Lexus
Get To Know The Lexus LC 500
The 2016 North American International Auto Show has been creating a buzz of excitement with the recent cars that were revealed for the first time. Lexus is no stranger to having people flock to their presentations. When the Lexus LF-LC Concept debuted at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, the press, loyal customers, and enthusiasts wondered if the concept’s arresting styling and dramatic proportions could ever evolve into a production 2+2 coupe. Today, four years after the debut of the breakthrough concept that inspired it, Lexus has revealed the all-new LC 500 luxury coupe. This provocative, athletic flagship coupe makes the strongest statement yet about Lexus’ future product direction.
The past five years have seen Lexus evolve rapidly with the creation of the luxury brand’s globally-focused organization, Lexus International. Exciting new models involving elevated levels of emotional styling and dynamic driving characteristics such as NX, RC, and IS have also helped Lexus’ brand shift with consumers. Akio Toyoda has been at the center of the Lexus global expansion, personally driving a heightened level of collaboration among design, engineering and marketing teams to help build a luxury brand better suited to meet the needs of the next generation of consumers.
“The LC 500 has been an important product for Lexus and me personally,” said Akio Toyoda, Chief Branding Officer and Master Driver for Lexus. “A few years ago, we decided to guide the future of the brand with products that had more passion and distinction in the luxury market. This flagship luxury coupe’s proportions, stunning design and performance make a strong statement about our brand’s emotional direction and will grow the Lexus luxury appeal globally.”
Beyond its styling and impactful performance, the new LC 500 serves as a symbol of the achievement that can result from heightened collaboration between design and engineering groups and their commitment to help overcome each other’s hurdles. When Akio Toyoda challenged these development groups to produce this special car, it meant surpassing many manufacturing, design, material, and dynamic obstacles that could typically compromise a vehicle’s targets or design vision.
The LC 500 was driven by a strong, appealing fundamental design target (LF-LC), and engineering teams worked tirelessly to find new solutions to maintain as much of the concept in the production car as possible. Likewise, vehicle designers were very involved from the earliest stages of the dynamic development process to understand the engineering targets and collaborate with design viewpoints and potential solutions. With LC 500, additional levels of prototype vehicle build also allowed both teams to better study design or engineering ideas and refine key elements. For Lexus, the LC 500 project became much more than simply the development of a new coupe. The LC 500, with the shift in engineering processes and design ideologies it represents, symbolizes the beginning of a new phase for the Lexus brand.
“Design and engineering sides worked together on issues and obstacles that were overcome one by one. I feel we achieved something greater than simply preserving the spirit of the concept’s design,” said Chief Engineer Koji Sato.
Jan 11th
Get Your Own Lexus For Under $400
For those who never got that remote control they always wanted for Christmas this is for you. Check out the Lexus RC F Ready-To-Run Remote Control Car. It sells for $350.00 and is created exclusively for Barneys, the limited-edition Lexus RC F remote control sports car is this year’s ultimate holiday toy for kids big and small.
This miniature, high-performance vehicle is built on an all-wheel drive Apex chassis and driven by the powerful Reedy 3300k V 540 brushless motor. High-grip racing tires wrapped around 20-spoke rims put that power to the ground, and detailed brake components complete the aggressive look.
The Barneys-only edition of this performance coupe replica features fully operational LED headlights and taillights in a silver and black finish, colors that aren’t available anywhere else. The vehicle is fully assembled and ready-to-run with batteries included.
The Lexus RC F remote control car is approximately 16.0″ length x 7.5″ width x 5.5″ height, and recommended for those ages 14 and up. This specialty holiday gift item is only available in the Barneys New York holiday catalog, in the retailer’s New York and Beverly Hills stores and on Barneys.com.
Nov 10th
The Lexus RX Raises The Bar Once Again
A few weeks ago I got the opportunity to go to Portland, Oregon to test drive the 2016 Lexus RX. I couldn’t wait for this media trip for many reasons. One reason was that I had the privilege to check out the RX. Another reason was that I have never been to Portland.
I have never driven a Lexus myself so this was going to be my first impression of driving a vehicle from Lexus. One of the things that I first noticed during the opening session was that looking back at the original RX to the 2016 model, Lexus really created the mold for luxury SUVs. If you see each of their models from the past you will see other companies trying to imitate their style. If a competitor looks to take any designs from the 2016 RX everyone will know it. The reason is that grille is very unique. It is a spindle grille and is rimmed by a strip of thick chrome. The sharp lines dominate the rest of the front especially with slit-like headlights to the arrowhead-shape that surrounds the fog lamps. Needless to say this is beautiful ride.
The day of the test drive I drove the Lexus RX 450h, which is a hybrid. The folks at Lexus gave me a few different paths to test out the RX. I chose one of the assigned routes and I was off. The first thing that I noticed about the RX was how quiet the ride was. All the outside noise just vanished. It was just me and the RX taking a tour of Portland.
As I was driving I noticed a rectangle shape image on the windshield. This displayed some key information about my drive. It would tell me speed, the direction I was going in, as well as alerting me to the changes of the speed limit as approached different sections of the road. It was a great reminder for me especially in an area I have never driven a car to alert me of the speed limits. This will definitely come in handy for those who travel. You ever notice when you are in a new place you never can find the speed limit in that town? Well with the display that pops up on the windshield the RX gives you that information. I loved having that feature in the RX.
The 2016 RX has a large 12.3-inch LCD screen that is located in the center of the dash. It doesn’t stand out like a sore thumb. The lower-end RX models have a smaller, eight-inch screen. To navigate through the screen you use a mouse-like joystick to control the many different systems. There is also a 360-degree panoramic view monitor that helps you know the distance from nearby obstacles at low speeds and when parking.
Even though the RX cancels out much of the outside noise, you still can get it loud as you want with the optional Mark Levinson 15-speaker package. The sound quality is perfect even with the base audio package. The sound just doesn’t pump the bass in the ride, but all levels are clean. It is to the point where you are enjoying an impressive sound but not having the car shake as your music plays in the RX. An ambassador from Mark Levinson explained that Lexus is the only car company that they will work with for their sound system. He told me that the acoustics in the Lexus models is a perfect fit.
The RX handles like a dream. It offers a very smooth, yet powerful ride. When you need to pick up the pace the RX won’t let you down. Under the RX 350’s hood is an upgraded and more powerful 3.5-liter V6 aiming to deliver 300 hp with direct injection, mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Based on this enhanced powertrain is the RX 450h’s Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6. When combined with the electric motor generator, the combined output results in around 300 hp. All RX engines have been tuned in anticipation of high fuel economy ratings and low carbon emissions.
On the road the 2016 RX gives you an impressive dynamic capability. The entire chassis has been fortified to provide enhanced straight-line stability and control through turns. The vehicle’s body structure has been strengthened with added stiffness, helping to enhance its handling response while reducing engine and road noise in the cabin. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is standard, while Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is available on select models. Each system is designed to help recognize loss of vehicle control, and help mitigate potentially dangerous situations with automatic and often transparent adjustments to help the vehicle maintain optimal traction. The RX also is offered in All-Weather Drive to help the RX’s handling performance and control on dry and slick surfaces alike.
Lexus continue to make safety is a priority with their Lexus Safety System+. This system helps you avoid or lessen accidents. It does this by using the Pre-Collision System (PCS) that is designed to detect sudden stops initiated by the preceding vehicle and can engage automatic braking in certain circumstances. If you are getting to close to another car or object the LX slows down automatically even if you are on cruise control.
What about the times where you as a driver need a break. The RX alerts you if you keep swaying in and out of your lane. If you make this a trend while you are driving you will see a coffee cup displayed on the monitor. The RX is encouraging you to take a rest from driving.
If you are looking for a new SUV and haven’t found the right one yet, maybe you should test out 2016 Lexus RX. You may find that this is the luxury SUV that you have been looking for.
Below is the power system on the 450h that I tested out in Portland. For more on the Lexus RX go to the Lexus website here.
HYBRID POWER SYSTEM
Type: Series/parallel system with gas engine and electric motors
Total System Power: 308 hp
Engine: V6, aluminum block and heads
Designation: 2GR-FXS
Valvetrain: DOHC 24-valve with VVT-i
Displacement 3.5 liter
Bore x Stroke 3.70 in. x 3.27 in.
Compression Ratio 13.0:1
Horsepower (SAE) 259 hp @ 6,000 rpm (not including hybrid drive)
Torque 247 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm (not including hybrid drive)
Maximum Engine Speed (redline) 6,200 rpm
Fuel System Port Fuel Injection (EFI, D-4S)
Sep 9th
The Bryan Brothers Now Part Of The Lexus Team
Lexus now has two more golfers on their sponsorship team. Who is it? The two new guys are brothers. They are George Bryan IV, age 26, and Wesley Bryan, age 24. For those who don’t know the Bryan Brothers are trick-shot golf masters whose videos went viral. They look to create a balance between precision and fun.
George and Wesley are known for doing unbelievable trick shots that defy logic. The Bryan Brothers hope to represent the next generation of golfers. They started filming trick shots as a hobby and now have thousands of subscribers on their YouTube channel. Their progressive approach to the game aligns with Lexus’ continued pursuit to push boundaries.
For those keeping score Lexus also currently sponsors Jason Day, Charles Howell, III, Peter Jacobsen, Mark O’Meara, Mark Pfeil, Annika Sorenstam, Natalie Gulbis, Johnny Miller, Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horshel and Jamie Sadlowski.
Check out their story below.
Aug 24th
Lexus “Elevates” Your Virtual Reality With Samsung Gear
Lexus just made going to YouTube a whole lot better. I just checked out their latest video called “Lexus Elevate.” It is a fantastic video that gives you a 360-degree film experience as they used the Samsung Gear VR + Samsung Galaxy S6. They look to tell the story of why pro cyclist Christian Vande Velde loves the sport.
In this video Lexus shows us that virtual reality isn’t just a gimmick but a credible filmmaking technology. “Lexus Elevate” is the next step in virtual reality. It’s not just a technical experiment using 360-degree video technology or a simple single camera setup but has a beautiful narrative that puts you in the mind and saddle of one of the world’s greatest cyclists from an unprecedented perspective. Advertising agency of record Team One and production studio UNIT9 helped develop the filmmaking techniques and produce the film.
Plus for all you cycling fans out there who are going to the U.S. Pro Cycling Challenge in Colorado can experience the film using Samsung Gear VR from August 17–23, 2015 at the Lexus Finish Festivals. For more info click here!
Aug 19th
We Shall Call It Mini-Lexus
Inspired by its social community’s overwhelming response to online videos posted just late last week, Lexus will be airing a new spot during the Super Bowl pre-game.
This spot features the remote-control car performing drift stunts and is then joined by a full-size RC 350. The spot ends by inviting viewers to see more amazing remote-control videos from Drift44 online, among them parallel parking, bowling, and one of the most amazing match-lighting techniques ever!
This video features a 1/10-scale remote-control version of Lexus’ first ever RC F performance coupe in amazing live-action drift stunts by remote-control expert Drift44.
We thought it was cool and we wanted to share it with you!
Jan 29th
Lexus Unveils All-New NX Model
There’s a first for everything! The all-new Lexus NX comes to market as the brand’s first entry into the luxury compact crossover segment and with the first turbo in the lineup. The NX will also be offered in naturally aspirated and hybrid powertrains. Powertrains will vary by region. The U.S. market will offer the NX 200t turbo and NX 300h hybrid. The NX 200t F SPORT will also be available with unique exterior and interior features.
Lexus will maintain its role as the luxury hybrid leader with six hybrid models including the NX 300h. The NX will be the fourth vehicle in Lexus’ luxury utility vehicle lineup and positioned below the popular RX.
Exterior Design
The NX was developed to have more agility than a SUV plus a bold, eye-catching exterior with its low profile and unique roofline.
As with all Lexus vehicles, the aggressive exterior starts with the spindle grille. Innovative LED headlamps and daytime running lamps firmly express Lexus’ bold styling.
The front and rear wheel arches add to the NX’s wide and low, muscular stance with bold flares.
The arches house standard 17-inch or available 18-inch wheels.
The profile is accentuated by a roofline peak set towards the back of the vehicle to create a tight silhouette and provide ample head-room for rear seat occupants.
Subtle, luxury details are included in the innovative Lexus-first door handle with a hidden key barrel and integrated lighting.
The rear is punctuated by Lexus’ signature ‘L’ shape combination lamps, each with seamless LED lighting, while the bodywork echoes the spindle grille design.
The NX 200t F SPORT will feature exclusive design elements and enhanced driving performance.
Interior Design
The NX’s cabin combines the structural beauty of a high-performance machine with luxury materials that maximizes functionality. The combination of hard metallic surfaces and contrasting soft materials help create a unique interior.
A strong, center silver frame surrounds and defines the center instrument panel. Knee pads located at the base of the center stack help support the driver and passenger. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) technology continues the impression of an advanced vehicle and is also located at the bottom of the center stack.
Seating played a significant role in the cabin design. The NX possesses a low hip point adding to the connection of the driver to the vehicle and increasing overall head room. The NX also has a long cargo area length and a wide front to rear couple distance.
Technology
The NX introduces an innovative all-new 2.0-liter gasoline turbo in NX 200t and a naturally aspirated engine in NX 200 with the choice of front and all-weather drive. Lexus also offers a highly efficient hybrid in NX 300h.
The NX has an array of innovative on-board technology, including an available Lexus-first Wireless Charging Tray to enable a mobile phone to be charged. Other available technology includes the first application of a new Lexus Remote Touch Interface with a touch pad; and a comprehensive Multi- information Display, including a Lexus-first G sensor and boost meter, Heads-Up Display, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Apr 24th
F SPORT Completes All-New Lexus RC Coupe Line-up
And F SPORT makes three. Driving enthusiasts, get ready for more Lexus RC options from which to choose. When the all-new model launches in the U.S. this fall the 2015 Lexus RC 350 F SPORT will join the recently introduced RC 350 sport coupe and RC F performance model.
The RC 350 F SPORT will make its world debut at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show.
The RC is a stand-alone model rather than a two-door derivative of a sedan although it is built on the GS sedan platform. It has the same width as GS and a shorter wheelbase than the IS sedan to help achieve spirited handling and agility.
The RC 350 F SPORT, based on the RC 350, will feature exclusive design elements and enhanced driving performance.
The F SPORT’s dynamic upgrades include Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and the available Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system. These features provide drivers with an even more rewarding and engaging driving experience.
Design
Readily identified by a model-specific “F” mesh design, the RC 350 F SPORT features a further evolution of the Lexus spindle grille.
The unique 19-inch F SPORT mesh alloy wheels feature machine-finish and dark metallic paint.
The RC 350 F SPORT also inherits a descendant of the innovative LFA driver’s meter with a moving center ring, and an F SPORT perforated leather steering wheel and shift knob. The interior design is completed by Silver Performance trim, an F SPORT-exclusive Rioja Red interior and seats with unique contrast stitching.
Driving Dynamics
Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) is part of the F SPORT package. In response to driving operation, vehicle body motion and road surface conditions, AVS automatically and independently adjusts the performance of the damping at all four wheels. When the vehicle’s SPORT+ drive mode is selected, AVS changes to allow the driver to feel improved body control and precise responses to steering input.
The suspension enhancements of the RC 350 F SPORT are complimented by the available four-wheel steering benefits of the Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system. This leading edge platform technology offers the integration of Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS).
Monitoring vehicle speed, steering direction and driver inputs, the system calculates the optimum angle for all four wheels. Using VGRS in the front and DRS in the rear, the system can independently manage both front and rear wheel steering angles to help improve turn-in response, rear grip, vehicle control and overall agility when cornering.
The LDH system monitors vehicle speed and yaw rate, steering angle and speed, and lateral G to calculate the required rear wheel steering input up to a maximum rear wheel angle of 2.0 degrees. The front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions at lower speeds, and in the same direction at higher speeds.
Lexus will introduce the RC 350 F SPORT at a press conference on March 4, at 8:45 a.m. Central European Time at Palexpo’s hall 4, stand number 4211.
Feb 28th
Lexus RC Coupe Reveal at Tokyo Motor Show
Lexus unveiled its striking new production-ready RC coupe, scheduled for launch in 2014, at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. The RC raises Lexus’ profile with a broader audience, injecting emotional appeal into the Lexus DNA which has become well known for building quality, refinement and reliability.
“Our focus is to strengthen the brand’s emotional appeal through our products and RC is another demonstration of this focus,” said Mark Templin, Lexus International executive vice president. “The emotional attachment of a coupe is found in its purity of design and its engaging driving experience, and with RC the engineers have achieved the balance.”
“We developed RC to deliver extra response that exhilarates rather than overwhelms drivers, in keeping with the true spirit of Japanese hospitality, or omotenashi.,” noted Junichi Furuyama, RC and IS chief engineer.
RC is part of a ride and handling revolution at Lexus, which started with GS mid-size luxury sedan and continued with the new IS sport sedan. The RC is a stand-alone model, rather than a two-door derivative of a sedan. Based on the GS platform, the coupe differs in all dimensions from the GS and IS lines.
The aggressively styled coupe will be available with two powertrains:3.5-liter V6 teamed with an eight-speed sequential transmission and 2.5-liter Lexus Hybrid Drive system.
Design Exterior
The RC has been infused with deeply contoured lines, integrating the widest and lowest application yet of the Lexus spindle grille. It is unique in the Lexus range – 1.2-inches wider, 1.4-inches lower and 2.8-inches shorter in wheelbase than the new IS sedan, providing a road stance that emphasizes the attraction of a luxury two-door vehicle.
The unique headlamp design adopts the symbolic Lexus L-shaped motif front and rear. There are two choices of aluminum wheels – a deeply sculpted 10-spoke 19-inch and a muscular five-spoke 18-inch.
A new red exterior paint color is made brighter and shows more contrast thanks to a new painting process.
Design Interior
Highly acclaimed sports concept vehicles have greatly influenced the RC interior, making maximum use of contrasting colors, materials and lighting.
A purpose-built Lexus-first lighting package provides a great sense of occasion, with illumination that reflects upwards, rather than downwards, to envelop the cabin. High contrast interior colors emphasize design lines and accentuate the elegant cabin. Genuine shimamoku wood highlights – the result of an intense, layered wood production technique refined by Lexus – are used to emphasize the surrounding trim.
The driver’s cockpit is divided into operational and display zones. The upper zone houses the instrument panel and a seven-inch navigation screen while a layered center console integrates a new Lexus-first Remote Touch Interface.
The seats utilize an integrated foaming construction method, much like the molding of racing seats, to ensure optimum occupant comfort and support which is important in a sport coupe.
Driving Dynamics
The RC’s strong and purpose-built chassis is the latest evolution of Lexus’ objective to achieve a world class driving experience, epitomized by the improved performance of both the GS and IS lines.
Extra thick underbody rocker panels greatly increase the two-door’s rigidity to support driving performance. New manufacturing techniques pioneered in the LS and IS models, including the use of body adhesives, have strengthened the chassis.
Aerodynamic aids, especially on the underbody, contribute to the handling package.
RC uses double wishbone front suspension and multi-link suspension at the rear.
Powertrains
The dual injection 3.5-liter V6 gas engine produces maximum power of 314 hp at 6,400 rpm, and peak torque of 280 lb.-ft. at4,800 rpm.
An eight-speed Sport Direct Shift with paddle shift transmission adapted from the ISF performance sedan optimizes power delivery and fuel economy. In manual (M) mode full torque converter lock up from second to eighth gears allows for down changes in just 0.2 seconds.
The hybrid variant – the first Lexus hybrid coupe – uses a dual-injected 2.5-liter four cylinder engine with a 105kW electric motor driven through an electronic continuously variable transmission with six step gears in a sequential shift-matic feature.
The RC coupe will be offered in rear wheel drive and all-weather drive (AWD), however availability will vary by market.
The sound generated by the engine has been tuned to ensure it delivers a stirring exhaust note under spirited driving conditions.
Advanced Technology
The RC offers several advanced technology features including an updated Spot Monitor and new Remote Touch Interface (RTI).
RC is the first Lexus to adopt the revised Blind Spot Monitor system which detects vehicles that are approaching from behind at a higher speed and from a greater distance than is covered by the current system.
The innovative touch-sensitive Lexus Remote Touch Interface for audio and navigation systems is particularly important in a coupe in which tactile reaction is a desirable part of the driving experience.
Nov 19th
