north shore news AUTO Options include massage seats From page 32 after inputting destination, it guides drivers to their desti- nation using maps and oral commands. Directly ahead of the dri- ver are new electro-luminces- cent gauge displays which turn blank when the ignition is turned off. This bright, white-on-black display is easy te see and can be adjusted for intensity. Front passengers sit in orthopedically-designed leather-upholstered seats with 14 different adjustments, including height, seat cushion length, cushion angle and head restraint height. The seats are heated and have rvo memory positions. In addition, optional mul- ticontour seats feature 10 electric fans built into the cushion and scatback to keep the seats and the occupants cool during the hot summer months. These seats also have adjustable air chambers for lumbar and side support, and an “active lumbar” feature which slowly deflates and inflates an air chamber to relax the spine. 5430 LWB and S500 models are also available with optional rear heated, power seats. All S-Class models come with voice-activated telephone and stereo volume controls, allowing, drivers to keep their eyes on the road. This system is capable of recognizing dif- ferent dialects and accents. Advances to the automatic climate contro! system now optimize air flow and temper- ature for individual occu- ants. Sensors in the seatbelt uckles teil the system how many people are in the car and where they are, and the climate control system auto- matically provides appropriate air volume and temperature for each individual passenger. ; Gee, what will they think of next? . Well perhaps Smart Cruise Control. In the latter half of 1999, the S-Class will be available with an “intelligent” cruise control system which uses radar to automatically adjust distances between the Benz and the car ahead. If the car becomes too close, the system sets off an audible alarm to alert the driver, how- ever the system is not designed to stop the car auto- matically. No discussion of the S- Class would be complete without nentioning safety. Previous S-Class models were the first to offer such features as anti-lock brakes (1978), ~ airbags (1982) and an anti- skid system (1996). - The new S-Class has been designed for crash compatibil- ity, meaning that it can pro- tect its own occupants and absorb some of the energy of ~~ the other vehicle as well. The new model excceds current government mandated crash tests, meeting a 65 km/h off- set crash test anda 55 km/h side impact test. In addition to anti-lock brakes, traction control, brake assist and stability control, the new S-Class has eight airbags (two front, four side, two . head curtain, airbags) and ....« laminated side glass. Also included are automatic rear head restraints which raise when rear passengers fasten their seatbelts, seatbelt pre- tensioners and belt-force lim- iters, an automatic child detection system in the front passenger seat and turn sig- nals in the side mirrors. LED brake lights, deformable crash boxes in the front end, sub- frame and rear bulkhead, and a heavily reinforced body structure are incorporated into the S-Class as well. With so many advances and improvements, the 2000 S-Class is a veritable showease of technology, and is bound to retain its position as the world’s top luxury sedan for many years. Still, the S-Class retains that familiar solid, heavy, regal feel of a Mercedes-Benz, a character that’s quite different from its competitors at Audi, BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, and Jaguar. The manufacturer’s sug- + gested retail price of the $430 short wheelbase is $92,500; $430 long wheelbase $98,850; and $500 long wheelbase is $112,850. We Specialize in: gays ling Systems Apnea Ved. . 2 Ar Conditior Full Mocha Repairs Guaranteed Best Price » Fast Orive-in Service ¢ Free Estimates rs | Cooling System Specialists for 47 Years 1175 West 14th, Nosth Vancouver 3 blocks south of Marine off Pemberwn seria O84 0374 | © BBB member © Govt inspection Facitity 53897 © AirCate Certified 80618 « Lifetime Warranties ¢ Sat 9-3 834 West ist St. N. Van For an appointment call — Open: 984-00 Mon-Fii 8-5 96 Suzuki X90 444, 1-09, auto, low kin, economical, “cute & sexy” 94 Pontiac Sunbird LE 2 af., local vetucte exc. cond . sport pkg $13595 92 Suzuki Sidekick Auto, 4ds., 4W0, low km exc. conden 97 Ford Pickup, beauldul $1 0,495 condition $2 Asuna Sacrvarer Cony Low kim. 4X4, Sspd, due, clean, 1 owner, “Summer tun” $3,595 Did you knew. in the last 10 years, B.C’s Children’s Hospital Telethon has raised more than $32 million to fund essential equipment, research and special programs? Complete Avtomeotive Renalrs, Maintenance & Sarwi 296 PEMBERTON, oe VAN nia 14151 ‘Hunter St, NI Vv. S06-2121 DOES YOUR CAR HAVE A STANDARD TRANSMISSION? x chuackdars whan you sh, youve reaBy gota work OF PROTECTION : je lintel ie! : . 984-037 Vancouver. . Si Hesitation? a Leaking red fiusict? @ Harsh shifting? & Difficulty driving in one or more gears? & Car sounds like it's running, but won't move? N. VANCOUVER - (604) 7 860 West 15th Street, Beside Broco Auto Glass pendently Owned & Operated Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-6 Friday, August 2 20, 1999 — North Shore News - 33 j * Handwashing * Shampooing | * Leather care * Waxing * Polishing * Car Care Products | j A touch above the rest i ‘753 Marine Drive (rear) North Vancouver hia 988-5406 — =;