Lexus Wants to Target Younger Buyers with New 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition

How do you attract younger buyers into your showrooms? The easy to say, but evidently hard to follow-through, answer would be to design a vehicle(s) from scratch that caters to the needs of the all important 35-to-55-year-old male demographic.
So what happens when you want to do something about it…yesterday? Well, obviously, the most cost and time efficient method is to enhance the range of your model with a sport trim level. And that is exactly what Lexus is attempting with the latest addition to its top-end model.

Toyota Sees North American Production Returning to 100% in September

Toyota on Thursday revised an earlier forecast predicting that North American production would return to 100 percent towards the end of the year with the company now stating that it expects normal output levels to be achieved in September.
Following the problems that arose after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Toyota and its suppliers ramped up their efforts and as a result, eight of the company’s 12 North American-built models returned to 100 percent production on June 6.

VIDEO: Lexus LFA Wows the Crowds at Tokyo Drift Event

A bespoke sports car priced over than $370,000 and of which only 500 will be produced worldwide, isn’t something you normally expect to see at a drift event. But in the Land of the Rising Sun, everything goes when it comes to burning tires and wowing crowds.
Making its appearance on the sidelines of the 2011 D1 Grand Prix Tokyo drift was this stock Lexus LFA, which you can enjoy in action in the video that follows after the break.

Renault Wind Roadster and Lexus CT200h

Selling a car through advertising isn’t as easy as you might think. What good is it showing your product nimbly taking on Alpine twists and turns when your competitors are doing the same thing? Here are two ads that don’t really break the mould, but try something a little different.

Lexus Loses Big In the U.S.A.: Outpaced by Two of its German Rivals

It took eleven years for Lexus to earn the title of top dog of the U.S. luxury car market, and roughly the same amount of time for it to lose it. As a result of parent company Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall saga and the fifty percent drop in production capacity caused by the Tōhoku earthquake, old guard automakers BMW and Mercedes-Benz have left the Japanese upstart gasping for air in third place.
According to automotive forecaster IHS, Mercedes-Benz will most probably sell 254,100 cars and SUVs in the States topping BMW’s estimated deliveries of 250,400 units. Lexus is projected to drop to third place with 192,900 sales.

Audi Challenges BMW, Mercedes and Lexus with new Ad Campaign

Audi of America has launched a new advertising campaign that will most likely generate a similar response from the competition in the premium segment. Under the tagline “Car Carrier”, the two Audi commercials feature a BMW owner that goes nuts when he sees a truck full of brand new automotive metal from Ingolstadt.

Lexus CT200h Race Car to Debut at the Nurburgring

The Lexus CT200h compact hybrid will debut in racing car guise at an endurance race this weekend at the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit. Entered by Gazoo Racing, the same organization that races the Lexus LFA, the CT200h will compete in the Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy. Around 200 cars will line up at the start of the six hour-race.

Lexus LS 600h L Getting Prepped for the Wedding of Prince Albert II of Monaco

With monthly average sales of around 2,000 units this year, Lexus’ cars continue to be a scarce commodity on Europe roads and we somehow doubt that being crowned the official vehicle of His Serene Highness [very sic…] Prince Albert II of Monaco will help improve the Japanese automaker’s position in the market.

Toyota Overtakes BMW as World's Most Valuable Brand

The BrandZ Top 100 annual study revealed that Toyota is once again the world's most valuable auto brand, after losing the position last year to BMW due to the massive recall campaign. Toyota saw an 11 percent increase in its brand value, which is now rated at $24.2 billion (€16.85 billion). The research company Millward Brown, whose global brand director said Toyota’s recall had not affected consumers’ confidence in the carmaker, compiled the ranking.

Lexus LS 600h L Getting Prepped for the Wedding of Prince Albert II of Monaco

With monthly average sales of around 2,000 units this year, Lexus’ cars continue to be a scarce commodity on Europe roads and we somehow doubt that being crowned the official vehicle of His Serene Highness [very sic…] Prince Albert II of Monaco will help improve the Japanese automaker’s position in the market.

Study finds the Most Vandalised Car in Britain is the Lexus IS

Bad news for Lexus IS owners across the pond: if you happen to own one of the Japanese brand’s entry-level sedans, you’re in possession of the most vandalised car in the UK. Runners up are BMW’s Z4 sports coupe and MINI’s entry-level One model. It’s all been revealed as part of SwiftCover.com’s Vehicle Vandalism Index (VVI), whereby the UK-based insurer analysed some 2,000 motor insurance claims. SwiftCover claims director Robin Reames explains:
“Our analysis shows that luxury cars are more likely to be targeted by vandals, however, it's interesting to see the MINI One in the top three. The majority of vehicles in the top ten are what we call 'executive cars', likely to be driven by high earners who see their car as a status symbol, with just one 4x4 making up the top ten.”

Lexus Turns the Roosevelt Hotel into the World’s Biggest 3D Billboard

The Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, California, is one of the most iconic hotels in the United States, nay the world. Built in the 1920s, it has since featured in countless movies, television shows and music videos. So it figures that sooner or later someone would get the bright spark idea of using it as a giant billboard for their product.
Enter the world of Lexus who, with the help of some cutting-edge 3D projection mapping technology, turned the side of the Roosevelt into a Michael Bay Transformers-esque advertisement for its new CT 200h hybrid hatchback. Walls shift around and rotate; gaping holes appear and flowers, roadways and other objects all spring to life out of the eighty plus year old façade.

BMW 3-Series Still Top Dog despite Strong Competition

In the ingloriously named, “small premium car segment”, the BMW 3-Series is king. A good all-rounder with sporting pretensions and cred, a nice assortment of engine and equipment options, and perhaps most importantly, a variety of body styles including a coupe and station wagon derivative that have ensured its market supremacy.
All 3-Series models are doing their bit to keep sales high. According to a study released by R.L. Polk & Co., from 2008 through this past February, the 3-Series sedan covered around 60 percent of the model's retail registrations, with the coupe, convertible and station wagon versions accounting for the rest of the sales.

2011 Lexus Luxury Sport Sedan IS 350

2011 Lexus Luxury Sport Sedan IS 350

July 26, 2010 (TORONTO) – Lexus Canada invites guests to discover why the IS series luxury sport sedan delivers performance, luxury and a driving experience as only Lexus can deliver – with a choice of four models for 2011, including an all-new IS 350 with all-wheel-drive for remarkable driving confidence and poise in all weather and road conditions.

2011 Lexus Luxury Sport Sedan IS 350

Lexus is expanding choices in its popular IS sport sedan line for 2011, adding a 306-horsepower IS 350 all-wheel drive (AWD) model and offering a new Sport Package for the IS 250 rear-wheel drive (RWD). Revised front and rear styling details sharpen all IS models for 2011.  In addition, the IS sedans feature minor interior trim changes.

2011 Lexus Luxury Sport Sedan IS 350

Canadian drivers seeking a contemporary interpretation of the luxury sport sedan will love the performance, comfort and features of the IS 250 and IS 350 – and now, for the first time, Lexus is offering guests a choice of either model in rear-wheel-drive and in all-wheel-drive editions. The popular IS series also enjoys a fresh look this year, with updated styling cues and new options packages that add more performance and luxury across the IS series.

A new front grille and bumper distinguish the 2011 Lexus Luxury Sport Sedan IS 350, while at the rear, the models show a new taillamp cover and revised tailpipe design. New HID headlamps with LED daytime running lamps are standard on the 2011 Lexus Luxury Sport Sedan IS 350 and available for the IS 250. Keeping with Lexus’ attention to detail, the 2011 IS models feature new-design standard 17-inch and optional 18-inch wheels, along with revised exterior color choices.

The F-Sport Package available for the 2011 IS 250 and standard on the IS350 RWD takes inspiration from the IS F ultra-performance sedan, combining special suspension and steering tuning and 18-inch wheels with distinctive design touches. Giving the IS 250/350 F Sport Package model a sporty demeanor are a front lip spoiler and rear deck spoiler, plus the 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark super-chrome finish with matching dark-chrome front grille insert.

2011 Lexus Luxury Sport Sedan IS 350

Inside, special F Sport heated front seats feature a special microfiber insert and leather side bolsters to provide more grip for the driver and passenger during cornering. The package also adds F Sport badging to the steering wheel, shift knob and doorsill scuff plates.

Additional details for the 2011 Lexus IS series, including Canadian pricing, will be released closer to vehicle availability in Canadian Lexus dealerships.

About Lexus of Canada

Lexus in Canada is the exclusive Canadian and distributor of Lexus luxury cars and sport utility vehicles through a sales and service network of 34 dealers across Canada. An industry leader for product quality and ownership satisfaction, Lexus has sold over 130,000 vehicles in Canada. Delivering more perfect moments of advanced motoring, the best-selling Lexus RX 350 SUV – fusing intuitive technology and L-finesse luxury – is built for the North American market in Cambridge, Ontario, the first and only Lexus manufacturing facility located outside of Japan. For more information about Lexus products, and Lexus’ pursuit of perfection, visit www.media.lexus.ca.

2010 Lexus Sports Cars LFA N2410 at Nürburgring 24h race

Lexus and Gazoo Racing compete together at Nürburgring 24h race for the beneft of LFA and other future Toyota & Lexus products. Playing a key role in helping to finalise the development of the LFA before it enters production in December, the grueling 24h race offers Lexus and Gazoo Racing the unique opportunity to not only foster the peerless quality, durability and reliability by pushing cutting-edge technology to the extremes of mechanical endurance but also to hone the technical skills of the personnel involved in the development of future Lexus and Toyota production vehicles.

2010 Lexus Sports Cars LFA N2410

Furthermore, by participating in the 24 Hours Endurance Race Lexus and Toyota aim to showcase their dedication through Gazoo Racing to produce more emotional cars and becoming more attractive and desirable to a wider range of customers.

This year’s race marks the third consecutive entry of the Lexus LFA and, signifcantly, the frst participation of the car in standard production guise.

Competing in the SP8 (‘Near production’) class, the race version of the LFA does not differ substantially from the road car, particularly with regard to construction, engine and transmission. Mandatory safety equipment has been installed and other modifcations such as a refned aero package including a fxed rear wing and a larger fuel tank are made to refect the format of the 24h race and the Nürburgring circuit.

Led by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC)’s master test driver Hiromu Naruse, the Gazoo Racing team will make its fourth appearance at the Nürburging 24h race. It is a team comprised of engineers and technicians from TMC, and, whilst they’ve regularly come together over recent months to support the LFA in the build-up to the 24h race, their ‘day-jobs’ are within the TMC engineering community.This kind of virtual organisation ensures that the collective learning is transmitted directly back into the core of the engineering activity.

The driver line-up includes four Japanese and three German pilots with outstanding endurance and GT racing credentials, including three champions from the Japanese Super GT series. As part of the preparation of the cars and the drivers, Gazoo Racing entered the first three VLN races of 2010.

Consistently fnishing in leading positions in its SP8 class, the LFA has also demonstrated its competitiveness against track-prepared specialist racing cars, with a best fnish of 17th overall in VLN2.

2010 SC 430 Lexus Sports Car powered by an aluminum DOHC 4.3-liter V8 engine.

2010 Lexus SC 430 Sports Car

The pioneer of the retractable hardtop in the prestige luxury segment, Lexus adds interior technology and exterior enhancements to the 2010 Lexus SC 430.

The Lexus SC 430's V8 is the epitome of Lexus smoothness and graceful response. Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) enhances torque over a broad speed range. The Intuitive Powertrain Control works with the Electronic Throttle Control to help smooth out acceleration from a standing start. The Lexus SC 430 meets Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) certification.

To build on the driving experience, the 2010 SC is now equipped with an updated Lexus Navigation System and Mark Levinson® Premium Audio System. The enhanced audio package now features iPod®/USB connectivity, auxiliary audio input, Bluetooth® hands free phone and music streaming capabilities, and an available XM® satellite radio receiver (complimentary 90-day trial subscription).

2010 Lexus SC 430 Sports Car

The rear-wheel-drive Lexus SC 430 is powered by an aluminum double-overhead cam (DOHC) 4.3-liter V8 engine that produces 288 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of peak torque. Power is channeled through a six-speed automatic transmission, enabling the Lexus SC 430 to accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.8 seconds.
The six-speed automatic transmission employs Shift Logic Control to respond to road grade and acceleration/deceleration activity, holding gears or downshifting on hills to help provide optimal engine power or a braking effect. A manual sequential-shift feature allows the driver to enjoy a more involved driving experience when desired.The 53/47 weight distribution helps deliver optimal balance for confident steering response and impressive agility, aided by standard 18-inch six-spoke wheels with 245/40R18 Z-rated tires. All-season or summer run-flat tires are available as an option.The Lexus SC 430 matches its performance capability with the brand's renowned attention to safety and security.

2010 Lexus SC 430 Sports Car

An array of dynamic electronic features help contribute to safe, precise handling in the Lexus SC 430: a four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC). EBD monitors all four wheels during braking and varies brake pressure according to the load on each wheel.VSC helps control lateral traction while cornering on slippery or dry road surfaces by using a combination of throttle intervention and applying individual wheel braking to help control any discrepancy between where the driver is steering and where the vehicle is heading.The Lexus SC 430 was among the first Lexus models to offer the advanced Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) that helps to enhance nighttime visibility in turns and curves.

Advanced climate-control system is specifically designed for a convertible environment. The system adjusts airflow and temperature automatically, differentiating between top-up and top-down driving needs and taking into account the outside temperature to help ensure occupant comfort.

2010 Lexus SC 430 Sports Car

XM NavTraffic® and XM NavWeather™ services are also available (complimentary 90-day trial subscription). XM NavTraffic informs the driver of current traffic conditions with real-time traffic displays. When traffic problems are detected the navigation system alerts the driver so that the route can be adjusted. XM NavWeather provides near real-time weather conditions as well as spoken and nav-screen forecasts, both based on official National Weather Service data.
The Lexus SC 430 brings classic luxury, performance and high technology together in an elegantly styled hardtop convertible. With the push of a button, the retractable hardtop transforms the Lexus SC 430 from a sleek coupe into an elegant convertible in 25 seconds.

The Lexus SC 430's ultra-luxurious interior, with its plush combination of natural materials including leather and wood trim, took inspiration from high-end, custom-made yachts. Semi-aniline leather trims not only the seats but also the door armrests, console cover, and front seat-belt guides. This hand-stitched leather trim is available in three colors, including black, Camel and Ecru.

Lexus Premium Compact Concept Car Demonstrate a mix of technical innovation and ground-breaking design.

Lexus Premium Compact

Lexus Premium Compact Concept Car Demonstrate a mix of technical innovation and ground-breaking design.
Lexus said in a statement,“The concept will demonstrate a mix of technical innovation and ground-breaking design that promises to raise the bar in the premium compact segment.”
Lexus has just released the first teaser with a tiny press release detailing which hall the concept will make its debut next month at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Rumors suggest that the 5-door hatchback will be powered by the same hybrid drivetrain from the 2010 Lexus HS 250h, which produces a total of 187-hp from a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine.
LEXUS TO REVEAL PREMIUM COMPACT CONCEPT AT FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW
Official sketch gives first indication of design direction
Concept to demonstrate key Lexus strengths in a compact package
Lexus has unveiled the first official sketch of a concept car that will be presented at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA).
The concept will demonstrate a mix of technical innovation and ground-breaking design that promises to raise the bar in the premium compact segment.
The Lexus press conference at the IAA is scheduled for 15:45 on 15 September at Stand C11 in Hall 8.

2011 Lexus LFA V10 engine Super Sport Car

Lexus LFA Super Sport Car

Power for the rear-wheel-drive Lexus LFA, which is constructed using advanced carbon fiber technology, comes from a mid-front mounted 4.8L V10 engine that red lines at 9,000 rpm and makes 552-hp with a maximum torque of 354 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox, the LFA goes from 0-62 mph in just 3.7 seconds (0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds) with a top speed of 202 mph.

Lexus LFA Super Sport Car

Lexus has finally taken the wraps of its new exclusive supercar – the 2011 Lexus LFA. “The LFA is a thoroughbred supercar, a machine engineered to achieve a single goal – to deliver a supreme driving experience,” said Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi.
The Lexus LFA coupe will be produced at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City. Toyota will make just 500 examples at rate of 20 units per month “to ensure the finest build quality and attention to detail.”
The UK launch price for the LFA is €368,000 (approximately £336,000).

The LF-A Roadster’s LEXUS V10 engine supercar Concept

LEXUS LF-A Roadster

The LF-A Roadster’s LEXUS V10 engine supercar Concept.
Lexus will stage the Australian debut of its own supercar, the LF-A Roadster, at the Melbourne International Motor Show on 27 February.The LF-A Roadster goes on display in Melbourne after headlining motor shows in Tokyo and Detroit.

The Roadster’s V10 engine is capable of producing more than 360 kilowatts and test-track speeds greater than 330km/h.
Its sleek design utilises a lightweight carbon-fibre and aluminium body that ensures structural rigidity is maintained, even without a roof.

LEXUS LF-A Roadster

Styling of the LF-A Roadster draws extensively from the Lexus L-Finesse design philosophy and has been designed to deliver maximum aerodynamic efficiency.
The rear of the Roadster is marked by a pair of wrap-around, arrowhead-shaped taillights and a trio of centrally positioned exhausts.
To attain the best possible weight distribution, Lexus engineers positioned the radiators at the rear of the vehicle, which also allows for a sleeker front-end design.
The two rear-mounted radiators are fed cool air by two large intake ducts located forward of the rear wheel wells, and heated air is vented out behind the vehicle via a pair of large grilles.
The engine is mounted in a “front-mid” configuration – in front of the passenger compartment, but behind the front-axle centreline.

LEXUS LF-A Roadster

The engine is connected via a torque tube and propeller shaft to a transaxle that is controlled by paddle shifters. The torque tube is a structural member that adds rigidity to the drive train and chassis, while also reducing vibration.
The LF-A Roadster features wide high-performance tyres on turbine-styled alloy wheels.
The Melbourne International Motor Show is on at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 27 February to 9 March.

Lexus LF-Ch Hybrid Sport Concept Car

Lexus LF-Ch Hybrid Sport Concept Car

The Lexus LF-Ch Concept Car will be known as the commodity car, which will take the belt in the autumn of next year, is not yet known. World premiere of Lexus LF-Ch will be held at the international Motor Show in Frankfurt.
Lexus hatchback concept hybrid will get a power plant, which will allow the car to move as a pure electric, and with the joint use of conventional gasoline engine and electric motor. The prototype will be equipped with facilities that combines running on the Atkinson cycle four-cylinder 2.4-liter unit, nickel metal hydride batteries, electric motor and CVT. The total capacity of power plant will make 187 horsepower.
According to some reports, the serial-door Lexus will get front-wheel drive (for the moment all models of brand only offered with rear-or all-wheel drive) and will be called the Lexus CT. Note that the Japanese company has already registered the name in the United States CT 200h, CT 300h and CT 400h as trade marks.