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Lexus, elite upshot brand from Toyota of Japan, promotes luxurious high-performance machines cast as elegant sedans, sporty coupes and rugged yet refined sport utility wagons. For 2008 Lexus rolls out the world's first super-luxury sedan (meaning lavish over-the-top comforts and space) that's also a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) equipped with a gas-electric powertrain. Labeled LS 600h L, the HEV is a high-tech hybrid variation of the stretched LS 460 L super-luxury sedan. Lexus also shows a new generational design for the full-size Lexus SUV under the badge of LX 570, and a souped-up performance sedan with the IS-F.
The full-size Lexus flagship bears the badge of LS 460 in recognition of a 4.6-liter V8 engine which produces 380 hp and mates to an automatic transmission with eight speeds. Further, Lexus has a long-wheelbase version riding on a platform with 121.7-inch wheelbase. That's the realm of limousine comfort for rear seat passengers. The stretched LS 460L offers reclining rear seats with retracting footrests, along with individual DVD-based video screens. And for preventive safety the options include a Pre-Collision System packaged with Emergency Steering Assist and Lane-Keeping Assist. Latest paint shade is Opaline Pearl.
The new LS 600h L HEV is the most complex and sophisticated and luxurious automobile. Its Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) controls all energy produced by gas/electric engines and applies it to all wheels through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT). There's a 389-hp 5.0-liter V8 gas-powered engine with three high-voltage electric motors. Safety gear includes vehicle stability control (VSC), electronic traction control (ETC), and VDIM -- Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system. A camera on the steering column even monitors the driver's face and can figure out if you're not watching the road or nodding off.
The elegant ES Series mid-size sedan from Lexus is the only Lexus sedan in front-wheel-drive (FWD) format. Its name -- ES 350 -- reflects the engine displacement from a 3.5-liter aluminum V6 which climbs to 272 hp through a six-speed automatic transaxle. Body styling is sleek with a low-sloping hood crowned by oversized projector-beam headlamp clusters and a severely raked windshield leading to an arching canopy over the cabin. The luxurious five-place compartment is trimmed in fine fabrics or soft leather hides, glossy walnut hardwoods and gleaming metals.
Two GS Series high-performance rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sports sedans are stuffed with high-tech mechanical hardware divide into editions based on engine size. GS 430 gets a 4.3-liter V8 with VVT-i (variable valve timing with intelligence) to make 290 hp. GS 350 totes a robust direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 with VVT-i for 303 hp. The V8 uses an eight-speed automatic with sequential manual shifter. But GS 350 adds optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction for Snow Belt states. An adaptive variable suspension is aboard and more computerized controls than most other production cars. Fresh styling on the prow brings a new grille ringed in chrome.
Lexus steers the Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) concept into the GS 450h sports sedan. It's a hybrid (gas/electric powertrain) high-performance sports sedan, and a quick Lexus -- capable of running from a stand-still start to 60 mph in only 5.2 seconds. The GS 450h promises fuel economy marks as frugal as a small four-cylinder engine. Yet the sum of this car's gas-powered V6 engine and on-board electric motors tallies over 330 hp. This one's strictly high-tech in equipment, yet utterly luxurious too.
The two-seat SC Series sports car from Lexus converts from hardtop coupe to daring convertible with push-button ease. With roof raised, SC 430 carries an arching profile that looks energetic up front but retro in the rear with a roly-poly rump. With the hardtop in the trunk, it seems fluid and fast like a racy roadster. A six-speed sequential-shift automatic links to the aluminum 4.3-liter V8, which nets 288 hp. Lexus lines the sports car with gear for safety and performance, as well as electronic displays and lavish appointments. A new Pebble Beach edition wears Smoky Granite Mica paint.
These compact-class IS Series sports sedans resemble high-strung rally cars and act like road-hugging touring sedans. V6 engines define models. A 2.5-liter V6 netting 204 hp drops into IS 250, with options for RWD or AWD traction. The 3.5-liter V6 goes to IS 350 for 306 hp. IS 250 brings a six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed sequential-shift automatic with paddle-shifters. VSC applies to IS 250, but IS 350 scores VDIM equipment. And the optional X Package adds a sport suspension, sport pedals and illuminated scuff plates plus a lip spoiler.
Lexus is building a new high-performance sport sedan off the IS compact-class platform and it runs with the most powerful engine ever for Lexus. The IS-F of 2008 stocks a 5.0-liter direct injection V8 rated at over 400 hp plus huge torque. The plant works with the world's first eight-speed direct sport-shift transmission (DST) with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Expect 0-to-60 times below the five-second mark. The vehicle rides an inch lower than conventional IS sedans and stocks cross-drilled front disc brakes and 19-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels.
The full-size Lexus LX Series SUV gets a generational upgrade for 2008 with a big boost in power and a high-tech electro-hydraulic suspension. The engine comes from Toyota's Tundra pickup. It's a 5.7-liter V8 which soars to 381 hp -- a boost of more than 100 hp. The plant ties to a new six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift and uses a full-time 4WD traction. Towing capacity reaches to 8500 pounds. The luxurious cabin has three rows of seats, four zones for climate controls and an optional cool box to chill beverages.
A mid-size GX Series Lexus SUV also packs a big V8 worth 263 hp through a five-speed automatic. The leather-lined cabin provides three tiers of seats for seven. A permanently-engaged 4WD system on GS 470 includes a center differential with limited-slip capacity. Lexus innovations extend to active traction control (ATC), adaptable variable suspension (AVS) and downhill assist control (DAC). Options encompass a Mark Levinson DVD audio and backseat video entertainment kit, while the Sport edition brings smoked bezel headlamps and dark graphite finish for 17-inch alloy wheels with a variable suspension labeled Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS).
The RX Series crossover SUV from Lexus rises from the FWD platform of a car. It provides a luxurious five-seat passenger compartment and a rear cargo bay. Many safety systems are in place, including curtain-style air bags tucked above front and rear side windows. The cabin piles on premium gear like power seats, mirrors and windows. RX 350 gains the 3.5-liter VVT-i Lexus V6 for 270 hp through an electronic automatic transaxle. Options list leather upholstery, a navigation system with Bluetooth and voice activation, Mark Levinson DVD audio and backseat video system. Latest paint shade is Desert Sage Metallic.
The RX Hybrid SUV has the zip of a V8 but miserly fuel economy. Its HSD powertrain teams a 3.3-liter V6 gas engine with two electric motors -- one to turn the front wheels and another working accessories and recharging batteries. Output reaches 268 hp. The HSD controls all energy produced by these plants and applies it through an ECVT. For optional AWD, a third electric motor drives rear wheels as the HSD varies torque front and rear depending on traction conditions. Premium and Premium Plus Packages are available plus new Black Bird's-Eye Maple wood trim.
