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Toyota of Abilene Listicles

4 Modern Auto Innovations To Be Thankful For

Turkey Day is nearly here, a time for food, family, and the endless struggle between the fourth quarter of the Cowboys game and tryptophan-induced drowsiness.

It’s a season that calls for renewed appreciation of the things that make life worthwhile. Whether you’re on your way to stock up on ingredients at the Abilene Farmer’s Market or driving the family back from Grandma’s house, it’s a good time to reflect on the importance of a reliable vehicle.

Today’s automobiles have much to be thankful for, thanks to a plethora of modern features that have made driving safer and more comfortable than ever. Here’s a four-course meal of recent and semi-recent automotive innovations we should give thanks to: 

Collision Avoidance Technology 

The invention of the airbag was clearly a revolutionary step in automobile safety, providing a life-saving layer of protection in the wake of an accident. But in today’s world, automakers’ priorities have shifted to avoiding such incidents altogether. Enter collision avoidance systems, or CAS.

The first (extremely rudimentary) rearview backup camera was introduced with the 1956 Buick Centurion. Today, that feature comes standard in most contemporary vehicles. But automakers’ ambitions have expanded to full driver assist systems, which do everything from alert drivers when another vehicle is in their proximity to completely takeover the vehicle’s systems when a collision appears imminent. With CAS, it’s like you’re always traveling with a co-pilot, and every day its presence saves lives. 

Mobile App Interconnectivity 

The world is more connected than ever, and your car is now getting in on the party. Though Bluetooth connectivity and similar means of interfacing your phone to your vehicle have been around for over a decade, recently we’ve seen a surge in connected mobile apps. 

For many automakers, it’s become an elevated priority for their vehicles to connect with as many compatible apps as possible, making the transition from your home or office to your new 2024 Toyota Camry feel seamless. Assuming this trend continues, an updated version of this blog a decade from now may be more focused on what your vehicle can’t do.

LED Headlights 

Since bursting onto the scene in 2004, LED (short for “Light-Emitting Diode”) headlights have become the preferred choice of many manufacturers – specifically luxury brands. They offer numerous advantages over more traditional halogen and tungsten lighting, as they have longer lifespans, provide more visibility, and use less electricity – all of which combine to reduce maintenance costs. 

And on a purely aesthetic level, LED lights provide more color options than halogen’s various shades of yellow. We may not have the capability to fully replicate daylight driving during our evening commutes just yet, but LED is illuminating the way forward.

EcoBoost Engines 

Every technological upgrade in the world is for nought if we don’t have a world to begin with. Conceived as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas and diesel engines, the Ford-produced EcoBoost is a turbocharged direct-injection gas engine that aims to match its more traditional rivals in both power and torque without sacrificing efficiency. In doing so, EcoBoost engines achieve 20% better fuel efficiency while giving off 15% fewer greenhouse emissions.

As we peer deeper into our automotive crystal ball, electric vehicles and green-first options appear only more ubiquitous. Less costly and more versatile than normally aspirated engines, EcoBoost engines should continue to gain popularity as we move forward.

The Rest is Gravy 

Here at Lithia Toyota of Abilene, we’re thankful for our loyal customers and our vibrant community. As vehicular technology continues to evolve and expand, we remain committed to providing you with Toyota’s newest models. Our entire inventory of new and used vehicles is like an elegant Thanksgiving spread – plentiful, variable, and there for your fulfillment. Bon Appétit, and have a wonderful holiday!

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Texas Toyota

The Five Best Dishes to Make for the Holidays

The holidays are a time for family, friends and of course, food! If you’re looking to impress your guests this year, try one of these five delicious holiday dishes. From traditional classics to festive twists on old favorites, there’s something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Pick a dish from this list and get to cooking!

Roast Beef with Roasted Potatoes and Carrots

Roast beef with roasted potatoes and carrots is the quintessential holiday dish – nothing quite says “celebration” like a home-cooked seasonal feast. This traditional combination of savory flavors has become part of family gatherings across generations, satisfying taste buds and tummies in memorable ways. As holidays come and go, one thing is certain: a warm plateful of roast beef paired with mouth-watering potatoes and carrots makes us all feel right at home!

Turkey with Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce

The holidays are the perfect time for celebrating with family and friends, and one delicious way to get everyone together is with a delicious spread of turkey with stuffing and cranberry sauce. A holiday favorite, a perfectly roasted turkey with stuffing and cranberry sauce is an easy way to bring everyone together and make a memorable holiday. From the salty stuffing and juicy turkey to the sweetness of the cranberry, nobody can resist such a delicious and comforting dish. If turkey and stuffing is making your mouth water, break out your family’s favorite recipes, fill your plate up high – and don’t forget to save room for seconds!

Ham with Green Beans and Sweet Potatoes

Ham with green beans and sweet potatoes is a family favorite for any holiday celebration. Not only does it make for an impressive presentation at family gatherings, but the delicious combination of flavors will have everyone wanting more – melt-in-your-mouth ham, savory green beans, and sumptuously sweet potatoes! A dish like this is sure to spread happiness and merry vibes no matter what kind of family gathering it’s included in. Plus, its ease of preparation means more time for family bonding over a meal prepared with love!

Salmon with Rice and Steamed Vegetables

Salmon with rice and steamed vegetables is a delicious alternative option that is perfect for holiday gatherings. Whether you’re sharing a meal with a pescatarian or just want to shake things up for the holidays, this delicious and healthy dish has something for everyone.

With its hint of sweetness from the salmon, nuttiness from the rice, and bright flavor from the vegetables all melding together in one delightful bite – you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds. Not only does this dish look beautiful on your table but it tastes just as amazing too. As an added bonus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare – so you can spend more time with your family instead of slaving away in the kitchen!

Vegetarian Lasagna

Who says that you can’t have a holiday dish without meat? Vegetarian lasagna is a delicious alternative to traditional lasagna and is sure to make heads turn at your family gathering or holiday celebration. It’s an incredibly flavorful and healthy alternative to standard recipes, and its versatility allows you to improvise based on what ingredients are available. So when it’s time for that next big celebration, consider swapping in vegetarian lasagna instead! Your friends and family will rave about its flavor.

It’s Time to Cook

No matter what you choose to make, with one of these five dishes your guests are sure to be impressed. After all, who can say no to a classic roast beef or a delicious vegetarian lasagna? From turkey and stuffing to ham and green beans, there’s something for everyone on this list. So get cooking and enjoy the holiday season!