Standout Lexus arrives at Woodhaven Toyota

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/02/2012 (5363 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The 2013 Lexus GS 350, which arrived at Woodhaven Lexus Toyota yesterday, is a real standout.

“The GS 350 is so different from what has come before,” said Lexus sales manager Tom Strange. “It’s a wonderful change. The GS is following in the footsteps of the LS model. We believe we’re going to see a significant increase in GS sales.”

What strikes you first is the new spindled grille, sculpted aerodynamic body and

deep-set, high-tech headlamps and LED daytime running lamps.

Under the hood, the new model is powered by a 3.5L, 24-valve V6 engine pumping out 306 h.p. (0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds).

Inside, driver and passenger will appreciate the extra width and additional space. The vehicle was designed to provide greater comfort for both driver and passengers. As well as more headroom and legroom, the GS 350’s doors have been designed for easier entry and exit. The trunk is 25-per-cent larger than before.

Strange praised the long, sculpted dashboard and new high-resolution centre control display with one of the largest screens in the industry. “A lot of the functions are voice-activated,” he added.

Also new is an automated climate-control system that focuses airflow only where passengers are actually seated.

Safety features include 10 airbags, whiplash-lessening front seats and optional blind-spot monitor and pre-collision system, night-vision system, Lane Keep Assist and a Lane Departure Warning system.

The base model starts at $54,900 (including freight, pdi and block heater). There are a number of option packages available, with a top price of $71,365 for the Velocity edition.

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Three weeks ago, Jim Gauthier Chevrolet welcomed Ryan Pastetnik to its sales staff in the role of general sales manager.

“Ryan has a very impressive resume in the industry,” said general manager Pier Chiappetta. “When we found out that he was available, we didn’t hesitate to bring him aboard here.”

Pastetnik has been in auto sales all of his working life. Following in his father’s footsteps, Pastetnik began selling used cars in his hometown of Lockport while still in high school. He’s been selling new products for the past 11 years, most recently in management at a smaller Winnipeg import store.

“Jim Gauthier Chev is a well-run store with a good name and positive atmosphere,” Pastetnik said. “I’m looking forward to helping the dealership become the top-selling GM store in Canada and maintaining that status for years to come.”

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Steinbach Dodge Chrysler Jeep also has a new general sales manager, Lennard Winslow, as of Jan. 25. Originally from Falcon Lake, Winslow has been in the industry — mainly with Chrysler — for 24 years. For most of that time, he worked for dealerships in Alberta and B.C.

Steinbach Chrysler Dodge president Paul Neustaedter “contacted me via email a few months ago about the opening here,” Winslow said. “I have family, including my mother, still in Falcon Lake. I thought it would be nice to be closer to family.”

Winslow describes Steinbach Chrysler as a great store. “We had a record month for sales in January, and we’re well on our way to being the top-selling Chrysler store in Manitoba.”