2019 Lexus Rx 450hl on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Lexus says it's not worried about LS sales decline in face of S-Class, Model S

The Lexus LS is old. Sure, it received a refresh for model year 2013, but it hasn't had a clean-sheet redesign since George W. Bush was in office. It's the oldest vehicle in its segment, debuting in 2007, a full year before the current-gen BMW 7 Series, two years before the Hyundai Equus and Jaguar XJ and three years before the Audi A8.
This is particularly troubling as buyers flock to the heavily redesigned Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which debuted late last year, and the all-electric Tesla Model S. Despite this move, though, Lexus is (worryingly in our minds) not at all concerned.
"We don't feel it's a problem with the car," Brian Smith, VP of marketing for Lexus, told Wards Auto. "Many of the buyers in that segment want what's new and they're trying it."

Lexus hints at LF-SA concept bound for Geneva

Lexus has been moving steadily away from its once conservative designs with increasingly aggressive ones, and looks set to move the bar once again with this latest concept. Bearing the codename LF-SA, the new Lexus concept is set to debut in a couple of weeks at the Geneva Motor Show. But the Japanese luxury automaker isn't giving us much to go on from the decidedly enigmatic teaser image and brief statement below. According to Lexus, "the LF-SA Concept explores unexpected territories for the brand," which could come down to a new compact model to either replace or slot in below the CT 200h in the brand's lineup. The upright form would seem to be consistent with a city car. Beyond that, we can see an even larger evolution of Lexus' trademark spindle grille and checkmark accent lights. Whatever it is, though, Toyota's luxury division promises it will remain "a driver-focused vehicle." We'll just have to sit tight and wait to find out more, so watch this space. 17 Feb 2015 WORLD PREMIERE OF THE LEXUS LF-SA CONCEPT AT THE 2015 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW Lexus will reveal its all-new concept, the LF-SA at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. Brussels, Belgium - An illustration of Lexus' passion for upcoming design trends, the LF-SA Concept explores unexpected territories for the brand in a bold and emotional execution. In a future world which many people see as increasingly influenced by technology and virtual experiences, the LF-SA Concept is also a driver-focused vehicle, reflecting Lexus' vision that real experience will remain ultimate luxury. The LF-SA Concept will be revealed at the Lexus Press Conference taking place on March 3, 2015 at 12:30 PM at the Lexus stand (number 4211) in Palexpo, Hall 4.

2016 Lexus IS 200t Quick Spin

When Lexus revamped its IS sedan for the 2014 model year, the car polarized in terms of design, and offered bipolar driving experiences, trim to trim. The entry-level IS 250 used a 2.5-liter V6 that felt like a lightweight for the segment. The stronger 3.5-liter six, especially when tied down to a car with the F-Sport package and subsequent handling improvements, was more of a sporting thing. Thankfully, Lexus has replaced the base powerplant for the IS with an up-to-snuff turbo 2.0-liter four. I drove the newly christened IS 200t for a week – with that enhancing F-Sport pack – and found it to be a vast improvement. Modest-budgeted buyers with eyes for Lexus' edgy styling seem to be in good hands. Driving Notes If the "200t" part of the model name looks familiar, you've probably seen it affixed to the rear end of Lexus' new NX small crossover. Of course the IS is lighter than its crossover sibling. Meaning the directly injected turbo engine's outputs of 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque are more thrilling in this application. At more than 3,500 pounds, the IS 200t still isn't exactly rapid – Lexus rates the 0-60 time at 6.9 seconds – but the torque pop is enough to jet around town authoritatively. Being a newly minted engine and a Toyota-brand product, you'd expect the IS 200t to be class-leading (or right there) in terms of fuel economy, too. With ratings of 22 and 32 miles per gallon, city and highway, it isn't. Both the BMW 328i (22 City / 34 Highway) and the Mercedes-Benz C300 (25 City / 34 Highway) do better, and while making similar power. The eight-speed automatic transmission is quite well suited for the brand and the car, I'd say. It mostly stayed out of my way, while in D, shifting unobtrusively during normal driving. The paddle-shift option is great for the occasional flights of motive fancy, but it's not lightning-quick, nor super engaging. Handling is nippy with the F-Sport package, at least within the normal boundaries of public roads. The car stays neutral and flat under cornering loads, and the front end feels rather light and quick to turn in. Of course, take the same corners more aggressively, and you'll feel the car default to understeering, with power cut on exit until all four wheels are fully set and gripping. Don't expect to slide the IS around, in other words. The chunky steering wheel feels good in the hand, and doesn't have the unsettling lightness I remember from the last-generation IS 250.