Intro4u2u

All too rarely, airline attendants make an effort to make the in flight “safety lecture” and announcements a bit more entertaining. Here are some real examples that have been heard or reported:

12. “As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses.”

13. And from the pilot during his welcome message: “Delta Airlines is pleased to have some of the best flight attendants in the industry. Unfortunately, none of them are on this flight!”

14. Heard on Southwest Airlines just after a very hard landing in Salt Lake City the flight attendant came on the intercom and said, “That was quite a bump, and I know what y’all are thinking. I’m here to tell you it wasn’t the airline

Bubba, an airline mechanic, was bragging to his boss one day. “You know, I know everyone there is to know. Just name Someone, Anyone and I know them.”
Tired of his boasting, his boss called his bluff, “Okay, Bubba, how about Tom Cruise”?
“Sure, yes, Tom and I are old friends and I can prove it.”
So, Bubba and his boss fly out to Hollywood and knock on Tom Cruise’s door and sure enough, Tom Cruise, shouts, “Bubba ! Great to see You! You and your friend come right in and join me for lunch!”
Although impressed, Bubba’s boss is still skeptical. After they leave Cruise’s house, he tells Bubba that he thinks Bubba’s knowing Cruise was just lucky.
“No, no, just name anyone else,” Bubba says.
“President Bush,” his Boss quickly retorts.
Yep”, Bubba says, “I know him, let’s fly out to Washington.”
So, off they go. At the White House, Bush spots Bubba on the tour and motions him and his boss over, saying, “Bubba, what a surprise. I was just on my way to a meeting, but you and your friend come on in and let’s have a cup of coffee first and catch up.”
Well, the boss is very shaken by now, but still not totally convinced.
After they leave the White House grounds, he expresses his doubts to Bubba, who again implores him to name anyone else.
The new Pope,” his boss replies.
“Sure!” says Bubba. “I’ve known the Pope a long time.”
So, off they fly to Rome.
Bubba and his boss are assembled with the masses in Vatican Square when Bubba says, this will never work. I can’t catch the Pope’s eye among all these people. Tell you what, I know all the guards, so let me just go upstairs and I’ll come out on the balcony with the Pope.”
He disappears into the crowd headed toward St. Peter’s.
Sure enough, half an hour later, Bubba emerges with the Pope on the balcony. But by the time Bubba returns, he finds that his Boss has had a heart attack and is surrounded by paramedics.
Working his way to his boss’ side, Bubba asks him, “What happened”?
His boss looks up and says, “I was doing fine until you and The Pope came out on the balcony and the Japanese tourist next to me asked, “Who’s that on the balcony with Bubba”?

Talking to Don Payne, screenwriter of “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,” one wants to believe that the property is in good hands. A self-professed “Marvel Kid,” Payne says he always liked the realism of Marvel Comics because they were set in New York and Los Angeles, and it didn’t hurt that characters like Peter Parker were easy to identify with for a nerdy young boy. “I have been a Marvel Comics fan since I was very, very little, and so it kind of fit my career path, my career goal to work on a Marvel Comics film.” Writer/ Co-Executive Producer of “The Simpsons,” Payne mentions having worked with Stan Lee on an episode in which Stan Lee insists that he can turn into the Hulk, “It didn’t make it in, but I actually pitched at the end that he says, ‘Oh great, well, Flame on,’ and he flies away.” Payne also teases, “There may be one reference to a Simpsons joke from a long time ago. See if you can find it.”

Payne describes himself as a geek who hates spoilers, so he tries to keep things light. He even confesses his trepidation at visiting the set of “Battlestar Galactica” later that afternoon where they would be filming the season finale, “I want to see it, but I don’t want to see it.” The words, “I don’t want to say too much” are frequent as Payne tells us, “I think everyone has heard that Frankie Ray is in there, and there are some other references, but I hate spoilers … so I don’t want to say anything.”

The surest way you can improve your fuel cost problem is to change your motoring habits. Listed below, under four categories, are 30 effective methods of doing so… no need to buy expensive add-on equipment.ENGINE WARM-UP
1. Avoid prolonged warming up of engine, even on cold mornings - 30 to 45 seconds is plenty of time.
2. Be sure the automatic choke is disengaged after engine warm up… chokes often get stuck, resulting in bad gas/air mixture.
3. Don’t start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your engine for one minute consumes the gas amount equivalent to when you start the engine.
4. Avoid “reving” the engine, especially just before you switch the engine off; this wastes fuel needlessly and washes oil down from the inside cylinder walls, owing to loss of oil pressure.
5. Eliminate jack-rabbit starts. Accelerate slowly when starting from dead stop. Don’t push pedal down more than 1/4 of the total foot travel. This allows carburetor to function at peak efficiency.HOW TO BUY GASOLINE
6. Buy gasoline during coolest time of day - early morning or late evening is best. During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind - gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to “volume of measurement”.
7. Choose type and brand of gasoline carefully. Certain brands provide you with greater economy because of better quality. Use the brands which “seem” most beneficial.
8. Avoid filling gas tank to top. Overfilling results in sloshing over and out of tank. Never fill gas tank past the first “click” of fuel nozzle, if nozzle is automatic.
HOW TO DRIVE ECONOMICALLY
9. Exceeding 40 mph forces your auto to overcome tremendous wind resistance.
10. Never exceed legal speed limit. Primarily they are set for your traveling safety, however better gas efficiency also occurs. Traveling at 55 mph give you up to 21% better mileage when compared to former legal speed limits of 65 mph and 70 mph.
11. Traveling at fast rates in low gears can consume up to 45% more fuel than is needed.
12. Manual shift driven cars allow you to change to highest gear as soon as possible, thereby letting you save gas if you “nurse it along”. However, if you cause the engine to “bog down”, premature wearing of engine parts occurs.
13. Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10%.
14. Drive steadily. Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. Also avoid tailgating - the driver in front of you is unpredictable. Not only is it unsafe, but if affects your economy, if he slows down unexpectedly.
15.Think ahead when approaching hills. If you accelerate, do it before you reach the hill, not while you’re on it.GENERAL ADVICE
16. Do not rest left foot on floor board pedals while driving. The slightest pressure puts “mechanical drag” on components, wearing them down prematurely. This “dragging” also demands additional fuel usage.
17. Avoid rough roads whenever possible, because dirt or gravel rob you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.
18. Use alternate roads when safer, shorter, straighter. Compare traveling distance differences - remember that corners, curves and lane jumping requires extra gas. The shortest distance between two points is always straight.
19. Stoplights are usually timed for your motoring advantage. By traveling steadily at the legal speed limit you boost your chances of having the “green light” all the way.
20. Automatic transmissions should be allowed to cool down when your car is idling at a standstill, e.g. railroad crossings, long traffic lights, etc. Place gear into neutral position. This reduces transmission strain and allows transmission to cool.
21. Park car so that you can later begin to travel in forward gear; avoid reverse gear maneuvers to save gas.
22. Regular tune-ups ensure best economy; check owner’s manual for recommended maintenance intervals. Special attention should be given to maintaining clean air filters… diminished air flow increases gas waste.
23. Inspect suspension and chassis parts for occasional misalignment. Bent wheels, axles, bad shocks, broken springs, etc. create engine drag and are unsafe at high traveling speeds.
24. Remove snow tires during good weather seasons; traveling on deep tire tread really robs fuel!
25. Inflate all tires to maximum limit. Each tire should be periodically spun, balanced and checked for out-of-round. When shopping for new tires, get large diameter tires for rear wheels. Radial designs are the recognized fuel-savers; check manufacturer’s specifications for maximum tire pressures.
26. Remove vinyl tops - they cause air drag. Rough surfaces disturb otherwise smooth air flow around a car’s body. Bear in mind when buying new cars that a fancy sun roof helps disturb smooth air flow (and mileage).
27. Auto air conditioners can reduce fuel economy by 10% to 20%. Heater fan, power windows and seats increase engine load; the more load on your engine, the less miles per gallon.
28. Remove excess weight from trunk or inside of car - extra tires, back seats, unnecessary heavy parts. Extra weight reduces mileage, especially when driving up inclines.
29. Car pools reduce travel monotony and gas expense - all riders chip in to help you buy. Conversation helps to keep the driver alert. Pooling also reduces traffic congestion, gives the driver easier maneuverability and greater “steady speed” economy. For best results, distribute passenger weight evenly throughout car.
30. During cold weather watch for icicles frozen to car frame. Up to 100 lbs. can be quickly accumulated! Unremoved snow and ice cause tremendous wind resistance. Warm water thrown on (or hosed on) will eliminate it fast.EXTRA TIPS
Install pressure regulator valve (sold in auto parts stores)… Use graphite motor oil… Beware of oil additives, regardless of advertising claims… Add Marvel Mystery Oil into gas fill-ups… Investigate fuel/water injection methods and products… combine short errands into one trip… Use special gas additives to prevent winter freezing of gas lines… convert your V8 engine over to a V4 - no special kits needed!!!

Cars don’t get any more extravagant than a Rolls-Royce convertible. The flagship has long represented the most flamboyant, opulent way of open-air driving in the world.

Amazing detailing abounds, with a brushed steel bonnet and a rear deck made of solid teak

Now, there’s a new drop-top from the company on the scene - and Auto Express has driven it. This is the Phantom Drophead Coupé, the model which wowed the crowds at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show when it was revealed as the 100EX concept.

What a stunning car it has turned out to be. It’s far more than just a Phantom limousine with the roof removed, and every panel is new - including the rear-hinged doors, which give great access to the cabin.

Amazing detailing abounds, with a brushed steel bonnet and a rear deck made of solid teak. The hood is also a work of art. The largest of any car currently on sale, it has five layers of fabric and is lined with cashmere.

Rolls-Royce says it’s more like a bespoke suit than a roof. Of course, it’s fully electric and gracefully stows behind the rear seats in only 20 seconds. It takes up space, though, and in order to accommodate it, luggage capacity is a mere 315 litres.

The cabin is expertly trimmed in soft leather, aluminium and beautiful teak wood. And, if it rains, the carpets have been designed to reduce the build-up of humidity inside the car. Add ample space for four adults and you have a fabulously opulent interior. In the interests of safety, there’s a pop-up roll-over bar system, too.

Using the same 453bhp 6.75-litre V12 powerplant as the Phantom limousine, the car is virtually silent. It’s quick, too - the 2,620kg Drophead Coupé can sprint from 0-62mph in less than six seconds.

Handling is equally impressive - it’s surprisingly agile, and there’s no scuttle shake whatsoever from the super-stiff chassis. Even with 21-inch wheels, the ride is sublime. While it never feels anything less than enormous, steering is precise and body control excellent. Roof up or down, it dispatches huge distances with ease.

With a price tag reaching more than £300,000 and only a handful of models likely to be sold every year, the Phantom Drophead Coupé maintains Rolls-Royce’s tradition of producing glorious convertibles.

More ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM:

* News, Auto Express News: Expensive Roller
* Car Reviews, New Reviews: Rolls-Royce Phantom
* Car Reviews, First Drives: New phantom born with right spirit

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A glorious, winding strip of asphalt stretches ahead of the Spirit of Ecstasy ornament on the nose of the 2008 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe. Ecstasy’s wings spread and point the way, not unlike the figurehead of a seagoing vessel as she almost tugs. She is anxious for the car to lurch forward; its massive presence is poised to jump.

That anticipation is echoed by the driver who sits behind the long, stainless-steel hood.

More than any other Rolls you’ve known for a while, this convertible is prepared to be driven with gusto. Its wheelbase is shorter than that of the Phantom sedan, and its quick reaction on these valley roads belies its heft. The best analogy might be that if it were an athlete, it would be a basketball power forward: oversized in comparison with other, lesser humans yet able to perform feats of strength and speed that seem impossible. Is it fair to call the Drophead Coupe agile? No. It is better to say it has power with a dynamic sensibility. Few Rollers have ever been agile.

The massive horsepower and torque that come from the whisper-quiet V12 are available with the throttle’s slightest tickle. Indeed, you must check to make sure the car is running; watch the tachometer to see the needle’s gentle bob. You won’t hear the purr for a calculated reason: Engineers have built in whisper valves, baffles and sound-deadening chambers, an elaborate mechanical marvel, to give this Rolls (as well as its sister sedan) the quietest voice possible.

It is, after all, a Rolls-Royce. And with 800 worldwide sales of Phantom sedans a year you would expect this car should be seen and not heard.

That makes the notion of a driver’s Roller an anomaly. Rolls-Royce owners, more than those of any other marque, are passive participants in the act of driving. Rolls owners pay people to drive for them. Now, before the wails come from the owner-operators, can you think of any other brand bred for a chauffeur? No, I didn’t think so. And yes, plenty of owners do gladly take the wheels of their Phantom sedans.

That number will increase to almost 100 percent in the Phantom Drophead Coupe. Its purpose is to be a fun cruiser that will fit four adults—no basketball players, though—in four seats. And if challenged, it is up to the task of spirited driving. It will go from a standstill to 60 mph in a scant 5.6 seconds, and 75 percent of its power is available at 1000 rpm.

Let’s put this into perspective: Rolls-Royce will build a four-seat, 2.5-ton, open-top coupe for $412,000. That’s the entry price, minus the teak decking ($7,000), the stainless-steel hood ($8,000), 21-inch chrome wheels ($6,250 per set) or any other options you can heap on it. So say you’re into it for $500,000, with destination, tax, license, gas-guzzler and title . . . something royal, perhaps. Roughly 200 Drophead Coupes per year will be built, 40 percent of them coming to the United States. You have to make cubic dollars and have a specific taste to want to own this car. And they are sold out through 2008.

Who would own one? Longtime Rolls-Royce aficionados; those who want to have a full-sized convertible for the beach home; an athlete, to go with the fleet; a hip-hop star whose bling needs L.A. sunshine. There is not a specific group, just lovers of the marque and what it says about their station in life. One certainly arrives in this car.

The interior is as you would expect. Some 15 cow hides go into making each car; 450 separate pieces are handsewn for the tailored look that is demanded. Tooled aluminum sheets are pressed with a handsome pattern for the instrument panel; should you choose, wood veneer can take its place ($1,000). Sisal rugs give the car an outdoorsy feel. And that optional teak works its way through the doorsills and through the back. It is a special place, this compartment, that few will have the pleasure of enjoying.

The world’s most exclusive convertible goes on sale today.

Rolls Royce super convertible, the Phantom Drophead is priced at a staggering £305,000.

But well healed motorists are paying more than £100,000 extra to jump the two year waiting list.

The Phantom Drophead is powered by a 6.75-litre V12 engine, and counts rear-opening doors and decking made from more than 30 pieces of solid teak among its unique features.

Rolls’ first new convertible since the Corniche is said to “echo the timeless styling of the great Rolls Royce cars”, and its wooden rear quarters encapsulate an “elegant motor yacht at speed”.

Despite tipping the scales at three tons, the new Rolls is capable of reaching 60mph in less than six seconds, before reaching a limited top speed of 149mph.

As ever, Rolls’ attention to detail is meticulous.

The interior has hides from 17 bulls, bred in barbed wire-free pastures in Austria. Rolls Royce insists on only using bulls to avoid the stretch marks which cows have after calving.

It also has 20-inch alloys, with a weighted ‘RR’ logo to always remain upright and rear-opening doors which close at the touch of a button.

Prospective buyers could even spend another £200,000 on optional extras; including a £6,500 brushed steel bonnet and monograms etched into the wooden door caps or embroidered into the seats – at £940 a go.

Each Phantom Drophead takes 450 man hours to build at Rolls’ underground factory on the Goodwood estate in West Sussex, and the German-owned car maker is rumoured to be recruiting several hundred more workers to satisfy demand.

The Lexus promise of relentless pursuit of perfection showcases itself in the latest edition of the brand’s premium midsize sedan, the redesigned 2007 ES 350.

This is the best yet in a line of ES models from Lexus, near-luxury sedans derived from Toyota’s best-selling Camry.

For the new model year, both the Camry and ES 350 have received complete makeovers, and the ES gets a new name indicative of its more-powerful engine, a 3.5-liter V-6. Last year, it was the ES 330, with a 3.3-liter V-6. Note, however, that although the Camry comes in a hybrid version (rated 40 city, 38 highway), there is no corresponding ES hybrid.

Launched along with the original LS 400 luxury sedan in 1989, the first in the ES series was the 250, which actually turned out to be too small for American consumers and didn’t catch on right away.

Consumers liked the idea of the baby Lexus, but complained about its cramped interior. So rather quickly, Toyota developed a successor to the ES 250, called the ES 300, based on the chassis of the Camry. Since that car arrived in fall 1991 with a roomier interior and a 3.0-liter V-6 engine, the ES has been the best-seller in the Lexus sedan lineup.

The 2007 model is the fifth generation. The third generation was introduced in September 1996, then the fourth generation in September 2001.

This one has a more stylish exterior than before, along with some new features, including an optional panoramic sunroof that comes close to changing the car into a hardtop convertible.

It’s larger than before, as well. The wheelbase is more than 2 inches longer than that of the 2006 model, and the track is more than an inch wider, which should improve road handling and stability.

As for the car’s reworked exterior, which includes a longer hood and shorter rear deck, Lexus says it represents the brand’s new “L-finesse” design theme, “recalling classic sports-car proportions with a contemporary look unique to all new-generation Lexus sedans.”

The extra length and width and the shorter rear deck help increase interior space, giving the passengers more room in both rows of seats. Two can sit in the front bucket seats, and three on the rear bench.

Base price is $33,170 (plus $695 freight), up just $570 from the 2006 price.

That’s probably a bargain considering that the car has been improved in every aspect — including comfort, safety, performance and craftsmanship, Lexus says.

There is only one trim level offered, and options are limited because the car is already very well-equipped at the base price.

The biggest option, included on our test vehicle, is the premium package ($1,280), which adds a leather-trimmed interior, as well as a memory system for the driver’s seat, outside mirrors and tilt/telescopic steering column. The only other extra on our car was a Bluetooth hands-free communications system ($300).

Total sticker for ours, including freight and options, was $35,445.The ES has evolved to the point at which it’s better than the original LS, company officials say.

The new engine, which is shared with the new Camry, is rated at 272 horsepower and 254 foot-pounds of torque. That puts the ES 350 into the sport sedan class and is a hefty increase from the 225 horsepower and 240 foot-pounds of torque in the 2006 model.

The extra power came in handy as we drove the ES on some fun, twisty Texas Hill Country roads, but also was quite noticeable — and appreciated — on freeway onramps and during passing maneuvers on two-lane country roads.

Adding the power was imperative as most of the ES 350’s major competitors have more than last year’s model, and some, such as the 2007 Infiniti G35 sedan (308 horsepower) have more than even the new ES.

The Cadillac CTS even comes in a 400-horsepower high-performance version, but its midlevel 3.6-liter V-6 — at 255 horsepower — now ranks below the ES 350. The TL is now in third place among these four, with 258 horsepower. (The base model of the CTS, however, has a 2.8-liter V-6 with just 210 horsepower.)

As with the Camry, the ES 350 comes with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is not available.

The engine is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, and the car can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds.

Even with all of that power, EPA fuel-economy ratings are a decent 21 miles per gallon in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The car’s electronic sequential fuel injection “optimizes the fuel mixture” to give improved power and fuel economy, as well as to reduce tailpipe emissions, Lexus says.

Safety also has been greatly improved. Standard features include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution; electronic stability and traction control; eight air bags, including side curtain bags for front and rear passengers; and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Optional are rear seat-mounted side air bags. Knee air bags are new for 2007 and are in place for both the driver and front passenger.

Among other new features are front side windows with a water-repellent surface to help keep rain from obscuring vision; a rear backup camera as part of the optional satellite navigation system; and “intelligent” adaptive front lighting, which moves the headlights slightly into the direction of the car’s turn.

Cloth upholstery is standard, but two leather seating surface upgrades are offered, including extra-soft perforated leather. The car has premium wood, polished metal and leather interior trim packages.

The steering wheel includes controls for the audio system, trip computer and multi-information display, as well as a switch for the Bluetooth hands-free phone system (if the car has it).

And speaking of the audio setup, the ES 350 features a 1980s-vintage anachronism: The 14-speaker Mark Levinson sound system inexplicably includes a tape deck. Because nobody has played a cassette since around 1991, the tape slot makes an excellent place to stash the key fob while you’re driving.

Elsewhere, the available two-section glass roof extends over almost the entire passenger cabin. The front section is the largest and is the only one that opens. The sunroof was not included on our test vehicle, nor were some other interesting options, include radar-based adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing front wipers and a parking-assist system that warns the driver when the car gets too close to an object.

Ride quality is among the ES 350’s greatest attributes, and the cabin is among the quietest in the class.

ROAD TEST

BASE PRICE    $33,170 plus $695 freight
AS TESTED    $35,445, including freight and options
TYPE    Midsize, four-door, five-passenger, front-wheel-drive, V-6-powered premium sedan
ENGINE    3.5-liter V-6
MILEAGE    21 miles per gallon city/30 highway
POWER/

TORQUE
272 horsepower/254 foot-pounds
LENGTH    191.1 inches
WHEELBASE    109.3 inches
CURB WT.    3,580 pounds
TRANSMISSION     Six-speed automatic
BRAKES,

FRONT / REAR
Disc/disc, anti-lock
ASSEMBLED IN     Fukuoka, Japan

Since it began producing cars, Lexus has always been known for doingjust what its advertising slogan suggests, and that is pushing forward in its “relentless pursuit of perfection.” We’ve driven many examples from the brand, and can safely say that this claim is not merely lip service. Rather, Lexus has always endeavored to build the most luxurious and refined luxury cars around, if not the most engaging. Lexus vehicles have always been competent performers, but sporty? Uh, no. The company seems to have recognized this, and focused their efforts on a willing platform, the IS series. The car was a real change of direction for Lexus in its first iteration—so much so that some people began calling it the Un-Lexus. The new one adds stunning styling and a better interior to the mix, not to mention countless other improvements.

We wanted to test the top dog—the IS 350—to see just how sporting the car really is. It certainly looks the part. It’s a handsome evolution over the previous generation IS 300, offering up a nice balance of rounded edges and sharp creases formulated by Lexus’ L-Finesse design language. It’s a proportionally sound look, and our metallic powder blueexample seemed to complement the car’s aesthetic. With purposeful 18-inch wheels mounted on meaty performance tires, a few eyebrows were raised at various stoplights and café patios. Was this simply an appearance enhancement exercise, or is this baby the real deal?

Getting into the IS did nothing to stimulate the adrenal glands, except for a set of gorgeously large aluminum shift paddles peeking out from behind the steering wheel. Settle into the supple seats, and you feel as if you’re gently being held by an old friend. One feature we grew particularly fond of was the cooled seats; very nice over a few days of hot weather. The sensation you get feels a little odd at first (a little like your pants are damp), but once I got used to it, it was bliss. The only fly in the ointment is the back seat, specifically how little room is present. Staffers not lucky enough to drive or sit shotgun began to miss the front buckets a whole lot, due to the shortness of legroom and thenarrow rear door aperture. As long as your passengers aren’t particularly tall and the driving distances are short, you should be OK.

Typical Lexus fit and finish is present in spades; we defy you to find a surface that has unseemly edges and contours or isn’t finished in quality materials. Dashboard legibility is its usual first rate backlit Optitron self, and navigation and audio controls work so well and intuitively that the owner’s manual may go unread for the life of the car. Speaking of audio systems, the 14-speaker 6-disc DVD-enhanced Mark Levinson sound system is so good that we heard things that we’ve never heard before while listening to our favorite tracks. It remained distortion free up to noise levels that should bode well for hearing aid sales.

Driving around town, the Lexus is a model of docility. You can see, hear and feel the painstaking work the engineers undertook to isolate youfrom the ills of commuter traffic. Impacts are merely a soft thump in the distance, and road and wind noise are startlingly absent, especially for a sport sedan. A leisurely cruise on the highway further reinforces the sensory-deprivation chamber motif, whisking you along in a refined silence so profound you begin to notice the sound of your own breathing. The ride is firmer than other Lexus products we’ve sampled, although never harsh. You begin to wonder if this machine will embarrass itself when you drop the hammer.

The big direct-injected 3.5-liter V6, which felt passive and dainty while cruising, suddenly becomes a broad shouldered linebacker under heavy prodding by an equally heavy right foot. Charging to redline with remarkable alacrity, it hurtles the IS forward in stunning fashion. The 60 mph mark passes by in a hair over 5 seconds, andkeeps on pulling hard well past that.

So the IS 350 has some serious suds under the hood. Thankfully, it’s got a chassis that is quite capable of handling the power. Balance is sublime, and the suspension movements are so well calibrated that we were reminded of a certain brand from Munich that’s particularly skilled at tuning ride and handling. The car has a fierce bite on turn-in, and understeer is pleasingly minimal. The brakes operate with the same precision, offering great feedback and minimal fade. They engaged so quickly yet never felt grabby. Even the steering, which felt a little too light for some, allows you to trace a scalpel precise path of direction.

There were a couple of demerits that kept us from being completely smitten by the IS 350. First on our list is the Orwellian stability control. There’s a switch on the dash that presumably deactivates the system. However, at the first sign of any judicious slip angles or loss of traction (read: fun) it rearms itself while beeping angrily at the driver. It’s not an enjoyable companion when carving up your favorite roads. Speaking of which, you’re better off leaving the transmission in Drive and leaving those beautiful paddles alone. The manumatic mode simply can’t keep up with the racy engine. One of the best kept secrets about this car is the ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission) switch mounted just below the Start button. It offers Normal, Snow and Power modes. We usually dismiss switches like these as gimmicky, but not this time. While in the Power setting, we noticed a palpable difference in the way the car felt. Not only did it simply sharpen throttle response, it sharpened the wholecar’s response. Despite that, even during the most spirited driving, the IS felt a little too refined, always feeling a touch too distant.

The IS 350 is still a huge departure from the Lexus status quo. It offers a tantalizing taste of what Lexus is capable of when it flexes its sporting muscle. And while this top-line version has plenty of muscle on offer and is always willing to share it, there is still a touch of finesse lacking, or perhaps it is simply a lack of confidence that would take it to the next level, especially in the way VDIM won’t allow YOU to dance along the razor’s edge, despite my feeling that the chassis is a willing partner. Although we’d love a manual gearbox in this car, those that wish to shift their own gears will be able to do so only in the rear-wheel drive IS 250.

Still, the “Un-Lexus” IS 350 is worth a serious look for any sports sedan shopper

• Ford is the world’s first automaker to deliver commercial vehicles, powered by internal combustion engines that are fueled exclusively with hydrogen.
• The buses will be used as passenger shuttles at the Greater Orlando Airport Authority in Florida, as well as at the Orlando Convention Central District.
• Ford is the only automaker with gasoline hybrid-electric vehicles, hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles, clean diesel, ethanol and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles on the road today.

Ford Motor Company and the State of Florida today announced that they are putting a fleet of hydrogen-fueled Ford E-450 buses on the road in Orlando, the first U.S. city to take delivery of these ultra clean vehicles.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist marked the occasion at a Chevron Hydrogen station that will provide fuel for eight buses, powered by internal combustion engines that are fueled exclusively with hydrogen.

“These buses represent part of Ford Motor Company’s strategy to deliver transportation solutions that emit less CO2 and reduce our dependence on oil,” said Sue Cischke, Ford senior vice president. Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “We are pleased to partner with the State of Florida, Progress Energy and Chevron Hydrogen to place these buses into service so that Central Florida residents will be able to experience this unique form of clean transportation.”

“Today’s event demonstrates the incredible level of support hydrogen technology is receiving from our nation’s distinguished business leaders,” said Governor Charlie Crist. “ Florida is excited to be a part of these revolutionary advancements and we are embracing the challenges that lie ahead. We are committed as state to be a leader in both the policies and projects that protect our economy and our environment.”

Power for the Ford E-450 shuttle buses is provided by a 6.8-liter V-10 engine that has been supercharged and modified to run exclusively on hydrogen fuel. Of these eight vehicles – the first to be operated in the United States – two will be used by the Greater Orlando Airport Authority (GOAA), and two by the Orlando Convention Central District. The remaining four will be delivered to customers in Florida at a later date. Ford delivered five buses to Canada, three in Ottawa and two in Vancouver in late 2006. In all, Ford will deliver 30 buses to customers across North America by year’s end.

The Ford E-450 shuttle buses in Florida are part of the state’s broader plan to move toward a greater use of alternative fuels. Last year, Ford delivered five hybrid hydrogen Ford Focus Fuel Cell vehicles as part of separate effort with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Progress Energy to gain feedback on hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Technology

Ford Motor Company believes hydrogen internal combustion engine technology can serve as a bridge to enabling hydrogen to become a viable alternative fuel. Hydrogen fueled internal combustion engines have many advantages, including high efficiency, all-weather capability, and near zero emissions of regulated pollutants and greenhouse gases (CO 2). They also can be hybridized for further gains in fuel efficiency.

While these hydrogen internal combustion engine shuttle buses will provide valuable real-world experience, Ford also is conducting research into next generation hydrogen internal combustion engines, including features such as direct injection to enhance power and fuel economy.

Hydrogen Part of a Broader Effort

Ford’s strategy for alternative fuels is built around multiple technologies, including hydrogen internal combustion engines. This flexible approach allows the company to meet goals for customer needs, environmental impact and shareholder interests. The strategy does not focus on one catch-all solution, but offers a flexible array of options, including hybrids, E85 ethanol, clean diesels, bio-diesels, advanced engine and transmission technologies and hydrogen fuel cells.

The company already has a fleet of 30 hydrogen powered Focus fuel cell vehicles on the road as part of a worldwide, seven-city program to conduct real world testing of fuel cell technology. The 30-car fleet has accumulated more than 500,000 miles since its inception in 2005, more than 90,000 of which have been logged in Florida.

Ford also is conducting tests with the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive. The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive uses a series electric drivetrain with an onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator to give the vehicle a range of 225 miles with zero emissions.

Currently, Ford offers gasoline-electric hybrids including the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The company will also offer hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan in 2008.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Aston Martin and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.