Lexus LS600hL Hybrid And LS460

Lexus is set to launch its most comprehensive attack on the upper luxury market in Australia in 2007.

It will launch a two vehicle range of its flagship LS series - the LS600hL hybrid and the LS460 luxury sedan.

Both vehicles will feature breakthrough innovations which redefine the concept of vehicle safety.

The LS460 and LS600hL will employ sophisticated electronically controlled air suspension mated to world leading vehicle safety controls including intuitive braking and steering accident avoidance systems.

The joint launch of the LS line has changed the introduction of the LS460 from its intended release date of late 2006.

"It is imperative that LS460 and LS600hL both launch with significant feature advantages," Lexus Australia divisional manager Scott Grant said.

"The LS460 introduced in Australia must be equal in specification to that in all world markets."

The long wheelbase Lexus LS600hL limousine will be the world's first upper-luxury petrol-electric hybrid and the world's first V8 hybrid.

It will be the forerunner of a new breed of super-performance energy efficient sedans.

LS460 will be the most highly specified luxury sedan ever built by Lexus.

Source: Lexus Press Releases

Lexus IS250

Lexus IS250 has been awarded the highest rating of five stars, for driver and passenger protection in Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) tests released in November.

IS250 boasts an impressive array of vehicle safety systems, with eight airbags as standard and including world first twin chamber airbag technology.

It has a new twin chamber SRS front passenger's airbag and driver and front passenger's SRS knee airbags.

The front passenger's airbag is designed to lessen the impact of airbag deployment on the front seat passenger.

It features an advanced V shape to create a depression in the centre of the airbag upon deployment and better distribute physical impact to the shoulders and upper torso.

Both the driver and front passenger airbags are designed to deploy in two stages according to the extent of the accident impact.

IS250 was one of only a handful of vehicles to achieve the five star rating for driver and passenger protection, a testament to the vehicle's extensive active and passive safety systems.

"We are pleased that manufacturers are responding to ANCAP's call for a full airbag package in new vehicles," said NRMA vehicle safety expert Jack Haley.

Curtain airbags were not standard on many of the models tested, but Lexus IS250 has been designed to meet the world's top level occupant protection crash safety tests and its own stringent in house targets.

In addition to the eight SRS airbags, IS250 Sports Luxury has a breakthrough Pre-Collision Safety System (PCS).

The Lexus PCS tensions the seatbelts under any of three scenarios: the inter-distance ECU determines a collision is unavoidable; the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and electronic braking ECU determine that emergency braking has been applied; or the vehicle is understeering or spinning.

All Lexus vehicles are fitted with VSC as a standard feature.

The NRMA and the NSW RTA encourage new car buyers to consider vehicles with a full array of six airbags and electronic stability control or VSC.

Source: Lexus Press Releases

Lexus LS460

The flagship Lexus LS460 has been named the world's best car for 2007, winning the prestigious World Car of the Year (WCOTY) award announced at the 2007 New York Motor Show.

The World Car of the Year awards are recognised as the pinnacle of automotive awards, with each vehicle judged by a panel of 44 automotive journalists from 22 countries.

Due for its Australian launch in May, all-new LS460 was chosen by the WCOTY jurors as it embodied the Lexus brand's "Pursuit of Perfection".

Jurors also recognised that "Lexus continues to build its reputation with this luxury flagship with many firsts", including the world's first eight-speed automatic transmission.

LS460 was also chosen from an initial entry list of 28 vehicles, for its "unquestionable quality" and "classically luxurious" design with "modern execution".

Vehicles are judged on their style, performance, comfort, utility, value, safety, environmental responsibility and "WOW! factor" - or emotional appeal.

In winning the 2007 award, LS460 defeated vehicles from rival marques including Mercedes, Audi and Jaguar.

Lexus divisional manager John Roca said that a no-compromise approach to designing and building vehicles is what sets Lexus apart from its rivals.

"Lexus is committed to designing the world's best vehicles. The World Car of the Year award for LS460 is evidence of that commitment," Mr Roca said.

"The LS range is the pinnacle of the Lexus brand. LS460 claiming the award so early in the vehicle's life reinforces our position as an industry leader.

"The arrival of LS460 in Australia in May will set new standards in luxury motoring for Lexus owners."

Source: Lexus Press Releases

Lexus LX 570

All-new Lexus LX 570 that stunned the New York Motor Show in April will headline the Lexus stand at the Australian International Motor Show in October. Due for local sale in the first quarter of 2008, the third-generation LX Line vehicle will feature more technological advancements, safety inclusions and power than ever before.

LX 570 will be equipped with a 5.7-litre V8 engine which is expected to produce 283 kilowatts of power - 113 kilowatts more than the existing LX. The engine will be mated to a new six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission, designed and built for heavy-duty driving.

Lexus LX 570 will also feature significant upgrades to the suspension and full-time four-wheel-drive systems. A Four-Wheel Electro-Hydraulic Suspension with Adaptive Variable Suspension and Active Height Control will deliver a greater range of adjustment for all driving conditions.

LX 570 will also include a new Crawl Control feature, which helps the driver to concentrate on manoeuvring over rough or difficult surfaces at low speeds. LX 570 will also feature a multi-terrain ABS braking system designed to help reduce stopping distances on slippery surfaces such as sand or gravel.

For enhanced safety, the new LX will boast 10 airbags as standard with the addition of driver and front-passenger knee airbags, second-row seat-mounted side airbags and third-row curtains. Inside, the LX will come equipped with an array of luxury features including four-zone independent climate control, a power-sliding second-row seat and a 19-speaker premium audio system.

Styling of the new LX 570 emphasises the Lexus identity by combining the muscular strength and sense of security expected in a four-wheel-drive with the understated Lexus L-finesse design theme.

Lexus divisional manager John Roca said the Lexus LX Line of vehicles combined the ultimate in luxury motoring with off-road capabilities. "LX 570 will continue the 'no compromise' approach to design that Lexus established many years ago, coming to market with features and styling that set the vehicle apart from its competitors," Mr Roca said. "We are extremely excited about the arrival of LX 570 next year and, in fact, so are our customers."

Source: Lexus Press Releases

Lexus IS250X Limited Edition

Lexus Australia has marked the milestone sale of more than 5000 IS250's with the release of a limited edition model - the IS250X.

Only 260 examples of the IS250X will be sold, and the model will be instantly recognisable via its unique five-spoke, 18" alloy wheels and "X" badging.

Due in Australian showrooms in late July, the IS250X will be available in a one-off Vermilion (red) exterior colour. It will also be available in Metallic Silver and Onyx (black), with all colours matched to the black leather interior.

The interior will also feature a 14-speaker Mark Levinson Stereo system, moonroof, satellite navigation, smooth and luxurious leather seats, sports pedals and metallic scuff plates.

The IS250X comes with sports suspension, delivering a lower, firmer ride.

The limited edition model will be available in automatic or manual transmission, with an RRP of AUD$64,390 for the manual model.

Lexus Australia divisional manager John Roca said that the IS Line of vehicles continues to challenge competitor products, delivering value for money and driving enjoyment.

"Since its introduction in Australia, the IS Line of vehicles has stood out from the competition - delivering excellent dynamics, styling and value for money," he said.

"Many of our customers appreciate the value for money the IS250 represents. The IS250X takes this value proposition further to include many luxury and performance options, previously reserved for more expensive vehicles.

"We are very excited about some of the upcoming developments for the IS Line, including the V8-powered IS-F and potentially, an IS coupe in the future," Mr Roca said.

Source: Lexus Press Releases

Lexus SC 430 Pebble Beach

Lexus will debut the 2008 Lexus SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition retractable hardtop convertible to commemorate its on-going partnership with Pebble Beach Company. With a limited production of 360 vehicles, the fifth special-edition Lexus SC will be unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Lexus Fashion Preview August 17, 2007.

The unique exterior design of the SC 430 is complemented by an elegant exterior/interior colour combination that will be exclusive to the Pebble Beach edition SC. This special SC will feature a Smoky Granite Mica exterior paint combined with an exclusive two-tone Camel and Ecru leather trim interior and Espresso Bird-eye maple wood trim. Additional styling cues unique to the Pebble Beach SC include special-edition brushed chrome badging on the front fenders and center console and an Ecru Pebble Beach logo embroidered on Camel carpeted floor mats. The Pebble Beach SC will also feature White illuminated scuff plates, a sleek rear spoiler and aggressive 18-inch six-spoke chrome wheels equipped on all-season or summer run-flat tyres.

In addition to its elegant styling, the Lexus SC 430 hardtop convertible benefits from its ability to hide the roof within the confines of its trunk in a mere 25 seconds, while still maintaining enough room for luggage. All without latches, catches, snaps or covers. And when the top is up, it defies traditional convertible logic by remaining solid, secure and weatherproof.

The rear-wheel drive SC 430 is powered by a 288-horsepower, DOHC, 4.3-litre V8 engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). The aggressive V8 is mated to a six-speed sequential-shift ECT-i transmission to achieve a 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 149 mph. In addition to its impressive performance, the SC is certified as an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II.

The SC features a number of technologies designed to enhance driver visibility including an Adaptive Front lighting System headlights, which help better illuminate a turn as the driver steers into it. The SC also includes daytime running lights, fog lamps and projector High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights.

Dynamic handling is accomplished with standard features that include an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, traction control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

Every SC 430 comes standard-quipped with a Mark Levinson® Premium Sound System. This extraordinary system has been configured to self-optimise performance for top-up or top-down driving. Designed by one of the audio field's legendary innovative brands, the SC 430's system uses a seven-channel DSP 240-watt amplifier and nine strategically located speakers to turn the SC’s interior into a private concert hall. System equalisation automatically adjusts when the roof is lowered to compensate for the changed acoustics and ambient noise levels, and it returns to its original levels when the roof is raised.

The 2008 Lexus SC Pebble Beach Edition will be available for purchase in late August.

Source: Lexus Press Releases

Lexus LS600hL Luxury Hybrid

Lexus has launched its flagship LS600hL hybrid sedan. It will become available in Australia from 19 November 2007.

The new LS600hL long-wheelbase sedan features the world's most sophisticated all-wheel-drive hybrid system and provides Lexus' most opulent driving environment.

The LS600hL achieves many world and segment firsts. They include the first all-wheel-drive V8 hybrid system, the first application of LED low-beam headlights and the world's first anti-submarining in-seat airbag1.

LS600hL also features an Intelligent Park Assist (IPA) system, a first for this segment and for any vehicle in Australia.

IPA assists the driver by using a rear camera and ultrasonic sensors to identify a parking space before calculating the appropriate steering angle to guide the LS600hL into the parking space.

The hybrid system is Lexus' most powerful ever. It combines the highest-output electric and petrol engines of any Lexus to date and produces a combined 327kW.

The world-first LED headlights offer near-daylight-quality white light in less than 0.1 second to enhance night driving.

LS600hL shares traits with its LS460 stablemate, which was named the World's Best Car in April this year by World Car of the Year.

LS600hL builds on this solid foundation and takes the luxury vehicle proposition to a new level.

The flagship Lexus will be the most exclusive of the marque's vehicles, accounting for less than one per cent of total Lexus sales in Australia.

LS600hL will also come to market with Lexus' most intuitive climate control system. The climate control system features a body temperature-sensing network. It can automatically adjust any one of the four temperature zones to ensure maximum comfort for occupants.

Left-hand rear passengers will also be able to relax on a reclining rear ottoman that features both climate control and massage functionality, and the world's first in-seat airbag.

Lexus active and passive safety features include Lexus' hallmark Pre-Collision safety System and a total of 11 airbags.

Lexus Australia chief executive John Roca said LS600hL was of the highest importance to the overall Lexus brand in Australia.

"LS has always been the most important vehicle in the Lexus line-up," said Mr Roca.

"It provides a 'halo effect' for the rest of the brand.

"It has always represented Lexus' interpretation of automotive perfection.

"LS600hL is the most advanced luxury vehicle available today.

"Based on its technological and comfort inclusions, it has essentially established a market segment of its own.

"A vehicle of this calibre is not intended to be a volume seller - it is reserved for those fortunate few who enjoy the best of everything."

Source: Lexus Press Releases

Lexus GS460

The all-new Lexus GS460 will make its Australian debut at the Brisbane International Motor Show next month, before its local launch in March.

The GS460 will be joined on the Lexus stand by the soon-to-be-released LX570 off-roader, scheduled for local release in April, and the recently launched LS 600hL hybrid saloon.

The all-new GS460 will feature a new 4.6-litre V8 engine developing 255 kW of power and 460 Nm of torque with eight-speed automatic transmission.

The GS460 will also preview exterior changes for the entire GS range, which includes new front and rear bumpers, grille, wheels and mirrors.

The LX 570 will be equipped with a 5.7-litre V8 engine mated to a six-speed transmission, and will feature the most advanced suspension system of any Lexus vehicle to date.

Show goers will also be treated to regular demonstrations of Lexus' unique Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) system - as featured on the LS600hL hybrid saloon.

The IPA system, a first for an Australian production vehicle, enables the vehicle to reverse or parallel park without steering input from the driver.

Lexus Australia chief executive John Roca said the 2008 Brisbane International Motor Show will be the launching pad for what is set to be an exciting year for Lexus.

"2008 is set to be another big year for Lexus. We will be introducing two all-new models in the LX570 off-roader and the IS-F performance sedan, as well as launching the all-new GS460 and the facelift of the GS range.

"The Brisbane Show will give the public the opportunity to view some of Lexus' advanced engineering. This includes our performance hybrid vehicles, the Intelligent Parking Assist system and even eight-speed transmission on GS and LS models.

"There is no doubt that the Lexus stand will offer something for everyone - from the off-road to the performance and environmentally conscious driver," Mr Roca said.

Source: Lexus Press Releases

Lexus LX 570 Sports Luxury

Lexus has launched its most capable off-road vehicle, the all-new LX 570.

Available from 10 April, LX 570 is the third generation of the LX Line and the second model to be offered in Australia.

It features more technological advances, safety inclusions and power than ever before and will be offered in two grades - Prestige and Sports Luxury.

Both grades are equipped with a 5.7-litre V8 engine producing 270 kW of power and 530 Nm of torque - making it the most powerful Lexus SUV ever.

The engine is mated to a new six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission, designed and built for heavy-duty driving.

Lexus LX 570 also features all-new suspension and full-time four-wheel-drive systems.

A four-wheel hydro-pneumatic suspension package with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Active Height Control (AHC) ensures that optimum tyre contact with the road surface is maintained, while delivering a substantial reduction in body roll and an increase in ride comfort.

LX 570 will also include a new Crawl Control feature, which helps the driver to concentrate on manoeuvring over rough or difficult surfaces at low speeds without the need for throttle or brake application.

Together, AHC, AVS and Crawl Control work together to ensure that the vehicle negotiates the roughest terrain with ease.

LX 570 will also feature a Multi-terrain ABS braking system designed to help reduce stopping distances on slippery surfaces such as sand or gravel.

For enhanced safety, the new LX 570 will provide 10 airbags as standard, including driver and front-passenger knee airbags, second-row seat-mounted side airbags and full side curtain-shield airbags that extend across all three rows.

Upper-grade LX 570 models will be the first Lexus vehicles to offer a new Wide View Front and Side Monitor system as standard.

The monitor allows the driver to identify - via cameras mounted in the grille and passenger-side mirror - potential objects that may be obscured from view. This provides a clear view of the front and passenger side of the vehicle.

Inside, the LX 570 will come equipped with an array of luxury features, including a four-zone, 28-outlet climate control system, a power-sliding second-row seat and a 19-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system.

All-new LX 570 embodies the Lexus L-finesse design theme and there is no carry-over of panels from superseded LX 470.

Lexus Australia chief executive John Roca said the LX 570 would empower Lexus owners, giving them the ability to take their Lexus just about anywhere.

"LX owners are some of the most loyal Lexus customers," he said. "They have been waiting 10 years for a new vehicle and the LX 570 is sure to impress" The LX 570 combines outstanding off-road capabilities with all the comfort and convenience features for which Lexus is renowned.

"The new LX 570 will effectively take luxury where it has never been before," Mr Roca said.

Source: Lexus Press Releases

Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept

The engineers and designers at Lexus continue to use their groundbreaking LF-A premium sports car concept as a medium for expressing their ideas about what a high-performance sporting vehicle not only can be, but should be. In this latest expression of the LF-A, they have removed the car's top to create a high-performance roadster.

The LF-A Roadster is based on the sturdy yet lightweight carbon-fibre and aluminium body used for the LF-A coupe, which helps maintain the structure's strength and rigidity even without a top.

Like its coupe counterpart, the LF-A Roadster is powered by a high-revving V10 engine that approaches 5.0 litres in displacement. The V10, capable of more than 500 horsepower and test-track speeds greater than 200 mph, is mounted in front of the passenger compartment but behind the front-axle centerline in what the LF-A's engineers refer to as a "front-mid" configuration.

The engine is connected via a torque tube and propeller shaft to a transaxle that is controlled by paddle shifters. The torque tube is a structural member that adds rigidity to the drivetrain and chassis while also reducing vibration.

Styling is rooted in the Lexus L-Finesse design philosophy, conferring the LF-A Roadster's front end with a compact, low-profile, aerodynamic shape. Like its coupe counterpart, the LF-A Roadster stands just 48 inches tall, but the Roadster configuration adds a speed adaptive rear wing.

The rear is marked by a pair of wrap-around, arrowhead-shaped taillights that bracket a pair of large grilles. These grilles vent the heated air from the car's two rear-mounted radiators into the LF-A Roadster's aerodynamic wake. The radiators are fed cool air by two large intake ducts mounted just above the rear wheel wells. This aft radiator positioning not only allowed the designers to keep the car's front profile low and tight but also aided the LF-A's chassis engineers in their search for optimal weight distribution.

Helping to provide balance and scale to the design, which features an overall length of 175.6 inches and a wheelbase of 102.6 inches, are high-performance tyres on turbine-styled alloy wheels. The front tyres are 265/35R20s, while the rears are 305/30R20s. Like the LF-A coupe, the brakes consist of 14.2-inch cross-drilled, vented discs up front, and 13.6-inch cross-drilled, vented discs at the rear. The front brake callipers are six-piston units and the rear callipers use four pistons each.

An "F" logo, located on each front fender of the Roadster, indicates the vehicle's status as a part of the new "F" marque. The name is derived from the original "F" designation for the first Lexus LS prototype. That vehicle was internally coded "Circle-F," with the "F" standing for "flagship." The Circle-F designation further evolved into the code name Flagship One, or F1, and the first F1 concept developed into Lexus' first vehicle, the LS. Since then, the "F" code has come to signify a special vehicle program within Lexus that falls outside the normal engineering and development process. In addition, Fuji Speedway is the IS F's home circuit, and the shape of the F-logo was inspired by many of the track's turns. The all-new Lexus IS F sport sedan is the first production vehicle to carry the F marque.

Source: Lexus Press Release