Autoblog

Video: Lexus responds with its own champagne glass re-creation

Dan Roth — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 10:01:00 EST

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

Lexus champagne glass re-creation - click above to watch video after the jump

In response to the Lexus owner who unsuccessfully attempted to re-create the now-classic 1990 tv commercial that launched the brand, Lexus proves it's still possible. Cleverly showing that it's paying attention, Lexus took the time to pull a 2011 LS460 and 1990 LS400 into the garage, level them (that's the key!) and run the respective V8s up north of 4,000 rpm. In all cases, the stack of champagne glasses remained unperturbed on either hood. Good show of customer-engagement moxie. Check it out after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Jub!

[Source Lexus/Youtube]

Continue reading Video: Lexus responds with its own champagne glass re-creation

Video: Lexus responds with its own champagne glass re-creation originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Mar 2011 10:01:00 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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Consumer Reports adds six cars to Top Picks list, touts diversity

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Hyundai, Infiniti, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, Luxury, Off-Road

2010 Consumer Reports Top Pick Cars - Click above for high-res image gallery

Each year, the automotive editors of Consumer Reports select their Top Pick Cars, representing vehicles that are the best in their individual segments. These cars are deemed to have "average or better" predicted reliability and have scored high marks in government safety testing. In past years, automakers like Honda and Toyota have dominated this list, but since more and more manufacturers are ramping up their quality within each competitive segment, the 2010 list proves to be the most diverse CR Top Picks group in over a decade.

So, which cars garner the most praise from CR? The Nissan Altima has officially dethroned the Honda Accord from the top family sedan spot, the Volkswagen GTI takes honors as the best sporty car, the trusty Subaru Forester takes the cake in the small SUV category, the quirky Mazda5 wins for best family hauler, and both the Chevrolet Traverse and Silverado stand tall as the best family SUV and pickup truck. These six newcomers join the Hyundai Elantra SE, Infiniti G37, Toyota Prius and Lexus LS460L to round out the entire list of Top Pick Cars.

Unlike most automotive media outlets (Autoblog included), Consumer Reports actually buys its own test cars before putting them through rigirous evaluations of handling, braking, comfort, safety and more, and each test car is roughly 6,000 miles older by the time all of the tests have been completed. Follow the jump to read the official press release from CR, and scroll through our attached gallery to see high-res shots of all the 2010 Top Pick Cars.

Gallery: 2010 Consumer Reports Top Picks

[Source: Consumer Reports - sub. req.]

Continue reading Consumer Reports adds six cars to Top Picks list, touts diversity

Consumer Reports adds six cars to Top Picks list, touts diversity originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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.

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LA Preview: Lexus confirms debut of 2010 RX450h and RX350

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Sedan, Crossover, Lexus

Our friendly neighborhood Toyota/Lexus spokesman, Curt McAllister, dropped us a note with an official announcement of what's coming to the Lexus booth at next week's LA Auto Show, and as expected, the big reveal will be the reworked RX luxury crossover. Like the current crossovers, the RX will come in two prescription strengths: the conventional RX350 with a 3.5L V6 and the hybrid flavored RX450h. The bump in nomenclature from the current RX400h likely implies some enhancements to the powertrain including a bump from the current 3.3L V6 to the 3.5L engine used in the 350. It's assumed the RX400h will also boast enhancements to the hybrid drive system with tech pulled from the 2010 Toyota Prius. The photo above, taken of the Japanese brochure, appeared online showing an evolution of the current design rather than a revolutionary redesign. In addition to the RX, LA will host the North American debut of the all-wheel-drive equipped LS460 and the IS 250C Convertible.

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading LA Preview: Lexus confirms debut of 2010 RX450h and RX350

LA Preview: Lexus confirms debut of 2010 RX450h and RX350 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moscow Preview: Lexus to show LS460 AWD

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lexus, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lexus LS460 AWD.

The Moscow International Auto Show is shaping up to be a serious event. Audi is showing off the RS6 sedan, Mazda is bringing a new crossover concept, Mitsubishi will debut the redesigned Pajero Sport and plan on plenty of Lada love to spread around. Lexus is joining the ranks of other top-tier automakers showing their wares in Moscow with the unveiling of an all-wheel-drive version of its LS460 flagship.

The AWD system fitted to the LS460 is the same found on the LS600h, and includes a Torsen LSD integrated into the rear drive shaft that receives power from the 381 hp, 4.6-liter V8 via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. In normal driving conditions, torque is split 40/60 front-to-rear, with as much as 70 percent of the power being shoveled to the rear wheels depending on conditions.

Russia's affection for stately sedans is one of the reasons that BMW decided to launch the redesigned 7-series in the planet's largest country, and Lexus is obviously trying to tap into one of the world's fastest growing automotive markets with the introduction of the LS460 AWD.

Gallery: Lexus LS460 AWD

Moscow Preview: Lexus to show LS460 AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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Cost of owning a car crests $1/mile on some models

Chris Shunk — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Etc., Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Lexus, Toyota

We've all seen the ads in the newspaper or in commercials that say you can get a new car with zero money down and only $299 per month. Quick math tells you that even after taxes and destination, you're only paying about $4,400 the first year to own a brand new car. A recent study by consulting firm Runzheimer International shows that a new car will cost you considerably more in overall operating costs. At 15,000 miles per year, the cost of insurance, gasoline, fees, depreciation, and maintenance can drive the overall cost near $20,000 per year.

The 2008 Cadillac STS was tops in this year's test, costing buyers $19,537. The Lexus LS460 was close behind at $19,372. Big vehicles cost quite a bit also, with Ford's E-350 XL SuperDuty tallying a $16,543 bill followed by the Chevy Tahoe LS 4x4 at $15,789. There were some relatively low cost vehicles as well, with the first year costs of a Toyota Corolla CE coming in lowest in the test at $7,933 and a Ford Ranger XL pickup that hits $9,929. If these numbers seem high, it's because the highest liability in a new car balance sheet is depreciation, and new cars can lose thousands the day they're driven off the lot. Every mile on the odometer brings the resale value lower, and if your new car carried lots of incentives or it's a rental car favorite, its residual plummets even further.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Cost of owning a car crests $1/mile on some models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Dec 2007 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vote for CNET's Tech Car of the Year

Chris Tutor — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Technology

In case you somehow hadn't noticed(?!), it's not only deer and turkey season, it's also automotive award season. And here's yet another trophy for those keeping track of all of them. CNET.com wants you to help decide their 2006 Tech Car of the Year Award winner. They've done the hard work and weeded out the really big turkeys to give you a list of some real dears.

In early voting, the Lexus LS460 L, with its 19-speaker sound system, live traffic GPS and self-parking system is leading the other nine contenders. So what's it gonna be for you? Acura's RDX with voice commands? Audi's adaptive-suspension-equipped Q7? BMW's 335i with its adaptive cruise control and iDrive? Or are you more a Cadillac guy, voting for the Escalade with OnStar?

See the other five contestants after the jump.

[Source: CNET]

Continue reading Vote for CNET's Tech Car of the Year

Vote for CNET's Tech Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Dec 2006 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Another parking nanny, this one by Bosch

Erin Mays — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 07:06:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets

As a woman, I find the various gadgets making it easier to operate your everyday automobile fascinating. A sensor to check your blind spot for you? Brilliant. Adaptive suspension? Perfect for more sophisticated drivers. But even more fascinating, however, is the subsequent impact upon the "guy things" about operating the automobile.

Manual transmission is a prime example of this. Even with new dual-clutch gearboxes, which have proven themselves to be more effective than manual transmissions, guys are still teaching their sons to drive stick. Why? Not because they envision valet service careers for thier sons, but rather because the guy who can't operate a vehicle with manual transmission will get called out by his peers later in life.

When high-performance automakers like Porsche signed on with dual-clutch gearboxes and the media gave more advanced versions of the technology a thumbs-up, guys seem to be slowly getting over needing to punch the clutch pedal and have something to shift. I have yet to see a guy (or most women, for that matter) who didn't smirk in satisfaction after a particularly impressive parallel parking job.

Bosch has come up with a system that will help us out, but still give us enough responsibility that we'll be smirking afterwards. Introduced on the Citroen C4 Picasso, Bosch's system makes the vehicle "the world's first car to feature integrated parking space measurement," according to the supplier. Drive by at up to 12.5 mph, press a button to initiate the system, and six sensors measure the parallel parking space, alerting the driver to whether the space is too small, "a tight squeeze," or will work just perfectly.

While it doesn't park the car itself like the Lexus LS 460 or the Toyota Prius, Bosch hopes to have that capability online by 2008.

[Source: Engadget]

Another parking nanny, this one by Bosch originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Dec 2006 07:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From rags to riches: Hyundai Elantra and Lexus LS460 priced

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Hyundai, Lexus

Unless Hyundai execs somehow lose their marbles and make a play for a segment beyond their reach, this may be the only time that Lexus and Hyundai will share space in the same post. Being that both manufactures released pricing details on their newest offerings yesterday, we thought it best to keep you informed and kill two birds with one post, errr... stone.

Starting at the, ahem, lower end of the spectrum, Hyundai announced that their redesigned 2007 Elantra will come in at $670 below its predecessor beginning this month. The new mid-segment sedan will start at $13,995, including shipping, and will come standard with the mundane; tach, variable wipers, armrest with cup holders, and the sublime; power heated mirrors, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and side curtain airbags. Those last three features may have only been found on the high dollar vehicles of yesteryear, which brings us to the antithesis of the Elantra, the LS460.

Lexus' flagship sedan is packed with more features than Blockbuster and priced accordingly. Available in both standard and long wheelbase trim, the LS460 will begin at $61,000 (MSRP), with their first ever 'L' model available for an extra ten large. A newly developed 4.6-liter V8, producing 380 HP, will send power through an eight-speed automatic, another first for the manufacturer. A host of acronyms will thwart you from going farming with your new luxo-cruiser, including VSC for stability,
VDM for more stability, electric power steering (EPS) and ABS with ECB for braking control. Along with the active safety gizmos, the LS will also be equipped with a pre-collision system that makes use of the active cruise control and, if all else fails, the 460 comes standard with eight air bags, including matching knee airbags for both driver and passenger.

While not thinking about the possibility of carnage, Lexus sought to shove as many electronic toys into the LS as they could fit, while still keeping fuel efficiency in the 'acceptable' realm. Some standouts include a sat-nav with a 2,000 song capacity hard-drive, a 19-speaker, Mark Levinson surround sound setup, a ceiling mounted, nine-inch VGA screen, four-zone climate control, foldout tables and, if you're the right-rear passenger, a reclining seat, complete with massage and ottoman.

Further exploration of the automotive opulence continues in the press release, after the jump.

[Sources: Auto News (sub. req.) and ToMoCo]

Continue reading From rags to riches: Hyundai Elantra and Lexus LS460 priced

From rags to riches: Hyundai Elantra and Lexus LS460 priced originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Oct 2006 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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