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Lexus is the luxury car division of the Toyota Motor Corporation of Japan. The division was launched in 1989 in the United States, the largest market for Lexus vehicles. While originally designed for the American market, Lexus is now sold in 68 markets around the world. Ironically, Lexus vehicles were not introduced in Japan until 2005 even though most Lexus vehicles are produced in Japan. Lexus is the best-selling luxury brand in the United States, a position it has held since 2000 when it overtook the Cadillac brand of General Motors.
The Lexus lineup consists of five sedan models, two convertibles, and three SUV models. The IS and HS sedans are compact sedans which compete against the BMW 3 series and the Cadillac CTS. The ES and GS models are mid-sized sedans that typically compete against the BMW 5 series and the Audi A6. The LS model is the flagship of the Lexus line, and competes against the BMW 7 series and the Mercedes S class. The two convertible models produced by Lexus are the IS C and the SC. These models compete against the Cadillac XLR and the Mercedes CLK.
The three SUV models each competed in the different segments of the SUV market. The RX is a crossover that typically competes with the Cadillac SRX and the BMW X3. The mid-size GX competes with the BMW X5 and the Mercedes GLK. The full-size LX is a competitor of the Cadillac Escalade and the Mercedes GL class. Lexus has invested significantly in the development and production of hybrid versions of its vehicles; Lexus currently produces hybrid versions of its GS, LS, and RX models. Lexus, like most automobile brands, suffered a sales decline in 2009 brought on by the fallout of the financial crisis of 2008 – 2009. Total sales for the 2009 model year came in at 260,087, a 17 percent decline from 2008.
Lexus CT 200h Hybrid Announced for US
Toyota officials last week confirmed that the Lexus CT 200h, a premium hybrid hatchback, is coming to the United States, according to a report in Automotive News. The Lexus CT 200h would be Lexus’s first compact car, and the first compact hybrid sold by Toyota in the US. It is powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder VVT-i engine and the Lexus Hybrid Drive system. Two electric motors drive the wheels and recharge the battery pack. The hybrid battery pack is located under the rear cargo area within the wheelbase for optimized balance.
The CT 200h comes with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission with four drive modes — Normal, Eco, Sport and EV — which are more or less self-explanatory. But don’t expect to cruise even to the grocery story in pure E.V. mode. The farthest you can expect using just the electric motors is about one mile.
2010 Lexus LS 600h Facelift introduced in the U.K.
The facelifted Lexus LS600h boasts LED sidelights, a new uprated Brembo braking system, and automatic headlight main beam operation. It also has a 40GB hard-disc drive. The LS model is fitted with new LCD dashboard instrumentation and the ‘Rear Seat Upgrade package’ comes as standard.
This package includes four-zone climate control and electrically adjustable rear seats. The LS600h range is offered with the ‘Rear Seat Relaxation package’, which includes reclining seats, an electrically adjustable foot and thigh rest, an adjustable massage function and seat cushion airbags. With this option package, the buyers will enjoy a more sophisticated climate control system that monitors the passengers’ body temperature, a fixed center console with built-in cool box, DVD and CD store and a retracting and adjustable wood inlaid tray. The Lexus LS600h Facelift is priced from £87,440, same price as the current version.
The facelifted Lexus LS600h boasts LED sidelights, a new uprated Brembo braking system, and automatic headlight main beam operation. It also has a 40GB hard-disc drive. The LS model is fitted with new LCD dashboard instrumentation and the ‘Rear Seat Upgrade package’ comes as standard.
This package includes four-zone climate control and electrically adjustable rear seats. The LS600h range is offered with the ‘Rear Seat Relaxation package’, which includes reclining seats, an electrically adjustable foot and thigh rest, an adjustable massage function and seat cushion airbags. With this option package, the buyers will enjoy a more sophisticated climate control system that monitors the passengers’ body temperature, a fixed center console with built-in cool box, DVD and CD store and a retracting and adjustable wood inlaid tray.
Lexus SC430 2009
The Lexus SC 430 is a luxurious roadster that converts to a hardtop coupe with the press of a button.
The 2009 Lexus SC 430 comes out with a stylish hardtop and number of modifications that includes powerful engine and interiors. The SC 430 boasts true sports car credentials: rear-wheel drive, a fully independent suspension. It is trimmed in leather with beautiful wood and chrome accents. Also standard is a navigation system and Mark Levinson audio with nine speakers.
The Lexus SC 430 features a powerful engine, power retractable hardtop, a 288-horsepower 4.3-liter V8, six-speed automatic transmission, and a long list of luxury features. The engine is paired with six speed manual transmission that makes use of Shift Logic Control and helps the shifting of gears easily at high accelerations.
The Lexus SC 430 is of all wheel drive and it features a retractable hardtop that can be opened or closed by the touch of a button. The car features an independent double wishbone suspension that helps to deliver a smooth drive. The five spoke 18-inch wheels are covered with 245/40 R 18 tires and the wheels consists of ventilated disc brakes.
The safety features in the car includes the side air bags, front knee air bags and weight detection sensor that activates depending up on the passenger’s weight.
Interior
The interiors are finished in wood and it includes the leather seats, navigation system, Mark Levinson Premium Audio System and sporty steering wheel. Considered a 2+2 coupe, the SC 430 has a tiny backseat that’s intended mainly for luggage, which is helpful considering its sliver-shaped trunk. Rear legroom is nearly nonexistent.
- Navigation system
- Heated 10-way power front seats
- Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel
- Nine-speaker Mark Levinson stereo with an in-dash CD changer
- 8.8 cubic feet of cargo volume; installing run-flat tires and eliminating the spare tire yields a tad more space
Exterior
The exterior includes retractable hardtop, elegant lines and unique paint on the lower body panels. Although the 2009 Lexus SC 430 is dated, it remains a solid choice as a luxury convertible. Practically every road imperfection is smoothed over by its compliant suspension, and the engine readily and quietly spools up to redline with minimal drama. These qualities make for a great road-trip coach (as long as you don’t have much luggage) or boulevard cruiser, but they also reduce any sporting capabilities. The SC 430′s lack of feedback and lethargic handling are likely to disappoint driving enthusiasts.
Lexus calls the exterior color Mercury Metallic and the interior has two-tone black- and ecru-colored leather. It also comes with unique wheels.
- High-intensity-discharge headlights
- Fog lights
- Adaptive Front-lighting System swivels the headlights for better illumination around curves
- 103.1-inch wheelbase
- 53.1 inches tall
- 18-inch wheels
- Available rear spoiler
- Available run-flat tires
Lexus HS 250h 2010
The Lexus HS 250h 2010 is a new model from Toyota’s luxury division. This gas/electric hybrid compact car is a five-passenger, 4-door sedan that teams a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 187 hp total, and comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Lexus’ hybrid system allows the HS 250h to run on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy. No plug-in charging is required.
Power is provided by Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system, paired up with 187-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The HS is slightly longer than the current IS, slightly wider than the ES and will include all the usual amenities people expect on a luxury car, along with a lane departure prevention system that uses the electric power steering to help keep the car straight and true. Other features, like a heads up display that’s clearly visible in daylight and LED headlights, are optional. The HS250h goes on sale this summer, and although pricing hasn’t been announced yet, the automaker hopes to sell about 30,000-35,000 units annually.
Base and Premium trim levels are offered. Leather upholstery is standard on all. Heated front seats are optional on the Base, while heated and ventilated front seats are standard on the Premium. Available features include a wireless cell-phone link, a navigation system with rearview camera, a Head-Up Display, adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlights, auto-dimming headlights, and keyless access and starting. Also offered is a wide-view front camera that shows the view to the sides when pulling out from between two cars, a lane-departure warning system that alerts the driver and can correct the vehicle’s path if it drifts out of its lane, and Lexus’ new Enform system with Safety Connect, an assistance system with convenience, safety, security, and emergency-response features.
Lexus revealed the 2010 HS 250h, the first luxury dedicated hybrid vehicle, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The HS 250h will be Toyota Motor’s second hybrid-only vehicle (after the Prius) and will be Lexus’ fourth hybrid and the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its lineup. It also will be the first Lexus to utilize carbon-neutral Ecological Plastic materials in a new futuristic cockpit and interior design.
Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, front and rear side airbags, and front knee airbags.