December Employee Spotlight: John Butina

Lexus of Maplewood is excited to highlight John Butina for our December Employee Spotlight.

John has worked at Lexus as a New Car Sales Associate since 2012. He was referred for the position by a Lexus of Wayzata employee, Chris Ilhe. John feels it’s less about selling cars than it is about working with people and appreciates the wonderful people he has met along the way.

John grew up in South Saint Paul and completed 2 years of college at Augsburg.  Before working for Lexus of Maplewood, John worked in mortgage banking for 22 years. He has been married for 22 years and loves to spend time with his niece and nephew. He enjoys visiting them at school and taking them out.

In addition to spending time with his niece and nephew, John enjoys spending his spare time golfing. He has been a member of a course for 20 years. He is proud to say he got two hole-in-ones with a 4 iron and both were 200 yards. John is also a contributor and volunteer for Animal Ark and Crohn’s and Colitus Foundation. Crohn’s and Colitus Foundation is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Animal Ark is Minnesota’s largest no-kill shelter for animals.

John’s favorite vacation was a visit to Washington D.C. where he got the opportunity to go on private tours of the White House and Capital during Halloween. He was lucky enough to experience awesome weather and do lots of sightseeing.  If John had to recommend a place to visit in the Midwest, he would suggest South Dakota to visit Sioux Falls and Mount Rushmore.

Lexus of Maplewood thanks John for his continued dedication to his customers and the store.


To view past employee spotlights click here 

Lexus Announces Twins! - All-New NX Compact Crossover Introduces First Twin Scroll Turbo Charger to Lineup

BEIJING – April 20, 2014 – With the addition of two exhaust gas inlets and two nozzles, Lexus welcomes its first twin scroll turbo charger to its powertrain family at the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.  The all-new Lexus NX compact crossover offers the brand’s first gasoline turbo engine in the NX 200t. The NX 200t turbo will balance excellent fuel economy with responsive acceleration and agility.

The all-new NX is Lexus’ first entry into the luxury compact crossover segment. The NX 200t turbo will be available in the U.S. market along with the NX 300h hybrid.  The availability of NX model range, including the NX 200 with a naturally aspirated engine, will vary by market.

“Positioned below the RX, the new NX model will provide an exciting entry point into the Lexus crossover and luxury utility vehicle family.  Its expressive design and turbocharged performance embody the technology and design focused direction customers can expect from Lexus,” said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager.

The NX 200t F SPORT will also be available with aggressive design features.  F SPORT exclusives include a mesh grille insert, bold front bumper, machined-finish wheels, black exterior mirrors, interior ornamentation, paddle shifters, and sport seats.

The NX was developed as a refined and stylish compact luxury utility vehicle.  NX chief engineer Takeaki Kato said, “Luxury is epitomized by small but important details.”

Examples of attention to detail in the NX include welcoming LED illuminated exterior door handles, advanced overhead console touch switches that operate smoothly and other innovations that will set new standards for future Lexus models.

“Apart from the luxury touches, the NX was designed to complement daily life while also being capable of supporting an active lifestyle on the weekend.”

The Lexus NX will go on sale globally in the second half of 2014, and appear in U.S. showrooms in the fall of 2014.  Both U.S. models, NX 200t and NX 300h, will be available in front-wheel-drive and all-weather-drive.

Three Powertrains Globally

NX 200t

The NX 200t will use the all-new 2.0-liter turbo direct injection gasoline engine matched to a six-speed automatic transmission specially tuned for the NX.

The six-speed automatic transmission features new torque-demand control logic, which calculates required engine torque and maximizes it, delivering quick response to acceleration and exhilarating feel with fuel efficiency.

The new Lexus 2.0-liter turbo engine was tested extensively on various road conditions and harsh environments. The turbo engine has a Lexus-first combination of water-cooled cylinder head integrated exhaust manifold and twin scroll turbo charger.

NX 300h

The NX 300h adopts Lexus Hybrid Drive with a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine, generator, motor and battery. The hybrid model features sprung-weight damping control to increase ride comfort and other suspension modifications for handling and stability.

Available in front-wheel drive or all-weather drive, the NX 300h will be ready for urban adventure.

NX 200

China and Russia will offer the NX 200. A naturally aspirated 2.0-liter Valvematic variable valve mechanism gasoline engine matched to a Sequential-Continuously Variable Transmission (S-CVT)/Multi-drive transmission will power the NX 200.

The Lexus Valvematic system provides high torque through an expanded valve opening angle and Variable Valve Timing (VVT) operation range.

The 2.0-liter powerplant has a high compression ratio and diagonal fuel injectors, which optimizes fuel mixture to produce strong power through the rev-range.

Chassis and Suspension

The NX has been designed for agile driving, handling stability, turning posture and ride comfort, including yaw-rate response to steering input and stability on uneven road surfaces.
      
The foundation for the vehicle’s sophisticated suspension is a highly rigid body with extensive underbody reinforcement. The new body has a comprehensive package of reinforcements, additional bulkheads and spot welding, suspension braces, and the use of Lexus body adhesive, laser-screw welding and high-rigidity glass adhesive.

NX F SPORT models will have newly developed performance dampers to further enhance handling stability.

Exterior Design

From inception to reality, the NX was substantially influenced by the LF-NX concept vehicles that were introduced in hybrid form at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, and later at the Tokyo Motor Show, powered by an all-new turbo drivetrain.

The NX was designed to provide more agility than an SUV and the versatility needed to navigate urban streets.?

The front fascia integrates Lexus’ signature spindle grille, innovative LED headlamps, fog lamps, and daytime running lamps. The new compact crossover embraces a sculpted look with bold front and rear wheel arches that house standard 17-inch and optional 18-inch wheels.

The profile is accentuated by a roofline peak set towards the back of the vehicle to create a tight silhouette and provide ample head-room for rear seat occupants.

An innovative, Lexus-first door handle with a hidden key barrel and integrated lighting provide the subtle attention to detail that meet the chief engineer’s definition of luxury.

Lexus’ signature ‘L’ shaped combination tail lamps, each with seamless LED lighting, and bodywork that reflects the spindle grille complete the rear design.

 Interior Design

Soft interior materials combined with hard metallic surfaces provide NX with a luxurious environment and the structural beauty of a high performance machine.

A strong, silver frame defines and surrounds the center instrument panel. Knee pads located at the base of the center stack help support the driver and front passenger when cornering. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) technology continues the impression of an advanced vehicle and is also located at the bottom of the center stack.

Seating played a significant role in the cabin design. A quilted pattern in the seats and varied cushion thickness provide both support and style. The NX possesses a low hip point that helps optimize driver position and adds to the connection between the driver and the vehicle while increasing overall head room.

The NX also has a long cargo area length and a wide front to rear couple distance that helps increase legroom.

Technology

The NX has an array of innovative on-board technology, including an available Lexus-first Wireless Charging Tray which enables Qi compatible phones to be charged. Other available technology includes the first application of a new Lexus Remote Touch Interface with a touch pad; Pre-Collision System with All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert; power folding rear seat and Lane Departure Alert. The standard-equipped Multi-information Display features an available Lexus-first G sensor and boost meter.

Specifications

NX specifications will vary by market

	NX 200t	NX 300h
Overall Length	182.3 in.	182.3 in.
Overall Width	72.6 in.	72.6 in.
Overall Height	64.8 in. (with antenna)	64.8 in. (with antenna)
Wheelbase	104.7 in.	104.7 in.
Tread  - front/rear	62.2/62.2 in. (with 225/65R17 tire) 61.8 in/61.8 in (with 235/60R18 tire)	62.2/62.2 in. (with 225/65R17 tire) 61.8 in/61.8 in (with 235/60R18 tire)
Horsepower	235 hp	194 hp (total system)
Torque	258 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm	-

 

Lexus of Maplewood is excited to highlight Beau Anderson as our February Employee Spotlight.

Beau Anderson

February 2014

Lexus of Maplewood is excited to highlight Beau Anderson as our February Employee Spotlight.

Beau has worked for Lexus of Maplewood as a Service Advisor for 3 ½ years. His favorite part about his position is working with customers.

Beau grew up in Minnetonka as an only child. Before working for Lexus of Maplewood, he held a variety of job positions including service advisor, service technician, nursing assistant and bill collector.

Beau dedicates his spare time to an assortment of activities including walleye fish tournaments, riding ATVs and playing fetch with his dog Kodiak. He enjoys spending time with friends and family and frequently visits his cabin on Lake Mille Lacs. Among many adventurous hobbies, Beau also volunteers at detox centers every Friday night to help individuals dealing with addiction.

We are happy Beau is a valued member of the Lexus of Maplewood family and appreciate his continued hard work and commitment to each customer over the past 3 ½ years. Thank you, Beau.

How does KBB determine 5-year cost to own, and why does Lexus always win top honors?

Just what is a "5-year cost to own"?  It's a set of expenses that most buyers don't consider when they're purchasing a car.  Fuel costs, insurance premiums, state taxes and fees, financing charges, maintenance costs, and depreciation all factor into the cost of owning a vehicle.  Some vehicles have a lower entry price, but very poor reliability and/or fuel economy.  These vehicles might actually end up having a higher cost of ownership over a 5-year period than a very reliable car that costs a little more up front.

Kelley Blue Book tries to help consumers make smart purchases by gauging the 5-year cost of owning a vehicle by approximating the average cost of all of the aforementioned expenses and comparing it to other vehicles in the same class.

What does it all mean for Lexus?  Well, we're happy to say that we've come out on top for the second year in a row!  The incredible reliability, fuel economy, and safety of Lexus vehicles pays off in more ways than one-- this time by keeping hard-earned dollars in your wallet.  It's just another reason to buy Lexus and never look back!

Solve this puzzle and tell us which old-school Lexus is in the picture for today's #ThrowbackThursday!

Hey everyone!  For today's Throwback Thursday, we figured we'd get a little more interactive!  Below you will find an old-school Lexus that needs to be put back together!  Fit the pieces together and tell us which model it is (leave the comment on our Facebook!)

The Lexus RC F is a predator in, well, a predator's clothing!

The Lexus RC F Coupe boasts a visually striking design that we think some are going to like, and others are going to love. Of course, beauty is only skin deep, but there are a lot of reasons to love this car beyond aesthetics. For instance, there's a 5.0-liter V8 engine sitting under that domed hood with more than 450 horsepower, along with a newly calibrated eight-speed automatic gearbox that can take you to the stars and back without a hitch.

Interestingly enough, Lexus has tuned the RC F's engine to run on an Atkinson cycle under most circumstances, while it switches to the more typical Otto cycle when more power is required. How? Well, presumably by using some sort of very advanced variable valve timing technology. But power is useless unless it can be translated into the wheels properly, which is why the RC F features a torque vectoring differential-- a first from Lexus.

Also involved in keeping the RC F planted is an aero package that includes wings and ducts galore. The headline bit is an active rear wing that deploys at 50 miles per hour and retracts back into the deck when the car drops back to 25 mph. To top it all off, so to speak, a clear-coated carbon fiber roof can optionally join that carbon rear wing.

Inside the cockpit, the design is is decidedly less aggressive, opting to go instead with a more luxurious interior commonly associated with Lexus. Features are plenty, instrument clusters are concise, and everything is, as always, crafted from top-quality materials. Long story short? We've never been more excited to be a Lexus dealership.

The new 2015 Lexus RC F takes Destroit by storm!

Compared to the first day, the second day at any auto show is usually much more...  Well, boring.  But not this year-- this year Lexus saw fit to un-cage perhaps the most refined beast on display in Detroit:  The striking RC F Coupe.

To start, the RC F is based on the much less aggressive RC 350 coupe (which is itself based on the midsize IS luxury sedan), and is designed to give the likes of the BMW 4-Series and Audi A5 series a run for their money.  But that's really like comparing apples to oranges; the RC F is in a whole other league all together.

The story of the RC F is defined by combinations of letters and numbers, and most loudly by its 5.0-liter V-8 engine, which produces more than 450 horsepower-- a leader in the segment.

The move to use a traditional V-8 in an era when many manufacturers are downsizing engine sizes for the sake of fuel economy is a bold one, but one that had to be made.  That's not to say, however, that the powerplant will make liberal use of fuel; we fully expect a full range of industry leading fuel saving tech to make an appearance in the RC F.  Also worth noting is the silky smooth eight-speed automatic that routes power through the rear wheels.

Most noticeably, though, are the car's looks.  It blends graceful curves with an aggressive stance to create a body style that caught almost everyone's eye at the Detroit Auto Show.  Style, power, and luxury-- these are the things that define a Lexus, and the RC F is a paragon of these ideals.  We can't wait to have you test drive one!

Lexus of Maplewood is a proud sponsor of the 7th Annual BEAR'ly Open!

Lexus of Maplewood is a proud sponsor of the 7th Annual BEAR'ly Open. For the 7th year in a row, you will find Lexus of Maplewood on site with our Lexus vehicles and serving up warm apple cider to support the golfers who have come out to raise money for the White Bear Lake Emergency Food Shelf.

In its seventh year, the event brings hundreds of local residents to Ramsey County Beach on the frozen shores of White Bear Lake to enjoy an afternoon of golf on ice.  An 18-hole course, complete with real pine trees, a hospitality tent, food and entertainment make it a great way to have fun and raise money for charity.

This years event will be held Saturday, February 1, 2014.

All net proceeds go to the White Bear Lake Area Food Shelves – where the need has never been greater.  To date, the event has contributed over $67,000 to the Area Food Shelves.