Apple executive and Ferrari fanatic Eddy Cue joins board of Italian luxury-car maker

Apple executive and Ferrari fanatic Eddy Cue has joined the luxury-car company's board of directors, leaving some wondering if Apple might be up to something.

Apple’s senior vice president for Internet software and services Eddy Cue has joined the board of premium sports car maker Ferrari, it was announced on Wednesday (via Apple Insider). The Apple executive said he was both “pleased and proud” to have been offered the new position.

“I have personally dreamed of owning a Ferrari since I was eight years old and have been lucky to be an owner for the past five years,” the Apple executive said in a statement on the Ferrari website, adding, “I continue to be awed by the world-class design and engineering that only Ferrari can do.”

Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo said he was “delighted” to welcome Cue to the car company. “His huge experience in the dynamic, innovative world of the Internet will be of great assistance to us,” he said, refraining from offering any specific details as to what they might have planned – if anything.

At Apple, Cue is responsible for iTunes, the App Store and the Cupertino company’s iCloud service, though a recent management shake-up at the tech giant saw him also take charge of Siri and Maps.

In its report, Apple Insider pointed out that earlier this year Apple appeared to be on the hunt for automotive engineers in China, possibly indicating it was looking closely at car technology with a view to getting involved in the industry in some way.

But whether Cue’s acceptance of an invitation to join the Ferrari board is a sign that Apple is perhaps looking at moving into the automobile space with a new line of integrated gadgets and/or software, or whether it’s simply one man taking his long-held love of the flashy Italian car to the extreme isn’t entirely clear at this stage, though in the fullness of time all will doubtless be revealed.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Steve Jobs’ yacht unveiled in front of family, named ‘Venus’

Several years before his death in 2011, Steve Jobs began working with Phillippe Starck on the design of a luxury yacht. On Sunday, it was unveiled at a special ceremony in the Netherlands.

The yacht that Apple co-founder Steve Jobs helped to design has been unveiled in the Netherlands just over a year after his death.

The building of the yacht was something of a pet project for Jobs and had been in the works for over five years.

Designed with the help of the acclaimed French product designer Philippe Starck and built by Dutch custom yacht builder Feadship, the 80-meter-long vessel is made with lightweight aluminum and features 3-meter-high clear glass windows as well as a large number of 27-inch iMacs on the deck. Sounds like a floating Apple store, some might say. Indeed, according to Walter Isaacson’s biography of Jobs published shortly after his death in October 2011, the former Apple CEO called on the skills of the chief engineer responsible for the Apple stores, asking him to design special glass that would be able to provide structural support for the vessel.

Named Venus after the Roman goddess of love, the unusual looking boat – whose design will certainly not be to everyone’s taste – was reportedly unveiled at a special ceremony in Aalsmeer in the Netherlands on Sunday. Jobs’ widow Laurene and children Reed, Erin and Eve were at the launch.

Speaking to the BBC about the vessel, Starck said, “Steve and I shared the same idea about the elegance of the minimal, the elegance of work well done,” while  at the same time admitting that it does “look strange for a boat.”

In Isaacson’s biography, the Apple co-founder said that despite being seriously ill with pancreatic cancer, he couldn’t suddenly stop working on the design of the boat.

“I know that it’s possible I will die and leave Laurene with a half-built boat,” he told Isaacson, “But I have to keep going on it. If I don’t, it’s an admission that I’m about to die.”

It’s not clear when Venus will make its maiden voyage, or indeed what plans the Jobs family has for the vessel, though we guess at some point it’ll be transported to a location close to their California home.

[Top image and video: onemorething.nl]

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Mercedes-Benz collaborates with British yacht builder on luxury boat

Mercedes did the exterior styling and interior design on the 46-foot luxury yacht, dubbed "Silver Arrow of the seas."

Mercedes-Benz likes to remind people that it built the world’s first practical internal combustion-engined car, but now the company is branching out into other areas of transportation. The bearers of the three-pointed star recently teamed up with Britain’s Silver Arrows Marine to design a luxury yacht.

The yacht, nicknamed “Silver Arrow of the seas” in reference to Mercedes’ classic racing cars, measures 46 feet long and features exterior styling and interior design from the people who brought you the SLS AMG and SL-Class.

While the boat does not have any hood vents, turn signals, or gullwing doors, some automotive design elements can be glimpsed. The shape of the cockpit definitely echoes the curved greenhouse of a CL 550 or E-Class Coupe.

Mercedes also had major input on the yacht’s interior, which has enough space for overnight cruises. The interior can be reconfigured to serve as a lounge during the day and a cabin at night. The glass roof should provide spectacular views, or help passengers get an indoor suntan.

Don’t expect one of AMG’s turbocharged V8s in the engine room; Silver Arrows Marine handled all of the technical aspects of this project; Mercedes involvement was limited to aesthetics.

Like most Mercedes cars, this yacht’s sportiness is tempered with luxury. Mercedes describes it as an oceangoing Granturismo vehicle, not a speed boat.

The “Silver Arrow of the seas” sets sail in 2013, for a price that will probably surpass a small country’s GDP.

Interestingly, this is not the first time that Mercedes has lent its name to a boat. Cigarette owner Skip Braver used his connections in Stuttgart to create an “Inspired by AMG” 46-footer, based on Cigarette’s Rider XP.

The Mercedes-AMG-Cigarette was modeled on the SLS AMG and sported two 9.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8s from Mercury Racing, producing a total of 2,700 horsepower. However, the open-cockpit Cigarette did not have gullwing doors.

Cigarette and Mercedes renewed their collaboration earlier this year with a 50-foot boat inspired by the C63 AMG Black Series. That vessel was based on Cigarette’s Marauder and featured the same pair of Mercury V8s with the same, 2,700 hp output.

Dabbling in watercraft is part of an overall scheme by Mercedes’ parent, Daimler, to create an “all-encompassing mobility,” with vehicles of every sort designed by Mercedes’ stylists.

Despite having an abundant lineup of cars to work on, those stylists have found the time to work on other projects, including the Eurocopter EC 145 helicopter and a line of designer furniture.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Move over iPhone 5, reservation holder places Tesla Model S on eBay hoping for a huge profit

A Tesla Model S recently showed up on eBay with a seller looking to turn a quick buck on the electrifying luxury sedan.

The iPhone 5 isn’t the only new high-tech toy to pop up on eBay for exorbitant prices, as one industrious individual has taken to the online auction site in order to sell their soon-to-be-delivered all-electric luxury sedan.

The seller, a reservation holder based in Portland, Maine, placed his Tesla Model S Signature Series on eBay for a staggering $145,000 with an entry bid requirement of $138,500. The vehicle is scheduled to arrive on October 14.

So did anyone actually place a bid? Nope. And we can’t say we’re all that surprised. While a few enterprising folks are likely to sell the iPhone 5 for some ridiculous, inflated price, this seller’s Tesla didn’t fare so well, garnering zero bids.

As a quick recap, the near top-of-the-line Model S  ordered directly from Tesla starts at about $95,400 (excluding a $7,500 federal tax credit). In addition to being your neighborhood’s electric car cock of the walk, that $100,000 will nab you a Model S Signature Series with an 85 kWh battery, zero to 60 mpg in 5.6 seconds, and an estimated range of 300 miles. You’ll also get the second most powerful version (the Model S Signature Performance takes that crown with 362 horsepower, 32 pound feet of torque, and a top speed of 125 mph).

“This may be the only chance in the next few years to acquire one of these amazing, limited edition, game changing vehicles,” the seller wrote on his auction post. But rather than turn to eBay, simply placing a $5,000 deposit will reserve you a spot in line for a Model S. Of course that will require a degree of patience as there is currently a 6-12 month waiting list.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

2012 Acura TSX Special Edition review

With so many cars making up the entry-level luxury scene it’s hard to know which one is right for you. Thankfully, our review of the 2012 Acura TSX is here to find out if affordable luxury actually exists.

Cars can mean many different things to people. They can serve as a source of freedom, an extension of your personality, or — as is often the case with luxury nameplates – signify your “status” in this crazy mixed up world. But whatever a car may mean to you, ultimately we all want the same thing: to buy the best one possible for the money we’re spending.

Enter Acura. The Japanese luxury automaker is looking to draw in first-time luxury shoppers with its entry-level offerings, and it begins with the 2012 TSX. And while the Acura nameplate may carry the distinction of being the first luxury Japanese automotive brand, it has seen its popularity wax and wane throughout the years, with fellow Japanese brands like Infiniti and Lexus enjoying more influence in the luxury sphere. That being said, the image of Acura as a serious luxury brand is slowly starting to revive and evolve once again, and what better way to draw consumers in than with an eye-catching, entry-level luxury sedan?

With luxury rivals from Europe and Japan vying for dominance, how does the 2012 Acura TSX stack up? Let’s find out.

Less sharp design, but in a good way

There is something about the recent Acura design language that has truly failed to resonate with us. We’re not exactly sure what it is — well that’s not true. In fact, many of the recent Acura designs refuse to utilize a look that is even remotely curvaceous, preferring the harsh lines and rakish angles found in a geometry diagram. Which is why we were pleasantly surprised at the 2012 TSX’s lessened triangular tone.

Don’t get us wrong: there are more angles to work here than a politician at a town hall meeting, but the 2012 TSX is much more bearable, dare we say likeable, than other designs past, current, and we’re guessing future.

A beginner’s guide to luxury

When it comes to the interior of the 2012 TSX, there isn’t much to complain about. From a design perspective Acura have done an excellent job putting together a cabin that encompasses varying degrees of comfort, luxury, and space. While it might not espouse the same feelings of luxury you would find from a comparable Lexus, Audi, or BMW, the Acura TSX features a smartly designed cabin with a great deal of amenities one would expect. Honda, and by extension Acura, have garnered a reputation based on build quality for years now and the 2012 TSX happily carries on that tradition. The material quality in the TSX looks and feels great; rich leathers and firm plastics never drag the interior’s luxurious atmosphere down.

And while there’s no doubt the 2012 TSX earns a lot of style points, we do have to call out Acura is with its execution. Both the three-spoke steering wheel and center console are filled with an excessive amount of buttons, more so the center console. It’s not necessarily a deal breaker, and after out week-long loan we had gotten accustomed to it, but the buttons for controlling the Bluetooth calling features and for selecting the different audio sources are either too thinly positioned or at an awkward angle that simply make placing a call more of chore than it needs to be. We also found the shifter in our review model to be on the dainty side, which isn’t a huge deal but again takes some getting used to. Standard interior features in the 2012 Acura TSX include leather upholstery, eight-way power driver seat with memory, four-way power passenger seat, heated front seats, a tilt and telescoping steering column, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 60/40-split-folding rear seat, to name a few. Our TSX Special Edition included little touches like aluminum pedals and red interior stitching that helps lend a greater degree of sportiness and personality to an already excellent cabin.

Tech troubles

Despite the fact that the 2012 TSX is Acura’s entry-level model, we should be willing to cut it a little slack when it comes to its in-car tech. But with an MSRP of $32,310 we’re simply not. Standard features include a USB audio input for connecting and charging your smartphone, an AUX output for MP3 playback, Bluetooth audio and HandsFreeLink for wireless calling, as well as Acura’s seven-speaker premium sound system and XM Satellite radio with three month’s free subscription. An option tech package adds a rearview camera, hard drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic and weather forecasting, in addition to an upgraded 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround sound system.

Sadly our review unit excluded the tech package, and what the TSX is packing isn’t remarkable in any way. In fact, if we are going to be honest –and we are — while the 2012 TSX sports a decent amount of standard tech features, we were left pretty disappointed by them. Pairing your smartphone with HandsFreeLink’s voice feature is dreadfully slow, and only after six voice tutorials were we able to figure out how to actually pair our phone. When we did finally get our phone paired, making calls was easy, but again the voice recognition software suffered under our non-regional diction (really!?).

Once paired streaming music via various apps like Pandora and Spotify is easy, but Acura’s interface is rather limited in the standard TSX model, with no cover art or detailed title information given in the digital display above the instrument panel.

Adequate power, disappointing fuel economy

The 2012 Acura TSX is available in two different engine choices: A 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 201 horsepower 201 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque when mated to a six-speed manual (as opposed to 170 with a five-speed automatic transmission), and a 3.5-liter V6 capable of spitting out 280 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque.

Our review unit consisted of the former and offered up a respectable amount of power when pressed out of the gate. Truth be told though, the 2012 Acura TSX offers up nowhere near as thrilling a ride as you’d expect from some of its European counterparts, namely the BMW 3-Series or Audi A4. Instead, the 2012 TSX prefers to operate in a more subdued and calculated manner. It’s not going to excite you like a German sport sedan, and it’s not the most engaging luxury sedan, but it won’t make you regret your decision for choosing Japanese poise over German power… too much. Still, those yearning for more gas-guzzling gravitas will want to opt for the V6.

Unfortunately, where the Acura fails to meet our expectations comes by way of its fuel economy. For the size of the TSX’s engine the EPA-awarded fuel economy is disappointingly low at 21 mpg in city, 29 on the highway, and 24 combined. Factor that this is with premium gasoline and a six-speed manual and the 2012 TSX ultimately drops the ball. For comparison, a 2012 Audi A4 with quattro all-wheel-drive and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder with six-speed manual transmission is capable of pumping out 211 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque, and returning an EPA estimated 21/31/25.

A true street sweeper

While power, or lack thereof, might restrict the 2012 TSX on the track, out on the road it’s a different story. For all its faults the TSX exhibits excellent road manners and cornering, maintaining excellent grip on the road when tasked with keeping ready and rigid. Entering corners at higher than recommended speeds doesn’t pose too much of a problem and the TSX manages to get the most out of its double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear. Enthusiasts will argue that it lacks a certain dynamism other entry-level luxury sedan’s possess, but for the vast majority the TSX provides plenty of pavement pounding pizazz.

Finish Line

When it comes down to it, the 2012 Acura TSX is a four-star vehicle living in a five-star world. Overall it’s a very solid choice for people wanting to enter the luxury sphere, but not exactly enamored or impressed with the power and prestige on offer from some of the more established brands like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. At the same time, the 2012 TSX exhibits a calm, distinguished ride character all of its own, and possesses one of the most buttery smooth and forgiving clutches we have ever dealt with – period.

Ultimately it comes down to what you value most. If you value your tech and smart features, and want them done right, the TSX has trouble delivering. While we certainly appreciate the amount of standard features packed in, the exclusion of navigation, the convoluted button layout, and the glitchy Bluetooth streaming system remind us that Acura still has a ways to go before it can truly be mentioned in the same breath as Lexus, Infiniti, and the like. However, if an upscale Honda, with improved driving dynamics, more comfort, and increased social recognition is what you’re after then we see no reason why you shouldn’t seriously consider the 2012 Acura TSX.

Highs

• Impressive list of standard tech features
• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Top-shelf build and material quality

Lows

• Poor tech execution
• Some questionable design choices
• Slightly anemic powertrain
• Fuel economy is less than stellar

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Luggage lawsuit blocks Avengers box set release

A luxury luggage company is suing Marvel Studios over its upcoming Avengers Blu-ray collection that comes packaged inside a knock-off briefcase.

We’ve known for quite a while that Marvel Studios, had planned to release The Avengers on Blu-ray later this month. Specifically, September 25, for those of you saving every penny in anticipation of finally being able to fire up the blockbuster film on whatever conglomeration of technologies you refer to as your “home theater.”

Alongside the relatively standard two- and four-disc Blu-ray releases, the company had also planned to release a special, limited edition 10-disc collection (see above) that includes The Avengers, all of the extra content found in the aforementioned two- and four-disc releases, as well as all of the Marvel superhero movies released prior to The Avengers that help set up that film’s background story. This means that prospective buyers would own Captain America, both Iron Man films, Thor and 2008′s The Incredible Hulk (which is not to be confused with Ang Lee’s 2003 cinematic exploration of Marvel’s giant green rage monster). That’s quite an impressive set, even at its proposed $220 price point, but thanks to a new lawsuit it seems that Marvel Studios may have to go back to the drawing board on this collection.

Rimowa GmbH, a German luggage firm, claims that Marvel’s use of a faux briefcase in the 10-disc collection directly damages one of the firm’s key trademarks. The Marvel briefcase, Rimowa believes, is based wholly on the design of its “Topas Attache” briefcase, a sharp-looking aluminum number that suggests both excellent, subtle taste and the idea that its holder is someone of great importance. It also features a $750 price tag, so as long as you’re among the set that prizes conspicuous consumption above all things the case also suggests that you’ve got tons of cash — a crucial feature when one is shopping for the adult world’s answer to the Trapper Keeper.

Those of you who clicked through that last link may recognize the Topas as the briefcase used by Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury character throughout the past decade of Marvel Studios films. Rimowa has no problem with the Topas being used in the films, and even provided each movie with a set of cases to use. The problem, according to the German firm, is that Marvel Studios never received permission to recreate the suitcase for its big 10-disc collection. The idea was that the whole bundle would come packed inside a case that looks identical to the one Fury uses in the collection’s films, though obviously Marvel didn’t see the wisdom in massively jacking up the price of its collection purely so it could include a genuine Topas therein. Rimowa, in turn, believes that by creating an aesthetic replica of the Topas, Marvel Studios has directly violated the company’s trademark on the design.

Rimowa’s lawsuit alleges “trademark infringement, trademark dilution and unfair competition,” and, according to The Hollywood Reporter, seeks “all profits from allegedly unlawful conduct and an award of three times plaintiff’s actual damages to be proved.” Given how massively successful Marvel’s superhero films have been, particularly The Avengers, the actual figure Rimowa is hoping to be granted could be quite large.

As much as we usually despise the overly litigious nature of modern America, one can’t help but notice that the Topas Attache does look very, very similar to the knock-off case in Marvel’s collection. Anyone with eyes can see that. However, the design is exceedingly simple, and we could certainly see a judge going along with the idea that Rimowa can’t really have a trademark on what is effectively a matte aluminum hexahedron. On the other hand, we could just as easily imagine a judge slapping down Marvel’s design and forcing the company to pay whatever figure Rimowa eventually comes up with. We’ll keep you updated as new information is available.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

2013 Lexus GS 350 review

It’s been a while since Lexus turned many heads. But the new design language from the luxury Japanese automaker is nothing short of spectacular and has allowed the sleepy “L” to leap back into the same league as the  many breath-taking designs coming out Germany.

Of course, dominating any market is never an easy endeavor, yet Lexus managed to do so for years. What’s more, they did it with seeming effortlessness that one can only imagine irritated its clear-cut rivals. But like its parent company, Toyota, Lexus has suffered as of late. In 2011, we saw the brand suffer and slip down the pecking order, with many of the German luxury brands, such as BMW and Audi, compelling customers to jump ship.

After having taken a break in the U.S. market for the 2012 model year, the Lexus GS 350 is back for 2013. Has the Japanese luxury marquee finally decided to show up to the dance and appeal to the more visceral sensibilities of its customers — or will it continue to play it safe and forgo what has driven customers to its rivals?

Building bold and stylish momentum

People don’t often like to admit it, but looks matter — especially with an automobile. Even if they can go fast, handle like a dream, and sport some insane sound system that reverberates throughout every inch of your body, that “dream car” needs to be easy on the eyes, or nobody is going to think twice when something prettier comes along. We’re superficial creatures in a lot of ways – and that’s OK.

For the 2013 GS 350, it seems like Lexus is finally hip to this harsh truth; the GS 350 is a beautiful creature, one that immediately grabs your attention and refuses to let go. A lot of that credit has to go toward what Lexus is calling its new spindle grille.

Like BMW’s iconic double kidney, Audi’s interlocking rings, and Mercedes three-pointed star, the new up-front design element Lexus has added instills a flair and character we assumed was long forgotten at the company — though we have seen glimpses of life over at Lexus recently, in the form of the LFA supercar and IS sport sedan.

For the better part of a decade, however, Lexus has been operating on cruise control. Lexus has always built quality, reliable cars. But for the price, people want more than just that. They want fun. They want passion. And they want something that’s going to turn heads. Honestly, when was the last time you were truly impressed by how great a Lexus looks…that far back, huh? Yeah, that’s what we thought. Thankfully, the invigorated style of the GS has breathed new life into a brand that seemed content to wallow in exceptional mediocrity.

In addition to its mean mug, the GS 350 features a host of styling refinements that we truly appreciate. Our undying love for smartly lined LED lights has not gone unanswered, with the GS 350 featuring an integrated strip just below the headlamps. The dimensions up front have been widened by a couple of inches, which helps give the car a more aggressive look head-on, while to the side and rear designs offer more subdued styling. Some might argue that the design isn’t bold enough, but we disagree. Come off too harsh and Lexus would miss its mark. And, like it or not, that spindle-grille has been described by the company as “the new face of Lexus,” so expect to see it on many more upcoming models.

In the end, the exterior design of the 2013 GS 350 manages to be a lot of things: aggressive, elegant, athletic, and subdued. There really is something here to satiate a wide array of tastes. But more than anything else, it’s fun and fierce — and those are two adjectives we haven’t used to describe a Lexus in way too long.

The momentum continues…

We’ve grown accustomed to compromise while reviewing cars. As with most things, there are aspects we enjoy and others we don’t. This is typically dealt with a modicum of civility on our part because, after all, nobody is perfect. This unfortunate reality is often most prevalent when examining the exterior and interior of a vehicle. Thankfully, this isn’t an issue in the 2013 Lexus GS 350.

The styling momentum carries over from the exterior into the cabin of the GS 350. Lexus has long been known for its quality cabins. And while traditional styling sensibilities can be witnessed throughout, there is a far greater degree of modernity as well. Whether it’s the soft and contemporary hue of the ambient LED lighting throughout the cabin, the electro-luminescent gauge cluster, or the 8-inch LCD control display with touchpad interface (more on than in a bit), the cabin is as smartly dressed as it is comfortable.

Adjustable 10-way power seats come standard on the 2013 Lexus GS 350, but our loaner upped the ante to 18 courtesy of its Luxury Package ($6,530). And while that might seem like overkill, the GS 350’s firm seats up front manage to cradle both driver and passenger making it the most comfortable cabins we’ve sat in to date, with the BMW 335i coming in at a close second and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque awarded the bronze.

Altogether, there is cabin space aplenty, both up front and in the rear. For the 2013 model year, rear passengers have been afforded nearly three more inches of hip room, and leg room is hardly an issue, measuring at 36.8-inches. While cargo space has been an issue in past iterations, Lexus has managed to address that thanks to the new redesign, which now allows for 14.3 cubic feet that should fit a set of golf clubs or a decent amount of luggage.

We wouldn’t expect a Lexus cabin to look cheap, and this one doesn’t. The mix of leather and real wood enhances the cabin a great deal, and breaks up the endless sea of leather found on the seats and wrapped around almost the entirety of the dash.

The price is wrong… for navigation

There isn’t exactly a tech drought when it comes to mid-size luxury sedans. And considering our review car hovers north of $60,000, we assumed our loaner would naturally fall into that category. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case here. While our review unit features some bedazzling tech of its own, curiously absent was the optional navigation system, upgraded 12.3-inch wide LCD display, and Lexus’s Enform system, which is similar to BMW’s iDrive.

This, more than anything, has us rather miffed. The 2013 GS is a strong showing from Lexus. But overlooking one of the most quintessential technology features found in even the most pedestrian of vehicles nowadays is unacceptable. Apparently 60 grand will get you a lot, but it won’t get you a navigation system. Rubbish, Lexus, simply rubbish.

That gigantic misstep aside, the GS 350 does manager to muster an impressive showing in the tech department. While Lexus Enform offers its own apps suite with Pandora, Yelp, and a host of other integrated apps, moderately savvy owners can work around this by utilizing the vehicles simple Bluetooth connectivity feature to connect a smartphone or tablet.

On top of effortless voice commands to make hands-free phone calls, you can also stream music apps like Pandora and Spotify with ease. The GS 350 features a USB port housed in the middle console, so charging your smart device is easy. But be warned: operating apps like Spotify, or even connecting your iPod in order to listen to your library of music, doesn’t always work as smoothly as it should. Lexus’s system has a hard time keeping pace with track changes, and will often display the wrong track altogether. Often we were told to wait while the system accessed our iPod’s library. It’s annoying. This type of problem isn’t just confined to Lexus vehicles. However, given the vehicle’s price, it’s much less easy to overlook or forgive.

The GS 350 also features Lexus’s handy Remote Touch interface. This square-shaped controller sits in front of an elevated wrist pad, and makes navigating the vehicle’s menus a breeze. While it’s not quite as accurate as a mouse, which is the closest comparison we can think of, it does offer an unprecedented level of control and accuracy for an in-car computer system. There is a corresponding icon that shows up on the display, and selecting various functions is as simple as clicking down on the button. This is, by far, the best system we have had the pleasure of operating, and we hope more automakers follow suit.

Soft-spoken performer

The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Transmission options are limited to a six-speed automatic with manual shift paddle controls, but customers can opt for either a rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive system. EPA rating for the rear-wheel-drive version is 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. Our all-wheel drive review unit earns a little less at 19 mpg in the city, 26 on the highway, and 21 combined. For comparison, the BMW 535i xDrive with 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder and the Audi A6 with Quattro all-wheel drive and a 3.0-liter V6 earn comparable returns with 21/30/24 and 19/28/22, respectively.

We were pleased to discover that the GS 350 isn’t hindered by the ghost of its subdued forbearers. The engine is exquisitely vocal, and the rumble and growl crept ever so blissfully into our aural canals at every push of the ignition or spool of torque being blasted through. However, it never manages to match the sound sensation emanating from some of its German rivals — namely, BMW’s 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder — but is a raucous step in the right direction for Lexus.

A refined road warrior

The 2013 Lexus GS 350 features some truly impressive driving dynamics, and in many ways keeps pace with the German performance-based luxury sedans. Its uncanny ability to grip the road, even when power is being sent viciously to the wheels, is admirable and offers a truly engaging ride for those that seek it out. When not stopping the accelerator, the GS 350 provides a supple and composed ride. And although we expected as much, the ability to weave in and out of each driving scenario was a feat, and sensation, that instilled in us even more confidence that Lexus has the potential to rival the best of what Germany has to offer.

That said, we still have a minor qualm: The GS 350 has a tendency to release its revs too early in the powerband, even when in manual shifting mode. This becomes more of a nuisance for enthusiasts that want to push their vehicle harder than most are likely to do — but it’s something Lexus should better tune for upcoming variations.

Speaking of upcoming variations, while we thoroughly enjoyed Lexus’s finely-tuned 3.5-liter V6, the fact that it is only available as a six-speed automatic reeks of a rush job. So many of its competitors are swapping in seven- and eight-speed transmissions, and the GS 350 should be no different.

Finish Line

At the risk of sounding cheesy, the 2013 GS 350 is not just a new model — it’s a statement. As with its remarkable LFA concept, Lexus is looking to show the world what it can do. We might be able to accuse the luxury automaker of many things, but it finally seems we can no longer criticize it for resting on its laurels and being smacked around by rivals it managed to best with relative ease for so many years.

In the 2013 GS 350, we have a real contender in the mid-size luxury segment. It features bold styling, a finely-crafted interior, and a satisfying mill that has left us incredibly impressed — even if it does need some further refinement to truly content with those pesky Germans and their proverbial symphony on wheels.

And yet, for all its quality, the GS 305 can do more. Mileage and powertrain efficiency needs to be ironed out. And while we are smitten with its design, we can’t help but think Lexus has a greater degree of room with which to explore.

Suffice to say, Lexus has our attention once again and rightfully so — now that it does it must hold onto it. That may prove easier said than done. But if the GS 350 is anything to go off of, that goal appears well within Lexus’s reach. For those seeking out a solid performer across the board, we recommend the 2013 Lexus GS 350. For those of us seeking out an edgier, more raw experience, however, it might serve us well to hold off on emigrating from the Rhineland for a while longer.

Highs

• Style — yes, a modern Lexus with style and flair!

• Solid performer across the board

• Excellent interface controls

• Comfortable and stylish cabin

• Exceptional road manners

Lows

• Lack of navigation system despite luxury package add-on

• Somewhat recycled powertrain

• Unimpressive fuel economy

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Vermont Castings 422 gas grill review

The Vermont Castings 422 gas grill comes loaded with luxury features, but suffers from a number of quality-control issues that just shouldn’t exist at this price point.

Summertime means grilling season, and there is plenty of warm weather left to make use of a new grill. While there are a variety of grill options to choose from, gas grills make a popular choice because you can fire one up on a Tuesday night and be ready to grill in minutes, rather than waiting for a charcoal fire to be ready. Among gas grill enthusiasts, American-made grills from Vermont Castings enjoy a solid reputation. The company makes three basic styles of grill; three-burner (both the 322 and 332 series are 3 burner models), four-burner (422 series) and five-burner (522 series) models. We fired up the Vermont Castings 422 model (starting at $1,699 MSRP) with the optional infrared sear burner to see how it performed.

Home assembly of gas grills is never a quick process, but assembling the 422 was challenging and time consuming. While the directions were relatively straightforward, I did have to switch from the usual assembly guide to a separate assembly in order to install the side sear burner. Vermont Castings recommends two people assemble this grill together, which is good advice as the process took almost four and a half hours to assemble the grill completely. Some screws were difficult and in awkward positions to reach; on a few occasions, I had to ask my wife to screw some of the parts together because I could not fit my hands into the space available. I don’t have particularly large hands, so this could be an issue. If you have the option to purchase this grill already assembled, save yourself an afternoon and go for it.

Once assembled, the Vermont Castings 422 is an impressive grill. A heavy, cast-iron lid, high-grade stainless steel construction and porcelain-coated cast iron grates suggest that this is a grill meant for years of use. Unfortunately, the lower doors on the grill that house the propane tank and storage were noticeably off center. Don’t blame my assembly: These doors come attached to the grill frame from the factory, and the half inch-difference between the two doors was one of the first things visitors remarked on. Additionally, the back panel of the storage housing came with a very noticeable dent. For nearly $2,000, it would be exceptionally frustrating to receive this grill and then find these issues. Both should have been noticed and corrected in the factory. This is the kind of grill you want to guests to envy and appreciate, not comment that the doors are askew.

Cosmetic issues aside, the 422 performs well. The four burners provide an even heat over the grilling surface. Oftentimes, gas grills can have cold spots where the burners don’t heat as well. The Vermont Castings 422 doesn’t have that issue; time and again I grilled items over the entire surface of the grill and not once did I find any issues. At approximately 110 btus per square inch the 422 delivers enough heat to get a good crust on steaks, even if you don’t opt for the sear burner. The two-sided grill plates cater to different types of food. The rounded side works well for juicy items like hamburgers, while the flat side makes it easier to remove delicate items like shrimp. The burners maintain a solid heat and creates excellent grill marks. At 493 square inches of grill surface, nine New York steaks fit comfortably on the grill. A specially designed sear plate helps direct grease away from the flames, which minimized flare ups, even with fatty foods. The heavy hood seals in heat effectively, allowing for easy roasting. It has one noticeable flaw: The built-in hood thermometer fogged up with every use, rendering it virtually worthless. While this is more of an issue with roasted items than grilled items, it was yet another frustration that shouldn’t be an issue on a grill at this price point.

The 422’s versatility is a major selling point. In addition to being able to roast and grill like every other gas grill, it also comes with a built-in rotisserie. This rotisserie is much more powerful than most rotisserie attachments sold for gas grills, which lets it handle plenty of food. The infrared sear burner may just be the must-have option for the 422. Essentially a separate, super-hot burner, it allows you to quickly sear a steak or other item, sealing in the juices and getting that steakhouse-like quality that is often missing from other grills. After searing (the instructions recommend two minutes per side for steaks), you can move the steaks over to the grill to finish cooking. A warming rack above the main grill easily holds an ear of corn lengthwise, and will hold 10 to 12 whole ears at once, which, along with the large grill area, makes cooking for a crowd much simpler.

Backlit dials and an attached light make nighttime grilling a breeze with the 422, and two built-in condiment trays mean that rubs, seasonings and sauces can be kept handy until needed.

Overall, the propane-powered Vermont Castings 422 excels in a variety of cooking styles, from searing to grilling to roasting and rotisserie. A number of user-friendly features enhance the cooking experience. Unfortunately, quality control issues like crooked doors and a faulty built-in thermometer shouldn’t exist in a grill at this price point. If your sole concern is cooking performance, the Vermont Castings 422 is a great choice. If you are looking for a high-performance grill that you can show off to your friends and neighbors, I’d advise a bit of caution here. Check with your dealer to see what they will do if you have parts installed poorly, dents, or gauges that don’t work properly. At $1,699 MSRP, you wouldn’t want to be stuck with a model that doesn’t look pristine.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Hyundai ponders BMW 3 Series fighter

After shaking things up with the Genesis, Hyundai is going after BMW's most popular luxury sedan.

Hyundai is never satisfied. The company went from building bargain-basement rides to having one of the most stylish, well-built and, thanks to the Genesis and Equus sedans, luxurious lineups of any mainstream carmaker. Now, the company is reportedly entering new territory by targeting one of the most popular luxury cars around: the BMW 3 Series.

A source inside Hyundai told Automotive News that the Korean company is preparing a shortened version of the rear-wheel drive platform from the Genesis to underpin a 3 Series fighter. However the car, codenamed RK, will not go on sale until 2014 at the earliest.

By putting the 3 Series in its sights, Hyundai is setting a near-impossible goal for itself. Established competitors like Audi and Mercedes have repeatedly failed to beat the magic Bimmer in sales or critical acclaim, so can an upstart like Hyundai do better?

The 3 Series’ greatest attribute is probably its sporty handling, something Hyundai has not had much success with in its sedans. The Genesis sedan was meant to compete with full-size luxury cars like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, so it’s a bit of a land yacht. Still, its platform also supports the sporty Genesis Coupe, so there is hope yet.

If Hyundai’s recent efforts are any indication, the RK will look good. The flowing lines of the Sonata and Elantra help distinguish them from the American and Japanese competition. The 3 Series is a handsome car, but it looks very conservative compared to the cheaper front-drive Hyundais. If Hyundai uses the same styling theme on the RK, it could at least win the beauty competition.

Like other Hyundais, a competitive price will probably make the RK more enticing. The Genesis is such a compelling car because it offers 7 Series and S-Class accommodations for the price of its competitors’ midsize models. The 3 Series starts at $39,595, so the RK will have to undercut that. Hyundai’s impressive 10-year/100,000-mile warranty could also sweeten the deal.

Most luxury car buyers are not 100 percent rational, though. It’s hard to imagine people trading the snob appeal of a BMW badge for a Hyundai. Luxury buyers also have higher standards than the average Accent owner. When Hyundai launched the Genesis, it had to upgrade its dealers to provide a suitably upscale experience.

If Hyundai’s 3 Series fighter proves successful, a Kia version isn’t out of the question. Hyundai owns Kia; most of Kia’s models are based on Hyundai platforms. A Kia 3 Series competitor could be based on the company’s K9 luxury sedan.

Either a Hyundai or Kia 3 series competitor is a big gamble; it’s unclear whether luxury buyers want a bargain sedan without a prestige badge. However, a cheap rear-wheel drive sport sedan, is a good thing, regardless of which badge it wears.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com