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

• Lexus of Orlando

• 305 North Semoran Blvd
• Winter Park, FL 32792
• (800) 528-6404

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Buckle Up for Life Dispels Top Five Myths about Car Seats - Just in Time for Child Passenger Safety Week

NEW YORK (Sept. 10, 2015) – It’s no secret that driving with small children can be full of challenges – from battles over whose turn it is to pick the music to making sure you’re fully stocked with snacks and supplies. But one thing that should not be a puzzle is how to keep them safe. That’s why Buckle Up for Life, the national education program from Toyota and Cincinnati Children’s, is sharing the top five myths and facts on car seats, just in time for Child Passenger Safety Week (September 13-19).

“We know from our work with thousands of families across the country over the past decade that car seats can be frustrating. In fact, an alarming three out of four are not installed properly,” said Gloria del Castillo, child passenger safety expert at Cincinnati Children’s and national program manager for Buckle Up for Life.

Del Castillo continued, “Working closely with leading children’s hospitals across the country,Buckle Up for Life shares vital safety education with parents and caregivers. It is our hope that by doing this – including our latest campaign to dispel some very common myths – we can continue to make a difference in saving children’s lives.”

Buckle Up For Life presents the top five prevailing myths of car seats – and the real facts behind them – to help better protect young passengers.

1.MYTH: Used car seats are always okay.
FACT: Car seats have expiration dates.

Hand-me-downs may be convenient, but when it comes to car seats, they’re not worth the risk. If the seat has been through a crash, it may be compromised. Additionally, the plastic can degrade over time. If you do have a used car seat, know its history and check the expiration date, which can usually be found on a sticker affixed to the seat and on the registration card.

2.MYTH: Older kids can sit in the front seat.
FACT: Kids under 13 are safest in the back.

Many think that once their children outgrow their car seats or booster seats, the front seat is fair game. However, the truth is that all children under age 13 are safest in the back seat.

3.MYTH: Seat belts alone protect small children.
FACT: Children shorter than 4’9” need booster seats.

Seat belts don’t properly fit young children and can ride up around their waists or necks, potentially causing injury during a crash. Children under 4’9” should sit in booster seats, which elevate them so that seat belts can protect them correctly.

4.MYTH: A one year old can ride in a forward-facing car seat.
FACT: Children should be rear-facing until age two.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should remain in rear-facing car seats until age two, or until they exceed the height or weight limit for the car seat. According to a study by the University of Virginia, children under age two are 75 percent less likely to die or to be severely injured in a crash if they are rear-facing.

5.MYTH: Expensive car seats are safer than others.
FACT: All approved car seats are equally safe.

All car seat manufacturers are required to meet the same performance standards issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some seats may be more expensive than others based on fabric, padding or other bells and whistles, but that doesn’t mean they are any safer.

Program Greatly Increased Rate of Children in Car Seats among Participants; Will Expand To Ann Arbor, MI and New Haven, CT

During its 2014 –2015 program cycle, Buckle Up For Life reached more than one thousand families with critical passenger safety information through partnerships with local children’s hospitals and community organizations. Organizations that offered the program observed a marked improvement in members’ auto safety behaviors, including:
The rate of children unrestrained in cars decreased from one in four to fewer than one in 20.
The rate of children in car seats increased from roughly one in four to one in two; and
A 13 percent increase in use of seat belts for adults, from 68 percent to 81 percent. This fall, Buckle Up For Life will launch in two new cities:
C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI
Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital in New Haven, CT“Toyota has always been deeply focused on helping families get places more safely,” said Latondra Newton, Toyota’s Group Vice President and Chief Social Innovation Officer. “That is why we are so proud of the impact we’ve had with Buckle Up for Life. Together with our partners at Cincinnati Children’s, we offer life-saving education and resources to families to better protect young passengers.”

Toyota and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center partnered in 2004 to create Buckle Up for Life, a national education program for families to help keep child passengers safe. The program teaches parents and children about the proper use of car seats and seat belts and provides free car seats to families in need. Through partnerships with the leading children’s hospitals in the country, Buckle Up For Life has reached more than 23,000 people in 14 cities. Toyota’s sponsorship has provided funding for over 40,000 car seats for families in need.

About Lexus of Orlando

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.

Getting Your Teen Their First Car: A How-To

Make sure you're setting them up for safety right from the start.

1. Choose the Right Car                             

Let's face it, if you left the decision up to your teen, you would probably end up with either a huge SUV or a suped up sports car, neither of which is particularly safe for a young, new driver. However, there are plenty of options out there to make both you and your teen happy. And with the right research, you can find a car that is not only fun to drive, but also safe and reliable, too.

Choosing a midsize car is the best way to go, according to The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and the Insurance Information Institute. Depending on your budget, you can opt for either a new or used model - just make sure the car is in good condition with updated safety features like airbags and electronic stability control. Also, you'll want to check out crash test and safety ratings before making your final purchase.

Fuel efficiency is another important factor to consider, especially in today's economy. Unless you're willing to cover the cost of filling your son or daughter's tank each week, buying your teen a gas guzzler is probably not a good idea.

2. Get the Best Auto Insurance Rate

The truth is that no matter what car you choose, insuring your teen driver will increase your auto insurance rates. But there are some things that you can do to make these costs as manageable as possible. In fact, another great reason to opt for safety first at the car dealership is that it can help keep your auto insurance premiums down. Because safer cars tend to have a lower accident risk, they are usually less expensive to insure.

Another way to get the best auto insurance rates possible is to scope out potential discounts. If your teen is a full-time student, for instance, he or she may be eligible for a good student discount. Researching your options beforehand will help you to make an informed decision when trying to find the right car for your teen.

3. Set Boundaries

Choosing a good car and purchasing the right auto insurance are only the first steps in keeping your teen safe on the road. Talking with your teen about safe driving and setting clear rules and guidelines are also important. To ensure that your teen stays safe behind the wheel, you can:

• Limit the number of passengers your teen can have in his or her car at any one time;
• Establish a "no cell phone" policy to ensure that your teen does not text or call while driving;
• Discuss what to do in cases of emergency, including accidents and adverse weather conditions.

Resource:  Allstate Insurance

Ninth Annual Lexus Eco Challenge Kicks off With a Chance to Win $500,000 in Grants and Scholarships

Loving Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Reaps Big Rewards – Ninth Annual Lexus Eco Challenge Kicks off With a Chance to Win $500,000 in Grants and Scholarships

• Middle and High School Students Eligible
• Students Learn About Environment, Teamwork and Community Empowerment

2014 - 2015 Lexus Eco Challenge - Grand Prize Middel School Winner - S.T.A.X. P.S. #28 Christa McAuliffe in Jersey City, N.J.

August 17, 2015

TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 17, 2015 –Students with a passion for science, technology, engineering and math are a breath of fresh air!  And the Lexus Eco Challenge is an excellent opportunity for middle and high school students across the U.S. to help clean the air, water, and land in their neighborhoods and beyond. 

Through the Lexus Eco Challenge, students will learn about the environment, team work and how they can take steps to make their communities better. More than 27,000 middle and high school students have earned over $5 million for themselves, their teachers, and their schools through the Lexus Eco Challenge. 

“All of my students participate in the Eco Challenge, and I am continually impressed at how their leadership, teamwork, research, and communication skills develop during the process,” said Ashlie Arkwright, eighth grade teacher at SCAPA Bluegrass, Lexington, Ky. and teacher advisor for 2014-2015 Lexus Eco Challenge first place middle school team “No Heat Ninjas.”

The program is now open for registration and students are invited to participate for a chance to win part of $500,000 in grants and scholarships. Lexus and Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books and leading provider of print and digital instructional materials for pre-K–12 grade, have joined together to create the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) educational program.

In its ninth year, the Lexus Eco Challenge is an educational program and contest for teens across the U.S. in grades 6-12 that inspires and empowers young people to learn about the environment and take action to improve it.  

Teams of students can enter both of the first two challenges, which are focused on Land & Water and Air & Climate. This year, the Land & Water Challenge will run first, Aug. 17-Oct. 16, followed by the Air & Climate Challenge, Oct. 17-Dec. 11. Winners from each challenge are then invited to go on to participate in the Final Challenge, Jan. 11 to Feb. 19, 2016 with a top prize of $30,000 for both the winning middle and high school teams.

The Challenge Elements

1. The Lexus Eco Challenge also includes supplemental educational materials created and distributed by Scholastic that support Common Core skills and encourage teachers to integrate creative lesson plans about the environment into their classrooms. For each challenge, the website (www.scholastic.com/lexus) has lesson plans and teacher instructions, including questions to help guide a discussion about the current challenge topic, facts about the topic and guidelines for a specific classroom project.
2. Competition to reward environmental action helps young people apply what they’ve learned in class through the program and empowers them to make improvements in their community by participating in the eco-focused team challenges.

The Challenge Rewards
The Lexus Eco Challenge registration is open now for the Land & Water Challenge and will conclude on Oct. 16, 2015. Middle and high school teams, comprised of five to ten students and one to two teacher advisor(s), are invited to define an environmental issue that is important to them, develop an action plan to address the issue, implement the plan, and report on the results. The first-place and grand-prize-winning teams will be announced in November 2015 for the Land & Water Challenge, while Air & Climate Challenge winners will be announced in January 2016.

Each of the challenges will have 16 winning teams – eight middle school and eight high school teams. The winning teams will each receive a total of $10,000 in scholarships and grants to be shared among the students, teacher and school. In addition, the winning action plans will be featured on a special webpage to inspire other students to take action in their communities.

The winning teams from the first two challenges will be invited to participate in the Final Challenge.  Teams will be asked to reach beyond the local community and inspire environmental action around the world through innovative ideas that are communicated to a wide audience.

From the Final Challenge entries, eight first-place teams and two grand-prize-winning teams will be selected. Each of the eight first-place teams will receive a total of $15,000 in grants and scholarships, and the two grand-prize-winning teams will each receive $30,000. The money will be shared by the students, their teacher advisors and their schools.

Teachers are encouraged to visit http://www.scholastic.com/lexus to learn how they can take part and to review the Official Rules. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited.

Lexus’ Environmental Efforts
Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader with six low-emission hybrid vehicles available. When Lexus began selling hybrids in 2005, it helped advance the concept of sustainability without sacrifice.  The Lexus Eco Challenge is part of The Lexus Pursuit of Potential, a philanthropic initiative that generates up to $3 million in donations each year for organizations that help build, shape and improve children’s lives.

Let’s Play: The Big Game Commercial Featuring A Remote Control Lexus RC

In past seasons “Project
Runway” has given a LEXUS vehicle as one of the prizes to the winning designer…this
year it is the LEXUS RC350! 

Project Runway Season 14

Lifetime’s Emmy nominated "Project Runway" (#ProjectRunway) returns as sixteen new hopefuls compete for fashion glory, starting Thursday, August 6, at 9pm ET/PT. With New York as their canvas for inspiration, the fashion adventure of their lives will only last as long as they continue to impress judges Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia and Zac Posen and mentorTim Gunn. But no decision is ever final as Tim will once again have an opportunity to “save” one designer from being eliminated.

The winner of "Project Runway" will receive $100,000 to launch his or her business and a Celebrity Cruises® modern luxury vacation for two to almost anywhere in the world. Sally Beauty will supply a year’s worth of products and the opportunity to consult with Sally Beauty to create a limited edition “FingerPaints” nail color collection. Travel and hotel accommodations to inspiring destinations around the world will be provided by Best Western International and from Mary Kay, the winner will receive an entire year’s worth of beauty products for their fashion shows and professional makeup artist services for their debut show. The winner also receives a 2015 Lexus RC 350 and a complete sewing and crafting studio from Brother Sewing and Embroidery. The winning designer and model will also receive a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine.


Guest judges this season include:

• Bella Thorne ("Scream")

• Kiernan Shipka ("Mad Men")

• Tracee Ellis Ross ("Black-ish")

• Paula Patton ("About Last Night")

• Ashley Tisdale ("Clippe"d)

• Shiri Appleby and Constance Zimmer ("UnREAL")

• Singer/songwriter Ciara

• Singer and "America’s Got Talent" judge Mel B

• Supermodel Coco Rocha

• Fashion designer Lisa Perry

• Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model and host of Lifetime’s "Project Runway Junior," Hannah Davis


The winner of "Project Runway" will receive $100,000 to launch his or her business and a Celebrity Cruises® modern luxury vacation for two to almost anywhere in the world. Sally Beauty will supply a year’s worth of products and the opportunity to consult with Sally Beauty to create a limited edition “FingerPaints” nail color collection. Travel and hotel accommodations to inspiring destinations around the world will be provided by Best Western International and from Mary Kay, the winner will receive an entire year’s worth of beauty products for their fashion shows and professional makeup artist services for their debut show. The winner also receives a 2015 Lexus RC 350 and a complete sewing and crafting studio from Brother Sewing and Embroidery. The winning designer and model will also receive a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine.

Regular Car Checks Recommended During High Summer Temperatures

Staying on top of your car's systems during the height of summer can help ensure a comfortable and safe ride.

Summer can be tough on cars, especially during high temperatures when heat can destroy batteries and stress the cooling system and tires. As a precaution, these vehicle components should be checked periodically during summer to help avoid breakdowns and car problems, according to the Car Care Council.

Excessive heat and overcharging shorten the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destroy a battery.

To get the most life out of a battery, the council recommends having the electrical system checked to make sure it is charging at the correct rate. If your car's battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it often, especially in hot weather and add distilled water if necessary. Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt can become a conductor, which drains battery power. If corrosion accumulates on battery terminals, it becomes an insulator and inhibits the current flow.

The cooling system also works harder during hot temperatures to prevent overheating of the engine. To keep the cooling system working effectively, the coolant and distilled water mixture for a vehicle's radiator should be 50:50. As a reminder, never open a hot radiator cap when checking the coolant level in the reservoir.

As a rule of thumb, the coolant should be changed annually on most vehicles. This will keep the cooling system fresh and clean inside, which helps prevent corrosion and assures that the coolant has the proper boiling point and protection. A pressure test, thermostat test, a cooling fan test and a visual inspection for leaks and corrosion should also be done annually. Hoses and drive belts should be checked for cracks, bulges or frayed edges.

The radiator should be kept clean by periodically using a garden hose and a soft brush to carefully remove bugs, dirt and debris.

Tires also need special care in warmer weather as high temperatures put added stress on them. To maximize tire life and safety, check the tire condition and inflation pressure monthly, and have the tires rotated every 6,000 miles. Summer heat will cause the pressure within a tire to rise, therefore, it's important to check the pressure when tires are cold. The owner's manual includes the recommended air pressure for your vehicle's tires.

"It takes very little time and money to make sure your car runs properly during summer, and although breakdowns happen, they can definitely be minimized by taking a few extra preventive maintenance steps," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

The council reminds motorists that the vehicle's exterior also can be damaged by sunlight, UV radiation, acid rain, salt, dirt and air pollution. To protect the paint and finish, vehicles should be washed weekly and waxed every six months.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council's Car Care Guide or for more information, visithttp://www.carcare.org/.

Source: Car Care Council

Five Less Obvious Signs That Your Car Is In Need of Service

While most of the time your car will be intelligent enough to let you know when it's time for service, there are instances when you may need to identify signs a little less obvious than a blinking orange light on the dashboard.

Here are five more subtle indications that your car needs a trip to the doctor.

1. You notice a sudden drop in gas mileage. This could be a direct cause of a bad fuel injector, dirty fuel filter or a problem with the spark plugs.

2. Strange sounds. There are many different noises that cars make; some natural while others not so much. Knocking, thudding, squealing, droning: these are some common indicators that something is wrong. 

3.  Leaks. Automobiles require a litany of fluids to properly function. Not all leaks will indicate a problem. For example, in the summer when the A/C is running, water may condense and drip on the ground. The same is true for exhaust pipes. Oil is one particular fluid that you do not want to see accumulating on your driveway. A good way to test if it is just water, or perhaps something else, is to dab a bit of the fluid on your finger and smell it. 

4. Spongy Brakes. Are you having to apply more pressure when braking your vehicle? It may be time for a brake inspection. 

5. Smells. Use all of your senses when operating your vehicle. Burning or metallic scents coming from the vehicle are good signs of overheating, or brake issues.

If you think your car is in need of service, schedule an appointment with us online!