Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year. Several other places around the world observe similar celebrations. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and on the second Monday of October in Canada. Thanksgiving has its historical roots in religious and cultural traditions, and has long been celebrated in a secular manner as well. Prayers of thanks and special thanksgiving ceremonies are common among almost all religions after harvests and at other times. The Thanksgiving holiday's history in North America is rooted in English traditions dating from the Protestant Reformation. In the United States, the modern Thanksgiving holiday tradition is commonly, but not universally, traced to a poorly documented 1621 celebration at Plymouth in present-day Massachusetts. The 1621 Plymouth feast and thanksgiving was prompted by a good harvest. In modern times the President of the United States, in addition to issuing a proclamation, will "pardon" a turkey, which spares the bird's life and ensures that it will spend the duration of its life roaming freely on farmland. Thanksgiving is a day to be with family and friends and give thanks for everything you can, but also to enjoy a wonderful meal. So, be thankful for life and everything in it. Everyone here at St. George Auto would like to wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Also for all you football fans here is tomorrows' Thanksgiving lineup:

9:30am Lions vs. Bears
1:30pm Eagles vs. Cowboys
5:30pm Seahawks vs. 49ers

Happy Holidays!!!





Also don't miss out on our Black Friday Sale this weekend November 28th-30th!!!!

Holiday Travel Tips

Winter Driving Tips: Easier and Safer Winter Road Trips

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For road travelers, winter can also be the most dangerous time of year. Motor vehicle accidents involving bad weather, mostly ice and snow, claim the lives of 6,000 Americans and injure 500,000 more every year (National Center for Atmospheric Research, 2005). The following winter driving tips will help you stay safe and a little less anxious on your next trip.

Have your car examined before you leave. This is one of the most crucial winter driving tips. It's the climatic scene of many movies, where someone's car breaks down in a strange town. The last thing you want to worry about is your car falling apart, leaving you stranded far away from home. Take it to your local auto shop for a quick once over, and make sure your tires are winter ready and properly inflated.

Be prepared for a change in course. Before you depart, become confident in knowing your route. It's very important that you're ready for anything on the road that could slightly change your plans, including construction, road closings and traffic hurdles. Remember to keep the directions as well as appropriate state map(s) handy, in case you need to reroute your trip.

Stay hydrated for the journey. It probably seems like dehydration isn't very likely, but a recent Mayo Clinic study shows that a mere one- to two-percent loss of body weight can quickly lead to fatigue and decreased alertness, which could be deadly in icy winter driving. Also, your body requires more fuel in the cold — so rely on high-energy food including sandwiches, a thermos filled with soup and fruit.

Pack a winter safety kit for the car. Don't leave without the essentials for a safe road trip — a cell phone (don't forget the car charger); ice scraper; tow rope and jumper cables; sand or cat litter to aid with traction; blankets; flashlights, matches and emergency candles; first aid kit; portable radio; and a good book, in case you do get stuck.

Make frequent rest stops. Winter driving is much more fatiguing than in the summer, so you'll want to make time to stop and stretch your legs. Just a few minutes off the road will make all the difference in improving your alertness when you're back behind the wheel.

Ditch the fast food. Fast food is a drain on your wallet and your energy levels, and, considering how much you'll be eating over the holidays, you just don't need all that fat-, sugar- and salt-laden fare. Instead, pack a cooler full of sandwiches on whole wheat bread, fresh fruits, and fresh vegetables. The fiber and protein in all of these will boost your energy levels and make you more alert while preventing the sugar crash that can follow fast-food meals. And toss a few peppermints into your glove compartment; research has shown that they're as stimulating as caffeine. As an added bonus, packing your own lunch will save you gas: Idling in drive-thru's can cost you up to 19 percent of your fuel economy.

Speed limit. Automotive experts note that most cars get optimal gas mileage when driving between 60 and 65 miles per hour on the highway.

Dont drink and drive! If there will be drinking at your holiday get-together, choose a designated driver who will remain alcohol free.

• Be alert! Because driving requires your full attention, pull off the road if you have to use your cellular phone.

2015 Lexus NX

  Officially debuting at the 2014 Beijing auto show, the RAV4-sized NX becomes the fourth and smallest model in the Lexus utility-vehicle lineup, slotting in below the RX350 and facing off against the likes of the Acura RDX,BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Mercedes-Benz GLK. Gas-powered versions will feature a 2.0-liter four-cylinder direct-injected engine—naturally aspirated in the NX200, twin-scroll turbocharged in the NX200t—mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2015 Lexus NX is offered in just two models: the standard NX 200t, with a 235-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 194-hp NX 300h (hybrid) that the company expects to make up less than 10 percent of total sales. The sporty F-Sport package could go as high as half of all NX models, though, with its more aggressive grille, unique interior trim, comfortable sport seats, and slightly retuned suspension. Both models are offered in front- or all-wheel-drive versions, though the hybrid

sacrifices the 200t's mechanical AWD system that sends engine torque to all four wheels and substitutes a 50-kilowatt (67-hp) electric motor on the rear axle when needed. The NX brings an edgy new styling theme to Lexus’ utility vehicle lineup, and the focal point is definitely its face, where there's an oversized, especially bold version of Lexus’ spindle grille, narrow headlights, truly aggressive lower air dam and fender sculpting, and separate Nike-swoosh LED running lights. You'll find that same shape mirrored in the LED taillights, although at the rear it's at its smoothest and most ordinary, with a clear family resemblance to the larger Lexus RX. The NX is the first Lexus to offer wireless charging for mobile phones, and it marks the debut of a new generation of the Lexus Remote Touch interface—this one featuring a touch pad, haptic feedback, and pad-like capabilities that let you trace letters directly on a surface--similar to those you may have seen on some Audi or Mercedes-Benz models.Lexus will release pricing and final details on trim levels and options packages closer to the time the NX 200t and NX 300h arrive at dealers sometime in November or December 2014. It's likely to start below $40,000, but will be priced to compete with the Acura RDX and the trio of German luxury crossovers.

Bentley's Grand Convertible

Described as “the most sophisticated and elegant convertible” built by Bentley, the Grand Convertible is based on the Mulsanne Speed sedan and is powered by the same 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 530 horsepower (537PS) and 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft) of torque. The Bentley Grand Convertible on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show features a bespoke Sequin Blue exterior color and a silver “liquid metal” finish to the bonnet and windscreen frame. Bentley’s polished directional alloy wheels also contrast with the blue bodywork. The interior of the Grand Convertible offers room for four adults and includes 14 naturally tanned leather hides merged together with progressive-diamond quilting, with the shape of the pattern changing over the seats and doors. Details include bright blue trim and Sequin Blue thread cross-stitched by hand through the linen-colored leather, as well as Beluga leather around the top of the doors and extending back to the rear tonneau, framed in polished chrome. The tonneau features the largest piece of wood veneer ever applied to a Bentley. Bentley is not quite sure whether it will build the Grand Convertible or not, but a lot depends on the public reception. “We are eagerly awaiting the response of our customers to this car. We will ensure that this car - if it reaches the roads – will be a highly exclusive, extremely limited collector’s piece,” said Bentley Chairman and CEO, Wolfgang Dürheimer.

2015 Shelby GT500

  Parts found on Ford’s website for the 2015 Mustang hint at there being a 2015 Shelby GT500; could this be true? The rampant speculation surrounding the S550 Mustang chassis has been working overtime for the SVT/Shelby options. We know we are getting a Shelby GT350 and have already seen the badging for it, but could we be getting a Shelby GT500 as well? There have been numerous reports from a variety of anonymous insiders saying that the Condor Engine (Shelby motor) assembly line has been shut down/dismantled. This has lead to mass reporting that there will be no more Shelby GT500, or at least for the 2015/2016 model year. However, the fact that the Condor Engine Line is gone does not mean we might not see a GT500. There are a few other options laying on the table that would all make great options for a 2015 Shelby GT500. As you're surely aware by now, the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 boasts a 5.8-liter beast of an engine making 662 horsepower, partnered in crime by 631 pound-feet of torque. There seems little to gain in rehashing what we already know – namely, that the 2013 GT500 is fast. Is there any doubt that it'll be earth-shatteringly fast. Ignorantly fast, even. This much is a given. This Mustang will gallop to two 202 miles per hour in fact, which is pure insanity. There's an argument to be made that the best-looking Mustang is the simplest Mustang. It takes a staggering 150 horsepower just to spin 14 PSI out of the 2.3-liter Eaton supercharger, which is a real drag, but with an end result of 662 horses at 6,500 RPM and 631 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 RPM, with that said there really is no reason to complain.

Porsche Panamera

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The Porsche Panamera is a luxury four-door sedan. It is front-engined with rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive versions also available. The Porsche Panamera production model was unveiled at the 13th Auto Shanghai International Automobile Show in Shanghai, China, on April 2009. In 2011, hybrid and diesel versions were launched. In April 2013, a facelift to the Panamera was announced, launching again at the Auto Shanghai show. A plug-in hybrid version, the Panamera S E-Hybrid, was released in the U.S. market in November 2013. Like the Porsche Cayenne SUV (which has become the marque's best-selling vehicle), the Panamera upset many Porsche purists, since it was seen as an attempt to broaden Porsche's appeal beyond that of hardcore fans. The Panamera ran contrary to the company's signature offerings, particularly its light two-door rear-engine sports cars like the 911. The Panamera on the other hand is considered a full-size luxury car, weighing nearly 4,000 pounds (1,800 kg), with four doors, and its engine mounted in the front. The Panamera's appearance with its long hood and rear hatch bears little resemblance to a stretched 911, although it does resemble the 911 from certain angles. The iconic 911 has a sparse interior, as it was focused on raw performance, while the Panamera has a sumptuous interior loaded with modern technological amenities and expensive leather upholstery. Porsche has applied for patents on a four-door convertible version of the Panamera that keep the same general dimensions.

The Viziv GT Vision Gran Turimso

Over a year ago, Polyphony Digital, the creator of the Gran Turismo video game series, reached out to the world’s major automakers, asking them to come up with a futuristic concept to celebrate the game’s 15th anniversary. Since then we have seen some pretty wild concepts, particularly from the design studios of Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen, and now we have two more, one each from Subaru and Chevrolet.

The Subaru concept is called the Viziv GT Vision Gran Turimso and it’s described as a performance plug-in hybrid. The concept fits the mold of the tradition grand tourer but with a very modern design that hopefully will influence the look of some of Subaru’s future cars. The concept from Chevy is called the Corvette Vision Gran Turismo and is previewed in a single teaser shot. It’s hard to make out the details from the teaser but it looks like the Chevy concept will also be very modern. It seems like it will also bear little resemblance to any existing Chevy products. We wonder if it will feature a mid-engine design like the one the rumor mill is suggesting for the next-generation C8 Corvette.

There’s no set date on when we’ll see these concepts revealed but it’s possible a real-world example of each will be rolled out at the upcoming 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. Like the rest of the Vision Gran Turimso concepts, virtual versions of the new Subaru and Chevy concepts will be available for download in Gran Turismo 6in the near future.

Google Glass

Google Glass is a type of wearable technology with an optical head-mounted display (OHMD). It was developed by Google with the mission of producing a mass-market ubiquitous computer. Google Glass displays information in a smartphone-like hands-free format.Wearers communicate with the Internet via natural language voice commands.Google started selling Google Glass to qualified "Glass Explorers" in the US on April 15, 2013, for a limited period for $1,500, before it became available to the public on May 15, 2014, for the same price. Google provides four prescription frame choices for $225.00 U.S and free with the purchase of any new Glass unit. Google Glass was developed by Google X, the facility within Google devoted to technological advancements such as driverless cars. Google Glass is smaller and slimmer than previous head-mounted display designs. Other than the touchpad, Google Glass can be controlled using "voice actions". To activate Glass, wearers tilt their heads 30° upward (which can be altered for preference) or tap the touchpad, and say "O.K., Glass." Once Glass is activated, wearers can say an action, such as "Take a picture", "Record a video", "Hangout with [person/Google+ circle]", "Google 'What year was Wikipedia founded?'", "Give me directions to the Eiffel Tower", and "Send a message to John" (many of these commands can be seen in a product video released in February 2013).For search results that are read back to the user, the voice response is relayed using bone conduction through a transducer that sits beside the ear, thereby rendering the sound almost inaudible to other people. Concerns have been raised by various sources regarding the intrusion of privacy, and the etiquette and ethics of using the device in public and recording people without their permission. Additionally, there is controversy that Google Glass would violate security problems and privacy rights such as the Secrecy paradigm (see privacy).

Female Mechanics

Females of all ages find skills, jobs in auto mechanics. It's time to take your car in for a tuneup, but you're feeling a little apprehensive. So what do you do? You take along your husband, father or brother for extra security to that male bastion, the local service station. But things are changing in the world of car care, where more and more women are swapping blind trust for knowledge -- and where some women are even turning that knowledge into jobs as technicians. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) said that women account for more than half of all customers who take their vehicles to a repair shop. To help them take control of their auto service and repair visits, ASE has put together a brochure with helpful tips. With more than an estimated 60,000 automotive-related jobs available nationwide, opportunities for women are plentiful. It takes more than muscle to repair one of today's high-powered vehicles. Strong diagnostic and analytical skills are required. Although an ASE report shows that the number of female auto technicians has increased over the past 12 years, some women find it hard to break down gender barriers in the workplace. Girl Scouts across the country are breaking tradition by sporting the Car Care Badge. Through the organization's Car Sense Interest Project, scouts learn the fundamentals of vehicle maintenance. Girls in grades three through six team up with professionals who show them how to check fluids and oils, change tires and perform safety inspections. For information about the General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program, call (800) 828-6860 or visit the Web site at http://www.gmstc.com/ 


Tips for female car owners 

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence offers these tips to women:

• Ask friends and associates for recommendations.
• Read your owner's manual and follow the recommended maintenance schedule.
• Be prepared to describe the symptoms and supply a written list of recent problems.
• Ask as many questions as you need.
• Before you leave, be sure you understand all shop policies regarding labor rates, guarantees and methods of payment.

Mercedes Vision G-Code

The new Mercedes Vision G-Code concept car was shown today at the opening of Merc’s new R&D base in Beijing, China. It’s a shrunken SUV imagining what a baby 4x4 would look like at the foot of the Mercedes-Benz range. Dubbed a Sports Utility Coupe (err, that’s a SUC), the G-Code was designed at the Asian studio and is supposed to offer a glimpse of how young Chinese trend-setters can get about in their increasingly congested cities. This new Vision G-Code concept takes the form of a Sports Utility Coupe that  at 161 inches long  is even shorter than the GLA that’s currently Mercedes’ smallest crossover. But despite its compact form, the G-Code is packed with cutting-edge technology. For one, it uses multi-voltaic silver paint that transforms the body into one continuous solar panel. It fuels the electric portion of the otherwise unspecified hybrid powertrain that offers through-the-road all-wheel drive and the option of pure electric mobility. There’s even a holographic grille at the front that indicates what mode the vehicle is in, similar to what we saw recently on Mercedes’ Future Truck 2025 concept. The grille is flanked by LED headlights, with another strip of LEDs around back and tiny cameras that pop out of the hidden a-pillars to act as rearview mirrors (this is a concept, after all). Between the 21-inch wheels (made up of aluminum rims with carbon spokes), short overhangs, aluminum skidplates and high ground clearance, the G-Code concept has an uninterrupted greenhouse inspired by powerboats and suicide rear doors to gain access to the 2+2 cockpit (not unlike the dearly departed Mazda RX-8). Step in and dock your smartphone to see the F1-like steering wheel and pedals deploy, enhancing ingress and egress. The high-contrast cabin has four individual bucket seats (with heating, cooling and massage functions) and an ultra-wide infotainment display in a flexible cockpit setup with a pair of stand-up scooters under the cargo floor. It’s all trimmed in leather, aluminum and carbon fiber and packs a cutting-edge climate control system. Note also the gently pulsing light show illuminating the three-pointed star on the G-Code’s snout. Merc claims it references the Starship Enterprise’s glowing warp drive - and depending on the driving mode selected, it’ll glow blue (parked and e-running), purple (normal hybrid driving) and red (sport mode). Few concrete details have been issued about the G-Code’s powertrain, but we know there is a combustion engine powering the front wheels and electric motors driving the rear axle - giving this baby SUV 4wd potential. The car also has a hydrogen fuel-cell onboard: oxygen created during synthesis is used to provide fresh air during polluted urban driving. And a pair of town scooters are incorporated in the boot floor.