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Hello,
Please I have a transaction for you, if interested contact me.
Donna Kwok.

2013 Lexus ES350 and ES300h ... Read This

Lexus... I like your Grille!

     Check out the ES300 Models and Dallas Texas

By: Cathy Droz
It seemed perfect for Lexus to have its press junket in Dallas, Texas this past week .The unveiling of the new ES350 and ES300h ( hybrid) complete with its new hour-glass (spindle) grille for all to see its shapely new form, front and center. As if the return of Southfork, on the television series DALLAS, wasn’t enough for the Lone Star State, I even spotted Jerry Jones in the Ritz Carlton lounge. I say that with such conviction, yet I recall asking “who is he?”
I could go in to all the history of Lexus, with the first models of the ES back in the day, but that would be much like bringing up the old series of Dallas; when you wondered who shot JR? Let’s move forward to the Lexus 2013 ES series that I was able to test drive all over Dallas, Texas.
The new ES models have some changes worth noting both inside and out. On the outside, as I mentioned, the new spindle grille stands out which will be standard on all Lexus models. You will notice the grilles are edged by wide headlamps; a dramatic new look that truly compliments the spindle shape.
Now for the rear, the ES350 accentuates dual exhausts, which will totally separate and distinguish itself from the 300h. There is a spoiler on the hybrid but not the ES350, which will help in separating them as well. I figure the hybrid needs every bit of aerodynamic configuration to get the drag ratio it needs. It will also give you the gas mileage which is estimated at 40 miles-per-gallon. There is a metal hydride battery pack between the rear seats and trunk. Unlike the gasoline driven ES350, the hybrid has the electric mode which operates for short distances. I can’t help but think that Lexus is the most advanced or at least the most daring and forward thinking with luxury hybrids. The company that offered the Toyota Prius to the world just keeps adding an “h” to its models and improving technology.
The ES350 sedan and the ES300h were my chariots for four hours as I took them through their paces both on the local streets and busy freeways of Dallas. I was impressed with the longer wheelbase as it added four inches of legroom in the second row of seats for both ES models. Not that I needed it at 5’2, but many of the male journalists are over 6 feet. Oh! This was cool, the front seats have larger side bolsters and I could actually feel the difference; much like I was getting a hug or soccer save when turning the corner. The chilled seats? Fantastic! On top of all of this, drivers can program the key fobs to remember seat and mirror position as well as climate control.
Lexus uses a mouse control unit for navigation and other functions. There is an optional Lexus Enform so that the driver can pair his smart phone with the vehicles to use apps like Bing, Open Table, Movie Tickets.com, Pandora and Yelp. (so much fun to play with). Of course Satellite radio and my favorite; a larger navigation screen which I find to be just the right size for my eyes at my young age.
The second row of seats don’t fold flat, but a pass-through on the GS350 gives enough cargo space for sports equipment and trips to Home Depot. The 350 can fit the things I need daily and even on the weekends with carting the grandkids things. The ES300h doesn’t have as much room, but you save so much money on gas, you can have your luggage or sports paraphernalia shipped ahead.
Both of the new ES models for Lexus were a pleasure to drive and be a passenger. The pricing for these vehicles has not yet been released, but I figure the mid $30,000. An excellent value in this luxury category.
I enjoyed taking photos while test driving in Dallas. I enjoyed dinner at Fearling’s Restaurant and meeting Chef Fearling. I enjoyed all of the sights as we traveled through Dallas testing the ES vehicles. Here are some of the places we passed while enjoying the luxury ride of Lexus. Turtle Creek, Highland Park, Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, Trinity River, Pioneer Plaza, Dallas City Hall, School Book Depository where Kennedy was assassinated, Dallas Museum of Art and Baylor Hospital to name a few. Just like the new TV series Dallas, the Lexus ES series just gets better and better with time.
For more on the ES300h and ES350 go to www.lexus.com

RE

Hello,
Please I have a transaction for you, if interested contact me.
Donna Kwok.

DALLAS IN 32 Hours with Lexus

An Auto Press Junket..  July 2, 2012

If you've ever done a press junket for any industry, you know they are a whilwind of travel, education and networking.  There are meet and greets and in my case, meet and drives.  Lexus introduced their ES350 and ES300h last week to the press in Dallas, Texas and over 25 of us stayed at the Ritz Carlton Hotel.   From the minute you arrive, to the minute you return to the airport, it's all about driving and evaluating and taking notes and photos.

Day of Arrival
You generally arrive about two hours prior to the dinner, you check in and have a snack at the hospitality room.  After dinner you are free to go about your business or spend an hour in the hospitality room before bed just chatting with other journalists.
Breakfast about 7 AM the next morning and...

Now here how it goes... when you are done with your technical and marketing seminar at the hotel you  find a journalist partner to drive with and pick one of many different colors and models of Lexus vehicles, usually parked out front of the hotel.

You are given a "route booklet" ( usually three to four different routes).  The purpose of this is to experience the vehicle while driving on a freeway and then in town to evaluate stop and go traffic.

 In most cities you have some landmarks that are
well known for that particular city or state and your route books tries to point them out so that you can observe while driving the route.  Simetimes it is hard becuase if you are holding the route book you are telling the driver where to turn and at what odometer point they need to merge or exit. Both the driver and the passenger are also looking around the car and listening for noise, comfort and cargo space.

I've been to Dallas one other time and did get to go to Southfork where the new/old TV show has been shot, and I did get to see where President Kennedy was shot ( shot being used differently in both sentences.)

So here is what I passed ( didn't stop but for a few photos) while my partner and I drove the Dallas routes.  Turtle Creek, Highland Park, Jerry Jones house, Margaret Hunt Hill bridge, Trinity River, Pioneer Plaza, Dallas City Hall, School Book depository where Kennedy was assisinated, Dallas Museum of Art, Winspur Opera House and Baylor Opera House to mention a few.

The journalists dined the first night at the Ritz Carlton in the Fearings Restaurant where Chef Fearing himself stopped by to meet and greet the guests.

There isn't much time in any city during a junket to really stop and  look, or stop and visit, but you do get a broadd overview of the types of roads and the lifestyles of different cities.  You may even want to go back some time.

Since Texas is pretty hot and humid in the summer, I would return in the Fall or Spring but when Lexus invites you on a trip, it is always first class with accomodations and professional assistance.  All the automotive companies have cut back on their budgets but they continue to be very "journalist" focused.

So that is a little bit about what an auto press junket is about.  As you can see most of the photos were taken from a car window... couldn't stop... on a time
line.

For more about autos and travel go to twofortheroadusa.com

 

Two for the Road EUROPE

 

                                                                                                                   

Welcome Kassandra Perlongo to Two for the Road USA

 

Her love of cars and Europe is the perfect match for Two for the Road USA. So Welcome Kassie and Friends as they test cars through Europe.

Here is her first Article.

A few weeks back Cathy and I had an interesting idea: what sort of driving experience and comfort can you expect when hiring a European car? As I am an ex-pat living in Britain, I was pretty intrigued to investigate this thought. It sounded like the perfect opportunity to discover more about European Automotives. Because I’m still novice with car technical aspects I partnered with my boyfriend Lewis, who works in the automotive industry as a product management engineer. At least I didn’t have to twist his arm too hard on this request!
For our first experience we decided to investigate Black Country in the West Midlands, the birthplace of the industrial revolution; an idyllic setting with a European automotive.
Enterprise gave us a gorgeous, sleek black Vauxhall Insignia hatchback with luxurious curves and polished to perfection rims. The seating felt spacious and I melted easily into its mixed leather/cloth passenger seat. Even with the executive-looking interior I was pleasantly surprised by our weekend price: about £35 with unlimited mileage! We got lucky with a free upgrade, as they didn’t have the other rental car originally booked. Score!
Lewis thought the Insignia a definite improvement over its bland predecessors; perhaps not jaw dropping, but good. We were also shocked over the length of the Insignia! The car looks normal, but some cleverly placed design lines really improved its dimensions.
Finally, we set off! We began in Leamington Spa and drove on the A425. Once we hit the motorway I began to admire the Insignia’s roominess. I noticed a slight decrease in headspace for rear seats passengers, but there was still plenty of legroom all around. The dials along the dashboard were also quite attractive changing from red to white when pressed. We also took advantage of the iPhone connector to play road-trip music. However, the sound system was a bit of a let down. Although it had DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast) radio the sound quality lacked bass and overall sounded mediocre across the spectrum.
Lewis had similar thoughts about the sound system as I did, but a completely different take on the interior. He felt the interior looked plush at first glance but after a while really began to show its true, cheaper, colors. He felt the plastics were thin with the switches rocking in the car. In addition, the cruise control switch rocks with the cancel button raised. Overall, he wasn’t so impressed.
Once we reached Ironbridge we stopped to view the first ever Ironbridge built in the world. We dined at Truffles Café, a lively café on the main road by the bridge. I ate a delicious chunky vegetable soup with homemade bread and orange-flavored hot chocolate. Lewis loved his fruit sundae, with cream, and black coffee. After enjoying the gorgeous sunshine we drove back through Birmingham and kept accessing the Insignia.
Our Analysis:
The Vauxhall Insignia does offer a sophisticated look and drive. But to us, the biggest surprise was its complete lack of performance! It really only offers average ride and handling, which is better at low to medium speeds. Overall, there was absolutely little to no torque; it felt severely underpowered and slow. Lewis felt the car was great if you want to drive from Point A to Point B, but to really get the best performance from the Insignia the engine should be at around 5000 RPM. The handling felt pretty bland overall, too.
Despite the performance cons I personally thought the ride was smooth and comfortable as a passenger. However as a driver, it might not be the best option, especially for someone looking to hire a European car that performs well on twisty British country lanes. This is a better car to drive through towns, or at cruising speeds on the motorway.

FIRST ANNUAL RETIRED NFL PLAYERS OF AZ GOLF TOURNAMENT

The first annual Arizona Legends golf tournament will be held on November 5th 2012 at the Arizona Biltmore, Adobe course.  This celebrity golf tournament will benefit the dire need fund for the retired NFL players in Arizona.  With over 300 former NFL players living in the state of AZ, the support should be fantastic.
President, Lincoln Kennedy, and other well-known NFL former players will be

the fifth player with each foursome.  The AZ Legends is a not-for-profit organization that raises funds to give back to the youth of Arizona.  Not only are funds donated, each NFL former player participates in giving back.  For more information go to www.twofortheroadusa.com and click on contact us.

Sofia Serafine In New York City

What does a two-year old know about New York, or anywhere for that matter?
The best part about New York City is that no one looks at you strange, or even bats an eye when changing a diaper in front of the Statue of Liberty or outside
F.A.O Schwartz.  You can dress anyway you want, eat any kind of food and be a celebrity with no one recognizing you.  There is no place like New York!
Just ask Sofia Serafine.  For more grandparents on the go www.twofortheroadusa.com