This feed contains the latest All feed items for the LEXUS manufacturer. http://www.motortorque.com/ Copyright 2013 MotorTorque All Rights Reserved. Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss Automotive Website Framework Engine (2.9.1208.1803) Japanese luxury car manufacturer Lexus unveiled the next stage in the expansion of its GS range, with the reveal of the new GS 300h hybrid saloon at the Shanghai Motor Show. Lexus is hoping that its new model will be able to take the fight to the heart of the premium executive car market, against luxury makers including BMW and Audi. The new GS 300h model will arrive in showrooms across the UK with a focus on fleet and business customers. With its sleek looks and efficient engines, Lexus hopes that GS 300h will be able to woo more business drivers on to the range. The rear-wheel drive GS 300h is powered by a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, featuring D-4S direct injection technology, and a compact yet powerful electric motor. Lexus has set a target of less than 110g/km of CO2 emissions produced by the car, which would make the vehicle one of the most environmentally friendly models in its class. Introduced to Lexus' UK model range later on in the year, the GS 300h will be sold in global markets including China, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The GS 300h joins numerous other Lexus vehicles in the UK, such as the GS 450h and the GS 250. In other markets, Lexus' new hybrid will be available alongside the GS 350 and 350 AWD (all-wheel drive) models. Written by Glenn Doyle. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/shanghai-debut-for-the-lexus-gs-300h-22020.aspx Glenn Doyle Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Japanese luxury automaker, Lexus, delivered its last LFA model to a European customer yesterday, marking the end of sales of the supercar. The Lexus LFA, which has been built at the rate of one car per day between December 15th 2010 and December 14th 2012, is a two seat supercar that was the first supersports built by the Lexus brand. The final version of this hand-built supercar came in the Nurburgring Package, which features an extra 10bhp from its V10 engine, bringing the overall power to a hard-hitting 563bhp. The Nurburgring Package also featured a re-calibrated transmission, with gear shifts made faster by 0.05 seconds, as well as stiffer and more adjustable suspension, lightweight alloy wheels and a large, fixed rear wing. The 'whitest white' LFA chassis number 493 was delivered to a customer in Switzerland, named Nicolas Schilling, who is a long-time friend of Japan and an exporter of French and Italian wines to Lexus' homeland. Schilling, who opened one of the first gastronomic Japanese restaurants in Switzerland, commented: 'I was first impressed by the LFA's design, but it was when I heard the sound of the engine of this breath-taking machine that I knew it was my dream car.' He further added: 'To me, the LFA stands for far-reaching innovative technology, absolute passion and determination, all dressed-up in pure elegance. It's a world-class vehicle.' In total, forty LFA supercar models have been sold in Europe to-date, including four with the aforementioned Nurburgring performance package, with the first delivery taking place in February 2011. A European customer was the first and only LFA client to purchase three of the supercars, whilst two other buyers ordered a second model after receiving their first delivery. For fans of the Lexus LFA, there will be an opportunity to see the road version of the LFA on static display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this summer, along with the Gazoo Racing Nurburgring 24 hours LFA model - which will be driving on the hillclimb course. For those interested, the Festival of Speed takes place from July 12th until July 14th, near Chichester, West Sussex. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/final-lexus-lfa-delivery-in-europe-21788.aspx Glenn Doyle Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Making its debut today at the Geneva International Motor Show is the new Lexus IS 300h, which is set to deliver unprecedented efficiency when it reaches Britain's roads in the summer. CO2 emissions for the new full hybrid IS 300h start at 99g/km for the 'SE' specification, which is below the threshold for annual UK Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax). The years of experience Lexus has gained in developing its Lexus Hybrid Drive system has benefitted the production of the new rear-wheel drive sports saloon, allowing it to achieve even greater environmental performance with no compromise in power or driving quality. Furthermore, as well as its 2.5 litre full hybrid powertrain posting significantly lower carbon emissions, Lexus Hybrid Drive also reduces NOx and particulate to near zero. The low emissions are not at the expense of performance, however, as the Lexus IS 300h's powertrain manages to achieve a total system output of 220bhp and gives the new Lexus a dynamic drive with quick and smooth acceleration. Also, the system features a 141bhp/105kW electric motor and a newly developed 2.5 litre four cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine, producing a maximum 178bhp/133kW. The driver can also modify the car's performance by switching between three different drive modes: all-electric EV running, with the petrol engine turned off; Eco, for optimum fuel efficiency; Normal, and Sport, for more precise throttle response and a sportier steering setting. Our MotorTorque video team are currently at the Geneva Motor Show, reporting back on all of the cars and concepts from the week. You can watch our introductory video below. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/geneva-motor-show---lexus-is-300h-21514.aspx Glenn Doyle Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT The new Lexus IS saloon has been revealed in these first images published just prior its public debut at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show next week. The car is set to renew rivalries with other similar-sized executive saloons such as the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-Class. The new Lexus IS is expected to go on sale in the UK in June 2013, with prices likely start from around £27,000. The new IS takes inspiration from Lexus's LF-CC concept and displays its own aggressive interpretation of the spindle front grille arrangement that has become a hallmark of all new Lexus models. Other highlights of the updated exterior include the powerfully articulated headlamp cluster design, with Lexus's signature L-shaped daytime running lights presented independently below. The new IS is overall longer and wider than its predecessor, but remains distinctly more compact next to larger saloon models like the BMW 5 Series, or the Lexus GS for example. The lengthened wheelbase will offer both the driver, front and rear passengers more legroom, while the rear seats themselves now sport a 60:40 split-folding function. Inside the car's cabin has been updated with features like one on the new centre console, simple but effective electrostatic switches that need just a finger touch to adjust the air conditioning temperature. No details on engines or performance have been revealed yet on the new Lexus IS, although those interested will likely only have to wait until the car's reveal in Detroit to get such information. Like the previous model, the 2013 Lexus IS will likely be sold in a few trim levels with the F-Sport specification topping the range. The F-Sport will stand out more from the rest of the IS range with an even more aggressive-looking front grille design along with other sporty features added to both exterior and interior. Written by Stephen Goldasz http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/2013-lexus-is-uncovered-20912.aspx Stephen Goldasz Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Worldwide sales of Lexus hybrids surpass half-million milestone. Since the first Lexus hybrid, the RX 400h model, took to the road in 2005, Lexus has sold more than 506,000 vehicles equipped with its Lexus Hybrid Drive system. There has been a steady increase in global sales, with the expansion of Lexus' hybrid range taking the technology into new parts of the market and reaching new customers. European sales are also strong, with 126,000 models sold so far (32,700 coming from the UK), representing about 25 per cent of Lexus' global hybrid total. The RX4 400h/450h models represent the best sellers for Lexus, with a global total of 259,000 being sold since the introductions of the cars (2005 and 2009 respectively), including 20,393 having been sold in the UK. The popular CT 200h, introduced in 2011, has also been a strong seller for Lexus, shipping 122,000 globally, including a more modest total of 8,839 in the UK. Another model to sell well is the HS 250h, with global sales of 56,000. These positive sales represent a different state of affairs for the Japanese-based car manufacturer as, only this week, it was announced that the last Lexus LFA (their first ever supercar) had rolled off the production line to end the supercar's production run. With a price tag of around £343,000, almost twice the price of a new Ferrari 458 Italia, the Lexus LFA seemed doomed to fail. After producing only 500 models, Lexus decided to end production of the LFA and critics have labelled it a 'sales failure'. Unfortunately for Lexus, the LFA will now always be classed in the same category as the Jaguar XJ220, which was released to huge promise and potential but, ultimately, fell at the hurdles. However, despite the poor sales of the LFA, the positive hybrid sales figures bode well for the future of Lexus. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/lexus-surpass-half-million-milestone-for-hybrid-sales-20823.aspx Glenn Doyle Fri, 28 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT The last Lexus LFA has been built, rolling off the production line just a few days ago to bring an end to the supercar's production run. The final unit is a white painted LFA with the optional circuit-tuned Nurburgring Package and represents number 500 in the car's production run, during which Lexus built just one LFA per day. The LFA represents the first ever supercar to be sold by Lexus, which is the luxury brand for Japanese car giant Toyota. This project in fact started in the works all the way back in 2000. The first prototypes of the LFA were not seen until 2003, before a few different concept models were presented at shows between 2005 and 2009. Each concept model was styled closer to the LFA's final production form as public reaction eventually persuaded Lexus to turn it into a reality. The production of the LFA was announced in August 2009 and the final model to be sold was revealed in October the same year, to mark the 20 year anniversary of Lexus' first ever car launch. Orders for the Lexus LFA also opened on October 2009 and production began on 15 December 2010, with a plan announced to manufacture exactly 500 units in total. Now just over two years later with model number 500 built the two-door hardtop Lexus LFA has reached a natural end. There were rumours across the media that Lexus were in fact thinking of prolonging the LFA's lifespan with a new convertible version. However the announcement today from Lexus regarding the end of the LFA's production appears to have well and truly quashed that rumour. The production model was itself a particularly expensive supercar, probably due to its small limited production number. Nevertheless with prices starting at £343,000 the Lexus LFA was nearly twice the price of a new Ferrari 458 Italia. Powering the LFA is a 4.8-litre V10 petrol engine with 552bhp, which allowed it to cover the 0-62mph sprint in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 202mph, putting it amongst the quickest of all modern supercars. The engine is connected to a six-speed automated sequential gearbox operated with steering wheel paddles. Other highlights of the Lexus LFA included the largely carbon fibre-made bodyshell, and the stabilising rear spoiler which deploys at speeds above 50mph. Lexus say that much of the technology developed for the LFA, including the carbon fibre components, will be passed on to future Lexus models. Whether Lexus will build a new supercar and therefore a successor to the LFA is currently uncertain. Written by Stephen Goldasz http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/end-of-the-line-for-the-lexus-lfa-20742.aspx Stephen Goldasz Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Lexus has launched a bizarre Christmas campaign in North America, urging people to switch off social media sites like Facebook and Twitter and go outside. One ad called 'Dinner' shows a woman using Pinterest, about to like a picture of a plate of vegetables. After wrestling with her inner torment, she turns off her laptop, bundles her family into her red Lexus SUV and goes off to a restaurant, where she tucks into a plate of real veg. "This December, remember, you can stay in and 'like' something. Or you can get out there with your family and actually 'like' something," says the ad, in an apparent snub to social networking. A second commercial shows a woman on an iPad seemingly stalking an attractive guy, debating whether to add him on Facebook. After ditching her tablet, she gets in her Lexus, goes to a party and talks to him. A third ad shows a man on the couch watching a band on YouTube, before being urged to "get out there with his friends and actually share something." He then gets in his Lexus and goes to watch the band. Lexus out the house Ironically scores of people took to social media to lambast the ad campaign as soon as it was launched. One Twitter user, @BurnettsBoards, leapt to the defence of social media: "Anyone else see the new Lexus commercials that totally disses Pinterest?" "How dare they!" raged @CorinneCarlson5, while @jaredMermey wasn't happy with the manufacturer " a shot at Pinterest." Interestingly he also predicted that a 'social media backlash will become a theme in old media'. Many have pointed out that scores of clued-up manufacturers are currently using social media to their advantage in creative, interactive ways. Ferrari, for instance, has recently celebrated surpassing the ten million 'like' mark on Facebook, while Peugeot is holding a live Facebook Q&A on Monday to discuss the restyled Peugeot RCZ Sports Coupé with fans. Not only is Lexus's social backlash surprising, but it's also reportedly confusing its franchised dealerships. @LindsayLexus tweeted its followers last week urging them to go on Pinterest to like pictures of vintage models. Lexus spokesperson Nancy Hubbell emailed CNBC to say: "The message is basically that connecting with people online is great, but for the holidays people should connect in person (and, of course, drive to their destination to do so.) "We're not dissing anything, just encouraging people to get out for the holidays." Luxury car maker Lexus, owned by Toyota, has launched the campaign in the U.S. but latest sales figures show the brand is struggling in the UK. In November, Lexus sales fell by nearly 50 per cent compared to November 2011 after only 443 cars were sold. This is in contrast to an increase in sales for rivals such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes and Jaguar in the same period. What do you think? Does Lexus have a point, or are they being left behind entirely in the social revolution? Let us know below or via social media. Written by John Meadowcroft. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qmb-PK0xlVU http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/get-off-facebook-and-enjoy-christmas-say-lexus-20640.aspx John Meadowcroft Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT The new Lexus LS model range has been announced, starting from £71,995. The cars look incredible, but it's the amazing Climate Concierge facial recognition system that's getting us hot under the collar. The new Lexus LS is available to order now with customer deliveries expected from January. Buyers investing in the £99,495 LS 600h L Premier though will also be getting a world-first - the new Lexus Climate Concierge system. Drivers will get everything they expect for its luxury-car fee; a 5.0 litre V8 engine, advanced pre-crash safety and more. But the Climate Concierge system is something that Lexus can say truly sets its new model against other luxury cars in its class. It's essentially every 80s sci-fi movie rolled into one. Get into the 600h L, and Climate Concierge will scan and monitor the facial temperature of each passenger to manage interior temperature. The system uses infra-red technology to check whether occupants are too hot or too cold, adjusting its four-zone climate control system to make sure everybody's comfortable. And that doesn't just mean setting the temperature a few degrees lower. While the system can automatically control air flow, it will also use collected passenger data to control the temperature of the seats, coolers and will even heat the steering wheel if required. Lexus promise that passengers will get an ambient temperature as soon as possible in the car, with the system complemented by other comfort features. The left-hand passenger seat, for instance, has a power lumbar massage function with remote control while rear passengers can make use of electrically operated reclining rear seats and electric footrests. The Premier model's advanced pre-crash safety technology is also impressive, and promises to mitigate the consequences of a collision at a range of speeds, in both light and dark environments. There's also the option on the 600h L Premier to include a night view system, which captures the car's night-time field of view - again with infra-red technology. Night vision images will be presented on the car's 12.3-inch central display. Basic luxury Of course, that's all on Premium Grade level. There are two other models to consider in the Lexus LS range - the LS 460 Luxury and 460 F Sport. An LS 460 petrol model will also be available, with Lexus reintroducing the engine following customer requests (peer pressure). So what can buyers expect from the LS 460? Both trims come with a powerful 382bhp 4.6-litre V8 Dual VVT-i petrol engine. The Luxury model is equipped with 18-inch alloys, auto bi-xenon headlamps and LED daytime running lights. The interior is bedecked with leather upholstery and another world-first: a Dynamic Illumination System. So what does this other world-first do, then? It provides soft white interior lamps and a dynamic instrument panel lighting that moves and changes in-line with the car's start-up and switch-off. Sounds nice, but we're happy enough with the on-board DVD player, thank you very much. Entertainment-wise, a thumping great 19-speaker Mark Levinson audio system is included as well as a DAB tuner, Bluetooth, USB ports and more. Entertainment and the car's sat-nav features are presented on the market's largest central display, the aforementioned 12.3-inch beauty. F Sport trim features all this and, obviously, a sporty exterior design on top of Brembo brakes, a lateral damping system, a Torsen limited slip differential, and suspension modifications. Eight colours are available for LS Luxury and Premier, but it's hard for us to concentrate on the exterior when there's so much beautiful tech bubbling away on the inside. It's the only car on the market that makes us feel like Arnold Schwarzenegger in Predator. Written by John Meadowcroft http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/the-groundbreaking-tech-behind-the-100k-lexus-ls-20259.aspx John Meadowcroft Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Lexus LS saloon prices will start from £71,995, the luxury car maker has revealed today. The line up starts from £71,995 for the entry-level LS 460 Luxury, climbing to a slightly eye-watering £99,495 for the hybrid LS 600h L Premier model. A third variant, the LS 460 F Sport sits in the middle at £74,495. The LS 460 takes its power from a 4.6-litre petrol V8 developing 382bhp. The option of a petrol powerplant had previously been discontinued from the LS range, but Lexus says it has been reintroduced for the new lineup due to customer demand. The LS460 is split into two trim levels, Luxury and F Sport. Luxury-spec cars wear 18-inch alloy wheels and feature four-zone climate control, air conditioned front seats and a 12.3-inch central display screen, the largest currently on the market. The F Sport model is included in the LS range for the first time. Aimed at keener drivers, the LS 460 F Sport is distinguished by a more aggresssive bodykit including a darker grille, restyled bumpers and 19-inch alloy wheels. Under the bodywork is a Torsen limited slip differential, tweaked suspension and Brembo brakes whilst inside there are swathes of aluminium and bespoke leather seats. If you want hybrid power, the LS 600h L is available in long wheelbase L Premier form only. Power comes from a combination of a 5.0-litre V8 engine and electric motor, generating a total of 493bhp. Pricey it may be, but the flagship LS 600h Premier includes a wealth of equipment. It benefits from more kit available than any other Lexus model, including an infra-red controlled 'climate concierge' system which Lexus claims is a world first. The unusual system adjusts the heated seats, steering wheel and climate control by scanning the temperature of each occupant's face, believe it or not. Other toys include a lumbar massage function for the left rear seat passenger. The LS 600h also features an array of active safety systems including lane departure warning, blind spot monitor and 'collision avoidance assist.' Also available as a £1,515 option on the L Premier is an infra-red night view camera system, displaying parts of the road ahead not captured by the headlight beam on the central display screen. Prices have increased over the previous-generation LS 600h, which was priced from £93,936. In an effort to spice up the previous car's looks, all new LS models wear Lexus's new spindle-shaped grille design as part of the brand's new 'L-Finesse' design direction. Eight exterior colours are available, with a further seven paint schemes available for the F Sport variant. Metallic or mica paint is available as an option for all three models. Order books for the LS are open now, with deliveries starting in January 2013. Written by James Taylor. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/new-lexus-ls-saloon-prices-revealed-20215.aspx Stephen Hurrell Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Twenty year ago the Lexus brand came to the UK with the LS400 luxury limousines. Since then the range has expanded and hybrid models have been the mainstay power sources. Now the fourth generation GS executive four door saloon (BMW 5-Series size) has arrived. The range now has the option of non-hybrid GS250 versions with a 2.5-litre V6 206bhp petrol engine as well as usual hybrid 450h, 3.6-litre, V6, 341bhp petrol/electric powertrain. But still there is no diesel engine option in the GS line-up or any other Lexus model range which is really 'a must' in this market sector dominated by business/company car sales. Although hybrid power is a core powertrain philosophy for the Lexus brand, due to UK customer feedback, the new GS range saw the re-introduction of a petrol engine option after it had been deleted in 2009 due to low sales. Retail customers wanted a more affordable GS than the expensive to buy hybrid models. By introducing the 2.5-litre petrol engine the price entry point for the new GS range has fallen by a significant £12,000. The least expensive new model is the GS250 SE petrol variant priced at £32,995. The starter price for the hybrid models is £44,995 for the GS450h Luxury variant. OK so the hybrid versions have lower CO2 figures at 141 to 145g/km which means less road tax at £135 and BIK company car tax is 19/20 per cent. The 2.5-litre petrol model's 207g/km of CO2 results in £600 First Year rate VED reducing to £270 per annum and 32 per cent BIK company use tax. The Lexus GS 450h hybrid also scores for fuel economy with 46.3mpg in the Combined Cycle against 31.7mpg for the GS250 petrol version. But the price difference of £12,000 buys an awful lot of petrol and offsets the added tax costs. Lexus forecasts around 1,500 GS sales in the UK this year, the slight majority going to business user chooser and fleet customers so the 450h hybrid versions will marginally outsell the petrol GS250 versions. A diesel powered GS would be a better choice but there isn't one and none is due so its UK business/fleet sales potential is limited. Curious really when new car sales to business/fleet users in the UK account for 55 per cent of new car registrations and most opt for diesel power due to taxation. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/lexus-reveals-lofty-gs-sales-plans-19258.aspx David Miles Thu, 16 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT