2015 Lexus IS350 F Sport AWD Sedan

On December 21, 2014 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, Lexus1 Comment

Lexus, Toyota’s luxury automobile division, has built and sold the IS series of sedans since 2006. The cars are manufactured in the Tahara plant in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, and for 2014 the model underwent an update in body styling, with the drive train carried over from 2013. For 2015, both the styling and drive train remained essentially unchanged.

I recently tested a new 2015 Atomic Silver IS350, which was equipped with the 3.5-liter, 24-valve V-6 with 306 horsepower (6,400 rpm) and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. The sedan had a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters and a downshift rev-matching feature that worked like a charm. Acceleration was fine, and reportedly the Lexus ( this is the smallest sedan offering) will go zero to 60 in 5.6 seconds. Fuel economy ratings are 19 mpg in town, 26 mpg on the highway, with a 21 mpg overall rating and a 17.4 gallon fuel tank.

The Lexus IS350 styling for 2015 has as its main calling card the new “spindle” grill found on their entire lineup in some form. The IS that I drove had black horizontal bars inserted in the grill along with dramatic inset LED daytime running lights and fog lights on the front of the car. The IS body styling features a scalloped crease that sweeps up just ahead of the rear wheel-well, and an integrated rear spoiler is molded onto the trailing edge of the trunk lid. The dark gray alloy wheels have ten spokes, and are fitted with Bridgestone 225/40R18 Turanza EL400’s, with all-season tread.

Speaking of all seasons, the IS has a mode selector (on the console) that includes a snow setting for winter driving. For the other seasons, ECO, sport, and normal modes are on hand for a total of four settings. My Lexus was an F Sport iteration of the IS, which has more capable underpinnings for track-like performance. An exhilarating intake-noise sound generator kicked in when accelerating, so the car seemed more exciting than it actually might have been. It was enjoyable.

Inside the new IS350, an additional measure of legroom has been added (about 1”, both front and rear), and the “mouse” has been retained on the console for controlling the infotainment system. The screen on the dashboard is 7”, measured diagonally. The IS features a moon roof, push button starter with proximity keyless entry, heated power leather bucket seats, 60/40 fold-down rear seat, ten airbags, Mark Levinson 16-speaker stereo, navigation system with rear facing camera, lane departure/blind spot/rear collision warning system, and power windows, locks, mirrors, with power tilt-telescope steering column. Seating is supportive and comfortable and the trunk can hold 13.8 cubic feet of cargo.

M.S.R.P. for the Lexus is $50,375.00, and that includes a base of $42,300.00 and options/freight totaling $8,075.00. The IS350, a car that had prior to the 2014 model year become a bit marginalized, is currently front and center in the luxury sports sedan segment. Shoppers in that segment need to take a hard look at it.

2015 Toyota Yaris SE 5-Door Sedan

On December 14, 2014 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, ToyotaLeave a comment

The most recent car brought to me for review earlier this week was the new 2015 Toyota Yaris . The model was the 5-door SE Liftback in Blue Streak metallic paint. And I like blue, particularly this shade – it was coupled with nice, black fabric seats, and black and silver-colored, 16″ alloy five-spoke wheels.

The Yaris, which has been around since 2007, was substantially updated for the 2015 model and marketing of it started late last summer. A big change to the car involved production of it in France instead of in Japan. Styling is new in many respects, but drive train components are much like the 2014. The styling, by the way, is an improvement in my mind.

The name of this car is derived from the word Charis, the Greek goddess of elegance and beauty. And the German expression of affirmation, “ya” is added onto the front of the name. It could just as surely refer to the target market of this car, Young Adults. On balance, it is a suitable name, and the Toyota people probably don’t mind that the word looks like the cultural epicenter of Europe, Paris (in France).

Ruth and I jumped into the Yaris and drove to Cracker Barrel to get something to eat. Getting in the car wasn’t particularly difficult, and the highway manners were fine for a subcompact. The base price of the Yaris SE is 17,620.00, and the total M.S.R.P. is 18,625.00, including freight ($825.00) and carpeted floor and trunk mats ($180.00). Standard equipment on the Yaris included 4-speed automatic, front-wheel drive, real hand brake, electric power steering/windows/locks, color-keyed power mirrors, anti-lock braking system, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, CD/stereo with USB and aux. jack, tire pressure monitor, tilt wheel, and a 60/40 fold-down rear seat. Behind that last item is a 15.6 cu. ft. luggage compartment, with an articulating package tray above it.

Dimensions associated with the Yaris SE are overall length of 154.7″, wheelbase of 98.8″, and curb weight of 2,315 lbs. The fuel tank holds 11.1 gallons of regular unleaded gasoline and the car seats five people.

Yaris power is provided by a 1.5 liter, 4-cylinder, 106 hp (6,000 rpm) engine with variable valve timing. Torque is 103 lb. ft. (4,200 rpm), and acceleration is OK (zero to 60 in perhaps a touch under ten seconds.) Gas mileage ratings are 30 in town and 36 on the highway (an increase in highway mileage for 2015). I observed a reading of 32.5 overall. The car rides on P195/50R16 Bridgstone Turanza EL400 mud and snow radials. Turning circle of the Yaris is 36.1 feet.

On this day the food in Loveland was good, and the ride back was a pleasure and I was proud to be seen in the Yaris. I guess I looked a little old, but Ruth didn’t. Would I let one of our three daughters drive, buy, ride in, lease, or borrow a Yaris? I sure would.

2015 Lexus LX570 Luxury 4WD SUV

On December 7, 2014December 7, 2014 By stuwright47In *SPORT UTILITIES, LexusLeave a comment

Lexus’ big SUV with a truck frame underneath has been around since early in 1996 and the current offering was introduced as a 2008 model in eleven countries, including all of North America. The LX is a deluxe version of Toyota’s Land Cruiser, Lexus being the luxury division of Toyota Motor Company.

I was asked to test a 2015 Lexus LX570 recently, and it was the first time I entered or drove the big SUV. When I say big, I mean dimensions such as these; weight – 6,000 lbs., length – 197 “, height – 75.6″ wheelbase – 112.2″, towing capacity – 7,000 lbs. and passengers – eight. A Cadillac Escalade, for example, weighs 5,840 lbs. and is 116” long, seating seven passengers. They have similar M.S.R.P.s, that of the Lexus being $90,720.00. My test LX had a base price of $82,930.00 and added onto that was a luxury package ($1,510.00), Mark Levinson surround sound/DVD system ($2,350.00), intuitive park assist ($1,000.00), rear seat entertainment ($2,005.00), and a freight charge of $925.00.

Power for the LX comes in the form of a 5.7 liter V-8 with 383 horsepower (5,600 rpm), and 403 lb. ft. of torque (3,600 rpm). Fuel economy ratings are 12 mpg for the city, 17 mpg for highway, and 14 mpg combined. The tank holds 24.8 gallons of premium unleaded fuel. Zero to 60 acceleration is reportedly 7.5 seconds and top track speed is 137 mph. A six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission is on hand in the full-time four-wheel drive Lexus LX.

Inside the Lexus with its long equipment list are items such as semi-aniline leather upholstery, four heated and two air conditioned seats, heated steering wheel, a console cooler, and a Mark Levinson 19-speaker stereo system. Cameras are installed in the front, rear, and right-hand side of the Lexus for viewing on the dashboard infotainment screen. The interior is indeed sumptuous and quiet with tasteful woodgrain appointments seemingly everywhere near the driver.

Styling of the LX is traditional Lexus with the big grill and windows, lighted side steps and concealed trailer hitch under the rear bumper. The paint was Nebula Gray Pearl metallic, giving the car an understated, formal attitude for driving around Greeley and parking at all the Black Friday shopping venues. Ten-spoke alloy wheels were on hand with 285/50R20 Dunlop PT2A GranTrek mud & snow radials wrapped around them. The power tailgate is a two-piece affair, and a spoiler and alloy luggage rack are installed.

I went to Denver twice in big Lexus and it was a pleasure, including great visibility, handling, guidance, ride, and a lack of road noise. Shoppers in the luxury SUV segment need to consider the LX570 before making a purchase or lease decision.

“Java” 2014 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV FWD Sedan

On November 25, 2014November 26, 2014 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, NissanLeave a comment

Two years ago I wrote of Al Hirt, famed New Orleans trumpeter and bandleader, owning a bar on Bourbon Street in the 60’s, and that I was sure that I had been in it at some point while serving in the Air Force nearby. My favorite watering hole, however, was Larry & Katz (pictured), an establishment a few blocks away from the French Quarter, where only white patrons were allowed inside. Everyone else had to drink outside on the sidewalk in front of the bar. That wasn’t my attraction to the place; that’s just the way it was all over Louisiana in 1967.

Al Hirt closed his Bourbon Street Club in 1983 because, as he said, the area had become “too dirty and dangerous”. His career, on the other hand, was illustrious, and included production of such hits as “Java” and the theme song to TV’s “The Green Hornet”. Java, and its accompanying album “Honey in the Horn”, sold a million copies.

What does all this have to do with my latest test car, the 2014 Nissan Altima? Not much, really, except that the color was called “Java”, and I had never seen that name associated with factory paint. The car, as you can see, looked a little like black coffee and this Altima had the charcoal cloth interior. It was the SV model, next the top of the Altima lineup. Their SL, perched at the top, has leather seating and a Bose stereo.

Power for the front-wheel-drive Altima SV is supplied by a 2.5 liter, four cylinder engine with 182 horsepower (6,000 rpm) and 180 lb. ft. of torque (4,000 rpm). Nissan gave in to the 4-cylinder trend with this car, and my week was pleasurable, even though two years ago I drove the V-6. A continuously variable automatic transmission is mated to the four cylinder engine, and acceleration was acceptable. EPA mileage figures are 27/38 mpg for city and highway (18 gallon tank), and during the week with the car, I averaged 32.4 miles per gallon.

The Altima SV I tested had as options a convenience package ($1,350.00), carpeting floor and trunk mats ($185.00), and technology package ($1,090.00). Total M.S.R.P., counting the $810.00 for freight, came to $27,615.00. With rear backup camera, moon roof, navigation system, keeping this sedan under twenty-eight grand is an accomplishment. Of course it had key-in-your-pocket ignition, tilt/telescope, power locks and windows, cruise control, satellite radio/CD, Bluetooth, and UBS connection. Seating was for five, and the trunk held 15.4 cubic feet of cargo.

Styling for the new Altima, introduced in July of 2012, is an improvement over prior Altimas. It looks bigger than it actually is, which is 191.5 “ in length and 3,177 lbs. in weight. Chrome door handles are attached to the Nissan, and dual fog lights are up front along with a bold grill. Ride is great, and it’s quiet in the cabin (71 decibels). Ten-spoke, 17” alloy wheels are surrounded by P215/55R17 Michelin Primacy MXV4 all season radials.

Nissan’s best seller, this Altima, should hold up well in the sales wars with Honda’s Accord and Toyota’s Camry, as it doesn’t offer a person many opportunities to complain. I spent a long day condo-hunting in Denver with it, and the driving didn’t “Hirt” too bad because I had a “Honey” of a car to accomplish the task.

2014 Lexus IS-F RWD Sports Sedan

On November 15, 2014November 15, 2014 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, Lexus2 Comments

The high performance Lexus IS-F was waiting at Sky Harbor airport (Phoenix) when Ruth and I flew in to see the penultimate Nascar race for 2014, and we immediately jumped in for our ride up to Scottsdale to our hotel. When you fire it up with the push button starter, the big engine rumbles to life and reminds you that this is a compact car with Lexus’ biggest V-8 stuffed under the hood. It’s a 5.0-liter, dual overhead cam, 32 valve masterpiece with 416 horsepower and 371 lb. ft. of torque. And it’s coupled to an eight speed, sport-direct shift automatic transmission that is as smooth as silk.

When I pulled onto AZ Route 101 and stomped on the accelerator, I was somewhat startled at the sound emanating from under the hood. This Lexus V-8 features a dual air intake system that kicks open a secondary inlet (at 3,600 rpm) to give the big engine an extra gulp of air for enhanced acceleration. And what a sound! Plus, the four-tip, low restriction, semi-dual exhaust system really screams, as well. Advertised zero to 60 mph time is 4.6 seconds, and I am willing to take their word for that. Also advertised is a top speed of 170 mph and I am willing to, well, you know…. The speedometer reads up to 200 mph!

This particular model was “Nebula Gray Pearl” outside with a red and black leather interior. I found myself pretty well surrounded by the front buckets (it has four in the cabin), and lots of adjustments are on hand. “F” logos are stitched in several places on the seating, and “F” chrome emblems are on the fenders. I think it stands for the Fuji Speedway in Japan, where extensive performance testing of the Lexus IS-F took place. This model launched the high-performance “F” line of Lexus automobiles.

The ride is definitely performance related and if you want a smooth ride in this car, find a smooth road to drive it on. Features include double-wishbone front suspension and multilink rear, and big Brembo brakes are on hand. With the suspension setup, the snappy eight-speed automatic, and the rowdy V-8, just cruising around Phoenix is a kick in the pants (that is a good thing).

The console and dashboard feature some dark aluminized composite trim and cool, ambient lighting is on the doors; blue needles indicate goings-on over the gauges. The car I had in my possession featured the $3,410.00 optional hard-drive-based navigation system and Mark Levinson, 14-speaker surround sound stereo system. The navigation screen reveals a color picture of your rear view, and the steering wheel is a handsome two-toned leather (again, red and black with radio controls and transmission paddles), and the shift knob is red leather. Counting the aforementioned stereo, navigation, and freight, the Lexus carried a sticker price of $68,170.00. This automobile is designed for four people and the trunk holds 13.3 cubic feet of luggage. The IS-F is a genuine hot-rod for the high-end auto enthusiast, which could be me; I would certainly love to have one.

After checking in, Ruth and I headed up Indian School Road to find some lunch. I found myself hoping for successive red lights along the way so that I could run through the gears on the Lexus. Lots of motorists were admiring the car with it’s 19″ gray/black alloy wheels, big air vents jutting out from the fenders, and upper and lower mesh grills. The big vents are ostensibly for the purpose of letting hot air get away from the big V-8. On the trunk is a carbon fiber spoiler and in the charcoal paint the car is a particularly attractive mode of transportation. At the end of the day it was a pleasure to rumble into the hotel parking lot, and I couldn’t wait to drive the Lexus to Phoenix International Raceway the next morning for the Quicken Loans Race for Heroes 500.

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2014.5 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE

On November 4, 2014 By stuwright47In *HYBRIDS/ELECTRICS, ToyotaLeave a comment

The Toyota Camry Hybrid mid-size FWD sedan was introduced in May of 2006 as a 2007 model. The current unit is in its second generation iteration. A 2014.5 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid was brought to me last week for testing, and it was equipped as such to arrive at an M.S.R.P. of $30,970.00. The base price of $27,945.00 for the SE model had as additions the navigation system ($1,200.00) and power tilt/slide moon roof ($915.00). The car came in “Barcelona Red” paint, which was fun to photograph, and the cloth seating was black. It’s a five passenger sedan with a suitably sized rear passenger compartment and a 13.1 cubic foot trunk. Curb weight was 3,545 lbs., wheelbase was 109.3”, and overall length came in at 189.2”.

I drove the Camry quite a bit this last week, both to Ft. Collins, Boulder and to Denver, and gradually grew pretty accustomed to the CVT transmission setup in the car. CVT stands for continuously variable transmission (no shifts), and it is coupled to a gasoline 4 cylinder, 2.5 liter motor with 156 horsepower and 156 lb. ft. of torque. Two electric motor/generators are on board to add in 141 more horsepower and 199 lb. ft. of torque. Combined power rating is 200 horsepower, and as I mentioned, it was pretty acceptable for driving the somewhat big sedan. The ride, handling, and guidance were all good, and the styling suits me, as well (particularly front and rear).

Fuel economy for the hybrid has been improved for the last two years, and for the time I drove it the reading was 39.5 mpg. EPA ratings for the car I drove were 40 mpg city and 38 mpg highway – 40 mpg combined. The fuel tank held 17 gallons of regular gasoline. The current mileage compilation for the car is displayed on a dial; not digitally.

I mentioned earlier the options on board with this Camry – it was equipped with a moderate amount of equipment, including an 8 speaker JBL stereo, 7″ touchscreen for navigation and backup view, SoftTex-trimmed seating, satellite radio, 17″ five-spoke alloys, Bridgestone Turanza EL400 P215/55R17 all- season radials, tilt/telescope, pushbutton starter, cruise control, keyless entry, power windows/locks/mirrors, and Bluetooth connectivity.

There is a reason the Camry is America’s best selling car, and I experienced it this week with the SE Hybrid. This model will hold up well in the hybrid sales parade, although with the recent gas prices dipping under $3.00 per gallon, it will be a walking parade, not a stampede.

2015 Lexus RX450h Hybrid Crossover

On November 2, 2014November 14, 2014 By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, LexusLeave a comment

Sales of Toyota hybrids surpassed 5 million last year, confirming that the brand and its luxury Lexus division lead the hybrid sector. Fuel economy isn’t the only draw; so is styling. I recently tested a moderately equipped 2015 Lexus RX450h hybrid (see spec sidebar), and this one painted Nebula Gray pearl metallic. An attractive upgrade to my driveway all week, this Lexus dressed up in big chrome strips and “hybrid” lettering. The car seemed somewhat big (large battery and advanced all-wheel drive train), but not ponderous. I averaged 28.5 mpg over a week’s time….

To read the remainder of this article at the AAA site click here.

19 Muscle Cars from ’68

On October 31, 2014November 14, 2014 By stuwright47In |OF INTEREST|1 Comment

1968 found me at Keesler Air Force base in Biloxi, Miss., training in airborne radar and Doppler repair work—work I later performed at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. Along the beachfront in Biloxi, all the girls wanted to ride in another G.I.’s green ’68 GTO convertible, while I spent time alone in my blue Beetle………..

To read the remainder of this article at the AAA site Click Here.

2015 Hyundai Genesis RWD Sedan

On October 22, 2014November 3, 2014 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, HyundaiLeave a comment

The Hyundai Genesis, the company’s full-size entry-luxury offering, has been built since 2008, and is currently in its second-generation configuration. For 2015, the automobile was extensively re-designed and somewhat enlarged, and such a vehicle is what I was presented to test this last week. The unit was painted Pamplona red (maroon) metallic and was fitted with a leather beige interior. STI-Denver was the press firm that delivered it to my home.

During the week, I drove the car extensively, including all around Denver looking at condos with my family. Thus, I got to drive on several of the streets and freeways in Colorado’s biggest city, and was pleased with the handling and highway manners of the Genesis. I found the shifting of the eight-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic to be a pleasure, and acceleration is good – reportedly zero to 60 in about 6 seconds with the 311 horsepower V-6 providing the grunt. Paddle shifters on the Genesis peek out from each side of the steering wheel and work fine with dashboard updates on current gear selection.

The suspension setup is tuned by famed auto-maker Lotus, and the new model reflects the enhanced engineering that has been added. I understand that springs, bushings, motor mounts – even the power steering – were effected by Lotus. Guidance at highway speed is very good, and handling on the grooved-cement surface on Interstate 25 works out great, thanks in part to the 245/45R18 Hankook Ventus S1 Noble mud & snow radials. The tires surround two-toned, fifteen-spoke premium alloy wheels. Road noise seems to be pretty much at a minimum, and a lot of Colorado sunshine can flow in thanks to the panoramic sunroof. A shade can be deployed to keep it darkened in the Hyundai, and sunshades are on hand for all three rear windows – electric in the rear glass.

The Genesis styling for 2015 is something that the firm is proud of, I’m sure. I liked the looks, my friends and relatives did, and the automotive press has been quite impressed, as well. An ample amount of chrome is installed on all sides, and the taillights look at lot like the Lexus GS (I know well – they were both sitting here for a time in my driveway). The manufacturer has styled the Genesis with a large, Fusion-style (Jag?), nickel-finished grill with six big horizontal bars. Stainless steel exhaust finishers are out back and the entire roof and fin on top are blacked-out.

The Genesis contains a lot of technology inside this five-passenger, rear-wheel drive sedan when equipped with the Signature, Tech, and Ultimate packages, as they are marketed by Hyundai. Examples include lane departure warning, imminent collision warning, radar smart cruise control, blind spot monitor to include an icon in the head-up display in the windshield (icons, actually – one for each rear corner), navigation system with 8″ screen, and lane-keep assist. Also inside the Genesis are the usual heated and air conditioned seats, electric tilt/telescope, Lexicon stereo, memory seating, and pushbutton starter. Outside, the trunk opens when the operator stands behind the car (in possession of a key) for three seconds. I liked the seating up front and my passengers in Denver were pleased in all of the other seat locations.

There is no doubt that the Genesis will be a hit in this new configuration. At under $50,000.00, it is a great value for those willing to give up the four rings, tri-star, or the propellor emblem on the hood and trunk of their car. I had a blast driving the Genesis, and can recommend it to prospective shoppers.

WINDOW STICKER – M.S.R.P. $49,950.00, including $4,000.00 for Signature package, $3,500.00 for Tech package, $3,500.00 for Ultimate package, and $950.00 for freight.

2014 Lexus GS450h Hybrid Sedan Review

On October 17, 2014October 18, 2014 By stuwright47In *HYBRIDS/ELECTRICS, LexusLeave a comment

The Lexus GS is a mid-size luxury car sold by Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. Its design was originated by Italdesign Guigiaro over a quarter century ago as a simplified, European-looking offering. The GS is the car that I was loaned to test this last week. The car is called a GS450h, and the “h“ stands for hybrid drive train, made up of a 306 horsepower Atkinson-cycle V-6 and two electric motor/generators. Total horsepower of the gasoline/electric package is 338, and the power is delivered through a continuously variable automatic transmission. Although not officially designated a “sports sedan”, this 4,147 lb. car can go from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Top speed is reportedly a governor-limited 136 mph.

The Lexus GS series of cars has been around since 1993, and is now in its fourth generation configuration for 2014. Lexus, headquartered in Nagoya, Japan, sent as its first automobile to America the big LS series in 1989. The company currently manufactures Japan’s top-selling make of luxury automobiles. The GS models come in a V-6 sports sedan, a high-performance F Sport sedan, and the hybrid (h) model that I tested.

Highway manners of the GS450h are excellent, with an assist from the blind spot monitor to keep the driver out of trouble. Ride on the Dunlop 235/45R18 SP Sport S100 all-season radials (on 18”, eighteen split-spoke alloys) is silent and responsive, and the driver can select from four drive modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport+. In winter the driver can select “snow”, and there is an “EV” (all-electric) selection to made, too. Lots of options, and lots of performance in the Sport+ mode, especially so for a hybrid vehicle. While in Sport+, the car provides more shock damping, tighter steering, and improved throttle response. And all these handling and power characteristics are present in a car that delivered right at 30 mpg for me all week. Official ratings are 29/city and 34/highway (31 combined).

The M.S.R.P. of the GS450h is $59,600.00 (base), and options include a luxury package for $5,695.00, blind spot monitor for $700.00, premium Mark Levinson stereo for $1,380.00, hard-disk navigation setup for $1,735.00, power trunk for $400.00, and intuitive park assist for $500.00. Total list price with $910.00 for freight comes to $70,920.00. That luxury package includes heated and cooled, 18-way power front semi-aniline leather seats, heated bamboo and leather steering wheel, LED headlamps, and rear-door manual sunshades (an electric sunshade is present in the back window). The 330 watt stereo includes 17 speakers with 7.1 surround sound architecture. The screen for the navigation is gigantic, at 12.3”, with split-screen capability, and controlling its applications is done with a mouse on the console.

The GS450h came with Riviera Red paint and the interior was black. The paint seemed to be two feet thick, and the styling excelled, mostly up front. No tailpipe finishers were present at the rear, in somewhat of a curious styling move (hybrid?). But the car is an eye catcher, for sure.

The Lexus GS450h was a treat to test all week, providing this reviewer
with an extra “measure of pleasure’, and the car deserves a good look from the luxury car-buying public.

Stu's Reviews

Year: 2014