Lexus – Page 19 – Automobiles Review

LEXUS IS F CCS-R to race in Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

LEXUS IS F CCS-R is a modified IS F sedan which will compete in the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The racing will take place next month and will mark its 90th running.

This Lexus racing car has already debuted at the Tokyo Auto Salon back in 2010 as a concept vehicle; and now is ready to make its first achievements. It includes several modifications from the standard IS F sedan and of course these are in terms of improved performance and racing safety regulations.

In details, some of the transformations included are lightweight carbon fibre bodywork and interior details, and polycarbonate windows. The latter help reduce the standard vehicle’s weight by 314kg. In addition, it comes equipped with reinforced monocoque with roll cage, racing brake package, modified race suspension and racing exhaust system.

Lexus IS F CCS-R is propelled by the 2UR-GSE 5.0-litre V8 which is initially on the IS F. The engine develops 311kW (423 hp) and 505Nm (372 lb-ft) of torque and is mated to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission with paddle shift.

Lexus IS F CCS-R Technical Data:

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase 2730mm; Overall length 4759mm; Overall width 1815mm; Overall height 1384mm

WEIGHT: Curb weight 1400kg (314kg less than standard road car)

ENGINE: Designation 2UR-GSE; Displacement 5.0-litre; Power 311kW @ 6,600rpm; Torque 505Nm @ 5,200rpm; Fuel system SFI D-4 direct-to-cylinder injection with secondary port injectors

DRIVETRAIN: Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive system; Transmission 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic with paddle shift and manual mode

EXTERIOR: Orange mica exterior paint; Reinforced monocoque (with roll cage); Carbon fibre hood, door handles, front fender, front spoiler, front canard, rear spoiler, ventilator; Polycarbonate windows; Lightweight door

WHEELS/TYRES: SSR (18×8.5J, off-set 30 front; 18×9.5J, off-set 40 rear); Yokohama /ADVAN NEOVA A050 tyres (245/40 R18 front; 255/40 R18 rear)

BRAKES: Brake cooling system; Racing brake kit; Stainless steel mesh brake hose

SUSPENSION: Adjustable camber front upper arm; Modified race suspension; Reinforced bushings and mounts

EXHAUST: Racing exhaust system

OTHER MECHANICAL: Engine oil cooler; Transmission oil cooler; Differential oil cooler; Mechanical LSD

RACING EQUIPMENT: 120-litre fuel cell; Air jack system; Fire extinguishing system; Data logger; Kill switch; Tow strap

INTERIOR: Carbon fibre dashboard, centre console, door and interior trim; HANS compatible full bucket driver’s seat; Lightened interior (removed power windows, door locks, rear seats, roof lining, etc); Six-point seat belt; Small-diameter steering wheel with paddle shifters

Source: Lexus

June 7, 2012

2013 Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h Hybrid with Improved Handling and Design

2013 Lexus ES 350 and Lexus ES 300h Hybrid are the sixth generation of Lexus’ popular luxury sedan. As new models they of course offer new and progressive design, refinement and even higher quality. Both vehicles are now available with Lexus Hybrid Drive.

More importantly, this is the first Lexus ES, which will include the Lexus Hybrid Drive. It comes equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine, which is expected to provide fuel economy ratings of approximately 40 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 39 mpg combined. In addition, thanks to it the ES 300h is able to generate 200 horsepower (147 kW).

In addition, this engine is low friction and uses a sophisticated power management system and high compression ratio (12.5:1) to increase the efficiency. Moreover, it includes electric water pump, electric power steering, and an integrated hybrid electric motor/generator. Surprisingly, this engine does not require any accessory belts, the result of which is that the beltless design helps improve fuel efficiency and the overall reliability.

On the other hand the 2013 Lexus ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with Dual VVT-i. As a result of the powerful engine, the vehicle is able to produce 268 horsepower (197 kW) at 6,200 rpm and 183 Nm (248 lb.-ft.) of peak torque at 4,700.

The engine is mated to a six-speed sequential-shift automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission which comes equipped with intelligence (ECT-i). The latter provides improved driving performance, fuel efficiency and smooth shifts. The fuel economy of the car is additionally improved due to the use of friction materials. Its fuel economy numbers are 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined.

Both Lexus models include Drive Mode selector, which offers selection among Normal mode, Eco one and Sport one. When Normal mode is on, it delivers mixture of performance and efficiency likable for everyday driving.

On the other hand the Eco mode is more suitable for cases when the driver really wants to save from fuel. The last mode, the Sport one, enhances the powertrain and steering responsiveness, and for the ES 300h, the IP changes from the hybrid power monitor to a tachometer.

One additional mode comes for the ES 300h which is named EV and allows short distance drives, at reduced speed, utilizing only the power from the hybrid battery pack.

Some suspension changes, including stiffer body and a quicker steering gear ratio, were include in the 2013 variants of this model. They result in more precise handling.

In details, the front suspension uses the opposite-wound coil springs to help enhance straight-line stability. The rear suspension is also revised in terms of geometry and improved shock absorber damping characteristics. The rigidity of the body has also been enhanced due to the use of lightweight, high tensile strength steel, added bracing and more spot welds.

The ES will run on the standard 215/55R17 low rolling resistance tires on 17-inch alloy wheels. As an option there are available 17- and 18-inch high-gloss alloy wheels.

In terms of safety and security these vehicles come equipped with wide array of standard and optional safety features: Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Available Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Pre-Collision System (PCS), 10 airbags as standard equipment, Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats, Lexus Safety Connect, including Enhanced Roadside Assistance, an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), Stolen Vehicle Location services, and Automatic Collision Notification.

A luxury feature include in the Lexus is the enhanced NuLuxe seating surfaces, which were developed in order to help reduce environmental impact. The interior colors available are Black, Light Gray, and Parchment. Trim colors and materials include Piano Black, Espresso Bird’s-eye Maple, plus Bamboo for the ES 300h.

The exterior of the new ES includes a lower profile and clean styling lines from front to rear. It carries Lexus’ distinctive spindle grille. The “L” design motif is reflected in the LED daytime running lights and combination rear lamps. Fog lamps are integrated into the sculpted lower front bumper fascia.

The ES 350 comes equipped with dual exhaust pipes, while the ES 300h features an exceptional rear design with hidden exhaust and an integrated rear spoiler. Other details specific to the hybrid include unique blue badging and distinctive 17-inch alloy wheels.

How about the interior of the car? The ES features improved sightlines and visibility, logically placed controls, and new cabin materials. More importantly, there is provided a greater rear seat legroom and knee room which result in more spacious passenger cabin. In particular, the rear headroom is increased by 0.8 inches, knee room is increased by 2.8 inches and legroom is lengthened by 4.1 inches.

The cockpit now includes separate display and operation zones. The instrument panel is longer and shows the important information on a 3.5-inch color TFT multi-information display screen directly in the driver’s line of sight.

Source: Lexus

June 1, 2012

2013 Lexus RX 450h Range – Pricing Announced

2013 Lexus RX 450h full hybrid luxury SUV comes with new sharper lines which contribute to its powerful stance and new looks. It also will enchant its customers with higher equipment specifications and an attention-grabbing new F Sport model.

The styling changes in the Lexus RX 450h resolve around the spindle-shaped grille. The latter is in fact the new trademark element in new Lexus design. The result is that now the RX 450h has much stronger and individual presence.

And this presence in addition is further accentuated by the new F Sport model. To the rear there are redesigned tail lamps. This sporty version of the RX range stands out with a deeper, more vertical front bumper and a mesh treatment for the upper and lower grilles. It runs on dark-finish 19-inch alloy wheels.

Of course, it has F Sport badging on the exterior, while in the interior continues the sportier design philosophy of the interior. Take for instance the aluminium-effect sports pedals and trim inserts, F Sport smooth leather upholstery and scuff plates with the Lexus logo in black.

Other equipment features include a head-up display, and LED headlights with the I-AFSadaptive system, black roof lining and a bespoke steering wheel with a stitched leather trim.

2013 Lexus RX 450h F Sport also comes to offer sharper driving dynamics. This is possible thanks to a lateral damper system it has. The latter enhances the stability and improves ride comfort by absorbing small vibrations.

More importantly, the RX 450h gains an additional Sport mode for its Lexus Hybrid Drivesystem. This means that when the driver selects the Sport mode, the throttle and electric power steering settings are transformed, thus gaining faster responses. Furthermore the Vehicle Stability Control and traction control contribute to the overall driving-pleasure and dynamic experience of the driver.

2012 Lexus RX 450h F Sport — 2013 Lexus RX 450h F Sport

What is more in the new RX 450h SE model are: LED daytime running lights, a new perforated leather upholstery and re-designed steering wheel.

The Luxury grade model adds to the aforementioned base model the following: dark-finish 19-inch alloy wheels and 12-speaker audio system with aDABdigital tuner and single-discDVDplayer.

RX 450h Premier stays on the top of the range and comes as a standard with a tilt/slide sunroof and head-up display.

2013 Lexus RX 450h key specifications:

Moreover, the customers can choose among several exterior colors, three of which are introduced here for the first time: Satin Silver, Burgundy Red and Atlantic Blue. They are going to be available for the entire range.

At last, there are a lot of new accessories added to this Lexus, which will contribute even more to the practicality and the style of the car. For example, the Lifestyle Pack offers front and rear under-run protective plates and roof rails. On the other hand the Protection Pack provides rubber floor mats, protective bumper film, mudflaps and a cargo net.

2013 Lexus RX 450h pricing:

2013 Lexus RX 450h SE	₤ 44 495
2013 Lexus RX 450h Luxury	₤ 48 495
2013 Lexus RX 450h F Sport	₤ 51 995
2013 Lexus RX 450h Premier	₤ 55 495

Source: Lexus

May 21, 2012

Toyota GT86 and Lexus LFA to compete in Nuerburgring 24 Hours

Toyota GT86, in fact four units of it and one of the Lexus LFA are going to compete in the Nuerburgring 24 Hours from 17th till 20th of May. It is a well known fact that the Nürburgring has played an important role in the development of Toyota’s latest generation of high-performance cars.

Hence, it is the perfect time for the demonstration of the powers of those two exceptional models the Lexus LFA and the GT86. At the disposal of the brand for the racing will be Gazoo Racing team. It will field the LFA (in the SP8 class) and two new race-prepared GT86 (SP3 class).

In the team of course are included technicians and drivers, which will take care for the unique racing vehicles and apply their skills and craftsmanship where needed. Furthermore, they will also gain information and experience which will serve as a means of feedback directly into the work developing future vehicles.

Gazoo Racing has already achieved much success by winning the two shorter-distance races at the Nuerburgring. There the Lexus LFA won two times in its class and the GT86 showed promising progress.

In addition to this, the Toyota Swiss Racing Team will also be taking part, fielding two GT86 race-prepared by Toyota Motorsport. Those tow sport cars will take part in the competition class (V3) for production models.

Source: Toyota

May 16, 2012

2012 Lexus GS 450h features 254kW Atkinson cycle hybrid drivetrain

2012 Lexus GS 450h is the most efficient GS ever created by the brand. It includes an advanced petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain which will contribute the model to become of the most efficient vehicles in its class.

Thank to its unique hybrid system, the Lexus’ efficient hybrid powerplant consumes just 6.3 litres of fuel per 100km. This means in fact that the new customers will save circa twenty percent from fuel in comparison to the outgoing model. At the same the CO2 emissions have been also reduced significantly to the number of 147g/km.

The performance of this Lexus hybrid vehicle is reassured by a combined power output of 254kW. Thank to it, the 450h can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.9 seconds.

What is more here, compared to its predecessor, the GS 450h also offers greater space and onboard technology. This is mainly due to the redesigned chassis. There is also forty-five percent more boot space which now is increase from 320 to 465 litres.

Another interesting fact here is that the GS 450h is actually the first hybrid vehicle, which comes equipped with all-wheel steering. And in particular, it is the first one to include an Atkinson cycle engine driving the rear wheels, and the first Atkinson cycle engine to feature direct and port injection.

In terms of security and safety features, there are some innovations included, such as: an advanced Pre-Collision safety System (PCS), a Driver Fatigue Monitor camera, and a complementary Adaptive Cruise Control system (ACC). The latter now operates at all speeds down to 0km/h.

Additionally, the safety suite is enhanced by a Blind Spot Monitor, which now comes as a standard to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes, and an expanded Head Up Display (HUD) unit. This unit shows the road speed, cruise control, gear position, turn-by turn navigation and tachometer.

GS 450h models will be offered in three trim levels: Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury, which are expected to be launched in June this year.

2012 Lexus GS 450h Technical Specifications:

Engine
Engine type		2GR-FXE 3.5L V6
Capacity (cm³)		3.456
Cylinders/valves		V6/24
Engine configuration		Atkinson cycle, six cylinders, V-formation, 24-valve, DOHC, four valves per cylinderand alloy cylinder block. Featuring direct and port injection
Bore x stroke (mm)		94.0 x 83.0
Compression ratio		13.0
Max. combined output		254kW
Max. engine output		215kW @ 6,000rpm
Max. engine torque		352Nm @ 4,500rpm
Hybrid battery	type	Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
	voltage	650V
Max. motor output		147kW
Max. motor torque		275Nm
Transmission
Type		Six-step E-CVT (Electronic Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission) with paddleshift
Steering
Turning diameter (m@body)		11.2, or 10.8 with rear steer
Luxury		Rack and pinion, Electric Power Steering (EPS)
F Sport		Rack and pinion EPS with Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Dynamic Rear Steering
Sports Luxury		Rack and pinion EPS
Seating capacity
No of seats		5
Exterior dimensions (mm)
Overall length		4,850
Width		1,840
Height		1,455
Wheelbase		2,850
Interior dimensions (mm)
Front to rear couple distance		945
Front legroom		1,075
Rear legroom		935
Driven wheels
Type of drive		Rear-wheel drive
Wheels and tyres
Luxury		18 x 8J alloy (F/R) Dunlop 235/45 R18 94Y (F/R)
F Sport		19 x 8J (F), 19 x 9J (R) alloy Bridgestone 235/40 R19 96Y (F) 265/35 R19 94Y (R)
Sports Luxury		18 x 8J (F/R) alloy Dunlop 235/45 R18 94Y (F/R)
Brake type
		Ventilated front and rear disc with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-forceDistribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Managementsystem (VDIM)
Luxury		334 x 30mm front 310 x 18mm rear
F Sport		356 x 30mm front 310 x 18mm rear (Two-piece rotors front with four piston calipers)
Sports Luxury		334 x 30mm front 310 x 18mm rear
Performance
0 – 100km/h (s)		5.9
Max. speed (km/h)		250 (limited)
Fuel consumption (L/100 km)^*
Combined		6.3
Urban		6.9
Highway		5.8
^* Fuel consumption will vary depending on driving conditions/style,vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR81/02 combined cycle.
CO₂ emissions (g/km)
Combined		147

Source: Lexus

May 15, 2012

Lexus LFA Supercar and Lexus IS F Performance Sedan Competing at Nuerburgring

Lexus LFA Supercar and Lexus IS F Performance Sedan are going to compete at Nuerburgring 24 Hour Racing. The Race will take place from 17th till 20th of May.

This is not the first appearance of Lexus in this race but in fact – the sixth one.

The 2012 Lexus LFA Sportscar comes equipped with especially developed for the event Nuerburgring Package and will take class honours in shakedown event. Both vehicles will compete in the SP8 class. In this class only naturally-aspirated engines are allowed to join the competition.

This model is unmatched in its track-focused performance and hand-crafted quality.

As a basis for this model are used the speed and handling of the Lexus LFA. Nevertheless the Nürburgring Package adds further a number of elements which enhance the downforce for sharper circuit performance.

More importantly, the car is equipped with the 4.8-litre V10 engine, form which it draws maxim power of 562bhp (420kW). This means that the LFA accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7-second. The tops speed is 202 mph (325 km/h).

Recently the LFA model achieved great success at the German VLN2 series three-and-a-half hour endurance race. In fact, it was head of the Ferrari 458 Italia and Aston Martin Vantage.

The Lexus IS F performance sedan will be driven by Gran Turismo 5 creator Kazunori Yamauchi.

Source: Lexus

April 20, 2012

2012 Lexus LFA Sportscar Equipped With Nuerburgring Package

2012 Lexus LFA Sportscar is the other car that has just been announced to take part in the Nuerburgring Racing along with Toyota 86.

The car is equipped especially for the racing with a specific Nuerburgring Package. Form this special edition of Lexus, are produced only 50 examples which are already prepared to be sold.

In particular, the vehicle is in orange body finish and includes the contrasting black interior.

But what is more important is that this car is unmatched in its track-focused performance and hand-crafted quality.

As a basis for this model are used the speed and handling of the Lexus LFA. Nevertheless the Nürburgring Package adds further a number of elements which enhance the downforce for sharper circuit performance.

2012 Lexus LFA Sportscar With Nuerburgring Package

In details, it features a front spoiler made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic, a strong and lightweight advanced composite material, plus special mesh-type wheels with dedicated, high-grip tyres to improve manoeuvrability and stability.

More importantly, the car is equipped with the 4.8-litre V10 engine, form which it draws maxim power of 562bhp (420kW). This means that the LFA accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7-second. The tops speed is 202 mph (325 km/h).

Source: Lexus

April 13, 2012

2013 Lexus LX 570 SUV With New Look

2013 Lexus LX 570 SUV now comes with updated exterior styling with signature spindle grille, new 20-inch alloy wheel design, bumpers and lights. In addition it includes a host of new comfort, convenience and driver assistance features.
Furthermore, the revised model line-up now comes with more competitive pricing than its predecessor.

The bold new face of the SUV now gives it more sporty stance and includes Lexus’ signature spindle grille.

Moreover, the new 2013 Lexus LX 570 SUV also rides on new 20-inch alloy wheels along with exterior and interior styling updates.

In addition, the exterior design is now equipped with new LED daytime running lights, which complement a new headlamp design and larger fog lamp surrounds.

Next, revised front and rear bumpers, tail lamps and a new discreet tow hitch cover are featured in the upgrades as well.
LX 570 is also to offer unmatchable comfort, convenience and safety features. One of which for instance is the new off-road Turn Assist. It adds more brake force to the inside rear wheel.

Additionally, adding to the off-road assistance is the new selectable Multi-Terrain Select function, which delivers the ideal combination of stability and traction control assistance over different surfaces.

Here the person behind the wheel can select from five types of terrain modes: rock, rock and dirt, mogul, loose rock, and mud and sand. By doing so, he or she will optimize vehicle’s performance in the specific condition.

The off-road and city driving, in addition, are made easier with the new Multi-Terrain Monitor, which utilizes four external wide-angle cameras. They monitor blind spots or areas of the vehicle obscured from view. The cameras’ vision is projected on the 8″ LCD centre console display.

A new multimedia display, housed between the speedometer and tachometer, displays the front wheel angles (steering), digital speed readout, turn-by-turn navigation and information relating to the Multi-Terrain Select function.

Next to be mentioned is the Crawl Control feature, which has also been upgraded. It now comes with number of preset speeds upgraded from three to five steps, for greater off-road control.

2013 Lexus LX 570‘s drivability has also been enhanced, thank to the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, which work in unison with LX 570’s six-speed sequential automatic transmission.

The interior of the vehicle also includes number of upgrades.

First, the centre cluster has been modified and now comes with reduced number of buttons for simpler operation.

Secondly, the driver seat has new Easy Access system. This system makes entering and exiting the vehicle easier by retracting the driver’s seat and steering wheel when the ignition is turned off.

And if you wonder about the front seats – they now feature improved ventilation, and a 220-volt power outlet, which has been added to the cargo area.

How about the instrument panel: it now has full colour, multi-information display, as well as one touch turn indicators. In addition, it is now with metallic finish. The same finish can now be recognized at the side air vents, along with a new metallic accent above the glove box.
And for the convenience and comfort of the back-seat passenger there is also featured a new dual rear seat entertainment system.
The interior is offered in two trim colours: ivory or black leather-accented one.
Of course, the exterior colours are also updated and now feature two new: Mercury Gray and Sleek Ecru.

There is no change however in the standard specification, and it still includes: Multi-Terrain Select and Display, Crawl Control, Adaptive Variable Suspension, cool-box, dual-screen rear seat entertainment, 20-inch alloy wheels, reversing camera, smart start and entry with Smart key, four-zone air-conditioning, daytime running lamps, 10 airbags, Mark Levinson 19-speaker audio, front and rear clearance sonar, BluetoothTMcapabilities.

The enhancement pack now offers: Lexus Pre-Collision safety System+, Active Cruise control+, rear seat heaters, ventilated front seats, paddle shift and the inclusion of mahogany wood grain-look interior trim, including on the steering wheel.

LX 570 Pricing

Variant	Model	Price
LX 570	LX 570	$140,900
LX 570	Enhancement pack 1	$156,900

Source: Lexus

April 10, 2012

Lexus Announces Pricing for 2013 Lexus GS 450h, 2013 Lexus RX line-up and 2012 Lexus IS Sedans

Lexus has just announced the prices for number of its models: for the all-new 2013 GS 450h hybrid luxury sport sedan, the complete 2013 RX luxury utility vehicle line, and a price adjustment to the 2012 IS luxury sport sedan.

The first one – 2013 Lexus GS 450h, comes equipped with a second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system, and delivers 338 horsepower (245 kW), while achieving 31 combined city/highway mpg.

The model will arrive at dealerships in a month with a starting price of $58 950.

In details the 2013 Lexus GS 450h will complete the GS lineup comprising of GS 350 and GS 350 F SPORT. As mentioned already it has a total system power output of 338 horsepower (245 kW), delivered from the powerful V8 engine. Although it is a V8, it can exceed most V6 engines in fuel economy with best-in-class EPA estimated ratings of 29 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. That makes the 2013 Lexus GS 450h a certified as a Super-Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV).

Secondly, the new GS hybrid also features Lexus Drive Mode Select which comes additionally to the Normal, Eco, Sport S, Sport S+ modes available on the GS 350. What GS 450h does is that it adds an EV mode, which allows the driver to travel a short distance at low speed using only the hybrid battery pack.

Moreover, the vehicle has impressive available options which help improving the occupant safety. They include:

Pre-Collision System, which uses the radar sensors shared with the Dynamic Cruise Control System to provide early warning of upcoming objects that might result in a collision as well as to apply braking force in the case of an impending collision;
Night Vision System;
Heads Up Display;
Blind Spot Monitor
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), which provide a small amount of active steering torque to help maintain course and alert the driver if the system detects that the vehicle is beginning to drift out of the lane.

There is also included in the GS 450h a Lexus multimedia. It will bring a host of entertainment and connectivity enhancements, including the Lexus Enform® App Suite (one-year trial subscription included) and standard enhanced Bluetooth® capability with automatic phonebook download and streaming audio.

Next, comes the 2013 Lexus RX line-up, which will set new standards in terms of design, technologies, engineering, and luxury innovation in the SUV segment. The line-up will be available in dealerships this month with a starting price of $39 310.

What has to be additionally highlighted here is that a model from the range – 2013 Lexus RX450h, offers V8-like performance and fuel economy similar to a four-cylinder sedan
On the other hand the 2013 Lexus RX F Sport includes the inspiring eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a sport-tuned suspension with performance dampers. Of course it was designed especially for driving enthusiasts.

In fact, the RX is the top-selling luxury utility vehicle in the U.S. for fourteen years. The 2013 models now come with upgraded and enhanced interior and exterior.

For instance the 2013 Lexus RX 450h comes also with Lexus Hybrid Drive.
In addition, a bold new face of Lexus is applied to the range: the signature spindle grille, is accompanied by a new headlamp design, LED daytime running lights, distinctive fog lamp bezels, and an aggressive new bumper. The taillamps have been also updated and the rear license plate surround complete the exterior enhancements.

How about the interior enhancements, which the luxurious and spacious RX receives? The steering wheel has been transformed and now comes with sportier design and a more comfortable and relaxing grip. Additionally, a metallic accent enhances the look of the glove box. The center console has been redesigned for versatility and easy accessibility.

The interior is now available in Ebony Bird’s-eye Maple wood trim and Saddle leather interior. In those options, rich, detailed contrast stitching is used on the seats, center console and door-mounted armrests.

Furthermore, four new exterior colors are available for the RX range: Silver Lining Metallic, Claret Mica, Deep Sea Mica, and Fire Agate Pearl, Matador Red Mica and Cerulean Blue Metallic.

The special 2013 Lexus RX 350 F SPORT also comes enhanced. In particular the car was designed with the aim to engage driving enthusiasts with performance and styling. Its upgrades include:

Eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters;
Newly designed 19-inch alloy wheels with dark graphite finish with 235/55R19 tires front and rear;
New and unique sport front bumper with mesh grille;
F SPORT tuned suspension with front and rear performance dampers;
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM).

The RX 350 F SPORT is also available with black leather-trimmed seats which have white contrast stitching, black headliner, and aluminum pedals and footrest. What is to be a debut here is the eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Model Year	Model Name	MSRP
2013	RX 350 FWD	$39,310
2013	RX 350 AWD	$40,710
2013	RX 350 F SPORT AWD	$47,000
2013	RX 450h FWD	$45,910
2013	RX 450h AWD	$47,310

At last the 2012 Lexus IS luxury sport sedan range which will come with the initial price of $33 795.

Model Year	Model Name	MSRP
2012	IS 250 (MT)	$33,795
2012	IS 250	$34,965
2012	IS 250 AWD	$37,425
2012	IS 350	$40,220
2012	IS 350 AWD	$42,680

Source: Lexus

April 9, 2012

Lexus ES Teaser – Debut at NYIAS

So, this year’s New York International Auto Show will become the venue of the descending sedans…from Japan. First there’s the Nissan Altima with its dreary ad/teaser campaign. Then yesterday, Toyota announced their plans to reveal a “stunning” sedan. And now… Toyota tease another Sedan. Well, I’m saying Toyota, but I actually mean Lexus – It’s the new, sixth generation of the ES.

There’s not much to be said really. We are looking at a typical spindle grilled, LED laden thing. Lexus say that the new ES is bound to deliver a “new dynamic driving experience“ yet, if they stick to the old 3.5 V6 Toyota engine used in the previous generation, that would be questionable. It’s not a bad engine by any means but the aspect of “new” is what bothers us here. Luckily, rumor has it that now the sixth gen range may get a hybrid drivetrain. While, that makes us hardly excited, it is a glimmer of diversity.

The Lexus press conference will take place on Wednesday, April 4th at 11:20 a.m. EDT at the New York International Auto Show. Then, the Lexus ES will be all ours to look at. Until then we can carry on with our lives.

Source: Lexus

March 29, 2012

Lexus RX Revisited at Geneva

Here it is, the new Lexus RX line… sort of. Currently, the models on display at the Geneva Motor Show represent an update of the existing RX line – the MY2013 specimens include minor redesigns, all-new on board technology, greater exterior and interior color schemes, new steering wheel, a revised instrument binnacle and a second-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI). Also, the RX 350h and 450h models will now come in F Sport versions as well. Every single one of these RX models can have a Front-Wheel-Drive setup or an All-Wheel-Drive one.

The newfigure of the RX is already common for all GS cars since April – a spindle grille with chrome surrounds now adorns the front. The headlights are new and are complemented by LED Daytime Running Lamps that take the shape of Lexus’ signature arrowhead design.

The F Sport versions get shadow chrome 19-inch alloys, unique mesh grille inserts and some badges. Also, exclusive for that trim is the black and grey leather-accented interior. Bucket seats, alloy pedals and an LFA derived steering wheel (standard for all RX versions) complete the sporty feel. Exclusively, the 350h F Sport also features paddle shifters neatly mounted behind the fore mentioned steering wheel. Thus, the drivers can exploit the performance potential of the six-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) that comes along with the 350h. All RX models will feature an updated, second-generation Lexus Remote Touch system, making activation of on-board systems easier for driver and passenger. There’s a convenient place on the center console where you can plug in your iPod and now iPad as well, USB drive or a 12V adapter

While the engines in the new models remain largely unchanged (270 bhp from the 3.5 liter V6 in the 350h and 295 bhp from the electrically assisted V6 in the 450h), the F Sport chassis do benefit from a re-engineered handling package – suspension tune and lateral performance dampers/braces.

The RX 450h hybrid on the other hand also gets some personality with a new Sport driving mode that completes the set the already existing modes: ECO and EV. That way, drivers can fine tune their style of driving and be capable of great fuel-economy feats. The FWD model of the 450h Lexus Hybrid Drive returns an EPA-estimated 32 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (30 mpg combined) fuel economy ratings, while the AWD model has EPA ratings of 30 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, 29 mpg combined. Keep in mind that this is an SUV we are talking about.

Source: Lexus

March 7, 2012

2012 Lexus RX and 2012 Lexus RX F Sport to debut in Geneva

Exclusive news has just arrived from the Lexus brand. It is preparing a great exhibit at this years’ Geneva Motor Show, where it is going to showcase for the first time its “hot” new and exclusive models of 2012 Lexus RX and 2012 Lexus RX F Sport.

Unfortunately, there isn’t any additional information (except for the picture-teaser below), concerning these models, so we have to patiently wait till 6^th of March. However, the main attention in Geneva will be put on the European premiere of the Lexus LF-LC Concept Car. More vehicles to be previewed at the show are the all new Lexus GS 450h and of course – Lexus GS 450h F Sport.

Source: Lexus

March 2, 2012

Tag: Lexus