First Impression: Lexus LFA

Lexus was founded in 1989 to function as Toyota's luxury brand. The first two cars made by Lexus were the LS 400 and ES 250. In 2005, Lexus premiered a supercar concept and showed a more refined supercar concept in 2007. In 2008, Lexus reveal a roadster version of the supercar concept. In October 2009, Lexus revealed the production model at the Tokyo Auto Show. Lexus calls the supercar the LFA. The LFA is the first ever supercar made by Lexus. In December 2010, the first LFAs went into production. Over a 25 month span with 20 LFAs produced monthly, 500 LFAs will be produced.

I first saw the Lexus LFA at the June 2011 edition of Houston Cars and Coffee. There was a huge crowd around the LFA. It is a nice looking grand tourer, but there were better looking grand tourer at the event. The LFA's exterior was deisgned with an emphasis on downforce. With air intakes in the back, one would think the engine is in rear, but the rear air intakes help cool the breaks. The side mirrors are designed to help funnel air into the rear air intakes. The engine is actually in the front-middle of the car.The gap between the hood and front bumper help feed air to the engine. It has a small trunk in the rear that is accessible by lifting the rear glass. This is a great initial supercar by Lexus.

The LFA is powered by a 4.8L V10, paired to a six-speed semi-automatic transmission, that produced 552 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. The LFA goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 mph and reaches a top speed of 202 mph. Prices for the LFA start at $375,000. The Lexus LFA is fast, but it is very expensive for car that goes 202 mph. There are cars that are faster and quicker than the LFA and cost less than $200,000.

Jay Leno did a feature of the LFA, which can be seen at www.jaylenosgarage.com. Richard Hammond reviewed the car during Top Gear Series 14, Episode 7. The LFA is playable in Grand Turismo 5, Shift 2: Unleashed, and Forza Motorsport 3.

Final Thoughts: The LFA is the best car made the Toyota Motor Company. It shows that Toyota and its other brands can make exciting high performing vehicles while making boring hybrids at the same time. Toyota can produce the Prius and the Lexus CT 200H hybrids while producing the Lexus LFA. One of Toyota's rival, Honda, stopped making the NSX and S2000 to focus on the production of the CR-Z and Insight hybrids. Compared to the Nissan GT-R, the Lexus LFA is faster and quicker and has a better design. It is fast, but there are several cars that are quicker, faster and less expensive than the LFA. The LFA is a very clever super car and is the fastest production car made in Japan. The price is just too high for what it is. The Ferrari 599, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, and Lamborghini Gallardo are faster and less expensive than the LFA. Still, there is nothing like the LFA on the road and this car will stand out in parking lots and on the roads. People will stop to look at it.

CarJunkie
Photo taken from a digital camera

First Impression: Lexus CT 200h

Lexus is  the luxury brand of Toyota. Lexus is known for making luxury cars and sport sedans. The brand produced its first supercar, the LFA, in December 2010. Lexus also has made hybrid versions of its popular models, the HS (IS hybrid), RX, GS, and LS hybrids. These car have good performance. When I first saw the CT 200h hybrid, I thought maybe Lexus would make a vehicle that is only available with hybrid drivetrain that is not slow. Then I remembered who owns Lexus.

I first saw the CT 200h at the 2011 Houston Auto Show. This was one of two hybrids that Lexus was exhibiting. The other was the LS 600h. My initial thought was "Great another hybrid hatchback." I was going to just ignore this car, but commercials started airing and Lexus was claiming 40+ mpg in the commercials. I took a look at its performance and was not impressed.

The Lexus CT 200h is powered by a 1.8L I-4 engine and a high-output, permanent-magnet, electric-drive motor with an EV mode that produce 134 hp and 152 lb-ft.  It goes from 0-60 mph in 9.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 113 mph. It has the same 0-60 time as the third generation Toyota Prius and has a higher top speed than the Chevrolet Volt and Prius. The price for the CT 200h starts at $29,120.  It is cheap for a Lexus but it is one of the slowest cars Lexus currently makes. This is Lexus' version of the Toyota Prius, just with a higher top speed.

It is a new car, so it has not been featured in video games. There are reviews online of this car, but nothing from Top Gear or Jay Leno's Garage. Motorweek will be featuring the car next month.

Final Thought: It is cheap and slow. There are better cars for under $30,000. Any Volkswagen Golf would be a better buy than the CT 200h. It is another hatchback that is is not "hot." The CT 200h is the Prius of Lexus.

Carjunkie
Photo taken from a camera phone

Lexus ES 350, 2010

Lexus ES 350, 2010

 

In its fifth generation, the Lexus ES 350 continues to blur the line between "entry luxury" and "prestige luxury." Revised headlamps, a new grille, new grille surround, chrome body side molding and new front bumper with revised lower intake and integrated fog lamps underscore the car's refined character. Side mirrors now feature integrated turn signals, and the tail lamps are redesigned. Elegant new exterior colors accentuate the distinctive design in the 2010 ES 350.

For 2010, renowned Lexus luxury is enhanced by revised steering wheel controls, as well as new wood trim choices. A revised center console offers more storage than before. An array of new user technologies expands navigation capability and music playing options. The updated optional navigation system features improved Voice Command casual-language voice recognition to enhance owner convenience.

The new standard Lexus Memory System controls and stores settings for the driver's seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel. Rain-sensing windshield wipers, previously optional, are now standard.

Two all-new telematics products are available with a complimentary one-year trial subscription. Safety Connect is standard on non-navigation equipped vehicles. Lexus Enform, which automatically comes with Safety Connect, is only available with navigation-equipped vehicles.

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance
The Lexus ES 350's aluminum 3.5-liter V6 produces 272 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 254 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,700 rpm. The chain-driven camshafts employ Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) for optimal performance and efficiency at all engine speeds.

The six-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) provides a sequential manual shift feature for a more involved driving experience when desired. Shifting strategy adapts to driver input, with rapid kick-down response.

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes
The Lexus ES 350 owes its smooth, quiet ride in large part to a rigid unibody structure that allows the four-wheel independent suspension to be tuned to provide responsive handling agility and ultra-smooth ride quality. The low 0.28 coefficient of drag (Cd) helps minimize wind noise while also helping to maximize highway fuel efficiency. Standard 17 x 7-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a new split five-spoke design carry 215/55R17 all-season tires. A full-size spare wheel/tire is available.

Standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control system integrates the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and the Brake Assist (BA) safety feature. A new VSC cut-off switch for 2010 is useful if it becomes necessary to extricate the car from deep snow or other difficult conditions, such as mud or sand.

Safety/Security Features
A reinforced front- and rear-structure passenger compartment forms the foundation for passive safety in the Lexus ES 350. In addition to advanced dual-stage front airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags, the Lexus Supplemental Restraint System includes rear seat-mounted side air bags (previously optional, now standard), side-curtain airbags that extend from the A-pillar to C-pillar and a knee airbag for both the driver and front passenger, for a total of 10 airbags throughout the cabin.

The optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) can help reduce collision damage. The package includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which uses millimeter-wave radar to measure and help maintain a pre-set distance from a vehicle traveling ahead. The multi-information display within the combination meter will show a car icon with the selected following distance.

If, based on a variety of inputs, PCS determines that a collision is unavoidable, the system preemptively retracts the front seat belts and pre-initializes BA so that increased braking will be applied the instant the driver depresses the pedal. Active Braking can automatically apply the brakes up to a deceleration rate of 0.3 g if the driver fails to react to system warnings.

The optional dual-swivel Lexus Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) helps illuminate a turn or curve as the driver steers into it. A medium-to-high speed mode (over 19 mph) allows both the right and left front headlamp bulbs to swivel toward the direction of the turn at the same time.

Luxury/Comfort/Convenience
Lexus' craftsmanship and attention to detail provide true luxury by design in the Lexus ES 350. Standard leather-trimmed seating is available in three colors. For 2010, the Ultra Luxury Package adds double-contrast stitching for the seats, console and door trim, a feature seen in prestige-luxury models, and perforated, semi-aniline leather.

A one-touch tilt/slide power glass moonroof is standard, as well as a dual-zone automatic climate control system, 10-way power front seats (with standard driver memory) and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.
The standard multi-information display, located in the combination meter, is easy to operate. Its main feature is a trip computer that provides outside temperature, driving range, fuel consumption and average speed readouts. A new Eco Driving indicator helps encourage economical driving. The display also includes an oil maintenance reminder and system warnings.

The standard leather-trimmed steering wheel integrates easy-to-use controls for the audio system, trip computer, and multi-information display, as well as voice control for the available navigation system when so equipped. The standard auto-dimming rearview mirror features an integrated digital compass. Heated exterior mirrors help melt away morning fog or frost, and an illuminated entry system lights the interior foot wells and the exterior with puddle lamps.

The SmartAccess keyless entry and push-to-start ignition system allows the driver to enter and start the car without needing to remove the access fob from pocket or purse. The standard HomeLink® transmitter can control compatible garage-door openers and home-security devices.
Convenience details abound throughout the Lexus ES 350, including illuminated front cup holders and an interior lighting system. Using the new Lexus Memory System feature, the driver can now tailor numerous vehicle preferences, including lighting, power windows and moonroof, steering wheel, and door lock control.

The standard Lexus Premium Audio system includes an in-dash, six-disc CD changer, Automatic Sound Levelizer and an integrated satellite radio receiver (complimentary 90-day trial subscription included). New for 2010, the system adds iPod®/USB connectivity, Bluetooth® hands free phone capability and music streaming.

Luxury Options
The customer can "layer" luxury in the Lexus ES 350 by adding the Ultra-Luxury Package, or by selecting from a number of standalone options which include heated and ventilated front seats, HID with AFS, and Intuitive Park Assist (IPA). The IPA system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect objects close to the car's front and rear bumpers, alerting the driver and showing distance to objects in the multi-information display.

The available touch-screen Lexus Navigation System with rear back-up camera, revised for 2010, allows the driver to enter a destination using the updated Voice Command casual-language voice recognition. The system integrates control for the Lexus Personalized Settings feature and adds Bluetooth® phonebook download. Voice command, a casual-language-based voice recognition feature, is standard on navigation-equipped vehicles. This new technology allows the driver to give fewer and more flexible, conversational commands in a specific order for easier access to audio, climate, and navigation system functions to help drivers focus more on the road ahead.

The Ultra-Luxury Package includes a panorama glass roof; perforated semi-aniline leather-trimmed seating (new Black/Saddle color combination for 2010); power rear sunshade; passenger memory; the HID/AFS lighting system; and a wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob. Exclusive Liquid Graphite-finish 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels add a distinctive touch.

Interior Design
Built on a 109.3-inch wheelbase, the midsize Lexus ES 350 provides a roomy and inviting interior. The driver and passengers are treated to intelligent, elegant luxury, with touch points that convey quality and controls that respond fluidly.

The high level of Lexus craftsmanship is immediately evident in the Lexus ES 350, with bright, clear Optitron® gauges, premium wood, as well as polished metal and leather accents that echo prestige-luxury models. For 2010, Parchment leather replaces Cashmere; new Walnut trim replaces Medium Brown Walnut, and Dark Brown Bird's Eye Maple trim is added.

Chicago Preshow: Lexus CT 200h Concept Tune by Five Axis

Lexus will be showing off a wilder CT 200h prepared by parent company Toyota's tuning partner Five-Axis at the upcoming 2011 Chicago Auto Show, which runs for the public from February 11 to 20. The highly-modified Five Axis Project CT will be dressed in a custom made wide body kit with hybrid's bad-boy appearance further enhanced by the JDSU “Dark Passage” paint, the lowered ride height (thanks to a TEIN Flex coilover suspension system), and custom 19-inch FIVE:AD forged alloy wheels.

No word on any powertrain improvements, but the CT 200h concept study will get a bespoke interior treatment and a Stoptech High Performance Big Brake Kit on the front.

The Five Axis Project CT will be joined by numerous Lexus models including vehicles from last year’s SEMA Show such as a customized LS600h L by VIP Auto Salon and a revamped RX 450h courtesy of tuner Paul Tolson, EST Styling, plus the full range of production models like the 2012 LFA sports car.

Lexus Issues Voluntary Recall on 245,000 GS and IS Models in the U.S.

Lexus has issued a voluntary safety recall involving some 245,000 cars in the U.S. because of a potential defect that may cause fuel leakage. The models affected by the recall include the GS300 and GS350 from the 2006-2007MY, the IS 250 from the 2006-2009MY, and the IS 350 from the 2006-2008MY.

The company said that due to insufficient tightening, the connection between the fuel pressure sensor and a certain fuel line could loosen over time, resulting in a possible fuel leak. No accidents related to the problem have been reported to date.

According to statement from Lexus' parent company Toyota, the firm's dealers will inspect the vehicles and if no leakage is found, will tighten the sensor with the proper torque. In case of a confirmed fuel leak, the gasket between the fuel sensor and the delivery pipe will be replaced and the sensor tightened. As expected, all operations will be conducted free of charge.

Lexus LFA Sports Car

The 2012 Lexus LFA is an awe-worthy piece of Japanese sports car. Only 500 of these mid-engined cars are to be hand-assembled by skilled automotive craftsmen in Japan. The engine output from the 4.8 liter 10-cylinder powerplant is home to 562 total horses.Helping to attack the winding curves as well as maintain traction on straight roadways, high-grip tires and sport-tuned suspension will make

Lexus LFA Sports Car

The 2012 Lexus LFA is an awe-worthy piece of Japanese sports car. Only 500 of these mid-engined cars are to be hand-assembled by skilled automotive craftsmen in Japan. The engine output from the 4.8 liter 10-cylinder powerplant is home to 562 total horses.Helping to attack the winding curves as well as maintain traction on straight roadways, high-grip tires and sport-tuned suspension will make

2010 Lexus Sports Cars LFA N2410 at Nürburgring 24h race

Lexus and Gazoo Racing compete together at Nürburgring 24h race for the beneft of LFA and other future Toyota & Lexus products. Playing a key role in helping to finalise the development of the LFA before it enters production in December, the grueling 24h race offers Lexus and Gazoo Racing the unique opportunity to not only foster the peerless quality, durability and reliability by pushing cutting-edge technology to the extremes of mechanical endurance but also to hone the technical skills of the personnel involved in the development of future Lexus and Toyota production vehicles.

2010 Lexus Sports Cars LFA N2410

Furthermore, by participating in the 24 Hours Endurance Race Lexus and Toyota aim to showcase their dedication through Gazoo Racing to produce more emotional cars and becoming more attractive and desirable to a wider range of customers.

This year’s race marks the third consecutive entry of the Lexus LFA and, signifcantly, the frst participation of the car in standard production guise.

Competing in the SP8 (‘Near production’) class, the race version of the LFA does not differ substantially from the road car, particularly with regard to construction, engine and transmission. Mandatory safety equipment has been installed and other modifcations such as a refned aero package including a fxed rear wing and a larger fuel tank are made to refect the format of the 24h race and the Nürburgring circuit.

Led by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC)’s master test driver Hiromu Naruse, the Gazoo Racing team will make its fourth appearance at the Nürburging 24h race. It is a team comprised of engineers and technicians from TMC, and, whilst they’ve regularly come together over recent months to support the LFA in the build-up to the 24h race, their ‘day-jobs’ are within the TMC engineering community.This kind of virtual organisation ensures that the collective learning is transmitted directly back into the core of the engineering activity.

The driver line-up includes four Japanese and three German pilots with outstanding endurance and GT racing credentials, including three champions from the Japanese Super GT series. As part of the preparation of the cars and the drivers, Gazoo Racing entered the first three VLN races of 2010.

Consistently fnishing in leading positions in its SP8 class, the LFA has also demonstrated its competitiveness against track-prepared specialist racing cars, with a best fnish of 17th overall in VLN2.

The New Car Of Lexus Minority Report Sports Car

Lexus Minority Report Sports CarLexus Minority Report Sports CarLexus Minority Report Sports CarLexus Minority Report Sports CarLexus Minority Report Sports Car

The New Car Of Lexus Minority Report Sports Car

Lexus Minority Report Sports CarLexus Minority Report Sports CarLexus Minority Report Sports CarLexus Minority Report Sports CarLexus Minority Report Sports Car

2010 SC 430 Lexus Sports Car powered by an aluminum DOHC 4.3-liter V8 engine.

2010 Lexus SC 430 Sports Car

The pioneer of the retractable hardtop in the prestige luxury segment, Lexus adds interior technology and exterior enhancements to the 2010 Lexus SC 430.

The Lexus SC 430's V8 is the epitome of Lexus smoothness and graceful response. Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) enhances torque over a broad speed range. The Intuitive Powertrain Control works with the Electronic Throttle Control to help smooth out acceleration from a standing start. The Lexus SC 430 meets Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) certification.

To build on the driving experience, the 2010 SC is now equipped with an updated Lexus Navigation System and Mark Levinson® Premium Audio System. The enhanced audio package now features iPod®/USB connectivity, auxiliary audio input, Bluetooth® hands free phone and music streaming capabilities, and an available XM® satellite radio receiver (complimentary 90-day trial subscription).

2010 Lexus SC 430 Sports Car

The rear-wheel-drive Lexus SC 430 is powered by an aluminum double-overhead cam (DOHC) 4.3-liter V8 engine that produces 288 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of peak torque. Power is channeled through a six-speed automatic transmission, enabling the Lexus SC 430 to accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.8 seconds.
The six-speed automatic transmission employs Shift Logic Control to respond to road grade and acceleration/deceleration activity, holding gears or downshifting on hills to help provide optimal engine power or a braking effect. A manual sequential-shift feature allows the driver to enjoy a more involved driving experience when desired.The 53/47 weight distribution helps deliver optimal balance for confident steering response and impressive agility, aided by standard 18-inch six-spoke wheels with 245/40R18 Z-rated tires. All-season or summer run-flat tires are available as an option.The Lexus SC 430 matches its performance capability with the brand's renowned attention to safety and security.

2010 Lexus SC 430 Sports Car

An array of dynamic electronic features help contribute to safe, precise handling in the Lexus SC 430: a four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC). EBD monitors all four wheels during braking and varies brake pressure according to the load on each wheel.VSC helps control lateral traction while cornering on slippery or dry road surfaces by using a combination of throttle intervention and applying individual wheel braking to help control any discrepancy between where the driver is steering and where the vehicle is heading.The Lexus SC 430 was among the first Lexus models to offer the advanced Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) that helps to enhance nighttime visibility in turns and curves.

Advanced climate-control system is specifically designed for a convertible environment. The system adjusts airflow and temperature automatically, differentiating between top-up and top-down driving needs and taking into account the outside temperature to help ensure occupant comfort.

2010 Lexus SC 430 Sports Car

XM NavTraffic® and XM NavWeather™ services are also available (complimentary 90-day trial subscription). XM NavTraffic informs the driver of current traffic conditions with real-time traffic displays. When traffic problems are detected the navigation system alerts the driver so that the route can be adjusted. XM NavWeather provides near real-time weather conditions as well as spoken and nav-screen forecasts, both based on official National Weather Service data.
The Lexus SC 430 brings classic luxury, performance and high technology together in an elegantly styled hardtop convertible. With the push of a button, the retractable hardtop transforms the Lexus SC 430 from a sleek coupe into an elegant convertible in 25 seconds.

The Lexus SC 430's ultra-luxurious interior, with its plush combination of natural materials including leather and wood trim, took inspiration from high-end, custom-made yachts. Semi-aniline leather trims not only the seats but also the door armrests, console cover, and front seat-belt guides. This hand-stitched leather trim is available in three colors, including black, Camel and Ecru.

2011 Lexus LFA V10 engine Super Sport Car

Lexus LFA Super Sport Car

Power for the rear-wheel-drive Lexus LFA, which is constructed using advanced carbon fiber technology, comes from a mid-front mounted 4.8L V10 engine that red lines at 9,000 rpm and makes 552-hp with a maximum torque of 354 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox, the LFA goes from 0-62 mph in just 3.7 seconds (0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds) with a top speed of 202 mph.

Lexus LFA Super Sport Car

Lexus has finally taken the wraps of its new exclusive supercar – the 2011 Lexus LFA. “The LFA is a thoroughbred supercar, a machine engineered to achieve a single goal – to deliver a supreme driving experience,” said Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi.
The Lexus LFA coupe will be produced at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City. Toyota will make just 500 examples at rate of 20 units per month “to ensure the finest build quality and attention to detail.”
The UK launch price for the LFA is €368,000 (approximately £336,000).

The LF-A Roadster’s LEXUS V10 engine supercar Concept

LEXUS LF-A Roadster

The LF-A Roadster’s LEXUS V10 engine supercar Concept.
Lexus will stage the Australian debut of its own supercar, the LF-A Roadster, at the Melbourne International Motor Show on 27 February.The LF-A Roadster goes on display in Melbourne after headlining motor shows in Tokyo and Detroit.

The Roadster’s V10 engine is capable of producing more than 360 kilowatts and test-track speeds greater than 330km/h.
Its sleek design utilises a lightweight carbon-fibre and aluminium body that ensures structural rigidity is maintained, even without a roof.

LEXUS LF-A Roadster

Styling of the LF-A Roadster draws extensively from the Lexus L-Finesse design philosophy and has been designed to deliver maximum aerodynamic efficiency.
The rear of the Roadster is marked by a pair of wrap-around, arrowhead-shaped taillights and a trio of centrally positioned exhausts.
To attain the best possible weight distribution, Lexus engineers positioned the radiators at the rear of the vehicle, which also allows for a sleeker front-end design.
The two rear-mounted radiators are fed cool air by two large intake ducts located forward of the rear wheel wells, and heated air is vented out behind the vehicle via a pair of large grilles.
The engine is mounted in a “front-mid” configuration – in front of the passenger compartment, but behind the front-axle centreline.

LEXUS LF-A Roadster

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 drive train and chassis, while also reducing vibration.
The LF-A Roadster features wide high-performance tyres on turbine-styled alloy wheels.
The Melbourne International Motor Show is on at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 27 February to 9 March.

Lexus LF-Ch Hybrid Sport Concept Car

Lexus LF-Ch Hybrid Sport Concept Car

The Lexus LF-Ch Concept Car will be known as the commodity car, which will take the belt in the autumn of next year, is not yet known. World premiere of Lexus LF-Ch will be held at the international Motor Show in Frankfurt.
Lexus hatchback concept hybrid will get a power plant, which will allow the car to move as a pure electric, and with the joint use of conventional gasoline engine and electric motor. The prototype will be equipped with facilities that combines running on the Atkinson cycle four-cylinder 2.4-liter unit, nickel metal hydride batteries, electric motor and CVT. The total capacity of power plant will make 187 horsepower.
According to some reports, the serial-door Lexus will get front-wheel drive (for the moment all models of brand only offered with rear-or all-wheel drive) and will be called the Lexus CT. Note that the Japanese company has already registered the name in the United States CT 200h, CT 300h and CT 400h as trade marks.