Autoblog

Why the Lexus GX may be rollover-prone (and the 4Runner isn't)

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Technology, Lexus, Toyota

The latest blow to the formerly sterling reputation of Toyota came this week when Consumer Reports gave the new Lexus GX460 a "Do Not Buy" rating. It's not often that CR gives its worst rating to a vehicle and it's never happened to a Toyota or Lexus product before. In light of recent recall woes, Toyota is taking this news very seriously and has stopped selling the Lexus GX while it investigates the issue.

The reason for the dire rating is what CR considers a major safety risk with the new GX. During the publication's handling tests, the CR drivers experienced significant oversteer (the back end of the vehicle sliding sideways) before the electronic stability control intervened and brought the SUV back under control.

Cornering oversteer is something automakers try to avoid, except on high-performance sports cars. On SUVs with a high center of gravity, this is an especially serious problem because if the vehicle hits a curb, shoulder or other impediment while sliding it's more prone to roll over. During a previous test with the Toyota 4Runner, which shares its basic platform with the Lexus GX, CR didn't experience the same problem. Follow the jump as we examine some possible explanations for the disparity between these two SUVs.

Continue reading Why the Lexus GX may be rollover-prone (and the 4Runner isn't)

Why the Lexus GX may be rollover-prone (and the 4Runner isn't) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Long-Term Garage Introduction: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT

Chris Paukert — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Subaru

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Like others in our field, we pride ourselves on being able to offer our readers a surprisingly comprehensive assessment of a vehicle after only driving it for a few hours (as at an automaker's first-drive event) or living with it for several days (as with a normal media vehicle loan). But even though we've got our testing methodology down, there's simply no way to learn what it's like to live with an automobile without... well... living with the automobile.

Simply put, a year's worth of the day-in, day-out grind is likely to reveal more foibles and hidden charms than any number of test-drives could ever hope to expose. How does your backside feel after an 800-mile road trip? Does the clutch pedal feel like stirring molasses in subzero temperatures? How will the seat leather and interior plastics hold up over thousands of miles? Will the gearshift feel like a trusted old friend mile-after-mile? These are questions that can only be answered with a long-term driving experience.

To that end, we're pleased to introduce the first-ever entry into the Autoblog Long-Term Garage: The 2010 Subaru 2.5GT. We fell in love with this, the most sporting of Legacy models during its Vancouver launch over the summer, but the popularity of the model and its production-line companion, the Outback, has been so great that it's been impossible to secure a 2.5GT up until now. Subaru's Indiana plant has been so busy building the necessary volumes of the brand's bread-and-butter models that production of the 2.5GT - an enthusiast's sedan, when compared to its counterparts - has only recently started to come on-stream.

We suspect our loaded-up Ruby Red Pearl Limited model has been worth the wait, but we're prepared to take a year to come to grips with our final judgment. How will we feel about this rally-bred all-wheel-drive sport sedan after 365 days of everything from daily commuting to opposite-lock dancing on abandoned fire trails? Will its assertive flat-four thrum and newfound size win over converts - or leave us wishing we had picked a more obvious, safe-as-houses alternative?

More importantly - what do you want to know about life with the 2.5GT? We'll be regularly updating you on our new Subie's progress, passing its keys between our editors stationed around the country, putting its 265 horsepower through the paces in different climates and over various types of roads in order to see if it's worth the asking price. While you're pondering what questions to ask us in the Comments, feel free to check out our high-res gallery below as well as the spec panel after the jump laying out what makes the 2.5GT tick.

How to follow our Long-Term updates:

Twitter: Follow therealautoblog and look for tweets tagged #ablongterm.
Visit the Long-Term Garage category on Autoblog | Subscribe to RSS.
We'll be launching a new Long-Term model page for the 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT in the next couple of weeks that will contain all of the information, insights and updates we publish. Stay tuned!

Gallery: Long Term: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT

Autoblog Long-Term Garage Introduction: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS releases latest round of safety scores for Infiniti M, Lexus HS and Toyota 4Runner

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:34:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Safety, Infiniti, Lexus, Toyota, Luxury, Off-Road

First the Oscars and now this! The envelope please! The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released a bevy of scores for the Infiniti M, Lexus HS 250h and Toyota 4Runner and it was nothing but "Good" all around. The Infiniti and Toyota were tested for frontal offset and side impacts, with their "Good" score maintaining the scores of their predecessors. The Lexus scored a first-time Good" in the frontal offset test. You can get all the details on the most recent round of crash-testing here and scan the IIHS archives to see how the competition stacks up.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M56

[Source: IIHS]

IIHS releases latest round of safety scores for Infiniti M, Lexus HS and Toyota 4Runner originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Lexus LS460 Sport Package is F-ing with perfection

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Lexus, First Drives, Luxury

2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Lexus introduced the IS F, enthusiasts were suitably skeptical about the automaker's attempt to go head-to-head with the Germans. After all, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have specialized in creating autobahn-burning, Nordschleife-honed handlers for decades.

And then we drove it.

To everyone's surprise, Lexus pulled it off, but we figured it might be a one-time deal. We assumed the IS F was an outlier - just a distraction from the brand's cadre of well-built, less-than-sporty luxo-barges. We were wrong.

In the footsteps of the IS F was the introduction of the F-Sport accessories line, followed by rumors of a GS F and finally the LFA supercar. Lexus was becoming increasingly serious about making a mark in the luxury performance space, but on its own terms and at its own calculated pace.

Flash forward to October when a press release arrived touting a new Sport Package for the upcoming 2010 LS460. To be honest, our first thought was Lexus was overreaching. The LS is a fine sedan, with plenty of power and a reasonably good balance of ride and handling. But a sports sedan it's not. No matter. If Lexus was threatening to "F" up its LS with a "Sport" package, we needed to put it to the test. And we did just that.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Lexus LS460 Sport Package is F-ing with perfection

First Drive: 2010 Lexus LS460 Sport Package is F-ing with perfection originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus introduces second-generation 2010 GX460

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Lexus, Luxury, Off-Road

2010 Lexus GX460 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Two steps forward and one step back seems to be the rally cry of the new 2010 Lexus GX460. This second-generation, three-row, mid-size, body-on-frame SUV from Lexus replaces the GX470, which, as its name implies, had a slightly larger engine. That 4.7-liter V8 engine, however, couldn't touch the combination of power and efficiency found in this new 4.6-liter V8. The new engine manages to pump out 301 hp and 329 lb.ft. of torque while returning 13 percent better fuel economy, now ringing in at 15/20 mpg. It also uses a second-generation frame and an all-new body with some class-leading features.

There's a lengthy press release after the jump with all the specifications and features of this new GX, but here are some of the highlights (take a deep breath): New standard power-folding third row, flip-forward second row slider for better third row access, rear swing gate with new pop-up glass for quick access, optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Driver Attention Monitor and Lane Departure Alert (LDA), full-time four-wheel drive, off- and on-road balancing Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) with available Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), 6,500-pound towing capacity, 18-inch alloy wheels, Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control (DAC), ten standard airbags, Bluetooth, nine-speaker audio system with integrated iPod control and XM Radio receiver, rear back-up camera, optional Lexus Enform with Safety Connect, XM NavTraffic, XM NavWeather and XM Sports and Stocks by subscription. Got all that?

The 2010 Lexus GX460 will come in two different trim levels, base and Premium, identifiable by chrome strips surrounding the greenhouse and along the lower door contours. In addition to the features listed above, GX buyers can opt for a Convenience Package and a Comfort Plus Package. The Convenience Package adds power-retracting outside mirrors and Intuitive Parking Assist. The Comfort Plus Package includes semi-aniline leather, heated second-row outer seats, wood-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, and a three-zone automatic climate control system. Major standalone options include the next-gen hard disc drive (HDD) nav system, a Mark Levinson Premium Audio system, a Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system with two LCD screens, a three-zone automatic climate control system, and the Wide-view Front and Side Monitor, which debuted on the 2009 LX 570.

We recently had a chance to sample this new GX460 and we'll have a lot more to say about it in our upcoming First Drive, but for now, here are the full details and a massive gallery of pics for you to enjoy.

Gallery: 2010 Lexus GX460

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading Lexus introduces second-generation 2010 GX460

Lexus introduces second-generation 2010 GX460 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tickled pink over the Lexus LFA configurator

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus, Design/Style

Lexus LFA Configurator - Click above for high-res image gallery

This appears to be the week of the Lexus LFA, with tons of new images (both live and press), videos, and details spilling out about Toyota's new supercar. While the car itself is on display at the Tokyo Motor Show, those who want to get up close and personal with the V10 wonder can do so today, at least virtually. Toyota just launched the configurator for the Lexus LFA and all we can say is, it's fabulous.

The configurator is fairly typical, with wheel and brake caliper selections, exterior 360 degree views, and several interior angles, but the thing that really caught our attention is the color palette Lexus has chosen for its new halo vehicle. The standard colors are fairly conservative, silver, gray, white, red, black, yellow, brown and blue, but the "special" color options take this Lexus in a whole new direction.

Check out the gallery to see what we mean, but suffice it to say that Lambo owners might even wince at some of the available hues.

Gallery: Lexus LFA Configurator

[Source: Lexus]

Tickled pink over the Lexus LFA configurator originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Look Very Closely: Retouched Lexus LS ushers in new Sport pack

Chris Paukert — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lexus, Design/Style, Luxury

2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport- click above image for hi-res image gallery

The subtle evolution that has defined the life of Lexus' LS may not be the stuff of action movies or even car magazine covers, but it's hard to argue with the success that Toyota's premium division has enjoyed with its flagship luxury sedan. For 2010, Lexus has once again gone over its LS 460 with the finest-toothed of styling combs, but this time, they've added something that might be of interest to enthusiasts - a performance package.

The Sport Package includes the usual visual frippery (a unique grille, revised front and rear spoilers and more assertive rocker panels), but it also includes firmer tuning for the air suspension, package-specific anti-roll bars and shocks, and 19-inch split-spoke alloys masking... wait for it... Brembo anchors. Naturally, the package is only available on the rear-drive model - those requiring the grip-at-each-radial traction of all-wheel drive will have to content themselves with deciding whether they have enough rear legroom with the standard-wheelbase model or whether they want to plump for the added lebensraum of the LS 460 L.

Inside, the LS 460 Sport Package gets different front seats, unique perforated black/saddle leather surfaces, a different leather-wrapped wheel, and paddle shifters for the octocog automatic.

Of course, if you just want to look more athletic but don't need the performance bits, Lexus will happily sell you most of the same exterior dress-ups in an appearance package.

If you're squinting a bit and are noticing some additional changes to the LS 460's visuals, that's because all models get new head- and tail-lamps, as well as a reworked front fascia. Other substantive changes for 2010 include new audio, connectivity and telematics features, as well as small things like a new ECO driving indicator in the gauge cluster to encourage thrifty motoring. Complete press release after the jump, high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading Look Very Closely: Retouched Lexus LS ushers in new Sport pack

Look Very Closely: Retouched Lexus LS ushers in new Sport pack originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Lexus LX570 is three tons of luxury with a dollop of off-road mastery

Michael Harley — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Lexus, New Car Reviews, Luxury

2009 Lexus LX570 - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the Lexus LX570 is the flagship SUV in the automaker's lineup, its glory is often overshadowed by the best-selling RX. With proven Land Cruiser bloodlines, and the Tundra's V8 muscle under its hood, the seven-passenger LX competes in the rarefied full-size luxury SUV segment occupied by the Land Rover Range Rover and Cadillac Escalade. What does the Japanese entrant hold over its British and American counterparts? And more importantly, what makes the LX unique in this segment? Find out after the jump...

Gallery: Review: 2009 Lexus LX570

Continue reading Review: 2009 Lexus LX570 is three tons of luxury with a dollop of off-road mastery

Review: 2009 Lexus LX570 is three tons of luxury with a dollop of off-road mastery originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Lexus LS600h revealed in full detail

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

2010 Lexus LS600h - Click above for high-res image gallery

For 2010, Lexus is doing a mid-cycle refresh on its flagship LS lineup, including the hybrid drive LS600h. The system mainly carries over hardware, but some of the controls are enhanced with the latest updates featured on the new Prius, HS250h and RX400h. Among those are a new ECO mode that applies a filter to throttle inputs and air conditioning control. Small adjustments in the throttle position are ignored, allowing the powertrain to operate at a more constant rate, reducing fuel consumption. Similarly, the air conditioning uses the recirculate mode automatically and allows more variation in temperature.

One of the complaints we had about the LS when we reviewed it last year was the minuscule trunk for a car of its size. Lexus has reconfigured the nickel metal hydride battery pack to reduce the package size, allowing the trunk volume to be increased by about 1.24 cubic feet. The front brakes have also been upgraded with larger rotors and six-piston Brembo calipers. On the outside, the LS gets a new front fascia with a grille similar to the HS250h.

Gallery: 2010 Lexus LS600h

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Lexus LS600h revealed in full detail

Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Lexus LS600h revealed in full detail originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Updated 2010 Lexus LS sedan headed to Frankfurt

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

2010 Lexus LS 600h L - Click above to view in high resolution

Following the leaked brochure revealing the entire revised Lexus LS range, a solitary image of the updated LS 600h L has popped up on the internet.

The revisions are fairly minimal, restricted primarily to new bumpers and lights front and rear, turning indicators integrated into the mirror housings and, of course, new wheels. There've been some modifications made to the interior as well, while the hybrid system on the top-of-the-line model shown has been optimized. The hybrid model has also been subtly visually distinguished from the conventional LS 460.

The image appears to confirm that Toyota's luxury division will be unveiling the new model at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show alongside the LF-Ch concept car, so we should be getting official confirmation along with more details and photos in the coming days.

[Source: CarScoop]

Updated 2010 Lexus LS sedan headed to Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked Lexus brochure reveals updated LS sedan

Noah Joseph — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Sedan, Japan, Lexus, Luxury

Leaked 2010 Lexus LS brochure - Click above for high-res image gallery

To say that Lexus designs tend more toward the "evolutionary" than "revolutionary" would be like saying that Rasputin had a bit of a violent streak. Case in point: The new LS sedan, which the Toyota luxury division has apparently updated for next year in typical Lexus style. That is, incrementally different from the model it replaces, with styling tweaks barely visible to the naked eye. At least, not at first glance.

Early images of the redesigned flagship sedan come courtesy of The Lexus Enthusiast, which has managed to get hold of what looks to be a leaked JDM brochure for the vehicle ahead of its official launch. Visible changes made to the LS 460 and the gas-electric LS 600h include new front and rear bumpers and lights, turn signals integrated into the mirror housings, and of course, new wheels.

Inside, the cabin gets a mild refresh as well to integrate a night vision system into the instrument cluster, right in the middle of the speedo. There's also a customization program called L-Select, and the anticipated LS-Sport "Version SZ", characterized as an aggressive take on the luxury yacht with a more assertive aero package, wheels and grille treatment. That's about all we've got for now, but you can check out the scanned brochure in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Lexus LS leaked brochure

[Source: The Power Weblog via The Lexus Enthusiast]

Leaked Lexus brochure reveals updated LS sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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