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5/23/2012

Lexus arrives in great style!


Lexus LSA enters the stage.

To buy a Lexus car in Brazil you had to go to a Toyota dealership, pay a high price and wait for the car to be imported. Now, Lexus will finally have its own dealership, with all the welcoming luxuries the brand offers.
At one end the LSA...
Yesterday, May 22nd, Lexus Brasil offered a big event, set in one of the most prestigious and discreet addresses in São Paulo: a Museum called Foundation Maria Luisa and Oscar Americano, located on a high-end neighborhood. The occasion wanted to show how the brand was exclusive, but modern. They seem to have achieved this goal. 
104 guests could sit at each table.
As one entered the estate there was a detour on the driveway, forcing the gests to drive a long way through the woods before reaching the house. There, valets parking assistants waited. Once inside the modernist house designed by O. A. Bratke, one was able to wonder around and appreciate the art collection while listening to a pair of violinists that played songs by The Beatles.

Ana Botafogo dances...

Out on the garden, a huge “tent” was elegantly presenting two gigantic dinner tables – each one could sit 104 guests! Yes, what would usually be a cocktail event with a few cars around was rapidly presenting itself as a unique happening. But, for me, the first surprise was the fact that I didn’t see any cars around. “Where are the Lexus?” 

And the curtains open.
After some presentations on one end of the tent and a couple of Lexus’ videos shown on a huge screen, I was actually ready to leave. But, suddenly, in the mist of white smoke, a Lexus LFA appeared, shocking the public. At the same moment, on the other end of the tent, a ballerina (Ana Botafogo) appeared dancing through the space between the two dinner tables. As she danced, she chanted her way back to white curtains and, then, four different Lexus entered swiftly!

The RX 350 was the last to come in.
Cars parked between the two huge tables.
There they were: the super luxurious LS 460 L; the renovated all-new version of the ES 350; a IS 300 and a RX 350. All white, as Brazil’s trend has demanded, including the LSA, but excluding the huge LS, shown in black. Moet & Chandon champagne flooded the room.

The all-new ES 350!

Brazilian trend demands white!

Renowned French chef Claude Troisgros with a special menu that mixed French and Brazilian touches presented dinner. Waiters with white gloves served and removed the plates simultaneously during the four-course feast! Each course had its own French wine. Afterwards, a delicate selection of exotic coffees was offered.



As one exited, a huge leather rapped book depicting the story of Lexus was given as a “souvenir” and three silver Lexus were now exposed at the garden.

The gift!

After such a sumptuous event, lets see what other surprises Lexus has prepared.

The silver models at the exit!


4/21/2012

Comparing the 2012 Honda Civic, which rear do you like best?
The American or Brazilian?



Honda Civic: For American market.

Honda Civic: Made in Brazil.

4/05/2012

The Japanese lead again!



Consumer Reports magazine has come up with their traditional list of most reliable automakers out there and, once again, the Japanese are all at the top of the list, even though their positions have changed.

Honda fell to fourth place and Mazda came bravely up to second! Subaru is leading as #1 and Toyota is safely at third. Nissan also moved up to join the Japanese monopoly. 


At number six, the first non-Japanese car brand is Volvo, followed by the Korean Hyundai.

The very worst? GM and Chrysler. Sad for the American brands, but not so bad for Ford: they got spot number 10, just better than Mercedes-Benz!

This list helps us figure out what are the safe buys!

Complete list bellow:

1. Subaru

2. Mazda

3. Toyota

4. Honda

5. Nissan

6. Volvo

7. Hyundai

8. BMW

9. Volkswagen

10. Ford

11. Mercedes-Benz

12. General Motors

13. Chrysler

1/31/2012

Classic revival in Texas

The MG also known as Albert and his owner!

Induced after watching Woody Allen’s latest feature, Midnight in Paris, I remembered that some cars were not made for our current era, however, they astonishingly survive and, many times, come back to life through the hands of men who also have a taste for a different time.

This blue 1952 MG with cream leather interior is the perfect example of a person who is making all the efforts to revitalize this car and is enjoying every minute. As many who love cars know, some gain their own names. I have known my share of cars that carried nicknames, but none that had a real human name. This little English car has been endearingly called “Albert” and I’ll let the owner narrate a bit about this restored MG:

“Albert rolled off the MG line on May 3rd 1952.  He is totally original and one of only 1700 Mark II 's made.  The production of the MGTD line produced 30,000 vehicles from 1950 through 1953 model year.  Albert was the special racing model with several important features.  I purchased him from the original owner who bought him in 1952.  The top is being made in California and will be installed in Texas. It will be the dark blue as the little rail around the back cream leather.

Most of the production of these cars was meant for the export market thus the original left hand drive.  Also the color is totally me.  Many cars were shipped in a painting primer to the U.S. so there were no "official" colors.  Even the painted ones had different tones of color due to post war shortages.  Same with the wire wheels.  They were difficult to do in the early fifties so they were an option that required a modification kit.  They were only standard on the MGTF in 1954.”

Albert is a true MG and will soon be in perfect shape, restored to life in good old Texas!

12/02/2011

LA Auto Show: Best Seats in town!

Mercedes-Benz all new CLS 550: Excelent seats with premium package!

One of my favorite evolutions is that of comfort inside the vehicle. So for this year’s LA AUTO SHOW I decided to give my opinion about seating and interior feel.
The S-Class: Maybe the best seat out there!

Regarding the luxury vehicles, nowadays it is hard to find a bad seat. What varies more are the different ways you can find your best position. Some cars have so many options you take too much time figuring out the power adjustments. 
All is possible on the S-Class power-seats.

Volvos still have the most comfortable and easy to find positions in the car industry. Only top of the line Mercedes and other big priced vehicles can tackle at the same level of comfort and anatomy.
Mercedes-Benz CL!

As for these expensive automobiles, Mercedes-Benz luxury liners have incredible seating, particularly on the S-Class sedan and CL Coupe. Not far behind are BMW’s 7 series and 5 series GT (the GT is similar to the 7, not to the 5 series). Audi, the other German competitor becomes welcoming once you are above the A6 level.
BMW GT: 5-series based on the 7-series platform.
BMW GT: Almost the same as a 7-series.
GT seat with dark leather.
Figure out all you can do with the BMW driver's power-ajustments!

In terms of SUV, nothing beats the traditional Range Rover, even if it still uses the commands of the time it was owned by BMW. The new Range Rover Evoque is a great comfortable and avant-garde small SUV.
All-new Range Rover Evoque: small SUV.
With British comfort!

The Japanese are not behind at all. All Acuras and Infinitis have exemplary seating. Although the new Acura ZDX and Infiniti M are better than others.
Acura ZDX Crossover.
Acura ZDX with all leather console!
Infiniti M.

Infiniti M has amazing comfort as all Infinitis!

The Acura TSX Wagon is amazing at afordable prices!

On the American end, I would have to stick with Lincoln. Their MKS has amazing seats and touch technology center commands for audio and air-conditioning. Buicks are good too, but Cadillacs have too much of a hard seat. 
The new Buick Verano.


The Verano is a Chevy Cruze with better trims and good seats at affordable prices.
Lincoln MKS: true American comfort!


Ford and Lincoln now have touch sensitive commands!



As for more inexpensive options I recommend the Ford Fusion and Subaru Legacy as two sedans that really have very good seating and comfort. Honda Accord is also a good option. Unfortunately, the NEW CIVIC is not as good as it used to be.
Low profile comfort and space!

Hope this helps enlighten how comfortable one should feel inside an automobile. 

Honda Crosstour Interior.

11/25/2011

2011 Los Angeles Auto Show!


 Please enjoy taking a peek at the Los Angeles Auto Show – 2011 Edition.


The SUPERSTARS:

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG



The All-New Porsche 911 Carrera

This is the new Gullwing Mercedes!
Perfect classic combination of Green and Beige!


Mercedes-Benz SLS beige Interior
The new SLS in green was one of the most beautiful vehicles!
The rear view of the 911 Carrera S - All LED back lights!
Small details make all the difference for this state-of-the-art Porche


SLS Converteble

Jaguar Concept - one day will be the new XK
Jaguar Concept


Rolls-Royce
This is the interior of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Cabriolet

Bentley Mulsanne

This is the new super-full-size from Bentley
An interior trim for the super luxury Bentley





Details and a lot of LEDs for the 2012 Continental
This has been a glimpse of the bes showcars! Soon more will be shown!