2013 Lexus ES 350 & the first-ever ES 300h hybird - Luxury Sedans

TWO MODELS.
ONE INDELIBLE IMPRESSION.

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  ES 350

  Starting at $36,370 [*]
  

  • 24 MPG rating (combined) [*]
  • 268 horsepower
  • 3.5-liter V6
  • Class-leading 10 standard Airbag System [*]
  • Exclusively available Panoramic Roof

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  ES 300h

  Starting at $39,250 [*]

  
  • 40 MPG rating (combined) [*]
  • 200 total system horsepower
  • 2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle + Electric Motor
  • Class-leading 10 standard Airbag System [*]
  • Exclusively available Bamboo Trim

CARPET TRUNK MAT

$105 [*] LEARN MORE

PAINT PROTECTION FILM  [*]

$429 [*] LEARN MORE

REMOTE ENGINE STARTER  [*]

$499 [*] LEARN MORE

DOOR EDGE GUARDS

$115 [*]

ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS  [*]

See dealer for pricing

CARGO NET-ENVELOPE

$64

GLASS BREAKAGE SENSOR

$329

REAR SPOILER

$319

ASHTRAY CUP

See dealer for pricing

KEY GLOVE

$10

This 1 is pretty good

YoYo! Droped

BMW M7 on its Way, Sort of, as M770i xDrive

This year has been littered with rumors of a BMW M7 model, from speculation to trademark filings, but it appears that the German automaker will find a different approach to feed the hunger of performance-seeking luxury sedan enthusiasts.

For many years, the 7-Series has been kept away from the M lineup due to its position in the market as a luxury sedan and not so much as a performance vehicle. But Americans in general love more performance in any vehicle they drive, so a M770i xDrive may be the solution to all of our problems.
It’s speculated that the model will join BMW’s revamped 7-Series lineup in 2015 and will be powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 475-hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. While that sounds fairly impressive, let’s keep in mind that the current 760Li is powered by a V12 with 570-hp and 665 lb-ft of torque. So why the discrepancy in a model that will be an M Performance one? Well, the M770i will be a much more agile machine than the current 760Li thanks to significant weight savings.
So holding true to the M moniker, the M770i will be around 450 lbs lighter than its standard model counterparts thanks to the abundant use of carbon fiber on its roof, trunk, and hood. Combine that with lightweight seats, carbon-ceramic brakes, thin-wall exhaust, and lightweight 20-inch wheels.
It’s not exactly the M7 model everyone desires, but it’s at least an M model of some form for the 7-Series. If anything though, it’ll just increase the clamoring for a high-horsepower M7 from American enthusiasts, which could be a good thing for the German automaker.
[Source: Automobile Mag]

2013 Nissan Pathfinder: LA Auto Show

• 2013 Pathfinder redesigned inside and out.
• New engine loses power, but gains mpg.
• Pricing starts under $30,000.

The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder made its auto show debut in LA. Featuring new styling and construction, the fourth-generation Pathfinder goes on sale this month.
The biggest change to the 2013 Pathfinder is under the skin. While previous Pathfinders used a truck-like "body on frame" design, the 2013 switches to a more common car-based unibody construction. That makes the latest Pathfinder officially a crossover--and it has the curvier styling and better gas mileage to match.
Exterior styling is the biggest change from the last Pathfinder. Gone is the boxy look of older models. It's replaced by the flowing curves more common to crossovers. But the 2013 Pathfinder does keep some well-known Nissan touches. Those include chrome grille bars and a rounded rear window design.
Major updates can also be found inside the Pathfinder's cabin. The new SUV trades utility for luxury, offering high-end wood trim and leather seats. It also adds style with a curved center stack and a new steering wheel. And a new 4-inch LCD screen displays important messages between the SUV's gauges.
Under the Pathfinder's hood there's also a new engine. Last year's 4.0-liter V6 and optional 5.6-liter V8 motors are gone. Replacing them is a 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. While the new mill has less power than last year's engines, the SUV shouldn't feel slow. That's because it's shed 500 lbs compared to the 2012 Pathfinder. It also adds a new "Xtronic" CVT automatic that will help return 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. That's a huge jump over the 2012 model's 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
But while the Pathfinder gains extra style and improved fuel economy, it loses towing capacity. Last year's V6 model could tow 6,000 lbs; V8 versions could pull 7,000. The 2013 Pathfinder is rated to tow just 5,000 lbs.
Nissan says the base-level Pathfinder S starts at $29,095 with shipping. Mid-level SV models start at $33,465. The upscale Pathfinder SL's base price is $35,295, while the high-end Platinum starts at $39,995. Four-wheel drive costs $1,600 across the board. Rivals include the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander.
What it means to you: With its more car-like unibody construction, the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is very different from earlier models. It's now a more family friendly crossover rather than a truck-based off-road champ.

BMW

Nissan Silvia RS13