The Audi Q5 and the Acura RDX both offer impressive comfort and turbocharged performance. But the RDX was extensively redesigned for 2019, earning it several big advantages. Its VTEC® Turbo 2.0-liter engine boasts 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, giving you more muscle than the Q5. Torque vectoring, exclusive to Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD®), lets you channel that power for improved handling in almost any condition. Standard paddle shifters put control of all 10 gear ratios at your fingertips. RDX also includes a long list of standard luxury amenities you’ll have to pay extra for on Q5. Front sport seats with 12-way power adjustment keep front-row occupants comfortable. An ultra-wide panoramic moonroof is featured on all grades. Class-leading rear cargo space includes nearly two cubic feet of compartmented underfloor storage. And with more legroom and shoulder room than the Audi Q5, RDX has plenty of space for everyone to stretch out.
Just one look is all it takes to see that the new Infiniti M will leave the current models sales woes far behind in a distant memory. At least thats the way I felt when I first saw the M45 "Concept" in New York earlier this year, hardly disguised from this very impressive production version. Since its model year 2003 introduction the M45 has never taken hold of the midsize luxury market, due in part to conservative mid-pack styling and heavy-handed performance. The upcoming 2006 model has pulled the best styling details from the current model and melded them with an all-new design heavily influenced by the top-selling G35 sedan and flagship Q45. The new Infiniti M will leave the current models sales woes far behind in a distant memory. The new M will feature multivalve, DOHC 3.5-liter V6 and 4.5-liter V8 engines, which in 2005 Infiniti trim make anywhere from 277 to 295 horsepower for the former and 340 horsepower for the latter.
The new M pulls the best design cues from the current version as well as the top-selling G35 sedan and flagship Q45. 275 plus horsepower, so expect something closer to its highest rating given the added weight of the midsize model. Both engines are expected to be mated to the brands short-throw performance-oriented 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. There is no word as to whether the Japanese automaker will offer a 6-speed manual with the base car, but such would follow Nissan/Infiniti tradition as of late. The new M will feature multivalve, DOHC 3.5-liter V6 and 4.5-liter V8 engines. M one of the most entertaining cars in its class. The cars turn-in will be enhanced by a sport ratio power-assisted steering system as well. The FM design also will provide for much more room than the current M, especially in the rear where passengers of a 2004 model may feel a bit claustrophobic. Infiniti has made a name for pampering its owners with esthetically pleasing interiors, and the new M wont break from the mold. Compared to the current 2004 model, the new M features a lot more interior room, especially in the back seat (M Concept shown). LDW, developed by Iteris and making its North American automotive production debut in the 2005 FX, reads lane markings and warns occupants if a lane drift is detected. Infiniti hasnt said whether the HID headlights that swivel with steering input, shown here on the prototype that launched in New York, will make it to production.
Ever wonder what happened to the family dinner hour? Or for that matter the family dinner half hour? Monday is Soccer Practice, Tuesday is Piano lesson, Wednesday is Church Activities, Thursday is a Soccer Game, Friday a birthday party to attend. A number of events will fill up the weekend. Do you feel like a professional scheduler and taxi driver? Are you finding yourself increasingly irritable as you go from one activity to the next? Maybe you and your children are overscheduled. In the past few years I have seen a marked increase in children with anxiety and depression. Children are now saying they are ‘stressed out. I remember one child in particular who just wanted to play a board game with his parents, the only family assignment was to play the board game. The family did not have ‘time to play the game. Children no longer seem to have time to goof off and just be children - goof off time is not on the schedule.
As parents we need to guard our children and ourselves to protect our childrens unscheduled time to be children. Children need time to create their own games and also to learn to entertain themselves. Children often want us to entertain them or the television instead of figuring out how to play by themselves. I would hazard a guess that some of your fondest memories as a child were playing out in the backyard with some friends and really doing nothing in particular. Just laughing, playing, talking or ‘being. 1.Each child in the family has one outside activity (i.e. sports, music lessons) besides church activities. 2.If your child wants to add an activity they may consider giving up the current activity in exchange for the new one. 3.Set family nights on your calendar. Order a pizza and play board games. No one can schedule anything on family night. 6.Assess your irritability quotient. Do you find yourself frequently saying, “Hurry up, we are going to be late? ” How can you slow down? What can you give up? 7.Resolve to eat dinner together as a family at least 3 - 5 times a week, even if this is sandwiches before you head out to a game or lesson. 8.Schedule “goof-off” time for your family and children. Give your child down time to explore a hobby or play outside. 9.Set priorities for your family. How many hours a week do you want to be together as a family? 10.Take time as a family to enjoy Gods creation away from home. As Christian parents we are modeling for our children how to handle stress and how to balance our time. What lessons are we teaching our children?
