Autoblog

2013 Lexus LS 600h L

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:43:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury, Quick Spins

I have spent the last seven days driving the Starfire Pearl (read: white) 2013 Lexus LS 600h L you see here. And after roughly 500 miles of errand-running, highway-cruising, commuting and people-schlepping, I can safely say this: I don't get it.

The LS hybrid is a nice car. It's comfortable, has every amenity you'd ever want in a luxury boat, and with its freshened appearance for 2013, it looks modern, integrating the company's new spindle grille into an overall package that's elegant. None of this is bad news. But let me explain why I still cannot wrap my head around the overall LS 600h L package:

Driving Notes

For starters, the LS hybrid mates a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 to a 165-kilowatt electric motor. The gasoline engine on its own is good for 389 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque, and with the electric motor factored in, Lexus states that the total system output is a robust 438 hp. (All of that, by the way, resides in what editor Zach Bowman refers to as the "world's saddest engine bay.")
That makes for one quick sedan, even here with all-wheel drive and a hefty 5,159-pound curb weight. Hitting 60 miles per hour takes 5.5 seconds, and top speed is limited to 130 mph.
Hybrid or no, as you'd expect with a package like this, fuel economy isn't exactly stellar. The EPA rates the LS 600h L at 19/23/20 miles per gallon (city/highway/combined). My average over the week was 19.2 mpg.
For comparison, let me introduce you to the non-hybrid LS 460 L AWD, powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that makes 360 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the 600h, the 460 is slower to 60 mph by 0.4 seconds and its fuel economy numbers are 16/23/18 mpg. That's right: The highway economy number is the same as the hybrid, and the combined rating is only reduced by two mpg.
Lexus does call the LS 600h L a performance hybrid, so rather than it being a more efficient version of the flagship sedan - sort of the way a Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid is really just a more frugal S550 - this electrified LS is supposed to be the zenith of the line, offering the most power, quickest acceleration, and top-level refinement.
Thing is, it's not all that good to drive. Even with the Drive Mode Select button toggled to Sport S+, the LS 600h L delivers driving dynamics that are far closer to that of a Hyundai Equus than an Audi A8 or BMW 7 Series. It's a giant rolling couch, with vague steering, plenty of body roll, and a suspension that, even in its firmest setting, doesn't offer a whole lot of sport. Comfy and plush, yes, but hardly engaging.
The interior is really where the LS excels, yet lags. It has every comfort and convenience feature you can imagine, the materials are top notch, and it's, well, Lexus quiet. But from a user standpoint, there are issues. I know that Audi's MMI, BMW's iDrive and Mercedes-Benz's COMAND aren't always peachy systems to use, but they at least offer more user-friendly controllers than the horrible mouse-like Remote Touch controller in the LS. Several passengers commented on this during my week with the car, each one of them failing to understand the point. Perhaps Lexus could bring that 12.3-inch screen out a little more and just make it a proper touchscreen interface.
But here's where it totally falls apart: as-tested, the LS 600h L I drove stickered for $135,029, including $895 for destination and handling. Remember that LS 460 L AWD I mentioned earlier? The one that's not much slower and, in most cases, just as efficient as the hybrid? Option it up to the exact same levels of equipment as this 600h and it's still $34,749 cheaper. That's right, nearly thirty-five thousand dollars less.
Or hey, check out the BMW 750Li xDrive sedan. It has 445 horsepower, gets 24 mpg highway, and completely loaded, is $20,000 less than the LS 600h L. And if efficiency really is your thing, allow me to introduce you to the Audi A8L 3.0 TDI that claims up to 36 mpg highway. It starts at $82,500.
What we have here is car that is, in a vacuum, fine. Everything that it does, it does well enough. But not for this price. And certainly not when there are so many more attractive options for buyers in the segment. Regardless of your preference for power, efficiency or just straight-up luxury, there are better ways to spend your cash than on this LS 600h L.

2013 Lexus LS 600h L originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Lexus LS460 F-Sport AWD

Seyth Miersma — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lexus, New Car Reviews, Luxury

Gary Approved

There's a guy that goes to my gym who can't get enough of the Lexus LS - let's call him Gary. Gary's the guy - you've probably got one at your gym, or coffee shop, or some other public but quasi-social location - who talks to everyone he meets. Sit next to him on the rowing machine or run by him on the track, and he's almost certainly going to bend your ear for a minute or 20. Gary is in his mid-60s, a business owner, and the super-proud owner of a 2013 Lexus LS.

Not being a shy man, Gary will be the first one to tell you that he didn't do much comparative shopping (he "drove by" the BMW dealership, and looked at a 7 Series "on the computer"). Being a satisfied former owner of multiple Lexus RXs, there was probably only a tiny statistical chance that Gary wouldn't end up in an LS when it came time for him to treat himself to the tricked out luxury car that he'd wanted for a long time. Still, when I found myself chatting with Gary about his new LS, right after I had spent a wintry week in the 2013 LS460 F-Sport AWD, I figured that he'd have some light to shed on the car.

Without substantively quoting the man (I was on the rowing machine; how often do you bring a steno pad to the gym?), here are the main things that drew Gary to the LS: He's a Lexus owner, as discussed, first and foremost. He likes the brand, has had great experiences with other products, and considers the local dealer a friend who will give him "the hookup." Gary described both the engine and the ride of the LS as being "smooth" or "so smooth" at different times during our conversation, mentioning that the car was really fast, as well. Most of his praise though, was aimed at the styling of the LS, which Gary thought was beautiful inside and out. His one criticism lay with "all those gadgets" in the car, which, I was told, he mostly didn't screw around with. Based on some commenter feedback I've gotten on my last few car reviews, I think that a large portion of the Autoblog audience would identify with Gary's succinct (if sometimes oblique) style of vehicle evaluation. We're talking to his people.

Continue reading 2013 Lexus LS460 F-Sport AWD

2013 Lexus LS460 F-Sport AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus shows off LS reveal video, reminds us how strange debut events can be

George Kennedy — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus has revealed more of the 2013 LS through a video 'news broadcast' of its unveiling ceremony. Through the party footage, we are able to seem more angles of the Japanese automaker's spindle-grilled flagship, which shares quite a lot visually with the slightly smaller GS. The Lexus shindig also has its own on-air correspondent, Jeff Krapf, to guide video watchers through the San Francisco event. Prior to the debut, Krapf recorded a canned interview with Lexus Global Marketing Chief, Mark Templin, which is here,too.

Things get weird (at least for a vehicle debut) when Lexus brings in designer power couple Simon Doonan and Jonathan Adler to direct an art exhibit, highlighted by photographers displaying photos of what they feel 'attraction' is.

Perhaps more interesting is a second trailer-like video that has Lexus reflecting on the history of the LS range, including the model's many range of industry firsts.

Click here to watch both videos.

Continue reading Lexus shows off LS reveal video, reminds us how strange debut events can be

Lexus shows off LS reveal video, reminds us how strange debut events can be originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Lexus LS 460 goes more intense, more sporty and more luxurious

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 09:12:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

It's been leak city for the 2013 Lexus LS line, allowing us to catch the exteriors of the LS 460 L and LS 460 F Sport from practically every angle. The spindle grille might be the most prominent story of the refreshed LS - otherwise there are no monumental changes to the body, but plenty of details did decide to wait for the Lexus luxury flagship's official unveiling in San Francisco.

As we've stated, there are now four flavors of LS from which to choose: the LS 460, LS 460 L, LS 460 F Sport in either or rear- or all-wheel drive and the AWD LS 600hL hybrid. All of them are more rigid thanks to additional body reinforcements and laser screw welding.

Inside, a 12.3-inch nav screen with split-screen capability immediately gets the eye's attention, and surrounding it is something we've not yet encountered in the LS: what Lexus calls "a driver-focused interior." The Remote Touch system places the 'mouse' controller next to the shift level, and in conjunction with steering-wheel controls can operate many of the car's features, and up to five driving modes are possible if buyers choose the optional air suspension. Shock absorbers have been redesigned to improve pitch and bounce control, the variable ratio steering is said to improve accuracy and turn-in and the brakes have been adjusted to provide better power and pedal feel.

Passengers haven't been left out of the pampering, with the Lexus Climate Concierge controlling the ambient temperature, seat temperature and steering wheel temperature to comfort each occupant individually. Safety gets a boost with an available new Blind Spot Monitor, in operation from 10 mph and part of a system that can detect crossing traffic behind the car when reversing out of a spot. Convenience takes a step up with redesigned seats, more sound insulation "for an even quieter cabin," which we weren't sure was even possible, noise-reducing wheels, and an optional Ottoman Seating Package with Shiatsu Massage, because, well, why not.

The LS 460 F Sport is the halo range topper meant to give the whole line some additional cachet. Its F Sport tweaks outside and underneath include being lowered by almost half an inch, a sport-minded tune for the air suspension, 19-inch forged wheels hiding Brembo six-pot calipers up front, and a Torsen limited-slip differential on the RWD model. Inside it gets heavily bolstered seats, paddle shifters and aluminum trim.

While we're waiting for official pricing, there are more details in the press release below and three galleries with high-res views of every nook and cranny.

Continue reading 2013 Lexus LS 460 goes more intense, more sporty and more luxurious

2013 Lexus LS 460 goes more intense, more sporty and more luxurious originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Lexus LS 460 F Sport gets early Facebook reveal

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 13:42:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2013 Lexus LS 460 F Sport has arrived. Lexus won't be officially unwrapping its new flagship until next Monday, July 30, but the automaker has decided to reveal this single image of the car early via its Facebook page.

Surprised about the new sedan's design? Neither are we. Lexus' new design language is fully present here on the LS, complete with the large spindle grille found on, well, nearly every other model in its lineup. We'll be interested to see what the standard LS models look like without the trim-and-tape F Sport up-do.

Lexus will continue to offer its big sedan in LS 460, LS 460 L and LS 600h L guises, as well as the more athletic looking F Sport model you see here. We'll have the full details on Monday, so stay tuned.

2013 Lexus LS 460 F Sport gets early Facebook reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Lexus LS to be revealed in San Francisco on July 30

Zach Bowman — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 15:44:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lexus, Design/Style, Luxury

Lexus has announced the automaker will show off its new 2013 LS line in San Francisco on July 30. The shindig will be an invitation-only event, thought the premium automaker isn't serving up too many details beyond the locale and the date. The LS family will eventually be available in a total of four variants, including a racier-looking F Sport model. We're also holding out hope that eventually the much fussed-over LS TMG Edition we've seen racing around the Nürburgring recently will make the scene. Lexus has kept a pretty tight lid on what we can expect from the next-generation LS, though odds are designers will apply the company's new spindle grille to vehicle's fascia.

New headlights with LED daytime running light accents and metal elements will also likely show up. As you may recall, Lexus let slip a glimpse of what could have been the 2013 LS during a presentation back in March. Beyond that, don't be surprised to see the usual battery of improvements in fuel efficiency, power and toys. Take a look at the skimpy press release below.

Continue reading Next Lexus LS to be revealed in San Francisco on July 30

Next Lexus LS to be revealed in San Francisco on July 30 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Man creates DIY Lexus LS 400 convertible with Sawzall

Zach Bowman — Wed, 23 May 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Etc., Europe, Videos, Lexus, Design/Style, Luxury

We love four-door convertibles, reciprocating saws and watching other people make bad decisions, so the video seen here is a bit like our perfect YouTube cocktail. In it, the owner of a slammed Lexus LS decides he's had enough of living under the oppressive shadow of his sedan's roof. While at StanceWars Belgium 2012, he decides to fire up a generator, plug in his trusty sawzall and go to town. Not surprisingly, the sheetmetal on the roof gives up quickly, and the whole extraction takes less than eight minutes from start to finish.

Hilariously enough, it starts raining just as the owner makes the final cut. How's that for a sign from the universe? Scroll down to check out the carnage... just be prepared for the painful sound of shredded metal.

Continue reading Man creates DIY Lexus LS 400 convertible with Sawzall

Man creates DIY Lexus LS 400 convertible with Sawzall originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Are you the next Lexus LS?

Zach Bowman — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:44:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Lexus, Design/Style, Luxury

We hope you like the look of the new Lexus GS. The Japanese luxury automaker has made it clear it aims to spread the new "spindle" grille found on the sedan across the brand. During an interview with Takayuki Katsuda, chief engineer for the RX line, four teaser images were splashed across the screen, including what looks to be the next-generation LS. If that's true, the model will wear a heavily accented version of the Predator maw, complete with a chrome or brushed metal accent frame. Likewise, the headlamps will boast metal (or metal-effect) trim work of their own, complete with a dual-projector array.

Other reports have indicated the teaser may hint to what buyers can expect to see from the LS 600h F Sport when the model arrives.

In addition to the LS teaser, the video also flashes a brief glimpse at vehicles like the GS 450h, CT 200h F Sport and the upcoming ES. Hit the jump to take a look for yourself.

Continue reading Are you the next Lexus LS?

Are you the next Lexus LS? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus releases new ES, CT and LS special edition models

Zach Bowman — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, Lexus, Design/Style, Luxury

Lexus has introduced a slew of 2012 special edition models, including unique variants of the LS 460, ES 350 and CT 200h. The rear-wheel-drive Lexus LS 460 Sport Special Edition offers buyers standard equipment that includes Brembo brakes, a sport-tuned air suspension and sport front seats in addition to 19-inch split-10-spoke wheels and a two-tone leather interior, among other amenities. Expect to hand over $77,000, excluding destination.

Meanwhile, the ES 350 Touring Edition comes laden with 17-inch 10-spoke wheels, a steering wheel and shift knob trimmed in leather and wood, navigation and saddle-tan leather heated and cooled seats. Additional equipment is also part of the package, and all that kit will bump the ES 350 Touring Edition MSRP to $40,475, excluding destination.

Finally, the CT 200h is getting the sport treatment as well with the F Sport Special Edition (seen above). The model is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels of its own, along with an F Sport suspension that includes specific springs and sway bars. An F Sport appearance package is also along for the ride, and includes a mesh grille, larger rear spoiler, aluminum sport pedals and a perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel. Asking price? A cool $37,995. Lexus will politely ask for $875 for delivery on each model. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Lexus releases new ES, CT and LS special edition models

Lexus releases new ES, CT and LS special edition models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus LS TMG Edition running the 'Ring

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Lexus

With each passing day, our lives become more intertwined with the latest sporting machine from Lexus. Previously contained only through still photography, the Lexus LS TMG Edition has now been captured by a video camera: The 641-horsepower sport sedan was seen in its native habitat, which is stalking the twists and turns of Germany's Nürburgring.

We are still waiting to learn more about this oddly enticing product born from the Cologne garage of Toyota Motorsport GmbH. So far, all we've got to go on is the leaked spec sheet. That slip of conveniently laid-out paper has us eager to get quite a bit closer to the LS TMG.

Click past the jump to watch it run through a few turns at the 'Ring.

Continue reading Lexus LS TMG Edition running the 'Ring

Lexus LS TMG Edition running the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Lexus LS has a name (and specs): TMG Edition

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Lexus

Lexus fans are abuzz over the sight of a potential new LS-based super sedan, and details about the mystery machine are leaking out across the intertubes. The folks at AutoGuide have somehow managed to get shots of the Nürburgring-running prototype parked in a garage along witha a conveniently displayed spec sheet which gives us a lot more information about the sporty four door shown testing on the 'Ring.

According to their information it's called the Lexus LS TMG Edition, and the TMG stands for Toyota Motorsport GmbH. That would be the European motorsports branch for the Japanese automaker, which helps to explain the Cologne plates spotted on the car. According to the spied spec sheet, the LS TMG boasts a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 641 horsepower and 524 pound-feet of torque. That should be enough to push the large luxo rocket from 0-62 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed that's a hair under 200 miles per hour.

While we have no idea whether this is a production prototype, a one-off exercise or something else entirely, the very existence of a 641-horsepower, 200 mile-per-hour Lexus LS suggests that the crew behind the LFA are holding increasing sway over the Toyota luxury asylum. Needless to say, we're okay with that.

Super Lexus LS has a name (and specs): TMG Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mystery super Lexus LS spotting lapping Nürburgring

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Lexus

We spy, with the lens of our spy guy, a rather unique Lexus LS that's taken to the track. Spotted lapping Germany's Nürburgring, this particular LS is wearing puffed-out fenders, a strongly styled decklid spoiler, what appears to be a faux nose hiding new bodywork, deep side skirts and a pair of vents on the hood. Something sporty is afoot, and we're itching to know more.

Toyota is clearly testing a super sporty version of its flagship luxury sedan. What's not clear, however, is what exactly is going on underneath the bodywork. We do know that this is work of the automaker, and not an aftermarket tuner testing some new performance parts out. The license tags on the car are from Cologne, and the car was spotted at the automaker's garage nearby.

Could we be staring at a Lexus LS F in disguise? The automaker has hinted in the past at such a car coming to market over the years, and this luxury sedan is certainly wearing some athletic upgrades. Funny, we thought for sure that a variant of the new GS was going to be next in line to get the F Sport treatment. Could this just be a one-off piece for the Tokyo Motor Show or Tokyo Auto Salon, or is it indicative of something more?

Final amusing note: The wheelman at the helm of this mystery "LS F' must be new to the 'Ring - that giant "L" on the rear window indicates he's a Learner.

Mystery super Lexus LS spotting lapping Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet for Monaco Royal Wedding blows our minds [w/videos]

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Staffers here at Autoblog have been fortunate enough to drive cars like the Porsche Panamera and Bentley Continental at our weddings, but it takes a very high-ranking person to get an automaker to build a special vehicle just for the knot-tying ceremonies. His Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco is getting married in just over a week, and when he does, Lexus will have this very special LS 600h L Landaulet waiting to handle chauffeur duty.

Yes, it's being called a Landaulet - you know, like the Maybach - but instead of the rear seat passengers being completely alfresco, there's a transparent bubble roof, in this case, one without any reinforcements or pillars. Lexus says that the roof was built by one of the world's leading transparent component-production companies in France. The entire Landaulet conversion was handled by Belgian coachbuilder Carat Duchatelet in close collaboration with Lexus, and it took just over 2,000 hours to complete. Even the Midnight Blue livery paint is a special touch - it was applied manually using several coats of bespoke, water-based paint.

After checking out the high-res gallery below, hit the jump to see four short videos detailing the LS 600h L Landaulet's production and read over the official press release.

Continue reading Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet for Monaco Royal Wedding blows our minds [w/videos]

Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet for Monaco Royal Wedding blows our minds [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus releases 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lexus, Design/Style, Luxury

2011 Lexus LS 460 Touring - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lexus has aimed its 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition at a less frumpy crowd, giving the ride new 19-inch wheels and a sportier body kit. The Touring Edition goes on sale later this month with a sticker price of $73,000 before destination charges.

To keep things looking fresh, Lexus is adding a special mica paint job to the limited-production sedan. The Touring Edition package also features sport seats, matte-finish wood paneling and black leather upholstery with saddle leather accents.

Lexus says this thing will be built in limited numbers, but doesn't say how limited. Want one? Get in line now. Catch the full press release after the jump.

Continue reading Lexus releases 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition

Lexus releases 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Jun 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: LS 460 owner recreates seminal Lexus commercial with different results

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:55:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Lexus

Lexus LS 460 owner attempts to recreate classic commercial - Click above to watch video after the jump

Remember that early Lexus commercial from 1989? You know the one, where an LS 400 is sitting on a dynamometer and makes a run up to 145 miles per hour, then the camera pans to the hood, where a large pyramid of crystal champagne glasses calmly sits? An Arizona Lexus owner decided to recreate that clip using his much newer LS 460.

So, does the more advanced and powerful LS fare as well the second time around? Certainly, the owner has a rather different approach, so click past the jump and see for yourself (we've also posted the classic '89 ad for those that need a refresher).

[Source: YouTube via Lexus Enthusiast]

Continue reading Video: LS 460 owner recreates seminal Lexus commercial with different results

Video: LS 460 owner recreates seminal Lexus commercial with different results originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why cars can cost 3x as much in Australia despite currency parity with the U.S.

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Australia

Right now, the U.S. dollar and the Australian ~~Didjaerawollabuck~~ dollar are about as evenly rated as possible. If that's the case, why are Australians paying double or even triple what we pay to purchase an automobile?

Neil Dowling of Cars Guide looked into this huge discrepancy and found several reasons for the disparity. The United States typically purchases 30 million vehicles per year, while Australia buys around one million. Like any product, there's a discount for buying in bulk. Additionally, Australia mandates its own set of emissions and the cost of adhering to those rules is passed on to the consumer. Beyond emissions and volume, Australians are also paying for the cost to bring vehicles down to their distant southern location. All these factors increase the price of a vehicle in Australia, but one of the biggest reasons for the increased cost is taxes.

A Porsche Carrera S would run a U.S. buyer around $88,000, before the inevitable dive into the bottom-less pit that is the Porsche options list. In Australia, that same car costs a staggering $282,800. The Australian-market Porsche is saddled with a luxury-car tax, import tax and a goods and services tax. Those taxes can also turn a $66,230 U.S.-priced Lexus LS into a $191,200 Australian-priced wallet buster.

On the flip side, Australians are getting vehicles that are highly specced. Mercedes-Benz Australia states that the local S-Class is one of the finest you can buy anywhere in the world. The level of standard equipment on Australian vehicles is greater than what we experience on NA-specced vehicles. In addition, the average wage in Australia is nearly $10,000 higher per person, per year. That may not make it easier to swallow paying nearly $300,000 for a Porsche Carrera S but it shows the Aussies are, on average, earning a better wage than us Yanks.

[Source: CarsGuides.com.au]

Why cars can cost 3x as much in Australia despite currency parity with the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Behind the scenes with Lexus' 'The Hard Way' spot

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Lexus, Luxury

Behind the Scenes of Lexus' "The Hard Way - Chain" commercial - Click above to watch video after the jump

Lexus has released a new line of commercials that revolve around the theme "the hard way." In one such commercial titled Chain, Lexus attaches cables to an LS sedan and raises it off the ground. The idea is to show you how strong the chassis is because it can support its own weight when lifted into the air. Since the theme is "the hard way," the weight of just one single LS clearly isn't enough and Lexus attaches four vehicles to LS and raises them all in the air.

The commercial does an excellent job of conveying Lexus' solid built quality through a visual exercise. Is it real though? You bet'cha it is... and to show how they did it, Lexus has released a behind-the-scenes video and it's hanging around after the jump. We also threw in a few more examples of Lexus' "The Hard Way" campaign just for the fun of it. Enjoy!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Behind the scenes with Lexus' 'The Hard Way' spot

Video: Behind the scenes with Lexus' 'The Hard Way' spot originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota leads the way in 2010 Motorist Choice Awards

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST

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

2011 Toyota Sienna - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you thought consumer sentiment for Toyota and Lexus might be wavering, think again. Toyota is top of the class based on results from the 2010 Motorist Choice Awards, a consumer-driven study developed by Intellichoice and AutoPacific. Offerings from Toyota and Lexus were named winners in nine out of the 30 available award categories.

The Motorist Choice Awards has now entered its fifth year and the categories are more refined and easier to understand than in years past. Instead of having consumers select makes and models simply based on size and price, award categories were transformed into lifestyle concepts such as High Tech, Fun to Drive and Value Car. Each category was further broken down into Popular Brand and Premium Brand.

Toyota received awards for Eco Friendly (Toyota Prius and Lexus RX Hybrid), High Tech (Lexus RX Hybrid), Youthful (Lexus IS), Kid Friendly (Toyota Sequoia), Road Trip (Toyota Sienna), City Car (Toyota Yaris and Lexus LS) and Value Car (Lexus RX Hybrid).

The winners were selected by pooling data from over 42,000 consumer surveys. "From an emotional standpoint these awards are a reflection of how cars fit into people's daily lives, the tasks they fulfill on a day-to-day basis and the image people have of their vehicles," says Charlie Vogelheim, Executive Editor of IntelliChoice. The full list of winners is available in the press release, waiting for you after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Toyota Sienna

Continue reading Toyota leads the way in 2010 Motorist Choice Awards

Toyota leads the way in 2010 Motorist Choice Awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Toyota admits 270,000 cars have faulty engines worldwide

Zach Bowman — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Recalls, Safety, Lexus, Luxury

2010 Lexus LS460 Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

In 20 years, odds are few people will remember that 2010 was one of the worst years for Toyota in terms of recalls, but for now, it seems like the company just can't win for losing. The company has announced that it is currently preparing to recall a total of 270,000 Toyota Crown and Lexus LS, GS and IS models worldwide. As it turns out, some of the company's 4.6-liter V8 and 3.5-liter V6 engines were built using faulty valve springs that may cause the car to stall while driving. Around 180,000 of the faulty powerplants were sold outside of Japan.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the company says that some Toyota Crown, Lexus LS460, Lexus LS600h, Lexus LS600hL, Lexus GS350, Lexus GS450h, Lexus GS460 and Lexus IS350 models will be affected by the recall, and that it will initiate a procedure to fix the problem as soon as it can figure out a way to do so with the least amount of inconvenience to its customers.

The news comes as Toyota continues to try to put this year's bevy of recall issues behind it, including paying a $16.4 million fine to the U.S. government for delaying certain recalls. Thanks for the tip, everyone!

Gallery: Review: 2010 Lexus LS460 Sport

Photos by Frank Filipponio / Copyright (C)2009, Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

BREAKING: Toyota admits 270,000 cars have faulty engines worldwide originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus issues stop-sale, recall on LS 460 and LS 600h

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 24 May 2010 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Lexus, Luxury

True to predictions, The Detroit News is reporting that Lexus has issued a stop sale on its LS 460 and LS 600h (standard and long-wheelbase) luxury sedans due to a problem with the electronic steering system that can temporarily cause the steering wheel to become off-centered. Apparently, the wheel will return to its correct position after about five seconds of misalignment. Toyota issued a recall on Friday, May 21st to address the defect. Click here to see the recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Although Toyota has reportedly fixed the problem on new models rolling down the assembly lines in Japan, those recalibrated machines are not expected to hit dealership lots in America until the middle of June. In the meantime, the 3,800 or so owners of affected 2009 and 2010 LS sedans are being urged to avoid turning the steering wheel rapidly after holding it in full lock in the opposite direction.

We would imagine that there are certain scenarios where following such advice may prove difficult to follow, but Toyota is so far reporting that no injuries or accidents have been caused by the issue.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Lexus issues stop-sale, recall on LS 460 and LS 600h originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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