There's lots to cover on the import service front, with a wide assortment of new models and attendant technological advances, from all corners of the globe.

It's a huge year for import car nameplates. A number of "crossover vehicles have been added to the regularly scheduled model replacements. We noted last year the arrival of the econocars (Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit and Nissan Versa); this year we've had a chance to study them. Without further ado, here's what's happening on the import front.

Toyota/Lexus

The new Lexus LS 460 is brand-new, including the powertrain. And when the LS 600h hybrid comes ont shortly, it will have an even higher level of technology.

The 4.6L V8 is not a bigger 4.3L; it's all-new, with both direct fuel injection and port injection, the dual system introduced last year on the 3.5L VG in the Lexus IS 350. Port injection times the air/fuel mixture tor cold starts and part throttle operation, while eliminating use of multiple airflow paths and idle butterfly valves that produce restrictions. In fact, there's an air intake split with separate air filters. The 4.6 V8 produces 380 hp and 367 ft.-lbs. of torque (vs. 278/312 with the 4,3 V8).

Electronic/electric intake cam phasers (variable valve timing) are a precise but expensive approach, and the first production application of that technology. Less-critical exhaust VVT continues with oil pressure phase control. Direct-acting buckets were replaced by roller rocker arms with hydraulic adjusters, a lower-friction system that never requires adjustment.

The oil filter is Toyota's cartridge type, in a housing with an oil drain plug, as introduced on the 2006 Lexus IS 250 AWD. Inserting a drain pipe (packaged with the OE cartridge) opens a spring-loaded valve for the oil to flow out.

An eight-speed automatic tranny upstages Mercedes' seven-speed. The gearing setup, however, is just a planetary gearset (which provides two speeds), followed by a 4x multiplier from a Ravigneaux gearset (basically two planetary gearsets melded into one, with just one ring gear). Other transmissions have used this setup for four- and six-speed automatics, but it takes four clutches, two disc brakes and one overrunning clutch to get eight gears.

Power steering is all-electric and with optional air suspension, variable gear ratio steering is used. This makes the ratio "faster" as the steering wheel is cranked into a turn.

The brake system has a hold feature, which means when the driver brakes to a stop, he can push a button on the steering wheel to hold pressure in the lines so the car doesn't move (or roll on a hill). Stepping on the gas pedal releases the pressure.

Toyotas Yaris econocar, previously sold here as the ECHO, is powered by a 106-horse, 1.5L chain-drive four-cylinder mated to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The brakes are ventilated discs in front, drums in the rear. Power steering is electric, which is what you'll find on the competitive models, too. It not only eliminates the pump and hydraulic lines, but improves fuel economy.

However, be aware that the Yaris' steering gear contains a torque sensor, which has to be initialized to Tern if the steering gear, steering wheel or steering computer is replaced, or if the sensor goes out of calibration. (A difference in steering effort from left to right is a common symptom.) No Toyota scan tool software? A shop manual procedure using a jumper wire is available,

The new Camry continues with the 2.4 Four and a 268-hp port-fuel injected version of the 3.5 V6 in the Lexus IS. The transaxle is a six-speed, also with planetary and Ravigneaux gearsets, but without all the clutches and brakes that produce eight ratios, such as in the Lexus LS 460.

The exterior solar-blocking glass on the Camry reportedly keeps out over 90% of ultraviolet and infrared light. This reduces the a/c cooling load, which should improve fuel economy.

The Camry's a/c system also includes an ion generator called the Plasmacluster Generator to improve interior air quality. It uses a high-voltage device that emits a slight sound. Dust will accumulate at the driversside register. Clean it with the blower off, using a wiping cloth; never spray solvent into the register.

The hybrid Camry is powered by the 2.4L Four, with these changes: Intake valve timing is retarded, the piston shape is changed, the radiator fan is a higher performance version, there's no conventional starter or alternator, of course (the hybrid system has two motor-generators that serve these functions), the gas tank is steel and the catalytic converter and exhaust manifold are made specifically for the hybrid application. The a/c is operated by an electric motor so it can cool even with the engine stopped, and an auxiliary electric water pump also is used.

The hybrid 2.4 develops 147 hp, vs. 158 for the regular Camry, but with the 245-volt battery pack and the electric motor, horsepower total is 192.

The Camry hybrid has a separate liquid cooling system for the two motor-generators and the inverter electronics, plus a dedicated radiator integrated with the engine radiator.