2011 Lexus LFA

VIDEO: NEWS & REVIEWS The new Lexus LFA marks an important moment in both the history of Lexus and the development of the supercar. Constructed using advanced carbon fiber technology, the rear-wheel drive Lexus LFA is powered by a bespoke, high-revving 552-hp 4.8-litre naturally-aspirated V-10 engine, matched to a rear-mounted six-speed sequential automatic transmission, giving 200-mph-plus performance. Keeping the car's weight to an absolute minimum was one of the defining elements in the development of the Lexus LFA and this led to the decision to switch from using aluminum for the car's construction to advanced Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) for the chassis and bodywork. At four times the strength of aluminum, CFRP gives the Lexus LFA an exceptionally stiff and strong structure, and also delivers major weight advantages, saving around 220 lbs. on an equivalent aluminum body. CFRP accounts for 65 percent of the body-in-white, with aluminum alloy used for the remaining 35 percent. The heart of the Lexus LFA is a bespoke naturally-aspirated V10 engine. It uses a dry-sump lubrication system allows the block to be positioned deep in the engine bay, lowering the car's center of gravity and moment of inertia, and enabling the engine to handle sustained high-speed cornering. The V-10 produces 354 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,800 rpm, 90 percent of which is available from 3,700 rpm all the way to the 9,000 rpm red line. This gives searing in-hear acceleration at all engine speeds and in any gear: nought-to-62 mph takes just 3.7 seconds and maximum speed is 202 mph. With a curb weight of 3,263 lbs., the Lexus LFA has a power to weight ratio among the highest of any current supercar. The formidable performance of the V10 is managed through an equally advanced transmission, a purpose-designed six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) that drives the rear wheels via a limited slip differential. The system has four driving modes: Auto, Sport, Normal, and Wet, activated by a selector dial on the dashboard. The Lexus LFA's acoustics, induction system and exhaust notes have been specially tuned to deliver an awesome "soundtrack" that expresses the car's extreme performance, both outside and inside the cabin. The track-tuned suspension is the result of intensive development work carried out by Lexus at the Nürburgring's Nordschleife circuit to give the best possible balance between control and comfort. The Lexus LFA boasts class-leading aerodynamics to achieve drivetrain cooling and superb high-speed handling and stability. Extensive wind tunnel testing helped produce a wind-cheating profile with a drag coefficient of 0.31. The Lexus LFA will be hand-assembled at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City. Only 500 examples will be built, at a maximum rate of 20 per month to ensure the finest build quality and attention to detail. Each V-10 engine will be assembled by a single engineer, and will bear his signature as testament to each Lexus LFA's bespoke status. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2010 Lexus SC 430

NEWS & REVIEWS Lexus adds interior technology and exterior enhancements to the 2010 SC430, the pioneer of the retractable hardtop in the prestige luxury segment. On the exterior, the 2010 SC is now outfitted with 18-inch six-spoke wheels with a dark finish, side mirrors with integrated puddle lamps, and Costa Azul Mica is a newly available exterior color. The rear-wheel-drive SC 430 is powered by an aluminum double-overhead cam 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 SC 430 to accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. The 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 SC 430 meets Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II certification. 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. Engineered as a convertible from the start, the SC 430's structure provides outstanding strength whether the retractable hardtop is up or down. The rigid structure allowed Lexus to tune the front and rear double-wishbone independent suspension to help deliver both responsive handling and its signature smooth ride. 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. The Lexus SC 430 is so luxuriously equipped, that there are no optional extras offered for the interior. Reflecting the brand's meticulous attention to convenience, the steering wheel automatically tilts away when the ignition is turned off to make exiting and entry easier, then returns to its memory position when the car is started again. The SC 430's 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. Also featured is a voice-command feature that allows hands-free use and provides easy-to-understand graphics and phone-number-based address recognition. SC receives a new central wide-format color display for 2010. 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 SC 430 from a sleek coupe into an elegant convertible in 25 seconds. Narrow and precise body gaps, a Lexus hallmark, accentuate the SC 430’s sleek, elegant lines. Nine exterior colors are offered, with extensive use of anti-chipping paint on lower body panels. Good design continues underneath the SC 430, where four underbody covers (engine, floor, front and rear) enhance aerodynamic performance. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2010 Lexus LS 600h L

NEWS & REVIEWS The LS 600h, the full hybrid Lexus flagship, gains a range of technological and styling improvements for the 2010 model year. With redesigned seating, updated equipment, a new ECO driving mode and new brakes, the LS600h and the long wheelbase LS600h L achieve advances in comfort and driving dynamics. The full-hybrid Lexus Hybrid Drive system that powers the LS600h has a new ECO mode, which modifies the throttle action and performance of the air conditioning system to support fuel-efficient driving. The relationship between movement of the accelerator pedal and system output is automatically controlled, reducing response to aggressive inputs to improve fuel economy and promote smoother driving. The load on the engine is also reduced under acceleration, which also helps improve fuel efficiency. When the outside temperature is 68° F or higher, the air conditioning system will now automatically select air-recirculation mode to reduce power consumption. The blower airflow is reduced when set to “high” and operation of the supplementary electrical heating system is stopped, further cutting the amount of power used. Also, the system will not signal for an increase in engine speed to boost power when the vehicle is at idle. Repackaging of the full hybrid system’s battery into two sections of six and 14 modules has reduced its overall size and freed up more luggage space in the trunk. The combination of the 5.0-liter V-8 engine and 221-hp electric motor produces a maximum 439 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, giving naught-to-62 mph acceleration in 5.5 seconds. The combined cycle fuel economy remains 30.4 mpg. The LS 600h is newly equipped with larger, 15-inch ventilated front disc brakes with six-piston calipers, rotors and pads developed jointly with specialist manufacturer Brembo. The pads are designed for quieter performance with less vibration and give fade-free high-speed stopping power. The revised model is distinguished visually by a new four-bar grille and front bumper with redesigned air intakes and foglamps. Further new details include a lower bumper design with vertical fins to smooth the airflow from beneath the car. In the cabin, the instrument binnacle has been revised to include a new full color, TFT LCD display. Both front seats are equipped with new, inflator operated active headrests. The driver’s seat also has a new return/away function. Linked to a similar function that moves the steering wheel, this automatically slides the seat back by up to 2 inches when the driver unbuckles the seatbelt and turns the engine off. The seat returns to its selected driving position once the car is started again. The revised LS 600h also features a new, automatic high beam system. A camera sensor in the rear view mirror detects oncoming traffic, street lamps and vehicles travelling ahead and automatically switches the headlamp high beam on and off according to driving conditions. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport

VIDEO: NEWS & REVIEWS The Lexus LS 460 flagship luxury sedans debut revised styling, new electronics and a new optional performance-tuned Sport Package for 2010. In front, the 2010 LS 460 models stand apart with a revised grille, bumper, and headlamps, while rear styling is enhanced with revised taillamps, license plate surround, and exhaust diffusers. New side mirrors feature integrated turn signals. For drivers who desire a more engaging driving experience, Lexus offers an all-new Sport Package for the rear-wheel drive 2010 LS 460. The Sport Package combines distinctive Aero kit exterior styling with special air suspension tuning and exclusive interior features. The exterior styling is also available alone as the Appearance Package. Common to both packages are the unique front grille and Aero kit, which features a front lower spoiler, side rocker panels, and rear lower spoiler. RWD models with the Appearance Package also ride on 19-inch five-spoke wheels. The Lexus LS 460 models deliver the luxury of powerful, smooth performance from a 4.6-liter V-8 teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 380 horsepower and 367 lb.-ft. of peak torque in rear-wheel-drive configuration. The Lexus eight-speed automatic transmission allows gear ratios that maximize torque up to the tire-grip limitations in the lower ranges yet maintains quietness and admirable fuel efficiency at higher speeds. The LS 460 can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in about 5.4 seconds. The new Sport Package is the first of its kind for the LS. Behind the 19-inch split 10-spoke forged alloy wheels are Brembo brakes, and the package tightens handling response with an exclusive sport-tuned air suspension with specific stabilizer bars and shock absorbers. Inside the LS 460, the Sport Package adds an exclusive perforated Black/Saddle leather interior with sport front seats, a unique leather-trimmed steering wheel and paddle shifters for the eight-speed automatic transmission. The interior cabin of the LS demands not only exceptional silence, but the quality of the sounds have to be pleasing to the occupants. For example, engineers tuned the sound of the doors opening and closing by studying the sounds of skillfully crafted wood doors in luxury homes. The Executive Class Seating Package for the LS 460 L likewise now includes power butterfly rear headrests and lumbar massage for the left rear seat. The rest of the package continues as before and includes four-zone independent front and rear air conditioning with Lexus' Air Purification system and ceiling climate diffusers; rear-door power sunshades with a fixed rear console and foldout table; and a right rear-seat recliner with ottoman leg rest. This package’s ottoman seat reclines up to 45 degrees with an upper-back recliner featuring a 17-degree angle adjustment. In addition, the available left-rear power seat also reclines up to 38 degrees, and the rear seat moves front to back approximately three inches. The climate control is further upgraded with an infrared sensor located in the headliner that measures temperature at the lap, upper body and seat on each side to adjust airflow appropriately. A multi-function massage feature includes an enhanced massage mode for the right-rear seat. The massage feature can be used alone or in conjunction with the seat heater or cooler. This comprehensive package also equips the LS 460 L with a rear-seat entertainment system using a nine-inch LCD screen that deploys from the ceiling. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2010 Lexus IS F

NEWS & REVIEWS The Lexus IS F high-performance sedan is the first production model to wear the brand's "F" marquee. First launched in 2008, the 2010 model features several technology options and new standard equipment. Limited slip differential, a new 19-inch wheel design, and foldable rear headrests are standard on the high-performance sedan. The key mechanical improvement is a new, compact Torsen Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) that supersedes the previous Brake LSD function. Torsen-equipped IS F is two seconds faster per lap at Fuji International Speedway, the vehicle's development home. The Torsen LSD achieves this by redistributing the torque that is lost when a wheel loses traction during cornering, without limiting engine output. The Lexus IS F is exclusively powered by a performance-tuned 5.0-liter V8 engine teamed to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission. The IS F engine produces 416 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 371 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 5,200 rpm. The world's first eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission combines the performance characteristics of an automated manual-type transmission with the smoothness and refinement of a planetary-type automatic transmission. As a result, the driver can choose between ultra-quick manual shifts for performance driving and smooth automatic shifts when convenience is the top priority. The front wheels are 19 x 8J, with 225/40R19 tires and 19 x 9J in the rear, with 255/35R19 tires. A specially calibrated version of Lexus' innovative Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system helps provide superior handling dynamics and traction control. Combining input from a variety of sensors, VDIM is designed to anticipate the onset of a vehicle skid or slide and help correct the situation with a combination of braking, steering and throttle control in a way that is essentially transparent to the driver. VDIM also provides an electronically controlled brake-based limited-slip differential effect on the rear wheels. Brembo brakes were designed to the specifications of the Lexus engineering team. The 14.2-inch ventilated, drilled front rotors are gripped by rigid, powerful six-piston aluminum calipers, while the 13.6-inch ventilated, drilled rear rotors use two-piston calipers. Front bumper ducts adjacent to the fog lamps stream cooling air to the brakes. The brakes are finished with the Lexus name displayed on the calipers. Based on the IS luxury sport sedan, the IS F is clearly differentiated when viewed from the front, rear and in profile. A trapezoid-shaped front bumper fascia, a theme that is repeated at the rear, sets off the V-shape grille. The hood’s raised center section makes room for the V8 powerplant, and the front fenders were widened to envelop the 19-inch low-profile tires. Total grille area is increased to ensure adequate cooling for the 5.0-liter V8, and both upper and lower grilles feature a special wire-mesh pattern. Four vertically stacked exhaust diffusers, two per side, are integrated into the rear bumper. The subtle rear spoiler is one of many aerodynamic enhancements, which also include special underbody panels to optimize airflow The IS F interior features specially shaped and trimmed seats that help hold the driver comfortably and securely. The standard SmartAccess keyless entry and push-button start allows the driver to keep the access fob in a pocket or purse. The interior features an exclusive design treatment highlighted by aluminized composite trim, striking two-tone upholstery, aluminum-rimmed main gauges, unique steering-wheel treatment and other special surface treatments. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2010 Lexus GS450h

VIDEO: NEWS & REVIEWS The GS 450h hybrid luxury sport sedan enters the 2010 model year with stylish exterior changes. Several exclusive design features, including grille, clear taillamp covers, and 18-inch alloy wheels, were updated for 2010 and add to the existing advanced technology, high performance and indulgent luxury of the rear-wheel-drive GS 450h. Unique, blue hybrid badging is shared across the Lexus hybrid line-up and also distinguishes the GS 450h from the gas-powered GS 460 and GS 350. Based on the GS platform and featuring Lexus Hybrid Drive technology, the GS 450h offers V8-like performance with greater fuel efficiency. A full hybrid, the GS 450h is capable of operating in gas-only or electric-only modes, or a combination of the two. With its unique transmission, the GS 450h was the first hybrid vehicle to enable the electric drive motor to contribute to highway performance, not just slow-speed driving. The GS 450h model’s version of the Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain combines a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine with a compact, permanent magnet electric motor—all driving the rear wheels. The hybrid powertrain collectively produces 340 horsepower and can effortlessly accelerate the GS 450h from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. Just as impressive as the GS 450h's acceleration from a stop is how quickly and powerfully torque is delivered during mid-range acceleration. The hybrid system's electric-drive motor delivers maximum torque immediately upon demand. This unique power-delivery characteristic is most noticeable, and most useful, during 30-to-50 mph passing and in traffic-merging maneuvers. The GS 450h returns EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg city / 25 highway and is certified as a Super-Low Emissions Vehicle II (SULEV II). Power from the gas engine and one of two electric motors is distributed to the rear drive wheels via a planetary gear-type Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT). This special transmission, which eliminates specific gear ratios, features a two-speed torque-multiplication device that allows drivers to select from among three driving modes: Power, Normal and Snow. Double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension systems endow the GS 450h with engaging handling performance. The standard 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels are unique to the 2010 GS 450h and equipped with 245/40R18 Z-rated summer performance tires; an optional Active Power Stabilizer system helps to further reduce body sway during cornering. The system uses an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to calculate the force needed to counter excess body sway, which is then applied to the stabilizer bars by front and rear electric-powered actuators. As the top model in the GS line, the GS 450h features the highest level of standard luxury equipment and includes features that are optional on other GS models: 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing automatic windshield wipers, rear back-up camera and headlamp washers. Controls are simple and intuitive, avoiding needless complexity. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Lexus SC 430

NEWS & REVIEWS The Lexus SC 430 hardtop convertible enters 2009 with new detail design changes, including turn signals integrated into the side mirrors, an elegant new color and a more convenient open/close switch for the roof. The SC 430 pioneered the retractable hardtop in the prestige luxury segment. The rear-wheel-drive 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 SC 430 to accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. Engineered as a convertible from the start, the SC 430's structure provides outstanding strength whether the retractable hardtop is up or down. The rigid structure allowed Lexus to tune the front and rear double-wishbone independent suspension to deliver both responsive handling and its signature smooth ride. The 53/47 weight distribution helps deliver optimal balance for confident steering response and impressive agility, aided by standard 18-inch wheels with 245/40R18 Z-rated tires. All-season or summer run-flat tires are available as an option, and the SC 430 offers a Liquid Graphite finish 18-inch five-spoke wheel option. The Lexus SC 430 matches its performance capability with the brand's renowned attention to safety and security. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) includes front airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags. A front-passenger-seat weight detection sensor helps determine when the passenger airbag should be deployed. Front-knee airbags help to provide further injury-reduction potential in the SC 430. An array of dynamic electronic features help contribute to safe, precise handling in the 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. Integrated with VSC, TRAC is designed to help limit rear-wheel spin on slippery road surfaces. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking, and if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage ABS, it applies increased braking power until pedal pressure is released. The 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. Genuine wood trim is used liberally throughout the SC 430 interior, including the center console, doors and instrument panel, plus a matching wood-trim shift knob and a wood-trim cover panel for the dual front cup holders. A dark brown wood color called Espresso Birds-eye Maple is paired with the Camel color leather-trim interior. Walnut wood trim is used with the Ecru and black leather-trim interiors. All new Lexus vehicles come with a 48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty with roadside assistance for 48-months/unlimited miles. Powertrain and restraint system coverage is provided for 72 months/70,000 miles. Corrosion perforation protection is covered for 72 months, regardless of mileage. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Lexus LS 600h L

NEWS & REVIEWS Lexus got pooh-poohed when it unveiled its techno tour de force LS 600h L hybrid. Too expensive, and no real benefit in fuel efficiency, they said. But critics underestimated the “Prius Effect” and the smug satisfaction it would give a corporate CEO in having the worker bees know the boss has switched to a hybrid. Albeit one costing a cool $104,000. The effect hasn’t gone unnoticed at BMW and Mercedes, whom will both introduce hybrid versions of their flagship models in ’09. That said, the Lexus does go a teeny bit over-the-top in its quest for performance perfection. Instead of a small V-6 coupled to a battery-fed electric motor—to give the combined power of a V-8—it goes for a mongo 5.0-liter V-8 for the sensation of V-12 power. Who cares that it only averages 20 to the gallon around town and 22 on the highway? Darn it, it’s a hybrid. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept

NEWS & REVIEWS First came the LF-A concept at Detroit in 2005, followed by another, more-finished concept at Detroit in 2007, followed by a convertible concept at Detroit 2008. Then there was the car, still officially a concept, taking part in a 24-hour race at the Nürburgring this past May (it crossed the line 121st). When Lexus’s new $200-grand halo supercar finally appears in production guise—we’re guessing Detroit ’09—instead of loud applause, there could well be stifled yawns. Pity because the LF-A is likely to be a stunner. Word is that it’ll be powered by a new 4.8-liter screaming V-10, producing more than 500 hp, with a second version available with the 5.0-liter V-8 gas-electric hybrid powertrain from the LS 600h sedan. Expect the coupe version to come screaming on to the market next summer followed, in 2010, by the roadster. Lexus’s challenge: convincing well-heeled buyers to pick it over a Ferrari F430. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Lexus IS-F

NEWS & REVIEWS You may want to rethink that stereotype of all Lexus products being serenely silent, soulless slabs of snooze. Two minutes behind the wheel of an IS F will throw that concept right out the window. Here is a 416-hp runt of the litter, a howling, screaming, wheel-spinning hooligan rolling on 19-inch forged BBS alloys. The suits at Lexus told the engineers they wanted something to kick the M3’s butt, and that’s exactly what they got. Based on the slick IS350 sedan, the F gets a version of the 5-liter V-8 from the fancy LS 600h L hybrid, coupled to an eight-speed paddle-shifter automatic. Floor it and you’ll blast to 60 in just 4.6 seconds and keep going till you hit 168 mph. And oh, what a noise; mix artillery fire with a Florida thunder boomer and you’re only marginally close to describing the music emerging from the F’s funky, stacked quad tailpipes. Are we having fun yet? PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge