The Super Bowl might be long gone, but our impressions of the all-new 2013 Lexus GS will continue to be known. The new GS incorporates bold, dynamic styling, precise handling, innovative technology and a spacious interior. After spending time behind the wheel of the new GS in Las Vegas we can tell you with certainty that this is a new beginning for Lexus combined with a rich heritage of building superb luxury vehicles. We even had the chance to learn more about driving the auto cross and took a ride with pro driver Scott Pruett to see how it’s done by the experts.
Believe it when Lexus told us that, “The new GS conveys an enhanced sense of confidence to the driver with a redesigned chassis and a wide, strong stance that inspires and rewards driver participation with crisp and precise handling. Engineers developed a more spacious interior environment while leaving exterior dimensions virtually unchanged to ensure excellent maneuverability. Richly endowed with world-class features and premium details, the new GS is supported by advanced, performance technology that makes it more than just a luxury car.”
The Nissan Pathfinder has been one of the mainstays in the SUV category for many years, so we were looking forward to testing the 2012 Pathfinder LE 4X4. The Brilliant Silver exterior paint looked nice and clean when we first took the test model, but that changed quickly during January while driving in the Midwest.
Exterior
There is no mistaking a Pathfinder on the road with its iconic exterior design and the combination of the unique combination of sophistication and rugged go-anywhere looks. The angled strut-style grille with her large headlamps lets you know the Pathfinder is coming well in advance. Our test model included fog lights, dual-power heated side-view mirrors, chrome-surround mesh grille, roof rails with crossbars, side-running boards and splash guards. We agree with Nissan that “a sweeping hood hints at the power underneath, while Pathfinder’s broad shoulder line, large integrated fender flares covering purposeful wheel and tire combinations and distinctive C-pillar with high-mounted rear door handles reinforce the distinctive Pathfinder appearance.”
We were at the Las Vegas Speedway with writers and journalists for our opportunity to drive the all-new 2013 Lexus GS and experience the Supercar Lexus LFA. The weather was incredible in the mid 60’s and not a cloud in the sky. There has been quite a buzz around the new Lexus GS and we wanted to see what Lexus was able to accomplish after delivering some of the best luxury sports sedans for decades. Once we arrived at the Speedway, there was some time to check out the new 2013 GS before we hit the auto cross and race track. The new front grille is simply gorgeous and tough in the same breath and will surely make a statement when on the road.
This is a very aggressive design by Lexus and we agree with their claim that, “distinguished by the elegant beauty of its aerodynamic body, the precisely sculpted exterior of the all-new Lexus GS luxury sport sedan glows with aggressive performance and precision handling. Powered by an advanced 3.5-liter V6, putting 306 horsepower to the pavement, the four-cam, four valve per cylinder engine with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) propels the 2013 GS 350 from 0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. The six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission, equipped with paddle shifters, offers four driving modes: Normal, ECO, SPORT S, and SPORT S+. An optional electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system is designed to enhance traction in a variety of driving conditions.” The cockpit of the new GS is buit for the inspired driver, while a horizontal-themed instrument panel emphasizes spaciousness through its wide layout. Equal attention has been paid to maximizing space for rear passengers, with generous headroom, legroom, knee room and foot space.
A two-seater Mini Cooper has arrived and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Bullz-Eye had the opportunity to test a 2012 Mini Cooper S Coupe for a week and we had a blast.
Exterior
When you first take a look at the 2012 Mini Cooper S Coupe, it’s clear that you are looking at a Mini, but the appearance of the S Coupe is both striking and eye opening. Our Chili Red paint looked incredible and the unique body design makes quite a statement. Per the company, “The Mini Coupe is the brand’s first model to adopt a three-box body structure with a strikingly stepped rear end. Its distinctive lines are expressed in the customary Mini design language and combine with unmistakable styling features. All of which accurately showcases both the new model’s distinctive characteristics and its brand identity. Its flat silhouette and innovative steel “helmet roof” lend the Mini Coupe a sporty and individual allure. In addition to the integral roof spoiler, an active rear spoiler optimizes airflow at higher speeds.”
The wait is over. The bold new face of Lexus is here, and it cannot be contained. Watch Lexus’ first-ever Super Bowl commercial, introducing the all-new 2013 GS and a glimpse of what Lexus has in store for 2012. The 30-second commercial features the 2013 GS as it breaks free from containment, illustrating the company’s move in a new design direction for the brand. The spot also hints at the additional new vehicles Lexus will unveil later in the year, which are waiting in the wings for their turn to burst onto the scene.
“The all-new Lexus GS is showcased in this ad because it’s the first model to feature the new look of Lexus and it’s also the first of nine new or updated models we’ll launch this year,” said Brian Smith, Lexus vice president of marketing. “This spot looks very different than anything Lexus has done before and demonstrates to the 50-million-strong Super Bowl audience that 2012 will be a breakthrough year for Lexus.”
The 30-second commercial is scheduled to air at the end of the first quarter of Super Bowl XLVI. An early look at the commercial can be seen today on Lexus social media channels, including Facebook and YouTube. The new GS series will be a touchdown for Lexus and this very cool Super Bowl ad is a great way to start things up!
This one has its funny moments, though some of the Jerry Seinfeld jokes fall flat. The Soup Nazi appearance was cool and Jay Leno is funny at the end. The Acura NSX looks incredible!
There are so many factors to consider when picking a car to fit your budget. The obvious starting point always goes towards your monthly payment, and this is how most car marketing is conducted. You have the choice of leasing versus buying, but for most people it comes down to the payments.
That of course makes sense, but there’s so much more to consider. Some people want style, so inexpensive cars like the inexpensive Hyundai Veloster will potentially be very popular, as it’s a beautiful car even if it doesn’t have much under the hood.
But it also has the huge advantage of excellent gas mileage. This is the fourth car in Hyundai’s lineup where 40 MPG comes standard. So in today’s world of high gas prices, gas mileage is very important when figuring out your real car budget. It might be cool to buy an old used muscle car or a sedan with a V-8, but you have to figure in how it will kill you on gas.
The other big expense is car insurance, and as most people realize, you have to do your research. There are great online resources where you can quickly see your options. Gocompare provides you with unique comparison services for range of financial products. Car insurance is a big one, and you can save a ton of money.
We’re currently bombarded with funny and quirky car insurance commercials. That stuff shouldn’t drive your decision. Do research on price and service and you’ll be much better off.
Ford Motor Co. recorded strong earnings for 2011 but the market didn’t flinch and the stock price sunk? Is there something we don’t know because with great management and strong products isn’t Ford on the right track? Here is a good article that digs a bit deeper than most reporting on Ford’s future.
Sometimes it can be difficult to please Wall Street. As trading for the week neared its close the automaker’s shares were on track to drop about a half dollar as trader’s lamented the sort of figures that they might have only fantasized about during the depths of the Great Recession. The maker reported a full-year pre-tax operating profit of $8.8 billion, or $1.51 a share, an increase of $463 million over 2010.
But what didn’t sit so well is that Ford still fell about a nickel a share short of early estimates, and more worrisome, total automotive pre-tax operating profits for the fourth quarter dipped to $586 million, a decrease of $155 million from the fourth quarter of 2010.
The lore of NASCAR is filled with stories of backyard mechanics taking cars right off the showroom floor and winning races, fame, and glory with nearly stock cars. This is why NASCAR is called “stock car” racing after all. However, since the late 1980s, the cars have become less and less related to the showroom cousins. For 2013, Ford is trying to mend that gap, at least aesthetically, with their new 2013 Fusion racer.
Taking its cues from the production Fusion that debuted at the North American International Auto Show, the new Fusion race car adapts the cars dramatic headlight and grill treatment. To make the car look even more “stock,” the overall proportions of the stock car were mirrored. Even the character line that runs down the stock car’s side was replicated on the racer.
Little was known about the sub-Boxster model Porsche was planning to produce. Some, like myself, saw it as a successor to Porsche’s 550 Spyder and 356. Others pointed to the parts sharing between Porsche, VW, and Audi, and saw the car as a successor to the dreadful 914. We may never know how good it may or may not have been however, since reports out of Germany say that Porsche is stalling its development.
Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller sat down with German business magazine Wirtschaftswoche to discuss the automaker’s future. When pressed about the 550 successor he stated, “Possibly we need to wait until the next generation of customers before the idea of a small roadster will work for Porsche,” and that it would “dilute the brand image.” This reason is complete nonsense. He might have well said, “These are not the droids you are looking for.”
