Perhaps one of the most beautiful cars shown this year in Detroit is the Lexus LF-LC Hybrid Sports Coupe Concept. The car was developed by the Calty design studio located in California and it is intended as a driver-focused vehicle that previews a possible future design language.
Lexus LF-LC
One of the most interesting features of this concept would have to be its one-piece glass roof that also serves as the rear screen and the windscreen. It has a lightweight, cantilevered pillar that is inspired by modern architecture and not only it enhances the car’s sleek lines but it also improves the visibility.
Lexus LF-LC
The Lexus LF-LC adopts a “waterfall” front grille while the design of the rear lights are inspired by the afterburner of a jet fighter. This is a rear-wheel drive, front-engined sports cars that comes with the company’s Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive. Inside the cabin is a mixture of smooth leather and suede, along with wood and brushed metal trim.
Lexus LF-LC
It has race-inspired, lightweight front seats and a race-inspired steering wheel that contains the start button and integrated controls. Inside the cabin there’s also a remote touchscreen system which allows the driver of the car to operate controls without having to shift position or alter the line-of-sight. There are twin 12.3-inch LCD screens that are capable of providing information and navigation displays.
Lexus LF-LC
If there will be a production version of this concept, it will probably be based on a shortened version of the LS’s next-gen platform that is scheduled to go on sale in 2014. Most likely it will wear the LC600h badge and should have a hybrid powertrain.
Several days ago Lexus introduced the facelift for the LX 570 model which now features the company’s new look that was introduced on the 3rd generation of the GS sedan. The new model bring a “spindle” grille, revised headlights and bigger fog lamp bezels, redesigned bumpers, turn signals integrated in the side mirrors, updated tail lamp graphics and a new number plate surround.
2013 Lexus LX 570
The interior cabin can still accommodate up to eight people and now features a redesigned instrument panel along with a color display, plus a new shade for the leather upholsteries and a new mahogany wood trim. Lexus has also introduced the Easy Access system for the driver’s side which retracts the steering wheel when the ignition key is turned off, making entering and exiting the vehicle easier. Both front seats of the LX 570 now feature improved cooling.
2013 Lexus LX 570
Under that big hood is a massive V8 5.7-liter engine that churns 383 hp and a peak torque of 403 lb.-ft (545.7 Nm). The entire horsepower is sent to all wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission with a Torsen limited slip locking differential. While driving the car in normal conditions, the torque split is 40:60 but in the moment in which the software detects wheel spin, the VSC stability control and the A-TRAC traction control kick in.
2013 Lexus LX 570
A novelty for this model would have to be the introduction of the Turn Assist system that now applies more brake force to the inside rear wheel so that it could tighten the car’s turning circle. The 2013 Lexus LX 570 features an Adaptive Variable suspension which gives the driver three settings to choose from: Comfort, Normal and Sport. In addition, the car also comes with Active Height Control which is able to automatically lower the SUV’s suspension by 2 inches in order to help entry and exit and it returns on its own to the regular height when you start pressing on the gas pedal.
2013 Lexus LX 570
Other safety features include the 10 airbags which cover all three rows of seats, a pre-collision system that features Dynamic Radar cruise control, active front headrests and a reversing camera. Also on board are the navigation system, a premium audio system that has 9 speakers and offers iPod and USB, Bluetooth connectivity, along with a navigation system and four-zone climate control.
This year, the Japanese automaker Lexus has introduced several GS models, starting with the GS 350 that made its debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California. In September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, they’ve unveiled the GS 450h while at the SEMA show they brought the GS 350 F Sport.
Lexus GS 360 F Sport
All three cars are on display these days at the Los Angeles Auto Show and will continue to be there until November 27th when the show closes its doors. The 2013 GS 350 is motivated by a V6 3.5-liter engine that pumps out 306 hp, enabling the sleek sedan to hit 62 mph from start in only 5.7 seconds. Fitted with the F Sport Package, the GS 350 adopts an aero kit as well as upgraded chassis components in order to improve the car’s handling capabilities.
Lexus GS 450h
As for the GS 450h, this one is powered by a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with the company’s Hybrid Drive and it is capable of producing 338 hp.
At this year’s edition of the SEMA show in Las Vegas, the tuners from VIP Auto Salon will bring a customized version of the Lexus IS 350C. The tuning program developed for the convertible includes both performance and visual changes.
By installing an Apexi-developed Power Enterprise Rotex Supercharger kit, the engine of the IS 350C is able to develop 386 hp @ 5,800 rpm and a maximum torque of 372 lb.-ft @ 5,200 rpm. In addition, the car has been fitted with an Apexi smart accelerator controller and a PTS Joe Z Series Header Back exhaust system.
Lexus IS 350C by VIP Auto Salon
The body of the Lexus IS 350C is covered mostly in carbon fiber and this newly developed bodykit includes side & rear diffusers, a front spoiler, a boot lid spoiler as well as headlight accents. The gorgeous coupe has also been equipped with a new bonnet while its K&W “Chameleon” exterior finish has a special ceramic film developed by STM.
Lexus IS 350C by VIP Auto Salon
Inside the cabin, the Lexus IS 350C by VIP Auto Salon comes with a bunch of bespoke parts, including custom seat upholstery and a carbon fiber shift knob. To benefit from better handling, the car features a TOMS upper shock tower brace and an F Sport suspension system.
Source: VIP Auto Salon via ZerCustoms
Post tags: Tags: Lexus, lexus is 350c, sema, Tuning, vip, vip auto salon
Lexus has decided to announce that the 2013 GS 350 F Sport will be making an appearance at this year’s edition of the SEMA Motor Show. The new model is distinguished by a new mesh grille, front bumper, trunk-mounted spoiler and a rear diffuser. Other additions include bespoke 19-inch alloys, AVS – Adaptive Variable Suspension, beefier front brakes and thicker anti-roll bars.
2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport
Inside the cabin, the 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport comes with alloy pedals, a black headliner and perforated leather seats. In addition, it also has an aluminum trim and a sport steering wheel.
2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport
The car is motivated by a V6 3.5-liter engine that fires 306 hp (310 PS / 228 kW) and a peak torque of 277 lb.-ft (375 Nm). This power unit is linked to a 6-speed automatic gearbox that allows the vehicle to do the 0-62 mph sprint in about 5.7 seconds. Efficiency-wise, the rear-wheel drive variant will do 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the AWD model can return 18 mpg city / 25 mpg highway.
Source: Lexus via WCF
Post tags: Tags: Lexus, lexus gs, lexus gs 350, lexus gs 350 f sport, sema
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Lexus Launches Three Special Editions
2012 Lexus LS 460 Special Edition
Lexus has revealed this week three special editions based on the 2012 LS 460, the ES 350 and the CT 200h. All of them will be available by the end of this year, the latter will be the last to be launched.
The LS 460 Special Edition will come with all of the available Sport package performance and styling elements, along with a new package for the interior cabin. It will be available with 10-spoke, 19-inch wheels wrapped around in summer tires, along with a sport-tuned air suspension and Brembo brakes. The MSRP for this model, not taking into consideration the $875 DPH fee is $77,000.
2012 Lexus ES 350 Touring Edition
As for the aforementioned ES 350 Touring Edition, this will set you back $40,475 + the $875 DPH fee. Customers will be able to order it with one of the two colors available: Starfire Pearl and Stargazer Black. Standard goodies include 17-inch alloys that have an elegant Liquid Graphite finish, saddle tan leather-trimmed seats and more wood trim inside the cabin.
2012 Lexus CT200h F Sport Special Edition
The 2012 Lexus CT200h F Sport Special Edition can be ordered with one of the following three paintjobs: Tungsten Pearl, Starfire Pearl and Nebula Gray Pearl. The car is fitted with the F Sport package that bundles a sport suspension, 17-inch alloys, an aero kit, Navigation and Premium Audio packages as well as other equipment. Not taking into consideration the $875 DPH fee, this special edition is priced at $37,995.
We already knew that a more powerful version of the Lexus LS was under development at Toyota Motorsports GmbH, but no additional details have been revealed ever since. A few photos surfaced the Internet and Toyota asked those sites to take them down. Photos are back online as the car is undergoing a new series of tests.
Lexus LS TMG Edition
What’s great is that we have a photo of the specs sheet of the vehicle from where we find out that it will be motivated by a 5.0-liter engine that develops 641 hp (650 PS / 478 kW) and a peak torque of 524 lb.-ft (710 Nm). With a curb weight of 4,563 lb (2,070 kg), the Lexus LS TMG Edition will be able to do the 0-62 mph sprint in only 4.2 seconds, before reaching a maximum speed of 199 mph (320 km/h).
Design-wise, the car will come with a significantly more aggressive front bumper, an updated grille and a ventilated bonnet. Other than that, expect to see extended wheel arches, aerodynamic side skirts and a prominent spoiler at the back.
The car will probably make its official debut in December this year at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Show, but nothing is certain at the moment. We’ll keep you posted once we find out more details.
Lexus decided to reveal its beautiful 2013 GS 450h, before the car’s public debut this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It looks just about the same as the standard model, except for the three-lamp headlights, the 17-inch alloys and blue-tinted logos.
2013 Lexus GS 450h
The car is motivated by a 3.5-liter V6 (Atkinson-cycle) engine and an electric motor. The total output is 338 hp (343 PS / 252 kW), enough to allow for a 0-62 mph sprint in 5.6 seconds and a limited maximum speed of 131 mph (211 km/h).
2013 Lexus GS 450h
The Japanese automaker says that the car’s fuel consumption has been reduced by more than 30% in comparison to the standard version by installing a brand new Power Control Unit as well as reworking the regenerative brakes.
Some of you have probably been waiting for Lexus to unveil the 2013 GS for months now. It finally happened at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and I must say that it is one of the best looking cars of this year.
2013 Lexus GS 350
The Japanese automaker said that the car was developed in order to be contemporary and spacious, and as we can see from these official photos, it borrows the sporty design that we’ve seen in the LF-Gh concept at the New York Auto Show. It will come with a “spindle” front grille, LED-infused headlights, while at the back it will have a diffuser and a dual exhaust system.
2013 Lexus GS 350
The interior of the 2013 Lexus GS will be very luxurious, featuring seats wrapped around in leather, ambient lightning, a wood trim and an analogue clock. Aside from these, the car will get an 8-inch infotainment display as standard while the cars fitted with the navigation package will benefit from a bigger 12.3-inch display. Aside from this, it will feature an energy-saving climate control system as well as an optional Mark Levinson audio system with 17 speakers.
2013 Lexus GS 350
Lexus will offer three engines for the 2013 GS, but the specifications have not been mentioned yet. What we do know is that the choices will be a 2.5-liter, a bigger 3.5-liter and a greener hybridized 3.5-liter power unit. The car will ride on an updated platform that features a wider track as well as a new multi-link rear suspension.
2013 Lexus GS 350
Sales are expected to commence at the beginning of 2012. Stay tuned for more information about the engines and the price tag.
The second model year for the Lexus CT 200h will come with a few updates, the most important one being the addition of the F-sport package to the U.S. model. This package was first unveiled last year at the Sydney Motor Show in Australia and after that it made an appearance at the 2010 SEMA. Now, customers will be able to buy it for the 2012MY CT 200h.
The F-Sport package consists of 17-inch alloys, a sportier tuned suspension as well as a front grille which will have a mesh pattern. Inside the cabin, the Lexus CT 200h will get a perforated leather steering wheel, metal front scuff plates, aluminum sport pedals, leather shift knob, along with a metallic trim for the dash panel. Clients will be able to order the car with Black NuLuxe trimmed seats or they can choose perforated black leather-trimmed seats.
The new model year also brings the Vehicle Proximity Notification System which helps alert the pedestrians as well as the cyclists of an oncoming car under specific conditions. It does that by emitting a low audible warning sound.
Aside from these updates, there are no other modifications in comparison to the 2011MY as the car will keep the hybrid powertrain which is made out of a 1.8-liter VVT-I gasoline engine that produces 98 hp and an electric motor that along with the gas engine offers a combined output of 134 hp, which is enough for a 0-62 mph sprint time in 9.8 seconds.
The Japanese automaker didn’t release any photos with the U.S.-spec 2012 Lexus CT 200h with the F-Sport package and the one that we have uploaded for this article is the car exhibited at SEMA 2010.
Source: Lexus via Carscoop
Post tags: Tags: Lexus, lexus ct200h, lexus ct200h f-sport package, sema, sydney motor show
It was only last year when Lexus launched a revised version of its European-spec IS model, featuring a V8 5.0-liter engine that is Euro 5 compliant. Aside from this major change, they also added a few styling updates like LED front lights and a new design of the instrument panel. Now, they’re back with the 2012MY version that comes with an updated chassis.
The Japanese automaker promises that the updated version of its high-performance sports sedan will improve the overall driving experience and also it will offer more comfort inside the cabin thanks to the addition of larger stabilizer bars, brand new shock absorbers, along with updated suspension geometry.
The 2012MY Lexus IS F is powered by the same V8 5.0-liter engine that fires 423 hp, allowing the car to do the 0-62 mph sprint in only 4.7 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h), which is electronically limited.
Aside from the updates of the chassis, the revised version adds a brand new set of BBS 19-inch alloys that have a 14-spoke design, along with a two-tone (black & crimson) leather trim inside.
The company mentioned that there won’t be any changes as far as the price tag is concerned which means that the starting price is $101,500 (70,600 Euros) in Germany.
If we were to believe the journalists from Automotive News, Lexus has some big plans for the upcoming period as they are about to introduce a whole bunch of redesigned models. The first one which will hit the market will be the updated version of the GS that should be out early next year with a V6 3.5-liter engine. The model was previewed by the LF-Gh concept and we shall see the production version in all its glory on August 18th at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
After that, in mid-2012, Lexus will roll out the 2013 ES which will be based on the refreshed Toyota Camry. Apparently, it is going to come with a prominent front grille and should be available with an optional hybrid configuration that will provide a combined fuel economy rating of 40 mpg (5.9 liters / 48 mpg UK).
The new generation of the IS will ride on a shortened platform of the GS and should adopt a sportier look, better handling and engine updates. This one should be out by the end of next year.
As far as the LS is concerned, a complete update will be launched in early 2013 and the Japanese engineers will focus on improving the car’s efficiency so most likely it will come with lighter materials and probably a hybrid configuration as well.
Last but certainly not least, the roadster version of the exquisite LFA might be launched by the middle of 2014. No more details are known, but it should come with the regular V10 4.8-liter engine that fires 553 hp (560 PS / 412 kW) and 354 lb.-ft (480 Nm) of torque.
A few days ago Lexus announced that they will be revealing the all-new 2013 GS 350 model on August 18th at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. They also invited some of the journalists from Motor Trend, Autoweek and Car & Driver to take the car for a test drive. Obviously, the exterior of the prototype test cars was wrapped around in plastic, but the interior was mostly free of camouflage. The design of the interior cabin looks like a more edgy LF-A-esque styling with a huge 12.3-inch information screen located above the center console and plenty of stitched leather on the dashboard.
2013 Lexus GS350
Lexus told the aforementioned magazines that the new generation of the GS features an updated platform that measures the same 112.2-inch wheelbase like the outgoing model, while the overall length has increased to 190.9 from the previous 190 inches. In addition, width is also up by 0.8-inches and the roof is now 1.2-incher taller than it previously was. The 2013 GS is also 157 pounds (71 kg) lighter than the model it replaces and has a curb weight of 3,638 kg (1,650 kg).
2013 Lexus GS350
The car will be powered by an updated version of the V6 3.5-liter engine and will be mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox that will send all of the hp to the wheels in the back. There won’t be any V8 engines available for the car but Lexus promised to bring at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September a performance-tuned hybrid that will be based on the V6 3.5-liter unit. Later on, the Japanese automaker will roll out an F-sport trim level with both performance and styling upgrades. The car will be exhibited at the SEMA aftermarket show that will be held in Las Vegas.
Source: Car & Driver, Motor Trend, Autoweek via Carscoop
The Japanese automaker Lexus has revealed this week its one-off custom-built limousine that will be used on July 2nd for the wedding of Prince Albert of Monaco. This exquisite LS 600h Landaulet model features a specially made one-piece transparent polycarbonate roof, which will be used as the official car of the wedding.
Lexus LS 600h Landaulet
Carat Duchatelet, a Belgian coachbuilder, was in charge of converting the Lexus 600h into this elegant Landaulet limo and I think that they’ve done an awesome job. The entire project took about 2,000 hours to complete and involved several computer-aided design calculations, simulations and tridimensional modeling.
Lexus LS 600h Landaulet
The bodyshell of the car features Kevlar and carbon fiber honeycomb structures which were necessary in order to reinforce the vehicle. That elegant Midnight Blue livery was hand applied while the roof was created in partnership with a French firm that is specialized in creating these components for the aerospace industry. That roof weighs only 26 kg and is 8 mm thick.
Lexus LS 600h Landaulet
During the ceremony, the car will be driven in electric mode and once the wedding is over it will be displayed in Monaco at the Media Center and at the Oceanographic Museum.
Lexus LS 600h Landaulet
I’m very curious about the price for this one-off car but Lexus did not mention anything about it unfortunately.
Apparently, 2011 could be named the year of royalty. After the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the next royal wedding on the list is the one between Prince Albert II of Monaco and Miss Charlene Wittstock, on Saturday, July 2, 2011.
In April, we have all enjoyed the British classic car show on the ride to Westminster Abbey, from the Rolls-Royce Phantom IV built in 1950 (with Prince Charles, and his wife Camilla), the 1977 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI (carrying the bride and her father), to the rare 1969 Aston Martin DB6 Volante MKII and the pair of custom Bentleys that transported the Queen and Prince Philip and Princes William and Harry. Not mentioning the fact that the whole wedding was the perfect occasion for girls to imagine themselves princesses for a couple of hours.
This time, for the wedding of Prince Albert II of Monaco, the official wedding car will be Lexus LS 600h L and the Japanese carmaker is undergoing some modifications for the moment.
We expect to have at least the same joyful moments with cars at this year’s second royal wedding, as at the British royal wedding in April. Until then, you can watch the official photo and video of the Lexus car, released a few days ago.
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