Lexus: Development and Technology News
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Lexus: Development and Technology News
2004 DETROIT AUTO SHOW: Lexus launches new look, hybrid
By Mark Rechtin
Automotive News / January 07, 2004
Lexus Division is going in two new directions.
At the show, Toyota's luxury brand embraced a design theme that will debut with the 2006 GS 430 sport sedan.
It also officially entered the alternative-fuel market with a hybrid-electric version of the RX 330 SUV.
The design was unveiled on a prototype version of the next-generation GS 430, which will arrive early in 2005.
A curved roofline over a narrow greenhouse, leading to a kinked C-pillar, are signature points of the design.
The face of the car retains a traditional Lexus look, and the wheelbase is 2 inches longer than that of the current model.
The GS 430 will be powered by a choice of a 4.3-liter V-8, likely a massaged version of the current edition, or a new 245-hp 3.0-liter V-6.
A six-speed automatic is standard. The V-6 will offer optional all-wheel drive. "Smart-access" technology means the driver does not need an ignition key to start the car. Traction control and pre-crash warning systems will be available.
On the hybrid front, Lexus will put the RX 400h on sale in late 2004, on the same architecture as the Toyota Highlander hybrid that will arrive in early 2005.
With the combined powerplants generating about 270 hp, the RX 400h will have a 0-to-60 acceleration time of less than eight seconds, while boasting fuel economy of about 30 mpg.
Source: Auto News
By Mark Rechtin
Automotive News / January 07, 2004
Lexus Division is going in two new directions.
At the show, Toyota's luxury brand embraced a design theme that will debut with the 2006 GS 430 sport sedan.
It also officially entered the alternative-fuel market with a hybrid-electric version of the RX 330 SUV.
The design was unveiled on a prototype version of the next-generation GS 430, which will arrive early in 2005.
A curved roofline over a narrow greenhouse, leading to a kinked C-pillar, are signature points of the design.
The face of the car retains a traditional Lexus look, and the wheelbase is 2 inches longer than that of the current model.
The GS 430 will be powered by a choice of a 4.3-liter V-8, likely a massaged version of the current edition, or a new 245-hp 3.0-liter V-6.
A six-speed automatic is standard. The V-6 will offer optional all-wheel drive. "Smart-access" technology means the driver does not need an ignition key to start the car. Traction control and pre-crash warning systems will be available.
On the hybrid front, Lexus will put the RX 400h on sale in late 2004, on the same architecture as the Toyota Highlander hybrid that will arrive in early 2005.
With the combined powerplants generating about 270 hp, the RX 400h will have a 0-to-60 acceleration time of less than eight seconds, while boasting fuel economy of about 30 mpg.
Source: Auto News
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270 HP and 0-60 in less than 8 secs? What a dissapointment! The rumors were calling for a (0-60=) 5.5 second hybrid RX. No one will pay more than a couple of grand more for that RX over the current RX330.
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It's interesting that they're waiting until Sept. to change the GS300 to the GS350. It coincides with the next LS launch, so I guess the GS will get both the new V6 and V8 at once. As far as the IS goes, they may go with a only one two door model; the hardtop vert.
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From: New Orleans
Originally Posted by CCColtsicehockey
that would suck
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From: Orlando, Fl
Originally Posted by srika
where's the Supra??? 
I mean, that 500hp V10 sports car they were supposed to have....
I mean, that 500hp V10 sports car they were supposed to have....
Or, like a lot of Microsoft stuff, it's just vaporware.
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Originally Posted by titan
Not necessairly. If the coupe/vert was engineered from the ground up as such, it'd probably be very rigid. Not as much as a true coupe, sure, but it'd still probably be enough to please potential owners.
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Originally Posted by GreenMonster
I don't see an IS coupe launch, but if they are going to do a convertible, one would think it would be based off a coupe, and not a sedan 
Unless Lexus does an Audi A4 for which there's no actual coupe model but there is a Cabriolet.
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From: Lower Nazzie, Pa
Originally Posted by F23A4
Unless Lexus does an Audi A4 for which there's no actual coupe model but there is a Cabriolet.
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From: New Orleans
Originally Posted by CCColtsicehockey
but it would also weigh more with all those extra components.
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Originally Posted by biker
If they keep it on the Toyota side it wouldn't show up on that list.
Or, like a lot of Microsoft stuff, it's just vaporware.
Or, like a lot of Microsoft stuff, it's just vaporware.
Lexus was supposed to have a high-performance luxury sports car coming down the road. Guess that's vaporware too.
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Lexus wants hybrid version of each model...
From Leftlanenews...
Don't be surprised if every Lexus is offered with a hybrid powertrain in the coming years. That's the message from Karl Schlicht, Vice President of Lexus Europe.
Two weeks ago, at the Paris Motor Show, Mr. Schlicht spoke extensively about Lexus Hybrid Drive and its growing importance to the luxury automaker's lineup. Schlicht has since given the press a more specific idea of his vision for Lexus. "Ideally, we would like it if all the vehicles in the Lexus range were [available as] hybrids," he said. Schlicht said Lexus would not emulate moves made by German automakers toward diesel power. He said Lexus does not want to be a "follower," but instead carve its own path.
Schlicht's comments add credibility to recent rumors from the U.K.'s Autocar magazine that Lexus is planning hybrid version of its forthcoming LF-A supercar (pictured). The report suggested a 5.0-liter V8 would be coupled with an electric motor to produce 435 horsepower.
Two weeks ago, at the Paris Motor Show, Mr. Schlicht spoke extensively about Lexus Hybrid Drive and its growing importance to the luxury automaker's lineup. Schlicht has since given the press a more specific idea of his vision for Lexus. "Ideally, we would like it if all the vehicles in the Lexus range were [available as] hybrids," he said. Schlicht said Lexus would not emulate moves made by German automakers toward diesel power. He said Lexus does not want to be a "follower," but instead carve its own path.
Schlicht's comments add credibility to recent rumors from the U.K.'s Autocar magazine that Lexus is planning hybrid version of its forthcoming LF-A supercar (pictured). The report suggested a 5.0-liter V8 would be coupled with an electric motor to produce 435 horsepower.
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Originally Posted by Yumchah
From Leftlanenews...
If they do, they'll probably just forget about the back seat alltogether and pack the batteries in there. Hey, at least you'll still have a trunk!
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Lexus Performance Line Announced **Designated "F" (page 1)**
Lexus may add muscle, try again with L-Tuned - - Source: Autoweek
Lexus may try to revive its failed L-Tuned brand by adding some sizzle.
Its first try, in 2000, at countering high performance from BMW's M Division and Mercedes-Benz's AMG group fizzled badly and was scrapped in 2003. But Lexus' U.S. executives are pressing Japan headquarters to give it another shot.
"The first L-Tuned vehicles were more about cosmetic changes than performance," Jim Lentz, COO of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., said last week at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas.
With a sportier redesign of the IS 250 and IS 350 sedan - and with coupe and convertible variants likely - the situation is different today than a few years ago. L-Tuned versions also could work well with the GS 450h hybrid and the just-launched LS 460 sedan, Lentz said.
"There's nothing to announce yet," Lentz said. "But the time is right to stretch Lexus as a core-luxury brand."
Its first try, in 2000, at countering high performance from BMW's M Division and Mercedes-Benz's AMG group fizzled badly and was scrapped in 2003. But Lexus' U.S. executives are pressing Japan headquarters to give it another shot.
"The first L-Tuned vehicles were more about cosmetic changes than performance," Jim Lentz, COO of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., said last week at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas.
With a sportier redesign of the IS 250 and IS 350 sedan - and with coupe and convertible variants likely - the situation is different today than a few years ago. L-Tuned versions also could work well with the GS 450h hybrid and the just-launched LS 460 sedan, Lentz said.
"There's nothing to announce yet," Lentz said. "But the time is right to stretch Lexus as a core-luxury brand."
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I wondered what happened to the program. The idea was there ... but how can new springs / sways / rims add to a somewhat stodgy-handling car? It's the engine + the handling mods is what makes it more of a performer. 
Now ... the IS500 or LF-A production car would be a great place to revive the L-tuned brand ...
It's the engine + the handling mods is what makes it more of a performer. Now ... the IS500 or LF-A production car would be a great place to revive the L-tuned brand ...
I feel the need...
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From: Motown
"L Tuned" sounds retarded, they need to give it a more masculine name. Lexus builds great cars, but they have all the passion of a grapefruit.
Case in point, I test drove the IS350 - outstanding car, hard to quibble with -- but it's just missing something.
Case in point, I test drove the IS350 - outstanding car, hard to quibble with -- but it's just missing something.
But I still like it!
101 years of heartache...
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From: Chicago's North Side/Champaign, IL
Originally Posted by stangg172004
^ at least they didnt come up with the name Super Handling All Wheel Drive
"Introducing the Hyundai Fox. It eats Rabbits, not gas."
ok i'll sit the next play out after that joke...
101 years of heartache...
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From: Chicago's North Side/Champaign, IL
But then again, Rabbit is a classic name.
Sidekick, Aztec, Amigo are some bad ones. In Latin America, I'm sure "Nova" was interpreted as "no va".
Oh, and TORRENT?! It's a car, not a music file...
But back onto the subject, perhaps Lexus should consider something like "LRD" based off of TRD. Doesn't have the ring of ///M-Power or AMG, but L-whatever sounds lame
Sidekick, Aztec, Amigo are some bad ones. In Latin America, I'm sure "Nova" was interpreted as "no va".
Oh, and TORRENT?! It's a car, not a music file...
But back onto the subject, perhaps Lexus should consider something like "LRD" based off of TRD. Doesn't have the ring of ///M-Power or AMG, but L-whatever sounds lame
Last edited by gocubsgo55; Nov 8, 2006 at 01:44 AM.
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Originally Posted by gocubsgo55
But then again, Rabbit is a classic name.
Sidekick, Aztec, Amigo are some bad ones. In Latin America, I'm sure "Nova" was interpreted as "no va".
Oh, and TORRENT?! It's a car, not a music file...
But back onto the subject, perhaps Lexus should consider something like "LRD" based off of TRD. Doesn't have the ring of ///M-Power or AMG, but L-whatever sounds lame
Sidekick, Aztec, Amigo are some bad ones. In Latin America, I'm sure "Nova" was interpreted as "no va".
Oh, and TORRENT?! It's a car, not a music file...
But back onto the subject, perhaps Lexus should consider something like "LRD" based off of TRD. Doesn't have the ring of ///M-Power or AMG, but L-whatever sounds lame
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Originally Posted by Fibonacci
"L Tuned" sounds retarded, they need to give it a more masculine name. Lexus builds great cars, but they have all the passion of a grapefruit.
Case in point, I test drove the IS350 - outstanding car, hard to quibble with -- but it's just missing something.
Case in point, I test drove the IS350 - outstanding car, hard to quibble with -- but it's just missing something.
What it's missing is a stick and a stiffer suspension.
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Originally Posted by srika
i want to suggest some models for "L-TUNED" brand...
LS750
IS600
GS800
RX550
ES600
GX700
kthx
LS750
IS600
GS800
RX550
ES600
GX700
kthx