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2011 Lexus GS 450h Review

August 11, 2011 /


Our staff reviews the 2011 Lexus GS 450h from the interior to the exterior and much more!

The 2011 Lexus GS 450h 4DR sedan really lives up to the company’s tagline: The Pursuit of Perfection. After spending a week in this sedan we are officially huge fans of the finished product.

Exterior
You can’t help but admire the stylish, 18-inch, five-spoke wheel on the 2011 Lexus GS 450h 4DR as they set the tone for a truly classy skin. What Lexus refers to as the “L-finesse design” incorporates a 112.2-inch wheel base, long hood, and pulled back cabin with a short rear deck. The design gives the 2011 Lexus GS 450h 4DR a very powerful but elegant stance. Some of the exterior differences for the GS 450h include a blue hybrid designation on the side rocker moldings, aluminum and blue enameled rear model designation, front grille, special 18-inch light-alloy wheels, a Lexus Hybrid Drive engine cover, blue front and rear “L” logos, a blue tint to the headlamps, clear tail lamp covers and a power meter that replaces the tachometer. Combined with the incredible Obsidian Black paint job, the test model we drove was absolutely gorgeous.

Read the full review.

Car Reviews, Lexus, Luxury Cars

Simple Pleasures

August 9, 2011 /

The economy is nosediving, there are no jobs, London is burning, and all the hot air in Washington caused a heatwave. But, at least we can all go for a drive and forget about those problems for a bit.

So, sit down, slow down, and enjoy the simple pleasures of any old car, like this BMW 2002. Looking on the bright side of life is a whole lot easier when you have a convertible.

BMW, Classic Cars, Video

Maserati to Launch SUV

August 9, 2011 /

Yet another Frankfurt Auto Show debut has come to light, this time from Maserati. To increase sales volume, Maserati is looking to increase their offerings within the next few years. The first model is the new, unnamed Maserati SUV.

Jealous of Porsche’s success with the Cayenne, Maserati is going deep into Fiat’s toy chest to create their own competitor. The result will be the equivalent of a rich man’s turducken. Expect this new model to use the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s platform, a Ferrari derived V8 (most likely similar to the Granturismo), a ZF 8 speed transmission, and the appropriate Maserati styling adjustments both inside the car and out.

If you are connecting the dots, this means that Maserati will produce a truck with a platform engineered by Jeep (also the Mercedes GL), powered by a Ferrari motor, using a German transmission, and built in the U.S.A.

Let’s see if Maserati can put all the parts together to make a true competitor to the Cayene and BMW X5M when the curtain falls in Frankfurt. If it goes all terribly wrong, expect something like the Chrysler TC by Maserati though.

Source: Automotive News

Ferrari, Fiat, Jeep, Luxury Cars, Maserati, News

NHSTA Launches Investigation Over Mustang Transmissions

August 9, 2011 /

The new 5.0 Mustang was unveiled to widespread praise and accolades. Now, the Mustang’s halo may be drooping as transmission issues come to light.

A few months ago, there were mumblings on the internet about transmission problems that included grinding gears and expensive sounding noises. Ford said everything was “ok” and recommended a fluid change. However, the problem has become large enough to attract the attention of the NHSTA.

They describe the problem as:

ODI has received 32 complaints alleging an unexpected inability to shift into gear on model year (MY)2011-2012 Ford
Mustangs equipped with manual transmissions. Some reports allege incidents occurred while merging into high
speed traffic and others allege that incidents occurred while turning left across oncoming traffic. Some complainants
allege that the erratic shifting behavior almost caused a collision with adjacent vehicles.

One rumored reason for these problems is Ford’s decision to switch production to China for the Getrag transmission.

After the NHSTA investigation is complete, they will conclude on whether this is a true problem, or just a bad batch of transmissions.

A reputation blow like this, to Ford’s flagship model, cannot happen while they are trying to show buyers that they are just as reliable as the Japanese.

Source: Detroit News, NHSTA

Ford

Great Red Hope

August 5, 2011 /

Lotus is getting fat and greedy, Porsche makes more money selling SUVs to housewives than sports car enthusiasts, Aston Martin sells a rebadged Toyota. The world of sports cars is upside down. But there is hope, a small glimmer from the prodigal son of the automotive world: the Alfa Romeo 4C. This September, Alfa Romeo is set to disclose more details on the 4C at this year’s Frankfurt auto show. It may be a revised concept, or maybe, the production model.

This is not just big for car people, but for Alfa Romeo as well. Alfa is putting their hopes for a successful return to the U.S. on the back of a 1,800lb sports car. It also marks a return to Alfa making true sports cars.

The specifics so far point to the 4C as being a lightweight, turbocharged sports car. It will have a carbon fiber tub, RWD, and a turbocharged 4-cyl where it is supposed to be, the back of the car. It will also be priced in the reasonable $50,000-60,000 range. The 4C looks to replace the much loved, but nearly departed, Lotus Elise in the hearts and minds of people that enjoy driving cars, not status symbols. As for more specifics, we will have to wait until Frankfurt.

Alfa Romeo, News

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