24hcar: Lexus

Showing posts with label Lexus. Show all posts

Lexus LFA not sold Out. U.S. allocation still available

Posted by Mr Dung Sunday, June 6, 2010

Contrary to previous reports, the Lexus LF-A is not sold out.

The Japanese premium brand now says that there will still be some LF-A supercars available for lease to U.S. customers. Parent company Toyota told Inside Line on Thursday that there were still some production spots available for the car. Lexus will make 500 units of the LF-A. It appears that not all U.S. orders were from qualified buyers.

Lexus has created a unique sales model for the LF-A in the United States; units are only available for lease with an option to buy the car after the 24-month lease period is over. Leases are not transferable to a new owner. In Europe, the car can be purchased at Lexus dealers in the usual manner.

Lexus will begin production on the LF-A in December. It still says production will be limited to 500 units in total (available globally).

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Racing Video:Nissan GT-R vs. Lexus LFA

Posted by Mr Dung Wednesday, May 12, 2010

[Autoblog]

There's only so much that can be said about a drag race between a Nissan GT-R and the Lexus LFA. It's a traditional competition pitting Japan's two Euro-fighting high-tech supercars against each other in an attempt to figure out which one is faster in the quarter mile.

No matter who's faster, the better buy should be clear. At a $300,000+ price gap, it won't be hard to figure it out; on the other hand, exclusivity has no price.

Thankfully, Motor Trend showed us how the duel would play out. While informative, it ain't Top Gear with the Jezza. To watch it through Motor Trend's eyes, check it out after the break.

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VIDEO:Lexus' LX570 gets Invaded by ASI

Posted by Mr Dung Friday, May 7, 2010

[Carscoop]

Japan's tuning specialist, ASI, thinks the Lexus LX570 full-size SUV needs a good ol' bump in styling and performance.

The tuner's Invader package takes care of the looks, although there has been no news yet of what engine upgrades are supplied. With the basic 5.7 liter churning out 381 horsepower, any intake/exhaust/ECU tuning would likely bring that number above 400.

ASI has bigger plans than just the standard tune-job, though, with a nigh-600 horsepower package on the way. It should run to 60 in under 5 seconds.

Unfortunately there's only one image to go from, so all that can be said is this: the body kit's nose looks decent, if a tad over the top (e.g. that front bumper is about 6 inches too tall). Lose the lower lip / fog light area and move everything higher.

Actually, forget that. It's not like owners would have to worry about off-roading, anyway. Honestly, who takes their Lexus LX to the trails?

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Toyota Temporarily Suspends Sales of 2010 Lexus GX 460

Posted by Mr Dung Tuesday, April 13, 2010

[Scoop]

It looks as if Consumer Reports' GX 460 "Safety Risk" story is picking up steam in a bad way.Mark Templin, Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager, has just added a little bit to Lexus' press release regarding the GX's rollover stats.

Owners, now's the time to call: 1-800-255-39 As one website put so well, it seems like Toyota has hit rock bottom and then found a shovel.

Here's what Templin-san has to say: "At this time we have asked our dealers to temporarily suspend sales of the 2010 GX 4" Furthermore, he adds that Lexus engineers are "vigorously" reevaluating the GX SUV using the same testing methods used by Consumer Reports "to identify how we can make the GX's performance even better.

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Lexus LFA Nürburgring Performance Package Officially Announced

Posted by Mr Dung Tuesday, March 30, 2010

[WCF]

Lexus has announced a Nürburgring package for its LFA supercar. The name was given in celebration of Lexus entering once again the car in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race. Previously, the limited edition was announced in Japan as the simply put, "Special Edition." The pack is limited to 50 examples and targets potential buyers interested in an even more hardcore track driving experience.

New aerodynamic components including a larger front spoiler, side canard air foils and a new fixed rear wing have been added to increase downforce and improve handling.

Power is also on the up. From the standard 4.8-litre V10 with 412 kW (553 bhp / 560 PS) comes a new power figure of 419 kW (562 bhp / 570 PS) and reduced gearshift times. Performance times are also down; 0 - 62mph flashes by in 3.7 seconds and top speed is 325 km/h (202 mph).

Lexus is offering buyers of this package, who form part of the limited 500 units globally, an advanced driving course at the ‘Ring, plus a free year-long pass into the legendary track.

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Lexus CT 200h Hybrid Announced for US

Posted by Mr Dung Thursday, March 25, 2010

Both North America and Europe have an evolving premium compact segment and the first hybrid variant from the category, the Lexus CT 200h will make it to the US market in early 2011. The hybrid commuter is scheduled for a debut at the upcoming 2010 New York International Auto and it is a likely Audi A1 contender. The front wheel driven CT 200h will come with a combination of a 1.8 liter four-cylinder VVT-i gasoline engine and a magnet synchronous electric motor powered by nickel-metal hydride batteries. The exact performance details are not yet available but it is expected to better the 134bhp that the Prius puts out.

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Lexus LFA Special Edition Officially Revealed photos

Posted by Mr Dung Monday, March 15, 2010

[Carscoop]

Lexus feels the need to release a sub-model of its LFA. As if the car needs any more attention drummed up; enough people are drooling over this piece of engineering arrogance as it is.

Officially referenced as the SPECIAL EDITION in the press release (and not Nurburgring Edition), it'll be available in Black, Matte Black, Whitest White, or Orange.

The SE will come with canards and a fixed wing in CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer); you know, to make it more unique than the other $375,000 Lexus down the street. Also, they'll apparently help at the track aerodynamically.

Power is said to get a boost from 560 to 570 horsepower (ECU work, most likely), and the suspension is "high-power-only", whatever that means. The Special Edition's SWs (special wheels) will be shod in grippy rubber (Haiguripputaiya), which should help get the power to the ground through the re-calibrated transmission.

Whereas a regular LFA's shift speed on a track day would be around 0.2 seconds, an SE owner's rack day will get done just a hair quicker at 0.15 seconds.

There's no word yet on pricing...this is the point where clever people would usually put "If you have to ask...", but I'm not clever, I'm realistic. You just can't afford it. That, or you don't live in the right area with the right roads.

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Lexus Announces IS 350C F-Sport Special Edition, Priced from $58,375

Posted by Mr Dung Monday, March 8, 2010

[Carscoop]

First of all, before you run down to the comments section to... run us down, what you see pictured above is NOT the special edition F-Sport model but an F-Sport equipped IS350C as Lexus did not accompany the announcement on its new model with pictures.

Not that we've cleared that up, let's see what the IS 350C F-Sport special is all about. To put it briefly, it's a limited run version of the coupe-convertible IS packed with performance and styling accessories from Lexus' F-Sport accessories line as well as additional equipment that will be available only in two colors, Tungsten Pearl or Obsidian.

On the outside, the special edition IS 350C will be distinguished by a set of newly designed 19-inch forged alloy wheels, exterior badging and a unique F-Sport grille not previously available.

To improve handling, Lexus upgraded the suspension with a sway bar, a new set of shocks from Bilstein and new springs that reduce the ride height by approximately one-inch while it also wrapped the new rims in Michelin Pilot Sport rubber size 225/35ZR19 in the front and 255/35ZR19 in the rear.

An upgraded brake kit that is said to offer a firmer pedal feel and enhanced fade resistance is also part of the package.

There are no changes under the hood with the F-Sport model featuring the same 306HP 3.5-liter V6 as the standard IS 350C.

Inside, the IS 350C F-Sport comes with black leather-trimmed seats with contrasting blue stitching and leather-wrapped shift knob and embroidered floor mats with the F-Sport logo.

Other 'Special Edition' standard features include heated and ventilated front seats with wood trim; Bi-Xenon HID headlamps with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS); headlamp washers; and Lexus Navigation.

Lexus plans to keep production limited to 100 units with the first examples of the F-Sport model scheduled to arrive at dealerships later this month with an MSRP of $57,500 (not including a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875), or roughly the same price as an Audi S5 soft-top convertible that gets a 333HP 3.0-liter V6 TSI.

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Lexus CT 200h Officially Released

Posted by Mr Dung Sunday, February 28, 2010

[WCF]

As expected Lexus has released initial details today for the CT 200h five-door hybrid plus a few new photos in high resolution.

Following the leaked press materials that were first revealed here on WCF, there's not much new information. However, a battle seems to be brewing between Audi's A1 and the CT 200h. It all started when Audi began touting the A1 as the "first premium vehicle" in the compact class. Now Lexus is saying the "CT 200h is the first full hybrid vehicle to be launched in the premium compact segment." All of the sudden the premium compact segment, which we thought began with the BMW 1-Series, is getting a little crowded.

The CT 200h was designed and developed for European tastes. However, with production beginning in the end of 2010 Lexus says the full hybrid will be sold worldwide. We can only assume that includes North America.

Stay tuned and hopefully we'll have the answers when the Geneva Motor Show gets under way.

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Lexus South Africa Adds The Revised GS Range

Posted by Mr Dung Friday, January 29, 2010

[Easycarblog]

Lexus has added the updates GS range to the local South African market. The new model will boast a new front grille, revised alloy wheels and subtle styling upgrades. There will be unique clear lens rear tail lamps as well.

“The addition of the GS300 EX to the range complements this minor facelift and fills a widening gap between the S and SE,” says Kevin Flynn, General Manager of Lexus SA. “The GS300 EX gives customers an additional opportunity when it comes to selecting the level of specification they require – a level that we have found has worked very well with the recently introduced IS250 EX.”

The GS range will have 18-inch wheels, Multi Vision display, a seven-inch colour display with a 40gb had drive, navigation and Park Distance Control. Following this will be a full on sound system with 10 speakers, MP3 support, USB ports and a six-CD changes.

Technology such as ABS and EBD will also be available. The engine range includes a 218kW 3.5-litre V6 unit in the GS450h, which is a hybrid model.

Pricing: (incl. VAT)

GS300 S R560,800

GS300 EX R588,300

GS300 SE R625,400

GS450h SE R744,100

Press Release

Lexus GS range more compelling than ever
Enhanced styling, an additional EX model, and improved features specification identify the 2010 Lexus GS range that includes the country’s only PERFORMANCEHYBRID executive sedan
29 January 2010
The Lexus GS300 wears a new face for 2010, as shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show late last year. The new front grille freshens the executive sedan’s L-finesse styling, while revised alloy wheel styles complete the subtle styling upgrade. The only PERFORMANCEHYBRID in the class, the GS450h is further distinguished by unique grille treatment and clear lens rear lamps.
“The addition of the GS300 EX to the range complements this minor facelift and fills a widening gap between the S and SE,” says Kevin Flynn, General Manager of Lexus SA. “The GS300 EX gives customers an additional opportunity when it comes to selecting the level of specification they require – a level that we have found has worked very well with the recently introduced IS250 EX.”
The GS300 EX offers many of the appealing features of the luxuriously appointed GS300 SE within a more value conscious proposition. Visually it shares its appearance with the SE, now running on 18-inch alloy wheels and including an aerodynamic boot lip. Over and above the already comprehensive features specification of the GS300 S, the EX adds Lexus’ Electronic Multi Vision (EMV) display including a seven-inch full colour touch screen that operates upgraded 40GB Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation with voice command and Park Distance Control (PDC) as standard.
The GS range continues to usurp its competition in terms of features at the price. Standard features across the range include automatic High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) and fog lights front and rear. Soft close doors have been added, while heated electric seats with memory, electric steering column adjustment, smart entry, a reverse camera, dual climate control, Bluetooth, and cruise control all remain. Lexus’ Premium Sound System includes MP3 capability, a USB port, six-CD changer and 10 speakers to offer brilliant audio quality.
SE models benefit from rain sensing wipers, seat ventilation with semi-analine leather, a moon roof, electric rear sunshade, and acclaimed Mark Levinson 14-speaker digital surround sound that can store up to 2 000 songs on the hard drive for the discerning executive car driver.
Safety remains of the highest order with 10 airbags, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), active headrests for the front seats and Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) that controls all the dynamic safety systems holistically, including ABS, Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC).
The two powertrains remain, including the only PERFORMANCEHYBRID available in the segment. The GS450h combines a 218kW 3,5-litre petrol V6 with 147kW of electric power to offer V8 levels of performance with comparable turbodiesel torque and economy along with the obvious emissions advantages – just 180g/km. The 250kW combined system output allows an electronically limited 250km/h top speed and 0-100km/h acceleration of 6,2 seconds, but combined cycle economy of just 7,6 l/100km.
The GS300’s refined 3,0-litre V6 develops 183kW at 6 200 rpm and 310Nm at 3 500 rpm. Driving through a six-speed automatic transmission, the GS300 uses 9,5 l/100km on a combined cycle and tops 240km/h with a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7,9 seconds.
“The GS range continues to offer a beautiful blend of luxury and space with dynamic performance, especially in PERFORMANCEHYBRID guise, for the intelligent executive car buyer,” says Flynn. “Its specification is difficult to match at the price, and with the enhancements for 2010 and additional choice provided by the GS300 EX, the GS remains a compelling proposition.”
As with the rest of the Lexus range, the GS300 and GS450h are covered by a four-year/100 000km warranty and full maintenance plan. For more information or to arrange a drive experience, visit www.lexus.co.za or call 08611 LEXUS.

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VIDEO:Lexus LF-A Receives High Demand in Europe

Posted by Mr Dung Friday, January 22, 2010

[WCF]

The 522-horsepower Lexus LFA has been the subject of a great deal of interest in Europe. The company said that European interest has pushed the number of formal requests for the car well over the vehicle's expected production run.

Lexus previously indicated that only 500 units of the LF-A would be produced. Orders for the car, on sale in 56 different countries, will be accepted before the summer begins.

The Lexus LFA is capable of sprinting to 62mph in 3.7 seconds. It is powered by a 4.8-liter V10 engine, and maintains a low weight with a carbon fiber body.

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Toyota Mark X G Sports Concept

Posted by Mr Dung Monday, January 18, 2010

[SCOOP]

The recently revealed 2010 Toyota Mark X was given a sporty makeover at the Tokyo Auto Salon with the presentation of the G Sports branded concept model. The rear-wheel drive sport sedan that's based on the Lexus GS boasted a full body kit with a new front bumper that incorporates LED daytime lights, hood and fender vents, chunky side skirts, carbon fiber roof and trunk spoiler, and a new rear bumper with side air outlets and a diffuser.

The carbon fiber exterior mirrors, four-pipe exhaust system and the 20-inch aluminum wheels in Yokohama Advan Sports tires complete the list of the exterior mods.

Inside, the sedan's cabin is spiced up with Recaro sport seats, a new leather steering wheel and transmission lever with red stitching and plenty of carbon fiber decorative trim.

Toyota's G Sport division kept the standard Mark X's 318HP 3.5-liter V6 engine but upgraded the mid-size saloon's braking system and suspension hardware while they also added underbody panels to improve the vehicle's aerodynamics.

The automaker is planning to launch G Sport versions of most of its JDM models starting from this summer. Aside from the Mark X, Toyota also showed G Sport concepts based on the FT-86 coupe, Noah and Voxy vans and the Prius Hybrid.

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Lexus IS F Circuit Club Sport Concept

Posted by Mr Dung

[NEW]

Lexus' offerings for the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon included a lightweight concept version of the firm's performance-minded sports sedan. Dubbed IS F Circuit Club Sport or CCS for short, the prototype Lexus comes in an attention-grabbing bright orange finish and more carbon fiber than a NASA warehouse.

And we're talking about a lot of carbon fiber as the lightweight material is used for the newly designed hood, rooftop, rear wing, exterior mirrors, trunk, front spoiler lips, right down to the rear diffuser.

The same material is also found on the Lexus IS F's engine cover as well as in the interior on the door panels, center and lower console, steering wheel trim, and the transmission lever.

Unfortunately, Lexus did reveal the weight gains from the extensive use of carbon fiber parts on the sports car.

Other mods include the forged magnesium wheels and sport tires, high-performance carbon ceramic brakes, sport suspension, new exhaust system with a titanium sports muffler and the two-tone bucket seats inside.

Lexus said that the standard IS F's 5.0-liter V8 engine with 423HP (in JDM spec) has been left intact.

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DUI Driver Smashes Into Another DUI's Crashed Car, Accident Caught Live on Film

Posted by Mr Dung Friday, December 11, 2009

Two separate accidents that occurred in downtown Los Angeles today lead to the arrest of two people on suspicion of DUI (driving under the influence). This strange incident started when a female driver in a Lexus IS, who was later arrested for DUI, crashed with another car that allegedly drove off after the accident. A few minutes later, and while a cameraman was filming the incident, a third car with three people inside slammed into the Lexus!

According to the reports, the rear seat passenger in the white car that hit the Lexus was taken to the hospital for minor injuries, while the driver was apprehended by the boys-in-blue for driving under the influence. Luckily, no one was in the Lexus when the second accident occurred.

Watch the video over at KTLA by clicking here.

Via: KTLA

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Lexus Appoints London Dealership as Dedicated European Sales Center for LFA Supercar

Posted by Mr Dung Tuesday, December 1, 2009

If you live in Europe and want to buy the all-new Lexus LFA V10 supercar, then the only option you have is to head over to the Japanese firm's Park Lane showroom in London that has been selected as the center for all European LFA sales. Lexus has opened a special VIP selection room in the Park Lane dealership where LFA customers can discuss their requirements with Devshi Varsani who is the firm's dedicated LFA Personal Liaison Manager.

"Lexus has a world-leading reputation for customer service and I will be playing my part in ensuring the people who purchase the LFA, wherever they come from in Europe, are given all the assistance and support they require," said Varsani.

"Since LFA was unveiled to the world last month, we have experienced a strong demand from prospective customers from across Europe. Having the car on display in our showroom will allow these potential customers to come see the supercar in the flesh, an important part of the sales process for such an extraordinary car."

From the 500 examples of the LFA that are destined to be built, only a small proportion of this total will be available in Europe. Lexus made it clear that all European cars will be fully sold to the customer.