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[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[Monterey 2008: Pebble Beach Edition LS 600h L and SC 430]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/monterey-2008-pebble-beach-edition-ls-600h-l-and-sc-430/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/monterey-2008-pebble-beach-edition-ls-600h-l-and-sc-430/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/monterey-2008-pebble-beach-edition-ls-600h-l-and-sc-430/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click either image for a high-res gallery.

Another year, another limited edition Lexus. But this year's Pebble Beach Edition SC430 (the sixth consecutive variant) is joined by the first-ever LS 600h L Pebble Beach Edition. We know, the excitement is palpable.

Only 50 LS 600h Ls will be made available in Callaway Golf Experience, Travel Package or Epicurean Encounter trim levels, swathed in Truffle Mica exterior paint and featuring two-tone Alabaster and black leather trim interior, with Dark Grey Bird's-eye maple wood trim. Both models receive all the prerequisite badging to stand apart from the rest of the Lexi in the golf-course parking lot, and are equipped with a host of standard equipment that you can read all about in the press release after the jump.

One of the 300 2009 SC 430s can be yours this September, while the Pebble Beach Edition LS 600h L will hit dealers the following month.

Gallery: 2009 Pebble Beach Edition LS 600h L


Gallery: 2009 Pebble Beach Edition Lexus SC430

Continue reading Monterey 2008: Pebble Beach Edition LS 600h L and SC 430

Monterey 2008: Pebble Beach Edition LS 600h L and SC 430 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008600h l600hLlexusls 600 hls 600 h lLs600HLs600HLmontereypebblepebble beachpebble beach editionPebbleBeachPebbleBeachEditionsc430Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's Lexus is brought to you by the letter "H" - new hybrid advertising campaign]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/08/todays-lexus-is-brought-to-you-by-the-letter-h-new-hybrid-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/08/todays-lexus-is-brought-to-you-by-the-letter-h-new-hybrid-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/08/todays-lexus-is-brought-to-you-by-the-letter-h-new-hybrid-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Offsetting the GX and LX opulence-filled 'Utes posessed of large mass, Lexus has trotted out an advertising blitz focusing on its Hybrid vehicles. The campaign, which imagines a world without "H," points out that Lexus has had hybrid cars and SUVs on the road since 2004. The new campaign is titled "the power of h" and features television spots, print spreads, and other media that depicts an environment where H has given up all other pursuits for a post in the Lexus Hybrid revolution. It's clever, and we're glad that Lexus didn't actually try to trademark one of the most commonly used letters. Oh, and the ads? Let's just say its interesting to see the medium of video transmogrified into an ersatz page of text. Teaser spots and press release after the jump.

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading Today's Lexus is brought to you by the letter "H" - new hybrid advertising campaign

Today's Lexus is brought to you by the letter "H" - new hybrid advertising campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadvertisingcommercialshhybridlexusls600hpower of hPowerOfHprintrx400hspotstvFri, 08 Feb 2008 09:33:00 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[Lexus targets 500,000 units for 2007]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/19/lexus-targets-500-000-units-for-2007/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/19/lexus-targets-500-000-units-for-2007/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/19/lexus-targets-500-000-units-for-2007/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Tuesday's launch of Lexus' flagship LS460 in Japan marks a major milestone for Toyota's luxury brand, as the company tries to duplicate its success in the U.S. in other key markets, including its home turf of Japan and Europe.

After unveiling the LS460 in Tokyo, Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe told the assembled press that the new LS would lead the company's efforts to establish Lexus as a global premium brand, saying that he expects Lexus worldwide sales to surpass the 500,000 unit mark in 2007. Lexus sales in 2006 are expected to be in the neighborhood of 470,000 to 480,000 units.

Following on the heels of its Japanese market debut, the new LS460 will launch in North America in October.

So far the Lexus brand has failed to make a big impact in its home market, trailing well behind Mercedes-Benz and BMW, and things will get tougher in 2008, when Honda launches its Acura brand. However, with 9,000 pre-launch orders on the books for the LS460, and with the LS600h due out in the spring, there may be reason for optimism.

[Source: Reuters]

Lexus targets 500,000 units for 2007 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Sep 2006 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ls 460ls460ls600hTue, 19 Sep 2006 19:32:00 EST