Autoblog

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lexus LF-A Roadster concept.

Lexus Australia's chief executive, John Roca, gave up a number of product details to The Australian in an interview this past weekend, including the addition of an "F" variant of the GS sedan and possibly a full-size LS limo. Both models are aimed to attack luxury stalwarts Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz by offering a number of high-performance variants and also developing a new model that would slot in below the IS sedan to take on the BMW 1-series and the Audi A3. That model is still a few years away, but it will be an integral part of Lexus' commitment to reach one million global sales in the next two to three years.

The other element includes offering hybrid versions of every vehicle it sells, plus the introduction of a hybrid-only model that will be unveiled in concept form this January at the Detroit Auto Show. Toyota's luxury arm plans to release a redesigned five-seater RX next year, based off the LF-Xh concept that bowed in Tokyo, although there's no word on the rumored seven-seat variant due out before the end of the decade.

Naturally, no conversation about Lexus would be complete without some mention of a two-door, coupe/convertible version of the IS, a model that's been sorely lacking from the Lexus lineup, plus, the LF-A supercar, which should finally come to market in 2011, but may only be available in left-hand drive.




[Source: The Australian via Motor Authority]

F, now there's a letter that says high performance, don't it? Lexus must have figured that all the good ones were taken, so why not just go with the first letter of FAST. No doubt, the GS-F will be a rocket. It better be, if it wants to try kicking sand in the face of the M5. The artist's rendering gives a credible estimation of what kind of styling *ahem* enhancements might accompany the increased athleticism in the GS's chassis, and the increased power under the hood. We guess that the GS-F will need to call some attention to itself to help build street cred, but if the actual car looks anything like the rendering, there'll be no stealth bombing for you.

[Source: Paultan.org]

click above image to view all the new high-res images of the Maserati GS Zagato

What's better than pictures of a coachbuilt Italian exotic? Why, more pictures of a coachbuilt Italian exotic, of course! And in that vein, the sheet-metal masters at Zagato have graced us with a slew of additional images of their latest creation, based on the Maserati GranSport.

These images come direct to you from the grounds of the Villa d'Este, the glitzy annual concours d'elegance where Zagato has unveiled previous specials like the Ferrari 575 GTZ – so don't be surprised if the picturesque scenery is a familiar backdrop.

Thanks for the tip, Mancini!

[Source: Zagato]

Related posts:

• Maserati GS Zagato in the sheetmetal
• Zagato at it again: Maserati GS Zagato

Reports are beginning to circulate the web that Lexus is working on a high-performance version of the mid-level GS sedan to go up against German rivals in competing for the glory and the cash.

The performance GS would be the next candidate to receive the F treatment, after Lexus took the wraps off the V8-powered IS-F sports sedan at the Detroit show in January. Presumably named the GS-F, Lexus would shoehorn in a version of the V10 engine, detuned to around 450 horsepower, from the LF-A supercar the company is currently working on.

With the GS-F, Toyota would be aiming straight for the BMW M5. That's a mighty ambitious task, especially considering the view that Lexus missed the mark with the IS-F. Could they get it right in the big leagues?

[Source: The Hollywood Extra]

According to Reuters, automaker Toyota is calling 57,000 2006 Lexus IS and GS models both in the U.S. and overseas for potentially faulty front seatbelts. The recall affects 29,000 units plying American roads, along with a further 11,000 Japanese examples.

Lexus dealers will replace the buckles in both front seats, which can presently jam due to a faulty part. No accidents attributable to the defect have been reported, and the automaker advises that drivers can avoid the issue by 'releasing the seatbelt slowly.'

Toyota has not released estimated recall costs.

[Source: Reuters via CNN/Money]