Will Love the VIP Coach - If you don't,
I will give you your money back
11.You Hold the Power - Most pageant coaches make you purchase
so many hours upfront. Not us. Hire us from month to month and cancel at anytime.
After all, when you are done competing...your done so there is no need for coaching
anymore, right?
Here's How To Get On A Fast Track To Dominating in Pageant
Interview
Mastering potential interview questions that the judges will ask you based
on the headline news is one of the fastest, most reliable ways to dramatically
improve your interview score and to increase your likability with the judges.
Judges do not always remember what you say, but they will always remember how
they felt in your presence. By, letting us train you with strategic interview
questions and what is going on in the headline news you can focus more on the
judges and less on "do I know my material." Preparation breads confidence and
the Virtual Interview Pageant Coach will completely prepare you for this encounter.
Still have questions? Strategize with our pageant coaches to perfect your interview.
What are the interview fashion trends? How do you make a judge feel like he
or she is the only one in the room? How do you make yourself memorable when
you are interviewing in front of a panel of tired judges at the end of their
8-hour day? We are here to answer all of these questions and others, and then
we will send you the MP3 so you can refresh yourself on the information.
FREE BONUS #1: "I'm Kinda Famous" Pageant Casual Tee - Shirt
Since we expect you to get crowned and become "kinda famous" after hiring the
VIP Coach we feel that it's only right to give you the shirt.
FREE BONUS #2: $25 Gift Certificate to La Casa Hermosa
Receive $25 gift certificate to be used toward ANY apparel item for La Casa
Hermosa. We want to help you get your interview wardrobe on point with a $25
gift.
FREE BONUS #3: 35% off of Arbonne Cosmetics
Receive 35% off of Arbonne Cosmetic products when you sign up for the VIP Coach.
What you wear on your face is equally as important as what you wear on your
body. We want to help you take care of your image.
FREE BONUS #4: 25% off of Scott's Training Systems
Scott Keppel is the official trainer for Miss Arizona USA and trains pageant
girls and fitness models throughout the country with his "training system".
You will receive 25% off of Scott's Training System to help you get the crowning
figure you want.
FREE BONUS #5: Mastering Pageant Interview MP3
This MP3 goes step by step on how to master your pageant interview by dissecting
your pageant interview into 4 sections covering, how to create a central theme,
how to quickly identify the reason for a judge's question, how to disagree politely
and still remain true to your beliefs, and how to control your image. This alone
is worth the value of this program.
2 Additional Bonuses!
FREE BONUS #6: Gaspar Cruz Interview Q&A Session
Gaspar Cruz is almost a legend in the world of pageantry and this 60 minute
Q&A session with him could easily go for $100. It's yours FREE!
FREE BONUS #7: Last Month's News Reviews with Interview Questions
Last month's news reviews were an amazing hit and actually resulted in our
first national winner!
It's Easy To Get Started
Getting started couldn't be easier. The cost of this powerful pageant coaching
program is just $49.99 per month! That includes monthly coaching
calls, mp3's, headline news summary with practice interview questions, plus
all 5 bonuses 7 Bonuses!
Even though the price is extremely reasonable, here's what's really important.
If this program was just another set of "pageant questions" without
showing you precisely how to master your private interview based on your strengths...another
lightweight program that just leaves you standing outside of the top 5 wondering
what did I do wrong, it wouldn't matter what the price is. It wouldn't be worth
it.
But if you can know with complete certainty that every pageant interview strategy,
current event summary and question that you study will successfully help you
score higher in interview and get you closer to winning the crown and achieving
your dreams... what is having the skill to do this in your next pageant actually
worth to you?
I can't put an exact dollar figure on your dreams for you - only you can do
that. But I can tell you this: at $49.99, this program could very possibly be
the best bargain and the best investment you'll ever make in your pageant career.
To get on track to your best interview score, simply use the secure order form
right now by clicking on the link below.
Click
Now to Become a VIP Girl
My Iron Clad Guarantee
Now I understand that giving your money to an individual whom you don't know
online can be a scary process, as you have heard the horror stories I am sure.
I absolutely believe that you will find amazing benefit in the Virtual Interview
Pageant Coach and to prove it, I want to take all of the risk from your shoulders.
And here is how I am going to take ALL the risk. I am going to give you a 60-day
money back guarantee, with no questions asked. Honestly, if following the 60-day
of training with our Virtual Interview Pageant Coach, and after experiencing
2 months worth of coaching calls and news reviews with related pageant interview
questions...if you don't feel like the VIP Coach was worth it or you feel that
its overrated or if you just changed your mind then let me know and I will give
you your money back...no questions asked.
Does your pageant coach refund your money if you don't like their style of
teaching? Do they give you the opportunity to "try them out" of course not...but
we do.
Click
Now to Become a VIP Girl
Don't settle for another crown-less year ...Win the Pageant By Dominating the
Interview.
•Bi-weekly recap of the most pageant relevant current events!
•Master strategic interview questions based on the headline news.
•Strategize with our pageant coaches to perfect your interview
•Review your interview mastery tips on the road with a monthly MP3
•Save a ton of money in pageant coaching costs.
•Greatly reduce your pageant preparation stress
•Save Time
•Increase your confidence
P.S. Don't be left standing after the pageant without a crown wondering, "If
only I had a answered that question better..." Give yourself the edge, hire
the VIP Coach completely RISK FREE.
Click
Now to Become a VIP Girl
If you have ANY questions regarding the above material email me personally
for a response, Steven@ThePageantPlanet.com
In their annual look at the Drunkest Cities in America (measuring data such as death rates from alcoholic liver disease, booze-fueled car crashes, frequency of binge-drinking in the past 30 days, number of DUI arrests, and severity of DUI penalties), Men's Health has named Fresno, California as America’s Drunkest City. Hang your heads high, Fresno. Well, once you’re able to get it out from over the toilet.
The annual study has been going for almost a decade, taking a look at both alcohol consumption and the serious effects it can have on the community at large. Last year’s winner, Denver, fell all the way day down to 17. Shameful given their inherent advantage with the thinner air.
Others in the top five include Reno, Billings (Montana), Riverside (Calif.), and Austin (Tex.). Big cities faired surprisingly not drunk with New York City, Miami, and Boston all finishing amongst the 10 “least drunk” with Philadelphia just outside.
See where your city ranks; the full list in order from “most drunk” to “least drunk” is below.
1.) Fresno, CA F
2.) Reno, NV F
3.) Billings, MT F
4.) Riverside, CA F
5.) Austin, TX F
6.) St. Louis, MO F
7.) San Antonio, TX F
8.) Lubbock, TX F
9.) Tucson, AZ F
10.) Bakersfield, CA F
11.) Las Vegas, NV F
12.) Modesto, CA F
13.) Columbia, SC F
14.) Nashville, TN D-
15.) Madison, WI D-
16.) Colorado Springs, CO D-
17.) Denver, CO D-
18.) Phoenix, AZ D-
19.) Cheyenne, WY D-
20.) Sacramento, CA D-
21.) New Orleans, LA D-
22.) Toledo, OH D
23.) Aurora, CO D
24.) El Paso, TX D
25.) Corpus Christi, TX D
26.) Fargo, ND D
27.) San Diego, CA D
28.) Lexington, KY D
29.) Tampa, FL D
30.) Albuquerque, NM D
31.) Oklahoma City, OK D+
32.) Tulsa, OK D+
33.) Jacksonville, FL D+
34.) Detroit, MI D+
35.) Boise City, ID D+
36.) Kansas City, MO D+
37.) Washington, DC D+
38.) Montgomery, AL D+
39.) Omaha, NE D+
40.) Portland, OR D+
41.) Anchorage, AK D+
42.) Birmingham, AL D+
43.) Greensboro, NC C-
44.) Wichita, KS C-
45.) St. Petersburg, FL C-
46.) Burlington, VT C-
47.) Houston, TX C-
48.) Los Angeles, CA C-
49.) Charleston, WV C
50.) Orlando, FL C
51.) Spokane, WA C
52.) Lincoln, NE C
53.) Arlington, TX C
54.) Des Moines, IA C
55.) Fort Worth, TX C
56.) Providence, RI C
57.) Anaheim, CA C
58.) Milwaukee, WI C
59.) Pittsburgh, PA C
60.) Baltimore, MD C
61.) Indianapolis, IN C
62.) Louisville, KY C
63.) Raleigh, NC C
64.) Seattle, WA C+
65.) Grand Rapids, MI C+
66.) Buffalo, NY C+
67.) Wilmington, DE C+
68.) Hartford, CT C+
69.) Sioux Falls, SD C+
70.) Virginia Beach, VA C+
71.) Memphis, TN C+
72.) Cincinnati, OH C+
73.) Cleveland, OH C+
74.) Charlotte, NC C+
75.) Oakland, CA C+
76.) Little Rock, AR B-
77.) Dallas, TX B-
78.) Richmond, VA B-
79.) San Jose, CA B-
80.) Minneapolis, MN B-
81.) Jackson, MS B-
82.) Jersey City, NJ B-
83.) Columbus, OH B-
84.) Atlanta, GA B-
85.) Chicago, IL B
86.) San Francisco, CA B
87.) St. Paul, MN B
88.) Honolulu, HI B
89.) Philadelphia, PA B+
90.) Portland, ME B+
91.) Manchester, NH B+
92.) Fort Wayne, IN A-
93.) New York, NY A-
94.) Durham, NC A
95.) Newark, NH A
96.) Miami, FL A
97.) Salt Lake City, UT A
98.) Rochester, NY A+
99.) Yonkers, NY A+
100.) Boston, MA A+
The 2009 Bentley Brooklands is a four-seat premium luxury coupe. It comes in only one trim, but of course, it's loaded with standard features. These include 20-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a navigation system with a back-up camera, Bluetooth, massaging front seats and power-reclining rear seats. Buyers can turn up the decadence a notch with the Mulliner option, which includes your choice of various exotic leathers and wood, carbon fiber or aluminum veneers. Custom exterior paint finishes and badging can also be had. Presumably, the only limitations here are your imagination and your credit limit.
US Online America Group Packages
Driving ImpressionsLike the other three large General Motors crossovers, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse hits a happy medium between secure handling and a comfortable ride. And even though it is a big vehicle (4,720 pounds with front-wheel drive, 4,925 pounds with all-wheel drive), it doesn't feel nearly as large and lumbering as it should from behind the wheel. The 3.6-liter V6 feels peppy and capable. Its higher than average towing capability is a plus, too, though during a test-drive that included towing a 4,200-pound boat (1,000 pounds below the Traverse's maximum tow rating), the crossover seemed a bit overtaxed when compared to a lighter competitor. Additionally, the six-speed automatic transmission is often unwilling to downshift, which, though good for fuel economy, can be frustrating.
Contact US Online America Group 2009 Dodge Viper Vehicle Overview
Introduction
When it comes to supercars, European automakers typically represent refinement, couture style and technological advancement, to the point of sterility. Here in the States, supercars are comparatively raw, visceral and rugged to the point of brutality. We're the sledgehammer to their scalpel, the bucking bronco to their show horse and the Bourne to their Bond. For better or worse, that's how we roll.
The current, third-generation Viper maintains the excitement and soul of the 1989 Carroll Shelby-inspired concept, with the obligatory low-slung body, long hood housing a massive V10, comically wide tires and gruff side exhaust pipes. The Dodge Viper doesn't ask permission and makes no apologies. Despite technological advances over the past two decades, the Viper has just enough safety equipment to make it legal, delegating the remaining responsibility to the hands and feet of the driver. If the performance numbers alone aren't enough to cause heart palpitations, consider that traction and stability control are not available, and circumstances can go from exhilarating to terrifying in short order.
It is this unfiltered, uncomplicated nature that makes the Viper so attractive to enthusiasts, hearkening back to eras when drivers were heroic, rugged and relied on the seats of their pants rather than electronic aids. For those seeking more comfort, refinement and everyday driving manners, there are always the Corvette Z06, various European offerings such as the Audi R8 and Porsche 911, and even Nissan's new GT-R. However, the 2009 Dodge Viper bests the Z06 in practically every applicable performance metric and is significantly less expensive than anything comparable from the Old World. In the end, it comes down to what you're willing to compromise -- performance or finesse.
US Online America Group Prices Driving Impressions
Most buyers will be content with the base 1.8-liter engine, which delivers respectable acceleration in normal traffic situations. We recorded a 9.1-second 0-60-mph time in a manual-shift Corolla with the 1.8-liter, and our test car returned an impressive 29.8 mpg in mixed driving. Although the five-speed's shifter feels firm and decisive moving through the gates, we suspect its abrupt, at-the-floor clutch engagement will push many buyers to the automatic. Upgrading to the 2.4-liter engine provides a gratifying increase in low-end torque, though it does come at the expense of fuel economy.
Regardless of which trim level you choose, the 2009 Toyota Corolla excels as a commuter car, as the suspension delivers a comfortable, controlled ride. Handling is uninspiring, however. Body roll is decently controlled, but the electric steering on non-XRS models provides so little feedback, you may find yourself making corrections simply to keep the car traveling in a straight line. Toyota retuned this setup for the XRS, and indeed its steering feels crisper and weightier. Driven on a back road, the Corolla XRS is undeniably a capable compact sedan, but compared to rivals like the Mazda 3, Civic and Lancer, it's not a very entertaining one.
About US Online America Group Powertrains and Performance
There is only one engine/transmission combination available for the Chevrolet Traverse -- a 3.6-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic with manual shift control. In the LS and LT trims, which sport a single-outlet exhaust, the V6 produces 281 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. In the uplevel LTZ, hp jumps to 288 and torque goes to 270 lb-ft thanks to a dual-outlet exhaust and an upgrade to direct fuel injection, which allows for increased efficiency and reduced emissions when compared to the V6 used in earlier years of the Traverse's platform mates.
EPA fuel economy estimates for the front-wheel-drive Traverse are 17 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive Traverse models are very similar at 16/23/19 mpg.
US Online America Group Prices Driving Impressions
Like most other Hyundais, the Sonata has been designed to prioritize ride comfort over precise handling. It smothers bumps well and delivers a luscious highway ride, but with significant body roll and vague steering, it won't be challenging sportier competitors like the Honda Accord or Nissan Altima to a corner-carving contest any time soon. With the infusion of additional power for 2009, the Sonata now features more competitive acceleration. This is particularly true with the four-cylinder versions, but in a class where horsepower wars are at full Blitzkrieg, the optional V6's respectable 249-hp output still comes up a few Panzers short.
These aspects help the Tiguan stand out a bit at the crossover party. But is it enough? Well, for people who have bought VW products in the past, the Tiguan will no doubt be a hit. And those who like to drive will find its Teutonic driving dynamics appealing.
But there are some downsides, including a price tag at least a few thousand above comparable vehicles and a smallish cargo capacity. As such, you might find models like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 to be more practical. There's also the Nissan Rogue, which is similar in concept to the Tiguan but less expensive. Still, the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan could be a nice alternative for discerning consumers looking for a little spice in a mostly bland segment.
US Online America Group FAQ
Powertrains and PerformanceThe base engine is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 290 hp and 264 pound-feet of torque. The upgraded powertrain features a 4.6-liter V8 with 375 hp and 333 lb-ft. Those figures are with premium fuel; on regular, the numbers are 368 and 324, respectively. A six-speed automatic with manual shift capability sends the power to the rear wheels in both models.
For a big luxury sedan, the Genesis is quick -- we timed the butter-smooth V8 at just 5.9 seconds for the 0-60-mph sprint and 14 seconds flat for the quarter-mile. EPA fuel economy estimates for the V6 are 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined; V8 estimates were unavailable as of this writing.
US Online America Group Info Driving Impressions
At low speeds with the inline-5, there is sufficient punch to handle the cut and thrust of city driving. But when faced with freeway merging and inclines, the 2009 Hummer H3T grows winded, a result of its insufficient power for the vehicle's 4,900 pounds and bricklike aerodynamic efficiency. The H3T Alpha fares better. Throttle response is crisper with the V8 and it pulls harder through the midrange, but again, due to the considerable mass at hand, it's not the massive transformation one might expect.
Even though the H3T's longer wheelbase makes it less maneuverable on trails than the regular H3, it's still basically unstoppable when equipped with the Adventure Package. With 9.5 inches of ground clearance, loads of wheel travel, aggressive approach and departure angles, oversized all-terrain tires and standard skid plates, the H3T can pretty much go anywhere without taking damage. Given this off-road capability, the H3T performs admirably on pavement, with decent stability at speed. The ride is surprisingly smooth and belies the H3's tough-truck nature. But we would still advise you to steer clear of the H3T if you never intend to take it off the beaten path.
US Online America Group Prices Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup available in multiple body styles and bed lengths. The regular cab seats a maximum of three people on its standard bench seat, and it can be had with either a 6-foot-4-inch bed or an 8-foot version. The extended cab ("Quad Cab") can seat up to six in two bench rows and comes only with the 6-foot-4 bed. The Ram's crew cab model expands rear-seat legroom even further, but is only available with a 5-foot-7-inch bed.
There are three trim levels. The base ST model (available in regular and extended cabs) comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, vinyl floor covering, air-conditioning, a 40/20/40-split front bench seat, vinyl upholstery, a folding rear bench seat (extended cab only), a tilting steering column and a six-speaker stereo with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. Options include chrome-clad steel wheels, cruise control, a bedliner and satellite radio.
US Online America Group FAQ Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2009 Hyundai Sonata is a midsize family sedan available in GLS, SE and Limited trim levels. Standard equipment on the GLS includes 16-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, heated sideview mirrors, a tilt steering column, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob (V6 only), a 60/40-split rear seatback and a six-speaker stereo with CD/MP3 player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. Optional features include an eight-way power driver seat, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a trip computer.
The SE adds those items plus 17-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, a tilt-telescoping steering column and leather/cloth upholstery. Optional features include an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a sunroof (also optional on GLS), a universal garage door opener and an upgraded stereo with six-CD changer and subwoofer.
The Sonata Limited has the SE's features plus 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, chrome exterior trim, full leather upholstery, two-level heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, wood-grain trim and a premium Infinity sound system. A touchscreen navigation system is optional on the Limited.
US Online America Group Powertrains and Performance
The 2009 Dodge Durango is offered in several drivetrain combinations. The standard engine on the two-wheel-drive Durango SE and SLT models is a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 210 hp and 235 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic is standard. Optional on the SE 2WD and standard on the SE 4WD, SLT 4WD and all Limiteds is a 4.7-liter V8 making 303 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque, attached to a five-speed auto. Although called 4WD, the 4.7 actually has a full-time all-wheel-drive system with no manual transfer case. Fuel economy with the V6 engine and 2WD is 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined, while the 4WD models with the 4.7-liter V8 rate 13 city/18 highway and 15 combined.
Optional on the SLT and Limited is a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 good for 376 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed auto is standard. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but a 4WD system with electronic transfer case is optional. Equipped with cylinder deactivation technology, the big Hemi with 4WD manages to return 13 city/19 highway and 15 combined. Two-wheel drive improves the highway number by 1 mpg.
The Durango Limited HEV hybrid (4WD only) is powered by a "two-mode" hybrid system consisting of a Hemi V8 (345 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque), two electric motors (87 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque) and a "two-mode" transmission with variable ratios, which maximizes the gasoline and electric power plants. Estimated fuel economy is 19 mpg city/20 mpg highway.
Like the other three large General Motors crossovers, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse hits a happy medium between secure handling and a comfortable ride. And even though it is a big vehicle (4,720 pounds with front-wheel drive, 4,925 pounds with all-wheel drive), it doesn't feel nearly as large and lumbering as it should from behind the wheel. The 3.6-liter V6 feels peppy and capable. Its higher than average towing capability is a plus, too, though during a test-drive that included towing a 4,200-pound boat (1,000 pounds below the Traverse's maximum tow rating), the crossover seemed a bit overtaxed when compared to a lighter competitor. Additionally, the six-speed automatic transmission is often unwilling to downshift, which, though good for fuel economy, can be frustrating.
About US Online America Group
Interior Design and Special FeaturesEven without the upper-crust Laramie's leather upholstery and wood-grain trim, the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 offers one of the nicest cabins in its segment. Controls are well placed and within reasonable reach. The overall design is attractive, with multiple colors and textures (unlike the GM trucks), but not overstyled like the Tundra. Materials quality is among the best found in this class, with nicely textured low-sheen plastics that look durable. The front seats, while rather soft, strike an adequate balance between support and comfort. The Crew Cab's rear seat is very comfortable, offering loads of legroom and an agreeable seatback rake.
The Ram provides lots of standard and optional storage spaces. The center console bin is quite large, while the crew cab features watertight storage compartments under the rear floor as well as shallow bins under the flip-up backseat. Unique to the Dodge is the optional new RamBox feature, which places a pair of lockable compartments (capable of holding 10 cases of beer!) over the rear fenders inside the truck bed. This creates a flareside-style bed that can still accommodate a standard piece of plywood or drywall.
US Online America Group News Interior Design and Special Features
The build quality of the new A4's cabin maintains Audi's good reputation. Smooth leather surfaces, along with durable-looking plastic and soft-touch materials, make for a nice combination of colors and textures. Small touches, like ambient lighting for passengers underneath the driver seat, add to the premium feel.
For 2009, Audi has relocated its MMI controls aft of the gearshift, which makes them easier to access. (Frustratingly, the Cabriolet's remain on the dash.) Other controls, such as those on the center stack and steering wheel, are intuitive and well laid out -- although operating certain features, like the climate control and navigation systems, still takes some getting used to. An electromechanical parking brake eliminates the need to yank up on a traditional lever and saves space on the center console. The convertible's aging interior looks outdated by comparison, but is still well-constructed from high-quality materials. Trunk space in the sedan is an impressive 16.9 cubic feet. The drop-top's trunk is smaller but still respectable, with 13.4 cubic feet of space.
US Online America Group Overview Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2009 Nissan GT-R is a high-performance sports car available only in coupe form with a 2+2 seating layout. Two trim levels are offered: base and Premium. The base model comes standard with 20-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, Brembo brakes, a rear spoiler, an electronically adjustable suspension, leather upholstery, power front seats, aluminum-trimmed pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Bluetooth, keyless entry/start, automatic climate control, a six-speaker sound system, XM Satellite Radio, a multifunction driver-configurable information monitor, an in-dash Compact Flash card reader and a navigation system with a 30-gigabyte hard drive, 9.4 gigabytes of which can be used for audio storage.
The Premium model adds higher-performance tires, an 11-speaker Bose audio system with two subwoofers, heated front seats, front passenger side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Notably, side and side curtain airbags are not available on the base model.
US Online America Group Packages Safety
Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and a stability control system. The optional CMBS can help prevent or minimize a frontal accident by providing warnings to the driver or actually applying emergency braking if a collision seems unavoidable.
All RLs get a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for front-impact and side-impact safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the RL a "Good" rating (the highest possible) in its frontal-offset and side-collision tests.
US Online America Group Website Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2009 Audi A4 is a four-door compact luxury vehicle available in three body styles: a sedan, a convertible (Cabriolet) and a wagon (Avant). Sedans and wagons seat up to five passengers and convertibles seat up to four. There are three trim levels for sedans and wagons with the 2.0-liter turbo engine. The base Premium trim comes standard with 17-inch wheels, foglamps, a sunroof, air-conditioning, power front seats, leather upholstery, cruise control, a split-folding rear seat, cruise control and a 10-speaker audio system with an in-dash CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.
The Premium Plus level adds bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lamps (modeled after the Audi R8's), auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors, Bluetooth phone connectivity, three-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and a six-CD changer. In addition, the auxiliary audio jack is replaced by a dedicated iPod connector. The Prestige trim ups the wheel size to 18 inches and adds rear park distance control, keyless ignition/entry, a lane-change warning system and an upgraded 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. All sedans and convertibles with the 3.2-liter V6 are available in these latter two trim levels only.
Options on the base 2.0 T models include wood interior trim, rear-seat side airbags and a Sport package with 18-inch wheels, high-performance tires, shift paddles and sport seats. Optional on the upper trim levels is a Sport package with 19-inch wheels, a navigation system with a back-up camera, adaptive cruise control with an active braking guard (which monitors the distance between the car and traffic ahead), the Audi Drive Select adjustable suspension system, rear-seat side airbags and a choice of wood trims. Many of the standard features on the upper trim levels are available as stand-alone options on base 2.0 T models, with the exception of navigation, adaptive cruise control and the adjustable suspension driving settings. An S Line Package for Prestige trim levels includes 19-inch wheels, high-performance tires, a sport suspension, shift paddles and front sport seats with side bolsters.
The convertible 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0 T comes standard with 17-inch wheels, an automatic soft top, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a 10-speaker audio system with a six-CD/MP3 changer. The 3.2 model adds 18-inch wheels and heated front seats. Major options include adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a navigation system, the last-generation MMI system and upgraded Bose speakers.
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