Toyota Korea Sales announced the facelifted Lexus GS350 and the GS460 today for the South Korean market. Facing immense success in the market, Lexus plans to commence sales of the New GS on the 26th of this month across 9 Lexus dealerships in the country.
The big change of the New GS is the addition of the 4.6L V8 347 horsepower engine into the V8 model. Gone is the GS430 moniker and in is the GS460 badge that reflects on the car's impressive powertrain. The GS460 is also mated to a class-leading 8-speed automatic transmission that is also found in the flagship LS460. Minor changes are made to the exterior including new wheels and a L-Finesse front fascia.
Prices have been upped for both the V6 and the V8 model. The New GS350 starts at 73.1 million won, equivalent to $80,030 in American currency. The New GS460 retails for 81.3 million won, equivalent to $89,008 in US currency.
This is a straightforward fact: Koreans love Lexus. Once again, the best-selling import car in South Korea for October was the 2007 Lexus ES350 with 367 units sold. The ES is currently 2nd in rank for the total sales of import cars for the year with 2765 units sold. The 2nd place honours went to the 2007 Honda CR-V with 366 units sold last month. However, the popular crossover is first in the total sales for 2007 with 2991 units sold.
The Lexus IS250 placed third with 222 units sold while the BMW 528i trailed behind with 175 units. In order from the fifth rank, the Infiniti G35 Sedan, BMW 320i, Honda Civic 2.0, Audi A6 2.0TFSI, Honda Civic 1.8, and the Lexus LS460 rounded off the list. A special mention goes for the Infiniti G35 Sedan, which frequently made the top-3 rank previously, slumped down to the fifth position.
Continue reading to view the full list. Oct. 2007 (units sold)
Toyota is calling back 55,000 examples of the 2007 Toyota Camry and the Lexus ES350 for a defective floormat. Complaints of the mats getting jammed with the accelerator pedal, therefore causing unintentional acceleration, has prompted the automaker to issue the recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also asked owners of other Toyota models such as the Prius to check their floormats as well.
The recall involves 30,500 models of the 2007 Lexus ES350 and 24,500 models of the 2008 Toyota Camry. Toyota has commenced contacting the owners of the affected models and the recall will be settled with new floormats by November.
The Lexus Fashion Preview at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance brought out the minor-changed SC430 Pebble Beach Edition. Lexus plans to build only 360 units of the niche limited-production hardtop. The "exclusive" items the Pebble Beach model are equipped with include a Smoky Gray Mica paint, two-tone leather interior, and Espresso Bird-Eye maple wood trim. Of course, a limited-production vehicle cannot boast without the badges. New 18" wheels are also included.
The SC430 Pebble Beach Edition will be available for purchase in late August. This iteration of the Pebble Beach SC430 is the fifth limited-production model of the SC430 Lexus has launched. Follow the jump to view more images and the official press text composed by Lexus.
Limited-edition SC 430 to debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Lexus Fashion August 15, 2007 – Pebble Beach, CA - Lexus will debut the 2008 Lexus SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition retractable hardtop convertible to commemorate its on-going partnership with Pebble Beach Company. With a limited production of 360 vehicles, the fifth special-edition Lexus SC will be unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Lexus Fashion Preview on Aug. 17.
The unique exterior design of the SC 430 is complemented by an elegant exterior/interior color combination that will be exclusive to the Pebble Beach edition SC. This special SC will feature a Smoky Granite Mica exterior paint combined with an exclusive two-tone Camel and Ecru leather trim interior and Espresso Bird-eye maple wood trim. Additional styling cues unique to the Pebble Beach SC include special-edition brushed chrome badging on the front fenders and center console and an Ecru Pebble Beach logo embroidered on Camel carpeted floor mats. The Pebble Beach SC will also feature White illuminated scuff plates, a sleek rear spoiler and aggressive 18-inch six-spoke chrome wheels equipped on all-season or summer run-flat tires.
In addition to its elegant styling, the Lexus SC 430 hardtop convertible benefits from its ability to hide the roof within the confines of its trunk in a mere 25 seconds, while still maintaining enough room for luggage. All without latches, catches, snaps or covers. And when the top is up, it defies traditional convertible logic by remaining solid, secure and weatherproof.
The rear-wheel drive SC 430 is powered by a 288-horsepower, DOHC, 4.3-liter V8 engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). The aggressive V8 is mated to a six-speed sequential-shift ECT-i transmission to achieve a 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 149 mph. In addition to its impressive performance, the SC is certified as an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II.
The SC features a number of technologies designed to enhance driver visibility including an Adaptive Front lighting System headlights, which help better illuminate a turn as the driver steers into it. The SC also includes daytime running lights, fog lamps and projector High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights.
Dynamic handling is accomplished with standard features that include an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, traction control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).
Every SC 430 comes standard-quipped with a Mark Levinson® Premium Sound System. This extraordinary system has been configured to self-optimize performance for top-up or top-down driving. Designed by one of the audio field's legendary innovative brands, the SC 430's system uses a seven-channel DSP 240-watt amplifier and nine strategically located speakers to turn the SCs interior into a private concert hall. System equalization automatically adjusts when the roof is lowered to compensate for the changed acoustics and ambient noise levels, and it returns to its original levels when the roof is raised. The 2008 Lexus SC Pebble Beach Edition will be available for purchase in late August.
Who could've ever imagined a Lexus supercar just 10 years ago when they were just breaking ground on US land? Lexus is already near-completion to its first supercar project, and we're anticipating it big time. We already got a few glimpses of it when Lexus revealed two variants of the LF-A Concept, and we are amazed. The LF-A will most likely feature a newly-developed 5.0L V10, churning out more than 500hp. A hybrid variant is also in the pipeline, suggested by recent reports over at Motor Trader.
Continued- Article A top-exec over at Lexus UK, Steve Settle, had an interview with Motor Trader and noted that the new LF-A is being developed from scratch. He also noted that a hybrid variant was in the pipeline stating, "it promises to set a fresh standard in the hybrid technology to which Lexus is totally commited and we are very excited about it."
The LS600h luxury hybrid sedan is set to launch in the UK next month, and a near-near-production version of the LF-A will debut in mid-October at this year's Tokyo Motor Show.
Lexus gave us a pretty good idea of how the production LF-A will look like, when they unveiled the second LF-A (pictured above) at this year's North American International Autoshow. Lexus Division group VP Bob Carter stated that the LF-A Concept is very close to a vehicle that would slot into the line-up and one that will further spark interest in Lexus as a brand.
If you're a high-level executive and an environmentalist at heart who just can't give up the leather, wood, and most importantly, big-car power for a Spartan-interior, gas-sipping Prius, the Lexus LS 600h L is the solution to your quandry. Toyota's luxury arm combines a 5.0 liter V8 with an electric motor and a CVT to produce 430 hp. Lexus says the car's sticker price will start at $104,750. On top of all the geeky hybrid bits, that money gets you the world's first production-car LED headlights, full-time all-wheel-drive, 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system with an 8GB hard drive, Intuitive Parking Assist, and loads of luxury. Options include 4-zone climate control, a power-reclining rear seat with massage, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
Lexus doesn't give fuel economy estimates for the 600h, but expects the car to receive the Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle rating and says the car will have the best-in-class V8 fuel efficiency that's roughly equal to the numbers achieved by other V6 AWD luxury sedans.
[Source: Autoblog]
Continued- Hi-res image gallery, official press release
PRESS RELEASE:
Lexus Announces Pricing for All-New LS 600h L Luxury Hybrid Sedan
TORRANCE, Calif., April 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexus today announced the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the all-new 2008 LS 600h L luxury hybrid sedan. The LS 600h L will be the ultimate Lexus statement, providing the highest level of luxury, technology, performance, safety and efficiency.
With an extensive list of standard luxury equipment and technological features, including the world's first full hybrid V8 powertrain, the LS 600h L will carry a base MSRP of $104,000 when it reaches Lexus dealers in June.
The full-time all-wheel-drive LS 600h L will be the world's first vehicle powered by a full hybrid V8 powertrain and will be mated to a newly developed dual-stage electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission. It will deliver power and performance on par with modern 12-cylinder engines, producing more than 430 horsepower while still delivering fuel efficiency equal to or better than the combined fuel-economy ratings of V6 all-wheel-drive mid-sized luxury sedans. The LS 600h L will also carry a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) rating, emitting nearly 70 percent fewer emissions than the "cleanest" of its competitors.
The World Car of the Year Awards has just concluded with the Lexus LS460 earning the honor of being called the planet's best auto for 2007. The LS460 beat out the Audi TT and new MINI Cooper, which were also finalists. The Audi TT, however, did not walk away empty handed, earning a trophy for World Car Design of the Year. Audi earned yet another honor for World Performance Car of the Year, with the RS4 being handed that honor. The RS4 won out over such heavyweights in world performance as the BMW 335i and Porsche 911 Turbo. Finally, the Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC won the award for World Green Car of the Year, earning bragging rights over rival BMW and its Hydrogen 7, as well as the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion. Type rest of the post here
Lexus introduced its redesigned LX570 full-size luxury at the Javits Center in New York today and the operative word is MORE! The new LX has more of everything. More power, torque, toys, cameras, airbags, power seats, you name it. The new 5.7L V-8 has 381 hp, 110 more than the previous version. Any driver of a big luxury SUV will also tell you that they must have a sequential shift six speed automatic, and with the new LX they get one as standard equipment.
[Source: Autoblog]
Continued- Article, hi-res image gallery, official press release For all those LX owners contemplating taking on the Rubicon Trail, you're probably still SOL, but for trails a little tamer there is now a hill descent control system built in, as well. There's also an electro-hydraulic suspension system that reduces body roll by 30 percent in cornering, adjusts the trucks attitude to reduce drag on the highway, and drops it by two inches to ease ingress/egress. A pair of blind spot cameras mounted behind the grille and a third on the underside of the passenger side mirror provide blind-spot vision when maneuvering in tight spaces.
PRESS RELEASE:
All-New 2008 Lexus LX 570 Full-Size Luxury Utility Vehicle Makes World Debut At 2007 New York International Auto Show
April 4, 2007 – New York - Lexus unveiled the all-new 2008 LX 570 full-size luxury utility vehicle at a press conference today at the 2007 New York International Auto Show. The all-new third-generation LX will feature more technological advancements to provide added power, luxury, safety, roominess and both on- and off-road capability over the award-winning LX 470 it replaces.
"The all-new LX 570 is packed with the luxury appointments and seamless technology our buyers expect of a Lexus vehicle," said Bob Carter, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. "Equally important, the new LX 570 sets a high-water mark for Lexus by providing more on- and off-highway prowess than ever before, while at the same time providing the amount of interior space, comfort, luxury and ride quality our customers demand."
Improved Power Performance The LX 570 will be equipped with a powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine that will produce 381 horsepower, over 110 more than the vehicle it replaces and over 400 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine will be mated to a new six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission designed and built for large tasks. Both the engine and transmission are controlled and linked by sophisticated electronic management systems that help ensure optimal performance and fuel economy, with minimal emissions at all times. The new LX is expected to be certified as ULEV II.
With its upgraded powertrain mated to a new chassis and suspension system, the LX 570 will have a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, an improvement of 2,000 pounds over the previous model.
Innovative Suspension and Technologies Significant upgrades to the suspension and full-time four-wheel-drive system raise the LX to new levels of driving comfort and performance, on- and off-road. A Four-Wheel Electro-Hydraulic Suspension with Active Height Control (AHC) and Adaptive Variable Suspension is quicker and allows for a greater range of adjustment than the system it replaces. The new cross-linked system allows each wheel to react to the driving surface it is in contact with and also react to the actions of the opposing wheels. Using a valve at each corner and a center or master valve, the cross-linked suspension system detects the extension or deflection of each of the LX 570's 20-inch wheels and counters that with appropriate response at the opposite wheels.
The intelligence built into the LX 570's new suspension senses chassis roll and helps reduce that roll by more than 30 percent. The system also controls ride height quickly, lowering the chassis by an average of two inches for entry and exit and returning automatically to its normal height when the vehicle begins acceleration.
For improved aerodynamics, the new AHC system lowers the vehicle by nearly one inch in front and by a little more than a half inch in the rear at highway speeds. Finally, when the transfer case is shifted into low range, the AHC system raises the vehicle by approximately three inches to provide additional ride height in driving situations where chassis clearance is at a premium.
The LX 570 will also include a new Crawl Control feature for increased throttle control when maneuvering over rough or difficult surfaces. When in low range, Crawl Control helps maintain appropriate low speeds allowing the driver to concentrate on steering the LX 570 on the desired path. Similar to cruise control in maintaining vehicle speed, Crawl Control also actuates a set of virtual locking differentials to minimize tire slippage and maximize chassis behavior. Because chassis control is significantly improved, the likelihood of bottoming the LX 570 on the driving surface is significantly reduced.
While Crawl Control can be compared in some ways to cruise control, the driver constantly maintains control over the vehicle. Without cancelling the Crawl Control mode, the driver can reduce vehicle speed by braking, or alter the speed higher or lower by adjusting a speed selector switch.
The new LX 570 will also feature a multi-terrain ABS braking system. This new technology is designed to help reduce stopping distances on slippery surfaces such as sand or gravel. Among its many advanced technologies the LX 570 will also offer a new blind corner monitor feature designed for use in urban settings such as exiting a parking garage. With cameras located within the grille and under the passenger side-view mirror, the driver can easily check hard-to-view areas by simply pressing a button on the dashboard and viewing the camera images on the navigation screen.
Lexus Styling The luxury styling of the new LX 570 emphasizes the Lexus identity by combining the muscular strength and sense of security expected in a four-wheel-drive utility vehicle with the simplistic originality of the Lexus L-finesse design theme, making it much more refined and dynamic than its predecessor. The bold theme of the new LX carries over from front to rear with a wide stance and brawny cabin proportions that are accented with subtle character lines and luxury touches such as chrome-plated door handles and moldings.
The wide front grille and arrowhead design on the corners reflect a Lexus styling cue. Distinctive character lines in the hood convey a feeling of power. The character lines are integrated into the bumper and lower intake to convey an aggressive stance. The large projector headlights are restyled to add a dose of sophistication to the beefy front end.
The cut-line above the front fenders adds to the performance image of the new LX while the wheel arches add an element of ruggedness to its clean profile. The running boards are fitted closer to the body to provide a more integrated appearance.
In the rear, the LX features a sculpted rear door for a more dynamic look and wide combination lights that emphasize its large size. The combination lights and license plate are accentuated with tasteful chrome accents. A six-spoke 20-inch alloy wheel design creates a two-dimensional appearance that is sporty yet elegant. The styling is complemented with features that include Adaptive Front Headlights, a power back door, puddle lamps, headlight washers and a front wiper de-icer.
Spacious Interior Comfort The overall wheelbase of the new LX 570 is unchanged from its predecessor, helping to maintain its impressive maneuverability. However, interior and exterior length have increased by at least four inches and width by nearly an inch, creating a more inviting and comfortable space for up to eight passengers and their cargo.
Inside, the LX cabin is modern, civilized and characteristically quiet. It will also be equipped with an array of luxury amenities including four-zone independent climate control complete with numerous air vents, a power-sliding second-row seat with a 40/20/40 split, a power third-row seat, navigation with Bluetooth® capability, a nine-speaker premium audio system, XM Satellite Radio with XM NavTraffic, a real time traffic information service that provides driver alerts regarding accidents, road closings and traffic, front seat power bottom cushion extenders, and much more.
Advanced Active Safety Technologies For enhanced safety, the new LX will feature a segment-leading 10 standard airbags including driver- and front-passenger knee airbags, second-row seat-mounted side airbags and third-row curtains. Among the many safety features on the new LX are Active Front Headrests, a first for a Lexus utility vehicle, second-row seat belt pretensioners, and a direct tire pressure monitor system.
Luxury Amenities In addition to its numerous standard features and advanced technologies, the LX 570 will also be available with a number of optional amenities including climate controlled front seats and heated rear seats, a 19-speaker Mark Levinson® audio system with Reference Surround Sound and a hard disc drive capable of storing up to 2,000 songs, a rear seat entertainment system with a nine-inch screen, the Lexus Intuitive Park Assist, a first-in-its-class Pre-Collision System with Adaptive Cruise Control and Lexus Link.
Luxury packages will also be offered on the new LX that will include features such as semi-aniline leather interior trim, a cool box in the front center console, illuminated scuff plates, unique wheel finish, a Smart Card key, and Bubinga wood trim, a wood used to craft fine furniture, instruments and to decorate private jets.
The all-new LX 570 will reach Lexus dealer showrooms in early 2008.
The LX 470 is the grandest of luxury sport utes from Lexus. Today the Japanese luxury brand announced that an all-new LX will debut at the New York Auto Show in a few weeks. Dubbed the LX 570, the vehicle's new nomenclature clearly indicates a larger 5.7L V8 will replace the current model's 268-horsepower 4.7L V8. The 5.7L V8 will be the largest engine ever offered by Lexus, eclipsing in displacement even the 5.0L V8 producing 400 horsepower that will be used in the upcoming high-performance IS-F. We doubt the new LX 570 will produce as much as 400 horsepower, but expect something in the mid-300 horsepower range with torque even more abundant.
[Source: Autoblog]
Continued- Article, official press release The current LX (shown above) is based on the more pedestrian yet still capable Toyota Land Cruiser, so one would assume that the debut of an all-new LX will also preview an upcoming replacement for the Cruiser, as well. We'll wait until the show starts where more information and images will be available for us to show.
PRESS RELEASE:
Lexus to Reveal All-New LX 570 at 2007 New York International Auto Show
March 13, 2007 – Torrance, Calif. - Lexus will stage the world debut of the all-new LX 570 luxury utility vehicle at a press conference during the 2007 New York International Auto Show.
The third-generation LX 570 will reach new heights in performance via a powerful new V8 engine while achieving elevated levels of comfort, style and safety.
The Lexus LX 570 press conference is scheduled for April 4 at 1:55 p.m. EDT in the Special Events Hall at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. It will be simulcast in the Lexus display area on the show floor. A video clip of the press conference will be available via www.Lexus.com and http://pressroom.lexus.com following the event.
Lexus today announced the pricing for the 2008 Lexus RX 350. For 2008, the RX 350 receives exterior enhancements that include a freshened front-grille design and new exterior chrome door handles. New seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with a Liquid Graphite finish are available as an option. The best part of one of the best selling SUVs? The 2008 Lexus RX 350 will have the same MSRP from 2007. Prices for the RX 350 will remain at $37,400 for the front-wheel-drive model and $38,800 for the all-wheel-drive model.
Follow the jump for the official press release of the RX350.
[Source: Lexus]
Press Release:
Lexus Announces Prices for 2008 Model Year RX 350 Luxury SUV
01/26/2007 Torrance, CA
January 26, 2007 – Torrance, CA - Lexus today announced manufacturers suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2008 RX 350, the top-selling luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV). For 2008, the RX 350 receives exterior enhancements that include a freshened front-grille design and new exterior chrome door handles. New seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with a Liquid Graphite finish are available as an option. The 2008 RX 350 also adds two new exterior colors: Brandy Wine Mica and Desert Sage Metallic. Inside, the RX 350 offers an additional wood trim color, Black Bird’s-Eye Maple, on units with a light gray interior.
The RX 350 retains its excellent value as the MSRP will remain unchanged from 2007. Prices for the RX 350 will remain at $37,400 for the front-wheel-drive model and $38,800 for the all-wheel-drive model. All optional equipment prices also remain unchanged.
Powerful Performance
Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the RX 350 produces 270 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft. of torque. Featuring all-aluminum construction, the V6 harnesses the benefits of advanced technologies to optimize performance, fuel economy and low emissions. The V6 enables the RX 350 to sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 7.3 seconds for the FWD model and 7.4 seconds for the AWD model.
The performance of the RX 350 is comparable to the output of some competitive V8 engines while still providing a fuel-economy rating among the best in class for non-hybrids. Its five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is tuned for refined drivability as well as excellent fuel efficiency. EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating for the RX 350 is 20 mpg (18 mpg city/23 mpg highway) for the FWD model and 19 mpg (17 mpg city/22 mpg highway) for the AWD. The RX 350 retains its ULEV II emissions certification.
The highly sophisticated engine uses electronically controlled sequential fuel injection, which optimizes the fuel mixture and creates a precise burn, higher output and lower emissions to aid drivability. In addition, an electronic throttle control presides over several systems to maintain superior control of power flow. This system, Electronic Throttle Control with intelligence (ETC-i), helps manage idle speed, cruise control, Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). The result is engine efficiency with excellent power and impressive fuel economy.
Refined Comfort and Luxury Features
The RX 350 produces minimal cabin noise allowing for a very quiet interior that provides an exceptional listening environment for its standard premium, satellite-ready, eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio player with in-dash six-CD autochanger. The audio system is compatible with MP3/WPA-formatted CDs and includes Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL), Radio Data System (RDS) and a digital signal processor. Commonly used audio functions are accessible via steering-wheel-mounted controls.
For true audiophiles, a Mark Levinson Premium Audio System is optionally available. This 11-speaker system features an in-dash six-disc DVD/CD autochanger, DVD-audio and DVD-video playback as well as remarkable sound clarity at all volumes (with 210 watts at 0.1% THD, 20-20,000 Hz). An available factory-installed, rear-seat DVD-entertainment system features a nine-inch fold-away video screen for convenient viewing.
The Lexus DVD-Navigation System is optionally available on the RX 350 and includes voice-recognition that will allow the driver to input a desired destination by voice command while driving.
Like other Lexus navigation systems, the system is offered in conjunction with a rear back-up camera to supplement the driver’s visibility of the area behind the vehicle. The camera will provide the driver a view of what the camera lens can detect behind the vehicle, automatically projecting a color image on the navigation system’s seven-inch VGA screen when the reverse gear is engaged.
In addition to English, the navigation system includes Spanish and French text-display options. The user can select the language preference at system start-up.
Lexus’ craftsmanship and renowned attention to detail provide sumptuous comfort by design. Standard dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power front seats with available memory, a sliding center console, adjustable light in the visor vanity mirrors, and wood interior trim set the tone for luxury in the RX 350. Luxury extends to the smallest details, such as illuminated front cup holders and a wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel with integrated audio-system and trip-computer controls.Premium options include a power-tilt/telescoping steering wheel with memory, and an illuminated entry system that lights the door handles, scuff plates, and front footwells.
A unique, wide-opening multipanel moonroof is an optional alternative to the optional conventional moonroof. With an open area that is 150-percent larger than a normal moonroof and an illumination area that is 250-percent larger, the multipanel moonroof is made of three separate glass panels. The front small panel is angled to reduce wind noise, the rear panel slides backwards on top of vehicle, while the middle glass panel slides backwards on top of rear panel.
Advanced All-Wheel-Drive
The AWD RX 350 model features a viscous limited-slip center differential, which enhances drivability in all types of driving conditions. The full-time AWD system provides a constant 50/50 front-to-rear power split. If slippage occurs, the viscous differential directs torque to the wheels with the most traction.
A direct-type Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system alerts the driver via a warning light on the instrument panel if a significant drop in tire pressure is detected in any of the tires.Produced in Kyushu, Japan, and Cambridge in southern Ontario, Canada, the 2008 RX 350 will begin arriving at Lexus dealerships by the beginning of February.