The new Lexus GS 300h is burgeoned by 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with D-4S direct injection technology, and a compact electric motor, unlike to that of 3.5L v6 in its conventional range, making way for a briefly improved fuel economy and a shrewd CO2 emission at 110gm/km, delivering all the power from rear wheels.

No official words on technical specifications yet, but speculations in market go for the same verse of Toyota Crown, yielding 217bhp and 221lb ft of torque, sharing the platform of upcoming IS 300h.

Hence, there are no plans for India now on the blue print of Lexus, maybe due to unfavorable economic conditions or so, but it had cited to roll out same in the markets of UK and its likes by the end of this year, being followed by IS 300h at a later stage.

He also said that the main reason behind the decision is high import duties on completely built cars, which further increased after the Union Budget of 2012. Lexus is very much taken aback as it is going to import cars in CBU (completely built units) form only. It doesn’t have a plan for local manufacturing.

Another reason cited by him is devaluation of the Indian Rupee. As mentioned earlier, Lexus will import cars in CBU form hence it becomes mandatory to consider the valuation of Indian Rupee else the price tag will become a major issue, which in turn will hamper sales extremely.

Lexus is a competitor to brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi. Success of all these brands in India pushed Lexus to make its debut here as well. Officials from Lexus say that, downward sales figure of Mercedes and an extreme pressure on BMW for staying in competition made them take a step backward instead of going forward. They also said that they will be more cautious for India because facing loss at the initial stage will reduce their motivational factor in future.

The announcement for India launch was made by a senior company official at the Tokyo Auto Show in 2011. It is also said that the Japanese carmaker will have a separate dealership network for Lexus, as it is retailing the same way in other countries too.

Started in 1989, Lexus now owns four production facility in Japan alone and it also make some of its products at the North American facility in Canada as well.

As per reports, Toyota Kirloskar Motor recently declared that there would not be any novel product introductions coming from them by the next 3 years period.

The car manufacturer will focus on augmenting the Toyota Etios twins.

Earlier, the company has declared that they are making plans to introduce the Lexus brand in the domestic market with the aim to challenge recognized German brands comprising Audi, BMW, as well as Mercedes.

But, because of increase in customs duty of luxury vehicles in the past year’s financial plan and an appreciating Indian currency, the company has reviewed its approach.

Mr. Sandeep Singh, deputy managing director for marketing stated, “We were eager to roll out Lexus brand and also made a declaration. However, we have now put the verdict on hold considering higher duty and Indian currency instability.”

“Because, like other makers, we cannot set up Lexus vehicles here, as the quality criteria are very severe. I don’t see Lexus brand getting introduced here at least by the next two years,” Mr. Sandeep Singh.

Launching Lexus cars as CBUs will turn them very costly as compared to other luxury vehicle brands who are pushing their entry level cost point constantly southwards.

Lexus Australia’s marketing department, managed by Peter Evans dropped hints regarding early publicity of the new third generation IS towards the end of the year. The all new, third-generation IS would be debuted at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show in January.

It’s been a while that the test mules of the car have been spotted on the streets. On a close look on the model it was found that the body was the same as that of the second generation 2005 Geneva Motor Show-debuted car.

As of now, Lexus offers a couple of V6 engine options (250 and 350) in its cars. But the company offers an additional 220D diesel avatar, after the company signed a deal with the BMW to provide Lexus with diesel engines. This certainly points fingers on the Jap automaker on the unavailability of its own diesel hearts in its cars.

The sedan is ready to get unveiled at a special occasion in San Francisco. The special event will take place today (30th July).

The leaked effigies are of the 2013 Lexus LS sedan. that appear to have acquired a minor facelift on behalf of an all-new edition.

The said model looks to be the LS 460 F Sport with diverse bumpers up front and at the back together with side skirts, rear diffuser in conjunction with high-flying tailpipes.

Prior to its world debut, together with the Photoshopeffigies for the LS F Sport, there were a few real world pictures as well, which got disclosed.

These genuine effigies illustrate that together with the front as well as back bumpers, there have been a little adjustment done to the wheel pattern in addition.

The company has already stated that in conjunction with the novel F Sport, LS 46, LS 460 L and LS 600h L appearance will also be made accessible.

Additional inside information is likely to appear today during the unveiling ceremonial occasion.

The Indian automobile biz however is still looking for Toyota to declare whether their proposals to introduce the Lexus to the Indian market have been settled yet, But yes Lexus would be definitely be in the Indian market shortly.

The 2013 Lexus LS Sales will commence later this year.

The 304th numbered car (out of 500), Lexus LFA, which will be demonstrated at the Meguiar’s MotorEx Enthusiasts car show, will be seen exhibiting its chrome wares. The car show to be held at the 2000 Sydney Olympic-venue will be featuring a gamut of modified and extraordinarily customized cars.

Although the car to be featured in the car show is being reported to have all-chrome treatment, as of now it’s known that the car is yet to be given the final painting and coating of real chrome on it. The ‘all-chrome treatment’ thus will be incomplete without the chrome coating on it. The owner seems to have something else in his mind. The Lexus LFA has been given Exotic Graphix with removable chrome adhesive on its carbon fiber panels. The chrome colored adhesive is worth 10,000 USD.

Word is that the all-chrome treated car is just two months old and has been driven over 2500 miles. This figure certainly makes one thing clear that the car must have been used for long drives often. In fact, “JP” was spotted stating that he loves long drives, as they aren’t boring to him anymore. Well! He has got point to justify his love. Under the bonnet of the car, there’s a powerful 4.8L V10 powerhouse. The engine is capable of delivering maximum power of 552hp and a peak torque of 354lb-ft. The developed power is way too sufficient to propel the carbon fiber-aluminum (65%-35% respectively) bodied car to a speed of 60mph from standstill in just 3.7 seconds.

The exclusive new range of Lexus IS 2014 model is expected to be the extended version of rear-wheel driving platform highlighting the Scion FR-S along with its cousins Toyota GT 86 and Subaru BRZ. Though it is still not officially confirmed by the management team, chipping in the platform with the renowned Toyota brand would allow Lexus to spread its development cost while tiling the way for a newly fangled IS sports car that might turn out to be another convertible. Moreover, to beat the cut-throat competition that Lexus is facing from Germany as well as United States, the new car series of Lexus would be working specifically on its exterior as the designs would be much more dramatic and appealing than the previous models. The line-up will finally be featuring an inimitable grille design which will be slotted in with an inside cabin that provides a perfect posh feel and an improved coupe-like body look that would add to its mesmerizing features list.

The new edition would also be a power house with its four-cylinder engine that has successfully substituted the IS 250’s 2.5-liter V-6 engine that is being currently used. However, IS 350 would be using the same 306-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine which is being used in GS 350. In addition, the Lexus is planning to launch a new hybrid model down the lane. Besides, the launch of new IS F model is expected to be as highly packed as the vehicle range itself.

Also, the new spindle fencing feature would be included in this series too as it has lately become the trademark of all the Lexus vehicles. The sportier and stylish car series is indeed a much awaited launch for the next year introductions.

Exteriors: -

The L series of Lexus LS 460 has a long wheelbase as it adds 4.8 inches to the total length of the wheelbase. The exteriors of the Lexus LS Series have been given a very elegant design with headlamps and tail-lamps revised and the front portico has also been modified again. The headlights that come with Lexus LS series have a feature of dynamic auto levelling which enhances the brightness level of the headlights. The wheels that used to come with Lexus models earlier have now been upgraded to 10-inch spokes designed alloys which give a somewhat sporty appeal to the car altogether.

Interior:-

The interiors of the car have been intensely worked upon. The leather used to make the interiors is top quality aniline. This type of leather is something that has been exclusively selected for this model and is not available in any other Lexus LS models. The interiors have been worked up to such levels that one can compare it with Mercedes Benz and BMW models. The aniline leather used for the interiors is quite tantalizing and elusive. Lexus has launched extended versions of the Lexus LS 460 in the market as well and these come with ottoman-style seating arrangement and more exclusive features. The advanced versions of Lexus LS 460 boast of inbuilt massage features along with adjustability of power.

All the Lexus LS models come with built-in audio systems which have Bluetooth and USB Connectivity available with them. There is also a facility of iPod connectivity which makes the audio system of Lexus LS models more integrated. Lexus LS models have Mark Levinson entertainment system which has a network of 19 speakers, 19 audio channels and an impressive 450 watt power supply. The hard drive of the audio system has a space limit of 8GB and the qualities of speakers are first-grade. Lexus LS models also come equipped with navigation controls highlighting real-traffic and are capable of dynamic rerouting. There is also a feature of a backup camera and along with that the rear seats come with heating and cooling options. The rear seats have their own coolant boxes and are built with DVD entertainment facility.

Performance and Powertrain: -

The 2012 Lexus LS 460 engine is powered by a 4.6 L 380 horsepower V8 engine and consists of the newly launched eight-speed transmission control system and also comes with the rear-wheel drive and full-wheel drive feature ensuring more traction control. The pickup of the car has been calculated to be 0-60 mph in hardly 5.4 seconds. The engine gives 6400 rpm and 367 lb-ft torque which is considered as immensely powerful engine feature. With intense power under its hood this mean machine accelerates like a bat straight out of hell.

The sport variant of 2012 Lexus LS 460 consists of brembo brakes along with sport-tuned air suspension control system, aero-body design elements and 19-inch forged wheels.

Lexus has given all it takes to equip a car with the best ergonomic features. ABS, Traction and Stability Control, brake assist, electronic brake force redistribution and 10 airbags which come with every Lexus LS models. The 2013 Lexus LS 460 Model comes with integrated parking guidance system and all the user has to do is press the brake pedal. The car will be parked parallel to other cars within a proper range of distance.

Safety: -

Safety features have been considered as a priority and thus 2013 Lexus LS 460 comes with 10 airbags and electronic brake force distribution system. They have brake assist feature which stops the car whenever there is a risk of running into some other car or object. Also one will find ABS system upgraded in this car which makes the turning course less risky and smoother.

Price: -

The car has been given the base price of Rs 65,00,000/- in India and the price of models varies according to its features.

About the same time last year, Lexus car owners received summons which stated that their vehicle is part of the recall process. It was recommended that the owners take their Lexus to the nearest dealership of Toyota/Lexus and get the repairs done with no additional charges whatsoever. The car owners were impressed with the simple and to-the-point notice and every caring owner of the car  headed towards the dealership from where they  brought the car.

The backlog at the service center was not that long and was witnessed to be an average 1 week wait. Another perk for doing the right thing was the rental-free car that the dealership offered until the repairing job has been completed. The customers were delighted by the courtesy of the Toyota/Lexus dealerships and were pleasantly surprised. It was reported that the repair-job was done in a reasonable period of time and most of the drivers did not even feel the difference it made to the car. This can be attributed to the lower level of knowledge drivers have as regards to the mechanics of the vehicle they drive. Most owners did not even know what has been fixed although the servicing technician kept telling them that the repair is been done to the fuel line system to avoid the corrosive effect that the leaking fuel may have caused. Many owners were thankful that the car servicing technicians did not find any sign of corrosion on most of the cars.

Overall the satisfaction index of the Lexus owners was high and many Lexus owners were proud of the choice which they had made and only wished that other companies also follow the example of Lexus in treating their customers.

Be it American car makers or the Koreans. Joining the others in their new quest of going green is the Japanese auto major Toyota Motors with its Lexus brand. The interest of the customers going green these days while making the buying decision has opened new and never-seen-before opportunities for the car maker, world over. Lexus which offers the highest number of choices than almost any other car brand in the Electric-Gasoline hybrid section is beyond doubt a formidable competitor at the market place.

The Lexus brand is compiled of 5 cars, the all new compact CT 200h hatch, RX 450h Crossover, GS 450h Sports sedan, the HS 250h sedan and the last LS 600h, the larger sedan. For a small nucleus family, the RX 450h is beyond doubt the obvious choice, as it combines the utility with the capacity of seating  5 people with some good space for their vacation luggage all this in addition with the fuel economy of that of a compact car.

The RX 450h was redesigned a year ago and is widely known to be the hybrid version of the already popular Lexus RX CUV series. The conventional gasoline variant had only a 2-wheel-drive option.

The RX was introduced in to the market in the year 1999 and in no time it became the darling at the market place. It is the best-selling model for the Lexus brand and has in its kitty the honor of being the top-selling SUV in the luxury car segment. The latest offering is the 3rd-generation of the convention gasoline-only variants, which was initiated what we know as the RX 300. In 2005 the first hybrid was launched in the market called the RX 400h.

The new car is built on the chassis of the Camry Sedan by Toyota. The first cousin of the RX is the Toyota lineup car, the Highlander. There is also a Toyota Highlander Hybrid available in both front-wheel-drive as well as four-wheel-drive models. The cars has introduced the new concept of the CUVs in to their brands, they may stem from the same basic structure or the concept, their exterior styling is however different. The major difference does not lie in the exteriors but the contrary, the Highlander has the capacity to seat 7 passengers while the RX is capable of only 5.

Not making any changes to the mechanics of the vehicle, the Hybrid RX combines the electric motor with the V-6 gasoline engine at both the ends for the 4×4 drive, and an electric motor at the front end with the V-6 gasoline for the front-drive model. The RX hybrid model combines electric-gasoline horsepower to the tune of 295 bhp which is 27 bhp higher from the previous generation of RX models.

Fuel economy is not the only USP of this model; in addition to it power is also a dominant factor. The power the RX generates is at par with that of a V-8 engine and it can put to shame, in the mileage category, even 4-cylinder engined vehicle.