Stopping Power - Lexus News

09/25/2015—The partnership between Lexus and Brembo, the Italian performance-brake provider, goes back a long way, and over the years Brembo braking systems have graced everything from Lexus F SPORT models to the LFA supercar.

For those unfamiliar, Brembo is renowned for both its brake-performance research and its high-end components, which is why Brembo brake systems are prized by Formula One teams. Brembo is also an official brake supplier for the IndyCar series.

Naturally, Lexus turned to Brembo when developing brake systems for the latest F models, the GS F super sedan and RC F performance coupe. Lexus engineers recognized that drivers would want as much control when braking as they would when accelerating, so given that both models come with major horsepower (467 hp[1] to be exact), this required some serious stopping power.

For the front wheels, the GS F and RC F sport huge 14.9-inch front brake rotors clamped by massive six-piston aluminum monoblock Brembo® calipers[2], while the rear wheels are equipped with 13.5-inch rotors and four-piston aluminum monoblock calipers.

The brakes also feature a slotted and ventilated rotor design, as well as high-friction brake pads[2], both of which help minimize friction-induced heat as the calipers squeeze the rotors. This in turn helps reduce brake fade, also known as the reduction in stopping power that can occur from heat build-up during repeated or sustained braking.

And like most everything in the GS F and RC F, the brakes are part of the vehicles’ larger sensory experience. Engineers designed the system so drivers could “feel” the braking effect underfoot in a whole range of driving situations.

—BRIAN GILL

At Lexus of Orlando, it is our mission to provide the drivers of Central Florida and beyond with prestigious Newand Certified Pre-Owned, luxury cars, SUV's and Hybrid Vehicles from Lexus. We also provide a unique blend of alternate brand vehicles in our Used Car Department.


The Lexus of Orlando Family is focused on ensuring that each and every Guest receives our World Class Service whether you are purchasing a New, Certified Pre-owned, Used or leased vehicle or having your vehicle serviced at our Service Facility. We invite you to join us and experience in person the dedication we extend to our Guests which has provided them with quality satisfaction that goes beyond just "buying a car", it is a lifestyle! This is evident by the fact that Lexus of Orlando is the consistent recipient of the "Elite of Lexus"award! This honor is based on the acknowledgement of current and past Guests who have expressed their overall satisfaction with our service and attention to detail.


Our sincere gratitude that you have taking time to visit our dealership and are giving us the opportunity to provide you with this exceptional experience firsthand.


Sincerely,

The Lexus of Orlando Family

The Compassionate Leader

October 20, 2015
When you talk to Wil James – the president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) – he gives you his undivided attention. He comes off as a man who genuinely cares about those around him, and as a leader who can galvanize people to do great things.

Over the course of a conversation, it’s easy to see why that is. James grew up in Virginia, with a nurse for a mother and a truck driver for a father. They instilled in him a sense of right and wrong, along with a healthy respect for people.

He still speaks of his parents in reverential tones. And he uses the same type of tone to talk about the team members he leads at TMMK, Toyota’s largest North American manufacturing plant. This week, TMMK began production of the Lexus ES, the first Lexus to be manufactured on U.S. soil.

What lessons from your parents do you carry with you?
My parents were the type of folks who would see a person in need and bring them in. Through my high school and college years, I can’t think of a time we didn’t have someone outside of our immediate family living in our house. There was always a cousin or a neighbor.

What’s an experience that was trying for you?
One that stands out is when I was preparing to go to college. I graduated high school at the top of my class and knew that I wanted to be an engineer. So I went to my college to talk to the dean of engineering. The dean looked at my transcripts and said without hesitation, “Son, I don’t think you have what it takes to be an engineer.” Honestly that’s the first time anyone had ever told me I could not accomplish anything in my life. I was in this guy’s office less than five minutes. I was devastated. I’d never felt like that before. So I left there trying to figure out how to explain to my parents that I’ve maybe changed what I’m going to do. All I ever talked about was engineering.

I’ll never forget. My dad comes home and says, “Let me get this straight. You want to be an engineer?” Yes sir. “You’ve performed well in school all these years?” Yes sir. “You’ve got the grades and were accepted there?” Yes sir. “And you go into a man’s office, a man who you don’t know and who doesn’t know you and in less than five minutes you let him tell you what you’re going to do with the rest of your life?” He waited a second and says, “I thought I taught you better than that.” He got up and walked off. As he walks off, he says, “So, what are you gonna do?”

I couldn’t wait to get to school to show that dean that he was wrong. One of the special moments came two years later when the dean handed me a plaque for the Dean’s List. He remembered who I was and said, “I’m sorry.” And I asked, “How many other people have you done this to?”

What’s the most effective way to lead people?
First of all, you have to have a vision for where you want the organization to go, and be able to communicate that vision in a way that people want to go with you. Not because they have to, but because they see what’s in it for them and why it’s important for the team to move in that direction.

And you have to have compassion. Things happen all the time, and some things are not within people’s control. You’ve got to be able to recognize that that’s the case and be open to supporting people. An old saying I heard: That people don’t care what you know until they know that you care. It is absolutely true. It’s got to be about the people.

I believe the strongest leaders think about working for the employees as opposed to the employees working for them. I really do. I treat the members of my team like I work for them. My job is to find the issues that get in their way and remove them so they can focus on what they need to do.

What’s one thing you do that people might find odd or surprising?
I’m not a boastful person, but I’m one of the best table tennis players that I know. I actually stopped playing because I couldn’t find anyone that would give me serious competition.

I don’t play anymore because I started seeing a side of myself that I didn’t like. Being the guy that’s a little boastful, inviting folks up to the table, taking them out quickly and walking off. That’s not the kind of guy I really am. But yeah, I haven’t lost very many table tennis games in my life.

Let’s talk about the Lexus ES line. What does that mean to TMMK?
Back in 2010-11, I discussed with our team that if we were ever going to be truly considered for something of that magnitude, we couldn’t just talk about wanting to do it, we had to show we were able. So we started on a path back in 2011 to show TMC that we should be a serious competitor for it.

How did you show that?
Through our quality activities and working on our product while improving our operations. We implemented hundreds of different kaizens. I asked team members to go back to the absolute basics of not letting a defect get by you. If you see something wrong, stop the line. Let’s make it right and then let’s proceed. We had to explain it until everyone in the organization got it. Once that happened, all our indicators headed in the right direction. That’s when we started thinking more Lexus-like. It became a passion for the organization and we are a far better plant today having gone through that preparation stage.

What’s your favorite part of your job?
Having the opportunity to work with all of the team members at TMMK. Considering all the things we’ve been able to achieve over the years, I am blessed to have such a strong team in Georgetown. We are a huge plant, but work tirelessly to make it a big family.

The Flagships - Lexus News

10/02/2015—Look up the word flagship and, in addition to the naval context describing ships that carry a fleet’s highest-ranking officer, you’ll also come across variations on this wider modern meaning: the best among a peer group.

In the case of Lexus, this is a best-of-the-best scenario, as all Lexus models are standouts. But among the group, two models exemplify flagship qualities—the Lexus LS, the founding model, and the latest Lexus LX.

The reasons for their flagship status, definable and indefinable, are just too many to include, but here’s a quick list of examples:

They light up when you’re around: With its Advanced Illumination System, the LS welcomes owners with a sequence of soft, warm lights, and both the LS and 2016 LX are surrounded with LED lighting, from the turn signals to the headlamps and taillamps to the daytime running lights.

Indulgent—and advanced—seat comfort: The 2016 LX includes a 14-way power adjustable driver’s seat with dual-function lumbar and cushion extender. Meanwhile, in addition the LS’s 16-way adjustable drivers seat, the model’s rear-seat passenger amenities include an optional right-rear seat with built-in ottoman-style leg rest[1][2] and shiatsu massager, and an air purifier.

They can entertain you: In the LS, the Rear-Seat Entertainment System features a large nine-inch high-resolution screen and Blu-ray/DVD player. Likewise, the 2016 Lexus LX’s available Rear Seat Entertainment System includes substantial 11.6-inch dual screens, one each for the left and right middle-rear passengers.

Top safety technologies: The 2016 LX 570 is one of the first Lexus models to include Lexus Safety System +, which combines Lane Departure Alert (LDA)[3], Intelligent High Beams (IHB)[4], All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control[5], and the Pre-Collision System (PCS)[6] with pedestrian detection.

Lexus LS safety systems are too numerous to list here, but they include the available Advanced Pre-Collision System (PCS)[7], which can detect an imminent frontal collision and respond by retracting the front seatbelts and preparing Brake Assist[8], as well as detect pedestrians and other three-dimensional objects in the vehicle’s path under certain conditions.

Their cabins are like concert halls: Both models are acoustic triumphs that, without exaggeration, offer concert-hall-quality sound. The LS offers the available 19-speaker Mark Levinson® Premium Surround Sound Audio System[9], while the 2016 LX offers an available 19-speaker Mark Levinson® Reference Surround Sound audio system.

—BRIAN GILL

Lexus RX: Solid Luxury

10/09/2015—We’ll say it again: pre-owned L/Certified by Lexus models are a superb way to achieve Lexus ownership, and there are plenty of 2015 and earlier models available.

Case in point: The 2015 Lexus RX and 2015 RX Hybrid, which are as ideal for daily drives as they are for iconic road trip destinations like Joshua Tree National Park:

With its low powertrain, fully independent MacPherson strut front suspension, and unique double-wishbone rear suspension, the 2015 RX combines the versatility of an SUV with the ride of a luxury sedan—a great combination for road trips. 

The RX 350 purposefully combines luxury and performance, thanks to its 3.5-liter V6 engine, agile handling, and six-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). The RX 450h delivers performance via its Lexus Hybrid Drive system, which includes an Atkinson-cycle V6 engine and Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence (ECVT-i).

The power rear door of the RX offers remote keyless access to the cargo area, and it can be raised and lowered remotely or from inside the vehicle by using a switch.

Entertainment technologies include an available dual-screen Rear-Seat Entertainment System (RSES), as well as the available 330-watt, 15-speaker Mark Levinson® Premium Surround Sound Audio System[1], which envelops the entire cabin in three-dimensional sound.

The RX offers an available wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel, and the RX 450h also offers an available bamboo-trimmed steering wheel with chrome-trimmed shift knob.

RX features include dual-zone automatic climate control with interior air filter, power windows with one-touch auto open/close, remote-linked opening for windows, and an optional moonroof.

The RX 350’s 3.5-liter V6 delivers 270 horsepower[2] and is incredibly responsive at all engine speeds—all while providing greater fuel efficiency thanks to the dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system. The RX 450h’s Lexus Hybrid Drive combines power and efficiency with 295 total system horsepower[2] and a 30 mpg combined rating[3].

- Brian Gill

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