Autoblog

Toyota to pay $17.35M federal fine for delayed Lexus RX recall

George Kennedy — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 13:28:00 EST

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

This summer, we brought you news that Lexus was recalling over 150,000 RX and RX hybrid crossovers tied to its massive pedal entrapment issue. An update to that story included word from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it was considering launching a federal investigation into potential delays by the automaker in notifying owners about the problem. Now comes news that parent company Toyota will pay a hefty $17.35 million in fines for delaying its recall of the 2010 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h. According to The Detroit News, the Japanese automaker is being forced to pay the maximum fine for delaying recalls - and this isn't the first time. In fact, this is the fourth time since 2010 that Toyota has been required to do so, including paying $48.8M in civil penalties in 2010 for failing to recall vehicles in a timely manner - in three separate campaigns.

In addition to the fines, Toyota has agreed to restructure the way it handles quality control and review "safety-related issues." Though the Japanese automaker has not admitted any wrongdoing, Toyota has agreed to meet with NHTSA for six months on the matter and may extend the meetings another six months.

US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says he is counting on Toyota to improve its ability to address such safety issues: "With today's announcement, I expect Toyota to rigorously reinforce its commitment to adhering to the United States safety regulations," he said in a statement.

According to the report, Toyota has recalled more vehicles than any other automaker so far this year - 5.3 million in 13 separate campaigns - putting it about two million units ahead of second-place Honda.

This latest fine is a drop in the bucket compared to Toyota's expected global profits of $9.7 billion by the end of March, 2013. That said, Congress has already agreed to a new fine that will push the maximum penalty for delayed recalls up to $35 million. This increase will take effect in 2013.

Toyota to pay $17.35M federal fine for delayed Lexus RX recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2013 Lexus RX 350 F Sport [w/video]

Michael Harley — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Crossover, Lexus, New Car Reviews, Luxury

A Sporty Package Does Not Necessarily Make a Sporty Crossover

To say that the Lexus RX crossover has been the brand's sales success is an understatement. Last month, the Japanese automaker sold 7,357 units out of the brand's 18,235 total sales - nearly every other vehicle leaving a Lexus showroom is an RX.

Introduced in 1998, the RX immediately established a name for itself. While other automakers were still offering truck-like sport utility vehicles, Lexus built its new crossover on its ES sedan platform. Enthusiasts looked the other way, but the bulk of the marketplace embraced the new five-door with its very comfortable car-like ride, luxurious passenger accommodations and the brand's well-known levels of build quality and customer satisfaction. After just a few years on the market, Lexus was selling more than 100,000 units annually.

Now in its third generation and facelifted for 2013, the RX seems to be pleasing everyone - except male buyers. Even though Lexus as a whole is targeted predominantly at men, it is a well-known fact that RX crossover buyers are mostly female. To capture an even larger share of the segment, Lexus needed to give its best-seller a shot of masculinity. Enter the 2013 RX 350 F Sport.

Continue reading 2013 Lexus RX 350 F Sport [w/video]

2013 Lexus RX 350 F Sport [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lexus working on sub-RX crossover, more hybrids?

Zach Bowman — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Lexus, Rumormill, Luxury

Yes, we know saying, "Lexus is considering more hybrids," is about as obvious as predicting the company's next model will have wheels, but TheDetroitBureau.com reports the automaker expects to offer buyers a total of eight hybrid models by 2015.

Mark Templin, Lexus general manager, recently took the time to detail some of the more interesting projects looming in the automaker's future, and while specifics on the next batch of hybrid vehicles are still missing, Templin did say Lexus has its heart set on going after the CUV segment more aggressively. That means we will likely see the Toyota luxury arm crank out a new model to slot below the current RX.

When will that happen, exactly? No time soon, from the sound of things. Templin underscored the fact that the RX is currently the best-selling luxury CUV on the market. Lexus sees no need to rock the boat with a newcomer just yet.

Lexus is also mulling the possibility of adding another supercar to its mix, based loosely on the LFC. Templin said the LF-LC Concept received a warm welcome by show goers in Detroit, and with the LFA all but sold out, decision makers are currently weighing the necessity of bringing about a successor. Cross your fingers.

Lexus working on sub-RX crossover, more hybrids? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

These are the best-selling cars in wealthy zip codes

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 10:45:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, BMW, Honda, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Volkswagen, Luxury

Perhaps the most frustrating thing about being mired in the 99% is that due to the prevalence of reality-distorting TV and the booming personal security business, we really have no idea what it's like to be Mitt Romney, Donald Trump or one of the Koch brothers. At least in the olden days, we plebs could point and stare, mouths agape as the robber barons rode through city streets in their jewel-encrusted carriages. But today? Good luck catching a glimpse of Trump's platinum-dipped Maybach or the plutonium-burning hovercrafts that the Koch's use to fly to their secret Tea Party Illuminati meetings.

What's that? Rich people buy their cars at dealerships just like we do?

Yep, and according to a new study from TrueCar, Mr. and Mrs. Moneybags don't go in for luxury models nearly as completely as you'd think. TrueCar has released a list of the top 10 most popular cars in the wealthiest zip codes in the U.S. and, shockingly enough, half the vehicles on it are mainstream models from Toyota, Honda and Volkswagen.

As you would expect, a Mercedes-Benz is indeed at the top of the list, but note that it's the E-Class rather than the S-Class. Runner-up was the BMW 3 Series, just ahead of the C-Class. Fourth place went to the Lexus RX, and fifth to the Toyota Prius. Then the real commonplace models take over, with the Volkswagen Jetta in sixth, the Honda CR-V and Accord in seventh and eighth, and the Toyota Camry taking ninth. The BMW X5 wraps up the list in 10th place.

What this tells us is that the rich are clearly not stupid, choosing to buy the same sorts of vehicles that the rest of us do, models with good reputations for quality and value. Either that or they're paying their servants in cars.

Continue reading These are the best-selling cars in wealthy zip codes

These are the best-selling cars in wealthy zip codes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota looking to shift some Lexus RX production from Japan to Canada

Chris Tutor — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 09:15:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Lexus, Toyota, Canada, Luxury

In an effort to reduce the Yen's impact on its bottom line, Toyota says it will invest $100 million in its Cambridge, Ontario plant to increase output of the Lexus RX CUV. The Ontario factory is Toyota's only Lexus producer outside of Japan.

"This is a big and ambitious project with new technology, exacting standards and tight timelines," Brian Krinock, president of Toyota's Canada manufacturing unit, said in a press release. "Our team members have demonstrated time and time again that they thrive on these kinds of challenges."

The expansion will take the plant's Lexus capacity from 74,000 units a year to 104,000, including 15,000 RX 450h hybrids. By the time production begins in early 2014, the plant is expected to have added about 400 new jobs and take overall employment to 6,900 workers.

Continue reading Toyota looking to shift some Lexus RX production from Japan to Canada

Toyota looking to shift some Lexus RX production from Japan to Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lexus adding over 150,000 RX crossovers to pedal entrapment recall, may face NHTSA investigation [UPDATE]

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 14:14:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Lexus, Luxury

Remember the giant Toyota pedal entrapment recalls that all started in late 2009? Well, it's not over yet. No, we aren't just talking about the various lawsuits that the automaker still faces in connection with the recalls, we're talking about yet another set of vehicles that are being added to the list. Welcome to the gang, 2010 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h.

Toyota states that the duo of Lexus crossovers are being recalled for "unsecured or incompatible floor mat entrapment of the accelerator pedal." In total, 154,000 RX models are affected by this latest addendum to the recall - 131,800 RX 350 and 22,200 RX 450h vehicles.

Between the two different pedal entrapment cases, Toyota has now recalled around 7.8 million vehicles.

The automaker will notify customers via first class mail beginning in August. Concerned owners can contact the manufacturer directly at 1.800.255.3987 or visit lexus.com/recall for more information. Scroll down to read the official press release.

UPDATE: According to the International Business Times, the National Highway Traffic Safety administration may consider launching an investigation on Toyota "regarding delays in notifying the agency about the problem." The government agency released a statement saying, "NHTSA is requesting additional documentation from the manufacturer and is considering opening an investigation into whether Toyota met its obligation to notify the agency and conduct a recall in a timely manner."

Continue reading Lexus adding over 150,000 RX crossovers to pedal entrapment recall, may face NHTSA investigation [UPDATE]

Lexus adding over 150,000 RX crossovers to pedal entrapment recall, may face NHTSA investigation [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lexus prices updated RX among other models

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Lexus, Luxury

So a new front-drive Lexus RX 350 will now set you back $40,185, but that's really not the most interesting pricing news from Lexus. That would be the RX 350 F Sport, which debuts for the 2013 model year in July, carrying a base sticker of $47,875.

While all versions of the RX get the new spindle grille, the F Sport packs Lexus' eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a performance-tuned suspension that employs Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, akin to what's available on the GS line. Cosmetic enhancements include a mesh grille and F Sport badges, aluminum pedals and black leather seats with contrasting white stitching. A unique set of 19-inch wheels completes the package, which we look forward to getting our hands on.

Lexus has also announced the base price of its hybrid RX, which will start at $46,805, and the hybrid GS. When the 2013 GS 450h goes on sale in May, it will be priced from $59,845. Additionally, the 2012 Lexus IS will see the price bumped $200 across the board. Scroll down to read the full press release.

Continue reading Lexus prices updated RX among other models

Lexus prices updated RX among other models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2013 Lexus RX dons its family's new face

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 07:15:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Lexus, Luxury

It certainly isn't the sexiest car to debut here at the Geneva Motor Show, but let's be honest: the Lexus RX crossover is hugely important, especially in the U.S. market. And while the 2013 model you see here isn't an all-new model, it gets a host of upgrades that will make it a fresher, more attractive offering in the luxury CUV segment.

Up front, the 2013 RX now wears its own version of Lexus' new corporate face, including the spindle grille that we now see on the GS, LX and CT, complete with LED running lamps. On top of that, there's a new F Sport model for 2013, incorporating smoked out headlamps and taillamps, darker wheels, and a bolder, sportier front fascia.

The RX 350 and RX 450h models will carry over with largely unchanged powertrains, the former available with a 270-horsepower V6 and the latter with a 295-hp electrically assisted V6. Both models can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive.

Inside, there's a modestly updated interior with a new steering wheel and IP cluster, as well as a refreshed center stack. Of course, there's a smattering of luxury options available including a Mark Levinson premium audio system, a HDD navigation unit and Lexus Enform. Hit the jump for the full details and click through our high-res image galleries to see the new RX for yourself.

Continue reading 2013 Lexus RX dons its family's new face

2013 Lexus RX dons its family's new face originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 07:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2013 Lexus RX facelift leaked prior to Geneva debut

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Lexus, Luxury

While it's not a complete redesign, Lexus has quite a few tweaks planned for its 2013 RX range. We got an initial glimpse of the crossover's new face via a grouping of leaked brochure scans, and now, it appears that some semi-official stock shots have hit the Interwebs prior to the CUV's debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

We like the look of the RX's new front fascia, but that's probably because we already like it on the CT, GS and LX, not to mention the forthcoming ES; it's that same pinched spindle grille with LED running lamps flanking either side. What's most interesting about the 2013 RX, however, is that an F Sport model (pictured right) will be produced, offering a sportier appearance that includes things like a new front bumper, honeycomb grille, larger wheels and tinted front and rear lamps, among other things.

The 2013 RX's interior is slated to get a decent overhaul as well, with a new center stack with an infotainment screen that's now recessed into the top tier of the dash. Expect both RX 350 and RX 450h models to be offered with their powertrains likely untouched from the current models, save a slight massaging or two. We'll have the full scoop as part of next week's Geneva madness.

2013 Lexus RX facelift leaked prior to Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lexus marketing boss says "no" to entry-level models, wants RX family

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Lexus, Luxury

Although other luxury makers from Germany and Japan are fearlessly diving into lower price segments in the U.S., Lexus marketing VP Brian Smith has gone on the record with Cars.com as saying, "I don't think [entry-luxury] is a focus of ours right now." The reason: even with last year's acts of God, Toyota's upscale arm still holds an enviable position with the RX, which was the second-best-selling luxury vehicle in 2011.

As well, for the moment, it has its brand-hands full with rebuilding its inventories and recasting audience perception. Led by the 2013 Lexus GS and that grille, soon to be followed by the 2013 RX (pictured) and ES that will also feature that grille if the leaks can be believed, Lexus is more concerned with sloughing off its reputation as a maker of staid cars for people who hate driving. Lexus appears to believe it will be headed where it wishes to go as long as it gets its current vehicles just right.

Smith said the company has a plan to be "the fastest-growing luxury brand," and instead of an assault on the low end that could mean variations on the RX. One imagines it would be a much safer play since the RX hasn't been milked at all for buyers in nearby segments, and fourteen years of dominance with one vehicle in a seriously competitive chunk of the market is stupefying. Smith couldn't give any clues to what might come, but did admit that he "would love to see the RX family grow."

Lexus marketing boss says "no" to entry-level models, wants RX family originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2013 Lexus RX redesign revealed in leaked brochure

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST

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

There's no doubting the importance of the Lexus RX. It's one of the top-selling models from one of the top-selling luxury marques. At the cutting edge when introduced in the late '90s, the RX is now on its third iteration, with a fourth on the way - and this appears to be our best look at it yet.

Coming your way via a leaked brochure, the 2013 Lexus RX is apparently undergoing a facelift that will bring its appearance in line with the brand's latest design language - centering around the pinched chrome-edged "spindle" grille that characterizes the front of the latest GS sedan. Reshaped headlamps with a strip of LEDs flank either side, and, of course, it's all riding on new wheels.

While the RX may not be exactly what you'd call "performance-oriented" - floating as it does down the road and communicating less through the steering wheel than you'd expect from a pouting pre-teen behind a slammed bedroom door - the new model is apparently getting an F Sport trim kit. That would include a new front bumper, honeycomb grille, rear spoiler, bigger wheels and tinted lamps, with sportier trim to match on the inside.

We'd expect to see Lexus officially release the new RX sometime within the next few weeks, with a probable debut at the New York Auto Show in April, but in the meantime you can scope it out right here.

2013 Lexus RX redesign revealed in leaked brochure originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog Podcast #253

Dan Roth — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., BMW, Chevrolet, Nissan, Diesel

Chevy Camaro ZL1, BMW 3 Series Diesel/Wagon, diesel boom, Nissan Titan hangs on

Episode #253 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, with Chris, Zach, Dan and Steven Ewing serving as this week's crew. Topics include the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, the 2012 BMW 3 Series diesel and wagon, the coming wave of diesels from other automakers and Nissan sticking with its Titan pickup for a while. 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. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #253:

In the Autoblog Garage
2011 Lexus RX 450h
2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn
2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8
2011 Ford Transit Connect

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman, Steven Ewing
Runtime: 01:09:21

Get the podcast
[UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #253

Autoblog Podcast #253 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lexus planning LF-A Roadster for 2014; seven-seat CUV delayed

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Crossover, Lexus

The super-hot Lexus LFA coupe may only have a production run of 500 units, but the candle might not burn out on this stunner anytime soon. According to Automotive News, Lexus will produce an LFA roadster, previewed by the 2008 Detroit Auto Show concept car pictured above. Interestingly, the report indicates that there will likely be a one-year hiatus in between LFA coupe and roadster production, so the droptop supercar should hit the streets in mid-2014.

Automotive News also reports that Lexus' long-rumored seven-passenger crossover, dubbed 'VX', has been delayed, even after several years of study. As far as the automaker's CUVs and SUVs go, the RX will get a redesign in early 2014, using some of the new bits found in the updated Toyota Camry platform. The larger GX, which was redesigned in 2010, will not see any major changes, and the grandaddy LX will likely carry on unchanged for the foreseeable future - possibly beyond 2015.

Lexus' sedan lineup will also see some big changes over the next few years, starting with the launch of the all-new 2012 GS early next year. Following that, the ES will be redesigned and tuned and a hybrid version will finally be offered. The smaller IS will get an overhaul in late 2012, based on a chopped version of the new GS platform.

Lexus planning LF-A Roadster for 2014; seven-seat CUV delayed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota recalling 1.66 million vehicles globally over brake and fuel pump woes [UPDATE]

Chris Paukert — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 09:26:00 EST

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

Embattled automaker Toyota is staring down another massive recall. The safety action affects 1.53 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles globally, with the U.S. making up around 740,000 of that total and about 600,000 units coming out of the company's home market of Japan.

Stateside, models covered under the recall may have a faulty master cylinder seal in the braking system that could leak fluid, triggering a warning lamp and/or potentially resulting in reduced braking capability. Toyota models covered under the recall include the 2005-2006 Avalon and 2004-2006 Highlander (non-hybrid only), while Lexus service bays will open their doors for 2006 model year GS, IS and RX cars and crossovers.

In all, Toyota has called back over 10 million vehicles this year, with the most recent action being the Corolla/Matrix ECU recall that covered 1.1 million cars. Thanks to everyone for the tips.

*UPDATE: Official press release added after the jump.

Source: Reuters via Portfolio.com | Image: Rusty Jarrett/Getty for NASCAR]

Continue reading Toyota recalling 1.66 million vehicles globally over brake and fuel pump woes [UPDATE]

Toyota recalling 1.66 million vehicles globally over brake and fuel pump woes [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Those two mystery Tesla prototypes for Toyota? Bloomberg says RAV4 and Lexus RX

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Toyota, Tesla, Electric

Toyota has several fingers in a few electric pies. There's the electric car it's working on in-house, in conjunction with Panasonic, using proprietary technology. Then there are two mash-up prototypes that Tesla is building for Toyota, which according to Bloomberg include an electric RAV4 and Lexus RX. According to the report, the crossovers were chosen because they're the best fit for the weight of Tesla's battery pack, which uses 6,831 lithium-ion batteries.

Even though the Elon Musk says he expects, "range and acceleration exceeding that of other announced electric vehicles of this class," we wonder if he's including a crossover like the BYD e6. The electric SUV from China is currently testing in the Shenzhen taxi fleet and claimed to have a range of 186 miles. If that's his target, then the numbers would exceed the figures Toyota has for the joint project, with an ideal cost of "about $40,000 with 150 miles (240 kilometers) of driving range per charge."

Tesla's electrified RAV4 and Lexus RX are predicted to be delivered to Toyota this month, so expect a barrage of news to be forthcoming.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

Those two mystery Tesla prototypes for Toyota? Bloomberg says RAV4 and Lexus RX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Three Toyotas latest to earn IIHS Top Safety Picks

Zach Bowman — Wed, 26 May 2010 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Sedan, Safety, Luxury

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has just announced that a total of three new Toyota vehicles have been given Top Safety Pick awards. Both the 2011 Toyota Avalon and 2011 Toyota Sienna were awarded the institute's highest ratings in front, side, rollover and rear crash tests. The 2010 Lexus RX also nabbed a Top Safety Pick nod. All of the vehicles come with electronic stability control as standard equipment - another parameter for receiving the award.

Toyota's Sienna earns the honor of being the first minivan to receive the Top Safety Pick since the IIHS added rollover data to its list of crash criteria in 2010. The news is likely to come as music to the ears of Toyota engineers and dealers, both of which have had to stand by and watch their brand's quality and safety reputation erode under a hail of recalls. Thanks for the tip, Eddie!

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Three Toyotas latest to earn IIHS Top Safety Picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Next Mazda RX-7 in development, but don't hold your breath

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mazda, Rumormill, Diesel

Mazda Furai Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's the rumor that just refuses to die. We're not sure if that means there's a lot of truth behind it or it's just wishful thinking, but once again we're hearing that Mazda is hard at work on a new RX-7 sportscar. And while you might think such a vehicle would be as easy as adding a turbocharger to the existing Renesis-powered RX-8 and jettisoning the back seat (or pulling a Kabura with the MX-5's platform), Mazda apparently has much more grandiose intentions for its next range-topping sportscar.

According to Motor Trend, Mazda's oft-talked-about 16X rotary engine is now capable of running on either gasoline or diesel with nary a difference in performance. We have to wonder about the accuracy of such claims, but if true, perhaps running on diesel or biofuels would give Mazda the eco-cred it's aiming for - specifically boosted fuel economy and lower CO2 output. In any case, MT says that Mazda is aiming for something north of 300 horsepower with improved fuel consumption, emissions and oil intake over the current Renesis.

As ever, we're taking a wait-and-see approach to these continuing rumors. As much as we'd love to see a new RX on the scene, we're beginning to wonder if it's ever going to happen. In the meantime, enjoy the photo gallery of the too-awesome-for-words Mazda Furai concept.

Gallery: Mazda Furai Concept

[Source: Motor Trend]

Report: Next Mazda RX-7 in development, but don't hold your breath originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 2010 Lexus RX450h is the pinnacle of autonomous fuel-sippers

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Crossover, Lexus, New Car Reviews

2010 Lexus RX 450h - Click above for high-res image gallery

With a slew of sensors and CPUs, the 2010 Lexus RX450h can pretty much drive itself. Want to go somewhere? Sit down in the driver's seat, use the Remote Touch device (a.k.a. "mouse") to tell the crossover where you want to go, and follow the easy-as-store-bought-pie instructions to your destination. Whether or not this is a good thing depends on how badly you want to feel like you're in control of your commute. For those concerned about fuel economy and comfort, the almost-autonomous nature of the RX450h is nice, but certainly doesn't offer a tremendous amount of ability to control how much fuel you burn moving down the street. As it turns out, this is a feature, not a bug. Find out why after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Lexus RX 450h

Continue reading Review: 2010 Lexus RX450h is the pinnacle of autonomous fuel-sippers

Review: 2010 Lexus RX450h is the pinnacle of autonomous fuel-sippers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rendered Speculation: Mazda's Taiki-inspired RX-7 revival

Dan Roth — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Japan, Mazda

"We've just introduced a special edition of the RX-8" was the response from a Mazda rep when asked when we might get a new RX-7. Not the answer to the question, but we understand that it's all hush-hush when it comes to whatever might be in store on the 2-door, rear wheel drive, not-an-MX-5 tip. A new RX-7 (FE?) will debut within the next three years according to Autocar, and it will be the first production car to carry the design themes presented in Mazda's latest series of concept cars (Nagare, Ryuga, Hakaze, Taiki). The RX-8 will be freed up to evolve into more of a GT if the 7 comes to be. Autocar has had its digital image wizards whip up what they think the car might look like. We hope not, as it looks like what might happen if a Corvette stopped short in front of a Testarossa. In other words, it looks like 1988.

Joining the new "flow"-ing exterior lines will be a thoroughly revised rotary engine. Bumped out to 3.2 liters, the new Wankel will have direct fuel injection and sport forced induction via turbocharging. Reshaped combustion chambers are said to improve thermal efficiency, burn more completely, produce more low end torque, and return better fuel economy (woo-hoo!). We're surprised they didn't switch it's fuel to Unicorn sneezes, as the rest of the improvements seem like a fairy tale outcome for the wimpy, thirsty Wankel we know and love.

[Source: Autocar]

Rendered Speculation: Mazda's Taiki-inspired RX-7 revival originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments