Paul Tan's Automotive News » Lexus

New Lexus GS is coming soon – now open for booking

Danny Tan — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:31:35 +0000

Lexus Malaysia has opened order books for the all new Lexus GS, which means you can now put your name down to be one of the first owners of the GS when it arrives soon.

First unveiled at last year’s Pebble Beach show in the US, Lexus’ challenger to the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6 is a huge departure from the car it replaces, looking more dynamic and sporty than its German classmates, something it has never been before this generation.

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There are quite a few variants to choose from. Lexus Malaysia will import in the GS 250, GS 250 Luxury and GS 350 Luxury. By the way, this is the first time Lexus is putting an engine below 3.0L in the GS, allowing it to better match German rivals, who all have lower entry points. F-Sport variants for both engines will also be available.

The GS 250 is powered by a 2.5-litre V6 with D-4S direct port injection and Dual VVT-i. Maximum output is 206 hp at 6,400rpm and peak torque of 253 Nm is delivered at 4,800 rpm. 0-100 km/h is done in 8.6 seconds on to a top speed of 228 km/h. The V6 is matched to a Super ECT-i close-ratio intelligent six-speed automatic transmission, with sequential manual shift function. It’s likely that most GS buyers will opt for this engine.

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There’s also a good selection of colours available, both for the exterior and cabin. Prices range from RM370k to RM488k OTR excluding insurance. We’ve seen it in the metal and sat in it before, at motor shows, and can say that the GS has never been more desirable.

Click here for full details and a hi res gallery.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Lexus LF-LC Concept is the fairest of them all in Detroit

Anthony Lim — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 06:46:43 +0000

Think the Lexus LF-LC Hybrid Sport Coupe Concept is a stunner? Well, you’re not the only one then; those in the industry seem to think so as well – a group of leading automotive designers and design academics have named the car the top design concept at the NAIAS.

The Detroit debutant bagged this year’s EyesOn Design Award for best concept car. Created by Lexus’s Calty studio in Newport Beach, California, the design of the 2+2 coupe explores how a future redefinition of Lexus design might take be like, with a more emotive and avantgarde approach.

The EyesOn Design Awards are given in recognition of skills and creativity in different areas of design for both concept and production vehicles, including Aesthetics and Innovation, Concept Implementation, Functionailty and the Spirit of Industrial Design.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Lexus LF-LC Concept fully revealed, and it’s spectacular!

Danny Tan — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 04:55:32 +0000

The Lexus LF-LC Concept has been officially revealed, and it’s one heck of a concept car. If I were at Detroit’s Cobo Hall, I can imagine spending good time just standing and staring at this sculpture. Awe inspiring, and check out that cabin!

Challenged by the Lexus Center in Japan to come up with a design for a future hybrid sport coupe concept, the company’s Calty design studio in Newport Beach, California, sought to “advance the redefinition of Lexus” with emotive, avant-garde beauty and advanced technology, yet remain within reach for premium buyers.

The movement is not new. “The concept we’re showing here in Detroit continues the Lexus design revolution started with the CT and GS. The concept hybrid 2+2 liberates the idea of a sport coupe and pushes the boundaries of performance, style and technology,” said Mark Templin, Lexus Group VP and GM.

The LF-LC displays the new Lexus design language in its bold interpretation of the signature Lexus spindle grille and rear architecture. Silky curves blend smoothly into dynamic angles, creating a nice blend of lines, shadows and corners.

Framed by a deep aluminum surround, the mesh pattern of the spindle grille takes 3D sculpture form, and the air intakes are functional. Daytime running lights are shaped like an “L” while the vertical fog lamps use a fading dot matrix pattern to suggest a sense of movement.

The concept car’s glass roof features a lightweight, cantilevered pillar with a glass-to-glass juncture inspired by modern architecture. A rising, kick-up window graphic and polished aluminum trim are unexpected elements. Overall, the greenhouse design enhances driver visibility while adding to the sleek lines of the car.

Lexus integrated the spindle grille theme to the rear as well. The tail lamps, inspired by the look of a jet afterburner at take-off, use inner lighting to create a sense of depth. The rear is also fitted with fog lamps, repeating the fading dot matrix pattern of the front. Visually, the integrated tail and fog lamps repeat the “L” shape and lead eyes down to the quad exhausts.

The cockpit is spectacular. The driver is enveloped by deeply scooped side panels and a high, curved console. The effect is to focus the driver zone on the controls and on the road. LF-LC incorporates a remote touch-screen device that allows operation without shifting altering line-of-sight. Twin 12.3-inch LCD screens provide information and navigation display. A pop-up touch-screen keyboard is used to control the ICE, climate and navigation.

Never mind all that, just look at the organic shapes and nice blend of metal trim and wood accents. The beautiful stitch details emphasise the attention to detail here.

This is a design concept, so all we know mechanically is that the LF-LC is a front-engine, rear-wheel drive car featuring Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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GALLERY: More pics of the Lexus LF-LC Concept surface

Danny Tan — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:31:00 +0000

More images of Lexus’ LF-LC Concept have emerged, showing off a sports coupe looking sexy in red. With a recent leak by a US mag, there’s nothing left to hide now, so Lexus has contributed a pic or two to the collection.

The LF-LC is a 2+2 sports coupe that takes the company’s design direction a step further. Conceived as a design exercise to explore the future of Lexus design, the LF-LC was created at the company’s Calty design studio in Newport Beach, California. for They worked on it for a year and a half. Apparently, Akio Toyoda himself wanted the LF-LC to “have the ‘wow’ factor”.

“Crafted from a clean sheet of paper at the request of Lexus headquarters in Japan, the LF-LC blends both high technology and organic shapes to connect the driver to the machine,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The clean lines of the vehicle emphasise motion, creating a distinctive look for this futuristic sport coupe.”

The LF-LC will showcase Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive. Nice interior, too.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Lexus LF-LC – wraps come off early on the new 2+2 coupe

Anthony Lim — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 03:12:02 +0000

Click to enlarge.

It was supposed to only be fully revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 9, but the Lexus concept that is now known as the LF-LC is a surprise no more, courtesy of a leaked image of the car by a publication, which carried the car in its entirety in a digital preview of its latest magazine.

So, Lexus has now brought out an official image of the LF-LC, which is a 2+2 sports coupe that takes the company’s design direction a step further. Conceived as a design exercise to explore the future of Lexus design, the LF-LC was created at the company’s Calty design studio in Newport Beach, California.

Expect more images to come about, now that the rug has been pulled out from under this surprise. So much for all that teasing …

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Lexus concept – another teaser shot of Detroit debutant

Anthony Lim — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 04:30:36 +0000

Click to enlarge.

Last week, the new Detroit-bound Lexus concept was teased through a front partial. Now, a second image has come about, this time of the interior. Plenty of leather, wood and aluminium, by the looks of it.

The vehicle, which will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January, is designed by Calty, the company’s design studio in Newport Beach, California, and is said to showcase the new design direction embraced by the brand. Just how radical that is, we’ll find out on January 9.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Lexus’ Detroit 2012 concept previews new design direction

Danny Tan — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 04:03:02 +0000

Time really flies, doesn’t it. Here we are at the end of 2011, with the major motor show circuit ending with the bi-annual Tokyo Motor Show. And to kick off 2012, major manufacturers will be crossing the Pacific to Detroit, USA, where the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) happens in January.

Designed by Calty, the company’s design studio in Newport Beach, California, the concept showcases the new design direction embraced by Lexus. Just this one image has been released so far, and it looks very sporty.

It looks like Toyota’s premium brand is increasingly taking the sporty route. Look at the latest GS, for instance. While German class rivals such as the BMW 5-Series have gone less sporty, more elegant with the F10, Lexus’ new exec takes over where the E60 left off. And if they continue to blend exterior sportiness with cabin craftsmanship and quality, like in the new GS, the path looks good.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Free parking for hybrid cars purchased in Petaling Jaya

Danny Tan — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:24:39 +0000

The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will be giving three months free parking to hybrid cars purchased in the city next year, according to a Star report. PJ mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman said this was one of the green initiatives that MBPJ was implementing.

“Hybrid-car buyers will be given free parking passes for three months to park anywhere in Petaling Jaya. We are extending the scheme to people who are not Petaling Jaya residents, as long as they have bought their car from a car dealer in Petaling Jaya,” the mayor explained.

While it’s a welcome, albeit temporary, benefit for would be owners of the Honda Insight, CR-Z, Toyota Prius and Lexus hybrid models, I’m sure many PJ residents and workers would agree that finding a parking spot in the first place is the more painful task.

In Budget 2012, PM Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced that incentives given to hybrid cars have been extended till 31 December 2013. The incentives in question are full import duty and excise duty exemption for hybrid and electric cars and motorcycles.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Lexus unveils GS 250, the first ever GS to go below 3.0L

Danny Tan — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:43:58 +0000

Lexus has revealed another engine option for its all new GS saloon at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition. It’s the GS 250, and we saw it coming.

Back in August, before the launch of the 5-Series fighter at Pebble Beach, it was reported that Lexus will for the first time offer an engine smaller than 3.0 litres in the GS, allowing it to better challenge German rivals, who all have sedans this size with smaller engines. It makes sense for our region, and UK is also a recipient of this variant.

The GS 250 is powered by a 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine with D-4S direct port injection and Dual VVT-i intelligent valve timing. Maximum output is 206 hp at 6,400rpm and peak torque of 253 Nm is delivered at 4,800 rpm. 0-100 km/h is done in 8.6 seconds on to a top speed of 228 km/h. Combined cycle fuel consumption is 11.2 km/l.

The performance is on a similar level with the F10 BMW 523i, which 2.5-litre straight-six puts out 204 hp and 250 Nm. It does the century sprint a tenth faster than the Lexus.

The V6 is matched to a Super ECT-i close-ratio intelligent six-speed automatic transmission, with a sequential manual shift function. The system has been tuned to deliver faster shift speeds, earlier torque converter lock-up and downshift throttle blips, complimenting a range of different drive modes available through the GS 250’s Drive Mode Select System.

More info and pics of the new GS in our previous post here.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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UMW Toyota says Toyota recall of 550,000 vehicles over crankshaft pulley issue doesn’t affect Malaysian models

Anthony Lim — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:50:36 +0000

UMW Toyota Motor has issued a statement regarding reports in the news regarding a voluntary safety recall campaign issued by Toyota Motor Corporation on approximately 550,000 units of certain Toyota and Lexus models in Japan and other countries.

The exercise seeks to replace the crankshaft pulley on the V6 engine affecting 283,200 Toyota and 137,000 Lexus vehicles in the US, with the remaining total being in other markets. In this case, there’s a possibility that the crankshaft pulley may become misaligned, causing noise or illumination of the discharge warning light and in some cases result in a sudden increase in steering effort.

The recall involves the following Toyota models – the 2004 and 2005 Camry, Highlander, Sienna and Solara, the 2004 Avalon and the 2006 Highlander HV, while affected Lexus models are the 2004 and 2005 ES 330 and RX 330, as well as the 2006 RX 400h.

UMW Toyota said through the statement that it has received confirmation from TMC that all Toyota and Lexus models sold by UMW Toyota are not affected by this voluntary safety recall exercise, and as such, advises its customers that there is no cause for concern on this matter.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Lexus at SEMA: Project GS-Five Axis and CT 200h-Five Axis among the nine vehicle Toyota charge

Anthony Lim — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 02:25:33 +0000

Lexus is heading to the upcoming SEMA show in Las Vegas in a big way, and among the slew of products it’s bringing along are two projects by tuning house Five Axis, headed by Troy Sumitomo.

The first is an alternative take on the all-new GS F Sport. The Project GS – Five Axis, built around an F Sport GS 350, gets a widebody conversion and is finished in a Glacier White shade, with Slate Gray accents.

Elsewhere, there’s a custom fabricated twin-tailpipe exhaust, an AirRunner TC-5 air suspension and a Stop Tech Big Brake kit featuring six-pot front and four-pot rear calipers. Finally, the flared wheelarches house FIVE:AD S5:F 20-inch alloys wrapped with 245/35 front and 25/30 profile Yokohama Advan Sport rubbers.

The company has also worked its magic on the CT 200h, focusing on maximum fun with a widebody conversion, a JDSU Dark Passage paint finish with custom black accents and a TEIN performance suspension system.

The cabin is just as edgy as the exterior, with seats that have laser etched inserts in UltraSuede, a synthetic microfibre material from EcoDesign and an illuminated headlining, also finished in UltraSuede. The upholstery has been created by California-based specialist Turinmodel.

Rounding things off in this one-off CT 200h are FIVE:AD 19-inch forged wheels wearing 235/40 tyres and a Stop Tech four-piston braking system.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Lexus GS F Sport to be unveiled at SEMA in November

Anthony Lim — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 02:45:17 +0000

Lexus is set to unveil the F Sport version of its new GS sedan at the SEMA show in Las Vegas on November 1. The GS F Sport features bolder exterior design elements than its civilian counterpart, and these include a new front bumper design with larger side grilles, as well as a dedicated mesh design for the upper and lower grilles.

At the rear, the F Sport gets a grey metallic finish to the bumper diffuser, and on the GS 450h F Sport there’s an additional chrome moulding on the bumper’s lower section. The package also includes a rear spoiler and – exclusive to the grade – dark metallic finish 19-inch alloy wheels, wearing staggered width rubbers – 235/40 in front, and 265/35 series at the rear.

As for the interior, it gets matching door and seat upholstery finished in a new Garnet (deep red) shade exclusive to the F Sport. Other features include aluminium trim elements, 16-way adjustable F Sport front seats, a black headliner and pillar finish, dimple perforated leather steering wheel and gear knob covers as well as aluminium pedals and scuff plates with the F Sport logo in black.

Performance-wise, all the GS F Sport models are fitted with larger, 356 x 30 mm ventilated front disc brakes, of which the hat section of the braking system’s two-piece rotor is made of aluminium, to reduce weight as well as suppress heat deformation.

The F Sport also gets a retuned front and rear suspension, supported by Adaptive Variable Suspension to maximise body control and steering response. The front and rear shock absorbers have been modified to optimise AVS damping control, and uses low viscosity oil to improve efficiency by reducing friction. The rear shocks have also been inclined further to the rear, and the lower bushings have been made larger and stiffer.

The AVS features two damper setting controls – Normal and Sport S+, the latter for greater body control and precise responses to steering when cornering. Switching to Sport S+ mode automatically increases the difference between inner and outer shock absorber damping.

At the same time, the Variable Gear Ratio Steering automatically reduces the steering gear ratio by about 10% while the electric power steering increases steering assist torque by about 4%, to sharpen handling and optimise steering feel.

As for drive modes, the car has four – Eco, Normal, Sport S and Sport S+. In Sport S mode, engine speed and throttle response are adjusted to give a more engaging driving experience. Switching to Sport S+ combines the enhanced powertrain output of Sport S with co-ordinated control of the GS’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system.

The last includes the AVS and EPS plus, where fitted, the Lexus Dynamic Handling system, Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS), the trio being seen as standard on the GS 450h F Sport, making it the world’s first hybrid vehicle to feature an integrated four-wheel steering system.

The handling system monitors vehicle speed, steering direction and driver inputs, and calculates the optimum angle for all four wheels. With VGRS at the front and DRS at the rear, the system can independently control front and rear wheel steering angles to greatly improve turn-in response, rear grip, stability and overall agility when cornering.

The DRS monitors vehicle speed and yaw rate, steering angle and speed, and lateral G force to determine the required rear wheel steering input, up to a maximum two degrees – at most speeds below 80 km/h) the front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions, while in certain conditions above that speed, they turn in the same direction.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Lexus CT 200h F-Sport: bodykit and sportier suspension

Paul Tan — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:08:56 +0000

Here’s some new pix of the new Lexus CT 200h F-Sport, which is essentially a regular CT 200h equipped with sportier body styling and a sports suspension. We first featured the F-Sport CT 200h about a year ago where it premiered at the Australian International Motor Show. The Australian showcar was blue, equipped with the same kit.

The F-Sport kit for the CT 200h includes 17-inch dark-finish alloys, a larger rear spoiler, flared side skirts, a mesh front grille and new aero-styled bumpers front and rear. In the cabin the distinguishing features include an F-Sport steering wheel with a flat bottom section and aluminium pedals and scuff plates. The suspension has also had its coil spring rates revised and the standard Showa shocks replaced with ones supplied by Kayaba, all for a sportier setting.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Lexus GS 450h gets an early reveal ahead of Frankfurt

Harvinder Sidhu — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:42:26 +0000

UPDATE: Live photos have been added to the gallery.

The new Lexus GS was recently revealed in August and it looks better than ever. You can consider it as a larger IS, which is a good formula to grow from at least in the design department. Following the reveal of the D-segment contender, Lexus has just unveiled the hybrid version called the Lexus GS 450h ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show which should be starting anytime soon.

The new 450h uses the company’s second generation Hybrid Drive System which is made up by a 3.5 litre V6 Atkinson cycle gasoline engine with D-4S direct injection and a two-motor hybrid system.

This front engined rear-wheel drive system is able to collectively output 338hp, allowing it to sprint to 100km/h in just 5.6 seconds. At the same time, fuel consumption has improved by about 30%. The reduction in fuel consumption is contributed by enhanced cooling of the hybrid system’s Power Control Unit (PCU) as well as improved regenerative braking.

The full hybrid drivetrain which allows all-electric motoring also features a high-performance nickel-metal hydride battery pack, a power spilt device which helps allocate and combine power when required and so on. The GS 450h now sits on a stiffer platform with lightweight components.

It also has an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and the latest generation Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) to help make certain that traction is always available.

Other goodies include Electric Power Steering (EPS), 10 airbags and front seats with Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL). In the options list, there is a pre-collision system, Night Vision, Heads Up Display (HUD), Blind Spot Monitor as well as Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

In terms of design, the 450h is differentiated from its non-hybrid sibling with a three-lamp headlight system, larger 17-inch wheels and the customary blue-tinted logos. On the inside, along from the usual luxurious treatment, it has an analog clock with LED indicators, a new energy-saving auto climate control system called S-Flow that focuses airflow only to the front area where passengers are seated, a bamboo-finished steering wheel and more. All of these features are also available in the standard GS.

Continue reading to check out an image gallery and a promo video of the Lexus GS 450h.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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2012 Lexus GS sedan revealed – first details and images

Paul Tan — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:15:37 +0000

And here it is – the latest 2012 Lexus GS. It looks rather like an enlarged Lexus IS, featuring a similar hourglass shaped front grille found on the CT200h, a design that extends down to the bumper to visually integrate the upper and lower grilles on the front end. The headlamps are also now a one-piece design, losing the split design that the GS has had since the second generation.

Lexus has played it safe with the side profile – there are no funky creases that are very popular with car designers lately – instead the new 2012 GS looks like a smooth and solid chunk of steel from the side, with a strong shoulder line running level (as opposed to upwards sweeping) from the front wheel arch to the rear.

A few models will be available – the GS 250 has been confirmed by Lexus for at least the UK market. There will also be a GS 350 and a full hybrid – the GS 450h. Lexus also reveals that it will be having F-Sport versions of the new GS – but I wonder if they’ll do a monster GS-F?

Wheelbase (and exterior dimensions) remain about the same, but the chassis has been revised to be more rigid than the current GS thanks to an increased number of spot welds and adding laser welds in very specific locations. The track, wider by 40mm at the front and 50mm at the rear, works in combination with a revised suspension design for better handling.

In the front, lighter aluminium upper and lower control arms employ larger bushings. The rear subframe has been completely redesigned to accommodate an all-new multi-link rear suspension, the improved geometry enhancing rear-end control. With the stiffer platform and lighter components, the shock absorbers can use lighter-viscosity oil, responding faster to small inputs.

The interior shares a family look with the one in the CT 200h, and it certainly looks like a nice place to be in – definitely a huge, huge upgrade over the current GS visually. I hope the materials have been improved as well – they probably have been. Lexus says the interior room has been improved despite the car’s wheelbase not increasing in size. A new energy-saving auto climate control system called S-Flow uses the occupant-detection system to focus airflow only to the front area where passengers are actually seated.

The new Lexus GS boasts the option for a huge 12.3 inch high resolution screen, which tops anything offered by the German competitors in its class. The screen serves multiple purposes – a display for the GPS navigation, DVD audio/video, and displays for various other features such as the Bluetooth handsfree system which includes automatic phonebook download and more. For cars without a navi system, the screen is smaller at 8 inches. The standard speaker system is a 5.1 system but you can upgrade to an 835 watt 17 speaker Mark Levinson system.

And last but not least – no el-cheapo LED clock! Lexus has instead given the interior a nice touch with an analog clock carved from an ingot, neatly tucked in between the two central aircond vents.

Available safety systems include a Night Vision System that enhances driver visibility in the dark; Head-Up Display (HUD); a Blind Spot Monitor that helps detect vehicles in rear/side blind spots; and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW). The LKA system uses active steering torque to provide a small assistance in maintaining course, while the LDW feature alerts drivers if they begin to drift out of their lane.

Look after the jump for a gallery of the new 2012 GS. The GS will make its debut to the public at the 2011 Pebble Beach.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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2012 Lexus GS 350 AWD leaked on Chinese website

Paul Tan — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:38:19 +0000

These are the first leaked photos of the new 2012 Lexus GS to hit the internet, which were posted on Chinese website Auto Sina.

It’s basically a much tamer version of the Lexus LF-Gh concept shown earlier this year. The new GS looks more sportier and youthful, and I’m glad they went with regular looking headlamps instead of the weird triple lens design on the LF-Gh concept!

The car shown here seems to be a GS 350 from the badging, and there’s also an AWD badge to signify all wheel drive. The GS 350 is the base model in a lot of countries for the existing GS, although some countries like Malaysia got a GS 300.

Word is that with the new 2012 GS, Lexus will introduce a lower end GS 250 to match their German competitors which all have baseline models to offer in markets where the consumer does not care for large thirsty engines.

Look after the jump for a small gallery of the leaked images.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Next gen Lexus GS to come with 2.5L V6 engine – GS 250

Danny Tan — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 03:38:09 +0000

Last week, we posted on Lexus’ planned major lineup revamp, which will see its GS, ES, IS and LS sedans either redesigned or re-engineered by spring 2013. This, plus a halo “LFA Roadster”, will work to address flagging sales in the crucial North American market.

First out will be the new GS, which will be launched at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18 – a teaser is already out, click here to view it. The production car should retain much of what we see on the LF-Gh Hybrid Concept from the New York show earlier this year – in line with Lexus’ push for a more dynamic image. For the GS, out goes the soap bar shape for sharper BMW E60 style styling.

Around since 2005, the current GS has its smallest engine pegged at 3.0 litres (GS 300), but reports from Thailand say that the new model will have a smaller 2.5-litre V6 engine to better compete with BMW’s 5-Series and Mercedes’ E-Class. This logical move means that for the first time in the GS’ 20-year history, the car will have an engine smaller than 3.0 litres.

This move will allow Lexus to dodge Thailand’s maximum excise tax of 50% for cars with more than 220 hp (GS 300 has 229 hp), allowing it to be priced at “the level of its intended rivals”. The Thai assembled BMW 523i Highline and Mercedes-Benz E250 CGI Avantgarde sell for 4.249 million and 4.299 million baht, respectively. The current Japan made GS 300 is priced between 5.39 million and 5.99 million baht, putting it out of contention.

Lexus already has a 2.5 V6 in its IS compact exec, so this is no big issue. Perhaps Malaysia is part of the plans as well, since we have a road tax system based on engine capacity, and our market is used to mid sized execs with relatively small engines.

The fourth-generation GS will make its first appearance in our region later this year at Thailand’s Motor Expo.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Lexus GS 350 set for Pebble Beach launch – teaser pix out

Anthony Lim — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:52:17 +0000

Click to enlarge

Lexus has released a sneak peek image of its upcoming all-new GS 350 luxury sport sedan, which it will be unveiling at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18.

The darkened silhouette depiction doesn’t reveal much about the fourth-generation car, but does highlight the distinctive new front grille – essentially that as seen on the LF-Gh – that will soon be seen on all future Lexus vehicles. The new GS was spotted testing on the Nurburgring in prototype form last month.

The company says the completely redesigned vehicle will feature styling cues – again, largely previewed on the LF-Gh – in line with the brand’s new design philosophy, and will also lead the rest of the Lexus lineup towards an entirely new direction in terms of driving dynamics.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Lexus to revamp lineup, add dynamism in looks and drive

Danny Tan — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 07:28:21 +0000

We’ve just posted on BMW recording a big jump in sales and profits. They have to come from somwhere, and a unit gained by Munich is a sale lost by rivals such as Lexus. The North American market is crucial to Toyota’s luxury brand, and recently released July US figures don’t look good for the Japanese – while Audi sales were up 17% and BMW’s 12.3% compared to the same month last year, Lexus volumes slipped by 21.81%.

They’re not standing still, though. Automotive News reports that a major lineup revamp is in the cards, and Lexus’ GS, ES, IS and LS sedans will be either redesigned or re-engineered by spring 2013.

And as hinted by the Lexus GS prototype recently caught testing on Nurburgring, the next generation models will be more dynamic to drive – why else would they bring it to Green Hell and back?

They will look sharper too, as we’ve seen from the LF-Gf hybrid concept. The report adds that Lexus models will have a major change every three years, alternating between sheet metal and powertrain, like how BMW does it.

Besides the sportier new GS, which will debut early next year, the dowdy Lexus ES (pic above) will be redesigned in the summer of 2012 to look more different from donor car Toyota Camry. Its handling will be sharpened and there will be a hybrid option good for 40 mpg (14.2 km/l) combined.

Later in 2012, the compact IS sedan will be re-engineered, based on a shrunken version of the new GS platform. The good looking current car has been around since 2005, so it’s about time for a new one.

The brand’s flagship LS limo will remain for 2012, as a redesign is only due in spring 2013. Apparently, weight saving technology using premium materials is a main focus point, and Lexus will stick with a V8 engine for the range topping hybrid variant. The RX SUV will soldier on till 2014.

Lastly, an “LFA Roadster” will be offered, after the current run of 500 fixed top units is done, plus a one-year gap. That should be around mid 2014. It’s not too big a surprise, as Lexus has shown a topless LFA concept before. Can you imagine the sound of that V10 without a roof in place? It’s gonna be epic for sure!

Stiff competition forces carmakers to keep improving, which is good news for us, the consumer.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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2012 Lexus GS prototype spotted testing on the ‘Ring

Paul Tan — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:09:45 +0000

It’s about time for Lexus’ E-Class and 5-Series fighter to be updated, and we’ve already seen the future of the Lexus GS in the form of the recently showcased Lexus LF-Gh hybrid concept.

Now we see the production version being tested on the mother of all test grounds – the Nurburgring. The next generation GS is still very heavily disguised but we can see similarities to the LF-Gh hybrid concept preview car, such as the horizontal LED daytime running lights integrated into the lower edge of the headlamps.

There’s also not much to be seen at the rear but we get to see bait of the LED tail lamps lighting up here while the car is braking.

The current GS has a 2,850mm wheelbase, and this is expected to be retained with the new generation car. The new car will supposedly be slightly wider though – 1,870mm versus the current generation’s 1,821mm width.

Look after the jump to check out the rest of the spypix along with the previously published image gallery of the LF-Gf hybrid concept.

Spyshots licensed from SB-MEDIEN.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet – one-off wedding limo

Anthony Lim — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:11:13 +0000

Click to enlarge

It’s definitely unique, this one, a Lexus LS 600h L with only half a roof. It’s called the Landaulet, and the one-off vehicle – reworked with a one-piece transparent polycarbonate roof fitment – is set to serve as Prince Albert II of Monaco and Carlene Wittstock’s official royal wedding car on July 2.

The conversion work was carried out by Belgian coachbuilder Carat Duchatelet, working closely with Lexus engineers based in Brussels. The project took more than 2,000 hours to complete, with a focus on maintaining the levels of quality and preserving the performance, safety and dynamic attributes of the original car.

Reinforcing the bodyshell required extensive use of honeycomb structures, with Kevlar and carbon fibre composite materials being utilised to achieve suitable chassis stiffness and torsional rigidity, following the removal of the roof and pillars.

Click to enlarge

With composite parts needing to be cured at very high temperatures, and litreally having to be ‘cooked’ on to the bare chassis in a specially prepared oven in this case, much of the vehicle had to be dismantled – around 20,000 mechanical parts, electric component and interior features and upholstery were stripped out.

Re-assembly was carried out under close supervision of a Lexus engineering team to ensure consistency with original vehicle specifications and performance. Prior to re-assembly, the car was finished in an elegant Midnight Blue livery, applied by hand using several coats of a bespoke, water-based paint.

The transparent roof presented a challenge in both design – as a large, single piece with no reinforcements or pillars – and in manufacturing. To build it, Lexus sought cooperation with a French company that specialises in supplying similar components to the aerospace industry in the form of helicopter windscreens and fighter jet canopies.

Click to enlarge

The roof is a single, lightweight polycarbonate shell that is 8 mm thick and weighs just 26 kg. Fixed to the body of the Lexus through two intermediary parts, it allows a perfect view in and out of the car.

A template was made in a honeycomb structure and carbon fibre to validate the roof’s shape and structural integrity and to ensure a perfect fit with tolerances of less than a millimetre. Once the design was complete, robotic tools were used to produce the canopy and fit it to the Landaulet in a completely automated process. The final stage of the conversion, re-assembly and finishing took a team of 10 specialists working with Lexus engineers more than two weeks to complete.

On the day of the wedding the LS 600h Landaulet will be used by the royal couple to tour the principality after the marriage ceremony, after which it will be displayed at the Media Centre and later, the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Lexus IS-F and Lexus LFA on track in the UK

Paul Tan — Tue, 24 May 2011 15:12:50 +0000

Car companies rarely pit their own products against each other unless they’re a bike and a car, like recent BMW shootout featuring the M3 and the S1000RR. But Lexus has done just that – they’ve put the Lexus LFA supercar alongside their sole F-model, the Lexus IS-F on a track in Bruntingthorpe, UK.

Say what you want about the other Lexus vehicles… but just hear that Lexus LFA roar! One of the best recorded engine and exhaust tones around – I wish I could hear one go bonkers against the redline in real life!

Just as a recap – the Lexus IS-F is a monster IS with a 5.0 litre V8 engine producing 423 PS at 6,600 rpm with a 6,800 rpm redline, and 503 Nm of torque at 5,200 rpm. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The LFA on the other hand is powered by a high-revving 4.8 litre V10, making a peak power of 560 PS at 8,700 rpm and 480 Nm of torque at 6,800 rpm, of which 90% is available from 3,700 rpm. This V10 is mated to a 6-speed automated manual transmission. Apparently Lexus tried a dual clutch box out but decided shifts were too smooth and did not give an ‘emotional’ feeling.

Both the IS-F and the LFA’s engines had some help from Yamaha.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Gazoo Racing Lexus CT makes race debut at Nürburgring

Danny Tan — Mon, 16 May 2011 06:29:29 +0000

The Lexus CT hatchback made its race debut at the legendary Nürburgring circuit over the weekend. Prepped by Toyota’s racing partner Gazoo Racing, the same people responsible for racing the Lexus LFA, the CT competed in the Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy, racing for over six hours on the world’s most demanding circuit and finishing in 108th place from 127 finishers. Almost 200 cars took part.

The Gazoo Racing CT driver line-up features three experienced pilots: Kumi Sato, a female racer who competed in a Lexus IS 250 in 2008; Masahiko Kageyama, who previously supported Toyota’s vehicle development programme; and Minoru Takaki, who is responsible for production vehicle development.

Competing in the SP4 Class, the race car, like the road going CT 200h, features Lexus Hybrid Drive, but with a higher capacity 2.4-litre petrol engine instead of the usual 1.8L unit. The batteries and hybrid system are identical to the road car. Lexus says that the Racing CT requires less fuel and emits less emissions than any petrol or diesel race car.

Racing with a full hybrid car isn’t new to Lexus though – they raced an RX 400h in the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2005.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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VIDEO: Lexus CT200h 3D Projection for Earth Day

Paul Tan — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 16:31:30 +0000

Lexus celebrated Earth Day with this 3D light mapping projection featuring the Lexus CT200h on the Roosevelt Hotel. These projection displays seem to be getting very popular these days, with Hyundai doing something similar recently as well, in our very own Jalan Bukit Bintang. You might argue that it probably took alot of electricity to run that show, but compare it to the amount of trees that get cut down for print advertising to reach the same amount of people at the Earth Day event as well as online viewers of the video archived on YouTube and featured on websites such as this, it’s certainly greener!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Lexus LF-Gh hybrid – the face of the future GS emerges

Anthony Lim — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 04:18:14 +0000

Full images of the Lexus LF-Gh hybrid concept, which is set to make its global debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show next week, have come about. The concept – which effectively showcases the direction the new GS should take – was teased last week with two partial reveal photos, but now you get to see the whole shebang.

Design-wise, the company says the LF-Gh has been conceived as a redefinition of the luxury grand tourer, with a “clean sheet of paper” approach to design. The shape combines presence and emotional appeal with functionality, offering enhanced creature comforts and load space big enough to carry luggage for an extended trip, so it goes.

The front end design incorporates a spindle-shaped grille that projects a resolute look, while also contributing to efficient aerodynamics and radiator and brake duct operation. Remember the face – you’re going to see it again in future Lexus models, and definitely on the next-gen GS.

A very deep front bumper adds to the sense of movement and a low centre of gravity, while the raised bonnet line implies strong performance potential, and the LED headlamps and independent L-shaped LED daytime running lights ensure the LF-Gh has a distinct face.

Design features include front air flow inlets next to the vertically arranged LED fog lamps, exiting through similar slim outlets at the rear that follow the curve of the tail lamps. The concept also explores how traditional features such as door mirrors and handles can be minimised to enhance overall sleekness and improve aerodynamics.

The increased width (the concept measures in at 4,890 mm long, 1,870 mm wide and 1,450 mm tall, with a 2,850 mm wheelbase) provides a suitable canvas for the distinctive wraparound LED tail lamps, which feature intricate reflectors set behind all-red lenses. Judicious use of slim chrome trim elements in the bumper, exhaust and diffuser add subtle touches.

Inside, things have become quite driver-orientated – the driver’s zone has a high-visibility instrument panel and a centre console that’s intuitive to use. A new analogue clock (finally!!) with a three-dimensional face serves as a focal point for the cabin, which is finished in high-quality materials with finely honed detailing.

Blue LED Lexus Hybrid Drive badges in the front grille and on the bootlid denote the car’s hybrid nature, and rounding things off with this one are 20-inch five twin-spoke wheels and P245/35R front and P285/30R rear rubbers.

High-res photo gallery after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Lexus LF-Gh – first teaser shots of new hybrid revealed

Anthony Lim — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:29:08 +0000

As it gets closer to its debut at the upcoming New York International Auto Show later this month, Lexus has teased the Lexus Future Grand Touring hybrid concept with two photos offering partial reveals of the front and rear.

The company tags the LF-Gh as a redefinition of the luxury “grand tourer,” and undoubtedly, the concept will be effectively premiering the new form of the GS, the current incarnation of which has been around since 2005. The debutant is set to make its entrance on April 19.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Lexus LF-Gh to debut at NYIAS: will preview next gen GS?

Paul Tan — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 05:56:31 +0000

Lexus has revealed that it will be exhibiting a new concept called the Lexus LF-Gh Concept at the 2011 New York International Auto Show sometime in mid-April 2011.

A simple ‘decode’ of the Lexus language for its concept cars indicate that this is a preview of the next generation Lexus GS, as the Gh most likely means GS Hybrid, and LF probably stands for Lexus Future.

The current generation Lexus GS first made its debut in late 2003 as a concept car called the LF-S (Lexus Future Sedan), and then made its production debut in 2005. It’s about time for a new GS sometime this year or next.

The new GS will no doubt have regular powertrains as well as hybrid powertrains, but will we finally see a high performance GS-F with this new generation?

The image shown above is the current generation Lexus GS450h.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Lexus CT 200h: an in-depth first look at the most affordable Lexus in Malaysia, and it’s a hybrid too!

Paul Tan — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 03:55:11 +0000

The most affordable Lexus in Malaysia was launched, with the full spec luxury version being priced at just under the RM200,000 mark. It’s not the only hybrid in the Lexus family but it’s the smallest model and represents the most affordable way to enter into Lexus ownership, which was previously held by the IS 250.

The Lexus CT 200h is built at the Toyota factory in Kyushu, Japan. For the Malaysian market, UMW Toyota Motor has introduced two variants – the Lexus CT 200h and Lexus CT 200h Luxury. Customers have a choice of 7 exterior colours, of which two – Fire Agate Mica Metallic and Flare Yellow Mica Metallic are available only with the Lexus CT 200h Luxury version.

Like the rest of the Lexus models, the CT 200h implements the latest adaptation of the L-finesse design philosophy. The front grille extends beyond the headlamps for greater visual integration with the bumper mid-section below. It incorporates a deeper, more sculpted interpretation of the L-finesse arrowhead motif. The CT 200h Luxury’s headlamps come with twin LED (light-emitting diodes) low beam lamps. In fact, the Lexus CT 200h has the largest number of external LEDs yet fitted to a Lexus model – 89 in total.

Incidentally, Lexus was the first car company to introduce LED headlamps for low beam usage, starting with the hybrid Lexus LS 600h L in 2007. LED headlamps consume almost 45% less power than conventional halogen units, thus they offer a small improvement in fuel economy. LEDs are also more lasting and illuminate more quickly.

For the CT 200h Luxury, the pull-type front door handles have touch sensors to lock and unlock the doors. Lexus says the cut-out behind the handle is 3mm deeper than other Lexus models, a design improvement which is supposed to make for a more comfortable grip as people with big hands or long fingernails will be less likely to brush against the bodywork.

Diffuser fins under the centre of the car manage airflow as it moves towards the rear end. According to Lexus, departing airflow at the rear of the car is managed by the deep roof spoiler, aerodynamic fins at the corners of the rear windows and the sharp, near-vertical junction of rear wing and bumper. The underside has also been designed ensure the smoothest possible airflow.

Having a full hybrid powertrain means that the Lexus CT 200h can run in either petrol or electric modes exclusively, or a combination of both, unlike motor assist hybrids which have to depend on the combustion engine for drive all the time and can only use the motor for power assist whenever more power is needed.

The Lexus Hybrid Drive in the Lexus CT 200h consists of a 1.8 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, a powerful electric motor, a generator, a high-performance 168-cell battery, a power control unit and a power-split device. The electrical components are housed in a casing that is about the size of a conventional gearbox. Drive to the front wheels is through a Shift-by-Wire electronically-controlled continuously-variable transmission (E-CVT).

The DOHC 16-valve petrol engine has a capacity of 1.8 litres and develops 98 bhp at 5,200 rpm with 142 Nm of torque between 2,800 – 4,400 rpm. In combination with the output provided by the electric motor, the maximum power available can be boosted to 134 bhp. Torque from the electric motor is a maximum of 207 Nm and typical of electric motors, it peaks early so there is actually lots of torque from the get go. It’s nothing like a turbodiesel engine of course but the pull is stronger than a usual normally aspirated petrol engine.

The petrol engine, which has a high compression ratio of 13.0:1, is tuned for RON95 fuel. Factory tests based on Japan’s 10-15 cycle show the Lexus CT 200h to be capable of achieving up to 33 kms/litre.

The hybrid system operates in various modes. Whenever the Lexus CT 200h is stopped for a while, the engine stops running to save fuel. It will automatically restart when moving off. Under certain conditions and with sufficient charge in the battery, the car can also run in EV mode, using only the electric motor. In this mode, emissions are zero and the car is remarkably silent while moving.

It’s actually quite a nice feeling driving a car that produces no sound other than a very soft electronic whine, and in the Prius which has the same system, I found myself forcing EV mode as often as I could in parking lots or as I was approaching my home. The maximum distance that can be travelled in EV mode is approximately 2 km, depending on speed and other factors that draw on battery power. When NORMAL mode is in use and from start-up to a maximum speed of 45 km/h, the CT 200h automatically runs in EV mode, unless battery power is low).

Other than the EV mode, there are also 3 other driving modes the driver can select – ECO, NORMAL or SPORT. ECO mode is used for fuel efficiency. Throttle response to aggressive inputs on the accelerator pedal is reduced and the air-conditioning operation is optimized for better fuel economy. Most people will find the ECO mode offers a more relaxed driving character with a better chance for the best fuel economy.

The SPORT mode increases the output of the electric motor. It not only modifies the throttle and EPS steering settings for better responsiveness but also reduces the influence of the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC) systems.

Via the Electronically Controlled Braking Regeneration (ECB-R) system, the electric motor acts as a high-output generator during deceleration and also when braking. It recovers energy that would otherwise be lost and uses this energy as electrical energy for storage in the battery. The battery power level is constantly managed by the ECU and there is no need for recharging from an external source.

Introduced for the first time on a Lexus is a unique lateral performance damper system which absorbs and minimizes body vibrations for a more linear steering feel and better ride comfort. This system which available only with the CT 200h Luxury features a front performance damper connecting the left and right front suspension towers, and a rear damper connecting the left and right sides of the rear structural frame.

With construction similar to that of a monotube suspension damper, the front and rear assemblies differ according to the variations in body rigidity, noise and vibration of their surroundings, optimizing their ability to absorb body torsion, flexure and fine vibrations. According to Lexus, the result is reduced floor vibrations across a wide frequency range as well as reduced body flex in left and right front suspension tower displacement. Unsprung weight has been minimized and shock absorber damping response enhanced through the use of aluminium steering knuckles and stabilizer links, and lightweight lower arms, hub bearings and shock absorbers.

A lightweight, large diameter, front anti-sway bar improves the controllability, braking stability and evasive maneuverability of the car. It features a ball joint link strut connection for good sway rigidity, and a fluorine resin coating between the bushings and the bar itself reduces friction. A fully independent double wishbone rear suspension incorporates a lightweight trailing arm, and positions the coil spring and shock absorber separately to minimize system intrusion into the boot floor.

In order to minimize the yaw inertia moment and improve the CT 200h’s agility, bodywork components most distant from the vehicle’s centre of gravity – eg the bonnet, tailgate and bumper reinforcements – are made of lighter aluminium material. Overall vehicle height, ride height and the driver’s hip point have been set low while the hybrid battery has been located under the loadspace floor (but within the wheelbase), optimizing weight distribution and balance.

Standard wheels for the Lexus CT 200h are 16-inch aluminium alloy rims with 205/55R16 tyres. The spare tyre is a high-pressure emergency type.

The Lexus CT 200h has 8 airbags and Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats are fitted as standard. There is also Anti-Lock brakes (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). TRC monitors and controls the amount of power that is applied to the road through the car’s wheels. If the system detects that one or more wheels is about to lose traction it instantly determines the best way to restore traction to that wheel, either by decreasing the power being sent to the wheel that is about to spin or, in more extreme cases, momentarily braking the wheel until it regains traction.

VSC is designed to help prevent loss of car control when entering a corner too fast or in slippery conditions which might lead to wheelspin. Via sensors monitoring car body rotation, wheel speed and brake pressure, the system assesses vehicle stability and a wheelslip situation. The system helps restore stability by applying calculated modulated braking to the appropriate wheel individually to create a counter-force. It works transparently and without any driver activation needed; when in operation, a warning light appears on the instrument panel to alert the driver.

At the front, the CT 200h uses 10-inch ventilated disc brakes with aluminium calipers, a resin piston and high friction brake pads. Curiously, the rear discs are larger – 11-inch solid discs with aluminium calipers and a V-spring to reduce brake drag.

There are SRS dual-stage airbags at the front, side and also at the knees. The passenger’s airbag is larger than the driver’s and has a depression in the middle to ‘capture’ the occupant more effectively in the centre of the airbag so that load dispersal is optimized. Front occupants are also protected with curtain shield airbags.

There are 3 interior colour schemes – Black & Ivory (Lexus CT 200h Luxury only), all Black, or Black & Water Grey. The dashboard is divided into two distinct zones: an upper Display Zone, with an 7-inch LCD multi information display screen, and a lower Operation Zone, which has the shift lever and system controls.

Selection of the ECO, NORMAL or SPORT mode is done using a rotating knob on the centre part of the dashboard. Depending on the mode selected, the illumination of the Optitron instrument panel will be either red (SPORT) or blue (ECO and NORMAL). In ECO and NORMAL modes, the leftmost meter will show a Hybrid System Indicator which keeps the driver informed of the output and regeneration status of the Lexus Hybrid Drive. The indicator also has an ECO zone to help the driver achieve lower fuel consumption. In SPORT mode, this display becomes a tachometer.

Both front and rear seat are placed close to the vehicle’s centre to reduce the polar moment of inertia and enhance maneuverability. The front seats are spaced at a distance of 71 cm, while rear seat spacing has been reduced to 62 cm and the hip point raised by 2.5 cm. The engineers also flattened the centre of the rear seats, thinned the front seatbacks and flattened the rear floor of the Lexus CT 200h’s platform.

The Luxury spec’s driver’s seat has an 8-way power adjustment and incorporates a memory function, power lumbar support adjustment. The front seats also have support wires inserted in the side bolsters. The front edge of the seat has been shaped to provide a larger contact area – Lexus claims this reduces fatigue on long journeys. There is also a support pleat on the cover to better coordinate the motion of the driver’s body with the car, giving a better sense of control.

The hatchback has 375L of luggage capacity, and the floor is flat, extendable by folding down the rear backrests, increasing the volume to 985L. There is storage for two bottles and a can at the front and each door pocket can take a 500 ml bottle as well as a magazine. There is also a slot for a handphone between the front seats and a special handphone holder as well.

Unlike earlier hybrids, air-conditioning is not an issue as it is equipped with a system which uses a electric variable-capacity compressor. This type of compressor reduces the load on the engine, improving fuel economy. The compressor typically runs below full capacity enabling greater efficiency and lower noise levels. The air conditioner can continue to run even when the engine shuts off in EV mode. The Electric Power Steering (EPS) has a quick ratio of 14.6:1 and 2.7 turns lock-to-lock.

The Remote Touch multi-function control device (first offered in the RX 450h) is located directly in the operation zone directly behind the shift lever. It’s very different from the systems in other cars that typically uses rotary knobs, Lexus claims the Remote Touch operates on the same fundamental principles as a computer mouse, but adapted for use in the driving environment. The Remote Touch knob incorporates reaction force feedback for better tactility, and it offers control over the multi-display screen to access the audio, navigation, climate, phone and vehicle set-up systems.

Interestingly Lexus has also tried to optimize the on-board audio system for better fuel economy. The speakers are unique, bamboo charcoal-based resin diaphragm speakers. Constructed using a complex compound combining bamboo charcoal, bamboo fibre and resin, the diaphragms are injection-moulded and are relatively thin. They are some 10 to 15% lighter than conventional speaker diaphragms, yet 20% stiffer and with a 10% greater sonic speed.

Fitted as standard in the Lexus CT 200h Luxury is a 10-speaker Lexus Premium Audio System, integrated with a 6-disc, in-dash CD-changer. The system uses a DSP integrated 8-channel, full-range class D amplifier. The new DSP unit, making its first appearance in a Lexus model, consumes 50% less power than a conventional, analogue-powered amplifier, and is also 26% lighter. This system has both USB and auxiliary port connectivity as well as Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with an audio/video streaming function.

Enjoy a hi-res gallery of the Lexus CT 200h after the jump!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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Lexus CT200h hybrid hatchback hits Malaysian shores: the most affordable Lexus under RM200k

Anthony Lim — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 08:32:16 +0000

Lexus Malaysia has introduced the CT 200h to its local lineup, and the hybrid brings the number of models available in the Malaysian stable to seven.

The five-door hatchback, which is made in Kyushu, Japan, rolls in wearing a “hybrid luxury compact” tag, and though it’s powered by the same the same powertrain combination as found on the ZVW30 Prius, the ZWA10R is slotted in as a more upmarket offering compared to its Toyota sibling.

As mentioned in an earlier report about its impending arrival, the CT 200h is available in two guises, standard and Luxury, with a fair amount of items on the kit list to separate the two.

Common equipment to both variants are perforated leather seats (with seat heaters), dual-zone air conditioning and cruise control. Safety-wise, there’s a host of stuff – ABS, BA, VSC, TRC and EBD, as well as eight airbags and rear seat Isofix points, and both versions of the car come wearing the same wheel, which is a 16-incher wrapped with 205/55 series tyres.

The standard CT 200h, priced at RM168,000 without insurance, comes with a CD-player/six-speaker audio system, with USB/auxiliary port connectivity, halogen headlamps and manual adjustment for both driver and front passenger seats.

Going the Luxury route, which brings the price to RM196,500 (again without insurance), bags a six-disc in-dash CD-changer/10-speaker entertainment system, replete with Bluetooth connectivity and a high performance DSP eight-channel, full-range class D amplifier, twin LED low beam lamps – along with arrowhead-shaped daytime running lamps – and eight-way powered adjustment for the driver’s seat.

Speaking of LEDs, here’s something for the trivia fans; the CT 200h has the largest number of external LEDs yet fitted to a Lexus model, 89 in total.

The Luxury version also gets smart entry, an Electro Multi Vision (EMV) screen, rain sensing wipers and a rear reverse camera, a Lexus navigation system and Remote Touch multi-function controller, as well as a unique lateral performance damper system that make for a more linear steering feel and enhanced ride comfort.

The CT 200h is powered by a 2ZR-FXE 1.8 litre Atkinson cycle petrol block developing 98 hp at 5,200 rpm and 142 Nm at 4,000 rpm and tuned for RON 95 fuel. Together with a permanent magnet synchronous motor/168-cell NiMh electric drivetrain offering 80 hp and 207 Nm, the total combined output is 134 hp, identical to the Prius.

Other numbers include a competitive 375 litres of luggage capacity for the boot, which goes up to 985 litres with the rear seats folded down.

The CT 200h comes with a choice of seven exterior colours, of which two – Fire Agate Mica Metallic and Flare Yellow Mica Metallic – have been specially developed for the car and are available only with the Luxury version.

Lexus Malaysia is aiming to sell around 800 units of the CT 200h this year, and ordering one now will see you getting delivery sometime in June. Look after the jump for a full live photo gallery from the launch in the brand’s Mutiara Damansara flagship outlet.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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VIDEO: Lexus LFA does donuts around a supermodel

Paul Tan — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 01:44:35 +0000

Something interesting for those who are finally back to work today after a long extended Chinese New Year break – TWO “supermodels” in one video. The corn-like shade is not the best colour for a Lexus LFA though, I must say, but luckily the V10′s growl makes up for it!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:01:01 +0000.

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