The Frankfurt Motor Show Introduces the All-New 2013 Lexus GS 450h
As a leader in hybrid technology, Lexus reinforces its commitment to furthering the technology with the all-new 2013 GS 450h. When it was first introduced in 2007, the GS 450h was the first hybrid-powered luxury sport sedan to hit the market. Today, it is the world’s first premium performance sedan to be equipped with a V6 Atkinson cycle gas engine and two-motor hybrid system, in a front engine-rear wheel drive vehicle.
Equipped with a second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system, GS 450h engineers have aimed for reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, while providing exhilarating performance. As with all Lexus hybrid vehicles, the new GS 450h is a full hybrid capable of operating the gas-only or electric-only modes, as well as a combination of both.
“The all-new GS 450h will provide our customers with an exciting blend of performance and precision in a new hybrid package,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager in the U.S. “With its dynamic exterior styling, roomy interior and advanced technology features, the GS 450h further demonstrates Lexus’ mastery of the luxury hybrid.”
With total system output of 338 hp, acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds is effortless. Conversely, fuel consumption is expected to be improved by more than 30 percent. The GS 450h is targeting certification as a Super-Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (SULEV II). The new GS hybrid also features a Drive Mode selector. In addition to the Normal mode, the driver is able to customize the driving experience using Eco, Sport S, Sport S+ and EV modes.
A newly redesigned suspension system guides the 2013 GS through corners with precision. The standard 17-inch alloy wheels are paired with 225/50R7 tires while the optional 18-inch alloy wheels are equipped with 235/45R18 tires. The Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB) system characteristics have been modified to provide greater responsiveness from the first touch of the pedal. Improvements in driving dynamics are accomplished through such advanced technologies as Active Variable Suspension (AVS) and Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS). Other cutting-edge systems available on the GS 450h include the Lexus Dynamic Handling System which integrates AVS, DRS, variable gear-ratio steering and the latest iteration of Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management. Also offered are an advanced pre-crash safety system, Lane-Keep Assist (LKA), blind-spot monitor, Lexus’ Night View system and a head-up display.
On the outside, the 2013 GS expresses a new generation of Lexus’ design philosophy with its precisely sculpted exterior and will lead the rest of the lineup in an entirely new direction. Exclusive to the hybrid model is a unique three-lamp design that aligns the turn signal and Lexus-first high and low beam LED lamps in a single horizontal row. In addition, the rear bumper covers the exhaust pipe apertures. The GS 450h can also be distinguished by Lexus’ signature blue hybrid badging.
On the inside, this hybrid will share the same luxuries and technologies as its gas counterpart, including next generation Remote Touch; analog clock with LED indicators, carved from an ingot; and a new energy-saving auto climate control system called S-Flow that focuses airflow only to the front area where passengers are actually seated. A few notable differences include a bamboo-finished steering wheel, which reinforces the sustainability of the GS 450h, and the hybrid monitor.
“There is no other mid-luxury hybrid like the new GS 450h,” said Templin. “The handling, acceleration, and design of this Lexus hybrid are impeccable. We can’t wait for customers to drive one.”
So continue to follow us on Twitter and be part of our Facebook community and we’ll notify you as soon as the 2013 Lexus GS 450h arrives in our showrooms.
Lexus Earns Four Segment Awards in J.D. Power & Associates 2011 Study
We are please to announce that Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., received a combined four segment awards in the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS). Lexus earned the honor as the highest ranking nameplate in industry while Toyota moved up 14 positions to place seventh. “We are quite please with the quality improvements Toyota and Lexus have made over the last year and Lexus’ highest position overall in the 2011 IQS,” said Jim Lentz, TMS president and chief operating officer. Lentz continued, “We are committed to the quality and dependability of our products.”
Lexus ranked the highest among all nameplates in the 2011 IQS with 73 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Lexus has ranked highest in the IQS in 13 of the last 22 years, beginning with our first model year in 1990. Lexus captured four segment awards this year, more than any other premium brand. These awards include the Lexus ES 350 for Entry Premium Car; the Lexus GS for Midsize Premium Car; the Lexus GX 460 for Midsize Premium Crossover/SUV; and the Lexus LS 460 for Large Premium Car. The Lexus GS and GX 460 rank highest in their respective segments for a third consecutive year. The Lexus LS earned the distinction of highest-performing model in the industry for a second consecutive year with fewest quality problems in the industry, with just 54 PP100.
The Toyota Division made significant advancements in this year’s study recording 16 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, enabling the brand to return to the top 10 among all nameplates. The marked improvement was a team effort with most models registering improved scores over the last year. The Corolla, Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, Venza, RAV4 and Sequoia all earned double-digit score improvements.
Our production facilities also earned top honors by receiving the most prestigious Platinum Plant Quality Award (tie) while one facility received a Silver award (tie). Both the Kyushu 2, Japan plant (IS line, ES 350, RX line) and Cambridge South, Ontario, Canada plant (RX line) were honored with the Platinum Award with 24 PP100 each. This is the first Platinum award for the Cambridge South, Ontario facility. The Kyushu 1 plant (Highlander, RX line) earned the Silver award with 27 PP100.
Visit us today to test drive any one, or all, of the segment award winners we previously mentioned. Our sales consultants would be happy to review each vehicles options and features to help you find a vehicle that best suits your needs.
Lexus’ LStudio and OWN Collaborate on Special Series Featuring will.i.am
If you’ve never heard of it, LStudio is a creative endeavor developed by Lexus as a forum for artistic and engaging content that informs, entertains, and inspires. In the latest collaboration between Lstudio.com and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, an innovative four-part online series and one-hour primetime special will be launched featuring seven-time Grammy Award-winning musical artists and social innovator will.i.am.
Lexus’ LStudio’s online series, “The Sessions Project: will.i.am,” is an intimate exploration of the forces that shape creativity guided by legendary photographer and acclaimed film maker Norman Seeff. The first episode premiered on June 15 and is only available exclusively on www.lstudio.com, with the remaining three episodes airing the following Wednesdays. Each episode provides a window into a particular aspect of will.i.am’s creative process and gives viewers a direct emotional experience of his artistic expressions.
A one-hour television special entitled, “Sessions: A Conversation with will.i.am,” is slated to air later this year on OWN. OWN and LStudio.com will each feature exclusive material and cross-promote both programs.
Content for LStudio.com is produced and distributed by Intelligent Life Productions in collaboration with Team One Advertising for Lexus. “The Sessions Project: will.i.am” is produced by Norman Seeff Productions. will.i.am, Charles Hannah, Ron Qurashi, and Diane Charles are executive producers.
All-New 2011 Lexus CT 200h Receives Top Safety Pick Rating
We love it for its looks. We love it for its environmental consciousness. We love the fact that its luxury and fuel-efficiency combined. Now, there is another reason to love it. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced that the all-new 2011 Lexus CT 200h hybrid has earned a “Top Safety Pick” award which is the highest safety designation awarded by the IIHS.
To qualify for the award, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of “good” in the IIHS’ front, side, rollover, and rear impact evaluations and be equipped with electronic stability control. You can read the announcement on the IIHS website (www.iihs.org.) The IIHS is an independent, non-profit research and communications organization funded by the auto insurance companies.
The body structure of the CT 200h is a key element in the fundamental safety characteristics of the entire vehicle. To help protect the driver and passengers, the body is designed to be strong but strategically resilient to help absorb and distribute energy in the event of a crash. High-strength steel components are carefully located in the body structure to help ensure strength in key areas.
Another key element in the CT 200h are the standard eight-airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with dual-stage front airbags and knee airbags for driver and front passenger, side curtain airbags, and front side airbags to help protect front and rear passengers in certain types of severe frontal or side collisions.
The front passenger’s twin-chamber airbag helps dispense the forces applied to the passenger immediately after deployment. Additionally, front seatbelts incorporate pretensioners with force-limiters to help protect occupants in the event of certain severe frontal collisions. The CT 200h also has Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) seat concept that features a new seat back structure and headrest design.
If you don’t already know, the CT 200h hit showrooms in March 2011. Contact us today to schedule a test drive so you can experience the vehicle for yourself. Read about the vehicle on our website; follow us on Twitter and join our Facebook community to stay in the loop for the latest updates.
Lexus LS 600h L Conversion: Official Car for H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco’s Wedding
The Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge managed to create a buzz around the vintage Aston Martin that was used to transport Kate to Westminister Abbey. Lexus has found a suitable royal occasion of its own. A specially prepared version of the Lexus LS 600h L will be the official Royal Wedding car for the marriage of His Serene Highness Price Albert II of Monaco to Ms. Charlene Wittstock on Saturday, July 2nd 2011.
Currently, the vehicle is being prepared to maximize visibility of the Royal Couple to the people of Monegasque during that special day. The specially prepared Royal Wedding Lexus is one of a fleet of seven full hybrid LS 600hs that will be exclusively used to transport member’s of Monaco’s royal family throughout the occasion.
The LS 600h L will minimize the environmental impact of the wedding celebrations due to the combination of the most sophisticated powertrain technology with the vehicle’s unique environmentally-friendly credentials. The capabilities of Lexus’ state-of-the-art hybrid technology will be highlighted come July 2nd 2011. It should impress on-lookers and environmentalists alike that during the newlywed’s tour throughout the streets of the principality, the converted LS 600h L will operate under purely electric power for at least 85% of the time, which means zero-emissions are produced.
Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid Concept Redefines The Premium Grand Touring Sedan
Making its debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, the Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid concept explores design technologies that will successfully migrate to future Lexus vehicles. With this concept, Lexus designers studied characteristics that are often considered contradictory. According to Kengo Matsumoto, general manager, Lexus Design Division, Toyota Motor Corporation, “The captivating design of the LF-Gh concept examines the possibility of balancing what are normally opposing qualities, such as style and functionality.”
The Lexus LF-Gh concept takes Lexus’ L-Finesse design philosophy a step further, by providing an exhilarating driving experience for the driver while at the same time, comfort at high-speeds and long distances for the passengers. Built on an advanced rear-wheel drive concept, the LF-Gh’s distinctive long greenhouse design provides a generous interior for the passengers, ample cargo space, and excellent forward visibility.
The concept of combining opposing elements, style and functionality, are evident throughout the vehicle. At the front, a boldly designed spindle-shaped grille contributes to radiator and brake function and is also an essential element in achieving aerodynamic performance. Inlets adjacent to the unique vertical LED fog lamps functions as an inlet for air flow that exits through similar rear outlets that follow the curve of the tail lamps from the rear quarter panels.
The design of the Lexus LF-Gh concept is further enhanced with width-enhancing front and rear wheel arches, dynamic front fenders, a raised hood, a raised center deck lid, wrap-around LED tail lamps, and twin spoke 20-inch wheels.
Lexus made every effort to make the interior especially driver-oriented. Designers selected a meter panel with excellent visibility, a console with intuitive operability, and added an all-new analog clock with a three-dimensional face. Lexus quality is also evident with the use of high-quality materials and rich, finely tuned details all enclosed behind dark tinted glass.
Details behind the new hybrid system featured in the LF-Gh concept have not been released but the presence of the blue LED Lexus hybrid badge found on the front grille and rear trunk communicates the intention of providing equal measures of fuel efficiency and performance. The rear valance blends sculpted exhaust tips for a clean, finished look, minimizing the presence of the exhaust system which suggests that the flow of exhaust gas will substantially be reduced. Altogether, the design emphasizes a commitment to comply with exceptionally low emission requirements of the future.
“Although only a concept, we hope the LF-Gh will resonate with our customers worldwide, and communicate our intention to once again advance ideas about the face of Lexus luxury in the years to come,” said Kengo Matsumoto, general manager, Lexus design division.
You do not have to wait for the Lexus LF-Gh concept to make it into production to experience Lexus’ commitment to the environment while not compromising performance and luxury. Take a look at our current lineup of new vehicles or book a test drive today. Our sales consultants would be happy to help you find the vehicle that you a looking for.
Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid Concept To Make World Debut at 2011 New York International Auto Show
Lexus today announced that the LF-Gh hybrid concept will make its world debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show.
The LF-Gh, which stands for Lexus Future Grand Touring Hybrid, sets out to redefine the premium grand touring sedan. Through this exercise, the definition of L-Finesse, the marque’s design philosophy since 2001, has been refined and evolved to include a bolder, more distinct projection of what a luxury car could become in a modern world. The result is the LF-Gh concept, which conveys original thoughts and ideas that may migrate to future Lexus vehicles on a global scale.
The new concept will be on display in the Lexus exhibit at the New York International Auto Show from April 20 – May 1, 2011.
Lexus Ranks Highest of Any Luxury Brand in 2011 J.D. Power and Associates CSI Study
Lexus ranked highest in customer satisfaction among luxury brands in the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Customer Service Index (CSI)
StudySM. Lexus achieved an overall CSI score of 846 on a 1,000-point scale, 27 points above the segment average and the highest numerical score in the study, regardless of segment.
“First and foremost, taking care of customers is our number one goal,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “We are proud of our retail partners. Lexus dealers consistently do the best job of exceeding customer satisfaction and we are thrilled their efforts resulted in Lexus being the highest ranked brand in CSI for the 14th time, the most of any brand.”
The 2011 CSI Study is based on responses from owners and lessees of 2006 to 2010 model-year vehicles. The study was fielded from October through December 2010. Lexus ranked highest in the J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction with Dealer Service (CSI) Study in 2011, 2010, 2009, 2006, 2001-1997, and 1995- 1991.
Lexus Gets Really Fashionable (and Sustainable)
Lexus and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) have collaborated to celebrate and support sustainable fashion design by establishing the Eco Fashion Challenge. With a goal of increasing sustainable practices in the fashion industry, Lexus and the CFDA have created the Challenge as a platform to support and recognize the industry’s leaders in sustainable design.
From ten finalists, three designers have been selected to receive support from Lexus for their Fall 2011 show or presentation in February 2011. The three receiving the Eco Fashion Challenge crown are:“The CFDA is thrilled with the response from designers to this Challenge,” said Steven Kolb, CFDA executive director. “The proposals that the ten finalists submitted were truly thoughtful and creative. We look forward to seeing the collections of the winning three designers.”
Lexus CT 200h Begins DarkCasting with Whitney Cummings
Now this is a totally new idea! Darkcasting! Dark-what?
Darkcasting = Late Night Talk Show Series Hosted by Whitney Cummings Connects Interesting Personalities in a New Car Test Drive
Part test drive, part late night talk show, part real time feedback; Whatever it is, it’s no 30-second spot for the new Lexus CT 200h, but an actual series hosted by actress and stand-up comedian Whitney Cummings that captures the (nearly) unfiltered conversations of influential personalities who take the new Lexus hybrid for a spin in their home cities–San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, and New Orleans.
“The show features a group of real drivers, not just driving enthusiasts, who give their honest impressions of the car and what is most relevant for them–maybe it’s the 42 miles per gallon or maybe it’s simply fun to drive.” ~Dave Nordstrom, Lexus vice president of marketing.
“Darkcasting,” an episodic series shot in six cities, rolled out its first episode November 4th. The city “cast ensembles” include social media influencers, young entrepreneurs and movers and shakers from technology, fashion, media and entertainment. Drivers were sourced by the brand for their varied and topical career choices or influencer reach, along with their interest in taking a test drive.
Episodes can be found on the CT 200h’s official “Darker Side of Green” portal and feature a bevy of car content, like a personalization studio that allows users to build out their own car and related campaign color like behind-the-scenes footage of the city drives and interviews that bring the viewer into the worlds of its driver personalities–what did they think of the driving experience? What did they Tweet? Taking a page from film and television marketers, Lexus prompts consumers to “tune in” to “Darkcasting” episodes through robust entertainment and lifestyle media and marketing channels.
Getting customers engrossed in the conversation also means opening up active dialogue. The brand currently engages with its audience via Twitter (@Lexus) and Facebook (Facebook.com/lexus). The newly-relaunched www.DarkerSideofGreen.com site is managed by a dedicated editorial team and features a real time stream of Tweets, comments and social media integration (including Twitter, Facebook, and the location-based Foursquare, Gowalla and Facebook Places).
The all-new CT 200h premium compact hybrid will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2011 as the first dedicated hybrid vehicle in the premium compact arena of the near luxury segment. Expected to be the luxury leader in fuel economy with 42 MPG combined, the stylish, sporty five-door also delivers a dynamic, fun-to-drive experience. The CT is powered by a 1.8L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder gas engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and Lexus Hybrid Drive technology. Featuring Drive Mode Select, four drive modes including EV, which operates purely on electricity and is perfect for within-city jaunts, and Sport Mode, a first for any Lexus hybrid, offering the driver true personalization of the driving experience, the CT is a game-changer for Lexus’ hybrid portfolio.
Catch the New York City trailer for “Darkcasting” here:
