Autoblog

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lexus reportedly developing scratch-resistent molecular-bonding clearcoat

Noah Joseph — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Lexus, Luxury

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

It's heartbreaking. You buy a high-end luxury automobile, stand back and take in the lustrous paint job. But within a few months, you're already noticing little nicks and scratches, particularly around the door handles where your fingernails routinely collide with the soft paint. Well Lexus, for one, is coming up with a solution.

By adding a new ingredient to the clearcoat that seals in the paint, Lexus' new paint process enhances molecular bonding to create a more elastic, fluid topcoat that can restore its consistency against the harmful effects of, you know... cleaning brushes and fingers. The process is tipped to debut on the flagship LS sedan, but from there will probably find its way across the Lexus range.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2008 Lexus LS600h L

[Source: paultan.org]

Lexus reportedly developing scratch-resistent molecular-bonding clearcoat originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Toyota considering cooperation with Daimler on compact, full-size models

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:41:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Hatchback, Daimler, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota

According to a report from Auto Motor und Sport, Toyota is considering a partnership with Daimler to build Mercedes-Benz' A- and B-Class sub-compacts on the Japanese automaker's MC platform. The idea is to maximize the efficiency and output of Toyota's European plants, and could also include sharing development costs on each brand's next generation flagships: the Lexus LS and Mercedes S-Class. Daimler has dismissed the report as "speculation," while a Toyota Motor Europe spokesman toed the company line, only saying "It's part of our normal business practice that we regularly talk to other carmakers but there are no specific projects planned at the moment."

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Reuters]

REPORT: Toyota considering cooperation with Daimler on compact, full-size models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Lexus developing sporty LS460 SZ

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lexus, Rumormill

According to a report from Japan's Best Car Magazine, Lexus is working on a new performance version of its LS460 luxury sedan. Oddly, the publication says that the amped-up luxury sedan will not carry the 'F' designation that we would expect (as affixed to the automaker's only other performance car, the IS F).

Instead, the new LS460 will reportedly get an SZ suffix, and we have no idea what those letters may stand for, if anything. Included in the transformation will be a full body kit with a new black chrome grille, an uprated Brembo braking kit and a new set of BBS alloy wheels.

There's no word on what may power the super sedan, but retaining the LS460 designation leads us to believe this may just be a styling, handling and braking package. Interested? Start saving now - the new Lexus LS460 SZ will reportedly go for $94,425 (JDM) if it does indeed ever hit the market. Hat tip to Andrew!

[Source: Best Car via 4WheelsNews]

Rumormill: Lexus developing sporty LS460 SZ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Lexus LS could get a V6

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 19:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lexus, Rumormill

The Lexus LS is supposedly in line for a V6 engine. The suggested powerplant is Toyota's 3.5-liter unit tuned to produce 310 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. A comparable car would be BMW's 740i, offered in Europe with a 3.0-liter inline putting out 326 horses and 332 lb-ft. The Toyota's numbers are down slightly, but since the V8-powered LS460 already weighs less than the BMW 740i, the additional weight savings of a Lexus V6 should allow it to move along just fine.

If a V6 LS does bow with the coming, facelifted car, we might not see it in America. The trend among automakers is not to bring their frugal luxury to our shores; BMW also offers its 7 Series in Europe with a 3.0-liter diesel, for example. On the other hand, the six-cylinder LS could help dress up Lexus's CAFE numbers, and assuming California's new, more restrictive emissions standards get the green light, we think that might make a V6 LS even more likely.

[Source: Paul Tan]

Rumormill: Lexus LS could get a V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Feb 2009 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Jag XJ and Lexus LS named Chauffeur CotY

Noah Joseph — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Jaguar, Lexus, UK

Close your eyes, sit back and imagine you're being chauffeured around town. Now open your eyes, and say what luxury conveyance you pictured your ride to be. The editors of The Chauffeur magazine - who we'd all imagine are named Jeeves or Somethingsworth - have made their selections, naming the Jaguar XJ long wheelbase and Lexus LS600hL as their top picks for Chauffeur Car of the Year 2008.

The Jaguar beat out the Volvo S80, Mercedes E, Chrysler 300C and VW Phaeton, which were nominated alongside it in the £25-£50k category. Up one class in the £50-100k segment, the Lexus beat out a selection of Europe's finest in the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7-Series and Audi A8. No word yet on the final choice for the top category, but with the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Bentley Continental Flying Spur and Maybach 62 all nominated, we'd be hard pressed to pick one ourselves (hint: it wouldn't be the Maybach). Chauffeur mag was quick to point out that the dedicated chauffeur programs offered by both Jaguar and Lexus scored both the long-wheelbase luxury sedans extra points in their deliberations. Follow the jump to read the press releases from Jaguar and Lexus.

Gallery: 2008 Jaguar XJ

Gallery: Lexus LS600h L

[Sources: Jaguar and Lexus]

Continue reading Jag XJ and Lexus LS named Chauffeur CotY

Jag XJ and Lexus LS named Chauffeur CotY originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lexus brand isn't flying in Toyota's home market

Dan Roth — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Lexus, Toyota

In trying to establish a Japanese-market foothold for Lexus, Toyota has seemingly fallen prey to the same tactic that made the Cadillac Cimmaron such a maroon. When trying to launch a brand, especially an upscale brand, it's not advisable to rebadge existing models and crank up the price. It doesn't seem to matter how good the car is, or how swanky the new $10-million-a-pop showroom is, once an Altezza, always an Altezza, and paying 20 percent more for the same car with a different logo is rightfully galling.

Japanese luxury car buyers also have quite a taste for European iron, specifically German cars from the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Enthusiasts in Toyota's own backyard echo the universal car-guy complaint that Lexus vehicles lack personality. There's no denying that Lexus cars are well-made and capable, and the IS-F may finally infuse the brand with enough attitude to woo buyers of storied marques. Currently, most Lexus buyers in Japan are stepping up from Toyota ownership. Less than 5 percent of sales are conquests, and actual sales have lagged behind projections. Lexus offerings have been expanded from the initial IS, GS, and SC models to include the LS, and the RX will be coming in 2009. While it may appear less than successful so far, Toyota can afford to be patient. American buyers have fully embraced Toyota and Lexus nameplates to the point where they're both smashing successes. In another two to three years, we're betting Lexus will have a cheery song to sing in Japan.

[Source: Businessweek]

Lexus brand isn't flying in Toyota's home market originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Who needs a Lexus LS? I want a Malibu!

Chris Shunk — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Chevrolet, GM

click above image for more high-res pics of the 2008 Chevy Malibu

The media is giving the new Chevy Malibu more love than any midsize product donning the bow tie has gotten in years. As it turns out, there are a few people in the market for a new car that are just as excited. Maximum Bob Lutz was nice enough to share on his FastLane Blog a story about how much one man likes the new Malibu, and he's going through great lengths to get one in his garage. The guy in question hadn't given a GM product the time of day since 1979, but the new Malibu looked so good to him that he was willing to purchase one from a dealer friend in California. Since he lives in Michigan, he plans on flying out to pick up his new ride and then driving it nearly 3,000 miles back to his home.The part of the story that undoubtedly has Mr. Lutz the most giddy is the fact that the gentleman in question is currently driving a Lexus LS and had been driving several Mercedes prior to his that. We certainly liked the Malibu during our short time with the vehicle, but if we were to purchase one for ourselves, we'd likely wait until one was available a little closer to home.

[Source: FastLane Blog]

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

Who needs a Lexus LS? I want a Malibu! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Forbes figures out what your car says about you

Chris Tutor — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 17:54:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Supercars

If you drive a Cadillac Escalade, Forbes' Dan Lienert has your number. Lienert says you are an unapologetic risk taker who makes about $175k a year and like to entertain. On the other hand, if you prefer to drive a Lexus LS, you are intelligent, polite, well-traveled and family oriented.

The story covers eight other high-end luxury and sports cars, so all you Yugo drivers (like to hang on to possessions for purely sentimental reasons, might also own a Fuego, prefer champale to champagne and probably make much less than $160,000 a year) can rest easy knowing Forbes doesn't yet know your marketing profile.

All these generalizations are based on brand-sponsored market research and quotes from automaker representatives, so the validity of the broad suppositions they make are less than scientific. And please keep in mind we're just the messenger.

[Source: Forbes.com]

Forbes figures out what your car says about you originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Yakuza! Analyzing the Japanese mafia from a four-wheeled perspective

Chris Paukert — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Sedan, Japan, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz

Writer Peter Lyon explores the automotive likes and dislikes present in the dark underground that is the Yakuza - Japan's version of a particularly ruthless mob.

According to Lyon, Nipponese gangsters prefer to drive Mercedes-Benz S-Class limousines, especially in left-hand drive, but they will take Lexus LS' if in a pinch. The author not only observes the Yakuza's four-wheeled tendencies from afar, it actually interviewed a Yakuza boss (who shall remain nameless), he's had years to observe commuters parting like the proverbial Red Sea in order to let the mobster-mobiles continue onward.

Read more about Peter Lyons' thoughts at the link below.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Yakuza! Analyzing the Japanese mafia from a four-wheeled perspective originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Mar 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments