Cars
The Bryan Brothers Now Part Of The Lexus Team
Lexus now has two more golfers on their sponsorship team. Who is it? The two new guys are brothers. They are George Bryan IV, age 26, and Wesley Bryan, age 24. For those who don’t know the Bryan Brothers are trick-shot golf masters whose videos went viral. They look to create a balance between precision and fun.
George and Wesley are known for doing unbelievable trick shots that defy logic. The Bryan Brothers hope to represent the next generation of golfers. They started filming trick shots as a hobby and now have thousands of subscribers on their YouTube channel. Their progressive approach to the game aligns with Lexus’ continued pursuit to push boundaries.
For those keeping score Lexus also currently sponsors Jason Day, Charles Howell, III, Peter Jacobsen, Mark O’Meara, Mark Pfeil, Annika Sorenstam, Natalie Gulbis, Johnny Miller, Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horshel and Jamie Sadlowski.
Check out their story below.
Aug 24th
Chevrolet Showcases Two New Trucks: Colorado Midnight Edition And Colorado Z71 Trail Boss
Chevrolet has a truck for you whether you are going on the street or on the trail. If you are in the market for a new ride you might want to check out either the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado’s Midnight Edition or Z71 Trail Boss. The special editions will be in Chevrolet dealerships this fall, with distinctly tailored appearances that blend custom design cues with Colorado’s popular options and accessories. The Midnight Edition evokes the aesthetic of an urban tuner vehicle, while the Z71 Trail Boss is designed for terrain where the pavement ends.
“These are aggressive editions of one of the country’s hottest-selling truck, demonstrating the personalization that’s possible with Chevrolet accessories, whether it’s for the street, trail or both,” said Tony Johnson, Director, Truck Strategy. “As the Colorado continues to win over new customers, the new Midnight Edition and Z71 Trail Boss give them more choices and build on segment-leading capabilities and efficiency.”
Colorado Midnight Edition
Echoing the blacked-out design theme introduced on the popular Silverado Midnight Edition, the 2016 Colorado Midnight Edition casts an imposing stance. Offered exclusively in black, additional exterior details such as the grille, the bowtie emblem and the 18-inch aluminum wheels are also finished in black. Additional content includes a spray-on bedliner and soft, folding tonneau cover – both in black, of course – and Chevrolet-logo sill plates.
The Colorado Midnight Edition is available on LT models with the extended and crew cab bodies, in 2WD or 4WD, and with the 2.5L and 3.6L engines. It will also be available with the all-new 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine.
Colorado Z71 Trail Boss
The 2016 Colorado Z71 Trail Boss builds on the capability of Chevrolet’s Z71 off-road truck suspension package with more aggressive tires and off-road-inspired appearance enhancements.
An all-new sport bar with LED trail lighting makes the new edition of the Trail Boss instantly identifiable. It’s complemented by black-finished 17-inch aluminum wheels matched with aggressive Goodyear Wrangler DuraTec® 265/65R17 all-terrain tires, bold fender flares and tubular assist steps. It also features a black bowtie grille emblem and a spray-on bedliner, and a set of all-weather floor mats inside the truck. Ad: Bike body work and Motorcycle racing fairings superbikes.ie
The Colorado Z71 Trail Boss is available on Z71 models with the extended and crew cab bodies, and in 2WD or 4WD. Like the Midnight Edition, it will also be available with the 2.5L and 3.6L engines, as well as the 2.8L Duramax diesel.
Aug 3rd
A Tesla for a Buck?
No, this version won’t go zero to 60 in 3 seconds and yes, it may be better suited to Paul Rudd’s character in Ant Man. But what’s one thing for sure that this 1:64 Scale Model S Tesla has over its big brother?
Price.
Hot Wheels is offering flagship luxury you can hold in the palm of your hand for only $1.09. At the very least this should tide you over while you save up for the $70,000 version.
No word yet on sales restrictions in Texas.
Jun 18th
Ford GT Looks To Make Comeback At The Le Mans
Love racing? Check! Love Ford? Check! Here is some fantastic news for those who answered yes to both questions. Ford announced that they are returning to one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world with its new Ford GT race car, based on the all-new ultra-high-performance supercar that goes on sale next year.
The Ford GT race car will compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans – referred to by many as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency – starting next year. Revealed today at the famous circuit in Le Mans, France, Ford GT will compete in the Le Mans GT Endurance class for professional teams and drivers (LM GTE Pro).
The new race car – a further proof point of Ford innovation – is based on the all-new Ford GT supercar unveiled in January. Both the production car and race car will arrive in 2016 to mark the 50th anniversary of Ford GT race cars placing 1-2-3 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ford went on to repeat its victory at Le Mans in 1967, 1968 and 1969.
Jun 12th
15 Things I like about the 2015 Lexus NXt
Lexus jumps into the Luxury Compact SUV market with the 2015 NXt. MANjr got their hands on one and put it through its paces on the long country roads of Central California.
1. That it even exists at all
As recently as 2014 Lexus had a total of zero offerings in the “Luxury Compact SUV” class. The closest it came was the RX, an extremely comfortable and capable car that sorely lacked in the performance category. No more.
2. Looks. This cah looks wicked shahhp
The NX looks like an RX that just finished cross fit boot camp. (I know, I know, the first rule of cross fit is you NEVER ALWAYS talk about cross fit) The NX has pinched lines, sharp flares and a very athletic stance. It’s not quite the head turner of say, the new Porsche Macan, but it’s damn close.
3. Performance
The 2.0L 235HP Turbo Engine gives the NX a certain punch on the road that it’s bigger siblings lack. You won’t win many races off the line but when it comes time to pass a semi you’ll find the NX is up to the task.
4. Did you say TURBO?!
Finally a turbo engine in a luxury sports model. I’m a fan.
5. Comfort
Performance by it’s very nature means a stiffer ride. Part of the charm of a responsive car is feeling every bump and line in the pavement. The NX manages to mix luxury and sport quite nicely, the stiff body really lengthens out against the road at speed. The well constructed interior is free of rattles and noise. Little body roll in the turns and just enough road feedback to keep the driver connected.
6. The 10 Way Power Seat
Speaking of comfort, there’s that whole chair you’re sitting in thing. In what remains one of my favorite features of most new luxury cars, the seat automatically moves to your preset standards of perfection. You slide forward while the steering wheel telescopes into your waiting hands. It’s a truly personal touch, one that gives you ownership of the car from your first moments behind the wheel.
7. Electrochromic Rear and Side View Mirrors
Say it with me… Electro-Chrome-ick. Fancy way of saying Auto Dimming. You know how when you’re on the road at night and one of those gaudy new cars comes up behind and nearly blinds you? Not in the NX. The mirrors automatically dim your pursuer’s floodlights to a level that will leave your retinas unscarred.
8. Cornering LED Headlights
No more leaps of faith as you travel a dark and winding road. The headlights on the NX turn into the road with your eyes. They could also illuminate a high school football game. Yea, I’m totally a part of the problem here. On one hand I curse the masses with their search light caliber headlights, on the other hand I say to my wife, “Look at how BRIGHT THE ROAD IS HONEY!” There’s a metaphor for modern society in here somewhere. I’ll leave it to you.
9.F SPORT TRIM LEVEL
Sorry for shouting. Thing is, these Lexus’ (Lexus’s? Lexi?) that I test drive are almost all the F Sport trim level. That means a veritable paragraph of features that aren’t available on the base model. Features like cornering headlights, 18” sport wheels and Drive Mode Select. If you’re one of the few and proud to read every car review I’ve ever written (hi Mom!) you’ll remember Drive Mode Select. While the NX lacks the S+ mode that its more nimble cousins have, the S mode on the dial definitely creates a different driving experience. The gears stretch longer, the engine revs louder and the car takes off just a little bit faster on command. Drive Mode Select lets you choose between the smooth and safe fuel economy of ECO, the traditional stability of Normal or the “Get me the heck out of here” oomph of Sport mode.
10. Technology
Lexus continues to embrace technological advancements in the NX. Standard back up camera and Infotainment system meet optional features like “Qi- Compatible” Wireless Charger in stride and help to create a largely intuitive and nearly seamless integration of modern technology into your drive.
11. Safety
Loaded with airbags and crumple zones, the best safety features are the ones that keep you out of an accident in the first place. Blind spot monitoring and Rear cross Traffic Alert join forces to keep you more aware of your surroundings than the naked eye ever could.
12. Intuitive Parking Assist
I don’t wrestle any bears and have never wielded an axe in battle but in todays urban battlefield, skills like parallel parking hold as much value as medieval warfare did in its time. The Intuitive Park Assist feature helps anyone become the William Wallace of parallel parking. Not that I needed it, I’m a tough guy. It was nice though, I could get used to it. Hey I’d like to see Mr. Wallace street park at Venice Beach on a holiday weekend.
13. Paddle Shifters
Paddle shifters get better every year. I use them constantly on the road to regulate my speed without moving my feet. These shifters changed gears seamlessly and instantly, reducing speed and increasing RPM’s with the flick of your hand.
14. Price!?!
Price? Am I about to say “only” about an extravagant sum of money? No! Ok, Maybe! You can buy a brand spanking new reasonably equipped Lexus NXt for $34k. Not bad at all if you consider what it stacks up against. Only the Acura RDX starts lower priced amongst it’s peers. A recent ranking by US News and World Report had the NX ranked at #2 in the class overall. The 1st place finisher starts at $50k. A fully maxed NX comes in shy of that by almost seven thousand dollars at $43k. Good value for the luxury segment.
15. Improvements
Lexus must have heard the chorus of well fed writers quibbling about it’s standard infotainment system and Enform App Suite. I was one of them. The Remote Touch controller is still far from perfect but it’s certainly better than last year’s model. The ergonomic wrist support is a nice touch, the intuition of the mouse tracker is vastly improved and the entire interface is more useful and pleasant to interact with. Year to year improvement on a software and hardware level? I’ll take it.
Jun 10th
Dale Earnhardt Jr. And Valvoline Ask What Is Under The Hood?
Valvoline is giving NASCAR fans a great look into some of their favorite drivers in the latest installation of Valvoline’s interactive online challenge, “What’s Under the Hood.” This one is featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr. His auto questions in this week’s latest challenge kick it up a notch, testing under-hood knowledge from spark plugs to air-fuel ratio.
Earnhardt Jr. along with Hendrick Motorsports teammates Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Kasey Kahne each take a turn as host of the interactive quiz that tests the “Do-it-Yourself” car know-how of auto enthusiasts and NASCAR fans alike.
This week, fans are invited to take on round two of the challenge featuring racing legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. by visiting www.ValvolineUndertheHood.com. Subsequent rounds featuring Kahne and Johnson will be released bi-weekly through early July, giving players plenty of opportunities to win prizes from limited edition gear to signed memorabilia and collectibles. Four lucky participants will be named finalists, and in the grand finale, the Hendrick drivers will go head-to-head in a race on behalf of all four finalists to determine the grand prize winner of a new car.
May 29th
Get An Early Look At The 2016 Lexus RX
At the 2015 New York Auto Show this week Lexus showcased the 2016 version of their best-selling model in the brand’s 26-year history. So far Lexus has sold more than 2.1 million units over the world. So in essence the RX represents three out of ten vehicles ever sold by Lexus. The 2016 RX builds on that trend with a completely new, luxurious interior to match its fresh, new, chiseled body style. The large dose of Lexus brand DNA that’s been artfully incorporated into the details can not only be seen, but also felt. The new fourth-generation RX also boasts exceptional on-road performance and safety technologies that include the innovative Lexus Safety System+.
“With the new Lexus Safety System+, we offer drivers an added level of occupant safety in a conveniently bundled package that leverages some of the latest accident prevention technology. We certainly expect the proliferation of these features to continue throughout the luxury vehicle market and our Lexus lineup as the industry remains steadfast in the pursuit of enhanced vehicle safety,” said Jeff Bracken, Group Vice President and General Manager Lexus Division.
The RX with all-new sheet metal makes a powerful visual statement at first glance. A completely new front end is highlighted by an emboldened spindle grille, more aggressive front bumper and available triple L-shaped LED headlamps. Together with the all-new LED fog lamps and LED daytime running lights, the RX has a more sophisticated and advanced look. Muscular front fender flares add to the vehicle’s sporty attitude.
When seen from the side, the sharp character line that runs from the front fenders to the rear end, together with a flowing roofline, give the RX a dynamic profile. All of this helps make the vehicle sure-footed at high speed and reduces wind noise. A truly distinctive styling cue is the blacked-out C-pillars, which provide the illusion of a floating roofline never before seen on a Lexus product. Also, newly available 20-in. aluminum wheels with larger tires improve the vehicle stance and proportions and replace the current model’s 19-in. options. These 20-inch wheels can also be customized with body color-matching inserts to emphasize the driver’s individuality.
Inside, RX’s new luxurious cabin with elegant, high-quality trim exudes warmth and class. An available color heads-up display (HUD) projects pertinent vehicle information to the driver’s windshield, while the information display area, featuring an available 12.3-in. monitor with full-screen map, is situated atop the center stack. The shift lever, complete with leather boot, has been positioned away from the front of the instrument panel to optimize operability and create more space for the driver.
“Even while ensuring a high level of luxury and space within the cabin, the RX’s silhouette remains sleek and dynamic, while the interior has been designed for easy operation with luxurious execution,” said Gen Ikeda, Lexus RX chief designer.
Looking under the RX 350’s hood is an upgraded and more powerful 3.5-liter V6 aiming to deliver 300 hp with direct injection, mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Based on this enhanced powertrain is the RX 450h’s Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6. When combined with the electric motor generator, the combined output results in around 300 hp. All RX engines have been tuned in anticipation of high fuel economy ratings and low carbon emissions.
When it comes to delivering precise, controlled handling, the new RX offers impressive dynamic capability. The entire chassis has been fortified to provide enhanced straight-line stability and control through turns. The vehicle’s body structure has been strengthened with added stiffness, helping to enhance its handling response while reducing engine and road noise in the cabin. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is standard, while Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is available on select models. Each system is designed to help recognize loss of vehicle control, and help mitigate potentially dangerous situations with automatic and often transparent adjustments to help the vehicle maintain optimal traction. The RX also is offered in All-Weather Drive to help the RX’s handling performance and control on dry and slick surfaces alike.
The RX’s fully independent suspension system, which consists of MacPherson struts up front and a double wishbone setup at rear, has been tuned and reinforced to enhance handling while keeping ride quality remarkably smooth. Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) is available on the RX for the first time. AVS electronically monitors and adapts the shock absorber damping and steering to help ensure optimal handling and ride depending on the driving conditions. The system is also designed to produce less body lean through corners, providing an engaging driving experience.
Apr 1st
Rolls-Royce Makes The World Stand Still
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Wraith will launch a film called “And the World Stood Still.” Recently it has been accepted into the British Film Institute National Archive. That is home to the world’s most significant collection of film and TV. In honor of this event, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has created Wraith ‘Inspired by Film’, which will debut at the 2015 New York Auto Show tomorrow, 1 April 2015.
The film won a Gold Award at the 26th International Visual Communications Association Awards. Then it caught the attention of the BFI’s Senior Curator for Non-Fiction Films, Patrick Russell, who considered it a striking piece of contemporary cinematography and so decided to accept it into the archive.
“We are delighted to see Rolls-Royce’s Wraith launch film enter the BFI’s collection,” commented Russell. “We selected it for preservation as it is an outstanding and award-winning example of modern corporate promotional filmmaking. It’s a powerful use of the film medium for product launch purposes, executed with impeccable craftsmanship.”
Marc Mielau, Global Head of Marketing, Rolls‑Royce Motor Cars, said, “It is a great honor to see ‘And the World Stood Still’ accepted into the BFI National Archive. It is testament to Rolls-Royce’s unique position in the public consciousness as the makers of ‘The Best Car in the World’ and the passion, innovation and creativity of the entire team involved.”
The film introduced Wraith as the most powerful and technologically-advanced Rolls-Royce in history. Filmed at a secret location near Barcelona, the shoot included an innovative ‘Timeslice’ (frozen time) sequence created using 100 SLR cameras; the longest purpose-built camera rig in Europe; an award-winning film director; 36 computers; 1.5km of cables and one prototype Rolls‑Royce Wraith. A behind the scenes film was also launched after the Company was inundated with requests from fans across social media networks worldwide.
To view the Wraith Launch Film, ‘And the World Stood Still’ visit http://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/wraith/inspiredbyfilm
Mar 31st
Take A Look Into Audi A8’s Bang And Olufsen Audio System
Cars.com photo by Evan Sears
We all want that slick car to drive. The Audi A8 is one of those cars. If you are investing in a car like the A8 you want to make sure that from front to back the car is fully loaded. One of those necessary items on the list is the sound system. Thankfully the A8 has got you covered on that front.
Recently Joe Wiesenfelder, who is the Executive Editor of Cars.com spoke on the Bang & Olufsen audio system in the Audi A8.
Joe said that the “Bang & Olufsen in the Audi A8. Audi’s exquisite flagship sedan has an optional B&O system that’s the opposite of the VW Fender stereo, in that it includes 19 speakers and Dolby Digital Surround sound. Here’s the thing: It sounds great, something audio systems this complex surprisingly often fail to do. Its various adjustments cater to different tastes but still tend to yield natural results. My focus is on the sound, but even I have to admit the way the tweeter modules rise out of the dashboard when you start the car is icing on a delicious cake. It’s an expensive cake, too: a $6,300 option on the middle-priced trim level.”
Cars.com photo by Evan Sears
Mar 19th
Nissan Debuts 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept & GT-R LM NISMO At CAS
Nissan today unveiled two exciting new executions of its “Innovation that Excites” philosophy at a press conference at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show – the Nissan 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept and the GT-R LM NISMO race car.
The Nissan 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept is designed to provide the best of two worlds – the open-air driving exhilaration of a standard 370Z Roadster and the racing-inspired style and performance of a 370Z NISMO Coupe. It offers unique engine, suspension, exterior and interior features versus standard Nissan 370Z Roadster models – including a 350-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and NISMO-tuned suspension.
“While the 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept is just a performance study at this point, you can see its potential as a production model,” said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations U.S., Nissan North America. “First, we’ve injected all the performance equipment from a 370Z NISMO Coupe. Inside, since the interior is on display whenever the top is down, it features the full NISMO treatment, as well as a few special custom touches.”
The Nissan 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept’s striking visual presence starts with the addition of GT-R-inspired functional and fully integrated aerodynamic body pieces, including a custom carbon-fiber rear spoiler created exclusively for use on the 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept. Inside, the NISMO-styled interior is just as stunning, anchored by black Recaro® seats with custom off-white Ultrasuede® inserts.”
The 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept would join the current Nissan 370Z NISMO coupe model, expanding the NISMO lineup to five models, if approved for production.
The GT-R LM NISMO, which will take on the best in the world in the race to glory at the Le Mans 24 Hours later this summer, was created by a team of carefully selected experts in Japan, the United States and Europe. Unlike other LM P1 cars, the GT-R’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine sits in the front of the front-wheel-drive car, while the hybrid power is harvested from the front driveline to augment acceleration.
“This is the first time in 16 years that Nissan will be competing at the top class at Le Mans, though it has been a tour-de-force as an engine supplier in the LM P2 class with three wins over the past four years,” added Diaz. “This is GT-R taken to the extreme, representing the pinnacle of current racing technology.”
Feb 12th
