"Just ten Lexus LFA models will be built for Canadian guests, and the LFA will be a stand-out vehicle on roads and race tracks when deliveries begin this spring," said Larry Hutchinson, Director of Lexus in Canada. "But the engineering behind the LFA also sets the stage for future vehicles throughout the Lexus portfolio. The LFA demonstrates our ability to push the limits of advanced technology to deliver an emotionally-gripping combination of thrilling performance, dynamic control and passionate design."

The two-seater LFA expresses a uniquely Lexus approach to designing and engineering the 21st Century super car. Its many innovations include:

• Super lightweight construction featuring a unique carbon fiber reinforced plastic made possible by a special carbon fiber loom developed in-house by Lexus engineers and builds on Toyota's rich history of loom design;
• A 552-horsepower 4.8 L V10 that delivers 90% of its peak torque between 3,700rpm and 9,000 rpm, hand-built by a single engineer and bearing his signature;
• Blistering acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h;
• The world's first Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag mounted in the seatbelt;
• A unique personalization process that offers over a million possible combinations, during which LFA guests can choose from an incredible selection of options, including 30 exterior colours, 12 interior colours plus a variety of stitching options, leather or Alcantara seat materials and a choice of wheel and brake caliper colour options;
• An exclusive ownership experience through Lexus, including special events such as a tour of the LFA Works in Motomachi, Japan, and much more.

Lexus craftspeople will handcraft only 500 LFAs at the rate of 20 per month.

The LFA is more than an exclusive driving experience. It is also a showcase for the advanced technology and sophisticated driving dynamics that inspire future models throughout the Lexus line-up. New models like the CT 200h compact luxury hybrid and IS 350 AWD will continue to deliver on our commitment to the introduction of purposeful technology, innovative design and progressive luxury motoring experiences that our Lexus guests have come to expect from us.

Erin Park Lexus will be receiving a red Lexus LFA tomorrow (Wednesday, April 13th) between 10am and 2pm. Erin Park Lexus is located at 2360 Motorway Blvd. (Google Map)

Lexus LFA "Launch" Brand Film from ATTIK on Vimeo.

Odyssey among first vehicles to earn 5-stars in all crash test subcategories

TORONTO, Jan. 27 /CNW/ - The all-new 2011 Honda Odyssey has earned the U.S.-based National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) best-possible Overall Vehicle Score of five stars and is one of the first two vehicles ever to earn five stars in each seating position for all three crash tests, each crash test category as well as the overall rating. The Odyssey joins the redesigned 2011 Accord Sedan as one of the few vehicles to date that achieves the U.S. government's best-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score and five stars in the combined frontal and side crash safety ratings.

The Odyssey achieved its top Overall Vehicle Score with five-star ratings for the frontal crash safety test and both side crash safety tests in all evaluated front and rear seating positions and scenarios. Additionally, the Odyssey received the highest achievable rollover rating in the light-truck vehicle class using the program's measurement methodology.

The newly introduced Overall Vehicle Score is part of the federal government's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) that is first being applied to 2011 models. The Overall Vehicle Score represents the combined results of the overall ratings from the frontal crash tests, the side crash tests and the rollover-resistance into a single, summary score between one and five stars. Additional information is available at www.safercar.gov.

All 2011 Odyssey vehicles utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering^TM (ACE^TM) body structure. ACE is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment.

Standard safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Assist^TM (VSA®) with traction control; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); three-row side curtain airbags with rollover sensor; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; a driver's front side airbag; and a front passenger's side airbag with an occupant position detection system.

Now in its 41st year of operation in Canada, Honda Canada Inc. has sold more than 3,300,000 Honda and Acura passenger cars and light-duty trucks in Canada. Since 1986, Honda Canada has built more than 5,300,000 cars and trucks at its Ontario assembly facilities.

TORONTO, Jan. 13 /CNW/ - 401 Dixie Auto Mall, the retail "auto campus" located at 5500 Dixie Road in Mississauga, has been purchased by Dilawri Group of Companies from ING Real Estate. A dynamic family-owned company, Dilawri Group is comprised of an expanding real estate division, investment holdings and 36 automobile dealerships across Canada.

"As long standing tenants of 401 Dixie Auto Mall and with over 20 years of success in the retail automotive industry, we immediately recognized our unique position to maximize the mall's potential for growth and seized the opportunity to purchase," says Kap Dilawri, of Dilawri Group of Companies.

The 30 acre site housing 243,841 square feet of property is comprised of 10 automobile dealerships, including: Ideal Honda, 401-Dixie Nissan, 401-Dixie Infiniti, Dixie Toyota, 401 Dixie Suzuki, 401 Dixie Hyundai, 401 Dixie Kia, and Dilawri Group's owned and operated Dixie Mitsubishi, Ontario Mazda and their newly opened 401 Dixie Volkswagen; slated to become one of Volkswagen's largest, premier "New Image" locations within the GTA.

Conveniently located just off the 401 in Canada's 6th most populous city, the auto campus also houses a variety of restaurant chains including Kelsey's, Montana's, Subway / New York Fries, A&W / Country Style Bistro Deli and Teriyaki Experience, along with an Enterprise Rent-A-Car and an industrial building.

Opened in 1988, 401 Dixie Auto Mall was originally designed to become Mississauga's ultimate destination for retail automobile shopping, and according to Dilawri, the group intends to fully realize the mall's initial vision with aggressive renovation and expansion plans. "In addition to our immediate plans to enhance the property with up-dated signage and new energy efficient lighting, we are in the midst of partnering with our tenants to revitalize the auto mall with a more contemporary look and feel to make it the premier choice of consumers in the market to purchase a vehicle."

Dilawri Group's 401 Dixie "enhancement plan" is scheduled to commence in spring 2011 with an estimated renovation budget reaching $12 Million.

ABOUT THE DILAWRI GROUP

Dilawri Group of Companies includes a real estate division, investment holdings and 36 automobile dealerships in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan. With over 1500 employees and a reputation for excellence in selling and servicing fine automobiles, the company has earned its place as one of the nation's most respected dealership groups. For more than two decades, the Dilawri Family led by brothers Ajay, Tony and Kap, has shown a deep commitment to supporting communities across Canada, with donations totaling in the millions of dollars. In 2002, the family established the Dilawri Foundation to oversee the family's philanthropic activities.