Autos
*The redesigned 2008 Chevrolet Malibu sedan goes on sale in mid-November at a base price of $19,345 for the LS. Standard features include a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, side-thorax and side-curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, OnStar communications system and XM satellite radio. The LT model, which adds stability control, starts at $20,305, and the LTZ, with a 3.6-liter V-6, at $26,345. Base price on the Malibu Hybrid is $22,140.
*Jaguar will unwrap the 2009 XF sedan at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week as the first model to show its new design direction. The XF, which has a larger grille and more athletic appearance, will replace the S-Type. The five-seat XF is due in the U.S. in March with a V-8 in naturally aspirated and supercharged versions.
Bicycling
*”Bicycling & the Law: Your Rights as a Cyclist” is a new legal resource for cyclists available from Velo Press. Written by Bob Mionske, a lawyer and avid cyclist, the 384-page book ($18.95 at bookstores, bike shops and VeloGear.com) covers rights and duties of cyclists in commuting, accidents, group rides, property damage and bike theft.
FYI
*About two in five children age 4 to 7 were buckled in booster seats in 2006, according to data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The government recommends car seats for children up to 40 pounds and boosters for children more than 40 pounds until they are 8 years old or 4-foot-9. All children should ride in the back seat until age 13.
———–
Quick Trips are compiled from the notebook of Rick Popely and from Tribune news services.
