Autoblog

Man creates DIY Lexus LS 400 convertible with Sawzall

Zach Bowman — Wed, 23 May 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Etc., Europe, Videos, Lexus, Design/Style, Luxury

We love four-door convertibles, reciprocating saws and watching other people make bad decisions, so the video seen here is a bit like our perfect YouTube cocktail. In it, the owner of a slammed Lexus LS decides he's had enough of living under the oppressive shadow of his sedan's roof. While at StanceWars Belgium 2012, he decides to fire up a generator, plug in his trusty sawzall and go to town. Not surprisingly, the sheetmetal on the roof gives up quickly, and the whole extraction takes less than eight minutes from start to finish.

Hilariously enough, it starts raining just as the owner makes the final cut. How's that for a sign from the universe? Scroll down to check out the carnage... just be prepared for the painful sound of shredded metal.

Continue reading Man creates DIY Lexus LS 400 convertible with Sawzall

Man creates DIY Lexus LS 400 convertible with Sawzall originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Are you the next Lexus LS?

Zach Bowman — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:44:00 EST

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

We hope you like the look of the new Lexus GS. The Japanese luxury automaker has made it clear it aims to spread the new "spindle" grille found on the sedan across the brand. During an interview with Takayuki Katsuda, chief engineer for the RX line, four teaser images were splashed across the screen, including what looks to be the next-generation LS. If that's true, the model will wear a heavily accented version of the Predator maw, complete with a chrome or brushed metal accent frame. Likewise, the headlamps will boast metal (or metal-effect) trim work of their own, complete with a dual-projector array.

Other reports have indicated the teaser may hint to what buyers can expect to see from the LS 600h F Sport when the model arrives.

In addition to the LS teaser, the video also flashes a brief glimpse at vehicles like the GS 450h, CT 200h F Sport and the upcoming ES. Hit the jump to take a look for yourself.

Continue reading Are you the next Lexus LS?

Are you the next Lexus LS? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus releases new ES, CT and LS special edition models

Zach Bowman — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:45:00 EST

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

Lexus has introduced a slew of 2012 special edition models, including unique variants of the LS 460, ES 350 and CT 200h. The rear-wheel-drive Lexus LS 460 Sport Special Edition offers buyers standard equipment that includes Brembo brakes, a sport-tuned air suspension and sport front seats in addition to 19-inch split-10-spoke wheels and a two-tone leather interior, among other amenities. Expect to hand over $77,000, excluding destination.

Meanwhile, the ES 350 Touring Edition comes laden with 17-inch 10-spoke wheels, a steering wheel and shift knob trimmed in leather and wood, navigation and saddle-tan leather heated and cooled seats. Additional equipment is also part of the package, and all that kit will bump the ES 350 Touring Edition MSRP to $40,475, excluding destination.

Finally, the CT 200h is getting the sport treatment as well with the F Sport Special Edition (seen above). The model is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels of its own, along with an F Sport suspension that includes specific springs and sway bars. An F Sport appearance package is also along for the ride, and includes a mesh grille, larger rear spoiler, aluminum sport pedals and a perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel. Asking price? A cool $37,995. Lexus will politely ask for $875 for delivery on each model. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Lexus releases new ES, CT and LS special edition models

Lexus releases new ES, CT and LS special edition models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus LS TMG Edition running the 'Ring

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Lexus

With each passing day, our lives become more intertwined with the latest sporting machine from Lexus. Previously contained only through still photography, the Lexus LS TMG Edition has now been captured by a video camera: The 641-horsepower sport sedan was seen in its native habitat, which is stalking the twists and turns of Germany's Nürburgring.

We are still waiting to learn more about this oddly enticing product born from the Cologne garage of Toyota Motorsport GmbH. So far, all we've got to go on is the leaked spec sheet. That slip of conveniently laid-out paper has us eager to get quite a bit closer to the LS TMG.

Click past the jump to watch it run through a few turns at the 'Ring.

Continue reading Lexus LS TMG Edition running the 'Ring

Lexus LS TMG Edition running the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Lexus LS has a name (and specs): TMG Edition

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Lexus

Lexus fans are abuzz over the sight of a potential new LS-based super sedan, and details about the mystery machine are leaking out across the intertubes. The folks at AutoGuide have somehow managed to get shots of the Nürburgring-running prototype parked in a garage along witha a conveniently displayed spec sheet which gives us a lot more information about the sporty four door shown testing on the 'Ring.

According to their information it's called the Lexus LS TMG Edition, and the TMG stands for Toyota Motorsport GmbH. That would be the European motorsports branch for the Japanese automaker, which helps to explain the Cologne plates spotted on the car. According to the spied spec sheet, the LS TMG boasts a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 641 horsepower and 524 pound-feet of torque. That should be enough to push the large luxo rocket from 0-62 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed that's a hair under 200 miles per hour.

While we have no idea whether this is a production prototype, a one-off exercise or something else entirely, the very existence of a 641-horsepower, 200 mile-per-hour Lexus LS suggests that the crew behind the LFA are holding increasing sway over the Toyota luxury asylum. Needless to say, we're okay with that.

Super Lexus LS has a name (and specs): TMG Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mystery super Lexus LS spotting lapping Nürburgring

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Lexus

We spy, with the lens of our spy guy, a rather unique Lexus LS that's taken to the track. Spotted lapping Germany's Nürburgring, this particular LS is wearing puffed-out fenders, a strongly styled decklid spoiler, what appears to be a faux nose hiding new bodywork, deep side skirts and a pair of vents on the hood. Something sporty is afoot, and we're itching to know more.

Toyota is clearly testing a super sporty version of its flagship luxury sedan. What's not clear, however, is what exactly is going on underneath the bodywork. We do know that this is work of the automaker, and not an aftermarket tuner testing some new performance parts out. The license tags on the car are from Cologne, and the car was spotted at the automaker's garage nearby.

Could we be staring at a Lexus LS F in disguise? The automaker has hinted in the past at such a car coming to market over the years, and this luxury sedan is certainly wearing some athletic upgrades. Funny, we thought for sure that a variant of the new GS was going to be next in line to get the F Sport treatment. Could this just be a one-off piece for the Tokyo Motor Show or Tokyo Auto Salon, or is it indicative of something more?

Final amusing note: The wheelman at the helm of this mystery "LS F' must be new to the 'Ring - that giant "L" on the rear window indicates he's a Learner.

Mystery super Lexus LS spotting lapping Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet for Monaco Royal Wedding blows our minds [w/videos]

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Staffers here at Autoblog have been fortunate enough to drive cars like the Porsche Panamera and Bentley Continental at our weddings, but it takes a very high-ranking person to get an automaker to build a special vehicle just for the knot-tying ceremonies. His Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco is getting married in just over a week, and when he does, Lexus will have this very special LS 600h L Landaulet waiting to handle chauffeur duty.

Yes, it's being called a Landaulet - you know, like the Maybach - but instead of the rear seat passengers being completely alfresco, there's a transparent bubble roof, in this case, one without any reinforcements or pillars. Lexus says that the roof was built by one of the world's leading transparent component-production companies in France. The entire Landaulet conversion was handled by Belgian coachbuilder Carat Duchatelet in close collaboration with Lexus, and it took just over 2,000 hours to complete. Even the Midnight Blue livery paint is a special touch - it was applied manually using several coats of bespoke, water-based paint.

After checking out the high-res gallery below, hit the jump to see four short videos detailing the LS 600h L Landaulet's production and read over the official press release.

Continue reading Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet for Monaco Royal Wedding blows our minds [w/videos]

Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet for Monaco Royal Wedding blows our minds [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus releases 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 10:02:00 EST

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

2011 Lexus LS 460 Touring - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lexus has aimed its 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition at a less frumpy crowd, giving the ride new 19-inch wheels and a sportier body kit. The Touring Edition goes on sale later this month with a sticker price of $73,000 before destination charges.

To keep things looking fresh, Lexus is adding a special mica paint job to the limited-production sedan. The Touring Edition package also features sport seats, matte-finish wood paneling and black leather upholstery with saddle leather accents.

Lexus says this thing will be built in limited numbers, but doesn't say how limited. Want one? Get in line now. Catch the full press release after the jump.

Continue reading Lexus releases 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition

Lexus releases 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Jun 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: LS 460 owner recreates seminal Lexus commercial with different results

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:55:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Lexus

Lexus LS 460 owner attempts to recreate classic commercial - Click above to watch video after the jump

Remember that early Lexus commercial from 1989? You know the one, where an LS 400 is sitting on a dynamometer and makes a run up to 145 miles per hour, then the camera pans to the hood, where a large pyramid of crystal champagne glasses calmly sits? An Arizona Lexus owner decided to recreate that clip using his much newer LS 460.

So, does the more advanced and powerful LS fare as well the second time around? Certainly, the owner has a rather different approach, so click past the jump and see for yourself (we've also posted the classic '89 ad for those that need a refresher).

[Source: YouTube via Lexus Enthusiast]

Continue reading Video: LS 460 owner recreates seminal Lexus commercial with different results

Video: LS 460 owner recreates seminal Lexus commercial with different results originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why cars can cost 3x as much in Australia despite currency parity with the U.S.

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Australia

Right now, the U.S. dollar and the Australian ~~Didjaerawollabuck~~ dollar are about as evenly rated as possible. If that's the case, why are Australians paying double or even triple what we pay to purchase an automobile?

Neil Dowling of Cars Guide looked into this huge discrepancy and found several reasons for the disparity. The United States typically purchases 30 million vehicles per year, while Australia buys around one million. Like any product, there's a discount for buying in bulk. Additionally, Australia mandates its own set of emissions and the cost of adhering to those rules is passed on to the consumer. Beyond emissions and volume, Australians are also paying for the cost to bring vehicles down to their distant southern location. All these factors increase the price of a vehicle in Australia, but one of the biggest reasons for the increased cost is taxes.

A Porsche Carrera S would run a U.S. buyer around $88,000, before the inevitable dive into the bottom-less pit that is the Porsche options list. In Australia, that same car costs a staggering $282,800. The Australian-market Porsche is saddled with a luxury-car tax, import tax and a goods and services tax. Those taxes can also turn a $66,230 U.S.-priced Lexus LS into a $191,200 Australian-priced wallet buster.

On the flip side, Australians are getting vehicles that are highly specced. Mercedes-Benz Australia states that the local S-Class is one of the finest you can buy anywhere in the world. The level of standard equipment on Australian vehicles is greater than what we experience on NA-specced vehicles. In addition, the average wage in Australia is nearly $10,000 higher per person, per year. That may not make it easier to swallow paying nearly $300,000 for a Porsche Carrera S but it shows the Aussies are, on average, earning a better wage than us Yanks.

[Source: CarsGuides.com.au]

Why cars can cost 3x as much in Australia despite currency parity with the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Behind the scenes with Lexus' 'The Hard Way' spot

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Lexus, Luxury

Behind the Scenes of Lexus' "The Hard Way - Chain" commercial - Click above to watch video after the jump

Lexus has released a new line of commercials that revolve around the theme "the hard way." In one such commercial titled Chain, Lexus attaches cables to an LS sedan and raises it off the ground. The idea is to show you how strong the chassis is because it can support its own weight when lifted into the air. Since the theme is "the hard way," the weight of just one single LS clearly isn't enough and Lexus attaches four vehicles to LS and raises them all in the air.

The commercial does an excellent job of conveying Lexus' solid built quality through a visual exercise. Is it real though? You bet'cha it is... and to show how they did it, Lexus has released a behind-the-scenes video and it's hanging around after the jump. We also threw in a few more examples of Lexus' "The Hard Way" campaign just for the fun of it. Enjoy!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Behind the scenes with Lexus' 'The Hard Way' spot

Video: Behind the scenes with Lexus' 'The Hard Way' spot originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota leads the way in 2010 Motorist Choice Awards

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Lexus, Toyota

2011 Toyota Sienna - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you thought consumer sentiment for Toyota and Lexus might be wavering, think again. Toyota is top of the class based on results from the 2010 Motorist Choice Awards, a consumer-driven study developed by Intellichoice and AutoPacific. Offerings from Toyota and Lexus were named winners in nine out of the 30 available award categories.

The Motorist Choice Awards has now entered its fifth year and the categories are more refined and easier to understand than in years past. Instead of having consumers select makes and models simply based on size and price, award categories were transformed into lifestyle concepts such as High Tech, Fun to Drive and Value Car. Each category was further broken down into Popular Brand and Premium Brand.

Toyota received awards for Eco Friendly (Toyota Prius and Lexus RX Hybrid), High Tech (Lexus RX Hybrid), Youthful (Lexus IS), Kid Friendly (Toyota Sequoia), Road Trip (Toyota Sienna), City Car (Toyota Yaris and Lexus LS) and Value Car (Lexus RX Hybrid).

The winners were selected by pooling data from over 42,000 consumer surveys. "From an emotional standpoint these awards are a reflection of how cars fit into people's daily lives, the tasks they fulfill on a day-to-day basis and the image people have of their vehicles," says Charlie Vogelheim, Executive Editor of IntelliChoice. The full list of winners is available in the press release, waiting for you after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Toyota Sienna

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: Intellichoice]

Continue reading Toyota leads the way in 2010 Motorist Choice Awards

Toyota leads the way in 2010 Motorist Choice Awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Toyota admits 270,000 cars have faulty engines worldwide

Zach Bowman — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Recalls, Safety, Lexus, Luxury

2010 Lexus LS460 Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

In 20 years, odds are few people will remember that 2010 was one of the worst years for Toyota in terms of recalls, but for now, it seems like the company just can't win for losing. The company has announced that it is currently preparing to recall a total of 270,000 Toyota Crown and Lexus LS, GS and IS models worldwide. As it turns out, some of the company's 4.6-liter V8 and 3.5-liter V6 engines were built using faulty valve springs that may cause the car to stall while driving. Around 180,000 of the faulty powerplants were sold outside of Japan.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the company says that some Toyota Crown, Lexus LS460, Lexus LS600h, Lexus LS600hL, Lexus GS350, Lexus GS450h, Lexus GS460 and Lexus IS350 models will be affected by the recall, and that it will initiate a procedure to fix the problem as soon as it can figure out a way to do so with the least amount of inconvenience to its customers.

The news comes as Toyota continues to try to put this year's bevy of recall issues behind it, including paying a $16.4 million fine to the U.S. government for delaying certain recalls. Thanks for the tip, everyone!

Gallery: Review: 2010 Lexus LS460 Sport

Photos by Frank Filipponio / Copyright (C)2009, Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

BREAKING: Toyota admits 270,000 cars have faulty engines worldwide originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus issues stop-sale, recall on LS 460 and LS 600h

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 24 May 2010 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Lexus, Luxury

True to predictions, The Detroit News is reporting that Lexus has issued a stop sale on its LS 460 and LS 600h (standard and long-wheelbase) luxury sedans due to a problem with the electronic steering system that can temporarily cause the steering wheel to become off-centered. Apparently, the wheel will return to its correct position after about five seconds of misalignment. Toyota issued a recall on Friday, May 21st to address the defect. Click here to see the recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Although Toyota has reportedly fixed the problem on new models rolling down the assembly lines in Japan, those recalibrated machines are not expected to hit dealership lots in America until the middle of June. In the meantime, the 3,800 or so owners of affected 2009 and 2010 LS sedans are being urged to avoid turning the steering wheel rapidly after holding it in full lock in the opposite direction.

We would imagine that there are certain scenarios where following such advice may prove difficult to follow, but Toyota is so far reporting that no injuries or accidents have been caused by the issue.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Lexus issues stop-sale, recall on LS 460 and LS 600h originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Lexus preparing to recall 11,500 LS models globally over slow-to-return steering

Chris Shunk — Wed, 19 May 2010 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Lexus

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

Bloomberg is reporting that Toyota will again be bit by the recall bug, this time due to steering problems with its Lexus LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600h and LS 600h L. The recall, reportedly announced by Toyota spokesperson Mieko Iwasaki, will cover 11,500 models globally, including 3,800 units in the States. The company says that some customers in Japan have complained that the front wheels don't turn to their original position quickly enough after executing a turn, and the issue is reportedly both mechanical and software related

The reported recall comes just one month after the Lexus GX460, was recalled for a stability control issue that was discovered by Consumer Reports. Toyota recalled 9,400 GX460 SUVs in the U.S. and 13,000 units globally. The Lexus LS recall is not currently listed on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, and there is no word yet regarding which model year(s) will be covered under the recall.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport

[Source: Bloomberg]

Report: Lexus preparing to recall 11,500 LS models globally over slow-to-return steering originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 May 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Lexus LS460 Sport could'a been a contenda

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Lexus, New Car Reviews, Luxury

2010 Lexus LS460 Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

With Lexus having carefully cultivated a reputation for isolating drivers from all of the undignified sensations normally associated with driving, it might seem surprising to find a Sport model in the LS lineup. Sure, Lexus offers the M3-chasing IS F, as well as the outrageous LFA supercar, but an LS460 Sport? Come on... even sport-synonymous BMW doesn't offer an M version of its full-size 7 Series luxobarge.

BMW does offer, however, an Alpina B7, as well as a BMW M5. There's also the Cadillac CTS-V, Audi S6 and S8, and a whole undercard of Mercedes-Benz AMG cars out there that prove there is a market for sports-tuned large sedans like this 2010 Lexus LS460 Sport. You certainly can't begrudge Lexus for trying to steal a slice of that more stiffly-sprung, high-test pie - but is it just promoters' hype or can this LS Sport really float like a butterfly and sting like a bee?

We had a brief encounter with the 2010 Lexus LS460 Sport a couple of months ago down in San Diego and came away impressed. While we didn't immediately drop the Germans or lone American from our top contenders list, we were at least willing to add the LS to our "worth-watching" column. And so we decided to take a closer look. Could Lexus successfully move its F-Sport tuning up a weight class, and would the LS460 Sport actually contend with other heavyweights in the segment? We gave it seven days to prove its mettle.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Lexus LS460 Sport

Continue reading Review: 2010 Lexus LS460 Sport could'a been a contenda

Review: 2010 Lexus LS460 Sport could'a been a contenda originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:58:00 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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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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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.

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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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