Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Prior driver of loaner Lexus in fatal crash told dealer of floormat issue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-prior-driver-of-loaner-lexus-in-fatal-crash-told-dealer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-prior-driver-of-loaner-lexus-in-fatal-crash-told-dealer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-prior-driver-of-loaner-lexus-in-fatal-crash-told-dealer/#commentsFiled under: ,



A few weeks ago, we learned that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ruled that the crash of a loaner Lexus ES350 that killed San Diego police officer Mark Saylor, his wife, 13-year-old daughter and brother in law was not just the result of an improper RX400h floor mat sticking the accelerator wide open it was due to a range of factors. In addition to the car having the wrong mats, the brake "rotors were discolored and heated, had very rough surfaces, had substantial deposits of brake pad material, and showed signs of bright orange oxidation on the cooling fins consistent with endured braking."

According to the San Diego Union Tribune, it turns out that three days before the crash, Frank Bernard had been given the loaner Lexus and experienced the floor mat sticking the throttle wide open. "[W]hile merging onto Interstate 15 from the Poway Road on-ramp, [Bernard] took his foot off the gas and the car kept accelerating, to 85 mph." Here's where it gets even more tragic:

"Bernard pressed long and hard on the brakes and was able to pull over and slow down. He put the car into neutral, but the engine continued to race at full speed. After several failed attempts at turning off the engine, he realized the floor mat had jammed the gas pedal. He slid his foot under the accelerator, dislodged it and had no further problems, the report says."

As stated above, without brake-assist (which would disappear after a few moments due to loss of engine vacuum at wide-open throttle) Bernard was able to stop the car, but the brakes would have been fairly stressed. Bernard returned the car to the dealership, but only told a receptionist about the floor mat incident. For her part, the receptionist at first stated she didn't remember Bernard or his story, but later changed her tune, stating that she told a vehicle specialist about the issue. The vehicle specialist denies ever hearing about it. And the vice president of Bob Baker Lexus El Cajon has no comment.

The question then becomes if the proper personnel had been alerted to Mr. Bernard's incident, would the ES350 have received new brakes and the correct mats before it was lent to the Saylors? It should also be noted that the ES350 was loaned to two other customers between Bernard and the Saylors without incident. Toyota has since recalled 3.8 million vehicles to reshape and replace accelerator pedals.

[Source: San Diego Union Tribune]

REPORT: Prior driver of loaner Lexus in fatal crash told dealer of floormat issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Floor Mat RecallFloor matsFloorMatRecallFloorMatsLexusLexus ES350Lexus RecallLexusEs350LexusRecallNHTSAToyotaToyota Floor MatToyota Floor Mat RecallToyota RecallToyotaFloorMatToyotaFloorMatRecallToyotaRecallMon, 07 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Oldplay: Inside Line pits Buick LaCrosse against Lexus ES 350... who wins?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/oldplay-inside-line-pits-buick-lacrosse-against-lexus-es-350/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/oldplay-inside-line-pits-buick-lacrosse-against-lexus-es-350/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/oldplay-inside-line-pits-buick-lacrosse-against-lexus-es-350/#commentsFiled under: ,


2010 Buick LaCrosse - Click above for high-res image gallery

When it comes to isolating the two most important stats automakers consider when determining a vehicle's success or failure, the Lexus ES350 is a smash it. The stats in question are sales volume and profit, and the ES typically tops the entry-level luxury sales chart while often exceeding its competition in terms of price. Conversely, Buick has been stuck at the opposite end of the spectrum, with little in the way of product or respect - at least until recently. The well-received Enclave proved that General Motors' one-time bastard child could make competitive product, but the 2010 LaCrosse is tasked with taking on the likes of Acura and Lexus.

Inside Line was impressed enough with a LaCrosse it reviewed earlier that the online publication pitted Buick's upstart against the long dominant ES350. IL notes that the Lacrosse outweighs the ES by nearly 500 pounds, generates 2.5 fewer miles per gallon and has a .6 second slower 0-60 mph time, yet it handily bests the aging ES in nearly every category. Hit the read link below to check out the comparison. Has Buick arrived as a legitimate contender to Lexus? It's definitely too early to tell, but it looks like the division could finally be ready to put up a good fight.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse


[Source: Inside Line]

Oldplay: Inside Line pits Buick LaCrosse against Lexus ES 350... who wins? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 buick lacrosse2010 es3502010BuickLacrosse2010Es350edmundsinsidelinelacrosselexus eslexus es350LexusEsLexusEs350Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Facelifted 2010 Lexus ES350 caught in Japan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/facelifted-2010-lexus-es-350-caught-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/facelifted-2010-lexus-es-350-caught-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/facelifted-2010-lexus-es-350-caught-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

After years of sales dominance in the near luxury segment, the Lexus ES350 is beginning to see increased competition from the likes of - who woulda thunk it? - Lincoln and Buick. It doesn't help much that the styling of the ES is getting long in the tooth as, but new spy shots show that the ES could be getting a makeover in 2010.

Even though the ES350 isn't sold in Japan, these spy photos were apparently taken at a dealership in the land of the Rising Sun. The changes appear to be minor based on the photos, with most of the differences happening up front. The grille appears to be more prominent, with more chrome than the outgoing model.

In addition, the undisguised spy photo shows an updated lower fascia with a single slot opening and new fog lights. The front bumper also appears to have sharper lines than the 2009 model. Out back, we only see slightly updated tail lamps, while the side mirrors retain the same shape but add LED lighting.

Based on these spy shots, the ES350 doesn't look too terribly different than the 2009 model. Given the conservative nature of Lexus redesigns, we're not at all surprised. To look at all three spy photos of the 2010 ES350, head over to World Car Fans.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Facelifted 2010 Lexus ES350 caught in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Lexus ES2010 lexus es3502010LexusEs2010LexusEs350ESes350lexusLexus ESlexus es350LexusEsLexusEs350spy photospy picsspy shotsSpyPhotoSpyPicsSpyShotsWed, 12 Aug 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[ESpionage: minor tweaks for 2010 Lexus ES]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/espionage-minor-tweaks-for-2010-lexus-es/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/espionage-minor-tweaks-for-2010-lexus-es/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/espionage-minor-tweaks-for-2010-lexus-es/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For fifteen years, the Lexus ES has been the top-selling luxury sedan from the top-selling luxury marque in America. But after twenty years of sharing its underpinnings with the Toyota Camry, the Japanese auto giant has decided to let the two mainstay models go their separate ways. With the sportier IS sharing the duty of anchoring the lineup and a new hybrid model on its way, the ES might get scrapped altogether... but not before one last hurrah, previewed by the crude spy shot you see to the right. The 2010 Lexus ES350 will be a subtle update on the current fifth-generation model, in true Lexus style, with modest tweaks to the styling to keep it fresh for another few years. Nothing revolutionary, which means nothing to upset the model's conservative customer base, either. (That's what things like the IS-F are for.)

[Source: BurlappCars.com]

ESpionage: minor tweaks for 2010 Lexus ES originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 lexus es2010LexusEslexuslexus eslexus es350LexusEsLexusEs350Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago 2008: Lexus ES 350 Pebble Beach Edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/06/chicago-2008-lexus-es-350-pebble-beach-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/06/chicago-2008-lexus-es-350-pebble-beach-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/06/chicago-2008-lexus-es-350-pebble-beach-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the image above for a hi-res gallery of the Lexus ES 350 Pebble Beach Edition

The Lexus ES 350 is the second model this year to get the Pebble Beach Special Edition treatment, along with the Lexus RX 350. Both of them join Lexus' Pebble Beach regular, the Lexus SC 430, in the bespoke-paint-and-packages options. We don't mind the 17-inch wheels with the liquid graphite finish one bit. And just as with the RX, you get your choice of three additonal special packages that can bestow you with Callaway goods, custom luggage or Viking cookware for you epicureans. For full details, check out the press release after the jump, and take a gander at the gallery of hi-res pics below.

Gallery: 2008 Lexus ES 350 Pebble Beach Edition

Continue reading Chicago 2008: Lexus ES 350 Pebble Beach Edition

Chicago 2008: Lexus ES 350 Pebble Beach Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagochicago 2008chicago auto showChicago2008ChicagoAutoShowlexus es 350lexus es 350 pebble beach editionLexusEs350LexusEs350PebbleBeachEditionpebble beachpebble beach editionPebbleBeachPebbleBeachEditionWed, 06 Feb 2008 19:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Lexus poised to be the next Cadillac, but not in the good way]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/16/lexus-poised-to-be-the-next-cadillac-but-not-in-the-good-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/16/lexus-poised-to-be-the-next-cadillac-but-not-in-the-good-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/16/lexus-poised-to-be-the-next-cadillac-but-not-in-the-good-way/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Cadillac's image resurgence sees it vacating its spot as fuddy duddy transport, which it filled for most of the 1980s and '90s. Quality woes didn't help, but overall, the brand induced yawns. Big, body-on-frame barges are still available at the Lincoln store, but there's also a market for luxury cars filled with technology and quality that invokes a ho-hum response. Yes, folks, that means that Lexus is getting sucked in by the vacuum Cadillac left when they went all Led Zeppelin on us. Well, that's not entirely true - what is happening, though, is the age of the average Lexus buyer is sneaking up. Currently it's at 51 years old, while kids who spent the 1980s learning hair metal riffs on their B.C. Rich are choosing Infiniti, Audi, BMW, or even the somewhat fusty Mercedes.

If you were at Yasgur's farm with your Microbus, chances are that you've got a lust to wheel around in an ES350 for your retirement years. The average age of that car's buyers is 61, and only Cadillac, Lincoln, and Jaguar have more buyers north of 60 in this segment. This data has Toyota's fancy division rethinking their future plans, lest they be left in the dust. While Lexus may not release a direct competitor, they're keeping a close watch on how BMW launches its 1-series. The way BMW woos buyers is what Lexus has to do, according to Jim Farley, who recently left for Ford. Younger buyers are looking for edgier cars with a higher degree of technology integration, so Lexus must make a serious run at building a real performer with the IS-F, as well as push design and image. You know they're serious when they plan to broaden the scope of their myownpursuit website to include more than squash on the lawn.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Lexus poised to be the next Cadillac, but not in the good way originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Oct 2007 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>average ageAverageAgebmwcadillaclexuslexus es350lexus is-fLexusEs350LexusIs-flincolnTue, 16 Oct 2007 08:56:00 EST