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2009-06-04T17:55:00Z

There are luxurious cars, and there are fuel-efficient cars. There are even some that offer moderate levels of both characteristics. But no vehicle has managed—or even attempted—to take luxury and fuel economy simultaneously to such high levels as has the 2010 Lexus HS250h, the industry’s first dedicated luxury hybrid. Think of it as the Prius of Lexuses or the Lexus of Priuses—your choice—and you won’t be far off.

If any company can pull it off, it’s Lexus. But by Lexus’s own admission, the HS250h is not one of the brand’s so-called no-compromises hybrids—such as the RX450h, the GS450h, and the LS600h—which supplement well-endowed engines with electric power for a driving experience that feels befitting of their luxurious trappings while still delivering better fuel economy and lower emissions. By inference, then, is Lexus suggesting that the HS250h is perhaps a “compromised” hybrid? After our first drive in one on the roads around Newport Beach, California, it became clearly evident that that’s what it is.

“Mooing” Motor and Un-Lexus-y Loudness
So what happens when Toyota takes the small-car chassis on which it also bases the Prius and adds hundreds of pounds’ worth of Euro-market Toyota Avensis–based sheetmetal and luxo gewgaws? Well, for one thing, it gets slower—which is why Lexus deemed the Prius’s 98-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder inadequate and replaced it with the Camry hybrid’s Atkinson-cycle, 2.4-liter unit with 147 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque. The nickel-metal hydride battery pack and electric motor conspire with the engine for a system output of 187 hp (the 3050-pound Prius makes only 134 combined horsepower). Hustling the 3740-pound HS250h to 60 mph takes 8.4 seconds, which is 1.4 seconds faster than the last Prius we tested. The HS pays the piper in fuel economy, though, as its EPA city/highway ratings of 35/34 mpg doesn’t even come close to the Prius’s 51/48 figures.

In spite of the HS250h’s alleged acceleration advantage, the Prius and the HS250h feel virtually identical from behind the electrically assisted steering wheel (which, in the HS250h, unlike in the Prius, is thankfully not ovoid). Road feel is pretty much zero, even with the optional 18-inch wheels and 225/45- series tires. However, the steering response is direct and reasonably quick. At the same time, the interior sound quality isn’t exactly up to the traditional Lexus-isolationist level. We wish it were, for as much as we like to hear and feel what’s going on beneath us, what we hear and feel inside the HS250h are the droning “mooOOOOooo” of the engine-and-CVT combination during acceleration, along with a fair amount of tire noise and low-level reverberations from road impacts. We understand that less weight is important for any hybrid in the interest of fuel economy—and indeed for any vehicle—but even we would like a few more pounds of sound-deadening material in the HS250h so we don’t have to hear the powertrain’s pitiful drone. We suspect anyone who’s ever owned a whisper-quiet Lexus would agree.

Think you can creep around in EV mode to shut things up? Technically, you can for up to two or three miles, so long as the battery remains above a 50-percent state of charge. This requires the tenderest of right feet (which we admit we don’t have) and only works when not accelerating at speeds higher than 20 mph. Otherwise, the engine fires up.

The HS250h subscribes to the latest craze in hybrids in offering selectable “eco” and “power” settings in addition to a normal mode. Eco mode accelerates battery recharging and retards throttle response to maximize efficiency; power mode does the opposite. Putzing around Newport Beach in the HS250h, we noticed a canyon of difference between the two modes and a commensurate difference between the resulting fuel economy, as well. Employing our best hypermiling techniques in eco mode for many miles, we eked the HS250 to over 42 mpg— although we assure you we made few friends among our fellow drivers along the way. In power mode, we enjoyed crisper acceleration, of course, but had a hard time getting mileage anywhere above the high 20s.

A Little More Luxury, a Little Less Practicality
Okay, so dynamically, the HS250h leaves a lot to be desired. But what about luxury? The good news is that the HS250h offers many more luxury fitments than we usually associate with hybrids. Problem is, so does the 2010 Prius. The list of features that come standard on the HS is long, but not much longer than that of a reasonably well-optioned Prius. And there are many options—such as the odd-but-effective “lane keep assist” feature, adaptive cruise control with collision mitigation, and swiveling headlamps—that can also be added to the Prius. Exclusive to the HS250h, however, are such options as Lexus’s nifty “remote touch” controller, a wide-view front monitor, a head-up display, and a Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system. The HS250h debuts Lexus’s new OnStar-like Enform system, which makes real live people available to beam directions to your navigation system, displays sports and stock information, and allows owners to input up to 100 destinations into the car from their computer rather than from the driver’s seat.

What you won’t find are the roof-mounted solar panels that are available on the lower-priced Prius. There are other compromises, too. The base textured leather upholstery feels more like leatherette and makes the upgraded semi-aniline leather a worthwhile upgrade. Color combos are slick, especially the high-contrast cream leather with black carpeting, but there remains a certain sense of thin-skinned cheapness to the materials that reveal the car’s light-weight-over-substance priority set. And with the batteries located between the rear seatback and trunk, the cargo area is surprisingly small and lacks the accessibility of the Prius’s hatchback. (To be fair, the HS has the largest access slot of any Lexus sedan.)

We’d Rather Have a Prius (There, We Said It)
Lexus claims that a not-insignificant 60 percent of entry-luxury customers would consider a hybrid if it were available. If that is the truth, this car should sell reasonably well. Still, it’s hard to say that the HS250h does the hybrid thing—i.e., get great mileage and make splashy green statements—as well as the Prius. Nor does the HS250h do the luxury thing as well as other Lexuses. It is less practical than the Prius while returning exactly as much driving satisfaction—which is to say very little—all without the green halo effect that has made the Prius the favorite of the environmentally inclined. Indeed, if the HS250h isn’t going to drive any better than the Prius, we’d rather have the mileage—and the lower monthly payment—of a Prius instead.

So, the HS250h is a “compromises hybrid” that strikes a compromise between good mileage and a fair amount of high-brow comfort features. We can think of other vehicles—the Mercedes-Benz E-class diesel or even a loaded Ford Fusion hybrid—that strike that balance just as well, and drive better in the process.

Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

ESTIMATED BASE PRICE: $33,000

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 16-valve inline-4, 147 hp, 138 lb-ft; AC permanent-magnet electric-motor assist, 141 hp, 199 lb-ft; combined power rating, 187 hp

TRANSMISSION: continuously variable automatic

DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase: 106.3 in Length: 184.8 in Width: 70.3 in Height: 59.3 in Curb weight: 3740 lb

TEST RESULTS:

Zero to 60 mph: 8.4 sec

Standing ¼-mile: 16.5 sec @ 87 mph

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2009-06-03T13:27:00Z

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2008 Lexus RX400h Model Year End Closeout Fleet Prices Now $10K OFF MSRP 1-888-861-8080

2009-04-23T19:09:00Z

2008 Lexus RX 400h

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2008 Lexus RX400h Review
Thanks to its gasoline/electric drivetrain, the 2008 Lexus RX 400h combines traditional Lexus luxury with improved fuel economy and utility. Available in either front- or all-wheel drive, the 400h uses an advanced hybrid system that combines a 3.3-liter V6 gas engine with a 288-volt nickel metal battery pack and electric motor generators. The engine and motor generators combine seamlessly, and the RX 400h can run on battery power at low acceleration or when coasting. It also boasts an impressive 286 horsepower (38 more than the RX 330) and has a 0-60-mph time of 7.3 seconds (7.5 seconds for all-wheel-drive models). Those are numbers that belong to most sports coupes, but the RX 400h also posts an EPA mpg rating of 32 city/27 highway. For 2008, the 400h makes some minor changes to its lists of standard and optional equipment. It now comes with a standard fabric interior, with leather trim available as an option, and added power lumbar adjustment for the power front passenger seat. And while the hybrid SUV already comes with an impressive list of standard safety features, this year it adds a standard tire-pressure monitoring system. The 2008 Lexus RX 400h is essentially the only real luxury hybrid SUV on the market, but potential buyers may also want to compare it to the Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Toyota's Highlander Hybrid. Although the 400h is substantially more expensive than either, it does offer luxurious interior amenities and tighter handling, as well as better acceleration and performance. Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options The 2008 Lexus RX 400h is a midsize SUV with a gasoline/electric powertrain. The base 400h comes with cloth seats, 10-way power driver and front passenger seats with power lumbar support, dual-zone climate control, second row seats that slide and recline, an eight-speaker, six-disc CD player and 17-inch wheels. Options include leather seats, a roof rack with rails, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, moonroof, HID headlamps that swivel when you turn and 18-inch wheels. The 400h also offers an audio package with an 11-speaker Mark Levinson DVD audio system, and a stand-alone navigation option that includes a back-up camera and voice activation. The vehicle is available with front- or all-wheel drive. Powertrains and Performance The 400h uses a hybrid drivetrain that combines a 3.3-liter V6 engine with high-torque electric-drive motor-generators. Coupled with a continuously variable transmission, the 400h produces 268 hp and boasts a 0-60-mph time of 7.3 seconds (7.5 seconds for all-wheel-drive models). It has an EPA mpg rating of 32 city/27 highway. Safety The 2008 RX 400h provides standard front, side-curtain, head and driver knee airbags. It also comes with antilock brakes, brake assist, stability and traction control and a rollover sensor. Official crash tests of the 400h have not been performed but scores of its sister vehicle, the regular RX 350, should be applicable. Interior Design and Special Features The 400h has a sleek, high-tech interior with aluminum trim, chrome-rimmed gauges and a touchscreen that displays the gas-electric power distribution. The 40/20/20-split rear seat slides and reclines. The 38-cubic-foot rear cargo capacity expands to just shy of 85 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, and comes with a power liftgate. Driving Impressions The 2008 Lexus RX 400h drives a lot like the RX 350, which is not a bad thing at all. The electric motor doesn't provide the gusto V8 sound we love in a performance car, but the acceleration is just as strong. Ride quality is plush and the handling is nice and tight, in spite of the extra 300 pounds the 400h carries over the regular RX 330. However, you can definitely feel that extra weight in turns. We also noticed some rather intrusive engine noise, as the hybrid system forces the V6 to rev up to redline under hard acceleration. What's New Lexus introduced the hybrid-powered sibling to the RX 330 last year, so for 2008 there are only minor changes to the vehicle's list of standard and optional features.

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2009-04-20T19:58:00Z

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2009 Lexus GX 470

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Introduction
The Lexus GX 470 is designed for active families with young children, balancing comfort and features with real off-road potential. Underneath, the GX 470 has body-on-frame construction like commercial or military trucks, with a solid rear axle and serious four-wheel drive features such as a locking center differential and dual-speed transfer case. Inside, the GX 470 is roomy, quiet and luxurious, with an optional third-row seat that expands capacity to eight. Its cabin is swathed in leather and bird's-eye maple. An overhead-cam V8 and smooth five-speed automatic transmission provide sufficient power for towing, trail-bashing, or carving corners on a coastal highway.

Features
For 2009, Lexus has focused on the GX 470's information and entertainment options. Its state-of-the-art rear-seat DVD system is enhanced with a 9-inch, wide-format screen. Nearly all the infotainment hardware and software has been improved, for the edification of young and old. The optional navigation system adds voice activation and enhanced display features. An input jack for iPods and other audio devices is now standard, and the optional Mark Levinson Premium Audio now plays DVDs as well as conventional and MP3/WMA-formatted CDs. Everyone, rear-seat passengers and the driver, can watch a flick on one of the screens, including the nav screen, while the GX 470 is parked. In the GX 470, rugged clearly does not mean outdated, and that goes beyond the entertainment choices. Its full-time four-wheel drive features electronic traction control (A-TRAC) and automatically dispatches torque to the tires with the best grip. An electronic system called Downhill Assist Control (DAC) helps the GX 470 safely negotiate slippery inclines, while Vehicle Stability Control helps steady the GX 470 in slippery turns. Based on the Toyota 4Runner, a Lexus GX 470 is highly capable off road and can go practically anywhere its driver is willing to point it.

Summary
The Lexus GX 470 is a good choice for buyers who want luxury, build quality and off-road capability. It's smooth and powerful on the road and can go nearly anywhere off the pavement. The cabin is trimmed in quality materials and features good ergonomic function. It's roomy and comfortable and can accommodate up to eight people when equipped with the optional third-row seat. Plus, there's the Lexus reputation for quality, durability and reliability. If your driving takes you off the pavement or deep snow is part of your annual driving, the Lexus GX 470 is an excellent choice.

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2009-04-09T15:01:00Z

2009 Lexus GS 350

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2009 Lexus GS 350 Review
The Lexus GS 350 is a rear-wheel-drive sports sedan with a powerful V-6 engine and available all-wheel drive. The GS 350 competes with midsize sport sedans like the BMW 535i, Mercedes-Benz E350, Cadillac STS V-6 and Acura RL. To get a V-8 with the GS, look at the more expensive GS 460. The hybrid GS 450h uses a gas-electric V-6 powertrain.

Exterior
Lexus says the sedan has a futuristic look. The GS 350 has a long hood, a very short rear deck and wide, tapered C-pillars that flow back to the car's rear. Long side glass and a steep back window enhance the car's performance image. 17-inch wheels are standard, and 18-inch wheels are optional. A moonroof and power rear sunshade are also optional.

Interior
Five occupants fit inside the GS 350. An optional navigation system comes with Bluetooth, voice activation and a rearview camera. A 7-inch dashboard screen works with the navigation system and also serves as a monitor for the Intuitive Park Assist system. The refined interior includes an aluminum-face gauge cluster, 10-way power front seats with heated leather upholstery, available fan ventilation, push-button start, dual climate control, 10-speaker, six-CD stereo, 12.7 cubic feet of trunk space and an available Mark Levinson surround-sound system with 14 speakers.

Under the Hood
All-wheel drive is available for the GS 350. Hydraulic controls in the system vary the front/rear torque split from 30/70 to 50/50 and provide what Lexus calls the performance advantages of rear-wheel drive with the traction of all-wheel drive. A 3.5-liter, 303-horsepwoer V-6 engine making 303 horsepower is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Summary
The 2009 Lexus GS 350's reserves of power, serene ride and respectable handling should easily satisfy most drivers. The capable V6 is civilized enough for the daily commute, yet possesses enough grunt for spirited driving. The GS confidently carves and corners, thanks to its rigid chassis and sophisticated suspension, but lacks the athleticism found in other sport sedans. Initially, we found the brakes had a bit too much grab, but they were certainly effective, as our testing showed the GS 350 could stop from 60 mph in just 114 feet. For those who expect to drive in inclement weather conditions, the all-wheel-drive option makes an excellent choice.

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2009-04-09T14:30:00Z

2009 Lexus ES 350

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2009 Lexus ES 350 Review
The 2009 Lexus ES 350 is largely unchanged. ES is essentially a luxury version of the Toyota Camry; Lexus is Toyota's premium division. ES 350 is powered by a 272-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine. The sole transmission is a 6-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain side airbags, front and rear side airbags, and front knee airbags. Lexus' Pre-Collision System, which readies airbags, seatbelts, and brakes when sensors detect a skid or imminent crash, is optional. It's paired with adaptive cruise control. Wood interior trim and a sunroof are included, but leather upholstery is optional. Other options include the Ultra Luxury Package with a "panorama" glass roof, a navigation system with a rearview camera, and steering-linked headlamps. The Pebble Beach Edition option package includes heated and cooled front seats and specific interior and exterior trim.

Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G37, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Infiniti M, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo V70. New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura RL, Acura TL, Cadillac CTS-V, Jaguar XF, and Volkswagen CC. The BMW X6 is scheduled to receive a gas/electric model for 2009, and the Infiniti G37 is scheduled to receive a convertible model.

Summary
The 2009 ES 350 is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, available in one trim only, the Sedan. Upon introduction, the ES 350 is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 272-horsepower engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2009 ES 350 is a carryover from 2008.

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Lexus Dealers Go Live On FleetRates.com Offering Its Members Low Lexus Prices & Lease Payments 1-800-851-9000

2009-04-09T00:38:00Z

2009 Lexus LS 460

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2009 Lexus LS 460 Review
It's been two decades since Lexus stepped up to the plate and cracked an epic home run on its first at-bat with the LS 400. No longer a rookie, and with plenty of awards under its belt, this seasoned player is still making the competition tremble. The 2009 Lexus LS 460 is a large luxury sedan that is also available as a long-wheelbase LS 460 L version. All-wheel drive is available on both models. The standard LS 460 comes exceptionally appointed with standard features that include 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, a sunroof, leather seating, wood trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats with power controls and memory, keyless ignition/entry and a 10-speaker audio system with a six-CD/MP3 changer and auxiliary audio jack.

Walkaround
The 2009 Lexus LS 460 undergoes further refinement after a redesign two years ago. The addition of an all-wheel-drive option for greater traction and road-holding ability is now available on the base LS 460 as well as the LS 460 L long-wheelbase version. Maintaining the Lexus LS line's reputation as an all-star are such exemplary traits as a silent and super-smooth ride, commendable engine performance, stalwart reliability and undeniable value among competing large luxury sedans. Additional bells and whistles such as a 19-speaker surround-sound system and intuitive parking assist, which enables the car to perform parallel-parking duties with minimal driver involvement, are sure to please just about any technophile (or terrible parker).

Summary
In the luxury sedan ballgame, not only is the LS 460 a worthy competitor, in many ways it is a standout player. Staring down well-established models like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus' flagship model scores especially high when you consider it could easily leave you with an extra $20K in your wallet. Although the LS 460 might be a bit sedate for driving enthusiasts, the vast majority of luxury sedan buyers will have no need for a higher level of performance.

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2010 Lexus RX350 Reduced! Now Thousands OFF MSRP From $399/mo All Colors Options Worldwide Delivery 1-888-861-8080

2009-04-05T23:19:00Z

2010 Lexus RX 350

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2010 Lexus RX 350 Review
For the Lexus RX, 2010 brings a moderately updated drivetrain. The RX 350 sports a 3.5-liter V-6 with 275 horsepower (up a slight 5 hp from before), teamed to a six-speed automatic transmission and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, the latter of which has an adaptive torque split for rapidly changing driving conditions. (Theres a hybrid edition covered separately as the 2010 Lexus RX 450h.) The new transmission, with its extra forward gear, also has a sport-shift mode. And with help from the new eco driving light and a careful right foot, the 2010 RX 350 can be coaxed to 18/24 mpg fuel economy. The bigger surprise is the increased powertrain noise found in the latest edition, a little unexpected in a vehicle thats taken great pride in its isolation from the road.

Options and Features
Standard equipment includes a CD player, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control and ten-way power front seats. The most controversial feature in the new 2010 Lexus RX is likely to be the available "Remote Touch" controller, which Lexus compares openly to the iDrive system from BMW and Audi's MMI. The controller is shaped more ergonomically than those click-wheel setups, and Lexus says it feels natural like a computer mouse. It can be used to control the navigation systemwhich is mounted farther away on the dash than in prior versions for better visibility. A head-up display is also available to cut down driving distraction even more. In TheCarConnection.coms experience, its far more usable and intuitive than the click-wheel iDrive clones, but its still a computer interface that can distract drivers, and can take weeks to learn to use. The RXs rear suspension is new as well, and it leads to the biggest improvement in the package: about five percent more cargo room behind the second-row seats. The area is more usefully shaped, too, and the two rows of seats continue to offer ample leg, head, and shoulder room for four adults (a third can squeeze into the middle of the second row for short trips). It helps that the RX has grown an inch or so in most directions, but the difference is only immediately obvious to your luggage.

Summary
Other options on the 2010 Lexus RX 350 will include leather seating, a side-view monitor, USB connectivity for MP3 players, a Mark Levinson sound system, a hard-drive navigation system, XMNavTraffic, a rear-seat entertainment system, ventilated front seats, remote start, and a sport-minded suspension. Perhaps the most sought-after feature in the Lexus RX is the Lexus ownership experience; its more costly than some five-seat crossovers and not the most distinct, but Lexus has long dominated customer-satisfaction and service rankings. What you give up in driving flair, you win back in ease of ownership.

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2009 Lexus SC 430 Low Prices Low Payments All Colors and Options Worldwide Delivery 1-888-861-8080

2009-03-31T15:20:00Z

2009 Lexus SC 430

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2009 Lexus SC430 Review
Since its debut six years ago, the Lexus SC 430 luxury convertible has won over a fair amount of shoppers due to its distinctive retractable-hardtop design, easygoing demeanor and reputation for quality. The elegant interior features genuine wood trim and a long list of standard features, including 10-way power heated seats, a navigation system, wireless cell phone connectivity and automatic climate control. In fact, the list of standard equipment is so thorough that the SC 430 only comes in one trim level. Unfortunately, there are a few drawbacks. For one, there is virtually no cargo space. The trunk is small, and with the top down that space shrinks even more. The rear seats are essentially just for show; even small children will be annoyed with the lack of legroom. And although the 2009 Lexus SC 430 boasts a 288-horsepower V8 engine, a sport-oriented suspension design and rear-wheel drive, it simply does not provide much inspiration. For those wanting a convertible that's more fun to drive or available with the latest techno-gadgets, the BMW 6 Series, Jaguar XK or Mercedes CLK will likely be better choices.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options
The 2009 Lexus SC 430 is a luxury convertible. Standard features include 18-inch wheels, adaptive HID headlights, heated outside mirrors, a navigation system, leather seats, driver and passenger memory functions, premium audio system, automatic climate control and either bird's eye maple or walnut trim. With a press of a button, the aluminum-alloy roof rises to provide shelter from the vagaries of the environment. Once closed, the top seals tight to transform the SC 430 into a hardtop coupe possessing superior wind noise suppression. The only factory options for the SC 430 include a rear spoiler, run-flat tires and different wheels. The limited-production Pebble Beach edition, which features special paint, unique interior finishing and 18-inch alloy wheels, is also available this year.

Powertrains and Performance
The Lexus SC 430 is powered by a 4.3-liter V8 engine that produces 288 hp and 317 pound-feet of torque. Driven by a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift, the SC 430 achieves a 0-60-mph time of 5.8 seconds.

Safety
The 2009 Lexus SC 430 comes equipped with antilock brakes with brake assist. Traction control, stability control, front side airbags, knee-protecting airbags and a tire-pressure monitoring system are also included.

Interior Design and Special Features
With the push of a button, the retractable hardtop transforms the SC 430 from a coupe to a convertible in approximately 21 seconds. Inside, the interior is elegant and luxurious, as one would expect. It features real wood and generous amounts of supple leather throughout the cabin. Unfortunately, the trunk is a tad small as it holds only 8.8 cubic feet of cargo. By adding run-flat tires and ditching the spare in the trunk, space is increased to 9.4 cubic feet. Once you put the top down, cargo space decreases even more. Additionally, the SC's rear seats are basically just for show rather than actual use.

Summary
Despite its aging design, the 2009 Lexus SC 430 is still one of the best luxury convertibles for general around-town cruising. The engine climbs to redline without any strain and the exhaust note is extremely subdued. The suspension filters out every bump in the road in its attempt to maintain civility at all times. This, however, results in less responsive driver feedback and reduced confidence when pushing the car hard through corners.

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2010 Lexus RX350 Low Prices Low Payments All Colors and Options Worldwide Delivery 1-888-861-8080

2009-03-31T15:12:00Z

2010 Lexus RX 350

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2010 Lexus RX 350 Review
For the Lexus RX, 2010 brings a moderately updated drivetrain. The RX 350 sports a 3.5-liter V-6 with 275 horsepower (up a slight 5 hp from before), teamed to a six-speed automatic transmission and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, the latter of which has an adaptive torque split for rapidly changing driving conditions. (Theres a hybrid edition covered separately as the 2010 Lexus RX 450h.) The new transmission, with its extra forward gear, also has a sport-shift mode. And with help from the new eco driving light and a careful right foot, the 2010 RX 350 can be coaxed to 18/24 mpg fuel economy. The bigger surprise is the increased powertrain noise found in the latest edition, a little unexpected in a vehicle thats taken great pride in its isolation from the road.

Options and Features
Standard equipment includes a CD player, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control and ten-way power front seats. The most controversial feature in the new 2010 Lexus RX is likely to be the available "Remote Touch" controller, which Lexus compares openly to the iDrive system from BMW and Audi's MMI. The controller is shaped more ergonomically than those click-wheel setups, and Lexus says it feels natural like a computer mouse. It can be used to control the navigation systemwhich is mounted farther away on the dash than in prior versions for better visibility. A head-up display is also available to cut down driving distraction even more. In TheCarConnection.coms experience, its far more usable and intuitive than the click-wheel iDrive clones, but its still a computer interface that can distract drivers, and can take weeks to learn to use. The RXs rear suspension is new as well, and it leads to the biggest improvement in the package: about five percent more cargo room behind the second-row seats. The area is more usefully shaped, too, and the two rows of seats continue to offer ample leg, head, and shoulder room for four adults (a third can squeeze into the middle of the second row for short trips). It helps that the RX has grown an inch or so in most directions, but the difference is only immediately obvious to your luggage.

Summary
Other options on the 2010 Lexus RX 350 will include leather seating, a side-view monitor, USB connectivity for MP3 players, a Mark Levinson sound system, a hard-drive navigation system, XMNavTraffic, a rear-seat entertainment system, ventilated front seats, remote start, and a sport-minded suspension. Perhaps the most sought-after feature in the Lexus RX is the Lexus ownership experience; its more costly than some five-seat crossovers and not the most distinct, but Lexus has long dominated customer-satisfaction and service rankings. What you give up in driving flair, you win back in ease of ownership.

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2009 Lexus LX 570 Low Prices Low Payments All Colors and Options Worldwide Delivery 1-888-861-8080

2009-03-31T15:04:00Z

2009 Lexus LX 570

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2009 Lexus LX570 Review
The all-new 2009 Lexus LX is a true luxury vehicle first and foremost, with advanced safety, comfort and quality features. It's a big, heavy vehicle that can tow big loads, haul heavy cargo, and transport people and gear across great distances in comfort. It uses the same heavy frame and stout powertrain as the Toyota Land Cruiser. Like the Land Cruiser, the Lexus LX 570 is designed for extraordinary versatility and an unusual combination of utility and luxury. But with the Lexus, luxury comes first. Designed for a different kind of use, the LX offers a number of qualities and features that the Land Cruiser does not. These include technological advances such as active headrests, wide-view monitors, adaptive front headlights, and an active damping suspension control system. The Mark Levinson audio system is a Lexus exclusive, and the interior is built using a higher level of materials and finish. The Land Cruiser is better equipped for rigorous off-road use; the LX570, also highly capable, has running boards and other conveniences that would become vulnerable in rugged terrain. The LX 570 is aimed more at the luxury car owner who occasionally needs guaranteed control on a snowy road leading to a ski resort, or safe traction on the graded dirt road leading to a ranch house or mountain fishing lodge. The ability to haul boats or horse trailers up to 8500 pounds makes this the most capable SUV offered by Lexus. Safety features are on a par with the best luxury sedans. Especially relaxing to drive on long trips, the LX is also equipped with a brace of thoughtful features to make around-town driving and parking more convenient. The Lexus LX competes with the Cadillac Escalade, Range Rover, and the Mercedes GL550. The group is similar in many ways, with similar operational characteristics, but the LX caters to the distinctly American addiction to torque even more studiously than the others. Powered by a 5.7-liter V8, the LX makes most of its power early in the rev range.

Walkaround
The Lexus LX 570 is visibly wider and taller-looking than the previous-generation LX 470, which it replaces. The design theme deliberately combines powerful, utilitarian design cues with smooth, sophisticated elements to create a balanced tension between the two. The taller hood line, broad mirrors, pronounced wheel arches and wide stance combine to suggest a more muscular character. From the side, smooth convex side panels and flowing sheetmetal integrate the running boards. A bold front grille, mounted at headlamp-level, emphasizes size and strength, and minimizes the bumper, which flows smoothly around the wheelwells. Combination head and tail light clusters are used to emphasize state-of-the-art technical qualities, which include adaptive front lights and high-intensity LED tail lights. Use of chrome as an accent is selective and restrained. To our eye, the package looks bigger than it is, and more sophisticated, without being garish. In actual fact, the LX is almost exactly the same size, or maybe a tad more compact, than its European competitor, the Range Rover. While not as distinctive as the Range Rover, the Lexus design strikes us as clean and timeless in a uniquely Japanese way. The LX has become a technology showcase for Lexus. It is the first Lexus to offer a wide-view front and side monitor system for hard-to-see areas, and incorporates the new Adaptive Radar Cruise Control and Pre-Collision System. Cameras are located inside the grille and side view mirrors, and the radar antenna is located behind the Lexus emblem in the front grille. All Lexus vehicles are assembled in Japan. The LX is assembled at the Yoshiwara plant, which was revised and revamped to produce the new 570, and the engines are produced at the Tahara manufacturing facility, where the LS sedans are produced. In all, the finished vehicles are inspected three times, testing for such qualities as quietness, steering wheel feel, color matching and door sound accuracy.

Interior Features
The cabin of the Lexus LX reflects Japanese ideas of simplicity, strict attention to detail, and functionality as a form of luxury. There are two interior decor options to choose from; black woodgrain trim with medium-gray leather, or ivory leather with dark brown walnut trim. We found both tastefully attractive, without being overdone, and consistent with Japanese design sensibilities. We're told the wood is California Walnut.

Summary
Stylistically less pretentious than the competition, the all-new 2009 Lexus LX 570 still offers power, unique luxury features, and exceptional capability on and off the road. Lexus build quality should assure long-term value.

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2009 Lexus LS460 Low Prices Low Payments All Options and Colors Worldwide Delivery 1-888-861-8080

2009-03-31T14:54:00Z

2009 Lexus LS 460

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2009 Lexus IS 350 Low Prices Low Payments All Colors and Options Worldwide Delivery 1-888-861-8080

2009-03-31T14:42:00Z

2009 Lexus IS 350

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2009 Lexus IS 350
Lexus' LF-series concept cars influenced the IS 350's styling. The automaker says the latest IS bears a strong resemblance to its larger, redesigned GS series of sport sedans. A long wheelbase and wide stance help give the IS 350 a muscular appearance. The IS 350 ranks as a compact car. An optional X Package includes a sport suspension, sport pedals and a front lip spoiler. It also swaps the standard 17-inch wheels for 18-inchers. High-intensity discharge headlights, rain-sensing wipers and 18-inch wheels are availbable.

Features
The IS 350 is only available with rear-wheel drive, unlike its IS 250 sibling, which has available all-wheel drive. High-tech features include Lexus' Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, which combines the electronic stability system with a host of other dynamic controls for an all-encompassing or all-encroaching, depending on how you see it path to safety. A 306-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with 277 pounds-feet of torque engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Also, the IS 350 features larger brakes than the IS 250. Up to five occupants fit inside the IS 350. Bright electroluminescent instruments light up the dashboard. Metallic trim is standard, and maple trim is available. The IS 350 features 10-way power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, power moonroof, manual tilt/telescoping steering wheel (powered version available) and 13-speaker sound system, which includes an auxiliary input for portable music players. Ventilated front seats, dynamic radar cruise control and navigation system that incorporates a backup camera are availble.

Summary
The IS 250 has several things going for it, including an added degree of interior comfort, additional standard and optional features, and parent company Toyotas reputation for long-term reliability.The IS 250 strikes a balance between ride comfort and cornering abilities that will appeal to more-casual motorists. Enthusiasts, on the other hand, will prefer the X Package. A sophisticated Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system intelligently operates and coordinates the cars Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, and antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution systems for improved performance and control. A cutoff switch is newly included for the VDIM and stability systems to afford more-aggressive cornering and to help the vehicle free itself from a snowed-in parking space.

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2009 Lexus IS 250 Low Prices Low Payments All Colors and Options Worldwide Delivery 1-888-861-8080

2009-03-31T14:22:00Z

2009 Lexus IS 250

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2009 Lexus IS 250
The IS 250 is known as a hot rod. The Lexus IS 250 has a comfortable and stylish interior, with large, backlit gauges and a tasteful application of metallic trim. Its also quiet, thanks to extra attention paid to reducing wind and road noise. The IS 250's 3.5-liter V-6 cranks out 306 hp and 277 pounds-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard in the IS 250. The automatic's steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters give the driver extra involvement when desired.

Features
High-tech features include Lexus' Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, which combines the electronic stability system with a host of other dynamic controls for an all-encompassing or all-encroaching, depending on how you see it path to safety. Also standard are eight airbags and a Smart Access keyless entry system with a push-button engine starter.The automaker says the latest IS bears a strong resemblance to its larger, redesigned GS series of sport sedans. A long wheelbase and wide stance help give the IS 250 a muscular appearance. Built on a 107.5-inch wheelbase, the IS 250 measures 180.1 inches long overall and 56.1 inches tall. Despite these dimensions, the IS 250 still ranks as a compact car. Adaptive headlights are available. An optional X Package includes a sport suspension, sport pedals and a front lip spoiler. It also swaps the standard 17-inch wheels for 18-inchers. Options include ventilated front seats, dynamic radar cruise control, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a navigation system that incorporates a backup camera that can help when parking.

Summary
The IS 250 has several things going for it, including an added degree of interior comfort, additional standard and optional features, and parent company Toyotas reputation for long-term reliability.The IS 250 strikes a balance between ride comfort and cornering abilities that will appeal to more-casual motorists. Enthusiasts, on the other hand, will prefer the X Package. A sophisticated Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system intelligently operates and coordinates the cars Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, and antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution systems for improved performance and control. A cutoff switch is newly included for the VDIM and stability systems to afford more-aggressive cornering and to help the vehicle free itself from a snowed-in parking space.

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2009 Lexus GX 470 Low Prices Lease Payments All Colors and Options Worldwide Delivery 1-888-861-8080

2009-03-31T14:11:00Z

2009 Lexus GX 470

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2009 Lexus GS 350 Low Prices Low Payments All Colors and Options Worldwide Delivery

2009-03-31T14:07:00Z

2009 Lexus GS 350

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2009 Lexus ES 350 Low Prices Low Payments All Colors and Options Worldwide Delivery 1-888-861-8080

2009-03-31T13:43:00Z

2009 Lexus ES 350

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2009 Lexus ES 350 Review
The Lexus ES is described as a very quiet, comfortable, and well-engineered vehicle, but it doesn't have the sportiness that is increasingly associated with this class. As Car and Driver says, "Wake me when you get there, a pure expression of a lack of motoring passion." Continue with our full Performance Review to read both the pluses and minuses of the ES' insolated ride quality.

Features
Although the 2009 Lexus ES' L-Finesse exterior styling generally receives strong praise, some reviewers say the styling is plain. Newsday says the ES "is so plain it's nearly generic," but New Car Test Drive says the look "bring a new level of slickness," later adding, "Now this car looks like it belongs in a Lexus showroom." Check out the Lexus ES Photo Gallery to see images of the ES, or continue with our full Exterior Review to learn how this recently design scheme is carried out in the ES and other Lexus models. continue The 2009 Lexus ES receives a high score for its comfortable cabin. Auto reviewers say the ES' leather and plush seating pampers, while AutoWeek notes "the ES cabin is about as quiet a place as you can find on the highway today." Check out the Lexus ES Photo Gallery for images of the sedan's walnut trim or more than 14 cubic feet of cargo space, or continue with our full Interior Review for information on the optional Mark Levinson Surround Sound Audio System, a reviewer favorite.

Summary
The 2009 Lexus ES 350 delivers a powerful, smooth ride, luxurious comfort and overall good looks.The 2009 Lexus ES 350 distinguishes itself from its ready-to-run competitors by focusing on driver and passenger comfort rather than outright handling and outright performance. Though it's a car that's not likely to please motorheads, the ES 350 is the perfect choice for drivers looking for a comfortable ride wrapped in a blanket of superior styling and an air of success.

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2009 Lexus IS-F Low Payments Low Prices All Colors and Options Worldwide Delivery 1888-861-8080

2009-03-31T13:30:00Z

2009 Lexus IS F

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2009 Lexus IS-f
Since the 1980s, German luxury automakers BMW and Mercedes-Benz have sold thrilling high-performance, higher-priced versions of their models with M and AMG designations, respectively, such as today's M3 and C63 AMG. Audi has followed suit with S and RS versions, such as the S4 and RS 4, and Jaguar offers R versions, such as the XKR. A few years ago Cadillac threw its noodle into the alphabet soup with the CTS-V, the first of a growing V-Series. Now, 18 years after raising the Lexus flag in the U.S., Toyota's luxury brand has scrounged up an unused letter, F, to represent its hot wheels. The first car to get F'd up is the compact IS sedan currently sold as the IS 250 and IS 350 resulting in the 2008 IS-F. (See the three trim levels compared side-by-side and check out the accompanying video for some of the cosmetic differences.) More F versions are sure to follow. Going & Stopping Where the IS 250 and 350 have V-6 engines, the IS-F mirrors the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG in powering the rear wheels with a large V-8. The 5.0-liter produces 416 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 371 pounds-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm. Lexus claims there was no target or benchmark during the IS-F's development, but its 2 hp superiority over the M3 is unlikely a coincidence. The IS-F differs from the M3 in that it doesn't offer a manual transmission, though it is the first car in this class with an eight-speed automatic (yes, eight) adapted from the LS 460. It operates in fully automatic mode and can also be shifted manually using the gear-selector lever or aluminum paddles on the steering wheel. The IS-F's power delivery is a bit peaky for a V-8, with respectable but unexceptional acceleration at low engine speeds. Then the tachometer hits midrange, and before you can say "Where's the torque?" the pipes are blasting out a glorious V-8 roar and your internal organs get pancaked. The only problem with the exhaust note is that it's elusive, brought about through some variable combination of rpm and load that I was never able to predict, then utterly vanishing when you let off the gas, likely reduced to a frequency only other whales can hear. Ride & Handling For its firmed-up suspension and low-profile tires, the IS-F's ride quality is pretty good. It isn't quite as comfy as the M3, which all of our reviewers praised as exceptional. The handling is good, but not without fault. Body roll is well in check, and the IS-F begs to be thrown hard into corners, but it feels nose-heavy to me. Lexus cites the front/rear weight distribution as 54/46. A little bit of understeer bias is a safe characteristic, but the IS-F pushes more than I like. You can balance things out by sending more power to the rear wheels, but this can reveal another shortcoming, and that's the rear-end traction. The tail gets squirrely very easily, and though a little sideways driving is to be expected in a rear-drive car with this much power, I found the degree excessive. The Bridgestone Potenza tires perform well in the general sense, which leads me to question if the rear rubber is just too narrow. To focus solely on tire size is to oversimplify, but it raises suspicion that the IS-F's rear tires, at P255/35R19, are the same width as the regular IS' optional tires and only 10 mm (that's less than half an inch) wider than the standard tires. The front tires, rated P225/40R19 on the IS-F, are the same width across the model line. I suppose I should entertain the notion that a larger rear spoiler would provide more downforce and help keep the rear end planted ... wait, is my face breaking out? I think I'd rather spin off the road daily than drive around with a ski jump on my trunklid. The Inside Distinction isn't easy to accomplish in this copycat business, but Lexus succeeds in the IS-F. A defining element is the trim on the center console and doors woven silver strands that look like a cross between aluminum and carbon fiber. The blue that highlights the F badges on the outside carries over in the form of blue gauge needles and blue stitching on our car's black leather surfaces. (Alpine white seats are another option.) There's even a hint of blue emanating from the perforations in the seat leather. Of course, the F badges themselves are here, too, on the steering wheel, the custom instrument panel and on the sides of the seat cushions, front and rear. I don't remember seeing that before.

Summary
I left the IS-F with a dj vu of a dj vu recalling how I wished the 3.5-liter IS 350 had a manual transmission like the IS 250 does ... which made me recall wishing the IS 300 had a manual transmission when it made its 2001 debut. To be fair, the IS-F's transmission isn't bad; bad would describe the BMW Sequential Manual Gearbox now being phased out which I flatly recommended against. I think the average automatic driver could get into the IS-F, drive all day and never think twice about its transmission. But this isn't a car for the average buyer.

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2009 Lexus LX570 New Incentives Now $7500 OFF MSRP Worldwide Delivery 1-888-861-8080

2009-03-31T12:43:00Z

2009 Lexus LX 570

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New FleetRates.com Thousands Of New Lexus Online At Low Lexus Fleet Prices 1-800-851-9000

2009-03-23T03:34:00Z

2009 Lexus LS 460

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2009 Lexus LS 460 Discount Lexus Prices Low LS 460 Lease Payments Lowest Lexus Prices Huge LS 460 Savings All Colors Options Worldwide Delivery Build 2009 Lexus LS 460 2009 Lexus LS 460 Articles Information 2009 Lexus LS 460 Standard Features 2009 Lexus LS 460 Technical Specifications 2009 Lexus LS 460 Available Options 2009 Lexus LS 460 Vehicle Colors 2009 Lexus LS 460 Photos 3D Spins 2009 Lexus LS 460 Lease Specials 2009 Lexus LS 460 Featured Inventory Pre-Owned Lexus Vehicle Inventory Click To Sell Your Lexus LS 460 2009 Lexus LS 460 CarFinder Print 2009 Lexus LS 460 Brochure Introduction The Lexus LS 460 boasts available features and comfort that until recently were only associated with ultra-expensive marks such as Rolls-Royce. Features such as a power reclining rear seat complete with an ottoman and massager, and a built-in beverage cooler. The LS is available in either regular wheelbase, or a long wheelbase version with limousine-like rear accommodations. A powerful 4.6-liter V8 sends power through a computer-controlled eight-speed automatic transmission. The addition of all-wheel drive is new for this year. The ultra-smooth suspension provides a quiet environment to listen to the premium sound system, and the voice-activated navigation system makes sure you arrive at your destination. Safety features include eight standard air bags, ABS, electronic brake assist, ESP, adaptive front lighting that turns corners, and tire pressure monitoring. Home New Vehicles PreOwned Research New Models Specials Faq Finance About Us Membership Dealers News Sell My Car Testimonials Introduction Car Builder Site Map

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2010 All New Lexus RX350's Are Here With Special Low FleetRates.com Prices & Lease Payments 1-888-861-8080

2009-02-07T13:19:00Z

2010 Lexus RX 350 AWD

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New Lexus LX570 Discounted $7K Off MSRP Worldwide Delivery 1-888-861-8080

2008-11-04T18:15:00Z

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New Lexus LX570 Review
The all-new 2008 Lexus LX is a true luxury vehicle first and foremost, with advanced safety, comfort and quality features. It's a big, heavy vehicle that can tow big loads, haul heavy cargo, and transport people and gear across great distances in comfort. It uses the same heavy frame and stout powertrain as the Toyota Land Cruiser. Like the Land Cruiser, the Lexus LX 570 is designed for extraordinary versatility and an unusual combination of utility and luxury. But with the Lexus, luxury comes first. Designed for a different kind of use, the LX offers a number of qualities and features that the Land Cruiser does not. These include technological advances such as active headrests, wide-view monitors, adaptive front headlights, and an active damping suspension control system. The Mark Levinson audio system is a Lexus exclusive, and the interior is built using a higher level of materials and finish. The Land Cruiser is better equipped for rigorous off-road use; the LX570, also highly capable, has running boards and other conveniences that would become vulnerable in rugged terrain. The LX 570 is aimed more at the luxury car owner who occasionally needs guaranteed control on a snowy road leading to a ski resort, or safe traction on the graded dirt road leading to a ranch house or mountain fishing lodge. The ability to haul boats or horse trailers up to 8500 pounds makes this the most capable SUV offered by Lexus. Safety features are on a par with the best luxury sedans. Especially relaxing to drive on long trips, the LX is also equipped with a brace of thoughtful features to make around-town driving and parking more convenient. The Lexus LX competes with the Cadillac Escalade, Range Rover, and the Mercedes GL550. The group is similar in many ways, with similar operational characteristics, but the LX caters to the distinctly American addiction to torque even more studiously than the others. Powered by a 5.7-liter V8, the LX makes most of its power early in the rev range.

Model Lineup
The 2008 Lexus LX comes as one model, the LX 570. The standard package includes a very long list of comfort and convenience features, combined with extensive engineering and safety systems. Highlights include 20-inch wheels; power rear door and tailgate; Class 4 towing hitch; moonroof; heated power outside mirrors; roof rack; programmable garage door opener; 115V outlet in rear cargo area; power door locks with anti-lock-out feature; wide-view front and side mirror; 10-way power driver seat; three-position memory driver seat; eight-way power front passenger seat and heated front seats. The standard audio system is Lexus Premium Audio, which includes digital AM/FM tuner with auto-reverse cassette; in-dash 6CD changer to support MP3 and other digital files; MP3/iPod input plug; digital sound processing (DSP) with seven-channel, 312-watt output; nine speakers; and automatic sound leveling. The optional DVD rear-seat entertainment system ($1990) requires the Technology Package, which includes the 19-speaker, 450-watt Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio system, with Lexus Link and Hard Disc drive CD/DVD/DVD video ($4200). Safety features include 10 airbags, anti-rollover dynamics; tire pressure monitor system; active traction control (A-TRAC); vehicle stability control (VSC); rain-sensing wipers; adaptive front lighting (AFS); brake assist; hill-start assist control (HAC); multi-terrain anti-lock braking system (ABS); electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). The optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) is packaged with adaptive cruise control ($2850).

Walkaround
The Lexus LX 570 is visibly wider and taller-looking than the previous-generation LX 470, which it replaces. The design theme deliberately combines powerful, utilitarian design cues with smooth, sophisticated elements to create a balanced tension between the two. The taller hood line, broad mirrors, pronounced wheel arches and wide stance combine to suggest a more muscular character. From the side, smooth convex side panels and flowing sheetmetal integrate the running boards. A bold front grille, mounted at headlamp-level, emphasizes size and strength, and minimizes the bumper, which flows smoothly around the wheelwells. Combination head and tail light clusters are used to emphasize state-of-the-art technical qualities, which include adaptive front lights and high-intensity LED tail lights. Use of chrome as an accent is selective and restrained. To our eye, the package looks bigger than it is, and more sophisticated, without being garish. In actual fact, the LX is almost exactly the same size, or maybe a tad more compact, than its European competitor, the Range Rover. While not as distinctive as the Range Rover, the Lexus design strikes us as clean and timeless in a uniquely Japanese way. The LX has become a technology showcase for Lexus. It is the first Lexus to offer a wide-view front and side monitor system for hard-to-see areas, and incorporates the new Adaptive Radar Cruise Control and Pre-Collision System. Cameras are located inside the grille and side view mirrors, and the radar antenna is located behind the Lexus emblem in the front grille. All Lexus vehicles are assembled in Japan. The LX is assembled at the Yoshiwara plant, which was revised and revamped to produce the new 570, and the engines are produced at the Tahara manufacturing facility, where the LS sedans are produced. In all, the finished vehicles are inspected three times, testing for such qualities as quietness, steering wheel feel, color matching and door sound accuracy.

Interior Features
The cabin of the Lexus LX reflects Japanese ideas of simplicity, strict attention to detail, and functionality as a form of luxury. There are two interior decor options to choose from; black woodgrain trim with medium-gray leather, or ivory leather with dark brown walnut trim. We found both tastefully attractive, without being overdone, and consistent with Japanese design sensibilities. We're told the wood is California Walnut. Certainly, the detail work on the leather, trim panels and dash area is in keeping with Lexus standards. Semi-Analine leather is used on the seats and trim, a grade that has the benefit of consistent color characteristics. Stitching on the seats is conspicuously uniform and stands up to focused inspection. Chrome accents on the dash are used judiciously. Features and controls consistent with high-end luxury sedans are built into the cockpit area, which is designed with a minimum of clutter. This is partly accomplished by mounting the phone, navigation, and audio controls on the steering wheel, as well as control for the information display that selects trip information. The instrument panel is built around two large brightly lit dial gauges, speedometer and tachometer. Between the two are four smaller dials for fuel, coolant temperature, voltage, and oil pressure. An information display box, activated from the steering wheel, can show outside temperature, current MPG, MPG since refueling, cruise range, miles driven since start, and tire pressures. The display also shows height setting and warning messages as they apply. Again, visual simplicity is achieved, remarkably so, given how much information the instruments convey. The front seats are roomy, supportive and widely adjustable. The driver's seat adjusts 14 ways, and the passenger seat 12 ways, including lumbar support. The center console lids function as armrests, and can be extended to work with different driving positions. Taller drivers will appreciate that front leg room is a priority. There is almost 43 inches of legroom at the front, with generous shoulder and hip room. With the moonroof, headroom exceeds 38 inches for the first two rows. One test driver in our group, who is six feet, eight inches tall, asked for just a tad more head room. For drivers any shorter than that, we'll wager there is ample space. One of our favorite features, keyless entry, unlocks all 5 entry points when the driver touches a door or tailgate. So long as the key fob is somewhere on your person, Bluetooth proximity sensors unlock the car automatically. There is also a remote engine start option for those who would appreciate heat or air conditioning to raise or lower the interior temperature of the car prior to entry. Built into the interior are 10 airbags as standard equipment. Front-seat occupants are protected by two-stage main airbags, two side airbags, and two knee airbags. A roll-sensing curtain airbag is designed to protect all three rows, and the second-row passengers also have separate seat-mounted side airbags. Standard child seat latches are incorporated in the second row. All eight seats throughout the cabin have three-point seatbelt systems. Another Lexus safety system, active headrests, is standard on the front seats. In the event of a rear-end collision, the headrests automatically tilt forward to limit the chance of whiplash injuries. Like a lot of large SUVs, entry into the cabin does require a big first step. We tended to use the sturdy grab handles to swing up and into the front. Third-row entry is made easier by use of a touch-and-tumble seat on the right side. It's still a bit of a crawl for adults to move into the back, but the rear seating area is surprisingly accommodating, at least for two adults. There are seatbelts and headrests for three, but in real life, the third row will seat three adults best if the middle passenger likes to cuddle. Interior comfort and control systems have been re-engineered from the ground up. Two- and three-zone climate control systems are common in large cars and SUVs these days, but the Lexus LX has separate climate controls for four zones, so people in the first and second rows can dial in their own air flow volume and temperature. To further increase precision in interior microclimates, there are a total of 28 vents distributing air flow. The blower has seven levels, and a micro dust and pollen filter conditions the incoming air. The navigation system is new. The screen is powered by the fifth-generation satellite-based operating system, which offers English, French and Spanish language audio and display. The navigation systems from Toyota and Lexus have recently been among the best. XM traffic radio, which selects the least crowded route to a destination, is available, as is the Mark Levinson audio system. The Levinson option provides an upgrade equal to any automotive audio we know of; the Mark Levinson systems are among the cleanest sounding available. The hard drive disc offers 13.9 gigabites for music storage, playable through 19 speakers that, combined, generate true surround sound. The system is compelling and memorable. Anyone with doubts about potential for sound quality in an SUV should bring their favorite DVD, get in the LX, and turn it up. The LX is versatile enough to carry people, or cargo, or a mix of both. The bias is toward carrying people, and keeping them comfortable. But for those occasions when bulky cargo is the order of the day, the rear interior seats fold out of the way to create 83.1 cubic feet of cargo area. The rear hatch opens using the key fob; the tailgate opens manually via a lever on the top of the tailgate. Cargo lift height is about average for a vehicle of this size. For groceries or other everyday uses, the 15-cubic-foot area behind the third row is sufficient. The third-row seats split 50/50 and stow against the side of the cabin, creating 41 cubic feet. Although that arrangement supplies less room, we like folding away the seats better than removing them altogether, which is the drill on some competing vehicles. Removing heavy seats is not a fun job for dad, and having loose seats kicking around the garage, taking up space and getting in harm's way is a nuisance.

Driving Impressions
On the move, the 2008 Lexus LX 570 is smooth, quiet and untroubled. The higher seating position permits long-range forward visibility, keeping occupants and passengers above the flow of ordinary traffic, and eye-ball-to-eyeball with full-size trucks. The commanding view, combined with the lack of noise and vibration, combine to create the sensation of a protected cabin, and a sense of well being. The LX moves out readily at part throttle, creating the sensation of power in reserve. The engine is an advanced 5.7-liter V8 shared with the Tundra pickup truck and Land Cruiser SUV. It's built for torque, and it produces a lot of it, 403 pound-feet, early in the rev range. More than 90 percent of the torque is available before 2200 rpm, so most of the time the engine is loafing along with very low effort, which adds to the quiet, untroubled manner the LX conveys on the move. This ability to provide power without spinning the engine faster gives the LX a different character than the Cadillac Escalade or Land Rover Range Rover, which produce their peak torque at higher rpm levels. The new six-speed transmission has a very low first gear, complementing the engine's torque with enhanced mechanical leverage. The net effect, once again, is low effort in ordinary driving. At higher speeds, the six-speed offers a double overdrive combination, with a sixth-gear ratio of just 0.588. This very tall cruising gear allows for quiet, effortless cruising. At 2000 rpm, our test unit indicated a speed of 72 mph. At speeds over 75 mph we were able to detect some wind noise coming from the mirrors, but thanks to careful noise isolation work, the powertrain is not the source of noise or vibration until much higher speeds are demanded. Top speed is electronically limited to 137 mph. As you might expect with a four-wheel-drive of this considerable heft, the LX remains composed and relaxed even at speeds well beyond the recommended norm on America's superhighways. In bad weather, the LX really comes into its own, with a torsen limited-slip center differential biasing torque to maximize traction. Drawing from its Land Cruiser heritage, the LX has the guts of a true 4x4. The four-wheel-drive system has four modes, actuated by a toggle switch on the center console. It's possible to lock the center differential in high range or low range, or leave it open in either range. Normally, most people will be operating in the unlocked, high range mode, which should deliver the best mileage. When there are patches of ice or water on the road, locking the center differential helps maintain grip as individual wheels encounter slippery surfaces. When the going gets really bad, such an ice storm or if deep mud blocks the path, locking the center differential and using low range would supply maximum balance to move forward without getting stuck. Unlike the iconic 4x4 Land Cruiser, the LX does not offer locking differentials, relying instead on electronic traction control (A-TRAC) to prevent wheelspin. Our (considerable) experience with A-TRAC is that it provides enhanced traction and off-road capability sufficient for any unplanned event, and then some. The Toyota Land Cruiser, with available electronic lockers, might be better suited for those who expect to use their SUV as a 4x4 recreation vehicle, but both vehicles have multi-terrain ABS, which works at low speeds on-road or off, and both vehicles have Crawl Control. Crawl Control is designed for use on steep downhill trails when control is the highest priority. It holds back the vehicle, making sure the speed is appropriate to the steepness of the terrain, so all the driver has to do is steer. The LX suspension supplies a mix of ride quality and cornering capability consistent with other large, multi-passenger luxury vehicles. Some vehicles in this class use air bag suspensions, but in the LX coil springs are used on all four corners, supplemented by an active variable damping system that controls body pitch and dive. The combination is effective. We noticed the LX squats very little upon hard acceleration, the front stays level when we got on the brakes, and in general, the vehicle stayed composed during spirited driving. The level of damping is selectable. It's possible to select Sport, Normal, and Comfort damping via a switch on the dash, which allowed us to tune ride quality depending on the road surface. We think we would operate on Comfort for highway driving, and Sport if we were faced with a mountain road with a lot of side-to-side transitions. The difference between Normal and Comfort was not apparent to us as we drove, but the difference between Sport and Comfort was definitely discernable. Unless you drive a truck regularly, parking and maneuvering any big SUV will take some practice. Driving the LX, we found that the hood is tall, making it hard to keep track of the right front corner in particular. Rear visibility is compromised by headrests and sheer height. On the LX, the problem is made easier in two ways. First, steering at slow speeds requires very little effort, and second, visibility is enhanced by new electronic systems. One such system uses wide-angle cameras located in the front grille and passenger-side mirror to give the driver an enhanced view along the front and side of the vehicle by projecting images of these blind spots on a split-screen display. Another system uses ultrasonic sensors to warn of contact with objects around the front, rear and corners of the vehicle when parking. We found that, with these systems operating simultaneously, even a driver who normally operates a smaller car can park and maneuver the LX in close quarters with accuracy and confidence. They all work together intuitively; it just takes a little patience. The LX is built with the strong brakes a capable hauler requires. They include large ventilated disc rotors with multi-piston calipers, enhanced by numerous active safety systems. These include Brake Assist (shortening stopping distances in emergencies), all-terrain ABS, and Electronic Brake Force Distribution to balance braking on slippery surfaces. We towed an 8500-pound trailer for an hour or so with the new LX 570 and found the engine and transmission had no trouble hauling the load up hills, as we expected. The downhill side is often the bigger challenge, as both brakes and transmission are part of what it takes to maintain control. We found that the transmission will downshift on its own, from sixth to fifth gear then to fourth gear, to enhance engine braking and fuel economy. The uphill/downhill shift logic seems flawless, responding to very slight tip-of-the-toe throttle inputs. But for those times when manual control seems called for, there is a sequential shift mode that gives the driver this control. All Lexus vehicles offer a Pre-Collision System (PCS), including the LX. It's integrated with the optional Dynamic Radar Control, which at $2850 is a fairly pricy option. However, PCS is an innovative safety system that is enabled by the use of radar. With the Pre-Collision System, the car's radar can determine if a crash is unavoidable. If that ever becomes the case, the system tightens up the seatbelt, increases brake sensitivity and applies maximum braking force when the driver touches the brake. By reducing the speed at impact, and positioning the occupants, PCS allows all the other built-in safety systems to work better. According to Lexus engineers, scrubbing off just a little speed at the last second can be enough to save lives. While you don't want to crash at 35 mph, it's better than crashing at 55 mph.

Summary
Stylistically less pretentious than the competition, the all-new 2008 Lexus LX 570 still offers power, unique luxury features, and exceptional capability on and off the road. Lexus build quality should assure long-term value.

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2009 Lexus LS460 L AWD MSO MCO Worldwide Delivery 1-800-851-9000

2008-10-27T20:47:51Z

New 2009 Lexus LS460 L AWD
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Luxury Package Nav Levinson Advanced Park Guidance
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Lexus is about 100 years younger than Mercedes-Benz, but, after 20 years of hard work, it has already surpassed M-B and all the other luxury brands in terms of quality, durability, reliability, and desirability among American buyers, an astounding performance. The flagship sedan that started out as the LS 400 and then grew up as the LS 430 has been morphed into a completely new car, the LS460, that challenges all comers as the best luxury sedan in the world. It competes with the Mercedes-Benz E- and S-Class, and BMW 5 Series and 7 Series. In addition to the new LS460, there will be a long-wheelbase version called the LS460L with a limousine-like rear seat and a hybrid version called the LS 600h, which combines a 5.0-liter version of the V8 engine with a new version of the Lexus hybrid drive system. The all-new 2009 Lexus LS models are bristling with technology. The LS460 is the first car in the world with a computer-controlled eight-speed automatic transmission. An optional parking guidance system uses onboard cameras to help the driver parallel-park or park between cars, a system offered by no other manufacturer. The 460L offers reclining heated bucket seats, a cool box, dual-zone rear HVAC controls, a folding table, an ottoman, a shiatsu massager, and, of course, DVD with wireless headphones. On the road, we found the LS460 extremely quiet and extraordinarily smooth. Its 4.6-liter V8 can propel it from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 5.4 seconds, according to Lexus, yet it gets an EPA-rated 27 mpg Highway. The eight-speed automatic is super smooth and plays a big role in the fuel-economy story. The electrically powered steering system and adjusts according to speed. The ride quality and handling are exemplary, and an optional Touring package brings a new level of sportiness to the LS460. The brakes have been improved, and now they are fully electronically controlled, working with all of the other computers on the car to determine how much brake force to put at each individual wheel, rain, snow or sunshine.

Model Lineup

The 2009 Lexus LS lineup includes the LS460 ($61,000) and the longer LS460L ($71,000). The hybrid-powered LS 600h will be introduced later in the model year. Options include satellite navigation with Bluetooth, XM satellite radio with real-time traffic display, Mark Levinson 19-speaker, 450-watt sound system and 30-gigabyte hard drive, a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, advanced parking guidance system, Lexus Link, power trunk opener/closer, a Comfort Package, and a Comfort Plus Package. Four different rear-seat packages are available for the 460L. Safety is a primary consideration for luxury car buyers, and the LS460 fairly drips with safety equipment, from eight standard air bags to ABS (anti-lock brakes), electronic brake assist, ESP (electronic stability program), adaptive front lighting that turns corners, and tire pressure monitoring. With the optional two-seat rear compartment, there is an additional air bag in the mix, and there are more safety options, including a pre-collision system that moves seats to a neutral position, closes the windows and sunroof, and tightens belts when the computers detect an impending collision.

Walkaround

Lexus designers have given their latest three models a new look. The recently redesigned Lexus ES, IS, and GS feature a look designers refer to as L-finesse, with much more attention paid to aerodynamic considerations that ultimately lead to improved high-speed stability, quieter operation, and better highway fuel mileage. As the flagship, the new, 2009 Lexus LS460 gets the most finesse of any of the L-finesse designs thus far. Its lines flow smoothly from its amazingly complex, crystal-like headlamp units, under the car, up over the roof and around the mirrors, with a short trip over the tiny rear deck to the integrated rear spoiler. After all that detail work on the exterior, they gave the car a drag coefficient of 0.26, tied with the best in the industry for a four-door sedan.

Interior Features

To climb into the left front seat of the 2009 Lexus LS460 is to climb into the future of luxury cars. The seats are gloriously comfortable, and they are 16-way adjustable for travel and rake and tilt (12-way on the passenger side), with a three-way memory system for each front seat. All models come with perforated leather seats, with the option of semi-aniline leather with the Luxury Package option. The seat bolsters are just wide enough to retain your torso without trapping your torso or intruding on comfort. The front seats are climate-controlled on the standard car, with heated rear seats added to the L version. Optitron is the name used by Lexus to describe its electroluminescent gauges and displays, and they are lit by bright white LEDs for excellent readability, day or night. Almost all of the needles illuminate, dominated by the large tachometer and speedometer needles. Every single switch on the car is lighted for ultimate convenience. A new thin-film-transistor (TFT) multi-information color display delivers as many as 13 information and setting displays during driving. New four-spoke tilt-and-telescope leather-and-wood steering wheels (heated on the uplevel versions) feature redundant controls for audio, information, cruise control, radar cruise control option, telephone, and a new brake-hold feature. To use the brake-hold feature, just come to a stop, push down the brake pedal, touch the button on the steering wheel, and the brakes stay on regardless of vehicle attitude until you touch the gas pedal. The center stack of controls is beautifully integrated, as is every single piece of interior trim, and though there are lots of buttons, they are clearly marked in large type and lighted, so there will be little confusion after a couple of drives. The navigation display is large and bright, and the graphics are crisp and sharp. An auxiliary input is provided for MP3 players, such as the Apple iPod. The standard sound system is a 276-watt, 10-speaker system that sounds wonderful until you try the optional Mark Levinson system, which we think is the single best automotive sound system on the market. The new Lexus LS is a big, roomy and comfortable luxury sedan, with generous interior dimension and 18 cubic feet of trunk space, enough for four sets of golf clubs. The 460L version offers more room of course, and the option of a luxurious rear-seat setup with two reclining heated bucket seats, a cool box, sunshades, additional climate ducting, and dual-zone rear HVAC control. Yet another configuration, the executive class seating package, adds a folding table and a right rear seat with a built-in ottoman section, shiatsu massager, an extra air bag, and a rear roof-mounted 9-inch DVD screen and two sets of wireless headphones. No car manufacturer this side of a $350,000 Maybach offers this kind of rear-seat setup.

Driving Impressions

The 2009 Lexus LS460 is fast, smooth, quiet and efficent. It weighs 4245 pounds and its engine is substantially smaller than those used by its German competition. Yet it can get from rest to 60 mph in a mere 5.4 seconds, and it's good for 27 mpg highway. But acceleration is only a tiny part of the story here, and the engine is only a part of that. This is the first car in the world with a computer-controlled eight-speed automatic transmission, a transmission that offers great acceleration with nearly imperceptible upshifts and downshifts, manual or automatic shift control, and that great highway mileage in eighth gear overdrive.Moving off from rest with authority and acceleration seems like child's play for the LS460. The engineers tell us that almost every part of the car, especially the engine, transmission and driveline, have been designed and then checked again and again for quietness, smoothness and balance. We found the LS460 very, very quiet and nearly vibration-free. It seems much quieter than the competition, whether at 30 mph or 130 mph, its regulated top speed. The electrically powered steering system is transparent. It doesn't feel any different than hydraulically powered steering, and it has progressive assist that decreases with speed. If you order the optional air suspension or the entire Touring package of suspension, tires, wheels, brakes and brake pads, you get variable gear-ratio power steering instead, giving the system the latitude between 2.5 and 3.6 rotations of the steering wheel. Without the Touring package, the ride and handling are exemplary, but with it, there is a whole new level of sportiness about the LS460, so we recommend it highly. Like everything else on, in or under the LS460, the brakes have been improved, and now they are fully electronically controlled, working with all of the other computers on the car to determine speed, steering angle, throttle angle, yaw angle and all the other inputs to determine how much brake force to put at each individual wheel, rain, snow or sunshine. They, too, feel perfectly normal and extremely powerful. The Touring package will get you a set of spiral-fin ventilated discs on the long-wheelbase version.

Summary

Completely redesigned, the all-new 2009 Lexus LS460 is surely the quietest, most serene luxury-class sedan that's been built so far. It offers an excellent combination of comfort, space, silence, and features. It's also the most electronics-intensive luxury car we've ever experienced, and if it weren't a Lexus, that would give us pause. But it is Lexus, and it promises to be as bulletproof and trouble-free as all of its predecessors. If you like silent, obedient transportation with lots of room, and you can afford the price, it's the one to have.

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2009 Lexus LX570's Are Here All Colors Options Worldwide Delivery 1-888-861-8080 1-888-831-8080

2008-10-11T13:54:00Z

New 2

The all-new 2009 Lexus LX is a true luxury vehicle first and foremost, with advanced safety, comfort and quality features. It's a big, heavy vehicle that can tow big loads, haul heavy cargo, and transport people and gear across great distances in comfort. It uses the same heavy frame and stout powertrain as the Toyota Land Cruiser. Like the Land Cruiser, the Lexus LX 570 is designed for extraordinary versatility and an unusual combination of utility and luxury. But with the Lexus, luxury comes first. Designed for a different kind of use, the LX offers a number of qualities and features that the Land Cruiser does not. These include technological advances such as active headrests, wide-view monitors, adaptive front headlights, and an active damping suspension control system. The Mark Levinson audio system is a Lexus exclusive, and the interior is built using a higher level of materials and finish. The Land Cruiser is better equipped for rigorous off-road use; the LX570, also highly capable, has running boards and other conveniences that would become vulnerable in rugged terrain. The LX 570 is aimed more at the luxury car owner who occasionally needs guaranteed control on a snowy road leading to a ski resort, or safe traction on the graded dirt road leading to a ranch house or mountain fishing lodge. The ability to haul boats or horse trailers up to 8500 pounds makes this the most capable SUV offered by Lexus. Safety features are on a par with the best luxury sedans. Especially relaxing to drive on long trips, the LX is also equipped with a brace of thoughtful features to make around-town driving and parking more convenient. The Lexus LX competes with the Cadillac Escalade, Range Rover, and the Mercedes GL550. The group is similar in many ways, with similar operational characteristics, but the LX caters to the distinctly American addiction to torque even more studiously than the others. Powered by a 5.7-liter V8, the LX makes most of its power early in the rev range.

Model Lineup
The 2009 Lexus LX comes as one model, the LX 570. The standard package includes a very long list of comfort and convenience features, combined with extensive engineering and safety systems. Highlights include 20-inch wheels; power rear door and tailgate; Class 4 towing hitch; moonroof; heated power outside mirrors; roof rack; programmable garage door opener; 115V outlet in rear cargo area; power door locks with anti-lock-out feature; wide-view front and side mirror; 10-way power driver seat; three-position memory driver seat; eight-way power front passenger seat and heated front seats. The standard audio system is Lexus Premium Audio, which includes digital AM/FM tuner with auto-reverse cassette; in-dash 6CD changer to support MP3 and other digital files; MP3/iPod input plug; digital sound processing (DSP) with seven-channel, 312-watt output; nine speakers; and automatic sound leveling. The optional DVD rear-seat entertainment system ($1990) requires the Technology Package, which includes the 19-speaker, 450-watt Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio system, with Lexus Link and Hard Disc drive CD/DVD/DVD video ($4200). Safety features include 10 airbags, anti-rollover dynamics; tire pressure monitor system; active traction control (A-TRAC); vehicle stability control (VSC); rain-sensing wipers; adaptive front lighting (AFS); brake assist; hill-start assist control (HAC); multi-terrain anti-lock braking system (ABS); electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). The optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) is packaged with adaptive cruise control ($2850).

Driving Impressions
On the move, the 2009 Lexus LX 570 is smooth, quiet and untroubled. The higher seating position permits long-range forward visibility, keeping occupants and passengers above the flow of ordinary traffic, and eye-ball-to-eyeball with full-size trucks. The commanding view, combined with the lack of noise and vibration, combine to create the sensation of a protected cabin, and a sense of well being. The LX moves out readily at part throttle, creating the sensation of power in reserve. The engine is an advanced 5.7-liter V8 shared with the Tundra pickup truck and Land Cruiser SUV. It's built for torque, and it produces a lot of it, 403 pound-feet, early in the rev range. More than 90 percent of the torque is available before 2200 rpm, so most of the time the engine is loafing along with very low effort, which adds to the quiet, untroubled manner the LX conveys on the move. This ability to provide power without spinning the engine faster gives the LX a different character than the Cadillac Escalade or Land Rover Range Rover, which produce their peak torque at higher rpm levels. The new six-speed transmission has a very low first gear, complementing the engine's torque with enhanced mechanical leverage. The net effect, once again, is low effort in ordinary driving. At higher speeds, the six-speed offers a double overdrive combination, with a sixth-gear ratio of just 0.588. This very tall cruising gear allows for quiet, effortless cruising. At 2000 rpm, our test unit indicated a speed of 72 mph. At speeds over 75 mph we were able to detect some wind noise coming from the mirrors, but thanks to careful noise isolation work, the powertrain is not the source of noise or vibration until much higher speeds are demanded. Top speed is electronically limited to 137 mph. As you might expect with a four-wheel-drive of this considerable heft, the LX remains composed and relaxed even at speeds well beyond the recommended norm on America's superhighways. In bad weather, the LX really comes into its own, with a torsen limited-slip center differential biasing torque to maximize traction. Drawing from its Land Cruiser heritage, the LX has the guts of a true 4x4. The four-wheel-drive system has four modes, actuated by a toggle switch on the center console. It's possible to lock the center differential in high range or low range, or leave it open in either range. Normally, most people will be operating in the unlocked, high range mode, which should deliver the best mileage. When there are patches of ice or water on the road, locking the center differential helps maintain grip as individual wheels encounter slippery surfaces. When the going gets really bad, such an ice storm or if deep mud blocks the path, locking the center differential and using low range would supply maximum balance to move forward without getting stuck. Unlike the iconic 4x4 Land Cruiser, the LX does not offer locking differentials, relying instead on electronic traction control (A-TRAC) to prevent wheelspin. Our (considerable) experience with A-TRAC is that it provides enhanced traction and off-road capability sufficient for any unplanned event, and then some. The Toyota Land Cruiser, with available electronic lockers, might be better suited for those who expect to use their SUV as a 4x4 recreation vehicle, but both vehicles have multi-terrain ABS, which works at low speeds on-road or off, and both vehicles have Crawl Control. Crawl Control is designed for use on steep downhill trails when control is the highest priority. It holds back the vehicle, making sure the speed is appropriate to the steepness of the terrain, so all the driver has to do is steer. The LX suspension supplies a mix of ride quality and cornering capability consistent with other large, multi-passenger luxury vehicles. Some vehicles in this class use air bag suspensions, but in the LX coil springs are used on all four corners, supplemented by an active variable damping system that controls body pitch and dive. The combination is effective. We noticed the LX squats very little upon hard acceleration, the front stays level when we got on the brakes, and in general, the vehicle stayed composed during spirited driving. The level of damping is selectable. It's possible to select Sport, Normal, and Comfort damping via a switch on the dash, which allowed us to tune ride quality depending on the road surface. We think we would operate on Comfort for highway driving, and Sport if we were faced with a mountain road with a lot of side-to-side transitions. The difference between Normal and Comfort was not apparent to us as we drove, but the difference between Sport and Comfort was definitely discernable. Unless you drive a truck regularly, parking and maneuvering any big SUV will take some practice. Driving the LX, we found that the hood is tall, making it hard to keep track of the right front corner in particular. Rear visibility is compromised by headrests and sheer height. On the LX, the problem is made easier in two ways. First, steering at slow speeds requires very little effort, and second, visibility is enhanced by new electronic systems. One such system uses wide-angle cameras located in the front grille and passenger-side mirror to give the driver an enhanced view along the front and side of the vehicle by projecting images of these blind spots on a split-screen display. Another system uses ultrasonic sensors to warn of contact with objects around the front, rear and corners of the vehicle when parking. We found that, with these systems operating simultaneously, even a driver who normally operates a smaller car can park and maneuver the LX in close quarters with accuracy and confidence. They all work together intuitively; it just takes a little patience. The LX is built with the strong brakes a capable hauler requires. They include large ventilated disc rotors with multi-piston calipers, enhanced by numerous active safety systems. These include Brake Assist (shortening stopping distances in emergencies), all-terrain ABS, and Electronic Brake Force Distribution to balance braking on slippery surfaces. We towed an 8500-pound trailer for an hour or so with the new LX 570 and found the engine and transmission had no trouble hauling the load up hills, as we expected. The downhill side is often the bigger challenge, as both brakes and transmission are part of what it takes to maintain control. We found that the transmission will downshift on its own, from sixth to fifth gear then to fourth gear, to enhance engine braking and fuel economy. The uphill/downhill shift logic seems flawless, responding to very slight tip-of-the-toe throttle inputs. But for those times when manual control seems called for, there is a sequential shift mode that gives the driver this control. All Lexus vehicles offer a Pre-Collision System (PCS), including the LX. It's integrated with the optional Dynamic Radar Control, which at $2850 is a fairly pricy option. However, PCS is an innovative safety system that is enabled by the use of radar. With the Pre-Collision System, the car's radar can determine if a crash is unavoidable. If that ever becomes the case, the system tightens up the seatbelt, increases brake sensitivity and applies maximum braking force when the driver touches the brake. By reducing the speed at impact, and positioning the occupants, PCS allows all the other built-in safety systems to work better. According to Lexus engineers, scrubbing off just a little speed at the last second can be enough to save lives. While you don't want to crash at 35 mph, it's better than crashing at 55 mph.

Summary
Stylistically less pretentious than the competition, the all-new 2009 Lexus LX 570 still offers power, unique luxury features, and exceptional capability on and off the road. Lexus build quality should assure long-term value.

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2008 Lexus GX 470 Low Prices, Lease Payments From $599/mo! FleetRates.com 1-888-831-8080

2008-06-18T18:51:00Z

Click Here To View 2008 Lexus GX470 Inventory

Overview
The 2008 Lexus GX470 gets fresh styling on the outside and new trim inside. Based on the Toyota 4Runner, the GX combines superior off-road capability with Lexus luxury and quality. For 2008, Lexus revised the styling to give the GX a richer, more mature exterior appearance. Changes for 2008 include a dark metallic grille, red-and-clear taillights, a liquid graphite finish for the wheels, and bright-metal door handles and roof rack side rails. Darker wood trim lends a more upscale look to the interior for 2008. The last complete redesign was for the 2003 model year. For 2007, Lexus updated the GX 470's optional rear-seat DVD system with a 9-inch wide-format screen. The optional navigation system offers voice activation and enhanced display features. An input jack for iPods and other audio devices comes standard. The optional Mark Levinson Premium Audio offers DVD capability and can play MP3/WMA-formatted CDs. Everyone, from rear-seat passengers to the driver, can watch a movie on one of the screens, including the navigation screen when parked. Inside, the GX 470 is roomy, quiet and comfortable, with an optional third-row seat that expands capacity to eight. Its cabin is swathed in leather and walnut. An overhead-cam V8 and smooth five-speed automatic transmission provide sufficient power for towing, trail-bashing, or carving corners on a coastal highway. Power is provided by a 4.7-liter V8, rated 263 horsepower and a substantial 323 pound-feet of torque, driving through a five-speed automatic transmission. Underneath, the GX 470 has body-on-frame construction like commercial or military trucks, with a solid rear axle and serious four-wheel drive features such as a locking center differential and two-speed transfer case. Its full-time four-wheel drive features electronic traction control (A-TRAC) and automatically dispatches torque to the tires with the best grip. An electronic system called Downhill Assist Control (DAC) helps the GX 470 safely negotiate slippery inclines, while Vehicle Stability Control helps steady the GX 470 in slippery turns. We've found the Lexus GX 470 highly capable in rugged terrain. Its electronic features make unskilled drivers look like experienced off-road pilots while enabling experienced off-road drivers to go even farther. In short, the GX 470 can go just about anywhere its driver is willing to point it. Its rugged design means it holds up well when punished repeatedly over rough roads, good for drivers who frequent the backcountry or launch boats over rugged terrain.

Model Lineup
The 2008 Lexus GX 470 is offered in a single, well-equipped trim level ($47,315). Standard features include leather upholstery, power heated seats, a wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, rain-sensing wipers, automatic dual-zone climate control, HomeLink universal transmitter, an 11-speaker stereo with six-CD changer, rear-seat audio with remote control and headphones, a glass sunroof, illuminated running boards, and a 115V AC power outlet in the cargo area. The standard wheels are 17-inch alloys wearing 265/65HR17 tires. The optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System ($1,750) enhances on-road handling without compromising off-road capability. A Sport Package ($1,800) combines KDSS with smoked front and rear light bezels, a chromed exhaust tip, and dark graphite finish on the wheels and roof rack. Inside, dark graphite trim is added to the center console and instrument panel, and the standard brown walnut wood trim is replaced by black bird's-eye maple. The carpet is black, too, instead of the standard gray or ivory. The optional navigation system ($3,250) includes a Mark Levinson audio upgrade, Bluetooth wireless technology that links compatible cellular telephones to the GX for hands-free communication, and a reverse-camera system to help spot objects (and children) behind the vehicle. Options include a third-row seat combined with rear air conditioning ($485); a rear-seat entertainment system with two headphone sets ($1,650); and a tow-hitch bracket ($50). Lexus Link ($900), which comes with a one-year subscription, combines GPS satellite and cellular phone technology to connect the driver to a concierge desk 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Roadside assistance, stolen vehicle tracking and remote door unlocking are among the services provided. The system automatically dispatches emergency services if you press a panic button, or if the airbags are deployed and you fail to respond to the operator's call. Safety features that come standard include advanced front airbags, side-impact airbags for the front seats (for torso protection in a side impact), and side-curtain airbags (for head protection in a side impact or rollover). Three-point seatbelts are provided for each seating position, and the front belts are equipped with pretensioners and force limiters to help minimize seatbelt-related injuries. A tire pressure monitoring system comes standard. We recommend getting Lexus Link for its safety benefits. The GX 470 has the latest electronic control systems, including four-wheel traction control, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), a Torsen limited-slip center differential, and Adaptive Variable Suspension with adjustable height control.

Walkaround
The Lexus GX 470 looks big and brawny. It doesn't seem excessively long on the outside, but it does look tall, especially from the rear, in part because of the vertically oriented tail lamps and other design cues. From the rear it looks tippy, which is unfortunate because it's anything but. The GX 470 shares its basic five-door body shell with the Toyota 4Runner. Unique rear quarters give the Lexus a different visual personality, however. It looks cleaner and more contemporary, a bit more like a tall station wagon compared to the carefully calculated rugged-truck look of the 4Runner. Unique grilles and bumpers distinguish the two vehicles and give them their respective Lexus and Toyota identities, but a more careful examination reveals that they are more alike than different. Details add visual richness to the GX 470. These include its peaky hood and grille combination, along with its nicely integrated body-colored bumpers, fender flares and side moldings. Massive headlamps and those complex, high-mounted tail lamps define its corners. Of the trim changes made for 2008, the new dark-metallic finish on the grille seems to make the least difference. More noticeable is the darker finish on the wheels, which somehow makes the spokes look slimmer. Turning down the brightness on the wheels has allowed Lexus to turn it up on the door handles and roof rack without making the GX look over-decorated. The overall change is subtle, and whether or not it's an improvement is a matter of personal preference. The new taillights are contoured the same as before, but the formerly orange portion at the top has been replaced by a small clear window for reverse and turn-signal functions. The Lexus GX 470 interior is trimmed in rich leather and new brown walnut trim. The woodgrain is darker and richer on 2008 models, an improvement over the orangey tone on 2007 models. The GX 470 is roomy and well finished, with large, comfortable seats and lots of elbow room. The materials are excellent. Tall side windows afford a good view out, making the cabin seem airy. All controls are right where we expect them to be, and everything is clearly labeled. All of the gauges and instruments are large and easy to read, with simple graphics shared by other Lexus products. Switches and controls are large, straightforward, elegantly designed and easy to operate. The GX is a space-efficient vehicle. The second row bench seat is roomy, comfortable and easy to get into. It splits 60/40 for versatility and folds flat. A family of four with a big dog will feel right at home. The third row, if ordered, can seat eight, sort of. The third row is suitable for children, but it's nearly hopeless for adults. On the positive side, the rear air conditioning included with the third seat allows separate temperature adjustment for third-row kiddies and dogs. Split 50/50, the third-row seat can be folded up out of the way or removed and stored. The cargo bay offers 13 cubic feet of storage behind the third row. It can be expanded in steps to more than 77 cubic feet by folding or removing the lightweight third-row seats, then folding the second row. This compares well with other current models in the class. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class offers 72.4 cubic feet, the BMW X5 offers just 62 cubic feet. Unfortunately, the GX 470's cargo door opens from the left side, awkward in the U.S. when unloading curbside at the airport. The navigation system, introduced for 2007, includes voice recognition that allows the driver to enter a destination by voice command. The screen features a high-resolution, 800x480-pixel display in 32,000 colors. Maps and roads are shown with 3-D shadow effects, and the system can even display graphic representations of buildings in selected cities. System functions include multiple route calculation, route preview, simplified highway-junction graphics and a dual-map screen option. Text can be displayed in English, Spanish, or French. The navigation system integrates Bluetooth wireless technology. When using a compatible phone, Bluetooth allows the driver to transfer phone books to the nav system and make calls through its touch-screen panel or voice commands. The backup camera (included with navigation) displays what's directly behind the GX 470 on the seven-inch nav screen when reverse is engaged. Beyond helping the driver to avoid backing over obstacles, such as a tricycle left in the driveway, it's also useful when parking in tight spaces. It's also a valuable safety feature because it can help the driver spot a child behind the vehicle when backing up. The standard audio system includes an auxiliary input jack. The Mark Levinson audio option turns the GX 470 into a concert hall on wheels, with 14 speakers and 240 watts of power. The Panasonic rear-seat entertainment system ranked highest in overall customer satisfaction in a 2005 J.D. Power and Associates study, and it' been upgraded since then with a 9-inch wide-screen display. The high-resolution screen lowers from the headliner. Front-seat passengers can watch a DVD on the navigation screen with the Mark Levinson audio system, but only when the vehicle is in Park.

Driving Impressions
The Lexus GX 470 is a smooth, comfortable SUV for everyday driving, and it offers some of the best off-road capability in the luxury class. Its array of onboard electronics is top-drawer, and all systems work in concert to increase the GX 470's capability and the driver's confidence. The 4.7-liter V8 delivers world-class smoothness and quiet. At highway cruising speeds it's barely audible. The GX 470 is no slouch in the performance department, in spite of its 4,871-pound curb weight. It's capable of full-throttle sprints from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.1 seconds, with a nice V8 intake roar to go with the rush. Toyota's sophisticated electronic VVT-i (for Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) improves efficiency and response at all engine speeds. VVT-i also helps the GX 470 run cleaner, earning the government's stringent ULEV-II (Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) rating. Peak horsepower is 263 at 5400 rpm; torque tops out at 3400 rpm and 323 pound-feet. That's strong torque for towing. If you're pulling anything up to its limit of 6,500 pounds, this truck will handle it with ease. Fuel economy is impacted by all this capability. EPA estimates are 15/19 mpg City/Highway. And while the GX 470 will run on unleaded regular, Lexus recommends 91 octane (or higher) premium fuel for optimum performance. The five-speed automatic transmission offers quicker response and better gearing than a traditional four-speed automatic. Like the engine, the transmission is very smooth. The GX 470 handles well for a body-on-frame truck with a live rear axle. Like many truck-based SUVs, it feels heavy and ponderous, but it's never a chore to drive in the daily grind. Variable-ratio rack-and-pinion steering makes the steering quick and light in parking situations, but smoother and heavier on the highway, so it never feels over-assisted or darty. As a result, the GX 470 feels solid and well-planted at highway speeds. The adaptive suspension, which comes standard, continuously changes the shock absorber damping at each wheel individually in response to road surface conditions and speed as well as steering and braking inputs from the driver. Four driver-selectable settings are available to tailor the system to driver preferences or situations. You might want to use the softest setting for a bumpy boulevard, for example, then switch to a firm setting for driving down a winding rural road. We did this and it works well. The system automatically increases shock absorber stiffness in transitional maneuvers. It also reduces dive under hard braking and squat under hard acceleration. Air springs in the rear can raise rear ride height in rugged terrain or lower the rear end when loading cargo. Ride quality is also remarkably refined for a truck with a live rear axle. Road vibration and pavement undulations get through, but they are damped. We found the Comfort setting produced a cushy feel, though it's no magic carpet ride as you can still feel the suspension reacting to bumps. Switching all the way to the Sport setting makes the bumps feel more pronounced, making for a less comfortable ride, but more responsive cornering. The optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System provides more roll stiffness when needed for crisp handling response, without an increase in spring rate over bumpy roads. In other words, you get better handling without sacrificing ride quality. The system disengages the stabilizer bars for rugged, off-highway conditions, allowing more suspension travel and articulation to help the GX 470 step over obstacles. Lexus claims the system has been proven in World Rally Championship competition, which is another way of saying it's the real deal, not a fragile gadget. The brakes are superb. They have a nice feel and are easy to modulate for smooth stops in everyday driving. The brake rotors are large, and all four discs are ventilated for long life and fade-free performance. (Most trucks use ventilated discs only on the front wheels.) Anti-lock brakes (ABS) help the driver maintain steering control in a panic stop. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) distributes the optimum brake force between front and rear wheels to achieve shorter stopping distances and more stable braking. Brake Assist can help the driver use the full potential of the brakes in panic stops by maintaining pressure on the brake discs even if the driver makes the mistake of relaxing pressure on the brake pedal. Off road, there's enough brake pedal travel to allow precise modulation, crucial when negotiating obstacles at low speeds. Drive too fast into a slippery corner or make an emergency lane-change maneuver and the technology on the Lexus GX can help you out. Vehicle Stability Control helps improve control and lateral traction while cornering on dry or slippery road surfaces. The system helps the driver keep the GX on the intended path by reducing power or applying the brakes to individual wheels. This system can help prevent a skid or reduce the chance of sliding off the road. Full-time four-wheel drive is standard. The heart of the system is a locking Torsen (torque-sensing) center differential and electronic Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) that continuously apportions torque between the front and rear axles, automatically directing power to the wheels that can best use it. In normal highway conditions, power is split 40/60 percent front/rear, meaning the front wheels are providing 40 percent of the driving force. If the rear wheels spin, the differential can change the ratio to 53/47, sending more power to the front wheels. When cornering, the system sends more power to the rear wheels (29/71 percent) to improve tracking around curves. It's a great system. The bottom line is secure traction and balanced handling in all types of conditions and situations. Downhill Assist Control (DAC) makes it easier to negotiate steep, slippery slopes: Once activated, take your feet off the pedals and the GX slowly walks down the incline using the ABS and active traction control to keep the vehicle pointed in the intended direction. Touch the brake or the gas to slow down or speed up, then take your feet off the pedals again and the system resumes control to help maintain a slow, steady descent. It's a great feature that anyone can use after one lesson. It even works in Reverse, in case you have to back down a hill and try again. Meanwhile, Hill-Start Assist Control helps keep the GX 470 from rolling back while starting on a steep incline.

Summary
The Lexus GX 470 is a good choice for buyers who want luxury, build quality and off-road capability. It's smooth and powerful on the road and can go nearly anywhere off the pavement. The cabin is trimmed in quality materials and features good ergonomic function. It's roomy and comfortable and can accommodate up to eight people when equipped with the optional third-row seat. Plus, there's the Lexus reputation for quality, durability and reliability. If your driving takes you off the pavement or deep snow is part of your annual driving, the Lexus GX 470 is an excellent choice. If fuel economy is more important, a crossover such as the Lexus RX might be a better choice.

New 2008 Lexus GS350, GS450h, GS460 Lease From Only $479/month! Low 2008 GS Low Prices & Lease Payments 1-888-831-8080

2008-06-18T18:36:00Z

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Overview
The 2008 Lexus GS makes its mark with sense as well as speed, restraint as well as luxury. Although it's easy to think of it as an alternative to an Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz, the Lexus GS embraces an entirely different set of values. Lexus itself has promoted the phrase "L-finesse" to define its way of crafting an automobile, an example of market-speak that gets right to the heart of the 2008 Lexus GS. This sport sedan is meant to be dynamic, yet free of gimmicks. It is meant to combine precision with lavish, luxurious appointments. It is meant to deliver a high standard of automotive performance, yet be easily intuitive to drive. Amazing examples of automotive technology are included as standard equipment, yet the driver is never aware of them. The Lexus GS does everything you ask, and yet it always feels effortless. The third-generation Lexus GS came to market for 2006, a showcase of Toyota's most advanced technology. It arrived with more computing power than some third-world countries and a standard of luxury usually enjoyed only in the best zip codes. The GS was further improved for 2007. For 2008, it gets a new, much-improved V8 engine. The 2008 GS 460 replaces the previous GS 430. The new V8 is a 4.6-liter that makes 342 horsepower, 52 more than last year's 4.3-liter V8. It is also now mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that replaces a six-speed. For added performance, the transmission includes a sport mode that enables you to manually make sequential shifts with the console-mounted gear lever. There's also a hybrid: The GS 450h combines the 3.5-liter V6 with an electric motor for improved power and fuel economy. The 2008 GS 350 features a 303-hp, 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic with manual shift gate. All-wheel drive is available. Other 2008 changes include a revised front fascia, a new chrome grille surround, the addition of side-mirror turn signals, and new wheels designs. On the inside, all GS models get a revised instrument panel, a brushed aluminum shift plate surround, and wood trim door switch plates. Rear-wheel drive is what makes the GS a driver's car. Front-wheel drive is never as sporting. All-wheel drive is also available and is beneficial in foul weather. The all-wheel-drive models feature a fast-acting, clutch-type center differential that sends 70 percent of the power to the rear wheels under normal circumstances to help foster the dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive car. When wheel sensors detect slippery road conditions, as much as 50 percent of engine power is diverted to the front wheels to increase the car's overall traction on the road. Any version of the GS is a luxurious car with a strong engine and surprisingly capable handling. Also surprising is the fact that ride quality suffers with the available 18-inch wheels; Lexuses are usually pillow soft. Tall drivers might want to avoid the GS and so will those who need to haul cargo on a regular basis. But, if you're in the market for a midsize luxury/sport sedan, the GS is a fine choice and the hybrid model offers unique combination of performance and fuel economy.

Model Lineup
The 2008 Lexus GS sedan is available in three models. The GS 350 ($44,150) sports a 303-hp 3.5-liter V6. The GS 350 AWD ($46,100) adds all-wheel drive to the package. Both GS 350 models have a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shiftgate. Standard equipment on the GS 350 includes thick, regency-style leather upholstery and a choice of wood trim in either bird's-eye maple (brown, black, or gray) or walnut; dual-zone automatic climate control; interior air filter; power tilt/telescoping wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; cruise control; heated 10-way power-adjustable front seats; memory for the driver's seat; mirrors and steering wheel; trunk pass-through; heated auto-dimming power exterior mirrors with tilt-down back-up aid; power windows; power locks; Lexus' SmartAccess keyless access and starting; sunroof; remote engine starting; 10-speaker AM/FM/cassette stereo with six-disc CD changer; auxiliary audio input jack; vehicle information system with a seven-inch touch screen; Bluetooth wireless cell phone link; auto-dimming rearview mirror; universal garage door opener; power trunk closer; automatic xenon headlights; theft-deterrent system; fog lights; and P225/50WR17 tires on alloy wheels. The GS 350 AWD has P225/50R17 run-flat tires. The GS 460 ($52,620) has a 342-hp V8 and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GS 450h ($54,900) features a hybrid powertrain that combines the 3.5-liter V6 with an electric motor. It has a continuously variable automatic transmission with six preset gear ratios for the manual shiftgate. The GS 460 adds heated and ventilated front seats, adaptive headlights, an adaptive variable suspension with sport and normal modes, and P245/40ZR18 tires. The GS450h gets front and rear park assist, rearview camera, rain-sensing wipers, power rear sunshade, and headlight washers. It loses the trunk pass-through. Options include a navigation system with voice recognition ($1850) which includes a rear backup camera; front and rear park assist ($500); Mark Levinson 330-watt audio system with 7.1 surround sound and DVD Audio playback ($1780); active vehicle stabilizer system ($3000); pre-collision braking system with radar-type cruise control ($2850); Lexus Link road assistance ($900); rain-sensing wipers with headlight washers; power rear sunshade ($210); ventilated front seats ($200); all-season run-flat tires ($320); rear spoiler ($200); and XM satellite radio ($486). Safety features that come standard include dual front air bags, front and rear side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, curtain-type head-protection air bags both and front and rear, and a tire-pressure monitor. Front and rear park assist and a rearview camera are standard on the GS 450h and optional on the other models. Active safety features that come standard include anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, traction control, and electronic stability control (ESC). The GS 460 comes with Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, an ESC system that processes steering angle, yaw rate, deceleration, brake pressure and wheel speed, and then uses the car's entire range of electronic controls for the engine, brake, and steering controls to help the driver control the car in an emergency handling situation. In contrast to conventional ESC systems, which react to a car's loss of control, VDIM has been developed to anticipate a dangerous situation, and then by making certain corrections, allow the driver to continue without even realizing the system is at work. The available Lexus pre-collision system uses a radar sensor to detect the onset of a collision and will automatically optimize chassis calibration for quick steering response, retract the front seatbelts, initialize brake assist and even decelerate the car at 0.3 g if the driver fails to take avoiding action.

Walkaround
The face of Lexus has evolved cautiously since Toyota launched the luxury division in 1990, but it's now determined to inject more passion into its styling language. The GS led the way when this third-generation model was introduced for 2006. The new styling language as seen on the GS features a low, stretched shape with a long hood, a set-back greenhouse and short rear deck. The GS expresses simplicity, yet the car is thoroughly sculpted throughout its length. The design is perhaps a little predictable, yet the combination of this sleek shape and careful work to reduce aerodynamic turbulence beneath the car has produced a remarkably low 0.27 coefficient of aerodynamic drag, and this promotes a quieter interior and fuel efficiency. For 2008, the front fascia is reworked with a new front bumper, a slightly revised lower air intake, and a chrome grille surround. The side mirrors get turn signals, and the wheel designs are new. The GS has high-intensity-discharge headlights with an available system that automatically compensates headlight aim for different passenger loads. The power-adjustable mirrors have defogging heat elements and tilt down when the car is in reverse. The available variable intermittent windshield wipers actuate automatically when raindrops are sensed. Fast-acting LEDs are used in the rear brake lights. Big 18-inch wheels are available.

Interior Features
The Lexus GS is very well appointed. Open the door and you're greeted by stainless-steel scuff plates, the scent of leather and cut-pile carpeting, and the gleam of highly burnished hardwood trim. The tilt/telescoping steering wheel is handsomely trimmed in wood and leather. In the traditional Lexus style, the instrumentation is set deep within the dash to promote easy focus by older drivers and also features electroluminescent instrument needles for heightened visibility. Across the dash panel, each gauge, button, knob, lever and wheel is clearly identified by easily read words or symbols, so you can intuitively grasp the meaning. There's soft-touch electronic actuation for virtually every control, from the window switches to the trunk release. Dominating the center stack is a seven-inch electronic screen with touch-screen controls. Two banks of menu buttons flank the screen. The driver uses this screen to operate the audio system, climate control, and optional navigation system with backup camera, though many functions are duplicated with nearby buttons on the dashboard. Navigating through the submenus doesn't take too much brainpower, but like most multi-tasking electronic systems, a day spent with the owner's manual on a quiet side street is the best way to figure out the way to work everything properly. Lexus has made a quality audio system a key component of its brand identity, so it's no surprise that the GS sedan has a premium system. The standard 134-watt system features an AM/FM tuner with cassette tape and an in-dash, six-disc CD changer. It plays through a 10-speaker sound system. MP3 capability isn't offered, but an auxiliary audio input jack is provided. Audiophiles can opt for the Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system, developed especially for the GS interior. Utilizing 5.1 surround sound playback via a 7.1-channel speaker topology, its 330-watt amplifier sends the vibes through 14 speakers via 11 channels of amplification. The DVD-based navigation system has information for more than 6 million points of interest, while route searching is conducted at ten times the speed of previous-generation systems. The screen has excellent resolution and the map images have three-dimensional shading to aid recognition. Voice recognition makes the system a hands-free experience for the experienced user. The Bluetooth-compatible telephone system can be operated by voice command or through the seven-inch touch screen. Intuitive Park Assist considers steering angle input as well as the usual distance-warning sensors to offer contact avoidance advice through graphics in the dashboard-mounted information screen. This advice also is displayed in the lower center of the speedometer, an area that is also used to show information from the trip computer, radar cruise status, distance monitoring and various warning messages. This system is the last word in ding prevention in the supermarket parking lot. The combination of the 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a thick-rimmed steering wheel with an electrical tilt/telescopic control helps you find a comfortable driving position. The driver's seat itself is sculpted with an extensive set of bolsters that support you, though they are not so restrictive that they encumber easy ingress and egress. Despite the multiple controls, one of our test drivers didn't like the seating position because the front of the seat bottom doesn't tilt upward. And tall drivers might not like the GS at all, because head room is limited. The same goes for the back seat. Both head and leg room will be tight for anyone over 6 feet, 2 inches, and the front seats have little toe room if the front seat is at its lowest point. The seat is comfortable, however, and a center armrest folds down to reveal the pass-through. That pass-through is handy, but not as handy as a split-folding rear seat, which the GS doesn't offer. The trunk is relatively small, measuring 12.7 cubic feet in volume. And the trunk opening is small, caused by the short overhang. The GS does not excel at cargo capability.

Driving Impressions
Lexus is known for smooth ride and luxury appointments, and the GS has accomplished road manners. Its fundamental sense of balance makes driving enjoyable. Even during a morning commute, you can seize a few moments of driving enjoyment. The available 18-inch tires can make the ride a bit harsh, however. In our test of a GS 460 on Chicago streets, the suspension reacted harshly to sharp potholes, sending the types of sounds into the cabin that make you feel like you're in danger of popping a tire or doing suspension damage. The GS can rip down the road if you like. Wide tires furnish plenty of cornering grip: P245/40ZR18 tires are standard equipment for both the GS 450h and GS 460, while the GS 350 carries P225/50WR17 tires. The base suspension geometry provides good handling, while gas-charged dampers and coil springs promote a resilient, long-legged ride. The GS 450h and GS 460 both have two-position, electronically adjustable damping control to help the car adapt to driving conditions, as well as available Power Active Vehicle Stabilizer, which minimizes body roll during fast driving and further enhances the sensation of effortless speed. The high-tech electric power steering is exceptionally sophisticated. Its Variable Gear Ratio Steering reduces the amount of steering lock (not just steering effort) at very low speeds and accelerates the steering effect as the wheel approaches full lock. The system matches wheel angle to the speed at which the driver is turning the steering wheel in order to offset any delay in the car's response to steering input. This works especially well on winding roads. A correction feature offsets the effects of crosswinds, making small steering adjustments automatically. The steering system makes it possible to manage a powerful, rear-wheel-drive car in all kinds of driving and (more important) all kinds of weather. But we felt that both the electric power steering and electric brake system occasionally deliver an unnatural feel through the controls. During ordinary driving, we adapted quickly, but the combination of these electric systems with VDIM proved faintly distracting during enthusiastic driving. In fact, the hybrid GS 450h actually annoyed us because the transition from conventional friction braking to hybrid-style regenerative electrical braking frequently proved clumsy and unpredictable. Overall, the heavy, 4134-pound GS 450h is the quickest of the GS sedans, getting to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, though it's capable of just 131 mph. The 3945-pound GS 460 launches to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 149 mph, and the 3795-pound GS 350 sprints to 60 mph in an impressive 5.7 seconds (5.8 seconds for AWD) on its way to a top speed of 143 mph. Fuel economy for the GS 450h is rated 22/25 mpg City/Highway on the government's EPA cycle. The GS 460 is rated 17/24 mpg, the GS 350 gets 19/27 and the GS 350 AWD is rated at 18/25. In our opinion, the GS 350 is more enjoyable to drive than its up-market siblings. The V6 is responsive and just plain fast. The gear changes of both the six-speed automatic transmission are virtually undetectable. The GS is not the sort of car that encourages manual shifting, but it is a performance car, and the feeling of acceleration is a large part of its appeal. Conventional steering and braking helps the GS 350 feel more natural than the more-expensive models with all their drive-by-wire technology. The 17-inch wheels provide the best ride quality and the 18-inch tires are available to provide more cornering grip for drivers who feel they need it. In particular, the all-wheel-drive model feels surprisingly alert and maneuverable thanks to its rear-biased power delivery. The GS 350 gives up some dynamic control at the outer limits of its performance envelope compared to the GS 450h and GS 460, but it's more enjoyable to drive at conventional speed. The all-wheel-drive version of the GS 350 copes with a wide range of weather conditions and doesn't seem to offer many compromises in terms of speed, handling or even fuel economy. Lexus has at least partially solved a problem with the new-for-2008 GS 460. The 2007 GS 430 was priced almost as high as the hybrid, but was not appreciably faster than the V6, and it got the worst fuel economy of the bunch. The new 4.6-liter V8 on the new GS 460 is a paragon of responsiveness, providing ready power from a stop that makes it seem even faster than it is. While the GS 460 is slower in a sprint than the GS 450h, the V8 seems to provide more willing power at midrange and highway speeds. We did find, however, that the eight-speed requires a deep stab of the throttle to coax the downshifts needed for maximum passing punch. The GS 450h uses the same 3.5-liter V6 as the GS 350, but it is teamed with two electric motors to produce an equivalent 340 horsepower. The GS450h's powertrain is a technological marvel. The gas engine doesn't start until it's needed, and it shuts off at stoplights, so the car can be on and the engine off. The electric motors are capable of powering the car at low speeds. The powertrain is more impressive, though, when you stomp the throttle and find it's faster than Lexus's impressive new V8. The smooth CVT will leave many drivers missing the rewarding climb through the gears of a conventional automatic, but using the manual shift mode with its six preset gear ratios can remedy that.

Summary
The Lexus approach to high performance isn't grasped by everyone, so it's easy to overlook the genuinely rewarding road manners of the Lexus GS sedan. This car has the calm, intuitive personality we associate with the Lexus brand, though ride quality can get firm with the large tires. Passenger room is good but not generous and cargo room is limited. All versions of the GS have capability to get you to your destination as quickly as you dare, and the GS 450h's combination of power and fuel economy is unique among midsize luxury/sport sedans.

2008 Lexus ES 350 Low Lease Payments, FleetRates.com 1-888-831-8080

2008-06-18T18:25:00Z

Click Here To View 2008 Lexus ES 350 Inventory

Overview
The Lexus ES 350 is a mid-size sedan that celebrates smoothness, quietude and sophistication. The Lexus ES doesn't suffer the hard ride of a German sports sedan. You can safely sip a cappuccino on the way to work. The ride is smooth, the engine is smooth, the six-speed automatic is flawless, everything is quiet. The ES 350 is quick and responsive, benefitting from a newly developed 272-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine. Lexus says it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, a solid Performance. Yet the ES 350 is also certified to the Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II) standard. The ES 350 was completely redesigned for the 2007 model year and there are only minor revisions for 2008, such as new personal reading lamps for rear-seat riders. The Lexus ES series has come a long way. When Toyota launched its premium Lexus brand in late 1989, its entry-level model was the ES 250, with a thinly disguised Camry chassis and powertrain under a mildly upgraded body and interior. With each succeeding generation, the ES has better met the needs of the entry-luxury segment, with more room, more space, more power, and more standard equipment. And more safety features. Lexus presents the ES and IS as a one-two challenge to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35 and M35, Audi A6, Saab 9-3, Volvo S60, and a host of domestics in this popular class. The ES is designed to emphasize ride quality and smoothness, while the IS is oriented around sharp handling and is designed to be a driver's car. The ES uses front-wheel drive, while the IS is rear-wheel drive. We like both, depending on the mood and the task at hand.

Model Lineup
The 2008 Lexus ES 350 ($33,820) comes as one model. It comes with high-grade fabric upholstery, 10-way power front seats; power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel; dual-zone automatic climate control; power glass sunroof; eight-speaker AM/FM/6CD, satellite compatibility, and MP3/iPod input jack; programmable SmartAccess keyless entry; and all the other amenities one would expect for the price. Tires are P215/55 all-season radials on 17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels. The Premium Package ($1,280) adds leather seating, rear-seat side-impact airbags, Bluetooth wireless technology, auto-dimming exterior mirrors with automatic tilt-down, and a memory function for the driver's seat, steering wheel and exterior mirrors controlled through the SmartAccess system. The Premium Plus package ($2,480) includes the contents of the Premium Package and adds a power driver's seat cushion extender, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, and front passenger seat memory. The Ultra-Luxury Package ($5,380) combines the contents of the Premium and Premium Plus packages, and adds a panorama glass roof, perforated leather seating, power rear sunshade, adaptive front lighting system (AFS) with HID headlamps, navigation with rear backup camera, wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, and 10-spoke graphite-finish alloy wheels. Options include park assist ($500), a power rear sunshade ($210), heated and ventilated front seats ($640), full-size spare tire ($205), wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel ($350), rear side-impact airbags ($250), Bluetooth audio ($300), and HID/AFS lighting ($815). Buyers may also choose navigation by itself ($2,650), or with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system with six-CD changer ($4,250); both include Bluetooth connectivity and a rearview camera. The Pebble Beach Edition is a package ($4,710) featuring a semi-aniline leather interior, a wood and leather steering wheel, and Liquid Graphite-finish wheels. Exclusive badging and floor mats display The Lone Cypress logo of California's Pebble Beach Resorts. Other standard equipment will be roughly equivalent to the Premium Plus package. Additionally, three Personalization Program accessory packages exclusive to the Pebble Beach edition will allow owners to add a set of matched luggage, Callaway golf equipment, or Viking cooking gear. Exterior colors will be limited to an exclusive Truffle Mica, or the standard-issue silver pearl or black. The Pebble Beach Edition is a limited run of 6,000 ES 350s. Safety features that come standard on the ES 350 include dual front airbags, dual front knee airbags, front side-impact airbags (for torso protection), curtain airbags (for head protection), electronic stability control, traction control, antilock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist, and a tire-pressure monitor. A two-chamber passenger airbag is designed to stop the passenger's upper body and torso with minimal facial contact and neck stress on deployment. The optional Pre-Collision System ($2,600) includes a radar-based cruise control that automatically maintains a preset distance between the ES 350 and the car ahead. If the system senses an imminent collision, it retracts all the outboard seatbelts and initializes the brake system for full panic-braking power. (But it doesn't close the windows and the sunroof like the similar system from Mercedes-Benz).

Walkaround
The ES 350 continues the Lexus L-Finesse design theme seen previously on three concept cars and the GS and IS sedans. The entire form seems to emanate from the grille and flow back over the car in hard lines. The look brought a new level of slickness, with a wind-tunnel-proven drag coefficient of just 0.28, making the ES 350 inherently quieter and more fuel-efficient than before. The first thing that impressed us with the 2007 redesign was the more generous physical size of the car. The grille is subdued, the headlamp units are smaller and less obtrusive, and the accent line along the side is raised to suggest more musculature under the skin. The ES 350 looks like it belongs in a Lexus showroom. In fact, the ES 350 has been consciously upsized to roughly the same dimensions as the original 1990 LS 400. The wheelbase, at 109.2 inches, is more than two inches longer than that of the 2006 ES 330; the body is wider by 0.4 inches, the track is wider by 1.2 inches, and the body has crisper, shorter overhangs along with a new front, side and rear appearance that's much more upscale than any previous ES. The ES 350 is also about 110 pounds heavier than the ES 330 due to the addition of more safety features and standard equipment. For 2008, the only exterior change is to the side mirrors, and there the difference is subtle. As before, the new mirrors are heated and incorporate puddle lamps. About the only exterior customizing you can do other than paint and wheels is a choice of forward lighting, from standard projector beam to optional high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with an adaptive lighting function, which swings the headlamps through an arc of up to 15 degrees when turning. There are 10 exterior colors to choose from, plus the Pebble Beach Edition's exclusive Truffle Mica. The ES 350 is roomy and comfortable. It has as much rear head and shoulder room, and more rear legroom, than the 1990 LS 400, and its rear floor is flat and can accommodate large American feet under the seats. The interior of the Lexus ES represents a quantum leap over pre-2007 models. The driving ambience is superb, with good sightlines, hooded instruments and crisp graphics, a 10-way power seat and standard tilt/telescope steering wheel. Fit and finish inside are exemplary. The real wood trim is from a matched set that is serial-numbered for future replacement, if necessary. The thick, fat steering wheel is a pleasure to use. There are three interior colors to choose from, in cloth or two grades of leather. The instrument panel and center stack are more driver-centered, engaging and involving than on previous generation. The instruments are deeply tunneled, using white LED lighting and the Optitron electroluminescent displays that are part of all Lexus models, with their eye-pleasing startup routine. The trip computer monitors a dozen functions. The ES features push-button engine starting and the SmartAccess key fob. With 95.4 cubic feet of cargo space, the ES nearly matches the trunk size of the original LS 400 flagship. The ES is insulated well. At cruising speeds, it's extremely quiet, in part due to its acoustic-control laminated windshield.

Driving Impressions
The ES 350 benefits from an all-aluminum engine with all the latest technologies built in. Introduced in the 2007, this engine is a honey and comes paired with a six-speed automatic. The ES 350 is quick to respond, the engine is as smooth and quiet as you would expect, and the transmission operation is flawless, automatic or manual mode, downshift or upshift. Engine and transmission are linked by several electronic modules and the electronic throttle, and there were no glitches we could find. The engine and transmission are isolation-mounted with an electro-hydraulic system to cancel vibration at idle. Lexus quotes a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds, which is competitive in the segment. Traction control and electronic stability control adds to the driver's confidence. The front struts and multi-link rear suspension are both very well isolated from the rest of the car, making for a quiet, smooth ride, with greater control of pitch and body roll than in pre-2007 models. We'd like a little more steering feel in corners and on the highway, but otherwise the speed-related power steering is good and solid. The brakes are average in size for this class, but we saw no sign of brake fade after a hard workout. The ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control are programmed to intervene early to keep the car going in the intended direction.

Summary
The Lexus ES 350 is quick and quiet at the same time. It's screwed together better than a Swiss watch, and it has sex appeal. With its new design and all the new standard equipment, the ES 350 ranks among the fiercest competitors in the entry-luxury segment. We think it's an excellent choice among luxury sedans, particularly when comfort and ride quality are priorities.

New Lexus LF-A Pre-Order Yours Today from FleetRates.com Low Lexus Prices LF-A Lease Payments Worldwide Delivery

2008-05-23T18:06:00Z

Click To View Lexus LF-A Specials Inventory

SANTA MONICA, California — After three auto show appearances and the occasional spy photo and video from Germany's high-speed Nürburgring test circuit, it's no secret that the Lexus LF-A supercar concept is headed for production. With an estimated 500 horsepower coming from the LF-A's 5.0-liter V10, we didn't expect the Lexus to come cheap, but we has learned that the car will carry a price tag over $200,000.

A Lexus source in Japan told us the price for the carbon-fiber supercar may be as high as $225,000. Shown in both coupe and roadster forms, the LF-A will first launch as a coupe. Roadster versions will be priced even higher. Both body styles are approximately 2 inches shorter and an inch narrower than the 483-hp Ferrari F430, with a similarly sized wheelbase. A 2007 Ferrari F430 Spider costs $211,525. Although final specifications have not yet been released, Lexus says the LF-A will reach a top speed over 200 mph.Lexus is gunning for the Italians with the LF-A, and it's not going to cut any corners in its quest to deliver a legitimate supercar

2008 Lexus LS460 Low Prices Lease Payments Worldwide Delivery 1-888-861-8080

2008-03-11T19:46:00Z

New 2008 Lexus LS460
Discount Lexus Prices Low LS460 Lease Payments
All Colors Options Worldwide Delivery

To win over the hearts and checkbooks of large-luxury-sedan shoppers, Lexus has been methodically plying its LS in America for close to 20 years now. Originally undercutting its European competition on price while simultaneously offering more power and superior reliability, the LS has gone on to enjoy plenty of sales success and customer satisfaction. Now, for 2008, Lexus has released its most comprehensive LS to date in the fully redesigned LS 460. Dimensions are similar to the previous LS 430. The new sedan's wheelbase is 1.7 inches longer, but there's less than an inch difference in overall length. However, this is just for the regular-wheelbase model. For the first time, Lexus is offering an extended-wheelbase model. Known as the LS 460 L, it provides significantly more legroom for rear-seat passengers. As you may gather from the car's new designation, there's a new V8 of slightly larger displacement (4.6 liters versus 4.3). New drivetrain technologies abound, including electric-motor-driven variable valve timing and an eight-speed automatic transmission -- a first for this segment. The result is 380 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque. If the increases of 102 hp and 55 pound-feet of torque over the LS 430 aren't enough to raise your eyebrows, perhaps the fact that the LS 460 also gets slightly better fuel economy will. Additional refinement was also a main goal for the redesign. The company boasts about the LS 460's crystal-inspired headlight lenses, its ultra-smooth exterior paint and the leather on the steering wheel -- it's apparently been buffed six times longer than the LS 430's. There are also a host of new technologies, including a more advanced stability control system, adaptive headlights, separate dual-zone climate controls front and rear and even a feature that gives the car the ability to parallel-park itself. Lexus has taken a big step forward with its new LS 460. With its new long-wheelbase model and many luxury-themed firsts, the LS should be considered a full equal to the top European luxury sedans. It's true that some potential owners might find it a little passionless when compared with competitors like the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class or Jaguar XJ. Others might miss the simpler and less ostentatious feel of earlier LS models. Still, the changes for the 2008 Lexus LS 460 are the right ones. This car deserves serious consideration.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options
The 2008 Lexus LS 460 is a large luxury sedan. There are two models available: the regular 460 and the extended-wheelbase 460 L. Major standard features for the LS 460 include 18-inch wheels, adaptive xenon HID headlights, a moonroof, leather upholstery, wood trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, power and heated front seats, keyless entry and start, Bluetooth connectivity and an audio system with a six-disc CD changer and an auxiliary jack. Through some optional packages, Lexus also offers a hard drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic and a backup camera, heated and cooled front seats, a 19-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system, satellite radio, park assist, a new Advanced Parking Guidance System and adaptive radar-based cruise control. The LS 460 L is equipped similarly but does come standard with the navigation system and satellite radio. An adaptive air suspension is optional. There's also an exclusive package for the 460 L called the Executive Class Seating Package. It drops rear seating capacity to two but adds a fixed console with cooled storage; reclining power seats with heating, cooling and massage; a DVD entertainment system; and full dual-zone rear climate control.

Powertrains and Performance
The LS 460 is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that makes 380 hp and 367 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. In our testing, the LS 460 hit 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

Safety
Standard safety features on the 2008 Lexus LS 460 include front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and knee-protecting airbags for front passengers. Side-impact airbags for outboard rear passengers are optional. Antilock disc brakes with brake assist, traction control and a stability control system that's faster and more responsive than last year's are also standard. Models equipped with adaptive cruise control have a pre-collision feature that optimizes the car's safety systems for an impending impact.

Interior Design and Special Features
In an ergonomic sense, the cockpit layout of the five-passenger LS 460 luxury sedan is near perfection. There's no great learning curve required to operate the climate controls, audio system and other features, and the Optitron electroluminescent gauges are especially handsome in design, and effective visual messengers. The interior is just as brilliant in an aesthetic sense. Rich wood trim is complemented by standard perforated leather upholstery. From the exquisite stitching in the leather to the matching of the wood grain, the fit and finish is without peer. The trunk, for which Lexus offers a power lid-closing feature, can hold 18 cubic feet of cargo, but that figure drops to 12 on the LS 460 L if the rear-seat climate control system is ordered.

Driving Impressions
On the road, the 2008 Lexus LS 460 is impressively quiet. Drivers and passengers will find themselves sheathed in a bubble of serenity. When one pilots the LS aggressively on curvy roads, however, it's apparent that Lexus, as with the earlier models, did not design the car to be overtly sporty. Demanding drivers will find the standard suspension doesn't sufficiently stifle the excessive nose dive during braking and body lean through hard corners. Plus, it doesn't do particularly well damping the jiggle that occurs over expansion joints on concrete freeways. The other troubling dynamic element is the LS 460's brakes, which are powerful but can seem grabby in stop-and-go traffic.

What's New
The 2008 Lexus LS 460 is an all-new vehicle. Compared to the LS 430 it replaces, the LS 460 is about the same size but more powerful and refined, and comes with a host of new features. An extended-wheelbase model is new, and a hybrid-powered version, dubbed the LS 600h L, is expected to debut next year.

Pro
Extremely quiet, intelligent cabin design, high-quality materials, powerful V8 engine and slick eight-speed transmission.

New 2008 Lexus GX470 Lease From Only 599/month! Low 2008 GX470 Low Prices & Lease Payments 1-888-831-8080

2008-03-10T13:52:00Z

The Lexus GX 470 is designed for active families with young children, balancing comfort and features with real off-road potential. Underneath, the GX 470 has body-on-frame construction like commercial or military trucks, with a solid rear axle and serious four-wheel drive features such as a locking center differential and dual-speed transfer case. Inside, the GX 470 is roomy, quiet and luxurious, with an optional third-row seat that expands capacity to eight. Its cabin is swathed in leather and bird's-eye maple. An overhead-cam V8 and smooth five-speed automatic transmission provide sufficient power for towing, trail-bashing, or carving corners on a coastal highway. For 2008, Lexus has focused on the GX 470's information and entertainment options. Its state-of-the-art rear-seat DVD system is enhanced with a 9-inch, wide-format screen. Nearly all the infotainment hardware and software has been improved, for the edification of young and old. The optional navigation system adds voice activation and enhanced display features. An input jack for iPods and other audio devices is now standard, and the optional Mark Levinson Premium Audio now plays DVDs as well as conventional and MP3/WMA-formatted CDs. Everyone, rear-seat passengers and the driver, can watch a flick on one of the screens, including the nav screen, while the GX 470 is parked. In the GX 470, rugged clearly does not mean outdated, and that goes beyond the entertainment choices. Its full-time four-wheel drive features electronic traction control (A-TRAC) and automatically dispatches torque to the tires with the best grip. An electronic system called Downhill Assist Control (DAC) helps the GX 470 safely negotiate slippery inclines, while Vehicle Stability Control helps steady the GX 470 in slippery turns. Based on the Toyota 4Runner, a Lexus GX 470 is highly capable off road and can go practically anywhere its driver is willing to point it.

Model Lineup
The 2008 Lexus GX 470 looks big and brawny. It doesn't seem excessively long on the outside, but it does look tall, especially from the rear, in part because of the vertically oriented tail lamps and other design cues. From the rear it almost looks tippy, which is unfortunate because it's anything but. The GX 470 shares its basic five-door body shell with the Toyota 4Runner. Unique rear quarters give the Lexus a different visual personality, however. It looks cleaner and more contemporary, a bit more like a tall station wagon compared to the carefully calculated rugged-truck look of the 4Runner. Unique grilles and bumpers distinguish the two vehicles and give them their respective Lexus and Toyota identities, but a more careful examination reveals that they are more alike than different. Details add visual richness to the GX 470. These include its peaky hood and grille combination, along with its nicely integrated body-colored bumpers, fender flares and side moldings. Massive headlamps and those complex, high-mounted tail lamps define its corners. The Lexus GX 470 interior is trimmed in rich leather and bird's-eye maple. It's roomy and well finished, with large, comfortable seats and lots of elbow room. The materials are excellent. Tall side windows afford a good view out, making the cabin seem airy. In this sport-utility vehicle, everything seems to be where it's supposed to be, and everything is clearly labeled. All of the gauges and instruments are large and easy to read, with simple graphics shared by other Lexus products. Switches and controls are large, straightforward, elegantly designed and easy to operate. The navigation system has been upgraded for 2008. This is the fifth-generation Lexus system, and it includes voice recognition that allows the driver to enter a destination by voice command. The screen now features a high-resolution, 800x480-pixel display in 32,000 colors. Maps and roads are shown with 3-D shadow effects, and the system can even display graphic representations of buildings in selected cities. System functions include multiple route calculation, route preview, simplified highway-junction graphics and a dual-map screen option. Spanish has been added to English and French text-display choices. The 2008 navigation system integrates Bluetooth wireless technology. When using a compatible phone, Bluetooth allows the driver to transfer phone books to the nav system and make calls through its touch-screen panel or voice commands. The backup camera displays what's directly behind the GX 470 on the seven-inch navigation screen when reverse is engaged. Beyond helping the driver to avoid backing over obstacles, such as a tricycle left in the driveway, it's also useful when parking in tight spaces. The standard audio system now includes an auxiliary input jack. The Mark Levinson audio option turns the GX 470 into a concert hall on wheels, with 14 speakers and 240 watts of power. The Panasonic rear-seat entertainment system ranked highest in overall customer satisfaction in a 2005 J.D. Power and Associates study, and it's been upgraded for 2008 with a nine-inch, wide-screen display. The high-resolution screen lowers from the headliner. Front-seat passengers can also watch a DVD with the Mark Levinson audio system, but only when the vehicle is in Park. The video plays on the navigation screen. The GX is a space-efficient vehicle. The second row bench seat is roomy, comfortable and easy to get into. It splits 60/40 for versatility and folds flat. A family of four with a big dog will feel right at home. Order the optional third row and the GX 470 can seat eight, sort of. The third row is suitable for children, but it's nearly hopeless for adults. On the positive side, the rear air conditioning included with the third seat allows separate temperature adjustment for third-row kiddies and dogs. Split 50/50, the third-row seat can be folded up out of the way or removed and stored. What starts as a 13 cubic-foot cargo bay can be expanded in steps to more than 77 cubic feet by folding or removing the lightweight rear seats and then folding the second row as well. At one time we would have said that this is not a lot of cargo space for a mid-size SUV. Now that some leaders in the field have sacrificed efficiency for style, however, the GX 470 doesn't look so bad by comparison. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class offers only 72.4 cubic feet, almost 10 feet less than the previous generation, BMW X5's offers just 62 cubic feet. Unfortunately, the GX 470's cargo door still opens from the left side. It might be great in right-hand-drive Japan, but it's awkward in the U.S., forcing you to walk around it when unloading curbside at the airport.

Driving Impressions
The Lexus GX 470 is a smooth, comfortable SUV for everyday driving, but it also offers some of the best off-road capability in the luxury class. Its array of onboard electronics is top drawer, and all systems work in concert to increase the GX 470's capability and the driver's confidence. The 4.7-liter V8 delivers world-class smoothness and quiet. At highway cruising speeds it's barely audible. And as heavy as it is, the GX 470 is no slouch in the performance department, capable of full-throttle sprints from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.1 seconds, with a nice V8 intake roar to go with the rush. Toyota's sophisticated electronic VVT-i (for Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) improves efficiency and response at all engine speeds. VVT-i also helps the GX 470 run cleaner, earning the government's stringent ULEV-II (Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) rating. Peak horsepower is 263 at 5400 rpm; torque tops out at 3400 rpm and 323 pound-feet. That's strong torque for towing. If you're pulling anything up to its limit of 6500 pounds, this truck will handle it with ease. The bad news is that, even if you try hard, you'll probably never achieve 20 miles per gallon. EPA estimates are 15/19 mpg city/highway. And while the GX 470 will run on unleaded regular, Lexus recommends 91 octane (or higher) premium fuel for optimum performance. The five-speed automatic transmission offers quicker response and better gearing than a traditional four-speed automatic. Like the engine, the transmission is very smooth. The GX 470 handles well for a body-on-frame truck with a live rear axle. Like many truck-based SUVs, it feels heavy and ponderous, but it's never a chore to drive in the daily grind. Variable-ratio rack-and-pinion steering makes the steering quick and light in parking situations, but smoother and heavier on the highway, so the truck never feels over-assisted or darty. As a result, the GX 470 feels solid and well-panted at highway speeds. The adaptive variable suspension, which comes standard, continuously changes the shock absorber damping at each wheel individually in response to road surface conditions and speed as well as steering and braking inputs from the driver. Four driver-selectable settings are available to tailor the system to driver preferences or situations. You might want to use the softest setting for a bumpy boulevard, for example, then switch to a firm setting for driving down a winding rural road. We did this and it works well. The system automatically increases shock absorber stiffness in transitional maneuvers. It also reduces dive under hard braking and squat under hard acceleration. Air springs in the rear can raise rear ride height in rugged terrain or lower the rear end when loading cargo. Ride quality is remarkably refined for a truck with a live rear axle. Road vibration and pavement undulations get through, but they are damped. We found the Comfort setting produced a cushy feel, though it's no magic carpet ride as you can still feel the suspension reacting to bumps. Switching all the way to the Sport setting makes the bumps feel more pronounced, making for a less comfortable ride, but more responsive cornering. The optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System provides more roll stiffness when needed for crisp handling response, without an increase in spring rate over bumpy roads. In other words, you get better handling without sacrificing ride quality. The system disengages the stabilizer bars for rugged, off-highway conditions, allowing more suspension travel and articulation to help the GX 470 step over obstacles. Lexus claims the system has been proven in World Rally Championship competition, which is another way of saying it's the real deal, not a fragile gadget. The brakes are superb. They have a nice feel and are easy to modulate for smooth stops in everyday driving. The brake rotors are large, and all four discs are ventilated for long life and fade-free performance. (Most trucks use ventilated discs only on the front wheels.) Anti-lock brakes (ABS) help the driver maintain steering control in a panic stop. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) distributes the optimum brake force between front and rear wheels to achieve shorter stopping distances and more stable braking. Brake Assist can help the driver use the full potential of the brakes in panic stops by maintaining brake pressure even if the driver makes the mistake of relaxing pedal pressure. Off road, there's enough brake pedal travel to allow precise modulation, crucial when negotiating obstacles at low speeds. Drive too fast into a slippery corner or make an emergency lane-change maneuver to avoid a wreck and the technology on the Lexus GX can help you out. Vehicle Stability Control helps improve control and lateral traction while cornering on dry or slippery road surfaces. The system helps the driver keep the GX on the intended path by reducing power or applying the brakes to individual wheels. This system can help prevent a skid or reduce the chance of sliding off the road. Full-time four-wheel drive is standard. The heart of the system is a locking Torsen (torque-sensing) center differential and electronic Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) that continuously apportions torque between the front and rear axles, automatically directing power to the wheels that can best use it. In normal highway conditions, power is split 40/60 percent front/rear, meaning the front wheels are providing 40 percent of the driving force. If the rear wheels spin, the differential can change the front/rear ratio to 53/47 percent to control the slippage, giving the front wheels a greater role. When cornering, the system sends more power to the rear wheels (29/71 percent) to improve tracking around curves. It's a great system. The bottom line is secure traction and balanced handling in all types of conditions and situations. Downhill Assist Control (DAC) makes it easier to negotiate steep, slippery slopes: Once activated, take your feet off the pedals and the GX slowly walks down the incline using the ABS and active traction control to keep the vehicle pointed in the intended direction. Touch the brake or the gas to slow down or speed up, then take your feet off the pedals again and the system resumes control to help maintain a slow, steady descent. It's a great feature that anyone can use after one lesson. It even works in Reverse, in case you have to back down a hill and try again. Meanwhile, Hill-Start Assist Control helps keep the GX 470 from rolling back while starting on a steep incline.The Lexus GX 470 is a good choice for buyers who want luxury, build quality and off-road capability. It's smooth and powerful on the road and can go nearly anywhere off the pavement. The cabin is trimmed in quality materials and features good ergonomic function. It's roomy and comfortable and can accommodate up to eight people when equipped with the optional third-row seat. Plus, there's the Lexus reputation for quality, durability and reliability. If your driving takes you off the pavement or deep snow is part of your annual driving, the Lexus GX 470 is an excellent choice.

New 2008 Lexus IS F Lease From Only 599/month! Low 2008 IS F Prices & Lease Payments 1-888-831-8080

2008-02-28T21:46:00Z

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Lexus, the company known primarily for reliable, nearly silent, flawlessly efficient passenger cars, has tossed the formula out the window with the IS F. The 2008 Lexus IS F is a captivating performance sedan is built for the involved driver. It's a car that encourages and rewards spirited driving, and with a top speed of 168 mph, the IS F is by far the fastest car Lexus has ever made. To describe the Lexus LS F as fun to drive would be bland understatement. This is an authentic performance car that brings smiles to professional driving instructors and racers on the world's fastest racetracks. For the average driver, this is a car so able, so secure, it changes the way you see the road. Lexus test drivers have logged 0-60 times in 4.6 seconds, but straight-ahead acceleration is only one aspect of the IS F's performance envelope. It's a car built for high G-forces and quick stopping. Combining an eight-speed transmission and a 5.0-liter V8 that puts out 416 horsepower, the IS F readily attains higher speeds than the IS 250 or IS 350. Better grip comes from a wider stance, heftier suspension components with less unsprung weight, outstanding brakes, and the most advanced electronic traction enhancements. Unlike some performance sedans, the IS F is not particularly tiring to drive in ordinary day-to-day situations. There is no heavy clutch, the seats can be comfy for hours at a time, and the ride is not overly firm at low speeds. An outstanding audio system is available. Because the IS F is EPA-rated to deliver 16 mpg City, 23 Highway, it will not be subject to the hefty federal Gas Guzzler Tax. From a business point of view, the IS F is more than just the third model in the IS lineup. This is the first of perhaps several cars that will be launched with the F designation, which Lexus hopes to build into an icon. A detailed pricing list will be released a few weeks before the IS F goes on sale March 1. Lexus marketing officials have said that they intend to be competitive with comparable cars, such as the BMW M3. The Neiman Marcus edition, which includes a number of unique features, goes into the company's Christmas catalog at $68,000. The Lexus IS F is the third model in the IS lineup, following the IS 250 and is 350. While the IS 250 and IS 350 are certainly fun-to-drive, sporty cars, the F is intended to be a no-compromise performance sedan. As such, it's a flagship capable of extending the brand, and a conspicuous showpiece of Lexus capability and intentions.

Model Lineup
The 2008 Lexus IS F is well equipped and there are very few options. Among them: the Mark Levinson Premium surround-sound system, the Lexus DVD Navigation system, Intuitive Park Assist, and the Pre-collision System (PCS) with dynamic radar cruise control. With the Navigation system, voice activation and Bluetooth are included, as is a rear back-up camera. A headlamp cleaning system is available, and the moonroof can be deleted for increased headroom. A limited edition of 50 Neiman Marcus IS F models ($68,000), which will have a black exterior, polished alloy wheels, perforated black leather trimmed seats with white stitching and a unique leather steering wheel. The Neiman Marcus IS F includes the moonroof, navigation with Bluetooth, and the Mark Levinson surround sound system as standard equipment.

Walkaround
The Lexus IS F looks like a cat ready to pounce, with expressive styling that suggests a balance between lithe fluidity and the tensile strength of steel and forged aluminum. The IS F rides on the same wheelbase as the IS 250/350, but it's bigger overall, and looks it. The stance is visibly more aggressive, especially when viewed from the front. Compared to the IS 350, the track is wider in the front, due to new wheels and tires, and the overall width is increased by nearly two inches. It's also longer by 3.35 inches, and 1 inch lower than the standard IS. Most of the growth is due to a larger engine bay for the V8 engine. Functional vents located below the front headlamps help direct cooling airflow. This airflow passes through wider fender wells and exits behind the wheels. The vents blend smoothly into rocker panels, sculpted to a slight taper that leads the eye rearward. At the rear, four oval exhaust tips are stacked and integrated with the bumper. Lexus engineers spent considerable time smoothing the body lines to achieve a coefficient of drag of 0.30 Cd, including the design of underbody covers for the engine, transmission, gas tank, rear suspension control arms, and trunk area. These covers and others were studied and shaped so that they would balance airflow, reduce high-speed lift, and help improve heat dissipation. The IS F is available in six colors, including four variations of pearlescent and metallic tones. Among them: Obsidian Black, Starfire Pearl, and a bright red called Matador Red Mica. Unique to the IS F is the color Ultrasonic Blue Mica, a strong, deep blue.

Interior Features
Just sitting in the Lexus IS F evokes an emotional response. Four bucket seats are provided, rather than a rear bench, perfectly stitched in compliance with Lexus standards. The two front seats are deeply dished but not rock-hard, and can be adjusted to an appropriate level of snugness. The seats are very tight, but very comfortable. While strongly bolstered against lateral forces, they are well cushioned for long hauls of ordinary driving. The seat design suggests that the IS F may be a performance machine, but it is not strictly one-dimensional. In the cockpit at normal speeds, the IS F does not force the driver to fight cornering forces. The rear seats also are supportive, side to side, but to a lesser extent. A brief console tray separates the rear-seat passengers, although rear legroom is at a premium. Even if it's a little tight in the back, all four passengers, once strapped in, become involved in the performance orientation of the car. A rear-seat trunk pass-through is provided, designed with skis in mind. The interior design plays on contrasts of light and dark, with a black roof liner and two choices of seat colors, white or black with contrasting blue stitching. There is a sophisticated, technical feeling to the layout. The center stack frames the navigation system, executed in hand-finished aluminized composite surrounding the console and door panel switches. The bright metallic composite material struck us as well executed use of plastic, and probably very expensive to produce, but at the same time, we could see that it is not actually metal. The center console houses the shifter, which offers both manual and automatic modes. There is no manual transmission available. Purists might suggest that a manual transmission would be a must. However, the Lexus eight-speed automatic offers performance characteristics even a race car driver could appreciate. As with a Formula 1 car, the Lexus IS F can be quickly shifted using a paddle shift arrangement on the steering wheel. The paddle shift method is designed to provide very rapid gear changes up and down, faster than any driver could shift with clutch and lever. While there is a suitably competent audio system in the LS F, and an option to add the hypnotically superb Mark Levenson Surround Sound system, this is not really that kind of car. Instead, most drivers will prefer to listen to the sounds the car generates. Visibility is about average for this type of car, with fully adjustable power mirrors. The view through the rear window is not expansive, but remains uncompromised by a wing or other clutter. The HVAC system runs through the navigation screen, a seven-inch touch-screen within easy reach. The navigation screen, an option, supports the audio system, climate control, and backup camera functions. The instrument panel is compact with two large gauges, speedometer and tachometer, brightly illuminated with neon blue needles sweeping the faces. The tachometer dominates with large numbers and a 7000 rpm redline, tracking to 9000 rpm. There is a small temperature gauge at the bottom of the tachometer. The speedometer is of equal size but with small numbers, separated at 20-mph increments, progressing up to 180 mph. Top speed is electronically limited to 168 mph. Under the speedometer is a small gas gauge. Between the two large dials is an information display. Using a steering wheel-mounted control, the driver can scroll between outside temperature, fuel consumption, average speed. A lower screen displays gear selection and mode, (D for Drive, M for Manual), plus a voltage meter and oil temp gauge. Just to the right of the steering wheel, nearly blocked from view, is a small rocker switch that controls the VDIM, or Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system. This switch is the key to three different handling personalities from this sophisticated electronic stability control system. Upon startup, the VDIM system defaults to Normal mode with the switch in the middle. In this mode, the vehicle dynamics provides cooperative control based on feedback from throttle, steering, and transmission, among other sources. With VDIM in control, there will be no wheelspin on launches and the driver will experience an uncanny ability to steer through hot corners without losing speed. Pressing the rocker to the Sport mode permits shifting at higher rpm, makes the throttle more sensitive, adds weight to the steering, and expands the permissible range of lateral acceleration. For a professional driver on a closed course, this mode might yield the fastest lap times. By holding the switch down for three seconds, it is also possible to completely disable the electronic traction and vehicle stability control. In this mode, only ABS remains active. At this point, the driver is in full command with no safety net, only his own sense of timing and balance to control the car. Now the car can readily be drifted or fishtailed around corners without interference from electronic traction systems. When the VDIM is altered or defeated, an icon is illuminated on the dash.

Driving Impressions
We had time to drive the IS F on winding two-lane roads in the foothills outside Monterey, California. We followed that with track time and a battery of specific tests at the legendary Laguna Seca road racing circuit. To test performance in the wet, we drove the IS F through a wet slalom, wet acceleration and braking, and on a wet 100-foot skid pad circle. On the road, the Lexus IS F is pleasingly quick, precise and responsive. The car emits a low growl and feels good on winding roads that invite bursts of throttle, a brief tap of the brake and a smooth glide through the next apex. The transmission, left in full Auto mode, always seemed to know what our intentions were, holding on to gears longer when we stayed into the throttle. It's an easy car to drive at seven-tenths, with a satisfying degree of control. Around town, the exhaust offers a unique burble. While it can be heard in the cabin, it is not tiresome. But then at full throttle, the sound builds quickly. At about 3600 rpm, a secondary intake opens and an unbridled performance scream begins to intensify, sharpening further and further as rpm increase. It's a sound we associate more with high-performance motorcycles or open-wheel race cars, and the last thing we ever expected from a Lexus. This staged range of tuned sounds provides a good part of the visceral appeal of the IS F. It's as if Lexus turned its expertise at sound reduction upside down, toward sound engineering, with the goal of generating the right sounds to connect with a driver's hidden, compulsive moods. Pushed hard on a racing circuit, the IS F lives up to the ideals of a professional driver. It's a car with enormous grip, a car capable of connecting on an emotional level with the most demanding driver. We were given ample opportunity to get in over our head, hitting speeds over 100 mph on twisty Laguna Seca tarmac. Driving instructors from Skip Barber were on hand to make sure we saw what the limits of the car really were, and demonstrated the advantages of the paddle shift system. The paddle shift setup makes lightning-quick, crisp shifts, enabled by throttle blips to automatically match engine rpm when downshifting. The sound is so intoxicating, and the shifting so quick, that we sometimes got lost in the eight-gear sequence, one or two gears away from where we wanted to be. So it might take more than one afternoon of spirited driving to master the paddle shifter, but we can vouch that the potential is there. We're not experts on that particular course, and only average high-performance drivers, but as the day wore on we noticed our straightaway times getting faster and faster, finally topping 105 mph. We worked on ever-shorter braking distances, but never got to the limit of adhesion, or even close. Bottom line, we could see that there was more handling, more braking, and more power in the car than some of us would have the nerve to use. The car's weight shifts are subtle under hard braking or full throttle. A double A-arm suspension is used to maintain a stable contact patch, and materials such as high strength steel and forged aluminum are used to keep unsprung weight to an absolute minimum. Even the thicker, stiffer stabilizer bars are hollow to save weight. Combined with a spring rate 90-percent stiffer than that of the IS 350, and anti nose-dive geometry, the F shows remarkably little nose-dive or body roll when subjected to higher G-forces. We drove mostly with the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system on. VDIM is packaged as a safety system, but also functions as a performance-enhancing system; on the race track it corrects mistakes entering corners without slowing the car more than absolutely necessary. VDIM combines traction control with braking control, using input from the steering, transmission position, and throttle. In many cases, intervention by VDIM is nearly imperceptible to the driver except for a warning beep from the dash. The system adds a forgiving layer of protection, and flatters the average driver. Tipping the hat to hard-core performance enthusiasts, Lexus design engineers arranged for VDIM to be switchable. A driver can select a Sport setting that tells VDIM to permit faster steering, higher shift points and quicker throttle response. This might be considered the drift setting, because it permits a fair degree of wheelspin. And finally, if a driver really wants a pure, tossable, rear-wheel-drive experience, the system can be switched off entirely. So if big, smoky burnouts are your thing, or if fishtailing around the parking lot is your idea of fun, have at it. In our case, the VDIM system helped us smooth out our braking and throttle inputs and kept us glued to the ground. We're sure we entered corners harder, and left faster, with it on. So if it were up to us, we'd never turn it off. Y-rated tires, developed specifically for the IS F, roll reasonably quietly, but are clearly designed with cornering in mind as part of a stiff wheel/tire combination. They are staggered, of two different sizes, front and rear, mounted on 10-spoke forged aluminum wheels. The front tires are 40-series, and the rear tires 35-series, so a flat or damaged tire will require a specific replacement. Two different tire brands, Bridgestone Potenza and Michelin Pilot Sport PS2, are in use on the IS F (though not on the same car), but both will have been manufactured to the same specification. The spare is a temporary tire suitable only for short distances. The IS F is both straight-line fast, and around-corners fast and its brakes are a big part of both types of performance. At Laguna Seca, bleeding off speed coming into tight turns began at the top of the brake pedal, where there is a progressive feeling and a sense that there is always more stopping power available. When very hard stops are called for, the pedal becomes very firm well before the ABS kicks in. The brakes themselves are drilled Brembo rotors on all four corners, with three pairs of pistons at the front, each set having a different piston diameter. Front discs are over 14 inches in diameter. The rear discs, only slightly smaller, use two piston calipers. One revealing moment came when we tested handling on a tight series of cones. The slalom course was 50 yards long with seven cones, dripping wet with puddles. With VDIM totally disabled, we ran the course in about 4 seconds; with VDIM engaged, we were nearly a full second faster with no sliding around. We also made some aggressive 0-60-0 acceleration-and-braking runs, on wet pavement, where we deliberately invoked the ABS. With the VDIM traction control on, the car does not spin or even wobble much upon braking, but the launch is smoother and the car attains speed quicker. With VDIM switched off, the ABS still keeps the car straight during slippery panic stops. We can attest to the fact that, at full brake, the reverse-G effect is intense enough to leave the average driver light-headed.

Summary
The Lexus IS F is a fascinating car, inspiring and habit-forming. It's the kind of car that can make a driver forget about everything else. From the moment you sit in it, there is anticipation of the feelings, the sounds, and the sensations that it will soon deliver. The IS F would be a hard car to leave in the garage, especially on a weekend

New 2008 Lexus IS 250 Full Test Drive - Only $399/month! Low 2008 IS250 Prices & Lease Payments 1-888-831-8080

2008-02-27T22:06:00Z

New 2008 Lexus IS250 AWD Sedan
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The Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 sport sedans are quick, responsive and fun to drive. Designed to compete with BMW 3 Series sedans, the Lexus IS models are built on rear-wheel-drive chassis tuned for sporty handling. They stick in corners and stop with authority, aided by high-performance brakes and tires. The IS 350 is propelled with authority as well, benefitting from a 306-hp V6. These are enjoyable and easy cars to drive. The IS 350's VDIM electronic stability control steps in very early to keep the driver out of trouble. The IS 250 AWD model's all-wheel drive makes it a good sports sedan for the Snow Belt. The automatic transmissions are responsive and feature paddle shifters for semi-manual control. All of them look sporty, with bulging muscles and a purposeful stance. All come loaded with features and are trimmed well, with leather upholstery. A full complement of passive and active safety features comes standard. New for 2008 is the X-Package, which combines a sports suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels with a bold front spoiler, sport pedals, and illuminated door scuff plates. Also, the electronic stability programs can be disabled by turning off the traction control. Lexus says this might be useful when trying to extricate the car from snow, and in other situations as well.

Model Lineup
The Lexus IS 250 ($30,255) is powered by a 2.5-liter V6, which sends 204 horsepower to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. The IS 250 is also available with a six-speed automatic with Formula 1 inspired paddle-shifters. The IS 250 AWD ($34,285) comes with the automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The IS 350 ($35,705) powered by a 306-hp, 3.5-liter V6 with the six-speed automatic. More sophisticated braking and electronic stability systems augment its additional performance. Leather is standard; the IS 250 AWD comes with special perforated leather and Bird?s eye maple accents. Standard features: dual-zone climate control; SmartAccess keyless entry with pushbutton engine start; and a 194-watt, 13-speaker stereo with a six-disc in-dash CD changer. The audio system features digital signal processing, an electronic crossover network and built-in theft deterrence. It's satellite-ready and includes an audio input jack that accepts external audio sources such as iPod, Walkman, etc. Standard exterior items are fog lamps, projector beam headlamps, puddle lamps on the underside of the outside rearview mirrors (which are also heated), dual polished stainless steel exhaust pipes, infrared and ultraviolet reducing glass on all the windows, and a color-coordinated front air dam. Also standard are 17-inch aluminum five-spoke wheels fitted with low-profile high-performance radials. The IS 250 AWD comes with all-season 225/45VR17s at all four corners. The IS 250 and IS 350 come standard with all-season 225/45VR17 tires in front and wider 245/45VR17s in the rear, a staggered setup to increase grip under acceleration. Optional 18-inch wheels are available for the rear-drive models only, fitted with summer-only 225/40YR18 tires in front and 255/40YR18s in the rear. Options include the AWD model's perforated leather trim, wood accents, and heated/ventilated seats. The Luxury Plus Package adds outside mirrors with electrochromic, memory and reverse tilt-down, illuminated scuff plates, a power rear sunshade, memory seats, HID headlamps with AFS (they steer with the front wheels), rain-sensing wipers, and a power tilt/telescope steering wheel with memory. The Sport Package ($2956) adds a sport suspension, 18-inch wheels, sport pedals, and metal scuff plates. The navigation system ($2168) includes voice activation, a rear backup camera (a great safety feature), and Bluetooth wireless technology; buy it with or without the Mark Levinson audio, which employs advanced discrete amplifier technology with 300 watts, and 7.1 channel speaker architecture. The Pre-Collision System ($2280) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is optional. Safety features for all IS models include driver and front-passenger knee airbags. The brakes are large and effective four-wheel discs, clamped at the front by aluminum four-piston calipers. Augmenting the big brakes are ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and Brake Assist. Vehicle Stability Control and traction control (TRAC) come with every IS 250, while the IS 350 gets TRAC as well as a more sophisticated stability program Lexus calls Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management.

Walk Around
The Lexus IS sport sedans look sporty, with a purposeful stance. The nose presents the fierce glare of a car that wants to be first in line. The steeply angled hood, made of weight-saving aluminum, is framed by the determined glower of projector beam headlamps and a deep front spoiler and large intake. It's unmistakably Lexus but visually fresh. The IS slips through the air with quiet stability. In addition to the distinct aerodynamic wedge of the overall shape, a number of small details contribute to the exceptional coefficient of drag (0.28). A front underbody structure creates downforce between the front wheels, a small air kicker integrated in the taillamps helps separate turbulence from the rear corners and reduces drag, and a small trunklid spoiler increases rear downforce. Interior, Lush with creature comfort, trimmed with upscale materials, and crackling with electronic wizardry, the interior environment of the IS sport sedans is pure Lexus. But the cabin is more sports car than family sedan. A prominent central console clearly establishes the driver and front-passenger zones. The controls wrap around the driver with every gauge and switch within easy scrutiny or close reach. The Optitron gauges are large and easy to read, and their light-saber indicator needles and dynamic redline indication are cool modern. The keyless entry and pushbutton ignition is handy. Leather upholstery comes standard on the IS 250 and IS 350 with metallic accents appropriately placed around the cabin. The IS 250 AWD comes with perforated leather trim and beautifully crafted bird's-eye maple accents. Each piece is hewn from a single chunk of wood to ensure a perfect match from panel to panel. The heated and ventilated front seats are a must-have. They come standard on IS 250 AWD and are available on the other models. Once you've tried these seats, there's no going back. The climate control system features a sophisticated temperature calculation system called Neural-Net, a humidity sensor, a micro dust and pollen filler and, in IS 350, a smog sensor that detects excessive hydrocarbons and automatically reverts to a special recirculation mode until the atmosphere clears.

Driving Impressions
The Lexus IS in both rear- and all-wheel-drive forms is quick and easy to drive. It can pull serious Gs in the corners and it stops with authority. In short, these cars are serious sports sedans that rival the BMW 3 Series cars. The IS 250 AWD is the best choice if winter weather invades your neck of the woods, when the all-wheel-drive system's increased grip is most welcome. The AWD model is heavier than the two-wheel-drive versions, but the IS 250 AWD hauled us over the San Gabriel Mountains on Angeles Crest Highway above Los Angeles without exposing any dire penalties due to its weight. The IS 350 is the quickest model. Its muscular torque and free-revving engine delivers strong acceleration performance, something we saw driving one at Willow Springs raceway. We drove several examples of the IS models at competition speeds relentlessly in temperatures that rose above 110 degrees and not one of them stumbled or misfired. Because of the hot, slippery track surface, the tires constantly fought for grip, but the advanced chassis electronics made it easier to keep the cars on the pavement. The inherent balance of the IS models made it easy to push it to the limit, causing the electronic aids to step in and dampen the thrill. We prefer the automatic over the manual. The automatic is very responsive and offers the driver the ability to shift semi-manually using paddles on the steering wheels. The IS 250's manual six-speed isn't quite good enough to make us opt for it in lieu of the optional automatic. The automatic offers the driver more control over shifting when desired, but the computer steps in to protect against potentially damaging mis-selection of gears.

Summary
The Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 are true rear-wheel-drive sports sedans. They're quick and fun to drive. The IS 250 is a very enjoyable car. The IS 350 adds abundant power to the equation. And the IS 250 AWD boasts winter weather capability. Regardless of model, this is an easy car to drive quickly as it bonds with the driver, benefits of its balanced chassis and advanced electronic stability control systems. In fact, this bond that the car establishes with the driver is a key element for a great sports sedan.

New 2009 Lexus RX350 Lease For Only $399/mo 1-888-861-8080

2008-02-21T15:07:00Z

New 2009 Lexus RX 350
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Introduction
The introduction of the Lexus RX series was perfectly timed to meet affluent consumers' emerging desire for SUVs that were easy to drive in suburbia and furnished to luxury sedan standards. The first of the luxury crossover SUVs, the RX 300 quickly became the brand's best-selling vehicle. It won over shoppers with its easygoing personality, upscale cabin, virtually silent powertrain and outstanding build quality. Now badged as the RX 350, this midsize crossover is nearing the end of its second generation but remains a strong competitor in its class. Rivals surpass the 2009 Lexus RX 350 in the handling department, but for buyers seeking comfort and serenity in large helpings, it easily satisfies. Like other luxury crossover SUVs, the Lexus RX 350 is built on a car chassis, in this case the 2002-'06 Toyota Camry platform. These origins provide an immediate clue to the RX 350's personality: It's a serene and forgiving highway cruiser, but has never been much of an athlete, even by sport-utility standards. That said, the current-generation RX feels a touch sportier than the original, thanks to the availability of an adaptive air suspension and 18-inch wheels. Adding to the effect is the potent 3.5-liter V6 Lexus slotted into its crossover SUV last year. Rated for 270 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque, this V6 allows an all-wheel-drive RX 350 to accelerate to 60 mph in the mid 7-second range -- impressive for a V6-equipped midsize SUV. In addition to comfort and quickness, the current RX has always been known for its arsenal of technology, and despite a recent flurry of redesigns in the premium SUV segment, it's still up to speed in this regard. It was the first crossover SUV to offer adaptive headlights, and its optional Mark Levinson sound system rivals the best stereos in this class, provided you're not put off by the $6,200 price tag on this package option. A navigation system with a rearview camera is also available, of course, and unlike in many competitors, the interface is user-friendly and easy to understand. Overall, the 2009 Lexus RX 350 serves as an excellent example of what we think a luxury crossover utility vehicle should be. Certainly, competitors like the Acura MDX, BMW X5 and Infiniti FX35 will serve you better if sporty handling dynamics are a priority, while those needing third-row accommodations should check out the Cadillac SRX, Mercedes-Benz R350 or Volvo XC90. However, for consumers interested in a plush, convenience-laden five-passenger crossover, the RX 350 remains a worthy candidate in this very competitive market segment.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options
The 2009 Lexus RX 350 is a luxury crossover SUV of midsize dimensions. It comes in a single trim level with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The RX 350's level of standard equipment is impressive and includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a power rear liftgate, auto-dimming mirrors all around, 10-way power front seats, wood interior trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-speaker stereo with an in-dash CD changer, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, four one-touch power windows and second-row seats that slide and recline. Leather upholstery is technically optional on the Lexus RX 350, but the chances of finding a cloth-upholstered RX on a dealer lot are virtually nil. Most models will have at least the Premium Package, which supplies leather, seat memory, a power tilt/telescoping wheel, a sunroof and a roof rack. Opt for Premium Plus and you'll get all of the above, plus adaptive bi-xenon HID headlights. Or, you could go for the Performance Package, which has all the Plus Package goodies, plus an adaptive air suspension and 18-inch wheels. Other high-tech extras available on the RX 350 include a navigation system, a rearview camera, a stunning Mark Levinson audio system and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones. The nav and entertainment systems can be purchased ? la carte, but the Mark Levinson system is only available as part of a pricey package. Stand-alone options include laser-based adaptive cruise control, front seat heaters, rain-sensing wipers and towing preparation.

Powertrains and Performance
A 3.5-liter V6 rated at 270 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque powers the 2009 Lexus RX 350. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard, and buyers have a choice of either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Lexus claims a 0-60-mph time of 7.3 seconds for the FWD model and 7.4 ticks for the AWD version. Fuel economy estimates are down this year due to revised EPA testing procedures, but the RX is still efficient for such a powerful SUV. The ratings are 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway for the FWD model and 17/22 for the AWD version. Properly equipped, the RX 350 can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Safety
All the latest airbags are found on the RX 350, with standard front, side, head and even driver-knee airbags. Standard stability and traction control systems are on hand to help one avoid an accident in the first place. Although NHTSA has not tested an RX 350, the structurally similar RX 330 scored a perfect five stars for driver protection in frontal impacts and four stars for the front passenger. In side-impact tests, the RX 330 earned five stars across the board. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the current-generation RX a "Good" rating (the highest possible) in frontal-offset crash testing.

Interior Design and Special Features
Looking at the cabin of the Lexus RX 350, you'd never guess this is an entry-level luxury SUV. Real wood and leather trim on the console, door panels and steering wheel come standard and make for a rich ambience. Available features such as a rearview camera, adaptive headlights (which swivel slightly in the direction you are turning) and a voice-activated navigation system mean that this midsize luxury sport-ute gives up nothing to the more expensive prestige-brand SUVs when it comes to technology. The second-row seat reclines, slides fore and aft and is split 40/20/40 to optimize both passenger comfort and cargo-carrying flexibility. Behind that seat there are 38.3 cubic feet of luggage space; flip the seat down and cargo capacity increases to 85 cubes. Highly refined it its operation, the standard power liftgate makes life easier when the RX 350 is used as a beast of burden.

Driving Impressions
In true Lexus fashion, the 2009 Lexus RX 350 possesses a smooth and sophisticated personality. Performance is swift and silent. This is first and foremost a luxury vehicle, and as such the suspension is tuned more for a plush ride than sporty handling. Although the RX never feels floaty, those seeking a firmer dynamic should consider the Performance Package, which includes an air suspension along with 18-inch wheels fitted with lower-profile (235/55VR18 vs. 225/65SR17) performance tires.

What's New
A new grille design and chrome exterior door handles distinguish the 2009 Lexus RX 350 from last year's model. In addition, there's a new graphite-finish 18-inch wheel design on the options list, and in models with a gray interior, you'll find black bird's eye maple trim.

Pro
High-grade cabin furnishings, luxury sedan ride, user-friendly high-tech features, rock-solid reliability history, excellent dealer service.

New 2008 Lexus GS 460 Full Test Drive - Only $599/month! Low 2008 GS460 Prices & Lease Payments 1-888-831-8080

2008-02-04T20:38:00Z

New 2008 Lexus GS460 Sedan
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What's New for 2008
In the highly competitive V8-powered luxury sedan class, the more powerful 2008 Lexus GS 460 remains right up front with the segment leaders. . Flawless fit and finish, quiet cabin, outstanding performance, refined ride and handling. The 2008 Lexus GS 460 name is new this year, but the car is pretty much last year's GS 430 with a new 4.6-liter V8 and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The larger engine gives a substantial 52-horsepower boost versus the outgoing 4.3-liter power plant. Like other GS sedans, the 460 also receives a new front fascia, integrated turn signals in the side mirrors and interior trim refinements, including restyled gauges. It wasn't that long ago when sedan shoppers who desired equal helpings of luxury and performance faced a very short, European-dominated menu from which to choose. Introduced 15 years ago, the original Lexus GS was aimed squarely at sport sedans from Germany in an attempt to field a legitimate contender in the premium midsize sedan class. Although it was a stylish and well-crafted alternative, the GS' weighty luxury bias and underwhelming power didn't pose much of a threat to more serious rivals. With the addition of V8 power and continual massaging over the years, however, Lexus engineers have succeeded in making the GS a much more desirable alternative for those seeking a refined and fun-to-drive luxury sport sedan. The third-generation GS series arrived in 2006 equipped with the same 4.3-liter V8 seen in the previous car, but upped the ante with a bit more power. The 2008 Lexus GS 460 raises the stakes again with a new 4.6-liter V8 sporting 342 horsepower, which now surpasses the GS 350's 303-hp V6 by an appropriately healthy margin. By also adding a new eight-speed automatic transmission, the GS 460 further cements its status as a true contender against such segment stalwarts as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Like the rest of Lexus' midsize sedans, the GS 460 also receives a mild cosmetic makeover this year with a restyled front fascia, sideview mirror turn signals, revised gauges and handsome new aluminum trim adorning its instrument panel and console. Carrying over are the same rakish styling, flawless build quality, exemplary ride and handling, and full complement of luxury features Lexus customers have come to expect.The 2008 Lexus GS 460 is one of the few midsize luxury sedans that offers an adjustable suspension plus an optional active stabilizer suspension system to reduce body roll and improve vehicle control when cornering. Even so, those looking for sport sedan reflexes that emphasize maximum feedback should also take a look at the BMW 5 Series or Infiniti M45, as they engage the driver more fully. But if you have a luxury bias and appreciate an elegant sedan that serves up performance and refinement in equally large portions, you won't go wrong choosing a GS 460.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
In true Lexus fashion, the 2008 GS 460 luxury sport sedan is offered in a single, fully equipped trim level. It comes with a long list of standard amenities that include 18-inch wheels, adaptive HID headlights, automatic dual-zone climate control, 10-way power front seats with heating and ventilation, a sunroof, keyless ignition and a 10-speaker premium audio system. Factory options include satellite radio, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, the Active Power Stabilizer suspension system and a phenomenal 14-speaker Mark Levinson DVD-audio sound system with navigation and a back-up camera.

Powertrains and Performance
The GS 460 is equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine that produces 342 hp and 339 pound-feet of torque. It drives the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission with automanual shift control. According to Lexus, the GS 460 can sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. The EPA reports an equally impressive estimated fuel economy rating of 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, above average compared with other V8-powered cars in its class.

Safety
Standard GS 460 safety equipment includes antilock brakes with brake assist and stability and traction controls. Inside are a total of 10 airbags, including front and rear seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags and full-length head curtain airbags. Optional features include run-flat tires, Lexus Link communications and Lexus' Pre-Collision System with adaptive cruise control. This technology uses a radar sensor to detect objects in front of the car, plus a computer that tracks vehicle speed, yaw rate and steering angle. If the computer determines that a collision is imminent, it immediately firms up the suspension, activates the seatbelt pre-tensioners and engages brake assist when the brake pedal is depressed. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing, the 2008 Lexus GS 460 series received a top-ranked "Good" rating for both frontal-offset and side-impact collisions. Interior Design and Special Features In keeping with Lexus tradition, the GS 460 sports a luxurious and well-crafted cabin. Though spacious enough for five passengers, it accommodates four more comfortably, as the elevated rear center cushion makes for a tighter fit in the middle position. Also, taller occupants may find their heads uncomfortably close to the roof. Genuine wood and aluminum trim complements the rich leather seating surfaces, and it's all put together with flawless fit and finish. The optional navigation system features high-resolution graphics that make it easy to operate at a glance; however, the audio controls lose some functionality as they become integrated into the touchscreen. Also, the highly polished wood can reflect glare annoyingly at times, and the control-oriented drop-down dash panel to the left of the steering wheel can get in the way of the driver's exit if left open.

Driving Impressions
The 2008 Lexus GS 460 provides composed and well-balanced performance with a nearly perfect compromise between sport sedan response and touring sedan comfort. The standard adaptive suspension offers a plush ride in Comfort mode, while the Sport setting noticeably firms up the damping. When the optional Active Stabilizer suspension is added, body roll during cornering is also considerably reduced. Grip at the limit is superb thanks to 18-inch Z-rated performance tires.One minor weakness involves the brakes, which some drivers find non-progressive and a bit touchy at first. This unusual pedal feel is quickly taken in stride, however, and the braking system otherwise stops the nearly 2-ton GS 460 quickly and with reassuring authority. The cabin is remarkably quiet, and the new V8 engine provides ample power whether commuting or driving more aggressively

New 2008 Lexus GS 450h Full Test Drive - Only $729/month! Low 2008 GS450h Prices & Lease Payments 1-888-831-8080

2008-02-04T20:34:00Z

New 2008 Lexus GS450h Hybrid Sedan
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Lexus has announced the pricing for its 2008 Lexus GS models. The base 2008 Lexus GS 350 starts at $44,150 while the hybrid variant GS 450h starts at $54,900.New for 2008 is the GS 460 model, which replaces the GS 430. The GS 460 is powered by a 4.6 liter V8 engine that produces a total of 342 horsepower.All 2008 Lexus GS models have received minor interior and exterior revisions with a new front bumper and a new chrome grille. Lexus announced manufacturer?s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the GS 350, GS 460 and GS 450h luxury sedans.In addition to the numerous interior and exterior luxury enhancements that all GS models receive, base prices remain unchanged for the GS 350 and GS 450h hybrid at $44,150 and $54,900 respectively. The GS 460 replaces last year?s GS 430, and features a new 4.6-liter V8 engine that provides an additional 52 horsepower, for a total of 342 horsepower. The new GS 460 receives a modest increase of 0.47 percent over the model it replaces, or $245, to $52,620.

2008 GS Model Enhancements
All 2008 Lexus GS models will receive significant interior and exterior revisions, including an enhanced front fascia showcased by a new front bumper and an aggressive new chrome grille surround. GS models also gain side-view mirror turn signals for additional visibility. GS 350 models will come with new standard 17-inch alloy wheels or new 18-inch alloy wheels as an option.Interior changes to all GS models include a new brushed-aluminum shift-plate that is subtly contrasted with additional wood trim on the door switch plates. The instrument panel and combination meter also have a revised appearance. For added convenience, the fuel-filler door release and trunk-release buttons have been relocated from the drop-down switch box to the dash area. GS models will also feature a newly designed leather-trimmed steering wheel as standard, with a wood-and-leather-trim steering wheel offered as an option. Every GS model will include an MP3/iPod/WMA port allowing use of portable music devices.

2008 GS 450h Upgrades
The Lexus GS 450h remains the only hybrid luxury sport sedan. In addition to the aforementioned upgrades, the GS 450h is fitted with heated and ventilated semi-aniline leather trim front seats as standard equipment. Remaining consistent with the LS 600h L and RX 400h luxury hybrids, the GS 450h will sport a blue hybrid designation on the side rocker moldings, aluminum-and-blue enameled rear model designation, a Lexus Hybrid Drive engine cover, blue trimmed front and rear ?L? logos, a blue tint to the headlamps and a power meter that replaces the tachometer. A VDIM cutoff switch was added to allow an experienced driver to disengage the stability system.

More Powerful GS 460
The GS 460 is the latest addition to the GS family as it replaces the previous GS 430 model. The GS 460?s 4.6-liter V8 engine, first introduced in Lexus? flagship LS 460, produces a commendable 342-horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, which is 20 lb-ft more than the model it replaces. Increased performance is a result of new engine technology; in particular, the world?s first electric motor-driven Variable Valve Timing with intelligence and Electronically controlled intake cam (VVT-iE). Additionally, a dual fuel-injection system that utilizes both port and direct injection optimizes efficiency and allows high compression (11.8:1) for power and efficiency. Paired with the segment?s first 8-speed automatic transmission, the GS 460 can accelerate from 0 to 60 in an intense 5.4 seconds while achieving Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV-II) certification. In addition to the changes made on all 2008 GS models, the GS 460 adds semi-aniline leather trim and ventilated front seats as standard luxury features.

New 2008 Lexus GS350 Full Test Drive - Only $479/month! Low 2008 GS 350 Prices & Lease Payments 1-888-831-8080

2008-02-04T20:29:00Z

New 2008 Lexus GS350 Sedan
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What's New for 2008
Like other GS models, the 2008 Lexus GS 350 receives minor exterior styling updates, turn signals integrated in the side mirrors, interior trim refinements and restyled gauges. Competing in the hotly contested luxury performance sedan segment, the 2008 Lexus GS 350 offers exceptional value and remains a top choice for those seeking refined manners at a reasonable price. The original Lexus GS was aimed squarely at the luxury sport sedans from Germany, with the goal of fielding a legitimate contender in the premium midsize sedan class. While the six-cylinder version was a stylish and well-crafted alternative for many years, its luxury bias and underpowered engine didn't pose much of a threat to more enthusiastic rivals. Until recently, that is. After receiving a nearly 60-horsepower boost last year, the more competitive 2008 Lexus GS 350 boasts more than 300 hp and is now able to keep up with its rivals in the fast lane. High-speed slaloms are still another matter, however, as the GS 350 remains a luxury sedan to the core and still lacks true sport sedan reflexes. Think of it as an exceptional, beautifully finished highway cruiser that now offers straight-line speed and elegance in equal measure. This year, the GS 350 remains mostly unchanged. Outside there's a new grille, restyled front fascia, sideview mirror turn signals and updated wheels. Inside the GS sports revised gauges, handsome new aluminum center stack trim and other minor updates.As good as the Lexus GS 350 is, the competition in the midsize luxury segment is fierce and getting stronger every year. For true sport sedan aficionados, there's BMW's updated and more powerful 5 Series. More evenly sharing both luxury and performance attributes are the Audi A6, Acura RL, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and an updated version of the very impressive Infiniti M35. Even Cadillac is in the thick of it on the domestic side with a competent and equally powerful direct-injected STS V6. In this class it's mostly a matter of personal preference, and in our opinion the 2008 Lexus GS 350 remains an excellent choice that you certainly won't regret.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
In true Lexus fashion, the 2008 GS 350 midsize luxury sedan is outfitted in a single fully equipped trim level but does offer a choice of rear- or all-wheel-drive variants. It comes equipped with a long list of standard amenities that include 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, a sunroof, leather seating, automatic dual-zone climate control, 10-way power front seats and a 10-speaker premium audio system with six-CD changer, auxiliary audio jack and a cassette player. Factory options include rear park assist, adaptive headlights, rain-sensing wipers, ventilated front seats, 18-inch wheels with summer tires, adaptive variable suspension dampers, and a phenomenal 14-speaker Mark Levinson DVD-audio sound system with navigation and a rear back-up camera.

Powertrains and Performance
Pop the GS 350's hood and you'll find a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 303 hp and 274 pound-feet of torque. Its power is controlled by a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. Both rear-wheel- and all-wheel-drive GS 350 models are offered. The GS 350 is both quick and relatively efficient, with 0-60-mph times under 6 seconds and an EPA-estimated mileage rating of 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for rear-drive vehicles.

Safety
Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes with brake assist, stability control, traction control, front seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Safety options on the 2008 Lexus GS 350 include adaptive front lighting, run-flat tires and Lexus' Pre-Collision System with adaptive cruise control. This technology uses a radar sensor to detect objects in front of the car, plus a computer that tracks vehicle speed, yaw rate and steering angle. If the computer determines that a collision is imminent, it immediately activates the seatbelt pre-tensioners and engages brake assist when the brake pedal is depressed. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing, the Lexus GS received a top-ranked "Good" rating for both frontal-offset and side-impact collisions.

Interior Design and Special Features
In keeping with Lexus tradition, the GS 350 sports a luxurious and well-crafted cabin. Though spacious enough for five passengers, it accommodates four more comfortably as the elevated rear center cushion makes for a tighter fit in the middle position. Taller occupants may also find themselves a little too close to the roof. Genuine wood and aluminum trim complements the rich leather seating surfaces, and it's all put together with flawless fit and finish. The optional navigation system features high-resolution touchscreen graphics that makes it easy to operate at a glance; however, the integrated audio system can be frustrating to use at times. Also, the highly polished wood can reflect glare annoyingly at times, and the control-oriented drop-down dash panel to the left of the steering wheel can get in the way of the driver's exit if left open.

Driving Impressions
The 2008 Lexus GS 350 offers a satisfying driving experience owing to its ample power, silky-smooth ride and commendable handling. The V6 engine is well suited for both daily commutes and spirited driving, and the cabin remains calm and quiet at all times. While we wouldn't elevate the GS 350 to true sport sedan status, its rigid chassis and double-wishbone suspension combine to provide confidence-inspiring stability and responsiveness when cornering. One minor weakness involves the brakes, which some drivers find non-progressive and a bit touchy at first. This unusual pedal feel is quickly taken in stride, however, and the braking system otherwise stops the GS 350 quickly. The all-wheel-drive model is an obvious and excellent choice for those who require maximum traction in winter driving conditions.

Pros
Powerful V6 engine, refined suspension, quiet and luxurious cabin, superb fit and finish.

New 2008 Lexus ES 350 Full Test Drive - Only $429/month! Low 2008 ES350 Prices & Lease Payments 1-888-831-8080

2008-02-04T20:24:00Z

New 2008 Lexus ES350 Sedan
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Lexus' entry-level luxury sedan was new for 2007. In its makeover for last year, it gained a more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine developing 272 horsepower. Equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, the ES350 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. It's largely a carryover year for 2008. Standard safety equipment includes stability control, eight standard airbags, and anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. A Pre-Collision System (PCS) is available optionally and includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which uses millimeter-wave radar to measure and maintain a set distance from a vehicle traveling ahead, adjusting vehicle speed as necessary. If the system's sensors detect an imminent crash, the front seat belts are automatically retracted and Brake Assist is "pre-initialized," so that increased braking will be applied the instant the driver depresses the pedal. The "Active Braking" feature can automatically apply the brakes up to a deceleration rate of 0.3 g if the driver fails to react to system warnings.Other features include ten-way power seats, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, SmartAccess keyfob with push-button start/stop, and a new multi-information display. A dramatic new panoramic glass sunroof is available as well.or 2008 the ES350 gets new sideview mirrors and interior rear lights. It's priced from $33,720.

The Lexus ES is all-new for 2007. Boasting a new 3.5-liter engine, the 2007 Lexus ES 350 is more powerful than last year's ES 330. In fact, the Lexus ES with this new engine is now a serious performer. We were impressed with it and found it quick and responsive. Lexus says it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, a solid performance from its 272-horsepower engine. Likewise, the steering and handling are much more responsive than with last year's model. Still, the Lexus ES is a luxury sedan that celebrates smoothness, quietude and sophistication. It doesn't suffer the hard ride of a sports sedan. You can safely sip a cappuccino on the way to work. The ride is smooth, the engine is smooth, the transmission operation is flawless, and everything is quiet. The Lexus ES has come a long way. When Toyota launched its Lexus brand of luxury cars in 1989, its entry-level car was the ES 250, a thinly disguised Camry chassis and powertrain with an upgraded body and interior. This car's role was to give the new dealers some sales volume to help support the big LS 400. With each of the succeeding four generations of ES, the car has better met the needs of the upper end of the entry-luxury segment, with more room, more space, more power and more standard equipment. And more safety features. The all-new 2007 ES 350 makes the greatest single leap in ES history. The ES uses front-wheel drive, while the Lexus IS models are rear-wheel drive. In short, the ES is designed more for luxury and a smooth, comfortable ride, while the IS models are designed more for performance and handling. The ES 350 will compete with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35 and M35, Audi A6, Saab 9-3, Volvo S60 and a host of domestics in this popular class. Pricing for the 2007 ES 350 was not available at press time.

Model Lineup
The 2007 Lexus ES 350 comes as one model, but the buyer can opt for a huge range of equipment by selecting Premium, Premium Plus, Ultra Luxury, Pre-Collision, and Adaptive Cruise options packages. Freestanding options include park assist, a power rear sunshade, heated and ventilated front seats, a full-size spare tire, a wood and leather trim package, and DVD navigation with backup camera. Optional equipment includes a navigation system, satellite radio (XM or Sirius), a 14-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system, Bluetooth wireless capability for cellphones, a panoramic glass roof, and radar-adaptive cruise control. Safety features that come standard on the ES 350 include dual front airbags, a knee airbag, side-impact airbags (for torso protection), curtain airbags (for head protection), electronic stability control, traction control, antilock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and a tire-pressure monitor system. A new two-chamber passenger airbag is designed to stop your passenger's upper body and torso with minimal facial contact and neck stress on deployment. The Pre-Collision package includes a radar-based cruise control system that automatically maintains a preset distance between the ES 350 and the car ahead. If the system senses an imminent collision, it retracts all the outboard seatbelts and triggers full panic-braking power at the pedal (but it doesn't close the windows and the sunroof like the Mercedes-Benz system).

Walkaround
The 2007 ES 350 featires the Lexus L-Finesse design scheme used on three concept cars and the GS and IS sedans, with everything emanating from the grille and flowing back over the car in hard lines. The new look brings a new level of slickness, only 0.28 coefficient of drag in the wind tunnel, making the ES 350 inherently quieter and more fuel-efficient than before. The first thing that impressed us was the new look and more generous physical size of the car. The grille has been subdued, the headlamp units have been made smaller and less obtrusive, and the accent line along the side has been raised to yield more musculature under the skin. Now this car looks like it belongs in a Lexus showroom. The new ES 350 was consciously upsized, to about where the original LS 400 flagship car was when it was introduced. The wheelbase is more than two inches longer at 109.25 inches, the body is wider by 0.4 inches, the track is wider by 1.2 inches, and the body has crisper, shorter overhangs along with a new front, side and rear appearance that's much more luxurious looking than any previous ES. About the only exterior customizing you can do other than paint and wheels is a choice of lighting, from standard projector beam to optional high-intensity discharge headlamps to optional adaptive lighting, the latter of which swings the headlamps through an arc of up to 15 degrees when turning. There are 10 colors to choose from. The ES 350 is about 110 pounds heavier than the ES 330 due to the addition of more safety features and standard equipment built into the price.

Interior Features
If there is any part of this car that could be called a quantum leap, it's the interior, which is much more together, more modern, and more fully equipped than any previous Lexus ES interior. It starts with the standard SmartAccess key fob and push-button engine starting, a first for the ES, and goes from there. The instrument panel and center stack are completely new and much more driver-centered, engaging and involving that previous panels. The main instruments are deeply tunneled, using white LED lighting and the Optitron electroluminescent displays that are part of all Lexus models, with their eye-pleasing startup routine. The standard trip computer monitors a dozen functions. All of the real wood trim is from a matched set that is serial-numbered for future replacement, if necessary. The thick, fat steering wheel is a pleasure to use. There's more space overall, within a few cubic feet of the original LS 400 V8 rear-drive sedan at 95.4 cubic feet, with more shoulder and leg room built in, and the rear floor is flat and can accommodate large American feet under the seats. There are three interiors to choose from in leather, perforated leather, or cloth, plus optional semi-aniline leather. The new ES is insulated well. At cruising speeds, it's extremely quiet, in part due to a new acoustic-control laminated windshield. The driving ambience is superb, with good sightlines, the hooded instruments and crisp graphics, a 10-way power seat and standard tilt/telescope steering wheel. Fit and finish inside are exemplary.

Driving Impressions
When the engine displacement, power and torque get such a big boost all at once, it can change your opinion of a car very quickly, and that's what happened to us the first time we booted the 3580-pound Lexus ES 350 up a long, long hill in Hawaii. The new ES 350 benefits from a brand-new all-aluminum engine design with all the latest technologies built in, and it's a honey, with 57 more horsepower than the 3.3-liter engine it replaces, and one more gear to run through. For the first time, performance is part of the equation in an ES. It's quick to respond, the engine is as smooth and quiet as you would expect, and the transmission operation is flawless, automatic or manual mode, downshift or upshift. Engine and transmission are linked by several electronic modules and the electronic throttle, and there were no glitches we could find. The engine and transmission are isolation-mounted with an electro-hydraulic mounting system to cancel vibration at idle. Lexus quotes a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds, which is certainly competitive in the segment. Two important additions of standard equipment on the ES for 2007 are traction control and stability control which, when combined with this new chassis, allow sporting drivers to do maneuvers that no previous ES would do, and quickly. The front struts and multi-link rear suspension are both very well isolated from the rest of the car, making for a quiet, smooth ride, with greater control of pitch and body roll than the outgoing car. We think the ES could use more tire on the ground than the standard 215/55R17s it comes with (there is an optional 10-spoke wheel package, but it uses the same size tires). We'd like a little more steering feel in the corners and on the highway, but otherwise the speed-related power steering is good and solid. Although the brakes themselves are average in size for this class, the electronic control package that comes with them makes them very powerful and very repeatable, with no sign of brake fade after a hard workout. Because this is an entry-luxury sedan and not a sports car, the ABS, traction control and stability systems intervene early and often to keep the car going in the intended direction, so you can't really hang it out, and that's okay with us.

Summary
The all-new 2007 Lexus ES 350 is a prime example of what Toyota and Lexus and can do when properly motivated to take a car upmarket. Unlike its predecessors, the 2007 ES 350 is quick and quiet at the same time, screwed together better than a Swiss watch, and actually has some sex appeal for the first time in its life. In light of the new design and all the new standard equipment, there is every reason to believe that the ES 350 will be among the fiercest competitors in the entry-luxury segment in 2007. We think it's an excellent choice among luxury sedans.