Lexus

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Lexus will debut concept coupe at Detroit Auto Show

Lexus has already many of its newly designed 2013 lineup, but the Toyota luxury brand has announced plans for another new vehicle — at least as a concept — the LF-LC 2+2 sport coupe. According a Lexus press release, the concept coupe will be unveiled Jan. 9 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. “Crafted from a clean sheet of paper at the request of Lexus headquarters in Japan, the LF-LC blends both high technology and organic shapes to connect the driver to the machine,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The clean lines of the vehicle emphasize motion, creating a distinctive look for this futuristic sport coupe.” Conceived as a design exercise to

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Lexus to soon unveil sexy, sportier 2013 lineup

Lexus is shooting for a sportier image with models such as the new GS350 gas-engine sedan and GS450h. The former goes on sale in February as a 2013 model, the latter hybrid sedan will follow. The two models represent, as Lexus puts it, a “new signature design philosophy.” Lexus is well known for its posh, comfortable, upscale cars, but they aren’t much fun. There’s a trend toward sportier luxury autos that provide more driving kicks. Hence, Lexus says it’s developed the GS to compete with such autos as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E350. Lexus hopes to annually sell 20,000 to 25,000 of the new GS models. Previous GS models haven’t done well in sales or in

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Lexus, 2013: Vast media blitz set for redesigned GS 350, 450h

Lexus GS 350 and GS 450 H prototypes, unveiled Nov. 30 in a regional preview in Las Vegas to international journalists and broadcasters, showcased the brand's traditions and new highlights for the 2013 models to debut next spring. The most obvious changes are the newly designed front grill and appreciably improved technology packages. Pricing for the GS 350 won't be announced until near the end of the year, while the hybrid model's price, according to Lexus representatives, won't be for "a couple of months." Other keen features and relevant info: * Mark Levinson sound system with 835 watts, 17 speakers; * 12.3 inch navigation screen; * Lexus expects to sell 20,000-25,000 2013 models per year for the lifespan of the

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Lexus GS 350, 2013: New design, new technology

The 2013 Lexus GS 350, unveiled this summer at the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, Calif., and on display for the first time to the general public at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show, will arrive at dealerships in February 2012 amid vast national media campaigns. The 2013 Lexus GS 350 will be featured in the carmaker's first Super Bowl commercial followed by its affiliation as the Official Automotive Marketing Partner of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. The fourth-generation 350 GS will feature the new Lexus design, including the manufacturer's signature Lexus spindle grille, as well as a 3.5-liter, 306 horsepower V6 engine rated in the standard 0-60 mph test in 5.7 seconds. Cabin materials include three types of wood

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Los Angeles Auto Show: More tech, power for 2013 Lexus

The 2013 Lexus GS 350, GS 450h and GS 350 F SPORT models, featuring new technology, design and power upgrades, will make their first North American auto show appearance Nov. 18-27 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 and 306 horsepower, the 2013 GS 350 has 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.7 seconds. The six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission, equipped with paddle shifters, offers four driving modes: Normal, ECO, SPORT S, and SPORT S+.

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Toyota, Lexus recall 400,000 cars with crankshaft woes

Toyota is recalling more than 400,000 Lexus and Toyota models from 2004-2006 because of a potentially faulty crankshaft pulley that could result in steering problems in V6 engines. The voluntary recall includes models: Toyota Avalon (2004), Toyota Camry (2004, 2005) Toyota Highlander (2004, 2005), Toyota Sienna (2004, 2005), Toyota Solara (2004, 2005), Toyota Highlander HV (2006), Lexus ES330 (2004, 2005), Lexus RX330 (2004, 2005) and Lexus RX400h (2006). If the crankshaft pulley is faulty, the outer ring of the pulley may become misaligned with the inner ring, causing noise and/or illumination of the discharge warning light. If the condition is not corrected, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley and the driver may notice

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Andy Rooney: A 'love affair' with Lexus and the used car industry

In his iconic career with CBS, Andy Rooney gave opinions about politicians and personalities and even used cars, including the history and affection for his one-time Lexus sport utility vehicle. In the commentary, Rooney traced his former Lexus SUV's life after he sold it. It transitioned from wholesaler to wholesaler to used car lots to car auctions to the suburban family who bought the car. As was his style, Rooney expressed his opinion, noting that the only company who didn't speak with him was the company "that probably made the most on the car." Even in his three-minute commentarty, Rooney was a master at explaining the entire used car industry. He had a passion for his Lexus and found out

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Lexus announces 2012 limited special edition models

Lexus has announced the details of option packages offered and pricing for its Special Edition models of the the 2012 LS 460, ES 350 and CT 200h The MSRPs for the respective new models: LS 460 Sport Special Edition ($77,000), ES 350 Touring Edition ($40,475) and 2012 CT 200h F Sport Special Edition ($37,995). The CT 200h Special Edition will arrive at dealerships in October and the LS and ES Special Editions will arrive in November. Production of the Special Edition models will be limited to 250 units of the LS Sport Special Edition, 2,000 units of the ES 350 Touring Edition and 900 units of the CT 200h F Sport Special Edition. To receive The Weekly Driver newsletter via

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Lexus GS 450h, 2013: Faster, greener, better mpg

Lexus, which now has five vehicles in its hybrid lineup, has debuted the 2013 GS 450h. It’s the first premium performance sedan equipped with a V6 Atkinson cycle gas engine and two-motor hybrid system in a front engine, rear-wheel drive vehicle. The hybrid version of the 2013 GS 450 incorporates improvements to its hybrid powertrain and is equipped with a second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system. With a total system power output of 338 hp, the GS 450h will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Conversely, fuel consumption is expected to be improved by more than 30 percent. The GS 450h is targeting certification as a Super-Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (SULEV II). The new GS hybrid also features

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Custom Lexus hybrid chosen for Prince Albert's wedding

A Lexus full hybrid LS 600h L Landaulet featuring a one-piece, transparent polycarbonate roof will serve as the official Royal Wedding car on the occasion of the marriage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco to Ms. Charlene Wittstock on July 2, 2011. Equipped with Lexus Hybrid Drive, Prince Albert’s LS 600h L, the Lexus flagship, generates significantly lower CO2, NOx and particulate emissions than any comparable car. The more than 2,000-hour conversion project was a collaboration between Belgian coachbuilders Carat Duchatelet and Lexus engineers based in Brussels. The objective was to ensure the original LS 600h L safety and performance levels were maintained. The conversion process began with computer-aided design calculations, simulations and 3-D modelling. The reinforcement

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Lexus reveals $73,000 price for flagship LS460 sedan

The 2011 Lexus LS 460 Touring Edition, the flagship sedan of the luxury division of Toyota, will be priced at $73,000 (rear wheel drive) and will be available at dealerships in late June or early July, the manufacturer announced. “The Touring Edition adds excitement to our flagship sedan,” said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. “The package on this car enhances styling and comfort, allowing us to attract younger buyers to the LS line-up.” The 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition will be available on both the LS 460 Rear Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive models. It will be distinguished from other LS models by a Smoky Granite Mica exterior, and following equipment: 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels

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Honda Fit, Lexus hybrid claim Consumer Reports' honors

Consumer Reports, in its latest 2011 automotive survey, has selected the most fuel efficient, worst gas guzzlers and best fuel economy among used cars. “Hybrid and diesel vehicles provide better fuel economy than conventional cars, but they usually cost more to buy, and as gas prices rise, the pay-back time gets shorter,” said David Champion, Senior Director of Consumer Reports Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Conn. Below are recommended models in six categories that provide the best fuel economy. To be recommended, they met Consumer Reports’ stringent requirements for test performance, reliability, and safety. So, not only do they provide excellent fuel economy for their class, but they’re solid overall choices. according to the publication. Subcompact Best: Honda Fit

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Honda, Lexus get top best resale honors in new study

Vehicles manufactured by Honda, particularly the Accord sedan, CR-V crossover, Civic compact and Odyssey minivan, retain their value better than any other brand, according to a new study by Edmunds.com. The renowned automotive assessment website announced the result of its study five months after rival Kelley Blue Book named Subaru the top non-luxury brand and BMW the best luxury brand. “A lot of consumers just see (Honda) as a value-oriented brand that has good resale (value) and a good history of reliability,” said Danny Zhou, senior analyst for Edmunds.com. Edmunds calls the new evaluation, the Best Retained Value Awards. The authors used past resale prices to estimate the prices 2011 models when they are resold in five years. Honda retains

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Toyota, Lexus, Scion announce 2011 price increases

Toyota has announced manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) increases today for most 2011 Toyota, Scion and Lexus models. Price increases on Toyota models range from $200 (Yaris Liftback) to $900 (Land Cruiser, Sequoia), Lexus models range from $600 (GX 460) to $900 (IS F, LS and 450h sedans, LX 570 SUV) and for Scion model $65 (xD five-door luxury utility). The MSRP for the 2011 Toyota Tacoma compact pickup truck, Yaris sedan, Scion tC sports coupe, Scion xB urban utility vehicle, the Lexus CT 200h hybrid premium compact and 2012 LFA supercar remain unchanged. The new prices for North American-produced vehicles will become effective with May 2011 production.  For models sourced from Japan, updated pricing will be effective for vehicles

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Lincoln, Lexus claim J.D. Power Dependability Study honors

Luxury nameplates Lincoln and Lexus took top honors while models from their respective manufacturers, Ford and Toyota, dominated segment rankings in the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study. Lincoln was most dependable and Lexus was second best while Ford and Toyota combined for 11 top individual dependability segment honors. The study considers a year’s worth of issues in three-year old cars that are 3 years old. J.D. Power also has an Initial Quality Study that looks at the first 90 days of ownership. 2011 J.D. Power dependability study totals (problems per 100 vehicles for three years. The industry average in 151. Lincoln, 101; Lexus, 109; Jaguar, 112; Porsche, 114; Toyota, 122; Acura, 123; Buick, 125; Mercedes-Benz, 128; Cadillac,

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Lexus LS 460L tops Consumer Reports' 2011 best cars list

Consumer Reports buys the cars it tests, and the publication arguably provides the most detailed and respected evaluation of new cars and trucks in the automotive industry. As the publication’s editors like to say: “Not all cars are created equal, and we have the data to prove it.” Vehicle are rated in categories — family cars to sports cars — and there’s an overall list based on 100 points and via more than 50 testing areas. Here’s the Consumer Reports list of the top 10 best overall 2011 cars (with points totals) as published in the magazine’s April print and online editions: Lexus LS 460L, 99 BMW 135i (manual), 97 Porsche 911 Carrera S (manual), 96 Mazda5 Grand Touring, 95

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