Autoblog

Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #315]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/autoblog-podcast-315/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/autoblog-podcast-315/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/autoblog-podcast-315/#commentsFiled under: Podcasts, Convertible, CES, Cadillac, Chrysler, GM, Mazda

Cost of high-efficiency models, 2014 Mazda6, Best and Worst Sellers of 2013

Episode #315 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about how you get nailed twice for high-efficiency trims, the 2014 Mazda6, Chrysler giving UConnect dealer-level navigation and the best- and worst-selling new vehicles of 2012. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #315:

Topics:

High-efficiency trims cost you money. Twice.
2014 Mazda6
Chrysler UConnect gets dealer-level navigation
Best- and Worst-selling new cars and trucks of 2012

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Cadillac SRX4 3.6
2013 Lexus GS 450h
2013 Chrysler 200 Convertible

Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Jeff Ross

Runtime: 01:16:23

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #315

Autoblog Podcast #315 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>200200 convertible2013 cadillac srx2013 chrysler 2002013 lexus gs450hautoblogautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 315cadillacchryslerfeaturedgsgs450hlexusmazdamazda6podcastpodcast 315srxuconnectTue, 08 Jan 2013 16:45:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #315Autoblog01:16:23

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20421240 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2013-lexus-gs-350-f-sport-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2013-lexus-gs-350-f-sport-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2013-lexus-gs-350-f-sport-review/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, Performance, Lexus, New Car Reviews

Quickly Closing In On The Benchmark

2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

The Lexus GS has been chasing the BMW 5 Series for more than two decades. This year, it may have finally leapfrogged its benchmark prey.

Rewind your clock back to the late 1980s, when the midsize four-door sport sedan segment was dominated by BMW. The Bavarian automaker was selling rear-wheel-drive sedans (with manual transmissions, no less) that were every bit as powerful and agile as they were luxurious and comfortable - the best of both worlds, felt many buyers. Of course, it didn't take long for other automakers to get in on the action.

Lexus made its first legitimate attempt at the segment in 1998, with the introduction of its second-generation GS sedan. Despite many accolades, the sporty four-door arrived just in time to compete against BMW's E39, a 5 Series platform that was arguably one of its all-time best. Even after the third-generation GS (2006-2011) went head-to-head with BMW's Bangle-styled E60, the Lexus was still playing catch-up despite its strong performance and loads of new and innovative technology.

But today things are very different. There are now a handful of genuine players in the segment, including very capable sport sedans from Audi, Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz. BMW recently released its sixth-generation F10 5 Series, but the applause has been notably muted. Will that automaker's arguable misstep allow the all-new third-generation Lexus GS to capture the lead? We spent a week with the Japanese sport sedan to find out.

Continue reading 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 lexus gs 350 f sportf sportfeaturedgsgs 350gs 350 f sportlexusreviewreviewsMon, 26 Nov 2012 11:57:00 EST

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20387817 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-lexus-gs350-f-sport-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-lexus-gs350-f-sport-review.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Supercharged adds what we've been missing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/2013-lexus-gs-350-f-sport-supercharged-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/2013-lexus-gs-350-f-sport-supercharged-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/2013-lexus-gs-350-f-sport-supercharged-sema-2012/#commentsFiled under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Performance, Lexus, Specialty, Design/Style

2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Supercharged

If there's one legitimate complaint that can be hurled at the 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport, it's that it has no more power than its less-sporty siblings. It's not that 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque isn't enough for good performance - as the GS 350's 5.7-second sprint to 60 can attest - it's that a separate model that's billed as a performance version could use a few bonus ponies to keep enthusiasts buyers from feeling snubbed.

And so we present you with this supercharged GS 350 F Sport, which is currently being shown here at SEMA. There's an Apexi CG SPL supercharger kit along with a matching Smart Accel Throttle Controller, joined by a PTS Joe Z Series header-back exhaust kit. The body is equipped with a Wald International Aero Package kit, and the entire car is hunkered down on 20-inch Vossen CV7 wheels via an RSR coilover suspension system.

Horsepower is up by 60 at the rear wheels with the supercharger running a conservative three pounds of boost, which means this F Sport is living up to its name. Check it out in the image gallery above and the press release below.

Continue reading 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Supercharged adds what we've been missing

2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Supercharged adds what we've been missing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gsgs 350 f sportgs 350 f sport superchargedlexussemasema 2012supercharged lexus gsThu, 01 Nov 2012 17:59:00 EST

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20368030 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/lexus-gs-f-sport-supercharged-sema_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/lexus-gs-f-sport-supercharged-sema.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #305 with Matt Edmonds of Tire Rack]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/autoblog-podcast-305-with-matt-edmonds-of-the-tire-rack/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/autoblog-podcast-305-with-matt-edmonds-of-the-tire-rack/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/autoblog-podcast-305-with-matt-edmonds-of-the-tire-rack/#commentsFiled under: Podcasts, Safety, Technology, Bentley, Buick, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Opel

Matt Edmonds from Tire Rack, Opel Cascada, Nissan steer-by-wire

Episode #305 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and David Kiley are joined by Matt Edmonds from Tire Rack, our title sponsor. There's plenty of in-depth discussion of tires and wheels, plus winter tires. We also touched on the Opel Cascada and its chances at becoming a Buick and Nissan's forthcoming steer-by-wire system. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #305:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Lexus GS 450h
2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed
2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350

Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, David Kiley
Guests: Matt Edmonds - the Tire Rack

Runtime: 01:16:55

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #305 with Matt Edmonds of Tire Rack

Autoblog Podcast #305 with Matt Edmonds of Tire Rack originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcastcascadacontinental gtcontinental gt speedfeaturedglkgsgs450hmatt edmondsnissansteer by wiretire rackTue, 23 Oct 2012 18:02:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #305Autoblog01:16:55

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20358145/article-comments.xml

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/23/autoblog-podcast-305-with-matt-edmonds-of-the-tire-rack/20358145/article-detail.xml

20358145 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> finds flaw with Lexus ES, GS emergency trunk safety release, alerts NHTSA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/consumer-reports-finds-flaw-with-lexus-es-gs-emergency-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/consumer-reports-finds-flaw-with-lexus-es-gs-emergency-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/consumer-reports-finds-flaw-with-lexus-es-gs-emergency-t/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, Japan, Safety, Videos, Lexus, Toyota, Luxury

Lexus Emergency Trunk Release

Consumer Reports has found what it says is a flaw with the emergency trunk release handles in certain Lexus models. During testing, the organization found that the federally mandated emergency handles on new Lexus ES and GS sedans can easily break if pulled toward the user (presumably a person trapped inside the vehicle's trunk). Once broken, the handles no longer function, creating a safety hazard. CR also checked other vehicles in its fleet, but found no such similar defect. As a result, the watchdog alerted both parent Toyota, which has launched its own internal investigation, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to the issue. Both the automaker and NHTSA are currently determining whether further action needs to be taken.

As you may recall, this isn't the first time Consumer Reports has blown the safety whistle on a Lexus model. In 2010, CR discovered a flaw in the stability control system of the Lexus GX SUV that lead to increased rollover risk during evasive maneuvers. In that case, Toyota quickly issued a recall, complete with a software update to take care of the problem. Watch the video below for a full explanation of the trunk release issue.

Continue reading Consumer Reports finds flaw with Lexus ES, GS emergency trunk safety release, alerts NHTSA

Consumer Reports finds flaw with Lexus ES, GS emergency trunk safety release, alerts NHTSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 lexus es2013 lexus gsconsumer reportsemergency trunk releaseesgslexuslexus emergency trunk releaselexus eslexus gsnhtsatrunk releasevideoFri, 12 Oct 2012 10:45:00 EST

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20348590 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/lexus-emergency-trunk-release-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/lexus-emergency-trunk-release-628.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #299]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/11/autoblog-podcast-299/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/11/autoblog-podcast-299/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/11/autoblog-podcast-299/#commentsFiled under: Podcasts, Chevrolet, GM, Honda, Lexus, Porsche, Volkswagen, Opel, Tesla

2013 Honda Accord, Volkswagen CUV, GM and Opel, Autoblog talks to Elon Musk

Episode #299 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about the 2013 Honda Accord, the suggestion by Morgan Stanley for GM to unload Opel, Autoblog Green's chat with Elon Musk, and the possibility of Volkswagen reviving the Microbus with a compact CUV. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #299:

Topics:

2013 Honda Accord
Should GM bail on Opel?
Our long chat with Tesla's Elon Musk
Volkswagen thinking about a Microbus revival?

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Porsche Boxster S
2013 Lexus GS 350
2012 Chevrolet Sonic

Hosts: Dan Roth, Jeff Ross, Zach Bowman

Runtime: 01:24:33

Get the podcast
[UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #299

Autoblog Podcast #299 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accordautoblog greenautoblog podcastautobog podcast 299boxsterbullichevroletelon muskgsgs 350hondalexusmicrobuspodcast 299porschesonicvolkswagenTue, 11 Sep 2012 17:59:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #299Autoblog01:24:33

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20321210/article-comments.xml

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20321210 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus challenges passengers to control their heart rates... in a hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/lexus-challenges-passengers-to-control-their-heart-rates-in-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/lexus-challenges-passengers-to-control-their-heart-rates-in-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/lexus-challenges-passengers-to-control-their-heart-rates-in-a/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Sedan, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Lexus

Lexus GS Hybrid heart rate

Picture the scene: You're in a quiet place; a forest. The grass is green, the sky a perfect shade of blue. It's sunny; the temperature is hovering somewhere near perfect and a gentle breeze wafts by. You look at the pretty flowers - bend down to reach one... then, BAM!

No, we're not talking about Bambi versus Godzilla - though we do offer Marv Newland a healthy round of applause. What's we're talking about is the Lexus GS Hybrid. Or, more specifically, the car's Italian advertising campaign as seen in the video below.

Lexus claims its 2013 GS 450h can accelerate from 0 to 60 in just 5.6 seconds, courtesy of its 3.5-liter V6 engine and electric motor hybrid powertrain that puts out a combined 338 horsepower. Combine that level of thrust with rear-wheel drive and a professional driver and you've got yourself some fun at the race track.

Lexus decided to put this combination together, mixing in a blend of new-car shoppers to see what effect its hybrid sedan had on the heart. Scroll down below to watch it all unfold.

Continue reading Lexus challenges passengers to control their heart rates... in a hybrid

Lexus challenges passengers to control their heart rates... in a hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 lexus gs 450hgsgs 450hheart ratehybridlexuslexus gslexus gs 450hThu, 19 Jul 2012 19:59:00 EST

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20282043 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/lexus-gs-hybrid-heart-rate_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/lexus-gs-hybrid-heart-rate.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus working on more efficient GS 300h]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/13/lexus-working-on-more-efficient-gs-300h/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/13/lexus-working-on-more-efficient-gs-300h/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/13/lexus-working-on-more-efficient-gs-300h/#commentsFiled under: Hybrid, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

2013 Lexus GS 450h

Lexus is looking to expand its hybrid range with the addition of a second gasoline-electric GS model, according to Auto Express. Currently, Lexus offers the GS 450h, powered by a 3.5-liter hybrid V6 that produces a combined 338 horsepower.

The new model, likely to be called GS 300h, will use the smaller 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powerplant found in the Toyota Camry Hybrid and newly introduced Lexus ES 300h. In the ES, the hybrid system puts out a combined 200 horsepower and is estimated to return a combined 40 miles per gallon.

Of course, the 2.5-liter mill could be tuned differently for use in the modestly sportier, rear-wheel-drive GS. But with the possibility of 40 mpg on tap, Lexus would surely have a fighter for the upcoming Audi A6 3.0 TDI.

Lexus working on more efficient GS 300h originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gsgs 300hgs 450hhybridlexusWed, 13 Jun 2012 10:01:00 EST

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20257109 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/03-2013-lexus-gs-45h-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/03-2013-lexus-gs-45h-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus GS coupe slated to arrive in 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/lexus-gs-coupe-slated-to-arrive-in-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/lexus-gs-coupe-slated-to-arrive-in-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/lexus-gs-coupe-slated-to-arrive-in-2013/#commentsFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Lexus, Luxury

2012 Lexus GS 350 - red - dead-on front view

The SC 430 wasn't exactly a hot ticket item, but it was the only Lexus model available with two doors until the model was discontinued in 2010. That could change for the 2014 model year, as Inside Line reports that Lexus is primed to unleash a coupe version of the all-new GS.

While Lexus hasn't officially announced that a two-door GS is forthcoming, IL points out that there are plenty of signs that point towards a performance coupe. For instance, Lexus Boss Mark Templin reportedly stated that he was interested in a sport coupe in the $60,000 to $70,000 range. Further, Lexus planning chief Karl Schlicht reportedly told Automotive News earlier in the year that the brand needed a coupe to round out its lineup of sedans and utility vehicles. Certainly not a confirmation of a sleek new coupe, but the puzzle pieces appear to be coming together.

One small glitch is that the GS sedan starts out at $46,900, which is a far cry from $60,000. The pricing difference could come in the form of a high-performance F-Sport engine or perhaps a more performance-oriented hybrid.

Chances are if Lexus does add a sporty coupe to its lineup, we're going to hear about it by the time the Los Angeles Auto Show rolls around this fall. We're more than okay with more GS variants, and a performance coupe always sounds like a good idea to us.

Lexus GS coupe slated to arrive in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2012 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 lexus gscoupegsgs 350gs 460gs350gs460lexuslos angeles auto showsc 430Wed, 30 May 2012 09:58:00 EST

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20247281 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/lexus-gs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/lexus-gs.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota recalling 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport over faulty ECU]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/toyota-recalling-2013-lexus-gs-350-f-sport-over-faulty-ecu/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/toyota-recalling-2013-lexus-gs-350-f-sport-over-faulty-ecu/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/toyota-recalling-2013-lexus-gs-350-f-sport-over-faulty-ecu/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, Performance, Recalls, Safety, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus has announced a voluntary recall of roughly 650 2013 GS 350 F Sport models over a potential issue with one of the electronic control units.

When the vehicle is parked with the steering wheel turned, the calibration of the ECU for the Variable Gear Ratio Steering can cause the steering wheel to "become off-centered" if the car is immediately restarted.

Lexus will be notifying owners in early June, at which time they can take their cars to the dealer to have the ECU recalibrated free of charge. Scroll down for the press release.

Continue reading Toyota recalling 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport over faulty ECU

Toyota recalling 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport over faulty ECU originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 lexus gs 350gsgs 350gs 350 f-sportgs350lexuslexus recallrecallMon, 21 May 2012 14:01:00 EST

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http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/21/toyota-recalling-2013-lexus-gs-350-f-sport-over-faulty-ecu/20241712/article-detail.xml

20241712 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/gsf-sportrecall_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/gsf-sportrecall.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus looking to distance itself from Toyota, move more upscale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/lexus-looking-to-distance-itself-from-toyota-move-more-upscale/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/lexus-looking-to-distance-itself-from-toyota-move-more-upscale/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/lexus-looking-to-distance-itself-from-toyota-move-more-upscale/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Sedan, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus GS 450h

Automotive News reports Lexus may use the company's new GS to put some distance between itself and parent company Toyota. Buyers have snapped up a total of 4,900 GS models in just two months, breezing by year-long sales estimates in the process. The company attributes much of that success to non-traditional advertising efforts, including the Tori 500 iPhone and iPad app, and says that it could use similar tactics in the future to lure buyers in based on traits like "character and handling." Traditionally, consumers have turned toward Lexus because of Toyota's reputation for efficient and reliable machinery.

The GS, with its hour-glass grille and aggressive front fascia, is a first-step in giving the luxury automaker a more distinct brand image. In the past, Lexus has had trouble keeping buyers coming back, and the company believes that's partly due to the fact that luxury consumers are more interested in owning a brand than a particular vehicle. As such, we can expect to see more corporate design cues across the company's portfolio in the near future. The move may help set Lexus apart as something other than a slightly nicer Toyota in consumers eyes.

Lexus looking to distance itself from Toyota, move more upscale originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gslexuslexus designlexus gslexus gs 450htoyotaTue, 08 May 2012 10:01:00 EST

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20232474 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/lexus-gs-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/lexus-gs-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Lexus GS earns IIHS Top Safety Pick]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/2013-lexus-gs-earns-iihs-top-safety-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/2013-lexus-gs-earns-iihs-top-safety-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/2013-lexus-gs-earns-iihs-top-safety-pick/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, Safety, Lexus, Luxury

2012 Lexus GS 350 front three-quarter view, maroon

The 2013 GS is the new face of the Lexus brand, and as it turns out, that spindle-grilled mug can take a serious punch. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has named the GS a Top Safety Pick after the reshaped Lexus sedan held strong in front, side and rollover crash testing.

To earn a Top Safety Pick designation, a car, truck or utility vehicle must achieve a top score of "Good" in front, side and rear impact crash tests. The IIHS test features taller cement crash barriers to simulate a collision with a larger vehicle and the front impact test is conducted at a speed of 40 miles per hour. The vehicle must also feature stability control and a roof that maintains integrity even at a weight equal to or greater than four times that of the vehicle. The IIHS reports that the GS could withstand 4.88 times its 3,715 pound weight.

The GS joins the RX and the CT 200h as the third Lexus model to net a Top Safety Pick.

2013 Lexus GS earns IIHS Top Safety Pick originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 lexus gs350350crash testgsgs 350gs350iihsinsurance institute for highway safetylexuslexus gssafetytop safety pickTue, 10 Apr 2012 13:29:00 EST

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20211759 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-lexus-gs-350-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-lexus-gs-350-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus launches TORI 500 iPhone app racing game [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/17/lexus-launches-tori-500-iphone-app-racing-game-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/17/lexus-launches-tori-500-iphone-app-racing-game-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/17/lexus-launches-tori-500-iphone-app-racing-game-w-video/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, Etc., Lexus, Toys/Games, Celebrities, Luxury

Lexus TORI 500 Racing Game App

Apparently, being the Official Automotive Marketing partner of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit property was just the excuse Lexus needed to get in touch with swimsuit model Tori Praver. And we can hardly blame them.

But what could Praver's statuesque body and perfectly feminine features have to do with cars, you ask? That's a very good question, and it's one we're sure the Lexus marketing team spent hours considering. The answer, interestingly enough, is all in the curves.

Following up on the video Lexus brought us showing two racers drifting a 2013 Lexus GS F Sport around a makeshift track drawn around the gigantor-size body of Ms. Praver, the luxury wing of the Toyota conglomerate has delivered a video game of similar intent for Apple's ever-popular range of iDevices.

The TORI 500 racing app allows players to pilot GS sedans around digitized 3D renderings of Praver's body. Sounds... curvy. Check out the official press release after the break, where we've also reposted the video of Praver and the (real-life) racing drivers.

Continue reading Lexus launches TORI 500 iPhone app racing game [w/video]

Lexus launches TORI 500 iPhone app racing game [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20174359 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/lexustori500app_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/lexustori500app.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus maps a curvy <i>Sports Illustrated Swimsuit</i> model with GS sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/14/lexus-maps-a-curvy-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-model-with/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/14/lexus-maps-a-curvy-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-model-with/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/14/lexus-maps-a-curvy-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-model-with/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Lexus, Celebrities, Luxury

Lexus is doing whatever it can to convince people that its new GS is not like the anesthetized machinery it's been known for in the past. Part one of that plan was a Super Bowl commercial - a first for Lexus. Part two is throwing some sex into the mix.

Lexus has earned (or more likely paid for) the right to call itself the Official Automotive Marketing Partner of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit property. With that title comes access to an SI swimsuit model, one very statuesque Tori Praver, and the Lexus creative team has found a clever way to capitalize on her curves.

Their idea was to create a race track based on the contour of Tori's swimsuit-clad body, and then pit two experienced drivers against each other to see who could drift around her thighs the quickest in a 2013 Lexus GS F Sport. According to the video after the jump, making the track wasn't all that difficult, and professional race car driver Scott Pruett and stunt car driver Greg Tracy were tasked with tracing Tori's curves.

Find out which driver won what Lexus is calling the TORI 500, then and got a victory lap with Tori, after the jump. The marketing campaign also includes a pair of iPhone apps, one out now that lets you place images of Tori and the Lexus GS in any of your iPhone's photos, and another coming soon that's an actual racing game based on the TORI 500 track.

Continue reading Lexus maps a curvy Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model with GS sedan

Lexus maps a curvy Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model with GS sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20171731 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/tori-praver-500-curves-track_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/tori-praver-500-curves-track.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Buick Regal gets standard eAssist, automatic option for GS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/2013-buick-regal-gets-standard-eassist-automatic-option-for-gs/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/2013-buick-regal-gets-standard-eassist-automatic-option-for-gs/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/2013-buick-regal-gets-standard-eassist-automatic-option-for-gs/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, Buick, GM

Buick launched its mid-size Regal sedan in late 2010 as a 2011 model, with the Turbo, high-performance GS and eAssist models following suit over the past year. Now, General Motors' tri-shield arm has announced a couple of powertrain updates that will go into effect for the 2013 model year, namely the discontinuation of the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter inline-four in the base Regal.

For 2013, the Regal's standard engine is the 2.4-liter eAssit powerplant - a mill that, according to the EPA, is good for up to 36 miles per gallon on the highway. Buick pulled a similar stunt with its larger LaCrosse, killing off the base 2.4 in favor of the eAssist powertrain with a V6 available as a no-cost option. That said, Buick has not announced pricing for the updated 2013 Regal line, but we'll be interested to see if the 220-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four of the Regal Turbo will be available at no additional cost.

The 270-hp Regal GS carries over largely unchanged, though as initially promised, a six-speed automatic transmission will now be optional. Buick states that the self-shifting unit will not hinder performance (well, except for that whole shift-on-your-own-terms thing), citing that the automatic-equipped Regal GS will sprint to 60 miles per hour in 6.7 seconds, just like manual-equipped cars.

Buick will release full pricing and availability for the 2013 Regal line later this year. In the meantime, read the full details for yourself in the press release below the fold.

Continue reading 2013 Buick Regal gets standard eAssist, automatic option for GS

2013 Buick Regal gets standard eAssist, automatic option for GS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20165854 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/03-2011-buick-regal-cxl-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/03-2011-buick-regal-cxl-review.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Lexus GS unleashed in Super Bowl ad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/2013-lexus-gs-unleashed-in-super-bowl-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/2013-lexus-gs-unleashed-in-super-bowl-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/2013-lexus-gs-unleashed-in-super-bowl-ad/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus Super Bowl commercial

Lexus has a redesigned GS that it truly believes can compete with the likes of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. So it's going where the eyeballs are with its marketing, ponying up for the brand's first-ever Super Bowl ad. Lexus' commercial is just a 30-second spot, joining the likes of Acura, Audi, Cadillac and other brands buying time during the big game.

Lexus is calling its ad, "The Beast," which calls to mind both President Obama's limo and the 2009 documentary by Eric Bana. The actual spot, however, has a rather hackneyed sci-fi theme: A GS350 is locked up in a shipping container sized cage in a lab, and uses its new "Lexus spindle grille" to break free in a destructive orgy of CGI.

Click past the jump to watch the whole ad.

Continue reading 2013 Lexus GS unleashed in Super Bowl ad

2013 Lexus GS unleashed in Super Bowl ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20161054 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lexus-beast-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lexus-beast-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Lexus GS 450h [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/2013-lexus-gs-450h-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/2013-lexus-gs-450h-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/2013-lexus-gs-450h-w-video/#commentsFiled under: Hybrid, Sedan, Lexus, First Drives, Luxury

Lexus' Best Compromise Yet

Ever since the Prius unexpectedly became the Xerox of hybrids and a greenie icon, Toyota has been trying to figure out how to apply the technology to its other models. Its results have been decidedly mixed, nowhere more so than with its luxury lineup. But with the 2013 Lexus GS 450h, Toyota thinks it has finally figured out what a hybrid luxury car should be.

From a sales perspective, the first-generation GS 450h was a disappointment. While we liked it quite a bit when we test-drove it a couple years ago, Lexus just hasn't been able to move the metal. Introduced to much fanfare in 2006 as a 2007 model, the GS was Lexus' second hybrid and the first rear-wheel-drive hybrid on the market. Lexus touted it as a performance sedan, even as Toyota was heavily marketing its hybrids as fuel sippers. Whether consumers were confused or not, they never took to the hybrid GS. Sales peaked at just below 1,800 in that first year and have gone down in each successive year. In 2010, Lexus sold barely 300 GS hybrids, roughly four percent of total GS sales, which were about 7,000.

The cognitive dissonance presented by Lexus hybrids has been an issue since the brand launched its first, the 2006 RX 400h SUV. Only marginally more powerful than the standard RX, its improvement in fuel economy was similarly slight at launch. The LS 600hL - the brand's halo car before the LFA sports car came along - is a six-figure, 20-mile-per-gallon hybrid marketed as having V12 performance with V8 fuel economy, the rough equivalent of ordering a Diet Coke with your Super Size Big Mac Extra Value Meal. The "Lexus Prius" HS 250h, with neither particularly good fuel economy (35 mpg combined) nor any sporting aspirations, has been a critical and sales disaster and is rumored to be on the chopping block. While Toyota's simple, "better mileage" definition of its hybrids is clear, Lexus has combined green machine and muscle car in varying doses, such that you never quite know what you'll be getting with a gas-electric Lexus.

Continue reading 2013 Lexus GS 450h [w/video]

2013 Lexus GS 450h [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20137444 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/03-2013-lexus-gs-45h-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/03-2013-lexus-gs-45h-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus holds steady on price for redesigned GS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/lexus-holds-steady-on-price-for-redesigned-gs/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/lexus-holds-steady-on-price-for-redesigned-gs/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/lexus-holds-steady-on-price-for-redesigned-gs/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

2013 Lexus GS

More proof that Lexus is a motivated seller when it comes to its 2013 GS 350: the base price of the rear-wheel drive model won't change from 2011. That means $46,900 (plus $875 handling) will put you into the comprehensively and vastly improved sedan - or, for any of you who might actually prefer the 2011, it means you can start licking your chops for a screaming deal. The all-wheel drive model, however, has gone up by a modest $600 to $49,450.

Underneath the redesigned styling of the 2013 GS 350 is a likewise redesigned chassis, suspension and interior that provide a much sportier ride and more room and luxury while enjoying it. Two packages called Premium and Luxury, as well as the F-Sport package, will fill it with further enhancements.

The price of the GS 450h will be revealed at a later date. For now, there's a press release with all the relevant info on the GS 350 after the jump.

Continue reading Lexus holds steady on price for redesigned GS

Lexus holds steady on price for redesigned GS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20133314 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2013lexusgspricing_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2013lexusgspricing.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Lexus GS 350]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/23/2013-lexus-gs-350-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/23/2013-lexus-gs-350-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/23/2013-lexus-gs-350-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, Lexus, First Drives, Luxury

If This Is The New Lexus, We Can Stop With The Pejoratives

2013 Lexus GS 350

So Lexus wants to be taken seriously now. Certainly the brand is a heavyweight - and has been since the moment it launched 22 years ago, changing the luxury market almost overnight. It's just had trouble garnering the respect of the cognoscenti, the car enthusiast types, the sorts of people who can see a pair of taillights flash by and identify year, make and model.

Lexus representatives are not shy about the issue, in part because it's hard to ignore years of critics calling your cars bland and soulless, while smirking, self-avowed "car guys" trade their BMW sedans in on new BMW sedans, even as they grumble about electronic nannies, iDrive and Chris Bangle.

That's why Lexus built the LFA supercar, say the company's flacks, who seem unnaturally willing to admit that previous models were lacking a certain something, having settled upon the word "emotion" as the politically correct way to describe what was wrong with this last generation of Lexus products. But the real reason behind such refreshing, if specious hindsight, is that the Lexus braintrust thinks it has the solution to winning over its detractors in the 2013 Lexus GS 350.

Continue reading 2013 Lexus GS 350

2013 Lexus GS 350 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20112848 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-lexus-gs-350-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-lexus-gs-350-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Smaller hybrid drivetrain coming to Lexus GS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/23/smaller-hybrid-drivetrain-coming-to-lexus-gs/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/23/smaller-hybrid-drivetrain-coming-to-lexus-gs/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/23/smaller-hybrid-drivetrain-coming-to-lexus-gs/#commentsFiled under: Hybrid, Europe, Lexus, UK, Luxury

The flavors of Lexus GS on offer in Europe will differ slightly from those here: we will both get the GS 450h, but we'll only step down to the GS 350 for an entry-level model, while the Europeans will make do with a GS 250 housing a 2.5-liter V6. That smaller-capacity sedan is meant to challenge the BMW 520i and Mercedes E250, but Lexus is reportedly planning an even more frugal drivetrain for the UK to challenge even more popular competitors: diesel executive sedans.

The BMW 520d SE automatic gets 60.1 imperial miles per gallon combined, and the Audi A6 2.0T Multitronic gets 56.5 imperial mpg. According to Autocar, the estimated fuel economy for the 2.5-liter V6 in the 2012 GS 250 is just 35 imperial mpg. Giving up 20 mpg, even of those smaller English gallons, is a huge disadvantage.

But Lexus doesn't do diesels, so it's developing what is thought to be a four-cylinder lump hooked up to an electric motor, putting out 180 horsepower combined. That would put it right in between the BMW and Audi outputs, but fellow UK publication Auto Express suggests a 50 mpg rating, perhaps due to an almost-certain weight penalty. The exact details on the hybrid setup should come "imminently."

Smaller hybrid drivetrain coming to Lexus GS originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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