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[Looking for $10k off on a Lexus or Caddy? High-priced hybrids reportedly getting hefty incentives]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/bargain-bin-high-priced-hybrids-getting-hefty-incentives/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/bargain-bin-high-priced-hybrids-getting-hefty-incentives/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/bargain-bin-high-priced-hybrids-getting-hefty-incentives/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


2009 Lexus LS 600h L Pebble Beach Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Surprise! Lexus and its parent company, Toyota, are apparently finding that it's not as easy selling $106,000 hybrids as it is for $25,000. The Lexus LS 600h L is certainly an excellent piece of automotive engineering, delivering gobs of horsepower and torque with at least a modicum of efficiency thrown in for good measure.

Still, sales of the LS range are down over 50%, leading the the Japanese auto giant to place a whopping $10,000 cash incentive on its range-topping hybrid model. Moving down the Lexus lineup a notch will net you a $3,000 incentive on the GS 450h. What's more, Edmunds' Auto Observer reports that the company is throwing another $1,000 at any Lexus sales associate that manages to sell one of its pricey hybrids.

Not into expensive hybrid sedans? How 'bout we move to the opposite end of the fuel-saving market and into the driver's seat of a 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. Signing on the dotted line for General Motors' top-of-the-line 2Mode hybrid 'ute will cost you from about $73,000 to over $87,000... minus a five-digit discount, of course. Such a deal!


Gallery: 2009 Pebble Beach Edition LS 600h L


[Source: Auto Observer]

Looking for $10k off on a Lexus or Caddy? High-priced hybrids reportedly getting hefty incentives originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cadillaccadillac escaladecadillac escalade hybridCadillacEscaladeCadillacEscaladeHybridcar buying incentivescar incentivesCarBuyingIncentivesCarIncentivescash on the hoodCashOnTheHoodescaladeescalade hybridEscaladeHybridhybridhybrid incentivehybrid incentivesHybridIncentiveHybridIncentivesincentiveslexuslexus ls 600hlexus ls 600h lLexusLs600hLexusLs600hLls 600hls 600h lLs600hLs600hLMon, 05 Oct 2009 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Lexus LS600h revealed in full detail]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/frankfurt-2009-lexus-600h-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/frankfurt-2009-lexus-600h-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/frankfurt-2009-lexus-600h-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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]]>20102010 lexus2010 lexus ls2010 lexus ls 600h2010 lexus ls 600h l2010Lexus2010LexusLs2010LexusLs600h2010LexusLs600hLlexuslexus hybridlexus lslexus ls 600hlexus ls460 awdlexus ls600hLexusHybridLexusLsLexusLs460AwdLexusLs600hlsls600hFri, 18 Sep 2009 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Updated 2010 Lexus LS sedan headed to Frankfurt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/updated-2010-lexus-ls-sedan-headed-to-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/updated-2010-lexus-ls-sedan-headed-to-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/updated-2010-lexus-ls-sedan-headed-to-frankfurt/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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]]>2009 frankfurt auto show2009 frankfurt motor show2009FrankfurtAutoShow2009FrankfurtMotorShow2010 lexus2010 lexus ls2010 lexus ls 4602010 lexus ls 600h2010 lexus ls 600h L2010Lexus2010LexusLs2010LexusLs4602010LexusLs600h2010LexusLs600hLfrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt auto showfrankfurt motor showfrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowlexuslexus lslexus ls 460lexus ls 600 h llexus ls 600hlexus ls szLexusLsLexusLs460LexusLs600hLexusLs600HLLexusLsSzlsWed, 02 Sep 2009 14:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaked Lexus brochure reveals updated LS sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/leaked-lexus-brochure-reveals-updated-ls-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/leaked-lexus-brochure-reveals-updated-ls-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/leaked-lexus-brochure-reveals-updated-ls-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


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

2010-lexus-ls-brochure-12010-lexus-ls-brochure-22010-lexus-ls-brochure-32010-lexus-ls-brochure-42010-lexus-ls-brochure-5

[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]]>2010 lexus2010 lexus ls2010 lexus ls 4602010 lexus ls 600h2010 ls2010Lexus2010LexusLs2010LexusLs4602010LexusLs600h2010Lsgas-electrichybridleakleakedleaked lexusleaked lexus brochureLeakedLexusLeakedLexusBrochurelexuslexus leaklexus lslexus ls 460lexus ls 600 hlexus ls szLexusLeakLexusLsLexusLs460LexusLs600HLexusLsSzls 460ls 600hLs460Ls600hWed, 26 Aug 2009 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Jag XJ and Lexus LS named Chauffeur CotY]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/jag-xj-and-lexus-ls-named-chauffeur-coty/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/jag-xj-and-lexus-ls-named-chauffeur-coty/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/jag-xj-and-lexus-ls-named-chauffeur-coty/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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]]>chauffeur car of the yearChauffeurCarOfTheYearjaguar xjJaguarXjlexus lslexus ls600hLexus LS600h LLexusLsLexusLs600hLexusLs600hLThu, 10 Apr 2008 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Lexus brand isn't flying in Toyota's home market]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/22/lexus-brand-isnt-flying-in-toyotas-home-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/22/lexus-brand-isnt-flying-in-toyotas-home-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/22/lexus-brand-isnt-flying-in-toyotas-home-market/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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]]>brandhome markethome market salesHomeMarketHomeMarketSalesjapan domestic marketjapan salesJapanDomesticMarketJapanSaleslexuslexus brandlexus gslexus gs 450hlexus gs 460lexus gs450hlexus gs460lexus is-flexus japanlexus lslexus ls 600hlexus ls 600h llexus ls460lexus ls600hlexus ls600h hybridLexusBrandLexusGsLexusGs450hLexusGs460LexusIs-fLexusJapanLexusLsLexusLs460LexusLs600hLexusLs600hHybridLexusLs600hLsalestoyotatoyota lexusToyotaLexusSat, 22 Mar 2008 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Lexus exceeds LS600h sales target by three hundred percent]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/04/lexus-exceeds-ls600h-sales-target-by-three-hundred-percent/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/04/lexus-exceeds-ls600h-sales-target-by-three-hundred-percent/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/04/lexus-exceeds-ls600h-sales-target-by-three-hundred-percent/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Remember when the Lexus LS 600h was on the way, and there was head-scratching aplenty about the $100K+ price and the delay? At the time, Lexus said it only planned to sell 2,000 of the hybrid cruisers per year, and that they already had orders for 1,650 of them. Then the car came out, and in spite of being treated rather unkindly by the motoring press and boasting a less-than-stellar MPG improvement, it has sold 6,093 worldwide through October. The car only went on sale in July.

Lexus calls the car the "progressive person's alternative." The New York Times called the car the "new standard for automotive hyperbole." After only a few months of sales, it is far too early to call -- but it would be interesting to see if Lexus has done the same thing with the LS that Toyota did with the Prius: no matter what you might think of it, it allows people to make a statement.

While Mercedes and Audi are busy working on... something, and hydrogen BMWs shuttle celebs hither, Lexus has a car on lots that lets luxury buyers make the claim, "I care." (Remember, this isn't about what you think of the statement, so keep the comments civil.) Whichever one the buyers are going for -- progressive, hyperbole, statement, or something else -- it appears to be working.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Lexus exceeds LS600h sales target by three hundred percent originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lexus ls 600hlexus ls 600h llexus ls hybridlexus ls hybrid salesLexusLs600hLexusLs600hLLexusLsHybridLexusLsHybridSalesls 600ls 600 hls 600h lls 600h salesLs600Ls600HLs600hLLs600hSalesTue, 04 Dec 2007 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsession builds perfection at Lexus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/10/obsession-builds-perfection-at-lexus/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/10/obsession-builds-perfection-at-lexus/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/10/obsession-builds-perfection-at-lexus/#commentsFiled under: ,



That "Relentless Pursuit of Perfection" thing isn't just a slogan at Lexus apparently. According to this Automotive News piece, Lexus really means it. Nowhere is it more evident than at the plant where Toyota builds its flagship Lexus LS600h L. Seeing themselves in an arms race of perfection, Lexus has taken perfection to an obsession. The workers are trained and retrained and re-retrained to focus on perfection. And we're not talking about the way a Formula 1 team might rehearse pitstops. We are talking about stuff like building finger strength with special plastic webbing trainers, arranging lip-gloss containers "to develop an eye for tints and color," developing a feel for five instead of six bolts in the hand, learning the sound of a properly torqued bolt. Amazing.

Workers have to go through extensive training, including lectures and computer simulations, in addition to the physical dexterity training. And that training gets tougher and tougher to identify different skill levels. Only 300 current workers at the plant have the highest Level 1 certification. But that doesn't guarantee anything. Every four months the workers have to go through the skills tests all over again. And no matter how good the worker's skills are, there's still that old saying about cleanliness being next to godliness to contend with. Follow the jump to hear more about the whole perfection equation at Lexus.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]

Continue reading Obsession builds perfection at Lexus

Obsession builds perfection at Lexus originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Lexus LS600hLexusLs600hRelentless pursuit of perfectionRelentlessPursuitOfPerfectionToyota qualityToyotaQualityTue, 10 Jul 2007 09:05:00 EST