Automobiles Review

Tag: Lexus

  • Lexus – number one brand in vehicle dependability

    Lexus RX-350 ThumbThe Lexus brand has again achieved an outstanding success. The luxury marque was awarded number one in vehicle dependability across all makes in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study. More importantly, Lexus was the only brand to receive a five star rating for overall dependability, and earned more segment awards than any other premium brand. In details, Lexus LS 460 provided the fewest problems of any vehicle in any category, with only 72 problems per 100, which is just over half the industry average of 132 problems per 100. For example, Lexus rivals such as Mercedes Benz (112/100), Audi (148/100) and BMW (154/100) finished sixth, sixteenth and twenty-first respectively. In addition, Lexus RX 350 model achieved class honours in the latest J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, reporting the fewest problems in its class. This great result reaffirmed that Lexus produces one of the most dependable, reliable luxury vehicles on the market. More importantly, this adds to customer’s satisfaction, which comes from owning a vehicle that provides a level of dependability.

    Lexus RX 350 Sports Luxury
    Lexus RX 350 Sports Luxury

    Source: Lexus

  • Toyota Predominant on Dependability Study

    2011-Toyota-Yaris-thumbThe J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study is an annual research based on x amount of problems per 100 vehicles, reported by real life car owners. The lower the x, the higher the rank. It is common knowledge that if today one wants a car that can survive an apocalypse, Toyota is the brand for you. But this year, not only the Toyotas dominate the survey, but the whole Toyota group.

    Toyota cars alone have four models ranked as the most dependable non-premium vehicles. The Corolla is ranked second behind The Prius in the compact-car segment while Corolla, Camry and Highlander (Kluger) are in the top three of their segments.

    Lexus and Scion (Toyota subsidiaries) also preformed exceptionally well by each scoring two top rankings. Last year it was Lexus that led the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study by winning the most awards than any other premium brand.

    Other highlights coming from awards include the 11 awards that got swept by both Toyota and Lexus at the ‘IntelliChoice’ Best Overall Values of the Year ranking. Fifteen Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles were named 2012 “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – Camry, Corolla, Highlander (Kluger), Prius, Prius v, Yaris and Scion xB. Also the 2012 Camry, Camry Hybrid and Prius earned the maximum five stars for overall safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. All that portfolio of awards is just a drop in the sea of Toyota‘s achievements. We just hope they have a big enough trophy cabinet at the factory.

    Source: Toyota

  • 2012 Lexus GS 250 SE – Price £32 995

    The new 2012 GS range is already available on the UK market. It starts at £32 995 for the entry-level GS 250 SE and goes up to whopping £44 995 for the Luxury model – full hybrid GS 450h.

    The engine range includes a 2.5-litre V6 Dual VVT-i petrol with 206PS (154 kW) and a 3.5 litre V6 hybrid with overall power 340PS (253 kW).

    The standard equipment includes 17” alloy wheels, automatic bi-xenon headlamps and windscreen wipers, LED daytime running lights and a rear-view camera with parking guide monitor. Cabin comfort is assured with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control and electrically adjustable front seats (10-way, with memory setting for the driver’s seat) with heating and ventilation functions. The steering wheel is electrically adjustable, too, and incorporates paddle shifts. On-board entertainment is provided by a 12-speaker audio system with CD player, DAB tuner, Bluetooth and USB/Aux ports for connecting personal music players.

    Both the GS 250 and full hybrid GS 450h are offered in Luxury and F Sport grade. The former builds on the SE specification with the introduction of 18-inch alloys, front and rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and an HDD satellite navigation system with Remote Touch controller. Luxury grade also provides a new blind spot detection system integrated into the folding/auto-dimming door mirrors.

    2012 Lexus GS 250
    2012 Lexus GS 250

    F Sport versions of GS make a bolder style statement thanks to 19” rims, a boot-lip spoiler and sports-styled bumpers and front grille. In addition to the Luxury specification, the F Sport has bi-xenon headlights with an automatic high beam function, as well Lexus’s Adaptive Front-lighting System, which adjusts the beam direction as the car approaches bends and turns at junctions.

    The F Sport look carries through to the cabin with sports pedals and perforated leather-trimmed sports steering wheel and gear knob. The front sports seats gain further adjustment functions – 16-way for the driver, plus four-way lumbar support.

    The F Sport benefits from Adaptive Variable Suspension and selectable drive modes plus, on the 450h model, the Lexus Dynamic Handling System, which brings together a comprehensive array of steering and handling features, including Dynamic Rear Steering, electric power steering, Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management.

    At the top of the range, the GS 450h Premier is fitted with 18-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels and the same bi-xenon headlamp system as the F Sport models. The F Sport’s adaptive suspension and selectable drive modes are also part of the Premier’s specification.

    In the cabin the seats are upholstered in semi-aniline leather, with both front seats benefiting from 18-way electric adjustment and memory settings. The passenger seat offers extra leg support and a rear easy access function.

    The sophisticated climate control system is divided three-ways between the front left and right and rear sections of the cabin, and is equipped with an ioniser to help maintain an ideal environment.

    The HDD navigation and premium Mark Levinson sound system are linked to a 12.3-inch central display screen, the largest on the market. Other details include automatic boot closing, sunshades for the rear windows (electrically operated for the back window) and a tyre pressure warning system.

    Options list include a premium surround system with 12.3” navigation and multimedia screen, a sun roof, LED headlamps and a preventive safety package featuring Adaptive Cruise Control and Pre-Crash Safety. Metallic or mica paint is an option across the board, while full-map navigation is available for the GS 250 SE.

    Nine exterior colours are available for SE, Luxury and Premier versions of the new GS: Arctic Pearl, Sonic Silver, Velvet Black, Mercury Grey, Meteor Blue, Crimson Red, Atlantic Blue, Celestial Black and, for GS 450h only, Obsidian Black. The F Sport models have a different range of colours: Arctic Pearl, Sonic Silver, Velvet Black, Mercury Grey and Crimson Red.

    In the cabin SE and Luxury models have gloss black dash inserts, with aluminium used for the F Sport; Walnut, Ebony or Bamboo wood trims are used in the GS450h Premier, according to the choice of leather upholstery shade.

    There are six leather colours, with a Garnet red exclusive to the F Sport.

    2012 Lexus GS 250
    2012 Lexus GS 250
    2012 Lexus GS 250

    Source: Lexus

  • Lexus CT 200h is the safest small car according to Forbes

    Lexus CT 200h ThumbLexus CT 200h, which is a luxury hybrid hatch, has just received very prominent award given by the respected American business magazine “Forbes”. It is crowned by it as “The Safest Small Cars guide for 2012”. The luxury vehicle is featured in the Forbes guide and had previously achieved the status “Top Safety Pick” by the US-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which is a non-profit organization backed by the insurance industry. To achieve this success the car must have the highest rating of “good” in the IIHS’ side, rollover, and rear impact evaluations, and in addition it must be equipped with electronic stability control.

    Furthermore the Lexus CT 200h also won high praise from “Forbes” judges for the active and passive safety systems it includes. They help protect occupants and prevent collisions. These awards will definitely influence in a positive manner the customers, because they will now have in mind that they have the highest possible safety, while enjoying the ride in the vehicle. In addition, we have to make the reminder, that the last years CT 200h has also achieved the highest rating of five stars for all-round safety performance. This time the award was given by the Australia’s respected ANCAP crash testing.

    Lexus CT 200h
    Lexus CT 200h

    The safest small car – Lexus CT 200h, features standard fitment of eight airbags including driver and front-passenger knee airbags, and whiplash-injury lessening (WIL) front seats. Moreover, it also has an electronically controlled brake system with ABS, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), emergency LED brake lights and daytime running lamps as standard. In the models from the Sports Luxury segment, is also  featured Active Cruise Control and Pre-Collision Safety technology (PCS), which detects an imminent collision and primes the front seatbelts and emergency braking to reduce the risk of injury and damage.

    2012 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport
    2012 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport
    2012 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport

    Source: Lexus

  • Lexus wins three prestigious Intellichoice awards

    Lexus has achieved a great success at this year’s prestigious Intellichoice awards, continuing the tradition and winning in three categories in the 2012 Best Overall Value of the Year (BOVY) section. Lexus CT 200h and Lexus RX 350 were recognized as value leaders in their respective segments. In addition the new CT 200h luxury hybrid hatch won the Premium Compact Passenger Car category. Moreover this same model won its class at 2011 Australia’s Best Car awards. On the other hand the Lexus RX 350 gained the leading ranking in the Premium Crossover/Wagon category for the second year in succession. The Best Overall Value of the Year awards appraise vehicles whose total cost of ownership is far much lower than expected relative to their peer models. Their aim is to help consumers in making better purchase decisions. And undeniably, by receiving these awards Lexus brand shows again their ability to deliver luxury vehicles at more than excellent value.

    The award winners are selected after an in-depth, data-driven study that analyses nearly 1800 vehicles in 24 segments. Vehicles are being ranked based on the whole-of-life costs over the first five years of ownership and data obtained from automotive manufacturers, the US government and third-party resources. In addition, the accumulated expenses are taken into consideration, featuring repairs, insurance, depreciation, fees, fuel, financing, and insurance.

    The award winning 2011 Lexus CT 200h
    The award winning 2011 Lexus CT 200h
    The award winning Lexus RX 350 SUV
    The award winning Lexus RX 350 SUV
    2011 Lexus RX 350
    2011 Lexus RX 350

    Source: Lexus

  • 2013 Lexus GS Super Bowl Commercial [video]

    Lexus_SB_ad ThumbLexus will lift the veil and air their first Super Bowl Commercial commercial, called “The Beast” prior to Super Bowl XLVI on 5th of February. Stay tuned!

    The advertisement is long 30 seconds and features the all-new 2013 Lexus GS, which breaks free from containment (as already seen in the teaser video, launched mid January). This is an illustration that the company is moving in a new design direction.

    From the spot can be also concluded that more new Lexus vehicles will be revealed later this year. The all-new 2012 Lexus GS is the first model to wear the new look of Lexus among nine new or updated models.

    An pre-look at the commercial can be seen below.

    2013 Lexus GS Commercial
    2013 Lexus GS Commercial

    httpv://youtu.be/pC8xjHulKA8

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Lexus

  • 2013 Lexus LX 570 – Price $80 930

    2013-lexus-lx-570- THUMBLexus has just announced the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2013 Lexus LX 570 luxury utility vehicle. The vehicle will be at dealerships in February wearing its bold new styling, interior enhancements, cutting-edge technology and remarkable off-road capabilities. Speaking straight to the point, the MSRP price tag of the LX 570 is $80 930. This is means that there is an increase of the price with 1.9 percent or $1 475. In addition the MSRP does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee, which is $875.

    There are a lot improved features in the new LX 570. Thank to them the model now offers the exciting combination of luxury, on-road smoothness and off-road performance. To go further into details, the 2013 Lexus LX 570 gets a new enhanced look at both the front and rear. The refreshment is due to the new Lexus spindle grille. In addition there have been added new LED daytime running lights, which also complement an updated headlamp design with new larger fog lamp bezels. Next, the taillamps have been also updated; while the rear license plate surround gets a revised look and the tow hitch cover is more integrated. Both front and rear bumpers are upgraded with the rear bumper protector having a chrome accent. The turn signals have been integrated into the side mirrors, and wider bodyside moldings sport a new look.

    2013 Lexus LX 570
    2013 Lexus LX 570

    Furthermore the LX 570 is powered by 5.7-liter V8 engine, which has four cams, and four valves per cylinder with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). Therefore it is not a surprise that this astonishing engine produces 383 horsepower (282 kW) and 403 lb.-ft (297 Nm) of torque and moreover handles demanding tasks with remarkable smoothness.

    More updates are made on the Crawl Control feature which now provides optimum throttle and brake modulation when maneuvering over rough, uneven or difficult surfaces. There is also the new Turn Assist feature, which tightens turning circles by adding more brake force to the inside rear wheel. The new Multi-terrain Select also allows the driver to optimize performance by choosing from five types of terrain settings.

    The interior was improved by the new multimedia system. This system will be available with the next generation Lexus Enform®. The interior also got a new color TFT multi-information display, improved front seat cooling, and easy access for the driver’s seat, a power outlet for the middle row and unique trims and accents. The kuxury vehicle also has a standard navigation system with a high-resolution screen, which supports an enhanced map display, with audio, climate and other vehicle information. Moreover, the navigation system also has access to the next-generation Lexus Enform® Application Suite. The latter leverages customers’ mobile phone technology to provide a new level of connectivity and information management. For example, users can conduct local searches through Bing, utilize voice-enabled apps, purchase movie tickets or surf the internet.

    In addition Lexus offer the model in an optional Luxury Package priced at $1 510. In details it includes a cool box for beverages, semi-aniline leather-trimmed upholstery with new contrast stitching, a heated steering wheel, new mahogany wood-trimmed door switch plates, a rear-center armrest cover, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats (outboard position only) and Smart Access card key. In combination with the Luxury Package, the new LX 570 features an available dual screen rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headphones and three-prong electrical outlet, for the amount of $2 005. This unique system allows two video sources to be watched at the same time.

    2013 Lexus LX 570
    2013 Lexus LX 570
    2013 Lexus LX 570
    2013 Lexus LX 570
    2013 Lexus LX 570

    Source: Lexus

  • 2013 Lexus GS to Debut with a First Super Bowl Commercial [VIDEO]

    2013 Lexus Commercial thumbLexus is going to be one of the most successful brands this year, hosting new vehicles coming to market in 2012. To kick off the product onslaught, the company has decided to make an impressive debut with its first-ever Super Bowl commercial for Super Bowl XLVI. It will be aired for the fist time on Sunday, February 5 on NBC, so stay tuned.

    Moreover this year Lexus is going to introduce nine new or updated models. The Super Bowl has given the luxury brand the great opportunity to reach a highly engaged audience of 50 million people.  In the commercial, is put highlight on the all-new 2013 Lexus GS which will be launched in February. In details, the 0:30 seconds commercial is scheduled to run during the first half of Super Bowl XLVI. You can have a sneak peak of 0:15 seconds of the advertisement on Lexus social media channels.

    2013 Lexus GS to Debut with a First Super Bowl Commercial
    2013 Lexus GS to Debut with a First Super Bowl Commercial

    Leading up to its Super Bowl commercial, Lexus is undertaking unique social media activation under the name TweetDrive Engineered by Lexus, which airs live on NBCSports.com. Moreover it offers the fans the opportunity to earn yardage, move their “team” down the field and score a touchdown during the actual playoff games and throughout the week. The object of the game is to gain enough yards to score a touchdown. For more details about the game you can visit all official Lexus online sources.

    But, let’s have a quick look at the above mentioned commercial:

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCPBFLiGllQ

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Lexus


  • 2013 LEXUS LX 570

    LEXUS thumbThe new sporty and bold face of the refreshed model of Lexus LX 570 SUV is at hand. Modifications start from Lexus’ signature spindle grille, new 20-inch alloy wheel design, exterior styling and at the new onboard technologies included. This all-new Lexus LX 570 SUV will be launched at the second quarter of 2012.

    In particular, there is new LED daytime running lights, which complement a new headlamp design and new larger fog lamp bezels. Both front and rear bumpers are refreshed, and the rear bumper protector is improved by a stainless steel accent. In addition tail lamps and the tow hitch cover also have received some make over. The spacious, eight-passenger cabin of the LX 570 also receives a number of upgrades and changes. Moreover the driver’s seat gets a new Easy Access system: the steering wheel and driver’s seat automatically retract when the ignition is turned off.

    But this is not the end: front seats include improved ventilation, and a 220-volt power outlet, which has been added to the cargo area. Furthermore there is an updated instrument panel which now has new color multi-information display. The instrument panel looks additionally refreshed due to the metallic finish for the centre instrument cluster and front side air vents, along with a new metallic accent above the glove box. The cabin of the new-look LX 570 also includes a mahogany woodgrain-look trim, while ivory and black leather-accented interior trim are also available on the revised model. How abut the exterior: of course there have been new colors added: the new Mercury Gray and Sleek Ecru are now replacing the Rhodium and Metallic Beige.

    More importantly, the LX 570’s 5.7-litre V8 delivers the punch and towing power demanded in this segment, producing 270kW (367 hp) of power at 5,600rpm and peak torque of 530Nm (718 lb-ft) at 3,200rpm. Now the 90 per cent of peak torque is available at just 2,200rpm. There are also the newly adopted steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters**, controlling a six-speed automatic transmission. In thus way the driver customers can make the best use of this power, on and off-road. An interesting addition is the sequential shift mode, which also allows the driver to select gears manually.

    Even at very low speeds, such as trail driving, the transmission operates smoothly and imperceptibly. Furthermore the LX 570’s transfer case provides full-time four-wheel drive which handles perfectly the rigors of slippery winter weather, mud or snow. In details this system uses a TORSEN® limited-slip locking centre differential with front to rear variable torque distribution, directing more power to the wheels, when a slippage could occur. Additionally the four-wheel Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) employs both brake and throttle intervention to help control wheel spin.

    There is also included the famous Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), which helps maintain directional control during cornering and can be turned off via the “VSC off” switch. There is an update in the Crawl Control or off road cruise control, which now increases the number of preset speeds from three to five steps, for greater off-road control.

    On the other hand the new Turn Assist feature tightens the turning circle by adding more brake force to the inside rear wheel. Another new feature is the Multi-terrain Select function, which allows the driver to optimize vehicle performance by choosing from five types of terrain: rock, rock and dirt, mogul, loose rock, mud and sand. Hence, it delivers the ideal combination of stability and traction control assistance over different surfaces.

    2013 Lexus LX 570
    2013 Lexus LX 570

    Without a doubt the LX 570’s has an extremely capable chassis, which is equipped with an advanced suspension system. The high-mount, independent double-wishbone front suspension allows for 230mm of total front wheel travel for outstanding articulation over rough roads and impediments. In addition the four-link trailing-arm rear suspension retains the solid-axle configuration for strength and durability. On the other hand there is the body-on-frame construction, which provides ruggedness and durability in challenging driving conditions, plus impressive ride isolation characteristics and a 3,500kg towing capability. Moreover the Active Height Control (AHC) system lowers the chassis for easy entry and exit and returns automatically to its normal height when the vehicle begins to accelerate. There is also improvement in the aerodynamics on-road stability, thank to the AHC system, which also lowers the vehicle when traveling at higher speeds. This AHC system raises the vehicle to provide additional ride height in driving situations where chassis clearance is at a premium. The hydro-pneumatic Adaptive Variable Suspension system has three modes to control the spring rate and shock absorber damping force to provide optimal handling and comfort for on-road or trail driving. For example, the Comfort mode will provide the driver and the passengers with an easy ride and softer response on extremely bumpy roads. Then the Normal and Sport modes help provide increasingly greater levels of control for driving a heavily loaded vehicle, at higher speeds on paved or unpaved roads. In addition the new design standard features five-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels with 285/50R20 tyres. There is also a multi-terrain ABS system, which determines road-surface conditions and automatically selects the suitable level of ABS control for on and off-road driving surfaces.

    Furthermore the LX 570 is equipped with standard safety/security features: 10 airbags ( including driver and front-passenger knee airbags, front and second-row seat-mounted side airbags in the outboard seating positions, and roll-sensing side curtain airbags that cover all three rows); three-point seatbelts (for all eight seating positions); second-row seatbelts with integrated pre-tensioners for the outboard seats and an ALR/ELR (Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelt for all three second row passengers; Active Front Headrests which moves upward and forward in the event of certain low speed rear-end collisions when the force of the occupant’s body is applied to the seat back; an advanced radar-based Pre-Collision System with radar Active Cruise Control; Multi-terrain monitor, which includes a greater number of exterior cameras.

    The new 2013 Lexus LX 570 is full of luxury, comfort and convenience. It features a full array of standard luxury amenities: four-zone independent climate control, a reversing camera with guide assist, Lexus Navigation System; 19-speaker Mark Levinson® Reference Surround Sound audio with 450-watts maximum power and 16 channels. The system also features iPod®”/USB connectivity. In order to deliver even more luxury and entertainment, the LX 570 will also offer dual rear seat entertainment screens mounted behind the front seat head rests.

    Additionally, the standard power-sliding second-row seat slides forward and back 45mm for passenger comfort and cargo storage versatility. The second-row seatbacks provide a convenient 40/20/40 split. There is also featured a power retractable third-row seat as a standard. The split rear tailgate features a power upper door, while the bottom section raises and lowers with minimal effort.

    2013 Lexus LX 570
    2013 Lexus LX 570
    2013 Lexus LX 570
    2013 Lexus LX 570
    2013 Lexus LX 570

    Source: Lexus

  • LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept Big Hit in Detroit

    Some news from the NAIAS – Designers at the Lexus studio in Calty, California can take a much deserved vacation now as the much anticipated Lexus LF-LC Hybrid Sport Coupe Concept is proving itself a big success with an ‘EyesOn Design Award’ for a best concept. Innovative approach has been kept in mind when designing the 2+2 Hybrid which incorporates a certain emotive charge combined with cold blooded technology.

    Elements of the new Lexus way, seen in the new GS 450h, can be encountered in the concept, particularly the “spindle“-like grille form and the rear architecture.

    Kevin Hunter, Calty President, said: “The LF-LC was a dream car to design and a true collaborative effort at Calty. It is an honour to have that work recognised by our peers and to receive the award.“

    In the mean time, Mark Templin, Lexus US Group Vice President and General Manager, commented: “The LF-LC is a striking design and breathtaking in its beauty. The team at Lexus quickly fell in love with this concept vehicle and it’s rewarding to see that the industry agreed. Receiving the EyesOn Design Award is a great start to what promises to be a fantastic year for Lexus.”

    Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept

    Both concept and production vehicles can be honored with the ‘EyesOn Design Award’ which is given after a group of world leading automotive designers and design academics approve the product. Creativity in different areas of design is appreciated which includes aesthetics and innovation, concept implementation, functionality and the spirit of industrial design.

    Source: Lexus

  • Lexus LF-LC Sports Coupe Concept New Pictures

    We have had one or two teasers about the Lexus LF-LC but now, a week before its debut, two new official, real-life pictures are on the loose. We still cannot report on any technical data except that it will bring “driving performance and fuel efficiency” to the world because we are talking about a hybrid. Even the branding on the sides suggests so.

    Other than that, it just looks amazing, and slippery, and sleek. The front grille is big enough to pass as an industrial fishing net while various air inlets (for cooling the brakes presumably) shyly peak out from the curves of the body. Inside the squiggly lines of the interior are overwhelming and so are the seats which look like leather coated battle droids borrowed from the set of Star Wars.

    It’s nice to see Lexus trying to break away from their well established image of boring-luxury-Toyota-producers. With that futuristic piece of art they are sure to freshen up next week’s NAIAS in Detroit.

    Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept (2012)
    Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept (2012)
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept
    2012 Lexus LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept

    Source: Lexus

  • Short preview on next weeks North American International Auto Show

    2012NAIAS ThumbEverything about this year’s North American International Auto Show will spin around small vehicles. As the population grows big and hence the customers of vehicles too, there is obviously the tendency of making more downsized automobiles. The North American International Auto Show will take place next week in Detroit.  In addition, there will also be a premiere of the automotive world’s most eagerly anticipated new vehicle. The North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week will also be full of luxury and innovation. Another important highlight is that there will be a huge “invasion” of hybrid vehicles as automakers compete to boost fuel economy. The North American International Auto Show 2012 is undeniably where the global automotive community comes together to catch up on the latest news and events.

    In short this is what we are going to see just in few days:

    Strongly anticipated at this Auto Show is the Acura brand. First, there will be presented a brand new concept called Acura NSX. This is a high-performance hybrid with a V-6 engine mated to a lithium ion battery pack. It will be developed and expected on the market in three years. Speaking about the immediate future there is the 2012 and 2013 Acura ILX Sedan, and also the redesigned 2013 RDX Compact Crossover, which will be powered by a V-6 replacing a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.From Audi we expect to see a refreshed model of a small sporty sedan and a crossover concept. The next brand with a downsized automobile is Buick, which will reveal a new small crossover, called 2013 Buick Encore. From Cadillac we expect the ATS Sedan, which, as promised will be launched in the second half of this year. Chevrolet will present a sporty RS modification of the Sonic Subcompact with a new front image and grille, and a six-speed manual included. In addition we are going to see two concept vehicles from Chevrolet. Dodge will thrill us with the new 2013 Dodge Dart with a lot of powertrain options and Dodge Charger styling cues. The Dart will be at dealerships in the first half of this year. Ford brand will present at the NAIAS its renewed  version of  2013 Fusion which now is with smoother lines, has an engines with direct injection and turbochargers, and a hybrid. Honda will redesign its Accord model in the middle of the year and will also show a new Accord Coupe Concept. This will be a great show for the brand Hyundai which will unveil the turbocharged four-cylinder Veloster. Another preview will be made with a 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe which has now a new grille and front fascia and a brand new interior. From Lexus we expect to see the LF-LC Coupe Concept and we also expect to get the answer whether this vehicle will be hybrid or not. Lincoln will appear with a concept of the new generation MKZ Sedan. A lot of success is going to be expected again from the brand Mercedes-Benz. First of all there will be a presentation of the redesigned 2013 Mercedes SL Roadster, which is now longer and lighter than the previous model and has a new all-aluminum body. In addition the SL550 will be powered by a new 4.6-liter direct-injection V-8. Furthermore the luxury brand will present two E-Class Hybrids: the E400 Hybrid Sedan and the E300 BlueTec Hybrid. We can’t continue without mentioning the MINI brand which will “show-off” with their 2012 Roadster which will be in dealerships in February. Nissan Pathfinder Concept will be previewed by Nissan which will also show an electric version of the NV200. The luxury of Porsche will be presented by the 911 Carrera and Carrera S models which will go on sale in few months. Scion is a Toyota sub-brand which will show a new model of FR-S Coupe. The smallest of all small cars – Smart, will exhibit a two-seat electric pickup concept called the Smart For-Us. The Toyota brand of course will compete with a plug-in hybrid concept called the NS4. In addition it will also show the production version of the 2012 Prius C Hatchback. Another European car – Volkswagen will preview a hybrid, called 2013 Jetta Hybrid. And at last the Swedish brand Volvo has prepared for us a surprise with a new Hybrid concept will be firstly revealed at the North American International Auto Show.

    To sum up, at the NAIAS we expect to see these production vehicles: 2012/2013 Acura ILX sedan, 2013 Acura RDX Crossover, 2013 Buick Encore Crossover, 2013 Cadillac ATS Sedan, 2013 Dodge Dart Compact, 2013 Ford Fusion, 2013 Mercedes SL Roadster, 2013 Mercedes E-Class Hybrids, 2012 Mini Roadster, 2012 Toyota Prius C Hatchback; and these Concepts: Acura NSX, Audi crossover, Honda Accord Coupe, Lexus LF-LC Coupe, Lincoln MKZ Sedan, Nissan Pathfinder, Scion FR-S Coupe, Smart For-Us Pickup, Toyota NS4 Hybrid, Volvo hybrid. All this makes us eager to expect what will happen next week! Stay tuned!