Autos
– Lexus has priced the LS460 sedan, redesigned for 2007, from $61,000 for the regular-length version and $71,000 for the L, which, at 202.8 inches overall, is 4.8 inches longer. The prices do not include the $715 destination charge. Both have a new 4.6-liter V-8 with 380 horsepower and an 8-speed automatic transmission. New options include a parking system that steers the car in parallel and back-in parking situations while the driving controls the speed with the brake pedal.
– Starting price on the redesigned 2007 Nissan Sentra is $14,750 for the base model with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Sentra S starts at $15,650, also with manual. A continuously variable transmission is an $800 option on those models and standard on the SL, which starts at $18,400. The prices do not include the $615 destination charge. All models have a 2-liter, 140-hoprsepower 4-cylinder engine.
– Chevrolet plans to introduce a panel version of the HHR wagon in the spring. The HHR Panel will come with two seats in front, a flat cargo floor and 57 cubic feet of cargo space. The cargo doors will open by a dashboard-mounted button. Prices are to be announced on the HHR Panel, which will come with a choice of 2.2- and 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engines.
Recall
– GP Batteries International is recalling about 1,700 lithium ion bicycle light batteries that can overheat, posing a fire or burn hazard. The batteries are in Light & Motion 2004 ARC Li-Ion HID lights and have a manufacturer date code of 1003 or 1103. For a free replacement, contact Light & Motion at 831-645-1538 or www.bikelights.com/Support/liion.htm.
Air
– JetBlue Airways has won approval to begin four daily flights at O’Hare International Airport, part of the company’s strategy to add routes in the central U.S. Flights must start by Jan. 27, according to the FAA. Company spokesman Bryan Baldwin won’t say where New York-based JetBlue will fly from Chicago.
– The Gary-Chicago International Airport has received $20 million in Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority funds. The money, which comes from $3.8 billion Indiana received for leasing the Indiana Toll Road to foreign investors, will help pay for expanding one of the airport’s two runways to 9,000 feet from 6,500 feet and moving railroad tracks that run along the airport’s northwestern border.
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Quick Trips are compiled from the notebooks of Jim Mateja and Rick Popely, and from Tribune news services.
