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Introducing the Lexus 2013 GS 350

Check out the sleek new hourglass shape of the 2013 GS 350

So far, this year has been pretty big for Lexus. It has been a season of premiers – and it’s only February! In case you weren’t one of the 117.7 million people (according to Sports Illustrated) watching the Super Bowl, let us fill you in. This year was the first time ever that Lexus showcased an ad for the Super Bowl; or as pros in the industry call it, “The Brand Bowl”. The product is so high-quality that it pretty much sells itself – so why would the big guys over at Lexus shell out big dough for such a big ad? The answer is simple: the 2013 GS 350 is, well… a big deal!

Paul McAbee, sales consultant at Hoffman Lexus

We sat down with seasoned sales consultant Paul McAbee of Hoffman Lexus to get the inside scoop on what makes this car so special. “Everything about this car is what we’re headed towards. The big difference between the 2013 and the previous model is the way they integrated technology,” explained McAbee. “The new GS is a living lab of what Lexus is going to be.”

Living lab it is – sitting behind the steering wheel and gazing at the dashboard makes one feel in command of something made by NASA, not Lexus. The 2013 GS has the world’s first 12.3″ widescreen display, accompanied by astounding graphics to match! What sets this navigational system apart from the competition is the unique way Lexus incorporates apps. While en route to a destination you can search for a restaurant, read reviews and make a reservation. Not hungry? You can buy movie

This is the World-First 12.3" Widescreen Display

tickets, track up to 5 professional sports teams, or keep tabs on the weather and your stock portfoilio – all from the dashboard of your car.

What we found really unique about the technology of the GS is that it was completely built to encourage safe driving habits. Although the car features the second generation remote touch controller with “press to select” technology, its capabilities are dramatically limited when the car is in drive. In order to discourage distracted driving, the App Suite and Enform programs work strictly through voice control while the vehicle is in motion. This scored major brownie points with us; especially with texting and driving so hot on law enforcement’s radar – and so dangerous!

In addition to the state-of-the-art navigational system (which has capabilities that we could go on about more!) this car is loaded with elements that create the luxury Lexus is known for. “Hydraulics make opening the center console possible by barely lifting a finger,” Paul demonstrated for us. Theater lighting provides the interior with an intimate and comforting glow, an analog clock is new, the windows contain a lifetime rain repellent and the ergonomics of the seats and steering wheel hug every curve of your body for maximum safety and comfort.

This car is every techie’s dream, but the 2013 GS 350 also has many impressive performance capabilities – you’ll just have to come and test drive one to really appreciate the feel and sound of its 300+ horsepower and fluid handling!

Click here to schedule a test drive!
Check out YouTube for an even better look into the GS here!

Videos That Make Us Laugh

Everyone needs a distraction once in a while – and where better to turn to than YouTube?  From cute babies to quirky animals to drunk college kids, there is just something so spectacularly awesome about the entertainment YouTube provides.  Here is our round-up of some of the funniest videos – some old, some new and (hopefully) some you haven’t seen before!

Audi R8 vs Porsche 911 Carrera

Ah, Top Gear.  The original BBC television program is a genius blend of cars and humor.  In this clip, two of our favorite sports cars are thrown into the mix, too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaENG1vt6-Y

twin baby boys talking

This video cements our belief that being a twin is awesome.  We especially love when they make each other giggle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JmA2ClUvUY

Soldier Returns Home To Dog

Cat-person, dog-person, animal-person or person-person, this video will definitely leave a feel-good feeling in your heart – and wonder what happens when you give this dog a cookie!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysKAVyXi0J4

Baby Laughing Hysterically

To be fair, this video does grate on the nerves by the last few seconds.  But this happy baby is just too hard to say no to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P6UU6m3cqk&feature=related

David After Dentist

Yes David, this is real life.  And good thing, too – because this video is hilarious!
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqiwrbYGrs&feature=related

A big thanks to YouTube and all of the users whose videos we posted here.

Now THAT’s a Concept Car!

Happy April Fools Day, everyone! At Hoffman Auto Group, of course we’re serious about cars. But hey, we love that cars, trucks, vans…they’re all vehicles for fun as well.

Have you ever checked out artcar.blogspot.com? It’s such a fun blog, featuring cars dressed up in all sorts of crazy fashions. Here’s just a few “concept cars” to catch your eye, and your imagination, this April Fools Day:

smart car CT

We love Smart Cars! from www.squidoo.com/weddingpranks

sports car ct

For going clubbing? From blog.hemmings.com

sedan ct

Not sure what it is, but it's cool. From artcar.blogspot.com.

car parade easter bunny

There's still time to decorate YOUR car for Easter...! From artcar.blogspot.com

vehicle decorations shark

A true Land Shark! From artcar.blogspot.com

car interior ct

We're not even sure WHAT to say about this one.... from artcar.blogspot.com

One, Two, Hut!

Couch potatoes and football fans, rejoice:  the Super Bowl is less than two weeks away.  And no matter what team (if any) you support, we know what you look forward to the most on game day – the commercials!  They cost companies millions – and that’s just the price of the TV time.  Whether or not they result in revenue, the ads are a quintessential part of the game.  We’ve rounded up our favorite spot, both old and new.  We don’t necessarily endorse all of these products, but they sure are entertaining!

Here is our Super Ball commercial

Just to get you warmed-up.

[wpvideo Ra4N3bCD]

Honda Squirrel Commercial

It’s proven that consumers respond more positively to animated ads; how does this one make you feel?

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtDWKusYZgM&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3]

Cat herding

Everyone remembers this ad, but do you actually know what company it’s for?  Does it matter?

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_MaJDK3VNE&w=480&h=390]

Doritos Dog Collar

Don’t be fooled by the first half – this commercial is totally geared towards animal lovers.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioy5JdR_Jm8&w=480&h=390]

AUDI TDI CLEAN DIESEL

With its didn’t-see-that-coming ending, Audi definitely made an impact with this ad.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq58zS4_jvM&w=640&h=390]

Budweiser “Born A Donkey”

What Super Bowl would it be without a Budweiser Clydesdale commercial?  The King of Beers never fails to deliver a good advert, and last year was not exception.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_td4usL5ZsA&w=480&h=390]

Thanks to http://www.spike.com/superbowl, youtube and it’s user for the videos.

What are your plans this weekend?

Katie Bushey, our director of public relations and communication, spends a lot of her time online (when she isn’t running around between our East Hartford, West Simsbury and New L ondon locations).  Katie is always finding new and interesting places to visit – so while you’re snowed in this weekend, check out her round-up of her favorite online places!

Facebook

This is a pretty obvious must-visit site.  Specifically, the best pages to visit on Facebook are fan pages.  I definitely recommend the Hoffman pages – each of our franchises have their own page, and we also have a Hoffman Auto Group page.  I love car company pages; Audi, Saab, Toyota and Lexus all have some great interactive and video programs to offer (when you become a fan, of course!).  I also really like the official Kodak page.  I’m always shooting video and making photos for Hoffman, and the Kodak page has great tips and tricks.  My favorite page of all?  Skittles!  They have hilarious videos and cool contests all the time.

Photography Blogs

No matter what your interest, you probably like looking at photos of the topic.  Simply Google “topic photography blogs” and you’ll be amazed at what the search engine will pull for you.  One of my favorites?  The red Ford, below.  I found it here.

Stumbleupon

This site is awesome.  You tell it what your interests are, and it will show you sites all over the internet that have to do with those interests.  I’ll leave my setting just on “cars” to find interesting posts for our Facebook and blog – check it out for yourself!