In the TV show "Revenge," Conrad gives Ashley something special - a Lexus. Check it out!

Lexus moves to trademark spindle grille

Apparently the new Lexus spindle grille is here to stay. According to the Kaizen Factor blog, Toyota has filed numerous trademark applications in both the United States and Canada for various spindle grille designs.

The main differences in the designs are the inserts, either a zig-zag mesh like the current F Sport models of the CT, IS, GS, RX and LS, or a horizontal pattern like the non-F Sport models. But there's also a new "vertical bar" design revealed by the filings, which the report speculates may be applied to the next-generation IS.

Toyota has also filed paperwork to trademark the basic spindle outline with no insert, according to the report.

 

Courtesy of AutoBlog

Lexus of Maplewood is an official vehicle partner for the 10th Anniversary of Cities97’s Oake on the Water!

Check out Cities97’s Oake on the Water this Thursday at Bayside Grille where Meiko & Selah Sue will be performing!

 

Click here for more details.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Driving in High Wind Conditions

Driving in high winds can be dangerous and even more hazardous because of the other weather conditions that normally accompany them. Extreme caution should be used when driving a car in any type of severe weather.

• Be aware of the other vehicles around you in high winds. This is especially true with RVs, campers, trucks, buses, or trailers being towed.
• Slow down the speed of your car to minimize the wind’s affect on your vehicle.
• Avoid parking near trees, downed power lines and buildings.
• The main factors that keep you on the road are the weight of your vehicle, so if you are driving a little city-car along the motorways in the high winds,you should be more careful.
• Plan ahead. As you have to drive more slowly in high winds you should expect your journey to take longer than usual and therefore leave extra time. You definitely don’t want to be speeding to make up the time!
• Make steering corrections when driving from a protected to unprotected area. This is because the wind may move your car with a sudden force after being in the protected area.
• Lower your speed when driving next to larger vehicles such as trucks and buses. These vehicles can swing out and hit your car if the wind picks up suddenly.
• Listen to the radio for changes in weather conditions that could become more dangerous.
• Wind is often accompanied by heavy rain or winter precipitation. Stay alert for slippery areas.

• Courtesy of Car-Use.net

2013 Lexus RX 350 - Review

The Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h have a lot going for them. They're understated and comfortable, yet somehow also iconic, and they've found a loyal following among those who want plush comfort, plenty of practicality, and standout tech and entertainment features in a package that won't be seen as fiscally or environmentally irresponsible (these models' long-established reputation for reliability and dealer service factor in, no doubt). In today's image-conscious world, they're upscale but not ostentatious.

For the first time since the current third-generation RX models bowed, for 2010, they've received a light refresh. The 2013 Lexus RX models get a version of the new 'spindle grille' that's already made its debut in the GS sport sedans, which makes it just a little menacing in our opinion, while all the snub-nosed, blunt-shouldered purposefulness--crossed with soft elegance--of the current generation's design remains. LED running lamps, new rear taillights, and a few new colors are the extent of the exterior changes, while inside there's a new steering wheel, contrast stitching for the leather, and a redesigned center console.

New for 2013 on front-wheel-drive models is a Sport Appearance Package that includes a unique front bumper, halogen headlamps and superchrome-finished 19-inch wheels.

If there's a clear pronouncement to make about the RX 350 and 450h, it's that performance takes second stage to comfort and luxury. While parents or empty nesters will find the RX plenty responsive in either guise, it's seldom exciting, edgy, or nimble, and there's a muted feeling to all of the driving inputs. Power comes from a 275-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive an option. Even with the heavier AWD system, the RX 350 steps off the line quickly and smoothly, and shifts during passing are quick yet downright seamless. Hybrid models perform nearly as well--in an absolute sense, though they manage to mute out even more of the outside world through the steering and brakes.

The 2013 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h are plush, yet not over-the-top lavish, and just a short ride in one is enough to see why it's such a popular choice for upscale realtors who don't want to look to filthy rich. There's a certain wholesomeness about the practical design, and its versatile seating is roomy and accommodating for four adults; at the same time, it's supremely smooth and quiet, with the passenger experience about as refined as you'll find in flagship luxury sedans like Lexus' own LS. Our only gripe remains that the standard front seats are a little flat and have odd back contouring, while the ride can be sharper (though still not rough) with the 19-inch wheel options.

Lexus vehicles have a reputation for being not just refined and comfortable, but also for being exceptionally well-equipped. That's definitely the case here in the 2013 RX 350 and RX 450h; you'll find a comprehensive list of comfort and convenience features, while options are pretty much limited to interior upgrades and top-notch infotainment systems. Major options include leather; a USB port; navigation with real-time traffic; a rear-seat DVD entertainment system; and a superb Mark Levinson sound system. The Remote Touch controller remains a mandatory part of the interface that we're conflicted about, but nearly everyone will like that the new Enform system enables apps for Pandora streaming audio and other information services.

 

Courtesy of The Car Connection

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Caring for Windshield Cracks and Dings

Checking your windshield is important because a ding that occurs in spring or summer can cause a break in the winter. Most people drive more in warm weather and more driving means more vibration, which can cause a ding to expand into a cracked windshield.

Warmer weather also means running the air conditioning. "The shock of quickly going from hot to cold stresses a windshield and causing that ding to suddenly become a cracked windshield," says Jim Olson, director of national accounts and brand awareness for NOVUS® Windshield Repair.

Here are some tips if you have a ding or star on your windshield:

    Inspect the ding. If it has a cone shape, a circle deep in the glass or looks like a small star with points spreading out, have the ding repaired promptly. These are serious dings that can grow into a cracked windshield.

    Don't touch a ding or attempt to repair it yourself. Without special equipment and training, you will only contaminate the damaged area, making repairs hard to complete.

    As a temporary measure, put a piece of clear tape, like packing tape, over the ding. This won't keep the ding from spreading, but will help prevent contamination.

    Don't wash the vehicle-especially through the car wash.  Soap and water can contaminate the spot and a high-pressure wash can cause the ding to expand.

    Driving a vehicle with a windshield ding causes vibration and exposure to the elements cause the ding to spread.

    Avoid slamming the car doors and don't close the doors with the windows rolled all the way up. The vibration or buildup of air pressure inside the car can cause the ding to spread.

    Don't run the defroster, heater or air conditioning on high settings.  Don't park the vehicle in the sun. Rapid changes in interior temperature or prolonged exposure to sunlight can stress and weaken the windshield.

 

Source: NOVUS via Road & Travel Magazine

The Stunning New Lexus 2013 LX - Perfect For the Middle of Nowhere Or the Center Of Everything