Toyota Details Lexus New Models

Boy, Toyota is in a mad way to remind folks that its not resting on its laurels especially when its luxury Lexus brand is concerned.

According to Automotive News, Lexus is looking to increase its sales by 21 percent for 2012, to around 240,000 units in the U.S. Helping the brand to make those numbers are – count ‘em – nine new products rolling out for 2012: first up are two new rear-wheel drive GS models, the GS 350 and hybrid GS 450h, followed closely by a facelifted LX 570 SUV. Next up is an all-new ES 350 due this spring with a new hybrid variant, as well as new versions of the IS 250 and IS 350 sport sedans. Rounding out the year will be the next-generation LS 460 and LS 600h flagship sedans to do battle with the recently revised flagships from Audi and BMW.

While speaking at the reveal of the 2013 GS 350 during the Pebble Beach Concours last year, Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda referenced the fact that Lexus has far to come in order to truly compete in the global market.

Last week at the Detroit auto show, Lexus pulled the wraps off of the LF-LC Concept – a stunning two-seater coupe that could potentially preview a new halo coupe for the brand in the low-$100,000 range; that would also leave room to slot in a coupe around $70,000. Lexus is also looking to move away from its GX and LX truck-based SUVs and to add the long-rumored seven-seat crossover, which dealers and customers alike have been clamoring for. The three-row luxury crossover market has rapidly expanded in the past few years with the addition of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, Audi Q7, BMW X5,Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, and Infiniti JX. If Lexus can work the same kind of sales magic it has with the segment-creating RX midsize crossover, it could potentially have another hit on its hands. The RX currently makes up about 45 percent of the brand’s sales, says AN.

However, AN reports that Lexus has no plans to expand into markets lower than its CT 200h hatchback. While there is the potential for further CT variants, there will not be a less expensive model.

via Automotive News (Subscription required) courtesy of Automobile Magazine Staff

Lexus Bypasses Lincoln as Top Car Brand in Latest JD Power Study

Car owners are a fickle lot and that's never more clear than the latest reliability study by JD Power and Associates. The top ten, no, top five brands have undergone yet another shuffle, and an old favorite has come back on top.

Lexus is back on top of the Dependability Study. Leading the charge was the Lexus LS, which reported the fewest problems in the industry. Outside of Lexus, Toyota dominated the top five, with Porsche in second, Cadillac tying with Toyota for third, Scion in fourth, and Mercedes-Benz in fifth.

J.D. Power’s 2012 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study is based on 31,000 original owners of 2009 model year vehicles after three years of ownership, with the rating of Problems per 100 Vehicles (PP100) behind based on issues experienced in the past year.

2011 saw an overall reliability improvement across the board, with J.D. Power reporting that 25 of 32 brands saw an increase in reliability compared to last year. Six brands dropped in the rankings, while one saw no change. J.D. Power noted that a strong initial vehicle quality in 2009 translated directly to the historical high dependability of 132 PP100 we have now in 2012. The Lexus LS led the industry with just 72 PP100.

J.D. Power also pointed out that domestic automakers rose slightly faster than their imported counterparts, and that some automakers (particularly domestic), face unfounded questions about overall reliability from customers. During the last four years Buick, Cadillac, Ford, Hyundai, and Lincoln all faced a high proportion of new-vehicle buyers expressing reliability concerns, when all five brands have consistently reported strong levels of dependability in J.D. Power’s research.

Of the 14 different segments that J.D. Power and Associates break vehicles down into, Toyota products topped eight. Ford products took three segments, GM and Nissan products captured two each, and Hyundai won one segment. J.D. Power also noted that the Ford Mustang, GMC Yukon, and Porsche 911 all performed especially well – though they didn’t receive awards due to either an insufficient number of award-eligible vehicles, or insufficient market share of award-eligible vehicles.

Sitting at the bottom five of the nameplate rankings were all Chrysler nameplates. Chrysler was last, with Dodge, Jeep and Ram following closely behind. The bottom five was rounded out by Jaguar and Infiniti in a fifth place tie. You can check out the full list of the rankings below.

2012 Nameplate Ranking

Brand, Problems per 100 Vehicles – Industry average 132 PP100

1. Lexus, 86

2. Porsche, 98

3. Cadillac, 104

3. Toyota, 104

4. Scion, 111

5. Mercedes-Benz, 112

6. Lincoln, 116

7. Ford, 124

8. Buick, 125

8. Hyundai, 125

9. Acura, 129

10. Honda, 131

11. Chevrolet, 135

12. Volvo, 143

13. Audi, 148

13. Audi, 148

13. Smart, 148

14. Subaru, 149

15. Nissan, 152

16. Mitsubishi, 153

17. BMW, 154

18. GMC, 158

19. Mini, 161

20. Mazda, 163

21. Suzuki, 167

22. Kia, 169

22. Volkswagen, 169

23. Infiniti, 172

23. Jaguar, 172

24. Ram, 174

25. Jeep, 179

26. Dodge, 183

27. Chrysler, 192

Top Three Models per Segment

Sub-Compact Car

1. Toyota Yaris

2. Scion xD

3. Honda Fit

Compact Car

1. Toyota Prius

2. Toyota Corolla

3. Hyundai Elantra

Compact Sporty Car

1. Scion tC

Midsize Car

1. Ford Fusion

2. Mitsubishi Galant

3. Toyota Camry

Large Car

1. Buick Lucerne

2. Toyota Avalon

3. Ford Taurus

Entry Premium Car

1. Lexus ES 350 (tie)

1. Lincoln MKZ (tie)

2. Acura TL

Midsize Premium Car

1. Hyundai Genesis

2. Mercedes-Benz E-Class

3. Volvo S80

Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle

1. Scion xB

Compact Crossover/SUV

1. Chevrolet Equinox

2. Honda CR-V

3. Toyota RAV4

Midsize Crossover/SUV

1. Ford Explorer (tie)

1. Nissan Murano (tie)

2. Toyota Highlander

Midsize Premium Crossover/SUV

1. Lexus RX 350

2. Lincoln MKX

Midsize Pickup

1. Nissan Frontier

2. Ford Ranger

3. Honda Ridgeline

Minivan

1. Toyota Sienna

2. Honda Odyssey

Large Pickup

1. Toyota Tundra

2. GMC Sierra HD

3. Chevrolet Silverado

2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid recalled for Failed Rear Crash Tests by the NHTSA

Besieged automaker Toyota has issued another recall. The Japanese automaker, which has recalled over nine million vehicles worldwide due to sudden acceleration issues across its lineup, has now issued a recall of its new 2010 Lexus HS hybrid sedan. The recall involves the vehicle's failure in rear crash tests administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration... Press Release: Lexus Announces Intent to Conduct a Voluntary Safety Recall on Certain 2010 Lexus HS 250h Models A Statement from Mark Templin, Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager, June 25, 2010 “We are concerned with the results of the annual National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) compliance test on the 2010 Lexus HS 250h hybrid. Our engineers conducted similar testing during the development of the new HS 250h and the vehicle performed safely. “We take the NHTSA’s test results very seriously and appreciate the NHTSA bringing its concerns to our attention. We want to assure our customers that their safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. While we are investigating and vigorously working to understand the different test results, we have stopped delivery of the involved vehicles. As soon as the issue is better understood and/or a remedy is developed, we will contact every owner. “Customers who have any questions or concerns should contact their local Lexus dealer or Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987.” SOURCE: Toyota/Lexus Read more at Automotive.com: 2010 Lexus HS Hybrid Recall

2011 Lexus IS250/350 F-Sport Package - First Look

2011 Lexus IS250
Price Range $32,645.00 - $41,560.00	Fuel Economy 19 city / 27 highway Base Engine 204-horsepower V6	Value Rating Excellent Explore This Car More

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• Lexus HS250h		• Lexus GS460
• Lexus IS-F		• Lexus IS250
• Lexus CT 200h		• Lexus IS350

Lexus released a revised version of their F-Sport Package for 2011 Lexus IS250/350 Rear-Wheel-Drive model. This package which is basically for those who want an ISF but can’t afford it, includes special suspension tuning, 18-inch alloy wheels with dark chrome finish and F-style body kit... Read more at MotorWard.com

2011 Lexus CT200h Hybrid Hatch

2011 Lexus CT 200h
Price Range $30,900.00	Fuel Economy 43 city / 40 highway Base Engine 134-horsepower L4	Value Rating Excellent Explore This Car More

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• Lexus LS460		• Lexus CT 200h
• Lexus GS460		• Lexus RX450h
• Lexus GS350		• Lexus HS250h

AMAG - "The CT200h is both the least expensive and most fuel-efficient Lexus you can buy.

At $29,995, it undercuts the IS250 by $3500, and its EPA numbers of 43 mpg city, 40 mpg highway easily surpass the HS250h’s 35/34 mpg ratings."

What's sad is the Toyota Prius gets better fuel economy and also has a much roomier cabin and more cargo area.

The 2011 Lexus CT200h does have a premium-level interior and is extremely fun to drive. Faux leather comes standard, but the real thing is of course optional. The black and caramel colored cabin is well padded throughout which gives it a really rich look. Premium models come with a seat heaters and sunroof. GPS navigation, rear-camera, and active cruise are all optional. The navigation is a bit weird to use due to the mouse-like controller to choose things on the pop-up screen. This mouse-like control sits on the center console, which is convenient. Leg and headroom is very scarce in this vehicle.

A 1.8L, Aktinson-cycle engine with battery assist powers the CT200h. The shifter is a rinky-dink little nub with a side-button for "park", which makes me ask, "Why can't they just make a hybrid with a traditional gearshift anymore?"

Driving modes include the EV, Eco, Normal, and Sport. We think you'll leave it in "Sport" mode all the time, that's if you remember to select it each time you re-start the car.

Whoever thought of building this sporty hybrid is a bit over their head, because this car is not at all quick (0 to 60 time is just under 10 seconds).

Sorry to say this Lexus, but the Audi A3 TDI is arguably a much better vehicle. It's pretty much the same size, just about the same price, and is much more energetic.

Read more inside Automobile: 2011 Lexus CT200h

2012 Lexus Compact Concept will Debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show

Lexus Buyer's Guide
Lexus Prices Get a free and easy price quote in minutes.	Lexus Research • Photos • Videos • Rebates • Specifications • Reviews • Safety Ratings

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• Lexus IS250		• Lexus LS460
• Lexus LX570		• Lexus SC430
• Lexus GS450H		• Lexus GS460

Lexus is all set to debut a new compact concept at next month’s 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show; but will we ever see this compact BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 rival on the stateside? According to sources at Toyota, Lexus may roll out the competitor to popular entry-level luxury models sooner than expected... Read more at eGMcarTech.com

2009 Lexus ES 350 Review by Motor Trend

"The Lexus ES 350 is seriously bland and unsporting. It offers an entirely forgettable driving experience, elicits no emotions, and serves as little more than a tool for getting from point A to point B. Yet there are plenty of people that want just that, which has led to continued sales success for what is considered the benchmark for comfort-oriented, entry-level-luxury sedans."

Sound like Motor Trend is ripping on the ES? Well it is, kind of. But it's still an excellent near-luxury car (as long as you're not a sporty driver).


The complete review

Lexus LF-A goes into Production after 2009 Tokyo Auto Show

With a development period of almost 10 years, it appears that the Lexus supercar dubbed the LF-A will finally enter production after this year’s Tokyo Motor Show!

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2010 Lexus HS 250H - Review of New Hybrid Compact-Luxury-Sedan

As different as they may seem, there's one thing the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lincoln MKZ, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Volvo S60, Acura TL, Infiniti G37, Cadillac CTS, and all their competitors have in common: None of them is offered with a gas/electric hybrid powertrain.

The debate continues as to whether hybrids are a viable long- (or even short-) term solution to the cost/efficiency/emissions conundrum. A lot depends on the cost of entry, the price of fuel, and one's desire to minimize his carbon footprint. No matter, consumer desire for hybrids has never been stronger. The Obama administration's mandate for earlier and more aggressive CAFE standards will push the hybrid demand curve harder. Lexus has made its call and is first in the compact-lux-sedan pool with the new-for-2010 HS 250h.


It resembles the brand's own IS, and, at about two-inches longer than a C-Class, fits dimensionally midway between the IS and larger ES. But the HS 250h employs an entirely different chassis and bodywork. The gasoline engine, electric motor and hybrid drive system, and electronic controller hardware are architecturally similar to those in the Toyota Prius, although most everything is larger and more powerful for this application. There's a bit of under-the-sheets borrowing from the Toyota Avensis sedan sold in other markets. Yet, in spite of a familiar and familial Toyota/Lexus look and feel, it is fair to call the HS a dedicated hybrid platform.

Lexus says models like the RX 400h and GS 450h are "no compromise" hybrids, vehicles that deliver modestly improved mileage with little loss of performance or luxury feel. The HS 250h, like the Prius, is about maximum efficiency with minimal environmental impact. While most players in this category rely on at least six cylinders for power, the HS's gas engine is a 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle four, rated at 147 horses. Two electric motors assist the total horsepower rating up to 187. Again like the Prius, the powertrain is backed by a continuously variable transmission that varies the ratios depending upon rpm, load, and throttle position. One of the motors acts as the starter, the HS features an auto stop/start function, and regenerative braking helps recharge the nickel/metal/hydride battery pack...Continued

1. Get a New Car Quote 2. Free Auto Loan Quote 3. Insurance Price Check Click Here! 2009 Lexus LF-A Supercar Car Specs unveiled before the Nurburgrin

Toyota just released new car photos of the 2009 Lexus LF-A race car.

This eye-opening Lexus supercar is causing a lot of attention before the Nurburgring 24 Hour Race, which is coming up at the end of May. The 24 hour race will give future purchasers a real life performance preview of how the car handles itself at high speeds.

The 2009 Lexus LF-A has a smashing 4.8L V10 engine, with over 500 horsepower (stock). This means the Toyota machine will definitely be turning heads well after the Nurburgring 24 Hour Race.


Get More Car Specs at eGMcarTech.com

2010 Lexus IS Convertible Review by Motor Trend

This just in: Lexus is serious about claiming more of BMW's turf. When introduced nearly a decade ago, the IS 300 was a single-focus effort: one body style, one engine, take it or buy the BMW. The second-gen IS, launched in 2005, widened the view: two engines plus an all-wheel-drive version, but still served only in four-door-sedan form. Last year came the roaring, rumbling IS-F, Japan's take on the M3. And now, the IS C, the first IS with two doors instead of four, plus a retractable folding hardtop -- a lot like BMW's.

You'll recognize the C as a member of the IS family, yet every body panel save the hood is new. Besides the obvious -- doors, fenders, folding top -- the fascias, light clusters, and detailing are C specific. Overall length is increased 2.2 inches over the sedan. Otherwise, says Lexus, the trunk would have looked too high and too short. The chassis architecture remains the same, but a considerable amount of work was done to regain the structural rigidity lost by going topless. There are numerous trusses and triangulation braces underneath, in the rocker panel areas, and behind the front seats.


The top was designed, developed, and constructed in-house. It goes up and down quicker than any other in this category. Inside, the headliner covers everything. There's not a brace or strut visible inside, and the effect is almost coupelike. Other aspects of the car are reengineered for top-down duty. For example, the audio system volume adjustments are reprogrammed when the top is down, and the HVAC system knows to deliver more air. The IS C has more trunk volume than do many retractables. There's a handy button to power the passenger seat forward and aft, easing rear-seat access. There's even a neatly engineered, removable windblocker -- too bad that Lexus has the nerve to charge extra for it after doing so much work to make the IS C a complete convertible package. The top system makes use of steel, aluminum, and plastic panels. On average, an IS C is 360-380 pounds heavier than a comparably equipped sedan...Continued

Lexus preps to take on BMW 1-Series, Audi A3 in Europe

There seems to be no hope for Lexus models that sell for less than $30,000 to reach the US market, although this won’t be true for other markets.

In Europe, for instance, where diminutives, such as the Bmw 1-Series and the Audi A3 still gain high sales figures, and there are reports coming out that as early as 2010 Lexus will have a challenger for its German competitors.



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2009 Lexus LF-A Supercar Ready for the 2009 Nurburgring 24 Hour Race

It was only last week that we learnt that the ‘always in development never on sale’ Lexus LF-A was heading back to the ‘Ring to compete in the Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race in May.

The latest news is that incoming Toyota President, Akio Toyoda (grandson of the company’s founder) will be enjoying some wheel time during the event. Toyoda is 52 years old, and will team up with three other drivers to punt the Lexus supercar around the ‘Ring.

In addition to genuinely racing the LF-A, Toyota will be using the enduro event to log more data on the LF-A (under race conditions), in the lead up to what is expected (hoped) to be an October launch, at the Tokyo Motor Show.


Read More inside The Motor Report

2009 Lexus IS350 converted to IS45 by Tom's

Tom’s revealed today its latest customization for the Lexus IS350 dubbed the IS45. This new programme includes a power increase to 350 hp and 488 Nm of torque but this is not all: the tuning company also offers a new front lip spoiler, new side sills and a rear apron with integrated exhaust system featuring 4 pipes.

Read More at 4WheelsNews.com

Lexus RX gets Sports Car via Wald Black Bison Kit

Here you are another kit from Wald based on the Black Bison series. This time our friends over at Wald worked their Magic on the latest luxury SUV from Toyota, the Lexus RX.

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2010 Lexus RX 450H - SUV Performance and Specs Review: First Look

We just returned from a day in northern California testdriving the new Lexus RX 450h, and as you might expect, it's a rolling encyclopedia of new-car tech. We'll do our best to explain it all in thumbnails, but suffice to say, it's a capable and civilized alternative to your run-of-the-mill crossover rigs.

The heart of the RX is the time-proven Toyota 2GR 3.5L V-6 (a variant of which Lotus will be using next year on its GT4 Supersport race cars), which has been refined for this application with the addition of an EGR system for improved emissions and cooling, and an exhaust heat recovery system to aid in quicker heat-up times (i.e., cold-start conditions). The motor also runs an Atkinson-style combustion cycle (the power stroke is longer than the compression stroke), which helps to achieve greater fuel economy and thermal efficiencies at the expense of horsepower. How to remedy? In the RX's case, two ways.

First, the gas engine works in concert with Lexus Hybrid Drive, a battery-actuated hybrid system similar to Toyota's (Prius) Hybrid Synergy Drive. The Lexus system can be run for brief periods at high speeds as well as at idle (and during braking) to provide an extra power boost as needed, such as on steep inclines or for passing. In the new RX application, the battery can provide an extra 50 horses to the V-6's 245, resulting in 295 peak hp at 6,200 rpm. Second, the engine is mated to an electronic CVT transmission. We're not too keen on these "pointless" gearboxes, but we do know that they have fewer internals to break, are less expensive than a conventional slushbox, and can keep an engine revving in its "sweet spot" longer than fixed-gear transmissions. Add everything up and you arrive at an EPA-estimated 26 mpg on the highway, 28 city, from a V-6 powertrain that is amply powerful, frugal, and super-clean (SULEV-rated) in operation.


Read More at FourWheeler.com

2008 Lexus IS F New York Vacation - Performance and Specs

Assistant editor David Zenlea brings the IS-F out to New York, where contributor Jamie Kitman and I will spend several weeks with the car. Zenlea, who already has logged plenty of miles in the bright blue Lexus, traveled on the day of a major wind storm, which he was unaware of until he stepped out of the car to refuel and the door flew back in his face.

Although Zenlea comes away with even more respect for the IS-F, citing its "effortless acceleration and bullet-train-like high-speed stability" (which can find you at 120 mph when you thought you were doing 80), he prefers the return trip in the BMW 135i, despite its somewhat less awesome speediness.

Zenlea joins several others in criticizing the responsiveness of the eight-speed automatic - which does, after all, have to swap down several cogs in answer to a booted throttle. The gearbox might seem more responsive if you could just quickly slap it down a few ratios with the shift paddles without first having to move the gear lever out of drive.

Coming out of the 135i, which isn't exactly the most plush-riding car you can name, it's still a notable change to get into the IS-F, which feels far more stiffly sprung. The IS-F has a very busy ride, even over what appears to be smooth pavement.


Read More inside Automobile Magazine

2010 Lexus IS 250 Hardtop Convertible on Sale July 2009

The lid’s been lifted on a new Lexus drop-top. The firm has added a second four-seater convertible to its range, called the IS 250C. On sale from July, the model has a folding metal roof that opens or closes in 20 seconds – faster than any rival car.

Despite being based on the saloon, there are only a handful of common components: the bonnet, headlamps, door handles and mirrors. Everything else has been redesigned to accommodate the roof. The nose is 15mm longer to improve roof-down aerodynamics, while LED tail-lights appear at the rear.

The doors are 30cm longer than the saloon’s, and the front seats have a ‘one-touch walk-in’ button, which folds them and slides them forward. Extra comfort for top-down driving is provided by additional heating pads at shoulder height. The two individual rear seats are set 30mm further inboard than in the saloon to create more headroom.


Read More at Auto Express

2010 Lexus HS 250H set for North America and Japan - Europe Not Included

Usually it’s us on the stateside getting angry at Europe for getting all the cool cars. Well, this time we can point the finger and laugh. The new 2010 Lexus HS 250h, which was unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, will not be making its way to Europe - at least for now.

“The HS 250h is intended mainly for North America and Japan, sales are not currently planned for Europe,” said Serge Gachot, head of Toyota Motor Europe marketing communications.


Read More at eGMcarTech.com