Tuesday, June 26, 2012

2013 Lexus GX 460 SUV now available at a price of $53,445

Toyota's luxury brand Lexus has announced new pricing for the 2013 Lexus GX models. 2013 Lexus GX 460 pricing for its base model will start at $53,445 with additional destination cost of $875 making the current model available for $54,320. Also on offer with a price increase will be Lexus GX 460 Premium which will now be priced at $58,915 while destination costs will take it a peg higher.

While prices are increased, the 2013 models do not undergo any major changes and come equipped with standard packages and navigation systems with Mark Levinson sound system, navigation with Lexus Enform telematics and various other safety packages all at additional costs. Options will also include a dual screen DVD rear seat entertainment system, parking assist and various accessories each of which buyers will have to shell out a few dollars more. The vehicle will be powered by a 4.6 liter V8 engine offering 301 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 320 lb/ft torque at 3500 rpm.

Lexus 2013 GX460 arrives in dealer showrooms next month. Read press release below for complete details.

Auto News Release

Lexus Announces Pricing for 2013 GX 460 Luxury Utility Vehicle

• GX 460 Has An EPA-Estimated 17 MPG Combined With 301-hp V8
• Body-on-Frame Construction Helps Provide Durability for On and Off-Road Adventures
• Seven-Passenger Capacity Adds Versatility

TORRANCE, Calif. (June 22, 2012) – Lexus today announced Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) on the 2013 GX 460 Luxury Utility Vehicle. The second-generation GX is offered in two grades, base, which will carry an MSRP of $53,445, and Premium which will be priced at $58,240. The MSRP does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875. The new Lexus vehicles will arrive at dealerships in July.

For 2013 the luxurious Lexus GX 460 luxury utility vehicle carries over unchanged with its quiet cabin and a long list of standard features and options that make it a versatile choice for city and off-road driving. With its seven-passenger, three-row configuration and body-on frame construction, the GX 460 combines "right sized" mid-size packaging with family-friendly comfort and premium craftsmanship. The 4.6-liter V8 engine produces 301 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 329 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,500 rpm and helps the GX tow up to 6,500 lbs.

GX 460 - $53,445

GX 460 Premium - $58,240

Media Contacts:
Lexus Communications
Allison Takahashi – 310.468.5315 or allison_takahashi@lexus.com
Bill Kwong – 310.468.3764 or bill_kwong@lexus.com




Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Lexus Leads All Nameplates in J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Initial Quality Study

TORRANCE, Calif., June 20, 2012 – Lexus earned the honor as the highest ranking nameplate in the industry in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) with 73 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Lexus has ranked highest in the IQS study in 14 of the last 23 years, beginning with the brand’s first model year in 1990.

Lexus LS Places First for the Fifth Straight Year

Lexus also captured three segment awards in this year’s study, more than any other premium brand. These awards include the ES 350 for Entry Premium car; the RX for Midsize Premium Crossover SUV; and the LS for Large Premium Car. The ES 350 ranks highest in its segment for a second consecutive year. The LS earned the distinction of highest-performing model in its segment with just 50 PP100. This is the fifth year in a row that the LS had placed first in its segment and the 12th time in 15 years that the LS has been at the top of its segment.

Production Facilities Earn Top Honors

The Lexus production facilities also took Plant Assembly Line Quality Awards. The Cambridge South, Ontario, Canada plant (RX line) was honored with the Gold Plant Assembly Line Quality Award, while the Kyushu 2, Japan plant (IS line, ES 350, RX line) earned a Silver Plant Assembly Line Quality Award. Both plants had 24 PP100.

Lexus Segment Honors Chart

 

Model
IQS Segment
Problems per 100
Lexus LS
Large Premium Car
50
Lexus ES 350
Entry Premium Car
69
Lexus RX
Midsize Premium Crossover SUV
67
courtesy of pressroom.lexus.com

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

There's something about Lexus ES 2013!

2013-lexus-es-300h_17
The latest Lexus ES 2013 has been creating waves in the automobile industry. Lexus ES is in essence a luxurious car combined into a brilliant sports car. The Lexus ES was introduced in America in 1989 and became a big hit since then. Of course the 2013 model of Lexus has more improvements and added features which the fans are excited about.

The price of Lexus ES
The Lexus ES is now a more powerful and efficient product of technological and engineering advancement. The Lexus ES comes in three models namely the sport model, premium and luxury model. The Lexus ES can be brought from the official website too as well as from local dealers. It’s a great luxurious car and has a MSRP price of 35, 725 dollars only. This car is a true symbol of value for money.
Colors diversity

The colors in Lexus ES are numerous and can easily suit every person’s choice.
These colors are:
1: Deep sea mica
2: Obsidian
3: Star fire pearl
4: Stain cashmere
5: Truffle mica
6: Matador red mica
7: Cerulean blue metallic
8: Tungsten pearl
9: Nebula grey pearl

Next generation vehicle
The Lexus ES 2013 is designed to be more aerodynamic, fuel efficient and produces much less wind noise. It has a new look which exceeds class and luxury symbols.

Moving headlights?
The headlights of the Lexus ES 2013 can move as the car nears the curves automatically and provides much better visibility. This feature is perfect for rough terrains and night time driving when the chances of accident are great. It is present in most models of Lexus ES.

Parking is a piece of cake
Parking can be a nuisance for some drivers. For that matter the Lexus ES comes equipped with proximity sensors which can guide in parking the vehicle perfectly.

Super visibility
The Lexus ES has smart side view mirrors. It is integrated with turn indicators so the other drivers are also alert where the Lexus ES is headed. It also comes equipped with rear view camera for reverse drive. The rear view camera shows the entire backdrop in the central screen. Moreover the side mirrors are also equipped with fog lights so the driver can’t make a mistake of hitting anything.

Lexus ES is the next generation vehicle because it has smart access sensors which alert the car of the driver approaching the vehicle. For starting the car it has a push start button. So the days of forgetting the car keys inside the car are history.

HID Headlights
The lights used are HID headlights. HID stands for high intensity discharge. These lights are not penetrating for the approaching drivers and promise super visibility.

Exquisite glass top
It gives a beautiful view of the sky to the driver as well as the passengers.

Radar for proximity safety
This is another one of the endless features of Lexus ES 2013 and this prevents accidents from the driver’s side as it maintains proximity limits itself.

courtesy of auto-types.com

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Lexus Announces Second GS Hybrid, Details Expected at Paris Motor Show

Lexus_logo
In a surprise move, a senior Lexus UK executive has verified that a second GS hybrid is on its way — here’s a quote from MSN Cars UK:

President and Managing Director of Toyota Lexus GB, Jon Williams, confirmed the new “low displacement” GS hybrid during a press conference at the European launch of the fourth-generation car.

Although he refused to reveal exactly what engine would power the lesser hybrid, it would certainly be smaller than the 3.5-litre V6 of the GS450h, and possibly even smaller than the 2.5-litre V6 of the GS250 – relying on the electric motor to make up the resulting power deficit.

Expect more details perhaps as early as the Paris Motor Show in September. There remain no plans for a GS turbodiesel.

While no engine details were given, it’s worth noting that the GS 300h trademark was registered in Australia earlier this year, which would suggest the 2.5L 2AR-FXE four-cylinder engine from the ES 300h.

Also from the same article:

Lexus has also confirmed two entirely new cars are in the pipeline. One of these will be an all-new IS replacement, but the other is currently a mystery. A smaller SUV model to compliment the RX is one possibility, but we’re hoping for a production version of the stunning LF-LC sports car.

While the timing is purely coincidental, this mention of a “smaller SUV model” syncs up nicely the rendering featured last week — could we finally see the debut of a Lexus compact crossover SUV?

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

2013 Lexus ES 350 First Impressions

With the introduction of nine retooled models in 2012, one could consider Lexus to be in the midst of a product renaissance, which they describe to as "progressive luxury." That credo leads them in their quest to produce innovative, luxury performance vehicles incorporating advanced technologies.

The latest rendering of the quest is the 2013 ES 350 and its hybrid counterpart, the ES 300h. The ES line accounts for 25% of all Lexus sales, so to say that this sixth-generation ES is an important milestone is an immense understatement.

2013 Lexus ES 350


The guiding tenets for re-visioning the ES were, "Neo Luxury" and "Neo Smart." From these precepts, Lexus engineers and designers pursued advanced technologies and advanced safety, along with a driver-focused cabin.

And incidentally, that cabin is now equally as commodious as that of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class; and similarly well equipped.

Spindle grille denotes familial genes
Lexus has adopted a dramatic grille design to denote their new generation of vehicles. Described as a "spindle grille," the ES' centrepiece was inspired by the frontal hardware of the exotic Lexus LF-LC supercar concept.

While only its grille resembles the rolling artwork that is the LF-LC, the new ES is a sharp looker in its own right that's nicely proportioned and accurately assembled. While restyling the vehicle, Lexus lengthened it by 25 mm and extended its wheelbase by 45 mm.

The expanded dimensions enabled an increase in interior real estate, resulting in class-leading rear-seat legroom; and "yes," it's remarkably accommodating back there. The generosity bestowed upon rear-seat occupants doesn't come at the benevolence of those riding first-class.

The amount of "stretch" room up front is exceptional and can be maintained without sacrificing limbs belonging to those seated behind. But it wasn't just space and sheetmetal that was addressed for 2013.

2013 Lexus ES 350 grille
Lexus has adopted a dramatic grille design to denote their new generation of vehicles. (Photo: Rob Rothwell)


Smoother vault-like ride dynamics
In addition to giving the new ES more visual pizzazz and upgraded interior environs of greater capacity, Lexus reduced road and wind noise, which was arguably already one of the quietest cars in its class.

Obsessive attention to detail was applied to driving dynamics - and various other operational and design aspects of the ES - by the most highly trained and skilled Lexus engineers, known as Takumi, or maestros. The results enhance the driving pleasure of the vehicle and the comfort that one experiences within.

Same smooth V6 power
While the 2013 ES 350 is essentially new from the ground up, its circulatory system isn't, but that's not a disappointment by any stretch.

The vehicle continues to be powered by a 3.5L DOHC V6 gas engine producing 268 hp @ 6,200 rpm and 248 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm. In keeping with what works well, a 6-speed automatic transmission directs the punch to the car's front wheels. There is no all-wheel-drive option available.

And unlike many other cars in the midsize luxury segment, there are no paddle shifters to eliminate the need to reach for the stick to set your own shift schedule.

2013 Lexus ES 350 engine
The vehicle continues to be powered by a 3.5L DOHC V6 gas engine producing 268 hp @ 6,200 rpm. (Photo: Rob Rothwell)


Behind the wheel
I harbour a fondness for the 2013 Lexus ES, believing it to be a true luxury car that's not parading as a sports sedan as well. There's no split focus on what this car's mission is.

Ultra quiet, comfortable cruising is its raison d'être, and it's accomplished with great aplomb and at an attractive price. Although not yet announced, I don't expect any big surprises either way from the current ES 350 ask, exclusive of 2012 incentives.

Passing, or even catching, a BMW 5 Series on a twisty road is not what this car will do. Still, it's stable and secure in the corners provided it's not pushed with great zeal. There will be protest for sure, but that's not unexpected and is easily accounted for.

Given that the ES loyalist has a mean age of 63 and that the conquest market Lexus is targeting has a mean age of 55, they have properly oriented this vehicle. But hey, I'm still a few ticks away from 55 and I think of myself as immature - as many others think of me - and I may be in age denial, yet I like this car and find it enjoyable, if not soothing, to drive.

You don't have to be pensioned to enjoy this car, but it helps.

2013 Lexus ES 350 rear 3/4 view
The price is not yet announced, I don't expect any big surprises either way from the current ES 350 ask, exclusive of 2012 incentives. (Photo: Rob Rothwell)


And that's the real strength here. It's not about one-upmanship; it's about arriving rested and content, not frazzled and wound-up like a cheap watch. I think that Lexus is onto something. Being cocooned in quiet comfort while wasting away in traffic helps make the withering somewhat enjoyable.

And when the road opens up, there's plenty of punch under the hood to keep the drive sufficiently exhilarating for the loyalist and conquest alike.

Expect to see the new ES 350 in Lexus showrooms by mid-August.

courtesy of auto123.com