Autoblog

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

Lexus sales have been down every month so far this year, which may be due in part to its SUV and crossover-heavy lineup. It also seems that Toyota's luxury division doesn't quite have redesigns of its sedans ready yet. According to Automotive News, the automaker's smallest car, the IS, won't be redesigned for another few years. While the SC coupe/convertible is set to go the way of the Dodo, expect to see a coupe and convertible iteration of the IS sometime soon. Some sales help is also likely forthcoming from the Lexi-fied version of Toyota's next-gen Prius.

In a blow to high-performance sedan lovers, however, the rumored GS-F performance edition of the marque's rear-wheel drive mid-size sedan has been put on hold with fears that the sinking economy will shrink the market for gas-guzzlers too much to make it worthwhile. In more bad news, the $200K-plus LF-A supercar is also being delayed, reportedly in part for failing to meet its desired performance targets. Could that have anything to do with the recent Nissan GT-R and Corvette ZR-1 'Ring lap times? You bet'cha.


[Source: Automotive News]

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]

click either image to view high-res galleries

We showed you the updated 2008 Lexus GS a few days ago, but Toyota has released a slew of official high-res images and all the specs on its midlevel luxury sedan and hybrid counterpart. For 2008, the GS 430 has been cancelled and replaced with the GS 460 sporting a 4.6L V8 producing 342 hp and 339 ft-lbs of torque. The bigger motor is also mated to Lexus' eight-speed transmission. The GS 350 retains its 3.5L V6 that produces a still respectable 303 hp and 274 ft-lbs. of torque. While all-wheel drive is available on the GS 350, it makes do with a mere six-speed auto.

As we learned a few days ago, the 2008 GS line has received a minor refresh that focuses on its front end. Specifically, a new lower bumper with different air intakes, new grille with chrome surround, and sharper styling for the inset driving lights have been added. The interior has also been updated with a dash that appears much simpler with which to interface. That new nav screen at 800x480 pixels is particularly impressive, as well.

The GS 450h hybrid model shares the same new front end as its petrol powered brothers. For 2008, the GS 450h also gets new blue-hued badges on its rocker side moldings and rear, blue "L" logos front and rear and blue-tinted headlamps. When did blue become the new green? The hybrids also get new light weight 18-inch alloys to roll around on.

[Source: Lexus]

Pricing is in for the Lexus GS!

Lexus is goin' for the gold with its GS 350, bulking up the power and perks without bulking up the price (much). The brand's GS 350 model, with its 303 hp V6, is more powerful than even the outgoing V8 model by 13 hp and beats out its predecessor by 58 hp. It also sports the more powerful brakes of its V8-packed big brother as well as the new navigation system seen in the IS lineup, which allows drivers to set locations through voice commands on the fly.

Moonroofs come standard with the 2007 GS lineup, and with that factored in, the price is the same as the outgoing model -- the GS 350 will go for $44,150, the GS 350 AWD will cost $46,100, and the GS 430 will MSRP at $52,375, an increase of 2.3 percent, 2.2 percent and 1.9 percent respectively.

Thanks to Eric for the tip.

[Source: Lexus]