Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rumormill: Rear-drive Hybrid Lexus IS, V10-powered GS F on the way?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/24/rumormill-rear-drive-hybrid-lexus-is-v10-powered-gs-f-on-the-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/24/rumormill-rear-drive-hybrid-lexus-is-v10-powered-gs-f-on-the-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/24/rumormill-rear-drive-hybrid-lexus-is-v10-powered-gs-f-on-the-w/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Lexus GS 450h - Click above for high-res image gallery

It looks like Lexus is planning to go to both extremes on the green-performance continuum. When the next-generation IS appears in a couple of years, it will likely add a hybrid powertrain option. Such a move would be in keeping with Toyota's oft-stated commitment to having hybrid drive available in almost all of its platforms by the end of the decade. The IS hybrid may also spawn a new rear-drive hybrid sports car around the same time. If these IS based hybrids are consistent with the current GS450h they will definitely be biased more towards performance than efficiency, using the hybrid drive to enhance acceleration without consuming more gas.

Meanwhile, the GS - as rumored previously - could be setting its sites on the new BMW M5 and Cadillac CTS-V. Even though only 500 LF-As will be built, the 4.8-liter V10 may find its way into a much-rumored new GS-F model. The GS-F won't arrive until 2013 so it should be based on the next generation sedan. In the LF-A, the V10 has the power to compete with the German and American models but falls short of the Cadillac's torque. If the new M5 gets the uprated 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from the X5/X6 M, it would also be way ahead of the Lexus. Unless the Lexus engine gets boosted or the GS looses a lot of weight, this could be the only high-revving sports sedan of the pack left.



[Source: Autocar, Autocar]

Rumormill: Rear-drive Hybrid Lexus IS, V10-powered GS F on the way? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lexuslexus gslexus gs fLexus GS-Flexus is hybridLexusGsLexusGs-fLexusGsFLexusIsHybridWed, 24 Feb 2010 13:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19370898/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/24/rumormill-rear-drive-hybrid-lexus-is-v10-powered-gs-f-on-the-w/19370898/article-detail.xml 19370898 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/2009gs450h50-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/2009gs450h50-630.jpg <![CDATA[Rumormill: Fabled Lexus GS F to use LFA's V10]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/29/rumormill-fabled-lexus-gs-f-to-use-lfas-v10/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/29/rumormill-fabled-lexus-gs-f-to-use-lfas-v10/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/29/rumormill-fabled-lexus-gs-f-to-use-lfas-v10/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Lexus LFA - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been hearing rumblings about a Lexus GS F for over two years, with the most recent report indicating that the maxed-out super sedan was put on hold until the economic climate reached a balmy 75-degrees. However, the rumormongers at Japan's BestCar seem to think that the GS F is back on track, and not only that, it'll be powered by a detuned version of the LFA's V10.

Although that sounds simply insane at first blush, the possibility of a 500+ hp V10 powerplant coincides with an initial report released way back in September of 2007. Not only that, but the GS F's closest competition -- the BMW M5 -- uses a bent-ten as well. However, even if Toyota is trying to spread out the costs of the LFA's development, with BMW's bahn burner about to get the twin-turbocharged V8 from the BMW X6/X5 M and Mercedes-Benz' decision to drop its 6.2-liter engines in favor of force-fed eights, it could be bad timing... or a cunning marketing move, depending on your motivational perspectives.

Speculation aside, if Toyota does pull the trigger and fit a reworked version of the 552-hp, 4.8-liter 1LR-GUE V10 into its staid sedan, expect the performance to strip the paint clean off it's swollen fascia while leaving you over $100,000 lighter in the process.


Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA


[Source: BestCar via Carscoop]

Rumormill: Fabled Lexus GS F to use LFA's V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gs fgsflexuslexus gs flexus gs-flexus lfaLexusGs-fLexusGsFLexusLfalfaTue, 29 Dec 2009 18:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19297472/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/29/rumormill-fabled-lexus-gs-f-to-use-lfas-v10/19297472/article-detail.xml 19297472 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lexuslfafd_60-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lexuslfafd_60-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus delays LF-A, GS-F and more]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/lexus-delays-lf-a-gs-f-and-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/lexus-delays-lf-a-gs-f-and-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/lexus-delays-lf-a-gs-f-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Lexus LF-A concept.

Lexus sales have been down every month so far this year, which may be due in part to its SUV and crossover-heavy lineup. It also seems that Toyota's luxury division doesn't quite have redesigns of its sedans ready yet. According to Automotive News, the automaker's smallest car, the IS, won't be redesigned for another few years. While the SC coupe/convertible is set to go the way of the Dodo, expect to see a coupe and convertible iteration of the IS sometime soon. Some sales help is also likely forthcoming from the Lexi-fied version of Toyota's next-gen Prius.

In a blow to high-performance sedan lovers, however, the rumored GS-F performance edition of the marque's rear-wheel drive mid-size sedan has been put on hold with fears that the sinking economy will shrink the market for gas-guzzlers too much to make it worthwhile. In more bad news, the $200K-plus LF-A supercar is also being delayed, reportedly in part for failing to meet its desired performance targets. Could that have anything to do with the recent Nissan GT-R and Corvette ZR-1 'Ring lap times? You bet'cha.

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Concept


[Source: Automotive News]

Lexus delays LF-A, GS-F and more originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lexuslexus flexus gslexus gs-flexus hybridlexus is-flexus lf-alexus priusLexusFLexusGsLexusGs-fLexusHybridLexusIs-fLexusLf-aLexusPriusMon, 11 Aug 2008 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1281175/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/08/11/lexus-delays-lf-a-gs-f-and-more/1281175/article-detail.xml 1281175 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/01_lf-a_450op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/01_lf-a_450op.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus execs spills the beans: GS F model, 1-series fighter, hybrid galore]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/07/lexus-execs-spills-the-beans-gs-f-model-1-series-fighter-hybr/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/07/lexus-execs-spills-the-beans-gs-f-model-1-series-fighter-hybr/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/07/lexus-execs-spills-the-beans-gs-f-model-1-series-fighter-hybr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lexus LF-A Roadster concept.

Lexus Australia's chief executive, John Roca, gave up a number of product details to The Australian in an interview this past weekend, including the addition of an "F" variant of the GS sedan and possibly a full-size LS limo. Both models are aimed to attack luxury stalwarts Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz by offering a number of high-performance variants and also developing a new model that would slot in below the IS sedan to take on the BMW 1-series and the Audi A3. That model is still a few years away, but it will be an integral part of Lexus' commitment to reach one million global sales in the next two to three years.

The other element includes offering hybrid versions of every vehicle it sells, plus the introduction of a hybrid-only model that will be unveiled in concept form this January at the Detroit Auto Show. Toyota's luxury arm plans to release a redesigned five-seater RX next year, based off the LF-Xh concept that bowed in Tokyo, although there's no word on the rumored seven-seat variant due out before the end of the decade.

Naturally, no conversation about Lexus would be complete without some mention of a two-door, coupe/convertible version of the IS, a model that's been sorely lacking from the Lexus lineup, plus, the LF-A supercar, which should finally come to market in 2011, but may only be available in left-hand drive.

Gallery: Lexus LF-Xh concept


Gallery: Lexus LF-A Roadster


Gallery: Lexus LF-A Concept


[Source: The Australian via Motor Authority]

Lexus execs spills the beans: GS F model, 1-series fighter, hybrid galore originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 lexus rx2009LexusRx2010 lexus rx2010LexusRxgsgs fgs-fGsFlexuslexus gs flexus gs-flexus is convertiblelexus is coupelexus lf-alexus lf-xhlexus rxLexusGs-fLexusGsFLexusIsConvertibleLexusIsCoupeLexusLf-aLexusLf-xhLexusRxlf-alf-xhrxMon, 07 Apr 2008 09:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1160166/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/04/07/lexus-execs-spills-the-beans-gs-f-model-1-series-fighter-hybr/1160166/article-detail.xml 1160166 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/09_lf_a_roadster_450-op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/09_lf_a_roadster_450-op.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Lexus GS-F to use 500-HP V10]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/01/2012-lexus-gs-f-to-use-500-hp-v10/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/01/2012-lexus-gs-f-to-use-500-hp-v10/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/01/2012-lexus-gs-f-to-use-500-hp-v10/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Well, the Lexus IS-F is really being seen as an M3 fighter in many camps, so something one size up makes sense as well. Its rumored M5-battling GS-F will need some serious hardware underhood to take on its just-right-sized Bavarian rival. Something like a 500 HP V10 would seem a good start. And that's what it will get apparently.

Of course this is still early guesswork, and by the time the car debuts as a 2012 model the benchmark may have made a move of its own, so we'll just trust Motor Trend's predictions for now. They forecast the GS-F will get the LF-A's "500-plus-horsepower, Formula 1-inspired sub-five-liter V-10." That racy mill will find its way into the all-new 2011 GS sedan, backed by a modified eight-speed automatic from the LS 460, which allows "ultrafast" manual shifting via paddles. It should be an interesting challenger to not only the M5, but to the Audi RS6, Mercedes E63 and Cadillac CTS-V as well. We'll keep you posted.

Thanks for the tip, Patrick!

[Source: Motor Trend]

2012 Lexus GS-F to use 500-HP V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Sep 2007 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMW M5BmwM5Lexus GS-FLexusGs-fSat, 01 Sep 2007 12:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/978761/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/09/01/2012-lexus-gs-f-to-use-500-hp-v10/978761/article-detail.xml 978761 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/08/lexus_gs_f_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/08/lexus_gs_f.jpg -1 2