Autoblog

SEMA 2009: Meet the world's most desirable Lexus RX450h by Branew

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Hybrid, Japan, Crossover, Lexus, Luxury

Branew Lexus RX450h - click above image to view hi-res gallery

Let me be blunt: I don't like luxury crossovers. At all. It's a niche with no appeal to me whatsoever. Not a car, not a truck - just a fat sedan jacked up on stilts to woo trophy wives with fancy badges and reassure soccer mammas that their children are "safe." And the Lexus RX gets the sharp point of my spear of anger because it's basically responsible for the high-end CUV craze. Not a fan of hybrids, either. That said, I'm absolutely smitten with Branew's Lexus RX450h.

I think it's the stance, has to be. But there is just something very desirable - from an aesthetic standpoint. The big 24-inch wheels help tremendously, perching Branew's at just the right height. And the lower fascia helps the quite handsome - if not distinctive - OEM grill pop. And I know it's going to be a controversial opinion, but the koi fish on the hood totally work. In fact, I know a certain Subaru WRX that could use a koi or two. Anyhow, while I'd rather gargle nails than rock a luxo-CUV, if forced at gunpoint, Branew's RX450h would be my first (and only) choice.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Branew Lexus RX450h

SEMA 2009: Meet the world's most desirable Lexus RX450h by Branew originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DetNews: Will Lexus become Toyota's Buick? Is it already?

Dan Roth — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Buick, Lexus

2010 Lexus HS250h - Click above for high-res image gallery

With a median buyer age of 56 years old and its reputation for longevity, today's Lexus ES350 may be the very last car many of the brand's buyers purchase. It's not like Lexus hasn't tried to attract younger buyers - those who may actually buy another car before being planted. Since its inception, the IS sedan has been a calculated shot at capturing the fancy of BMW buyers, especially the high performing IS-F. Youthful, eco-minded buyers will soon find the hybrid HS250h, but the marque's biggest seller is the RX350 crossover, something of an acknowledged yuppie mommy mobile.

An entry-level crossover slotting under the RX would give Lexus something to lob at the GLK, X3, and Q5, but that's not yet in the pipeline, says Mark Phelan of The Detroit Free Press. There's nothing wrong with selling cars to people who care most about reputation, quietude, and comfort instead of the car person's holy trinity of acceleration, handling, and styling. Lexus cars are fussed-over and the brand's buyers care about quality, so Lexus has that angle sewn up, but attracting younger buyers seems to be an increasingly important item on the punch list. Perhaps a leather-lined Sienna variant with a Mark Levinson entertainment system to grab the parent dollar?

Gallery: 2010 Lexus HS250h

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

DetNews: Will Lexus become Toyota's Buick? Is it already? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus reportedly aiming to please younger generation, compete with entry-level BMWs

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Lexus

2010 Lexus IS350 C - Click above for a high-res image gallery

When Lexus was founded in 1989, it appealed to the staid sensibilities of its 45-year-old demographic. Now, those buyers are in their mid-sixties, and Lexus, faced with a 34.1% sales slip for the first six months of the year - more than its primary rivals from Germany - is rethinking its line-up and consumer experience to appeal to younger buyers.

Speaking with Automotive News, Lexus execs admitted they've grown too dependent on sales of the RX crossover, and in an attempt to right the ship - and score sales from BMW 3 series coupe and convertible buyers - they've begun a new push for the IS sedan, and in particular, the new IS convertible.

In addition to the droptop and recently released HS 250h hybrid sedan, Lexus wants to add an array of entry-level models into its line, including more "green" vehicles and sports-oriented models. The automaker's Taste of Lexus events held around the country to woo buyers into showrooms with ride-and-drives and hors d'oeuvres - reportedly costing around $1 million per city - are going by the wayside, and instead, Lexus is pushing its dealer training program to ensure top-notch service, along with a focus on tech-rich features and new, edgier ad campaigns.

Although the RX is still outselling all of its nearest competitors in the luxury crossover segment, Lexus realizes that it has to offer buyers more, particularly those in the coveted 25-35-year-old demographic. Hopefully, that means more high-performance and fuel efficient models, and less confusing (if artsy) advertising campaigns.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lexus IS250 C and IS350 C

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Lexus reportedly aiming to please younger generation, compete with entry-level BMWs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Crossover, Lexus, First Drive

2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h - Click above for high-res image gallery

Few vehicles have done more to establish a genre and define a brand as much as the Lexus RX. Introduced over a decade ago to suburbanite real estate agents and their Napa-weekending friends, the original RX300 helped boost Lexus sales by 60% when it hit dealers in late 1998. Over the ensuing years, Lexus' posh people mover slowly evolved to include a hybrid drivetrain, a refreshed exterior and tasteful appointments that helped solidify its success. For 2010, the RX plays the same tune but adds a few more instruments, a new backbeat and reworked crescendo.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lexus RX350 and RS450h

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h

First Drive: 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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w00t! The return of the Autoblog Podcast!

Dan Roth — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Podcasts, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Lexus, Mazda

If we were going to continue numbering things, this would technically be Autoblog Podcast #103. We had tried to record this comeback episode once already about three weeks ago, and that turned out to be the only time I've ever toasted an audio file. Pro Tools said "uhh, what?" and that was that - our file was gone. So, before Chris Shunk headed out the door to the LA Auto Show, we sat down and breezed through a few subjects like what's in our respective Autoblog Garages, the new Mustang, the new Mazda 3, the new Lexus RX crossovers, and of course, the situation in which the Detroit automakers find themselves. It's a slightly rambly hour and only a duo this time around, but we're going to do it again soon with a trio, just like old times.

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w00t! The return of the Autoblog Podcast! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2008: Lexus unveils the third generation RX350 and RX450h

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Lexus

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h

Lexus dropped the third-generation RX on the world today here at the LA Auto Show. As before, the RX luxury crossover comes in two forms, the standard issue RX350 and the hybrid RX450h. The 3.5L RX350 gets a power bump to 275 hp while the hybrid engine grows from 3.3L up to 3.5L and 295 total horsepower. Lexus has improved the inverter that converts between DC power from the battery to AC for the motor, making the whole hybrid drivetrain more efficient. The RX450h gets a unique grill and badging to set it slightly apart from the new RX350, while both models get plenty of new gizmos and gadgets including an upgraded navigation and telematics system. For instance, a new controller for the nav system that Toyota calls Remote Touch provides customizable haptic feedback as you use it. A larger brighter OLED display screen also offers an improved angle of vision and a heads up display is available for the first time. The design is an obvious evolution of the previous RX, but now features a more broad-shouldered look just like the Toyota Highlander with which it shares its platform. Check out the press release after the jump as well as our high-res images in the galleries below.

Gallery: LA 2008: 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h

Gallery: 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h

Continue reading LA 2008: Lexus unveils the third generation RX350 and RX450h

LA 2008: Lexus unveils the third generation RX350 and RX450h originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Preview: Lexus confirms debut of 2010 RX450h and RX350

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Sedan, Crossover, Lexus

Our friendly neighborhood Toyota/Lexus spokesman, Curt McAllister, dropped us a note with an official announcement of what's coming to the Lexus booth at next week's LA Auto Show, and as expected, the big reveal will be the reworked RX luxury crossover. Like the current crossovers, the RX will come in two prescription strengths: the conventional RX350 with a 3.5L V6 and the hybrid flavored RX450h. The bump in nomenclature from the current RX400h likely implies some enhancements to the powertrain including a bump from the current 3.3L V6 to the 3.5L engine used in the 350. It's assumed the RX400h will also boast enhancements to the hybrid drive system with tech pulled from the 2010 Toyota Prius. The photo above, taken of the Japanese brochure, appeared online showing an evolution of the current design rather than a revolutionary redesign. In addition to the RX, LA will host the North American debut of the all-wheel-drive equipped LS460 and the IS 250C Convertible.

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading LA Preview: Lexus confirms debut of 2010 RX450h and RX350

LA Preview: Lexus confirms debut of 2010 RX450h and RX350 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Lexus RX revealed early in Japanese brochure

John Neff — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, SUV, Crossover, Lexus

Click above for gallery of 2010 Lexus RX leaked shots

Thanks to an astute Autoblog tipster, we have our very first look at the upcoming redesigned 2010 Lexus RX ahead of its official unveiling at the LA Auto Show next month. As you can see in the gallery below, which show shots from what appears to be a Japanese brochure, the new RX will retain the same basic shape and styling cues as the current model, but has been gone over with some fine grit sandpaper to smooth out the rough edges. In traditional Lexus fashion, while the new RX may look similar to the old one, we're absolutely certain every body panel is all new. The redesigned interior also features a seriously swoopy dash.

The new RX is also rumored to be larger than the current model with a longer wheelbase that may accommodate a third row of seating for the first time. We expect a revised version of the current model's 3.5L V6 to be offered, probably with more power and better fuel economy, as well as a new version of the RX400h hybrid. Take a look at the sneak preview in the gallery below and let us know what you think in the comments. Thanks for the tip, Stan!

Gallery: 2010 Lexus RX - leaked shots

2010 Lexus RX revealed early in Japanese brochure originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus execs spills the beans: GS F model, 1-series fighter, hybrid galore

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Green, Crossover, Lexus, Australia

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.

Gallery: Lexus LF-Xh concept

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Roadster

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Concept

[Source: The Australian via Motor Authority]

Lexus execs spills the beans: GS F model, 1-series fighter, hybrid galore originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoWeek drives the 2008 Buick Enclave first

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Buick

click above image for more high-res pics of the 2008 Buick Enclave

Thinking outside the box a bit, AutoWeek figured that if a customer can drive down to his or her local Buick dealer and purchase a new 2008 Buick Enclave, there's no good reason to wait until GM's embargo on ride evaluations lifts at the end of May before having a go at one themselves. So they visited a local dealer, test drove one and reported the findings for those of us interested in learning about this highly anticipated new Buick ASAP. There was a bit of backlash the last time AutoWeek did this when they reviewed the 2007 Chevy Silverado well ahead of its embargo lifting, but we'll have to wait and see if anyone, including GM, cares much this time. Embargo breaking seems to be the norm these days and the rules are ever-changing. So what did they think of the Enclave?

Follow the jump for the rest of the summary, and make sure you click through the read link for the full write-up.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Gallery: 2008 Buick Enclave

Continue reading AutoWeek drives the 2008 Buick Enclave first

AutoWeek drives the 2008 Buick Enclave first originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2007 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Auto Show: 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander on-hand impressions

Chris Paukert — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, New York Auto Show, Trends, I.C.E., Crossover, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi's first Outlander unwittingly lived up to its name, operating on the fringes of mainstream SUVdom, largely failing to cross-over to the widespread success of competitors like Ford's Escape and Honda's CR-V. It wasn't that it was a horrible vehicle, but it didn't offer much in the way of Unique Selling Points (USPs), save its love/hate front clip. But judging by our first exposure to the new-for-2007 iteration, the Outlander's luck may be about to change.

Significantly larger and more powerful than the first-generation model, the Outlander has undergone a Toyota RAV4-esque plus sizing. It now offers more interior room, including an optional flip up third-row. There's reason to hope that it will be a good handler, as well. Based on new architecture that will underpin the next-generation Lancer (and more importantly for enthusiasts, the coming Evolution), the Outlander rides on a longer wheelbase and a wider track, and uniquely, makes use of an aluminum roof to lower its center of gravity.

(Dozens of photos, original commentary full press releases and specs after the jump!)

Continue reading New York Auto Show: 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander on-hand impressions

New York Auto Show: 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander on-hand impressions originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Apr 2006 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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