2013 Lexus GS 350 Review

Looks like this might just be the 20th anniversary of the Lexus GS right? I believe the first was made in 1993. So...2013-1993=20 am I right? Man I am awesome at math. I think I even have a couple plastic model cars of this car.

Well...since we have all established that I am a math savant...let's actually talk about the 2013 LExus GS 350. The 4th generation Lexus GS, is all-new for 2013, and builds on previous strengths and adds ability -- with no loss of the expected comfort and convenience. Most apparently, the styling is more emotive. Under the bold new skin is an improved chassis platform with a revised suspension system and multiple drive modes for the mostly-familiar drivetrain to take advantage of. There's an F-Sport performance package that brings some of the character of the IS-F sports sedan or even LF-A supercar to the GS. And that performance increase comes with no loss of fuel efficiency, but, rather, with improved efficiency. full review

Truck Wash That Cleans the Environment

Tis may not be something you have ever thought about, but all those semi-trucks rolling along our highways have to get cleaned. Apparently they spew tens of thousands of gallons of toxic water into our drainage systems on a daily basis. Polluted by road grime, degreasers, road salts, detergents and any number of environmentally toxic chemicals, the waste water generated by truck washes has become a high priority target for new city ordinances and regulations. This is no clean aquatic bath going on here you can bet on that. This was a lesson quickly learned by Louis Normand, CEO of Pro Wash Systems, when he first looked into building a commercial truck wash. The current regulations he faced were substantial and the trend toward even greater regulation was growing. Future regulatory hurdle promised to be daunting and inhibitive to the task of building a truck wash. But, instead of giving up on plans for a truck wash built on site with American Truck Group's large truck dealership, Normand embraced the challenge to build the ultimate green truck wash. One that not only cleans trucks but cleans the environment too. Read more about his solution.

2012 Buick Verano Review

The 2012 Buick Verano is designed to compete in a market known as the "luxury compact" market. Add that to your list of automobile classes and decide if it is descriptive enough for you, or if you need to wittle it down a little further. ;) The Verano is targeted at a younger driver. One of Buick's recent goals to lower their age groups as fans of their cars and open the cascade faucets to their wallets. Obviously, known mostly for their sedans that appeal to the older generation they want to cut into a lower age demographic. Buicks are great cars, but they do fit an older driver as they aren't necessarily as flashy as come competitors.

The Verano is Buick’s first luxury sedan designed to compete in the compact luxury segment against the likes of Lexus IS 250, Audi A3, Volvo V30 and Acura TSX. The starting MSRP is $22,585…plus $885 destination charge. Power comes from a 180 HP Ecotec 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder mated to a 6-speed automatic that helps deliver EPA ratings of 21 city mpg and 32 highway mpg. Electric power steering adds to the fuel saving while still providing good road feel and responsiveness. The Watts Z-link rear suspension is lightweight and compact thus further enhancing fuel economy and making room for the 15.2 cubic foot trunk (14 cubic feet with the compact spare and Bose Premium audio) while delivering good response and control. full review

A New Security System

Contribution by Kennith Griffin

I recently returned from a week long visit to see my daughter and her family. It had been a while since I had spent quality time with my grandsons and I was having withdrawals. I was fortunate to go when I could see them play several soccer matches. I typically do not get to enjoy them playing sports because most of their games are during the week and I am usually there on the weekend. I live three and a half hours away so I cannot just up and go at a moment’s notice to watch one of them play. One evening, while I was there, I sat with the kids while my daughter and son-in-law attended a political fundraiser. My daughter told me that they had recently called Security Systems Newry and installed a new system and gave me the code in case we went out. We left the house long enough to run an errand, take one of my grandsons’ friends home, and pick up some dinner. When we returned, I was able to turn off the alarm as instructed.

2012 Buick Verano Review

The 2012 Buick Verano seems to be built a bit with those that would normally import a vehicle in mind. visit their site to send a congratulatory gift

GM shares platforms among its brands -- like every other multi-line manufacturer -- and the Verano is based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Cruze and Volt. Any resemblance ends right there. The Verano has more power, and obviously morluxury to appeal to a different audience. In place of the Cruze's 138-horsepower 1.8 liter naturally-aspirated or 1.4-liter turbo engines is a 2.4-liter four with 180 horsepower, driving the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. No exterior or interior styling is shared, and the Verano's interior is much better appointed. Buick benchmarked cars including the Acura TSX and Lexus IS 250 for interior noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), and claims to best them. At a more attractive price. full review

2012 Nissan Maxima SV Sport Review

The 2012 Nissan Maxima SV Sport sees the most changes in the line sine around 2009. A typical mid-product cycle refresh with a new grill, redesigned taillights, new wheel designs, and interior trim changes. Nothing major like a spinal surgery, and no complaint about that as Nissan got it right the first time. The degree of performance and refinement suggested by the strikingly-styled bodywork is delivered by its 3.5-liter, 290-horsepower V6 engine, routed to the front wheels through Nissan's "Xtronic"™ electronically-controlled continuously-variable transmission (CVT). Steering, suspension, and braking are as good as the drivetrain, which is to say very good.

So-equipped, the Maxima is an entry-level luxury-sport sedan in all but name. Lack of designer-label name here means better value, as you're not paying the premium. Yes, it's front-wheel drive, but it's a fine example of well-behaved front-wheel drive. The "sport" suspension is only a touch stiffer than standard, so there is no lessening of comfort, and the torquey engine is a good match to Nissan's CVT transmission. The Maxima is a thoroughly enjoyable car to drive, and offers space and comfort for passengers. full review

NY Auto Show to Showcase Many Concept Cars

From April 6-15th at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center the NY auto show will have a large number of amazing concept cars on display. The world's automakers have pulled out all the stops and talked up web conferencing to show off some of the most amazing concept cars ever seen at the 2012 New York International Automobile Show. The Show opens to the public on Friday, April 6th through April 15th at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.

List of a few (click here for some descriptions):

Cadillac Ciel

Volkswagen E-Bugster

Kia GT Concept

Acura NSX

Lincoln MKZ

Chevrolet Code 130R

Chevrolet Tru 140S

Land Rover

Lexus LF-LC concept

Toyota NS4 concept