(800) 773-3163
Facebook Twitter Gplus YouTube E-mail RSS
 
 
 
 
formats

Lexus Is Launching In-Car Artificial Intelligence with its New G Force System

Published on March 27th, 2013 by in 2014 Lexus Vehicles, Latest, Lexus Models, Lexus News, New Technology
2012 Lexus IS

2012 Lexus IS

How smart is your car? Maybe if you’re lucky it can tell you when it needs maintenance and remember your seat position. At McGrath Lexus of Westmont there’s now a whole new kind of smart car on the lot. Vehicles equipped with the Lexus’ G Force with Artificial Intelligence system are so smart they will continue learning. What they’re learning over time is exactly the way that you drive.

These vehicles remember your style and seek to please, providing mechanical responses that create the performance you’re looking for. For example, Lexus’ Electronically Controlled Transmission with Intelligence, or ECT-I, provides smooth gradual shifts in line with your input on the throttle. In addition to that, it actually learns from how you drive and matches the shift timing to your style.

Now, the Lexus G Force Artificial Intelligence system, which is set to debut on the new 2014 Lexus IS 350 this summer, will bring a whole other level of smarts to make driving better. This system does some pretty remarkable things. For example, when cornering in SPORT mode, the Lexus IS 350 will stay in a single gear to avoid surprise shifts.

“Sporty drivers want to preserve a level of control when cornering,” says Paul Williamsen, national manager of global training for Lexus International. “Anything that upsets the ideal balance, even slightly, such as an unplanned automatic-transmission shift, can disrupt the driver’s cornering line.” On top of holding steady through the corners, the Lexus IS 350 will even start to learn your driving style so it can choose the right gear to hold. This may or may not be the same gear that it would choose for another driver, so you are practically customizing your own driving experience as you go, with the G Force Artificial Intelligence learning and adjusting for your preferences.

The new Lexus IS 350 will arrive at a Chicago area Lexus dealership like McGrath Lexus of Westmont this summer. Visit McGrath Lexus of Westmont to find out more about exciting current and future Lexus technologies at 500 E Ogden St in Westmont, IL. In addition to new Lexus sales, McGrath Lexus of Westmont also proudly carries high-quality pre-owned vehicles, automotive service, and are happy to help with any automotive need.

 
Tags: , ,
comments  No Comments »
formats

The Lexus IS F: an Ending

Published on March 25th, 2013 by in 2013 Lexus Vehicles, Latest, Lexus Models, Lexus News
Blue 2012 Lexus ISF

2012 Lexus IS F

The Lexus IS has earned many fans over the years; the IS F, a performance oriented variant designed to deliver even greater thrills on the road, has been a boon to driving enthusiasts the world over. While the IS is getting a redesign for the 2014 model year, it will be without the F model, as Lexus is discontinuing the variant due to disappointing sales. The only consolation is that the 2013 Lexus IS F will be available through the rest of the year, so you had better get one while you can if you want to experience pure joy on the roadways.

The 2013 IS F delivers the kind of driving experience that few vehicles can offer. It’s a specialized edition of the standard IS, with a bigger engine, and sport seats, as well as different chassis tuning. It’s a few hundred pounds heavier than its standard counterpart, sure, but the extra power is noticeable, and the vehicle’s handling is impressively nimble.

Under the hood, you’ll find a massive 5.0L V8 engine that can pump out a startling 416 hp. You’ll get monstrous speed and acceleration from this engine, and the eight-speed automatic transmission with which it’s paired provides smooth shifting. The brakes are up to the task of keeping all of this in check, too, with 14.2-inch diameter front brakes and 13.6-diameter rear brakes.

Did we mention that it can jump from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds? It also has an electronically limited top speed of 170 mph. Yeah, you’re going to need those big brakes.

And, of course, since it’s a Lexus, you’ll get a fantastic set of features. From the heated leather front sport seats to the 13-speaker sound system to the dual-zone climate control, this is a car that’s been designed with the pleasure, comfort, and excitement of drivers in mind.

We’re proud to be able to offer this fantastic car at McGrath Lexus of Westmont, but we’re sorry to see it go at the end of this year. We’re confident that you’ll be impressed with this vehicle. Visit us today to take a test drive of this car before it’s gone.

 
Tags: , ,
comments  No Comments »
formats

The 2014 Lexus IS and the Relentless Pursuit of Fun

Published on March 22nd, 2013 by in 2014 Lexus Vehicles, Latest, Lexus Models

Lexus LogoDrivers looking for a little something different will do well to consider the 2014 Lexus IS models. These should show up at local Chicago area Lexus dealers this summer. In addition to the incredibly precise engineering, the advanced technology, and the luxurious interior that you would expect in a Lexus vehicle, you’ll also find another hard-to-quantify feature: fun.

That’s right; when Lexus designer Junichi Furuyama went to work three years ago to design the next generation of the Lexus IS, he had fun as one of the top priorities. What does that mean from an engineering standpoint? What does that mean to you as the driver? That’s exactly what Furuyama and his development team had to find out before they could make a car that’s fun to drive.

Engineering Fun

 

The Lexus design team started at the basics: they drove a lot of different cars. They decided which ones were fun to drive and which were not. On the surface that seems obvious, right? A minivan is probably not a lot of fun to drive while a sports car is, and that’s probably obvious to anyone who has driven more than a few cars. But the Lexus team went deeper; they analyzed different driver-car interactions like steering and brake feel and speed sensations. Then they broke down other data like each vehicle’s body roll, yaw rate, and more.

Then, when testing the car that would become the new IS, Lexus test-drivers were pushed outside of their comfort zones. Lexus would take the cars and drivers to public roads and test-tracks that they were not familiar with, in order to better simulate real world experience where you don’t always know all the curves in the road. Ultimately Lexus wanted to design a car that would respond well and be fun to drive in real world conditions.

Using all of this data Furuyama created the new 2014 Lexus IS, which comes with a sound optimized exhaust that has a throaty growl. It includes a muscular 306 hp 3.5L V6, stiffened suspension, and the automatic transmission with paddle shifters that make quick smooth up-shifts and rev-matched downshifts. Add a Drive Mode Select so the driver can choose to carve corners in the Sport+ mode, handle snow, and save fuel in the Eco mode; you’ve got nearly a perfect recipe for a car that’s fun to drive.

 

Contact McGrath Lexus of Westmont to find out more about the forthcoming 2014 Lexus IS. McGrath Lexus of Westmont serves Chicagoland drivers from their location at 500 E Ogden Ave in Westmont, IL.

 
Tags: , ,
comments  1 Comment »
formats

The McGrath Lexus of Westmont Savings Card

Published on March 20th, 2013 by in Car Service, Latest

Smiling MechanicChicago area drivers take note! To make service at McGrath Lexus of Westmont an even better deal, all you have to do is sign-up for the McGrath Lexus of Westmont Savings Card. It will provide for unique member benefits that will make getting service, parts, and accessories easier than ever. Here are some of the perks of the McGrath Lexus of Westmont Savings Card.

  • Get 10% off all service! That includes any repair or maintenance performed on your vehicle.
  • Get 10% off all parts! That includes anything that the technicians replace during repair or maintenance and any parts you buy to take home to install yourself.
  • Get 10% off all accessories. If you’ve been wishing for some personalization or customization to make your vehicle work harder for you and make your life easier, check out the huge selection of genuine Lexus aftermarket accessories that McGrath Lexus of Westmont carries.
  • 12 free car washes. This should save you over $250 with your McGrath Lexus of Westmont Savings Card.
  • Each time you need to come in and take care of your regular oil change, oil filter change, tire rotation, and multi-point inspection, it will only cost $59.95.
McGrath Service

McGrath Lexus Service Center

Your McGrath Lexus of Westmont Savings Card is good for a total savings of $500. The best part? It’s free! Take advantage of $500 of savings on all your service and maintenance today. All you have to do is provide some basic information. You can use the card as often as you want until the $500 worth of savings is collected or it expires.

McGrath Lexus of Westmont is a premier Lexus dealer providing high-quality Lexus service in the Chicago area. While McGrath Lexus of Westmont’s specialty is Lexus vehicles, which we know inside and out, the knowledgeable technicians are also happy to provide auto service to any make and model, and your McGrath Lexus of Westmont Savings Card is good for savings by your whole family and on any vehicle that belongs to your household. You can depend on McGrath Lexus of Westmont for all your automotive needs. Visit McGrath Lexus of Westmont at 500 E Ogden Ave in Westmont today.

 
Tags: , ,
comments  No Comments »
formats

The Coming Lexus Global Advertising Campaign

Published on March 16th, 2013 by in Latest, Lexus News
2013 Lexus LS

Spindle Grille

Many drivers throughout the Chicagoland area are well aware that Lexus is one of the world’s premier luxury automakers, making vehicles that are as comfortable and stylish as they are capable. Believe it or not, though, there are some drivers who still don’t realize everything that Lexus vehicles have to offer. Thankfully, the automaker looks to address this by launching its first-ever global advertising campaign in May.

Granted, the exact form that the campaign will take hasn’t yet been determined—it’s not even known whether it will use a single tag line or multiple tag lines—but we do know that there will be creative and visual consistency. Brian Smith, the vice president of U.S. Marketing for Lexus, said, “It won’t be the same phrase everywhere, but there will be a consistent message.” The aim of the campaign will be toward drivers who haven’t considered Lexus vehicles before—and with Lexus vehicles being sold in over 80 markets worldwide, the message could take many forms.

What we do know is that, while the advertising will, of course, feature Lexus vehicles, they will not necessarily dominate the imagery. “It will be visual and impactful,” Smith said. It’s possible even that the overseas ad spots may not even feature a voiceover, and may instead rely on music, imagery, and text.

It should be interesting to see where the new ad campaign goes, especially given the automaker’s success with the “Pursuit of Perfection” tagline used in the United States.

This advertising push comes at a good time for Lexus, as their vehicles are currently in the midst of a styling overhaul. Spindle grilles are one of the hallmarks of the new styling, which is designed to both attract younger drivers and energize the brand.

Lexus vehicles have been selling in numbers commensurate with their stellar reputation, too. The automaker’s global sales jumped by 18% last year—up to 476,566 units.

This is an exciting time to buy a Lexus, and if you’re interested in taking one out for a test drive, then come to McGrath Lexus of Westmont. We’re proud to offer the automaker’s full lineup of new vehicles, and we’re confident that you’ll be impressed.

 

 
Tags: , ,
comments  No Comments »
formats

More Accolades for Lexus Vehicles

Published on March 14th, 2013 by in 2013 Lexus Vehicles, Accomplishments, Latest, Lexus News
2013 Lexus RX 350

2013 Lexus RX 350

As many drivers throughout Chicagoland and beyond are well aware, Lexus vehicles have earned a great deal of recognition, and that’s something that clearly isn’t going to stop anytime soon. 2013 Lexus vehicles, for instance, have already accumulated some impressive awards.

Don’t think that your wallet will hurt too badly over time just because Lexus vehicles compete in the luxury segment. Lexus recently topped the Luxury Brand category of Kelley Blue Book‘s “5-Year Cost to Own” awards. A few of the criteria taken into account for this honor include expected depreciation of value and expected out-of-pocket expenses. In fact, when compared to all other luxury brands that are sold in the United States, Lexus vehicles boasted the lowest estimated 5-year cost.

U.S. News & World Report gives out “Best Cars for the Money” awards, and for 2013, two Lexus vehicles headlined their segments. For the fifth consecutive year, the RX 350 was at the top of the Luxury 2-Row Midsize SUV segment, while the RC 450h, also for the second consecutive year, was selected as the Best Hybrid SUV for the Money. The winners are chosen by way of the publication’s own quality data, as well as input from industry experts and five-year cost-of-ownership data compared to the prices of new cars.

2013 Lexus ES

2013 Lexus ES

Finally, in the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, Lexus took top honors; this is the second consecutive year and fourteenth total year that the automaker has earned the distinction. The RX in particular stood out, with its drivers reporting fewer issues with it than with any other vehicle out there, a first for any SUV or crossover. The Lexus ES 350 Sedan distinguished itself as the most dependable vehicle in the Entry Premium Car category.

It goes without saying that, when you buy a Lexus, you’ll be getting a superb vehicle. If you’d like to check out the current Lexus lineup and take a test drive, then you should make your way to McGrath Lexus of Westmont. We’re delighted to serve all of Chicagoland with the latest Lexus vehicles and pre-owned vehicles from a variety of automakers, as well as maintenance and repair services.

 

 
Tags: , ,
comments  No Comments »
formats

A Look at the Lexus Enform

Published on March 4th, 2013 by in Latest, Lexus Accessories, New Technology

2013 Lexus GS InteriorLexus has established itself as an automaker that’s committed to pursuing the latest technology in the pursuit of on-road excellence, and drivers thus expect much from the high-tech features in Lexus vehicles. Enter the Lexus Enform infotainment system, which puts an impressive level of functionality right at your fingertips.

On select 2013 Lexus models, you can access some of your favorite smartphone apps in your vehicle via the Enform App Suite. Some of the apps you’ll be able to use through Enform include:

  • Bing. Search through more than 16 million points of interest — which are updated regularly — or get directions.
  • MovieTickets.com. Enjoy the convenience of finding movies, start times, and buying tickets from the comfort of your vehicle.
  • OpenTable.com. Need restaurant reservations? You can search for certain types of food and price ranges, and even see real-time table availability. You can also check reviews and make reservations.
  • Yelp let’s you check public opinion on a variety of places — and get directions to them through your navigation system.
  • Pandora lets you enjoy internet radio in your vehicle.
  • Similarly, iHeartRadio gives you access to 800 AM and FM radio stations nationwide.

Some of these apps can be controlled via the system’s voice recognition system. And there is, of course, an app for your smartphone that lets you plan all of these things in advance.

You’ll also have the benefit of Destination Services. eDestination, for instance, lets you plan your trip through either Lexusdrivers.com or the Enform smartphone app, where you can search, organize, and name as many as 200 destinations and have them sent to your vehicle’s navigation system. Additionally, there’s Destination Assist, which gives allows you to contact a live response center agent to help you find your way — this is a 24-hour service.

Finally, Safety Connect is a boon for all kinds of drivers. Enhanced Roadside Assistance uses GPS technology and an Emergency Assistance Button to make it easier for you to be found by someone who can help. In a similar vein, Automatic Collision Notification connects you to a response center agent in the event that your airbags are employed; the agent will notify emergency services if necessary, or if they fail to speak with you. Finally, Stolen Vehicle Location uses GPS technology to help lead the authorities to your Lexus in the event of a theft.

It’s clear that The Enform system is at the forefront of automotive infotainment technology. To learn more, visit McGrath Lexus of Westmont.

 

 
Tags: , ,
comments  No Comments »
formats

The Top Five Most Amazing Features Lexus Has Offered

Published on December 27th, 2012 by in 2013 Lexus Vehicles, Latest, New Technology, Safety

Lexus has a reputation for bringing amazing features to market in their luxurious vehicles. At McGrath Lexus we are constantly amazed at what the vehicles in our Lexus showroom can do. Here is a list of some of the coolest and most impressive features that Lexus has made available to car buyers:

  1. The Advanced Pre-Collision System is maybe one of the newest and most impressive features Lexus has offered. Currently available on the 2013 LS sedan, this system can completely stop the car by itself if a collision is imminent from speeds up to 24 mph.
  2. Lexus might be the only carmaker to ever offer a shiatsu massage reclining chair with a foot rest. Why go to the spa when you can have someone drive you around for a while?
  3. Did you know that some Lexus vehicles can see around corners? It might sound like science fiction, but it’s true. The wide view front and side monitor is now available in the 2013 Lexus LX570 and uses a wide angle camera mounted in the front grille in order to get a picture of what is around a low visibility corner.
  4. Like Wolverine, Lexus decided to make its paint stronger by making it more flexible. Lexus engineered paint for the LS sedan that can actually spring back after a light ding or nick and effectively repair itself.
  5. Carmakers have been struggling to integrate technology into vehicles lately, but Lexus decided to take the route that was staring everyone in the face: the humble mouse. Like you would use at your home desktop computer, the Remote Touch feature allows drivers to use a familiar and intuitive mouse like control to access all the features of the climate, navigation, and audio systems.

Visit McGrath Lexus Today to Learn More

At McGrath Lexus we love to show off all the bells and whistles of each model that are specifically engineered to make your driving experience better, more comfortable, and more convenient. Come visit our dealership today to test-drive the latest Lexus vehicles now.

 
Tags: , ,
comments  No Comments »
formats

Good Reads for a Road Trip

Published on December 25th, 2012 by in Entertainment, Latest

For those fortunate enough to be able to read while riding in a car, a long road trip is a great time to catch up on some reading. Classic soft or hard bound books aren’t the only options available now.  With the technological advancements in E-readers, E-books are just as easy on the eyes as their classic paperback relatives. Many digital library-like programs make renting books electronically an affordable and simple option. There are also thousands of titles avaialable for free with most of them from classic literature.

Here are some personal suggestions for finding the right book to take on a road trip:

  • Try to find something that fits with where you’re travelling. Matching the theme of your book with your destination can be fun. For example, if your headed to the southwest, try a classic western like Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurty, or if you’re headed to New England, David McCullough’s engaging historical account, 1776.
  • Instead of a long book, try a collection of short stories or essays. Sitting and reading the same story for several hours on end can be challenging in the car. Try picking up a book of shorter stories. These will help to break up your time and keep your reading fresh.
  • Look for something you can read a loud. Your driver might want some entertainment, too.

Here are a three of my road trip favorites. Each has a great way of keeping me engaged and I love each for their own unique reasons.

  • The Sherlock Holmes Stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The classic stories of Holmes and Watson are surprisingly accessbile and engaging. New readers of Holmes may be surprised to learn that the famous detective is more of a charismatic jerk and narcissist than the refined gentleman modern culture makes him out to be.
  • Salt by Mark Kurlansky. This strangely focused, yet enthralling historical account tells the story of how the mineral salt shaped the ancient and pre-modern world. If you like this, you might like his other similar book, titled Cod.
  • Calvin and Hobbes. Classic Calvin and Hobbes comic strips still entertain me on car rides, not only for nostalgic reasons but with artist, Bill Watterson’s sharp wit and masterful grasp of the comic medium.
 
Tags: , ,
comments  No Comments »
formats

When it Comes to Winter Driving, Dad Knows Best

Published on December 24th, 2012 by in Latest, Safety, Winter Driving

My Dad has always been one of those people who nervously tunes in to weather reports while following the greenish-red haze on the doppler radar with much trepidation. When it comes to his personal weather forecasts, our family is his primary sounding board, willing or unwilling. Since I live the farthest away and have the most driving to do for Christmas, I feel like the targeted group for his frequent weather updates.

While preparing to leave for Milwuakee last week, I got a phone call from him. He cut right to the business, “There’s a storm coming Thursday night.”

“Oh,” I replied, my tone somewhere between inquistive and uninterested.

“Be careful,” he said, “It’s supposed to be big.” I reassured him that I wasn’t leaving until Friday afternoon and that there wasn’t any indication of any storm activity of where I was staying. That was about the extent of our conversation.

Despite having little to say, over the years Dad has maintained a few tried and true rules for driving in the winter. Each has saved my life at least once.

  • You can’t drive the same in winter as you can during the summer. Take things slow, be patient with your car as well as with other drivers.
  • Always have an emergency kit with you in the car if you experience a breakdown or stop to help somebody. This should include at least one flashlight, jumper cables, a pair of warm boots and socks, and plenty of blankets.
  • Watch out for bridges in cold weather. Ice patches will always form on bridges first and might not always be visible.

 

Though most of our conversations about severe weather go much like that, trading his tones of subtle urgency with my seeming apathy, I am thankful for my dad’s close attention to how weather will affect driving. His hour long trek to work everyday takes him along plenty of rural country roads, roads that turn into battlegrounds when the snow starts to fall. Needless to say, he’s seen it all. I’ve come to see him as a sort of winter-driving Rambo, a grizzled veteran of the snowy highway. From Dad’s own mouth: you take winter seriously.

Driving home for Christmas went off without a hitch. Thanks, Dad.

 
Tags: , ,
comments  No Comments »
« Older Entries
 
©
credit