All-new model sets the fresh design, performance and technology direction for new generation of Infiniti vehicles and brand. Choice of powertrains for United States launch includes 3.7-liter V6 and 3.5-liter Hybrid; other powertrains to be added as part of global market launch rollout. Offers world’s first technologies designed to enhance the driving experience, including Direct Adaptive Steering and Active Lane Control
Fully customizable digital environment for linking various driver settings and driving characteristics to i-Key Infiniti InTouch™ next-gen smart connectivity features dual touch-screens and an array of advanced functions, features and custom apps
On sale in North America beginning summer 2013.

Building on Infiniti’s legendary sports sedan design, performance and technology leadership, the all-new 2014 Infiniti Q50 is designed to create a new, distinct level of customer engagement when it launches in the North American market in summer 2013. The Q50 rollout will be followed by other Infiniti global markets later in the year.

Said Infiniti President Johan de Nysschen: “This exciting new Infiniti Q50 stretches the boundaries of what a sports sedan can be, propelling Infiniti in a bold new direction.”

A New Dimension in Dynamic Design
While Infiniti sports sedans have always been noted for their outstanding proportions and presence, the new Infiniti Q50 adds a new dimension of premium style. Its strong first impression is anchored by the smooth yet dynamic character line arising from its “double arch” grille. It energetically flows through the bodyside like a wave and merges with the rear end, creating a highly fluid and intriguing profile and fully illustrating the Infiniti Q50′s dynamic and athletic stance.

“The Infiniti Q50 reflects the direct influence of the Infiniti concepts known as the ‘Infiniti Trilogy’, particularly Essence, while honoring the iconic design dynamics of earlier Infiniti sports sedans. The new Q50′s athletic and tightened appearance blends its lower and wider proportions with enhanced interior roominess to stunning effect inside and out,” said Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer.

Signature Infiniti exterior design features include the “double arch” grille, dynamic arch roofline and Crescent-cut C-pillar. The front end is decidedly aggressive, with a sport front fascia offered on the Q50 sport models. The new grille’s threedimensional, textural quality is provided by elaborate detailing of the waved mesh pattern surface and chrome surround, while the distinctive LED headlights and marker lights’ sharp lines suggest an almost human look.

The lean, robust body sides are designed to anchor the performance stance with a strong, solid “bone” and arched roofline that flows to the Crescent C-pillars that are similar to those that originally appeared on the Essence Concept. In the rear, the side character lines smoothly merge with the shape of the rear LED combination lights. The familiar rear double-arch trunk line completes the strong, unforgettable view from behind. Heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals are standard, while a power sliding and tilting glass sunroof is optionally available.

Other exterior refinements include new door architecture with narrower, roll-formed A- and B-pillar sashes that provide improved ingress and egress, as well as a more open cabin environment. A new color palette has been specially selected to accent the Q50 contours and sculpted surfaces and includes a range of eight premium colors.

The new body design also offers enhanced airflow over both the upper and lower body portions, resulting in a coefficient of drag of just 0.26. The Q50 also features zero front and rear lift.

“Moving forward, we want all Infiniti vehicles to reflect an energetic force rooted in nature, such as the shape of a dynamic wave,” said Nakamura. “The Q50′s enhanced sense of three-dimensionality gives it a look of strength and agility – a look that is highly personal, seductive and slightly mysterious.”

Performance With a Personal Touch
Throughout the Infiniti Q50′s development, compromise was never an option. No compromise on innovation, design or performance targets, allowing the development teams to stretch the boundaries of what a sports sedan can be.

“The new Q50 amplifies every driver’s performance preference and enjoyment behind the wheel. We have one of the fastest accelerating hybrid engines, which also happens to be projected as one of the most fuel-efficient. We have advanced performance and safety technologies that can see and react before the driver can. And, we have the world’s first quick and precise Direct Adaptive Steering technology,” said de Nysschen.

At launch in North America, two advanced powertrains will be available, followed by additional engine options in other global markets later in the year. The Q50′s refined 3.7-liter aluminum-alloy DOHC 24-valve V6 is rated at 328 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque and features Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) and Variable Valve Event & Lift (VVEL®).

The available hybrid powertrain features the Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid™system with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control. It combines a 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V6 and compact laminated lithium-ion battery design with an innovative one-motor/two-clutch motor control. The system’s V6 is rated at 296 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, while the advanced 50 kW electric motor is rated at 67 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system net power is 354 horsepower, providing strong acceleration and lean fuel economy.

“True to the Infiniti DNA, our hybrid powertrains put performance first, without compromising fuel efficiency. It takes full advantage of the electric motor’s instant torque for exceptional acceleration and, in combination with the 3.5-liter V6, provides a sporty driving feel under all driving conditions. We have targeted the best balance of performance and fuel economy and hit it dead center,” said de Nysschen.

Both Q50 powertrains are matched with an advanced 7-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode and available steering column-mounted magnesium paddle shifters. The Q50 is available in rear-wheel drive and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive with both powertrains.

Precise handling is provided by the 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension. The front is a single pivot double-wishbone design, while the revised rear design utilizes a multi-link design with coil springs and Dual Flow Path® shock absorbers, with increased camber stiffness and improved ride comfort. The suspension features extensive use of lightweight aluminum components, along with front and rear stabilizer bars. A sport-tuned suspension is available with Sport models. Also supporting the enhanced handling is an improvement in front body stiffness (versus the previous generation).

The Q50 rides on 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with machine-finished surface with 225/55R17 all-season run-flat tires. Also available are 19-inch aluminum-alloy sport wheels with 245/40R19 run-flat all-season or summer tires. Confident braking is provided by 4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes with 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake Assist. Also available are sport brakes with upgraded rotors, 4-piston front calipers and 2-piston rear. Steering is provided by a power-assisted vehicle-speed-sensitive rack-andpinion system.

The new Q50 also features available Infiniti Direct Adaptive Steering technology, a world’s first production vehicle design. The system allows independent control of the Q50′s tire angle and steering inputs, transmitting the driver’s intentions to the wheels faster than a mechanical system.

This increases the direct driving performance feel by quickly and intelligently communicating road surface feedback to the driver. Four different steering settings are offered, allowing customization by driver preference or road conditions. This world’s first technology provides the flexibility for the driver to change both steering effort and the steering gear ratio. A backup mechanical steering system is provided with models utilizing the new Direct Adaptive Steering technology.

Also offered is another world’s first, Active Lane Control, which uses a camera-based straight-line stability system to further enhance on-center driving capability and improve vehicle stability. The system is included as part of the Lane Departure Prevention system, not only adjusting for unintended lane drift, but also making finer adjustments for minor road surface changes or crosswinds (as detected by the camera-based, lane marker detection system). The system goes beyond the traditional Lane Departure Prevention system, taking it a step further by not only reading the road ahead (the camera is located above the rearview mirror) for unintended lane drift but also by making small steering input angle adjustments if the Q50 undergoes minor direction changes due to road surface changes or crosswinds (as detected by the lane marker detection system). By reducing the need for steering input for the driver, the driver’s effort may be reduced.

“The beauty of these advanced systems is to allow a more personal driving experience, with more input when desired and less intrusion of road imperfections in the steering wheel,” said de Nysschen. “These are just the start of a range of future technologies that are becoming a point of differentiation for our Infiniti customers.”

In fine-tuning the Infiniti Q50′s exceptional performance standards, Infiniti’s partnership with Red Bull Racing enabled three-time Formula One World Driver’s Champion Sebastian Vettel and the team’s Test & Reserve driver Sebastien Buemi to provide an extra dimension to its development. With the goal of making the new model the most dynamic and exciting sports sedan on the market, Vettel provided input on the Q50′s performance and handling at Infiniti’s Tochigi facility in Japan.

Buemi tested at Nurburgring – one of the toughest proving grounds in the world – pushing prototypes to the limits to help produce a chassis with outstanding handling characteristics.

Infiniti recently announced that from 2013 it will be Title Partner and Technical Partner to ‘Infiniti Red Bull Racing.’ This deep collaboration will lead to joint technical projects for mutual benefits on the track and the road.

“Having the opportunity to receive feedback on chassis development from two world class drivers is priceless,” said de Nysschen. “Our partnership as ‘Infiniti Red Bull Racing’ is an extensive one. We are working together to identify a number of areas for technical collaboration and to apply the benefits of partnering with the Formula One World Champions to our own people, processes and technology.”

Another way that the new Infiniti Q50 raises the performance standards in class is the high degree of available personalization, which is made possible with the new fully customizable digital environment. The system works with the vehicle’s advanced i-Keys to recognize the vehicle settings for up to four different drivers.

Offering a sense of “my car knows me,” the i-Key can recognize each driver and automatically engage pre-set preferences for driving position, heating and cooling, audio, navigation and telematics. For example, up to 96 optional settings in are offered in the custom mode alone. Easy setting or changing of settings is accessed through the innovative dual touch-screen displays.

In addition, by using the drive mode selector located on the center console, engine, transmission, handling and steering adjustments can be instantly tuned, for example, for sport or touring settings.

Modern Luxury Meets Meticulous Craftsmanship
Matching the inspired Infiniti Q50 design and performance is an interior created to the same extraordinary standards. The interior environment offers a powerful blend of three-dimensional textures, highest craftsmanship and premium quality, combining modern luxury and user-focused advanced technology.

“An interior is a confluence of thousands of parts and many materials, including leathers, fabrics, metals and glass. The harmony with each element is an important part of the Q50′s warmth and high quality feel,” Nakamura explained. “Our designers approached the integration of every element in the interior in terms of not just function but also of stimulation of the senses – color, touch, texture, finish and beauty – creating an environment that is both intuitive and indulgent.”

The Q50 interior is also designed as an invitation to drive – to celebrate the elation of driving that is often lost in the modern world. As such, special attention was paid to the driver position, offering a generous range of customizable adjustments within a cosseting yet comfortable cockpit. The Q50′s instrument panel honors Infiniti’s “double wave” design tradition, while updated with a new asymmetrical flow from the top of the center cluster to the wide center console. Access to all key operations and controls is designed so that the driver does not need to change driving posture, including use of hard switches, touch panels and drive mode selector controller.

The front and rear seats are a new ergonomic design, developed to help distribute body pressure across a wider range of the upper seating surface. When sitting, the pressure load on the backbone is about 1.4 times greater than while standing. The bending moments that become a factor of load are reduced by the new seat design, with the additional support for the pelvis and the self-weight of the chest.

The roomy interior space offers ample front and rear head room, ample rear knee room enhanced by the new, thin front seatback design, and greater front seat slide and lift adjustability. Front and rear seat hip points have also been adjusted for greater comfort. The rear seat foot room is also expanded by moving the B-pillar forward nearly an inch (versus traditional designs), making it easier to enter and exit. Effective luggage space is expected to be the best in the segment at 18.0 cubic feet with the 3.7-liter V6 and 14.1 cubic feet with the hybrid powertrain.

The Infiniti Q50 features a choice of interior fabrics and colors, including available leather-appointed seating surfaces. Three interior colors are offered: Wheat, Graphite and Stone.

Finishing off the elegant interior is a combination of “Kacchu” aluminum inspired by traditional Samurai armaments and genuine maple wood trim, which is representative of the 16th century Urushi painting technique.

“Quality is another Infiniti Q50 strong point,” added Nakamura. “Our designer’s passion, obsession with detail and devotion to craftsmanship and continuous improvements ensure we are producing a truly premium product of the best quality.”

The Q50′s quiet cabin is augmented by standard Active Noise Control, with cancelling of intrusive low frequency noise from four door-mounted speakers, allowing easy conversation with passengers. Premium audio systems include an available nextgeneration Studio on Wheels by Bose® audio system with a new instrument panel 3-speaker array (14 speakers total throughout the cabin) and Advanced Staging Technology®. SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) and High Definition (HD) radio are standard.

Other features include Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, Bluetooth® Handsfree Phone System, RearView Monitor and available Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster® air purifier and Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection.

Infiniti Connected Technologies
Building on Infiniti’s unique approach to making owners’ lives easier, which includes the Infiniti Personal Assistant program with 24-hour access to a live team of professional assistants, the new Infiniti InTouch™ telematics system brings the future of in-car connectivity to the Q50 interior today. Unlike conventional interfaces, the Q50 has not one but two touch capacitive screens with intuitive hand gesture screen operation to easily connect drivers to their lives outside the car.

“We have new technologies that embrace the way people live today – seamless connectivity and personalization everywhere they go, including while in their cars, with an optimized human machine interface for ease of use,” said de Nysschen.

Along with the large dual screens, the Infiniti InTouch™ system is designed to effortlessly synchronize car and driver. Content and functions directed to the upper screen includes the most frequently used applications, such as navigation maps. Other content is directed to the lower display screen.

The two screens work together so that, for example, the navigation map can be viewed on the top screen while setting destinations or finding points-of-interest can be done on the lower screen. A limited number of critical functions, such as heating and cooling, are operated by hard switches. Content can be customized using easy-to-understand menus. A selection of vehicle-centric apps will be pre-loaded into the system. Owners will also be able to download, update and synch personal apps through their smartphones and USB drives. Additional details on the system’s operation will be available at a later date.

Safety Shield Technologies
The final area of segment leadership for the new Infiniti Q50 is its advanced safety systems. Building on the long list of safety and security technologies already found in other Infiniti models, the Infiniti Q50 offers available Intelligent Cruise Control with Full Speed Range, predictive Forward Collision Warning (world’s first technology), Forward Emergency Braking, Distance Control Assist, Blind Spot Intervention, Backup Collision Intervention®, Lane Departure Prevention and Active Lane Control.

Coming Soon
The all-new 2014 Infiniti Q50 will be initially offered in the United States and Canada beginning in summer 2013. At launch, two powertrains – the 3.7-liter V6 and 3.5-liter Hybrid – will be available, each in a choice of rear-wheel drive or Intelligent All- Wheel Drive and in a selection of trim levels, including Sport models.

The Q50 will roll out in other global Infiniti markets beginning in summer 2013 and will include additional powertrain offerings adapted to respective market needs.

“The new Infiniti Q50 is a true game changer in the sports sedan segment,” said de Nysschen. “With its cutting-edge performance, design and technology, it breaks away from ordinary – just like the Infiniti brand.”
# # #

2014 INFINITI Q50
KEY DIMENSIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS
Engines:
3.7-liter aluminum-alloy DOHC 24-valve V6, rated at 328 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, featuring Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) and Variable Valve Event & Lift (VVEL®)

Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid™ with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control, combining 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V6 and compact laminated lithium-ion battery design with an innovative one-motor/two-clutch motor control; V6 rated at 296 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, advanced 50 kW electric motor rated at 67 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque (Hybrid system net power: 354 horsepower)

Transmission:
7-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with Downshift Rev Matching, manual shift mode and Adaptive Shift Control, available steering columnmounted magnesium paddle shifters

Drive Configuration:
Front engine, rear-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive

Wheels/Tires:
17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with machine-finished surface / 225/55R17 all-season run-flat tires
Available 19-inch aluminum-alloy sport wheels /
245/40R19 all-season or summer run-flat tires

Suspension:
4-wheel independent multi-link suspension (front single
pivot double-wishbone design/revised rear design) with
extensive use of lightweight aluminum components and
front and rear stabilizer bars

Braking:
4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes, 4-wheel
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force
Distribution, Brake Assist
Available Sport Brakes with upgraded rotors, 4-piston
front calipers and 2-piston rear calipers

Steering:
Vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering
Available Direct Adaptive Steering technology for
enhanced steering feel and personalized dynamic
customization

Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Length: 188.3 inches
Width: 71.8 inches
Height: 56.8 inches
Coefficient of drag: 0.26
Seating Capacity: 5-passenger

Exterior Features:
Sensuous dynamic styling with unexpected spaciousness; purpose-built for performance with low, wide proportions and tight, athletic stance; Infiniti signature “double arch” front grille, dynamic arch silhouette and Crescent-cut C-pillar; distinctive LED head lamps and lighting (headlights, fog lights and marker lights), LED rear combination lights; available sport front fascia; eight available premium exterior colors; advanced aerodynamic design with 0.26 coefficient of drag and zero front and rear lift

Interior Features:
Driver-oriented center stack/console with asymmetric design; natural contour ergonomic-design front seats for enhanced comfort; available leather-appointed seating; available heated front seats and heated steering wheel; Fine Vision electroluminescent instrumentation; “Kacchu” aluminum interior trim; available “Fukiurushi” maple wood trim; Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, available Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster® air purifier; customizable digital environment for storing and providing various driver settings and driving characteristics to i-Key; Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System; RearView Monitor

Technology Features:
Infiniti InTouch™ next-generation Human Machine Interface with dual touch-screen displays and
smartphone connectivity; next-generation Studio on Wheels by Bose® audio system with instrument panel speaker array and up to 14 total speakers, Advanced Staging Technology®; Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection; HEV sound management technologies, including available Active Noise Control

Infiniti Connection™ featuring Automatic Collision Notification, Drive Zone monitoring, Google Calendar™, and Destination Assistance via Infiniti Personal Assistant (complimentary for the first 12 months of ownership)

Available Safety Shield technologies with Intelligent Cruise Control with Full Speed Range, predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, Distance Control Assist, Blind Spot Intervention®, Back-up Collision Intervention, Lane Departure Prevention, Active Lane Control (world’s first production Direct Adaptive Steering technology), High Beam Assist

Available dynamic performance enhancement systems, including Active Trace Control by advanced Vehicle Dynamic Control

Detroit, Michigan, 15th January 2013 – Lexus today unveiled the all-new 2013 IS model range, including the first IS to feature Lexus Hybrid Drive, the IS 300h, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions of the IS 250 and IS 350, and a further evolution of the F SPORT package, available across the entire model range.

Driving performance is considered the single most important element of sport sedan ownership. In conjunction with a dramatic new design featuring the Lexus spindle grille, the new IS has been engineered to provide outstanding dynamic capabilities and driving experience.

‘We adopted an entirely different approach to the development of the new IS’ said Junichi Furuyama, IS Chief Engineer. ‘Rather than developing each individual aspect in the hope that they will combine to offer an engaging driving experience, we first established the pleasurable driving experience owners desire as our major premise, and then we developed the individual performance elements to support it.’

‘Every aspect of the new IS has been engineered with a renewed focus on the sporting performance, agile handling, accurate response to driver input and highly communicative feedback.’

Incorporating no less than 12 Lexus first features and technical innovations, the new IS also showcases an all-new interior that combines all the refinement and quality expected of any Lexus, with a more sporting, focused driver’s environment, a significant improvement in rear seat space for best-in-class roominess, and a larger, more convenient luggage compartment.

Exterior Design

Following the new generation GS, ES and LS models, the all-new IS features the sophisticated Lexus spindle grille frontal design, awarding the compact sedan a combination of aggressive elegance, a more powerful road presence and a stronger brand identity.

In profile, the mass of the cabin is concentrated rearwards and a rising line flowing from the lower body into the rear lamp clusters adds further elegance, and dynamism.

The exterior design incorporates a new, powerfully articulated headlamp cluster design with Lexus trademark, L-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRL) located independently below.

Interior Design

Featuring a clean and elegant design theme, the cabin provides a driver-focused, ergonomically ideal environment.

The newly designed driver’s seat offers greater comfort and better lateral support. Both the seat hip point and the angle of the new, LFA-inspired steering wheel have been lowered and steering reach adjustment increased, creating a more sporting driving position.

Cabin material, trim and finish refinement is complimented by the latest advances in HMI technology and a high quality analogue clock with surface-emitting illumination. The centre console incorporates Lexus first, electrostatic switches to control the air conditioning temperature with the touch of a finger.

The new IS has a wheelbase 70 mm longer than its predecessor and is 10 mm wider, providing best in class rear seat comfort and luggage capacity. The combination of extended wheelbase and a thinner front seat design generates an 85 mm increase in knee room for the new, 60:40 split/folding seats, and improved accessibility.

The new IS300h battery is positioned beneath the luggage deck board, providing excellent trunk capacity.

Driving Dynamics

Segment-leading driving enjoyment is at the heart of the new IS development programme, and every aspect of the new Lexus sedan’s driving dynamics has been painstakingly engineered to that end.

New, laser screw welding and adhesive body bonding techniques, along with additional spot welding, have increased overall body rigidity.

The double wishbone front suspension system has been revised, offering a 20% increase in roll rigidity. To the rear, a new multi-link suspension system similar to that of the latest generation GS has been adopted.

The structure and rigidity of the steering gear box has been revised to create a lighter, smoother, more accurate steering feel.

3.5 litre, rear-wheel drive IS models are now equipped with the 8-speed, Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission from the acclaimed Lexus IS F.

A new Drive Mode Select system features up to four switchable driving modes- ECO, NORMAL, SPORT/SPORT S and SPORT S+ (the latter available on vehicles equipped with AVS), to optimise the driver’s preferred combination of economy, comfort, performance and handling characteristics.

F SPORT

IS F SPORT models not only benefit from exclusive, more sporting and aggressive exterior and interior design features, but also genuine dynamic enhancements in the form of exclusively tuned front and rear suspension systems.

Externally, F SPORT models may be instantly recognised by a more aggressive spindle grille design with a more prominent chrome trim and an exclusive mesh design.

On board, F SPORT models inherit the innovative driver’s meter with moving centre ring from the LFA.

An exclusive seat design uses an ‘integrated foaming’ construction method to combine excellent comfort with outstanding lateral holding performance.

Both the front and rear suspension systems and the Electric Power Steering (EPS) are exclusively tuned for the F SPORT package, enhancing IS handling performance without detriment to ride quality. An Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system is an option exclusive to F SPORT models, whilst Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) is also available on 3.5 litre engine models.

Powertrains

The new IS250 and IS350 will be available in a choice of both rear- and all-wheel drive.

The IS300h’s full hybrid rear-wheel drive system combines a powerful electric motor with a newly developed, 2.5 litre, four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine featuring a new D-4S fuel injection system, Dual VVT-i and a high-efficiency Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system. The system targets class-leading CO2 emissions of below 100 g/km, and average fuel consumption of less than 4.3 l/100 km.

Advanced Safety

A Lexus first, a newly developed pop-up hood design creates space to absorb pedestrian impact force, allowing for the lowest possible vehicle front profile whilst optimising pedestrian impact protection.

Furthermore, several, advanced new active safety features are fitted on the new IS, including Automatic High Beam, Lane Departure Alert, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

10. Improper Tire inflation
Your tires are the first contact on the road. Everything must be perfect for safety and better gas mileage.

9. Oil Changes
Engine lubrication is very important to reduce the wear on your engine. Makes sense!

8.  Octane rating
Use recommended octane for your engine. Premium fuel isn’t better for a engine that recommends regular. Regular fuel should not be used with engine that recommends premium.

7. Clean Air Filters
Nobody can breathe with plugped nostrils so why would you want your car to. A dirty air filter could hurt your performance resulting in a higher fuel economy.

6. Wash Regularly
Dirt, salt and damage needs to be cleaned, not just for looks. You don’t want to have rust spread through the metal in your car. TLC.

5. Tune up Time?
Today’s cars don’t have carburetors so don’t fall for the phrase ‘tune up’ however you must perform your regular maintenance at your Regency dealership.

4.Windshield Wipers
Is it important to see the road? Yes, you need to have a clear windshield. Make sure you also have a ice scraper handy because your wipers will damage from the ice.

3. Storage
Protect your car from the elements.  Sap, ice, salt, sunshine, rain all can damage your gorgeous paint. Storing in a garage or underground parking lot is the best thing you can do for your vehicle.

2. Loose Gas Cap
Why your check engine light is on?

1.  Winter Tires
Have you tried running in the snow with running shoes? Road control is important for your safety. Rubber hardens when all season tires are in -7 degree weather. When rubber hardens your traction is lost resulting in spinning wheels therefore the tires will wear faster. It is a good idea to split the use of your all seasons and winter tires so they will last longer just like your trail shoes used with your road running shoes. Get a grip!

Because Winter Tires make sense

WHY CHOOSE WINTER TIRES?
Because Winter Tires make sense
The effectiveness of All-Season and Performance tires decreases as the temperaturedrops, their ability to stick to the road is significantly reduced below 7 degrees Celsius.While the performance of Winter tires increases when temperatures fall.
Testing in winter conditions by Transport Canada and the Rubber Association ofCanada found that stopping distances were 30 to 40 per cent longer with all-season tires than with winter ones. In cornering, vehicles with all-season tireswent off the testing track at speeds of only 40 to 50 km/h, while winter tires hadno problem maintaining traction. The results were consistent with front-, rear-and all-wheel drive vehicles
The Quebec Government study found that the 10% of drivers in the provincewho did not have winter tires were the cause of 38% of collisions during wintermonths
Winter tires have specially designed tread patterns and rubber compounds toallow better grip and improved performance in both snow and cold
Winter tires will optimize systems such as Antilock Brakes, Traction Control andAll Wheel Drive
Some insurance providers offer discounts to those who fit four winter tires totheir vehicles
WHY CHOOSE A LEXUS WINTER TIREAND ALLOY WHEEL PACKAGE?
The best overall Winter Tire and Alloy Wheel Packages at competitive prices
Excellent selection of attractive wheels that are in keeping with the overallappearance of Lexus vehicles
High quality alloy wheels specifically made for Canadian winters to meet thesame high standards for quality as Lexus vehicles
All Lexus Winter Tire and Alloy Wheel Packages include approved brand namewinter tires
Lexus Winter Tire and Alloy Wheel packages are fully compatible with the TirePressure Monitoring System in Lexus vehicles
Winter Tire and Alloy Wheel Packages eliminate the additional labour time andpotential damage that can occur with repeated seasonal tire-only change over
All Lexus Winter Tire and Alloy Wheel Packages include Road Force Balancingfor a smoother ride
Alloy wheels & TPMS sensors are covered under the Basic Vehicle Warranty
Minimize financial impact by building the cost into the financing/ leasingagreement
ANSWERS TO POPULAR QUESTIONS
Do I need winter tires?If you live in an area where the temperature is consistently below 5 degrees Celsius, you do.Winter tires are not like All-Season tires. Winter tires have special rubber compounds designed to improvetraction, handling and braking in all cold weather conditions, not just ice and snow.
Why are four winter tires recommended?For traction, control and safety.Many people assume that the two drive wheels are most important and the other two tires sort of tag along. Thisidea was valid twenty or more years ago when snow tires were different only in their tread design. Today’s wintertires have different compounds and designs that deliver from 25 to 50 percent more traction in snow and ice,and stay pliable in cold weather allowing for more control on dry roads. Using just two on a vehicle creates atraction mismatch that can have serious handling consequences. Using four winter tires ensures optimumtraction and control for all vehicle types. It is always recommended to use four winter tires, it’s the cheapestinsurance you can buy to protect yourself, your family and others.
Do I need winter tires to improve traction if my vehicle has Traction Control?Yes.Even though traction control optimizes the traction of your tires in adverse conditions by preventing wheel spin,this specialized system does not create additional tire traction. Traction always depends on the four contactpatches created by the tires. The better traction your tires provide, the more effectively the traction controlsystem will help you drive more safely. Cold temperatures will cause all-season compounds to harden, losingpliability and traction.
My vehicle has ABS brakes; does that eliminate the need for winter tires?No.An ABS braking system prevents “locking-up” the brakes by “pulsing” them as you apply pressure to the pedal.Remember that the tires on your vehicle supply the traction and help the ABS deliver faster stops. Tires withbetter winter traction will improve overall braking performance on ice, snow, and cold roads.
What is the difference between an all-season tire and a winter tire?All-season tires continue to provide safe all-weather performance, but may not always be suitable for severesnow conditions. All-season tires do not have cold weather rubber compounds, channelling tread patterns, thelarge number of tread sipes (tiny slits in the tread blocks) for wet surface control, and the open tread blockpattern for deep snow traction that winter tires feature. The lack of a formal “snow” designation on the tire hasfurther fuelled the misconception that “all-season” tires also means “winter” tires.
It’s winter, but I don’t see snow on the ground yet. Is there still a benefit to use winter tires when there is no snow?On dry pavement, the overall performance of an all-season tire steadily declines as the temperature gets colder.The crossover point is about 7 degrees Celsius. Colder than that, a winter tire outperforms an all-season tire. Thewinter tire performance sharply improves as temperatures fall from 7 degrees to -30 degrees Celsius, while theall-season tire approaches the “not recommended” status.
Will winter tires help me stop in slippery conditions?A study conducted by the Quebec Ministry of Transport showed a proper winter tire can improve braking up to25 per cent over an all-season radial tire, and can improve collision avoidance by approximately 38 per cent.
RESOURCE: http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/safevehicles/safetyfeatures/wintertires/

Summer BOND @ Regency Infiniti 819 Automall Drive, North Vancouver Saturday, Sept 1st 5pm – 9pm The Summer is coming to an end and what a better way to end it with a BOND networking charity event. We are honored to be working with charity group Canuck Place. Canuck Place offers a comprehensive continuum of care to over 400 children and teens with life-threatening illnesses and their families throughout British Columbia. The program is unique in that it offers world-class health care within a home-like environment. Bond and Regency Auto Group are excited and thrilled to be apart of this and to also help give back to our community. Catch up with the Red Bull Racing F1 Car and enter to win tickets to the Red Bull Racing Suite at the race in Austin, Texas. How Do I Enter? Look for one of the contest kiosks at Regency Infiniti and submit an entry. Grand Prize: Grand Prize includes: a trip for two to the United States Grand Prix Race held in Austin, Texas, United States of America. The trip includes: return economy airfare for two people; three nights’ accommodation; two Formula One Paddock Club™ tickets to attend the 2012 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix Race in Austin, Texas; two Red BullRacing Team Jackets; six Red Bull Racing Team Shirts; two Red Bull Racing Team Hats; and $900.00 (CDN) spending money. The approximate retail value of the Grand Prize is $22,920.00 (CDN) Secondary Prizes: In addition to the Grand Prize, there will be a Secondary Prize awarded at each dealer location consisting of a pair of custom signed and framed racing gloves. (The total approximate retail value of each Secondary Prize is $150.00 CDN). The Redbull F1 Racing car will be at display at Regency Infiniti from Saturday, Sept 1st to Monday the 3rd. Sponsors M2 Vodka Yellow Tail Wine Pink Elephant Thai Restaurant RedBull WeLoveVan GoldenBrushArt Element7 Vancouver Fashion Week Genesis Security Maharaj Media

Bond Charity @ Regency Lexus

Being in the car business and having access to Lexus, Infiniti, Nissan, Toyota,, Volkswagen or Scion product to drive, as a demo, is a perk. That’s if you love cars! And I love cars. Notwithstanding the perk, etc, the question I often ask myself is, “What car would I buy, given the choices?”

The obvious question that follows is, “What is my budget?”

So, after my mortgage and various lifestyle expenses, I would be comfortable with, let’s say, $500 per month excluding the obvious – insurances and gas expense which would add another $300 per month for a total of $800.

Having established the budget that I am comfortable with, I am ready to go on my car shopping escapade. Where would you start? Internet? Local dealership? Peers? Facebook?

The best thing about leasing is that you can find your desired payment with any car as long as you are comfortable with the down payment.

Would I lease or finance? I like the lease option. The best thing about leasing is that you can establish your desired payment for any car as long as you are comfortable with the down payment. And, secondly, you don’t need to keep the car beyond the lease term.

Personally, I favor a 24 (or 36) month lease term due to the availability of, and my desire to drive, fresher, newer and more exciting models. However, most people prefer the 48 month term option since the payment is lower or requires less of a down payment.

Choosing a brand:
JD power has some great tools  to help select the brands that make up your short list. They have reports such as  Initial Quality Study and Vehicle Dependability Study.

The following are my picks with offerings from the Regency Auto Group – six outstanding brands:

Volkswagen:

What is there not to love about a VW? My favorites are the extensive offerings: manual transmission, panorama roof and TDi (diesel engines). With this brand, my pick is the 2013 CC Sportline manual with the Panorama Vent Sunroof. I love the look of his stylish four door coupe. It is understated but drop dead gorgeous! The things I like most about this car are: it is easy to drive, has a large trunk space and the availability of four doors. To own it,  I would require about $6,000 down payment on a 36 month lease term to be at the monthly payment that meets my budget*. Color choice? Candy White.

Infiniti:

Sure, many of my friends would guess I would get the G37 coupe. I actually really like the look of the G sedan. I know with this vehicle I would be expected to make a larger down payment and need a longer term to make this a consideration. With about $8,000 down, 48 month lease term and an ultra low km/year allowance rate would be my lease setup to get the G37S M6 sedan*. What do I like about this sports sedan? Aggressive  styling, fun to drive, and loaded with tons of standard features! Color? Malbec Black.

Nissan:

It’s hard to keep within your budget with the Nissan. Why? because the GT-R is in the line-up! Ha, let’s get a little bit realistic. Realistic doesn’t always have to be practical, I am talking about the Juke. A Juke over the two seater supercar, am I crazy? Of course not. The Juke is my more affordable choice. A quick 188 hp turbocharged crossover. That sounds like a lot of fun and it is! To boot,  this cross over could tackle any road condition and still be fun to drive in the city. For under $2,000 down payment and for a 36 month lease term , a loaded Juke SL AWD would fit right in my budget*. Color? Sapphire Blue Onyx

Lexus:

There’s a fantastic hybrid that was introduced by Lexus in April 2011 called the CT200h. This past November they introduced the F sport package as a 2012 model year. I love this car and package.

A $4,500 down payment for 48 month (low km) lease term I am able to drive away this ‘green’ beauty with the F sport package for about $500 per month*. Color? Ultrasonic Blue

Toyota:

It’s not hard to find a Toyota to fit any budget. The Prius Hybrid has been a  favorite with the celebrities – think GREEN. Toyota is committed to be the most ‘green’ environmentally conscious automaker in the world. There is an slew of Hybrids yet  to come from this manufacturer.  The Prius Hybrid comes in three options and there’s one for everyone. Very little down payment is required to get into this gas sipper.  The Prius C is a bargain starting at $400/month for a 36 month lease*. Color? Nautical Blue Metallic

Scion:

I was really excited to learn that we, at the Regency Auto Group, were getting the Scion brand. Now we have it and it is fantastic. Choosing a Scion model is a no- brainier! Most of the models are fully equipped though the impetus is in personalization of your ride. Manufactured in Japan and built by Toyota does gravitate me to the Scion. My pick: the sleek FR-S. Within the first 10 mins of driving I could truly say, “I love this car!” The best news to share about this rear wheel drive sportscar is that it can be had at under $500/month on a 36 month lease term*! There’s even room in the budget to add the Premium Pioneer Audio Upgrade. Color? Ultramarine

There are so many cars to choose from and everyone has their own preferences. For me, the choice is very clear. It has to be the Scion FR-S – it meets all the criteria of ownership. I just love the FR-S!

*Note: all lease figures are estimated examples. Rates and residuals are derived from manufacture  programs. Regency Auto Group is not obligated to offer the payments presented here. These examples are to help the illustrate the content in this article.

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AJAX, ON – December 14, 2010 –– Fans of the Volkswagen Golf in Canada will soon have their wish granted, as Volkswagen Canada will begin importing the top-of-the-line Golf “R” in early 2012.  Hot on the heels of last week’s announcement that the car will be available in the United States, Canadian enthusiasts will now have something to look forward to.

Based on the popular 5 door GTI model, the Golf “R” will feature many unique enhancements, making it the best performing Golf ever available in Canada.  The high-output 4 cylinder turbo engine will be tuned to produce an estimated 256 horsepower.  This, coupled with the six speed manual transmission and 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, promises plenty of go.  Golf “R” specific wheels, brakes and suspension will ensure that the stop is just as well controlled.

The Golf “R” will feature a host of interior and exterior enhancements, which will make it the most distinctive member of the award-winning Golf family.

More details here.