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Report: Toyota to pay out $10M in Lexus runaway lawsuit

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Lexus, Toyota

Toyota Settlement According to The Detroit Free Press, Toyota has agreed to settle the case in which four people died in a runaway Lexus to the tune of $10 million. The crash, which occurred in August 2009, killed an off-duty police officer, his wife, brother-in-law and daughter and set off a torrent of recalls and investigations into just how long the Japanese automaker had known about unintended acceleration issues. In this case, the accelerator was trapped by the wrong-sized floor mat, but Toyota would later recall vehicles not only with similar issues, but with pedals that could stick as well.

Originally, both Toyota and the plaintiffs wanted to have the results of the settlement sealed, though Superior Court Judge Anthony Mohr decided that the public had a right to know the details of the case, and that right outweighed arguments from both sides. As with the two civil penalties that Toyota has paid to the federal government for failing to notify safety officials of the problems in a timely manner, Toyota has not admitted any wrong doing by settling the case.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

Report: Toyota to pay out $10M in Lexus runaway lawsuit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus ‘ES 300h’ trademark filing suggests lux’d up Camry Hybrid on the way?

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Lexus, Rumormill

2010 Lexus ES 350

2010 Lexus ES 350 – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Toyota Camry-based Lexus ES isn’t exactly the most exciting product in the automaker’s range. The entry-level luxury front-driver just received a slight refresh for the 2010 model year, but based on a filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office discovered by Car and Driver, an electrified ES hybrid may be in the cards for the sedan’s next generation.

Like the rest of Lexus’ hybrids, the numerical part of the ‘ES 300h’ nomenclature doesn’t really hold any sort of significance in terms of engine displacement. We’d hardly be surprised to find the Camry Hybrid’s 2.4-liter mill under the Lexus’ hood, though we won’t rule out the possibility that output numbers could be tweaked for use in the ES 300h.

The move to hybrid-ify the ES sedan makes sense, as Lexus has long said that it wants to broaden its gasoline-electric offerings. The automaker currently has the CT 200h, HS 250h, GS 450h, RX 450h and LS 600h L, but adding a sixth hybrid car would further strengthen the brand’s appeal to eco-minded luxury customers. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Review: 2010 Lexus ES 350

[Source: Car and Driver]

Lexus ‘ES 300h’ trademark filing suggests lux’d up Camry Hybrid on the way? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 2011 Lexus CT 200h to start at $29,120*

Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Lexus

2011 Lexus CT 200h driving

2011 Lexus CT 200h – Click above for high-res image gallery

If Lexus has any hope of meeting its goal of selling 1,000 CTs here in the U.S. each month, the little hybrid hatchback is going to need an attractive price point. Whether or not $29,120, the rumored base price of the 2011 CT 200h (*not including destination, taxes, etc.), will be enough to get foot traffic in Lexus dealerships remains to be seen.

According to the website The Lexus Enthusiast, this pricing data was mistakenly leaked a day ahead of its planned-for arrival by the official blog for Lexus of Reno, apparently since removed. If true, a tad over $31K out the door ought to nab you a nicely equipped CT with a moonroof and heated seats, and of course there are a slew of available options that include premium audio, navigation, leather seating surfaces and Lexus’ Pre-Collision technology.

For what it’s worth, assuming these prices are accurate, the 2011 CT 200h will be the least expensive new Lexus sold in America. The base price for the IS series and HS 250h hybrid sedan is several thousand dollars higher. And, perhaps more importantly, the CT looks to be priced about $2,000 less than the 2011 Audi A3 TDI.

Gallery: 2011 Lexus CT 200h: First Drive

[Source: The Lexus Enthusiast]

Report: 2011 Lexus CT 200h to start at $29,120* originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill (Yet Again): Lexus GS-F is coming

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Lexus, Rumormill

2010 Lexus GS 350 F-Sport by TRD

2010 Lexus GS 350 F-Sport by TRD – Click above for high-res image gallery

This certainly isn’t the first time we’ve heard rumblings about Lexus working on a performance version of its GS sedan. The crew at Road & Track reports that the upcoming GS-F will serve as the range-topping trim in the GS model range, set apart from its siblings with not only a more aggressive appearance, but a serious increase in power, to boot.

Sources within Toyota have told the buff book that the GS-F will be powered by a 5.0-liter V8, just like the smaller IS-F, but that output will be increased to 465 horsepower for the larger sedan. The other key ingredient to making the GS-F a serious performer is a substantial reduction in weight. Through the use of aluminum and carbon fiber components, Toyota aims to have the GS-F weigh in at about 3,700 pounds, meaning it should be capable of ripping off 4.5-second 0-60 times.

Toyota is positioning the GS-F to compete with the likes of the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, with prices to start somewhere around the $90,000 to $100,000 range. No official timeframe has been given on when we’ll actually see the GS-F, but R&T states that it could show up as early as 2012, after the refreshed GS range debuts.

Gallery: 2010 Lexus GS 350 F-Sport by TRD

2010 Lexus GS 350 F-Sport by TRD

[Source: Road and Track]

Rumormill (Yet Again): Lexus GS-F is coming originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Lexus expects to sell 1,000 CTs a month despite HS flop

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Hatchback, Lexus

2011 Lexus CT 200h driving

2011 Lexus CT 200h – Click above for high-res image gallery

Lexus is pinning rather high the expectations on its new CT 200h, billed as “The Dark Side of Green.” According to Brian Bolain, the automaker’s national advertising and marketing manager, Lexus expects to sell about 1,000 CTs here in the U.S. each month. We wish them the best of luck, but have some serious reservations.

Consider that the combined sales of the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and Volvo C30 (which represent the vehicles most likely to be cross-shopped with the CT) tally up about 1,500 sales per month, according to Ward’s Automotive. For what it’s worth, the 1 Series, which is the only non-dedicated hatchback and easily the sportiest of the bunch, makes up the vast majority of the segment’s sales.

As you’re surely aware, the CT 200h is indeed a dedicated hatchback and it offers up a comparatively paltry 98 horsepower from its Prius-derived Atkinson-cycle 1.8-liter four-cylinder, aided by another 36 ponies from its two electric motors and 28 NiMH batteries. As we said in our First Drive of the CT, that power level, particularly when coupled to a continuously variable automatic transmission, doesn’t exactly incite driving excitement.

Also factor in the sales flop that is the dedicated-hybrid Lexus HS 250h, a model whose yearly sales will struggle to hit half the 20,000 units Lexus had counted on, and you can see why we’re a tad skeptical that Toyota’s luxury division will manage to move a thousand CTs per calendar flip. In any case, we figure the CT is at least as attractive as the HS, and we look forward to spending some quality time with the hybrid hatchback in day-to-day driving scenarios where it should become much more clear how the machine stacks up against its competitors.

What do you think, will the CT 200h be a hit in America? Have your say in Comments.

Gallery: 2011 Lexus CT 200h: First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2010 Damon Lavrinc / AOL

[Source: Ward’s Automotive]

Report: Lexus expects to sell 1,000 CTs a month despite HS flop originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2014 Lexus IS to ride on stretched Toyota FT-86 platform

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Lexus, Toyota, Rumormill, Luxury

2014 Lexux IS Rendering crop If, like us, you’ve been racking your brain to figure out how Toyota is possibly going to be able to offer the FT-86 anywhere near its price target, Road & Track may have part of the answer for you. The magazine is reporting that the next-generation Lexus IS will ride on a stretched version of the low-dollar coupe’s platform, allowing Toyota to spread the development costs between the two models. With the production version of the FT-86 due in dealerships in 2012, the IS is expected to bow shortly thereafter in 2013.

Of course, this also helps explain some of the IS Coupe rumors we’ve been hearing recently, too.

An added nugget of goodness in this news is that the next-generation IS may be a sharper car in every way thanks to its shared bloodline with the sporty FT-86. Toyota head honcho Akio Toyoda has already made it clear that he would like to see his company’s products return to their sporty roots, and as a result, the new IS should be quite a bit more athletic than its predecessor. Don’t expect to see the Subaru-sourced flat four in the nose of the Lexus, though. Chances are the four-door will still get its power from derivatives of the four- and six-cylinder options currently available.

[Source: Road & Track]

Rumormill: 2014 Lexus IS to ride on stretched Toyota FT-86 platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus CT 200h F Sport unveiled in Sydney

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Hatchback, Lexus, Misc. Auto Shows, Australia, Luxury

Lexus CT 200h F Sport

Lexus CT 200h F Sport – Click above for high-res image gallery

Lexus is serious about pitching the CT 200h as a sportier alternative to most hybrids. Thing is, like the Honda CR-Z, the CT doesn’t really live up to that hype. That won’t stop Lexus from beefing things up a bit, though. To that end, it has unveiled an F Sport package for the hybrid hatch.

Unveiled at Sydney’s Australian International Motor Show, the CT 200h F Sport gets a revised body kit, up-sized alloys, tinted glass, specific dashboard and door panel trim, a thicker steering wheel, and new pedals.

Lexus says it has re-tuned the suspension as well, and an optional Flame Blue color joins the catalog. Unfortunately, we think it makes the CT look more budget than premium. You can read all the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Lexus CT 200h F Sport

[Source: Lexus]

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Lexus CT 200h F Sport unveiled in Sydney originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Oct 2010 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Lexus shows off world’s coolest driving simulator in new safety commercial

Filed under: Safety, Technology, Videos, Lexus

Lexus driving simulator

Lexus’ next (really) big thing – Click above to watch commercial after the jump

It’s no longer kosher for carmakers to run simulations on computers that can fit on desks, because that’s for chumps. If you don’t have gear fit for a Hollywood blockbuster or a trip to Mars, well, you’re not really serious about this whole car thing, are you?

Lexus has joined the latter camp with its new driving simulator, built to simulate crash avoidance. Inside the metal bulb is a Lexus LS460, surrounded by a 360-degree facsimile of a real driving environment. It’s their next big thing, so they say. Us? We just want to reserve it when Gran Turismo 5 finally comes out. Follow the jump to watch the spot.

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading Video: Lexus shows off world’s coolest driving simulator in new safety commercial

Video: Lexus shows off world’s coolest driving simulator in new safety commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus Safety Experience: Enthusiast knowledge made common

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Lexus, Toyota, Luxury

Lexus RX 350 - Lexus Safety Experience

Lexus Safety Experience – Click above for high-res image gallery

You’re an auto enthusiast. You know what all the acronyms on the buttons around your dash stand for. You understand that braking power can beat engine power 99% of the time. That feeling you get from activating the anti-lock braking system? It’s not “scary” and you know you should keep your foot down. The problem is that the average driver or new-car shopper is not an enthusiast. Lexus knows this and it has created an event to help educate its salesmen around the country, who in turn can better explain the safety systems available on the cars in the showroom.

The Lexus Safety Experience is a half-day event that highlights the safety tech fitted to most Lexus vehicles (some 2010 models and all 2011s). In short, it decodes the aforementioned acronym alphabet soup and then demonstrates exactly what each one does. What does VSC stand for? What is TRAC and VDIM? Is EBD something I should get tested for?

Answers: Vehicle Stability Control. Traction Control Activity Area and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management. No, it means Electronic Brake-Force Distribution.

The terms might be foreign concepts to many of its customers, but Lexus is trying to change that. Not by telling its sales force what everything means – by showing them.

Gallery: Lexus Safety Experience

Lexus RX 350 at the Lexus Safety Experience

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Lexus Safety Experience: Enthusiast knowledge made common originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Oct 2010 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Lexus may offer $3,000 rebate to beat Mercedes

Filed under: Car Buying, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Earnings/Financials

Though the first eight months of 2010, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz were in a dead heat in the race to be crowned the top-selling luxury brand in the States. But big-time September sales at Mercedes-Benz pulled the German marque ahead of Lexus by a substantial 3,000 units, really putting the heat on Toyota’s luxury arm. Could Mercedes pull off the upset to unseat Lexus for the first time since 2000? Not if Lexus can help it.

USA Today reports that Lexus announced during dealer meetings this week that it will slap up to $3,000 in incentives on the hood of its vehicles in an effort to entice buyers to shell out for a new L-branded car, crossover or SUV. In some cases, Lexus will reportedly also resort to cut-rate financing rate in an effort to spur sales.

The move is a bit surprising given Lexus’s penchant for asking for and receiving full retail for its products, though 2010 hasn’t been the best year for the Japanese premium marque. Given the fact that Lexus has earned its success on the heels of a terrific reputation for quality, the recall of millions of Toyota and Lexus models for unintended acceleration issues has likely hurt sales and certainly dinged its reputation. Add in the fact that the high-volume ES350 and top-of-the-line LS are a bit long-in-the-tooth, and it adds up to a possibility that Lexus may lose its hard-earned sales crown.

[Source: USA Today]

Report: Lexus may offer $3,000 rebate to beat Mercedes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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