Thursday 2 February 2012

Lexus reloads GS with luxury, technology

The 2013 Lexus GS sport sedan debuts the new face of the brand in an efficient but powerful statement. The stronger design and more luxurious interior are hoped to attract a new type of buyer. The five-seat sedan will be sold in three trim levels – Luxury, F Sport and Hybrid – in rear or optional all-wheel drive.

The new face is highlighted by "spindle grille" with wide lower fascia. Also look for (Audi-esque) arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lights.

The re-engineered sport sedan is the same length as before, but two inches wider at the rear and an inch wider at the front. It has a rakishly low 0.26 drag coefficient.

Interior "craftsmanship" has been enhanced (as if Lexus was ever short in quality feel and appearance). Simple, useful additions include a three-blink to pass signal feature and guidance lines (finally) in the standard rearview camera. Interior options include red leather and metal-trimmed pedals.

The 306-hp, direct-injection 3.5-liter V-6 will push the 3,795-pound sport sedan to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The engine has an intake sound generator for that husky growl 'o power. The six-speed transmission, with paddle shifters, is about the only carryover piece. Fuel economy around town is 19 mpg and up to 28 on the highway on 91 octane.

The GS450h hybrid has a 338-hp, Atkinson-cycle version of the 3.5-liter V-6, which has fuel economy of 29/34 mpg city/highway. Trunk space in the hybrid was improved over the previous model by stacking the batteries to give more cubic footage. The lower rear valance conceals the exhaust tips for that look of stealth running.

The GS debuts Lexus' Enform multimedia system with Safety Connect. Enform connects to music, information and entertainment services through the user's smartphone. There also is Pandora and iHeartRadio. A text-to-speech feature allows the driver to be read text messages and send preset responses.

SafetyConnect features automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle location, emergency assist, enhanced roadside assistance and destination assist.

Standard equipment includes Smart Access locking and push-button ignition, leather-trimmed seats,10-way adjustable front seats, electric parking brake, rearview camera, 8-inch high center touchscreen, tilt-telescopic (multifunction) steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connection, 12-speaker surround-sound HD-radio audio system with auxiliary-iPod-USB ports, 17-inch alloy wheels standard, bi-HID headlights, heated mirrors with puddle lights and turn signals, ultraviolet and infrared ray-reducing tinted glass for all windows, lightweight asphalt sheets for cabin soundproofing.

Variable Gear Ratio Steering is a highlight of the F Sport package. This is the rear steering assist that at low speeds counter steers to chop the turning circle in half to 17 feet and at high speeds it turns the car in the direction of the front tires to tuck back into the lane. This rear steering gear is an excellent around-town feature that should be available as a stand-alone option. Even if it were an $800 extra, it would be worth it.

Wednesday 1 February 2012

YMCA completes lighting project

The YMCA of Trumbull County is starting the new year a little brighter as a light replacement program which helps save energy and money while brightening the complex is complete.

Interim YMCA Director Richard Denamen said as part of a green energy program by Ohio Edison, lights were changed in the two gyms, two swimming pool rooms, four locker rooms, wellness center and main lobby.

"The lights are a lot brighter and more energy-efficient. Ohio Edison's goal is to reduce energy consumption," he said.

Denamen said there will be expected savings for the YMCA with electrical bills with a discount provided by Ohio Edison for the installation. He said he is not sure of the exact savings, which should be noticed with the billing in a few months.

During the winter months, the YMCA has been busy with various programs and pool rentals.

The YMCA building is more than 80 years old, and in recent years has undergone renovations which have included in 2008 newly-renovated cardiovascular, wellness center and exercise rooms, which are the most utilized rooms of the YMCA. Prior to that, the last renovation took place in the cardiovascular area in November 1997.

The wellness area received pre-existing paneled walls, new vinyl upholstery for the Nautilus machines, solar energy saving window shades, five flat-screen televisions, improved lighting, added artwork and memorabilia to the walls and rubber flooring.

Banner Engineering has announced a range of energy saving LED work lights of protection categories IP67/IP69K. The robust design allows use in a wide field of application where reliable, bright and even illumination is needed under tough environmental conditions.

The colour temperature lies in daylight range between 5000 and 10 000 Kelvin. The work lights can be connected either via a standardised M12x1-plug connection or directly via open wire ends. The power on/off is carried out either over the connection with the supply voltage or – when there is a constant power supply – over the integrated switch on the LED work light, which is incorporated in some versions.

The lights are available in three different construction groups: as compact spot lights, as line light rails and as square LED lights for flat illuminations. The line light rails are offered in 8 different versions with 3 to 24 LEDs. For more extensive illumination or larger work areas, Banner offers 4 flat lights with 12 to 48 LEDs.