Automakers

Spy Shot: Brochure Reveals 2010 Lexus RX Before L.A. Debut

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:16:42 -0500

Even though Lexus is reportedly unveiling the 2010 RX at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month, this Japanese brochure scan reveals what looks to be a production-ready image of the popular Lexus crossover.

The new RX is anticipated to be longer, wider, taller, and heavier in order to potentially pave the way for an upcoming seven-seat configuration, which could render Lexus' GX SUV somewhat obsolete. Under the hood, the current RX's 3.5-liter V-6 will carry over with a slight boost in power and torque. A new six-speed automatic will also be available as well as Lexus' Super Electronically Controlled gearshift program. A V-8 option may also be in the works for the RX, too. A bit of Venza-inspired styling gives the new RX a fresh, clean look -- a good thing, as the current RX is growing a bit old as far as styling goes.

The RX400h hybrid is expected to arrive about one year after the new RX's release with an updated V-6 hybrid system under the hood. Stay tuned for the full details from Los Angeles next month.

+ Motor Authority: 2010 Lexus RX SUV

Lexus Top, Saab Bottom of Luxury Car Owner Loyalty

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:57:16 -0500

Lexus owners are re-upping with the brand at a greater rate than any other luxury car buyers, according to J.D. Power and Associates, who say that the Japanese automaker is outstripping its closest German competition by four percentage points.

During the first quarter of 2008, 48 percent of Lexus owners traded in for another Lexus, beating the excellent 44 percent return rate for BMW buyers. Mercedes-Benz was no slouch in retaining its customers either, holding onto 41.2 percent of buyers. At the other end of the list, Saab managed to lure back only 8.8 percent of its buyers in the first three months of 2008.

Check out the full list automakers in the luxury brand owner loyalty data below.

+ J.D. Power

Luxury Brand Owner Loyalty

Luxury Nameplate     3 Months 2008
Loyalty*             (June 1-Aug. 24)
Lexus                   48.0%
BMW                           44.0%
Mercedes-Benz             41.2%
Cadillac               37.3%
Porsche                       36.9%
Acura                        29.3%
Lincoln                        28.2%
Audi                       22.7%
Infiniti            20.7%
Volvo                       20.0%
HUMMER                     16.8%
Land Rover            15.6%
Jaguar                        14.2%
Saab                     8.8%
*Loyalty is defined as follows: among the owners of that brand who traded their vehicle during the designated time period, the percent who traded for another product from the same brand
Source: Power Information Network (PIN data (June 1-Aug. 24, 2008) from J.D. Power and Associates

Lexus Selling Cars to UK Police Forces

Hardy Shen — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:28:01 -0500

A police-car buyer's conference is scheduled for today in Cheltenham, England. Among the many vehicles exhibited will be the entire Lexus lineup, adorned in full law-enforcement get-up.

The Japanese automaker will display the RX400h and GS450h hybrid models along with the top-end LS600h. Also shown will be the IS200d and IS250 in covert trim, as well as Lexus' standard gasoline and diesel products. According to Lexus, its automobiles make "a compelling proposition" for law-enforcement and other emergency and public service organizations.

While having luxury police cruisers speeding around a city may seem like a strange idea, it has happened before. In 2006, the Wiltshire Constabulary added the GS450h to their inventory as a traffic cruiser.

Toyota is also among the participants and will be showing off their Land Cruiser and Hilux.

BMW, Fiat, Mitsubishi, and Volkswagen will make an appearance at the conference as well, which is scheduled to take place at the Cheltenham Racecourse starting on September 2.

+ Edmund's Inside Line: Police Fleet Managers in U.K. Get an Eyeful From Lexus Lineup

2008 Lexus GS460 Test Drive

David E. Davis Jr. — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 08:00:08 -0500

The Lexus GS460 tells you exactly what sort of car it is the moment you slip it into gear and accelerate down the ramp to merge with the evening rush-hour traffic. It is a swift, luxurious car that genuinely seems to enjoy being driven hard. It attracts admiring glances wherever it’s driven, and will make you grin like a fool on a challenging country road.

Continue -->

Lexus Planning an IS Convertible?

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 07:00:17 -0600

Though the picture is grainy, and the car is hiding behind a tree, the vehicle reported to be pictured here is a test mule for a Lexus IS convertible.

The material attendant to the low-resolution image suggests that the Lexus drop-top is headed for production around the end of 2009, and could offer the full range of IS powerplants, including the 423 horsepower mill found in the storming IS-F. The new body would represent not only the first IS convertible, but also the first IS variant since last-generation's SportCross wagon. Though we'd certainly be all for an open car, it would seem like a curious move on the part of Lexus to introduce a variant in the fifth year of this production for this IS, when one would assume the next model is on the way.

Believe it or not, tell us what you think about the IS convertible spy, in comments.

+ Autoblog: Spy Shots: Lexus IS convertible

If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com

Toyota to Rebadge Prius as a Lexus

Dustin P. Walsh — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:30:04 -0600

Toyota said it will bring two new hybrid models to the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. One will be the next-generation Toyota Prius, but the other will be branded as a Lexus.

Motor Trend has revealed what they think the Lexus will look like. It’s a wagon-esque vehicle based on the Prius platform.

+ Motor Trend: Lexus gets its own Prius

If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com

2008 Lexus LX570 Test Drive

Phil Floraday — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 08:00:38 -0600

F. Scott Fitzgerald, were he writing of the Lexus LX570, could say, “LX570 owners
are different from you and me.

Lexus Missing H Advertisement

Dustin P. Walsh — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:30:31 -0600

Lexus has debuted its ad touting the new line of Lexus Hybrids. The ad focuses on the disappearance of the letter “h

Tokyo Motor Show: Lexus Goes Live With its LF-Xh Hybrid SUV

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 04:19:55 -0500

Lexus gave the motoring press a first live look at its stylish SUV embodiment of the L-finesse design language today when it pulled the wraps off the LF-Xh.

Two motivating forces, a V-6 along with a high-output electric motor, make the LF-Xh live up to its speed inspired good looks. The hybrid SUV portends the way forward for Lexus and its L vehicles, promoting an environmental conscience without sacrificing performance.

Take a while to enjoy our huge live and stock galleries of what is perhaps the shiniest SUV ever.

LF-Xh (Global unveiling)
A specialty SUV based on the Lexus design philosophy of L-finesse and equipped with an advanced hybrid system

* The combination of a powerful body and elegant interior gives this next-generation SUV a dynamic look and feel.

* Application of “Lexus Hybrid Drive