Find or Sell Used Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in USA

Immaculate 2002 Lexus Sc430 Nav, Rear Spoiler, Runflats Timing Belt Done Beauty on 2040-cars

Year:2002 Mileage:97857 Color: Millennium Silver metallic
Location:

Boulder City, Nevada, United States

Boulder City, Nevada, United States

     

2002 LEXUS SC430

2002 Lexus SC430 Hardtop/Convertible

 

Navigation • Auto-Leveling HID Headlamps

 

Mark Levinson Audio • 300 Horsepower V8

 

Meticulous Dealer Service History • Recent Timing Belt Change • Functional Perfection

 

Smart buyers watch the video and read the ad . . .

Performance Test Drive & Walk Around

Hear it, See it Operational

 

If you are on a mobile device you may not be able to see the video above.
Copy this link into your browser to see it directly on YouTube.

http://youtu.be/4wyCv9_jJkE

If you want to make a deal,

pick up the phone and talk your serious offer.

702-353-7500

I don't respond nicely to lame emails that ask:

 "What's your reserve?"

"What's your bottom line?"

"What's the least you'll take?"

"What's your bottom dollar?"

"Do you have a Buy-it-Now?"

"What's it take to buy it?"

"What's you asking price?"

Emailing you a figure will not happen but we can converse about it.

It's a flippin' Auction! That means...your number counts...not mine.

Oh, and by the way, if you've sent me an email with one of the lame questions above, I'll instantly presume you haven't taken the time to even read the content of the listing and that you have no intention of buying at any relevant market value figure. 26 Years in the business has taught me that serious buyers read every line, look at every picture and research well enough on their own to feel confident to make offers.

Our presentations are unmatched and we cater to the serious buyers.

 

THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN WORK YOUR DEAL IS TO CALL ME!

 

My vehicles are so unique and rare that knowing what it should sell for is nearly impossible.

That's why eBay's auctions...with serious buyers making offers...works it's magic.

 

 

2002 Lexus SC430

VIN: JTHFN48YX20011778

Odometer: 97,857

Engine: 4.3 Liter DOHV V8

Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic

Exterior: Millennium Silver metallic  (1C0)

Interior: Black Leather  (LA20)

Built: July, 2001 Higashi Fuji plant - Shizuoka, Japan

 

Over 140 high resolution pictures below.

 

Standard Equipment

4.3 Liter DOHC V8 Engine

300 horsepower @ 5,600/325 ft-lb. torque @ 3,400 RPM

Electronic 5-Speed Automatic Transmission

Front Engine/Rear Wheel Drive

Full Automatic Power Retractable Aluminum Top

Wind Blocker

Speed Sensitive/Variable Power Rack and Pinion Steering

4-Wheel Power Disc Brakes with ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution  (EBD)

Brake Assist

Power Windows

Auto-Dimming Power Heated Outside Mirrors with Chrome Trim

Power Locks

Cruise Control

Multi Function In-Key Remote Keyless Entry

Power Tilt/Telescopic Steering Column with Automatic Tilt-Away

Auto-Dimming Outside Mirrors

Dual Front and Side Airbags

Seatbelt Force Limiters/Pretensioners

Center Floor Console with Locking Lower Compartment Storage, 2-Cup Holders, 2-Power Outlets and Cellular Phone

4-Wheel Independent Double Wishbone Suspension

Auto-Leveling HID Headlamps

Fog Lights

Headlight Washers

Vehicle Skid Control  (VSC)

Traction Control  (TRAC)

Electronic Automatic Climate Control

Hand Stitched Nappa Leather Trim

Burl Walnut Interior Trim

14-Way Power Heated Front Bucket Seats with 2-Position Memory

3-Spoke Wood/Leather Trimmed Steering Wheel with Audio, Cruise and Phone Controls

240-Watt Mark Levinson Audio with 6-Disc In-Dash CD Changer, 9-Speakers and 7-Channel Amplifier and Motorized Wood Cover

Power Antenna with FM Diversity

8,000 RPM Tachometer, 180 MPH Speedometer, Fuel and Coolant Temperature Gauges

Trip Computer

Electronic Compass

HomeLink Universal Transceiver

Outside Temperature Indicator

Rear Defrost

Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirrors

Daytime Running Lights

Theft Deterrent with Engine Immobilizer

Interior and Maps Lights

Illuminated Entry

Cabin Filter/Smog Sensor

Locking Glove Box

RFID Tire Pressure Monitoring

Cargo Net

Trunk Mat

First Aid Kit

Lexus Embroidered Carpeted Floor Mats

18 x 8 Inch 5-Spoke Alloy Wheels

Dual Exhaust

19.8 Gallon Fuel Tank

3.27 Limited Slip Differential

 

Optional Equipment

DVD Navigation with Tilting 7-Inch Touch Screen

Rear Spoiler

Run-Flat Tires

 

Additional Items

Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Steel Belted Radials  245/40R18 RFT

Lexus Bucket Seat Covers

Covercraft UVS100 Windshield Heat Shield

Sirius Satellite Radio with Remote

Lexus Perfection

 

2002 Lexus SC430 with a lengthy dealer service history more comprehensive than any you're likely to find on the market, with or without ultra low mileage.  This Millennium Silver diamond drives and functions with the precision of a brand new Lexus and it's extensive maintenance records include the all important timing belt change, recently performed.  Mark Levinson audio, Sirius satellite radio, navigation and auto-leveling xenon headlights are but a few of the pricey perks in store for the next owner of this exquisite rare quality SC430 . . .

 

New Car Condition, New Car Ownership Experience

 

Spectacular paint, factory smooth body, headlamp washers, auto-dimming mirrors, traction control, skid control, 300 horsepower V8, 5-speed automatic and proper rear wheel drive . . .

 

 

available dates/mileage/history
7-01 compliance label build date  
8-6-01 NICB - vehicle manufactured and shipped to original dealer  
8-17-01 Lexus dealer service - pre-delivery inspection, install license plate frame 5 miles
11-6-02 Lexus dealer service - new valve caps, parking light bulb and inspection 20
7-30-03 dealer inventory - vehicle offered for sale 81
8-5-03 dealer inventory - vehicle offered for sale  
8-20-03 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas 131
8-21-03 dealer inventory - vehicle sold  
8-27-03 Lexus dealer service - 15,000 mile service, new rear suspension bushing and side marker light bulbs 397
10-10-03 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
7-9-04 Lexus dealer service - 20,000 mile service 10,877
8-17-04 Nevada DMV - Henderson  
8-17-04 Lexus dealer service - Nevada emissions and rear seat cover 12,179
2-19-05 Lexus dealer service - navigation update and new tires 18,482
3-8-05 Lexus dealer service - new map light 18,842
6-14-05 Lexus dealer service - tire repair 23,127
8-2-05 Nevada DMV - Henderson  
11-23-05 Lexus dealer service - LOF and new rear trunk stays 30,109
12-29-05 Lexus dealer service - new bulbs 31,782
4-21-06 Lexus dealer service - inspection 37,337
5-23-06 Lexus dealer service - new antenna motor 38,547
7-31-06 Nevada DMV - Henderson  
10-27-06 Lexus of Las Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada - LOF, alignment, new battery, power steering fluid and new wiper blades, throttle body service, new front brake pads and resurface rotors 43,471
3-21-07 Lexus of Las Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada - new tail light bulb, LOF 49,460
4-24-07 Lexus of Las Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada - new amplifier 51,387
8-13-07 Nevada DMV - Henderson  
2-27-08 Lexus of Las Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada - new key 55,960
5-30-08 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
6-17-08 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas 56,919
8-14-08 Lexus of Las Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada - new rear brake pads and resurface rotors, new trans mission fluid and serpentine belt 58,216
5-28-09 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
10-15-09 Lexus of Las Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada - inspection, recommended maintenance, new spiral cable and left/rear tire 63,840
5-14-10 Nevada emissions - Las Vegas 67,106
9-15-10 Lexus of Las Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada - new power steering fluid, clean/lube rear spindle bushings 68,606
5-11-11 Nevada emissions - Las Vegas 71,644
5-13-11 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
10-21-11 Lexus of Las Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada - recommended maintenance, new rear differential fluid, new license plate bulbs 74,058
11-7-11 Lexus of Las Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada - new washer nozzles 74,407
12-12-11 Lexus of Las Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada - inspection 75,230
1-9-12 Lexus of Las Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada - recommended maintenance, new motor mounts 75,710
3-13-12 Lexus of Las Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada - inspection 77,222
3-30-12 Lexus of Las Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada - recommended maintenance, new antenna 77,574
5-18-12 Nevada emissions - Las Vegas 78,772
5-25-12 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
6-14-12 Lexus of Las Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada - recommended maintenance, inspection, new front brake pads, resurface rotors 79,488
9-4-12 Lexus of Las Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada - recommended maintenance, inspection, new transmission fluid, air filter and battery 82,037
11-29-12 Lexus of Las Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada - recommended maintenance, inspection, new left door speaker 84,925
5-29-13 Nevada emissions - Las Vegas 91,174
5-31-13 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
7-16-13 Lexus of Las Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada - 90,000 mile service, inspection, new timing belt, alignment 92,581
12-4-13 Carmax - Henderson, Nevada 95,386
1-29-14 current 97,857

 

Amenities Galore - Expected and Otherwise

 

Stunning top-down profile and when it's time for grand touring sans roof, Lexus thought of everything.  The motorized wood (real) panels covering the navigation screen and stereo will close all by themselves if the car is left locked with the top down.  Also, the climate control and audio systems automatically compensate for sound and temperature when the top is lowered.  Top up or down, doors close bank vault solid . . .

 

Only Three Options Available - This Car Has Them

 

Navigation, rear spoiler and run-flat tires are the only extras and this SC430 has all three.  18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust, RFID tire pressure monitoring, power antenna, cabin filter with smog sensor - the list goes on and on . . .

 

 Pretty Rear

 

Great tires, no accident history, beautiful inside and out and underneath too . . .

 

Redefines the Term "Used Car"

 

Because it's a Lexus, tight body seams and wow-factor quality come with the territory.  When a well made car is subsequently taken care of the way this Lexus has been (proven matter of record, not just our opinion) buyers line up, wallets/checkbooks at the ready . . .

 

Timelessly Unique - Legendary Quality

 

The curvy shape was meant to stand out and twelve years later, there still is nothing on the road like an SC430.  Being forever contemporary, this exclusive automobile will always look years newer than it is.  Consistent service at the dealership since day one means the high performance and impeccable operation are like a brand new vehicle as well.  Everything works, nothing is broken and it will be months or even years before the new car excitement fades . . .

 

 

The aluminum alloy hard top is fully automatic.  One touch of a button unlatches, lowers and stows the entire mechanism in about 25 seconds.  Press it again and like a giant work of origami, motors whirr, servos click and the entertaining unfolding concludes with a metal roof safely locked in place.  Like a real sedan, your convertible is now a coupe!

 

 

Lots of trunk space with the top up, the clever design still leaves room for a golf bag with the top stowed . . .

 

 

"Wow" is the typical reaction upon seeing this incredible interior the first time.  Genuine wood, acres of hand stitched Nappa leather and decadent comfort spoil the uninitiated while completely satisfying the most discriminating of luxury car buyers.  Power tilt/telescopic steering wheel motors out of the way for an easy exit and a 240-watt, 9-speaker Mark Levinson sound system will have you listening in the driveway so long, your husband will finally peek through the curtains wondering if he should interrupt . . .

 

 

14-way power heated driver and passenger seats, both with 3-position memory, DVD navigation with a beautiful 7-inch adjustable touch screen and Sirius satellite radio (in upper console) with remote . . .

 

 

 

4.3 Liter DOHC V8 Engine  (3UZ-FE)

300 horsepower @ 5,600/325 ft-lb torque @ 3,400 RPM

 

 

Brand new on top and brand new down here too . . .

 

 

Your Lexus has a Footie.

 

 

VIN: JTHFN48YX20011778
country J Japan
manufacturer T manufacturer
type H passenger car
body style F 2-door convertible
engine N 4.3 liter V8, 3UZ-FE
series/grade 4 SC430
restraint system 8 dual front and side airbags
line Y SC430
check digit X  
model year 2 2002
assembly plant 0 Higashi Fuji plant - Shizuoka, Japan
sequential production number 011778

 

 

Compliance label with July, 2001 build date.

 

 

Owner books.

 

 

 

A note from the owner.

I am a “used car dealer” but before that, I’m an automobile enthusiast.  I love original rare and high quality modified vintage cars and over the past decade I’ve been in business, have come to appreciate an expanding selection of high-demand, high value vehicles.  I specialize in and am always on the lookout for cars and trucks that were cherished by their previous owners.  I have an experienced eye for quality but I’ve discovered that my preferred buyer can instantly discern such a vehicle and I have therefore, built my business and reputation around finding these kinds of cars for this type of customer.  Super low miles and/or gentle ownership are strict requirements but a car must do something for me on a personal level if there is any hope of convincing you, the bidder, that this is an above average, exceptional vehicle.  If nothing about the car excites me, it probably won’t do much for you either and I would soon be out of business.

With just four employees and no sales people, I realize how unusual a “dealership” like mine may at first glance appear.  It has taken great care and effort to create such an organization and often, an unusually high investment in a particular car we are about to list.  To sell the best it is critical to have a trusted expert in my corner and Chris, owner of A-Best Auto Repair in Henderson, Nevada has my back.  He and his crew can fix anything; from a low budget beater to the absolute most expensive exotic you can name, no job is too big and no small detail unimportant.  They do an exhaustive 130 point inspection on each and every vehicle and nothing escapes their methodical investigation.  Experience has shown that everything I spend making a car truly “right” will come back to me not only with a higher selling price, but a happy customer that says good things about me.  Moreover; it allows my writer to describe the car with ease and confidence, something that simply is not possible unless he thinks it is true.  If major issues are found or the cost of fixing the car the way it should be makes it too expensive to sell, my choice is an easy one.  I simply absorb a few hundred dollars loss for my trouble and sell it at auction.

After the vehicle is fully sorted it arrives at our facility where it encounters the suspicious eye of Tom, my writer that creates the presentations you see on eBay.  He believes absolutely nothing I or anyone else tells him about the car as he combs over every inch, researches its history and documents originality and authenticity.  Historical significance, rarity, special features, possible modifications and much more are used to accurately describe the vehicle with integrity and honesty.  Most important for the potential buyer are the 100 to 150 high resolution pictures that I take myself.  The pricey equipment I use would be right at home in the hands of the very best professional photographers and I’ve developed a logical format that walks you around the entire vehicle with close-up shots of every square inch.  I provide detailed views of the interior, under the hood and then put it on a lift to show the undercarriage and confirm that the beauty of the car you are considering is not merely skin deep.  Even our detailers are enthusiastic about the cars they so meticulously clean.  This reconditioning can sometimes take several days and I’ve converted a paint booth, especially prepared for the professional clay bar and polishing each car lovingly receives.

Usually, I’ll also include a high definition video that shows the car doing its thing.  If it’s a fast car, we film it going fast.  If it’s a 4x4 you’ll see it crawling up a hill.  In every case you will hear things like a rumbling exhaust, working sound system and watch the temperature fall on a digital, laser thermometer pointed at an air conditioning vent.  How many “dealers” will video a Lotus Esprit doing a buck-eighty?  We do.

No “dealer,” on-line or in the real world, takes it to this level.  No other seller or organization provides you, the buyer, with so much information.  I do this because it is the only way I can convince a person; often a world away, unable to touch or feel their purchase, that my vehicle is for real and what I say is the truth.  All the above is necessary for me to stay in business while keeping integrity intact.  I want every buyer to be happy and I need glowing feedback on eBay.  To accomplish that I need satisfied customers that are as thrilled with their purchase as I was when I bought it.

If you have any questions at all, please call me on my cell at: 702-353-7500.  If your inquiry is sincere and your offer  serious, you’ll find me the most accommodating business partner you’ve ever dealt with.  If you call or e-mail asking for my reserve or “what is my bottom line” I will be looking for ways to politely end the conversation.  Until you are ready to actually pull the trigger, I will happily quote you the absolute highest nationally advertised suggested retail price I can find – a number we both know will not buy the car so, don’t waste your time, or mine.  I am after all, a “used car dealer.”

Serious buyers know the maximum they can offer.  I then must simply decide if I can sell for that number.

If you hit the reserve, the decision is no longer mine.  I must sell at that number.

OFFERS GET MY ATTENTION: 702-353-7500 or Doug@vivalasvegasautos.com

If you want to make a deal,

pick up the phone and talk a serious offer.

702-353-7500

I don't respond to emails asking for "bottom line, sale price, reserve, or Buy-it-Now" figures on top line cars.

THE ONLY WAY YOU GET THOSE FIGURES IS TO CALL ME!

The book values posted below are relevant to "real" selling figures.

NADA & KBB wouldn't be in business if they posted nonsense. But they only account for averages around the nation. If this car is less than or better than average, bid or offer accordingly.

Please ask about our service programs and pricing.

 

Cars sold without warranties are sold As-Is.

 

Waiver's of Warranty will be signed if declined.

 

All automobiles have breakdowns; some minor, some serious.  Believe me, I know.  I fix them without the advantage of a warranty but you don't have to.  Seriously consider a safety net for the unknown.

 

Most vehicles are already pre-qualified for the warranties with AULcorp.com

 

Terms of Sale
 

This vehicle is safely stored in our beautiful climate controlled showroom in Boulder City, Nevada.  We are just 25 minutes from Las Vegas International Airport (McCarran) and welcome the opportunity to meet the winning bidder there and drive them to our facility for vehicle delivery.  We have years of experience with vehicle shipping, nationwide and across the globe.  We stand ready to help with whatever arrangements are necessary at the buyers request and expense.  This vehicle will not be delivered or released for shipment until complete payment is received and all funds have cleared.

Third party, pre-purchase vehicle inspections are welcome BEFORE the auction ends.  We are happy to answer questions about this vehicle and resolve any concerns you may have BEFORE YOU BID and BEFORE THE AUCTION ENDS . . . THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.  If you are in the Las Vegas area, we invite you to stop by for a demonstration.

A $1000 non-refundable partial payment must be received 24 hours from the end of this auction .  We prefer VISA but will accept PayPal if necessary.

Full payment must be received within four (4) business days of the end of auction.  Cashiers-check, direct deposit or cash in person are acceptable but BANK to BANK WIRE TRANSFER IS PREFERRED for US winners and required for all winning bidders outside the United States.  Loan checks can be accepted only after prior approval from the owner, Doug Williams.  M/Os will NEVER be accepted.  CHECKS in ANY FORM MUST BE CLEARED as CASHABLE FUNDS before delivery of any item.

Free and clear title is in seller's possession and will be transferred upon payment in full.

Important:   Winning bidders on-line enter a legal and binding contract to purchase the vehicle presented here.  Bidders that win the auction and then do not pay, will be aggressively pursued.  Non-paying bidders will be prosecuted.  If you do not intend to purchase this vehicle, DO NOT BID.

We will happily do whatever is required to assist a legitimate bidder that intends to purchase the vehicle with their transaction.

This vehicle sold AS-IS, with no warranty.  This is not a new vehicle, it is used.  A used vehicle will have normal wear and tear congruent to its age and/or mileage.  This vehicle may have dings, scratches or other indications of use because it has been used.  Terms such as "perfection," "flawless" or "mint" may not be subjective but all other descriptions are.

When you bid, you understand and agree to these terms.

Please call Doug @ 702-353-7500 with ANY questions. Email: Doug@VivaLasVegasAutos.com

Sales tax, Smog and title fees may be applicable to Nevada residents.

A Document Fee of $200.00 will be added to the closing auction price.

An Optional 15 Day Drive Away Permit is available for $8.25. 

New eBay bidders with (0) feedback or international bidders

please make contact by email or phone at least 2 hours before bidding.

We reserve the right to cancel bids if necessary  to protect our clients.

Research for this ad was done with all due diligence toward an accurate presentation of the facts.  All information herein represents our sincere effort to be correct.  If we have made any errors or provided information later found to be inaccurate, we will correct these mistakes and resolve any issues that occur as a result, as far as it is within our ability to do.  Descriptive words like "perfect" or "flawless" are subjective opinions because nothing is perfect; flaws are inevitable.  If you question what you see, feel free to inspect our vehicles in person or by a professional inspection service strictly prior to the close of the auction.  Post auction inspections are unacceptable and we reserve the right to sell to the follow up bidder immediately.

 

 
 
Viva! Las Vegas Autos, Inc.
707 Yucca St.
Boulder City, Nevada 89005
Office Line - 702-889-Viva (8482)
Fax Line - 702-889-8486
Dlr # 26850
 
Doug Williams
Owner
 
Direct Line -  702-353-7500
 
 
 

Win Victoriously, Your Way!

Find Out How to Make Your Deal Immediately!

We Can and Will Find a Way to Make it Happen for You on eBay.

Beat all the last minute bidders to the punch!

Save Time & Last Minute Disappointment

Keeping the Deal on eBay & Keeping it Safe!

 Don't worry eBay!

We'll make sure the auction completes & does not happen off of eBay!

We wouldn't want eBay to think we're trying to circumvent their fees!

Keeping our clients safe and getting positive feedback is critical to us!

Almost as critical as EBay's enforcement of their circumventing fees policy.  

 
 
 

A Note for Potential Victims

 

 Please let us know if you see our vehicles under listings of obvious question or if you receive a "Second Chance Offer" with any e-mail other than ours.  You can easily recognize the crooks with the stupid low "Buy it Now" price and the direct e-mails off the eBay system.  They'll never disclose a telephone number or address either.  If they won't talk to you, return a call or can't send you a copy of a title to the vehicle . . . DON'T SEND THEM MONEY or fall for their sneaky e-mails and redirects attempting to get your seller ID and password.

 

* Be Careful! *

 

Be sure to ask about our Available Warranties

&

Review our Programs and Pricing on the Links below.

 

 

 

Some Vehicles May Qualify for the Premier Warranties of AUL.

 

 

 

 

Auto Services in Nevada

Walkers Mobile Auto Repair ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service
Address: Callville-Bay
Phone: (702) 301-7657

Vegas Speed ★★★★★

Automobile Parts & Supplies, Automobile Customizing, Auto Springs & Suspension
Address: 2625 E Craig Rd Ste D, N-Las-Vegas
Phone: (702) 657-3769

Vegas New Finish Technology ★★★★★

Automobile Body Repairing & Painting
Address: 5304 french lavender, N-Las-Vegas
Phone: (702) 480-4234

Swing Shift Auto ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Emission Repair-Automobile & Truck
Address: 5415 Cameron St, North-Las-Vegas
Phone: (702) 220-4620

Safe Lube Plus ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Auto Oil & Lube
Address: 1270 N McCarran Blvd, West-Wendover
Phone: (775) 786-0885

Purrfect Auto Service ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service
Address: 5735 S Durango Dr Ste A, Sloan
Phone: (702) 260-0249

Auto blog

TMG Lexus LS Sports 650 destined for production after 2015?

Fri, 01 Nov 2013

There's little question that Lexus has succeeded in challenging its German rivals in the luxury marketplace. And with the LFA, it has proven that Japan can build a world-class supercar. What's left blank is the space in between.
Toyota Motorsport GmbH came up with a compelling answer in the form of the Sports 650 prototype, a Lexus LS with a 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 641 horsepower and other go-fast components to challenge the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG and Audi S8. Toyota boss Akio Toyoda was reportedly so impressed with the project that he initially ordered TMG to build ten examples - one for him and each of his nine best friends. But since the model on which the project was based has since been replaced, questions remain over the project's fate.
Georg Kacher - European correspondent for Automobile and Car magazines - recently drove the prototype and reports that "the project will now likely be transferred to the new model out in 2015." That could come down purely to speculation, but Kacher tends to get the inside line on industry news, so this particular bowl of gossip soup might not requite the usual grain of salt we otherwise might add.

2013 Lexus ES300h

Wed, 27 Feb 2013

The Lexus ES lineup, the brand's bread-and-butter sedan, has been completely redone for 2013. With that tip-to-tail rework comes the model's first hybrid. We think the ES350 is better in every way than its predecessor, so a spin in the ES300h is warranted to see what it's like to live with the model sure to become the best-selling Lexus hybrid sedan. In particular, we wanted to see how the gas-electric luxury cruiser handled the battery-sapping realities of winter, so we ventured out into the slush and snow to file this report.
Driving Notes:
Peel away the slush, and this car sure is sharp-looking. It strongly resembles the excellent new GS, no bad thing. With the move to the longer Toyota Avalon underpinnings, the ES300h is long and elegant. Lexus has really upped its styling game lately.

2016 Lexus GS F revealed ahead of Detroit debut

Tue, Jan 6 2015

The last time we heard about Lexus' new Detroit Auto Show-bound performance car debut, all signs pointed to GS F. Now, the cat's out of the bag, and we've got the first official images and details of the Japanese automaker's latest performance sedan, and honestly, it's exactly what you'd expect – though that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Power comes from the automaker's 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 – the same eight-pot that powers the RC F – good for 467 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 389 pound-feet of torque that comes on strong between 4,800 and 5,600 rpm. That force is sent to the rear wheels via Lexus' eight-speed automatic transmission. In order to make this F a significantly better-handling vehicle than the standard GS, Lexus is fitting its Torque Vectoring Differential from the RC F, which uses three modes – Standard, Slalom, and Track – to alter torque delivery to better suit different driving dynamics. Lexus has released a few preliminary specifications about the GS F, so we know the sedan tips the scales at 4,034 pounds and will ride on 19-inch wheels with 255/35-series tires up front, and 275/35 rubber out back. This all sounds pretty good, but we can't help feel a wee bit disappointed, especially considering the numbers being thrown down by competitors like the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, not to mention the new 640-hp, 200-mph Cadillac CTS-V that'll also debut at next week's Detroit show. Still, if the Lexus RC F is any indication of the brand's future performance offerings, we don't doubt the GS F will, at the very least, be a super fun car to toss around. Stay tuned for the GS F's official unveiling, next week.