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The official blog for Lexus of Wayzata, delivering news, special offers and dealership events!
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Sam Philip heads out to Belgium to feed back on the pre-production 5-Series rival
Posted by: Sam P hilip, 25 July 2011As the sort of right-thinking, fragrant-smelling individual who frequents TopGear.com, the Lexus GS probably doesn't feature too high on your car-radar. In fact, you'd be forgiven for being entirely unaware of its existence.
This anonymity is partly because the current GS - a medium-large exec rival for the BMW 5-Series and Audi A6 - has been knocking around for nearly seven years, but also because it's not a car that offers anything to the driver who enjoys... y'know, driving. But, for the next-gen GS - due on sale early next year after an official unveil at Pebble Beach in August - Lexus wants to shed that reputation for uninvolving dynamics. Which is why Top Gear was invited to Toyota's brand-new, top secret Belgian proving grounds just off the E40 in the Zanventem district of Brussels to drive a pre-production version of the new GS and give some, erm, constructive feedback.Our test car - a top-spec GS450h - is clad in a decidedly kinky leather get-up, so it's impossible to tell whether it'll offer more distinctive visuals than the current car. It seems likely: the new GS has a wider track front and rear, and, if the LF-Gh concept shown earlier this year is anything to go by, will feature much bolder lines.
Before setting out in the new car, we have a quick punt in the old GS, a punt that confirms the venerable Lexus isn't an awful drive, just an uninvolving one: lazy in the corners and short on feedback. The new car is far, far better. Lexus has thrown an almighty host of chassis tech at this car - from adaptive damping to an optional four-wheel steer system (which, like that in the Renault Laguna, turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the fronts at low speed to improve agility and tighten the turning circle, but turns the rears in the same direction as the rears at high speed for better stability) and the results are impressive. The GS's trademark body roll is controlled and you can push it much harder before it eventually succumbs to anguished tyre squeal. There's little feedback from the steering - hardly unusual for this class of car - but the turn-in is far, far sharper than the current car's. The most noticeable improvement is that the new GS, unlike its predecessor, doesn't try to plough its nose into the road under heavy braking.
Where previous GS models were mainly tuned on Japan's silky tarmac, Lexus engineers have decamped to Europe for the new model, testing the car over the worst roads our fair continent has to offer.
Courtesy of Topgear.com
TORRANCE, Calif., July 22, 2011 – Lexus will reveal the all-new GS 350 luxury sport sedan on Thursday, August 18th in conjunction with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The fourth-generation GS model introduces a more defined and emotional design philosophy featuring a new distinctive front grille and styling cues that will soon be seen on all future Lexus vehicles. The new GS has also been engineered to provide a more engaging and dynamic driving experience and the highest levels of refinement.
"Our customers have been waiting for a new GS that's more intense in every way," said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "They'll soon discover this GS was well worth the wait."
The Lexus press conference will take place on Thursday, August 18th at 4:15 p.m. PDT at Parc du Concours.
Courtesy of Lexus.com
It might be too stark, too teutonic, if it wasn’t for that essential material quality that Lexus is famous for — the leather looks rich, especially in the vibrant red of the F-Sport model, and all the surfaces remind me of the LS 460, an interior benchmark if ever there was one.
Granted, there’s still plenty of tape masking plenty of the interior, but I can’t help but be impressed by what I’ve seen today. 優秀な作品、レクサスチーム!
[Source: Motor Trend, Car & Driver & Inside Line]
Courtesy of lexusenthusiast.com
THAT’S A FINE question, which is why we’re going to use it as an opportunity to recommend a few accessories that’ll come in handy for summer travel. Here are some official Lexus accessories, as well as some handy gadgets that we thought might spark your interest:
Lexus Roof Rack Crossbars: First up, these are the crossbars you want for your Lexus RX and GX. They’re, of course, made specifically for these vehicles, plus they’re light and easy to adjust (they’re held down by hand-adjusted wheel locks), and they’re compatible with Lexus bike and ski/snowboard attachments. (Approx. price for crossbars: $260 MSRP; see your Lexus dealer)
GL1 Car Diagnostic Gadget & App: Okay, this is super cool—a gadget that turns your iPhone or iPad into a real-time vehicle-diagnostics reader. (Popular Science gave it a “Breakthrough Product” award last year.) How it works: after picking up the connector, you download the free app that goes with it. From there, it’s a simple matter of plugging one end into your iPhone or iPad, and the other into your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics port. Then great info shows up: fuel economy at different speeds, engine performance, the reason the Service Engine light just went on.... (Approx. price: $100)
Pro.Fit UltiMount V2 Smartphone Holder: Speaking of mobile phones, if you’re looking for a reliable, non-permanent smartphone holder, Pro.Fit makes a good one. The UltiMount V2 is universal, so you’ll of course find a convenient spot on the dash or windshield to place it; the adhesive backing is safe for auto surfaces. Join it up with the Pro.Fit component that fits your particular phone, which connects to the UltiMount V2’s head (which swivels around nicely). (Approx. price: $25)
Interface Kit for iPod/iPhone: After you’ve mounted your iPhone—or even if you prefer your phone on the seat next to you—consider the iPod interface kit. This is an official Lexus accessory that connects your iPod or iPhone straight into your audio system, so you can play your favorite tracks via the vehicle controls (the connectors are easily concealed in the glove box when not in use). The device also charges your iPhone/iPod as your drive. (Approx. price: $299 MSRP; see your Lexus dealer.)
Wander Hammock Car Seat Protector: We like this high-quality cover from Frontgate because unlike most pet-seats and car seat protectors, this one creates a space that protects both the rear seat and floor. Plus it’s got a sturdy recreational feel, since it’s made with a waterproof and stain resistant PVC—and it comes with a travel bag for the leash and your dog’s beach/park chase toys of choice. (Approx. price: $65)
>Related Lexus-driver benefit: 15 percent off online purchases at Frontgate.com
Coast Interior Auto Map Light: This flexible little guy, made by Coast, the premium recreational LED flashlight maker, is both sleek and durable, and it plugs right into your dashboard lighter for localized driver-side-passenger illumination. (Approx. price: $25)
Lexus Wireless Headphones: There are plenty of high-quality wireless headphones out there, but these gems are not only premium—they actually go with your Lexus interior, in addition to, of course, complementing the Rear-Seat Entertainment System in the LS, LS Hybrid, RX, RX Hybrid, GX, and LX. Plus, they’re light, with leather trim, and they switch between two audio sources, such as movies and music for your rear seat passengers. (See your dealer for price.)
The Pod: A simple way to use your vehicle hood as a steady, level platform for point-and-shoot group photos, The Pod is basically a packable, malleable, non-abrasive beanbag that won’t scratch any surfaces. (Approx. price: $15)
Lexus All-Weather Cargo Mat: Made to fit your specific Lexus model, this removable Lexus accessory adds an extra layer of cargo area protection against sand, garden-nursery soil, water, and anything else that might hitch a ride in your vehicle this summer. Bonus: it actually helps reduce interior cabin noise. (Approx. price: $92 MSRP; see your Lexus dealer)
Lexus First Aid Kit: Basic, essential, and perhaps the only first-aid kit that looks like it belongs in a Lexus vehicle. It’s designed to be mounted in the rear cargo area via Velcro mounting strips, and in addition to a large assortment of first-aid-kit supplies, it comes with tweezers, an emergency blanket, and scissors capable of cutting through a seatbelt. (Approx. price: See your Lexus dealer)
Hoodless Battery Jumper: Tech and auto bloggers love this thing, and for good reason—it allows you to jumpstart your vehicle from the comfort of the driver's seat. Simply plug one end into your dashboard lighter, hand the other end to the owner of the charging vehicle to attach to her/his battery, and wait five to 10 seconds for your battery to receive its charge. (Approx. price: $25)
The Essential Weekender: Finally, if you haven’t picked this up yet, you deserve to. Part of the Lexus Collection’s line of recreational bags and luggage, this one fills the role of classy, go-to bag for the gym, travel, or whatever you need a premium, all-purpose duffel bag for. Made by Cutter & Buck, the leather bag comes with a padded hand-wrap and a detachable shoulder strap. (Approx. price: $279)
—BRIAN GILL, MANAGING EDITOR
Courtesy of Lexus.com
Use your card for everyday spending and see how quickly your points add up
by Jim Guettler
Stop In And Take The Hybrid Pop-Quiz
by Mark Pelant....New Vehicle Sales Manager
ENTER TO WIN!!
LEXUS of Wayzata
Automotive Day Spa
$299.00 Value
§ High-orbital buff for that deep wet look
§ Hand wax exterior
§ Touch up paint chips (you must supply the touch-up paint
for non-LeXUS vehicles)
§ Clean all interior and exterior windows
§ Degrease and clean entire engine compartment
§ Complimentary 2011 LeXUS RX350 or ES350 loaner vehicle for the day*
*Offer for drivers 21 and older with valid Drivers License and current proof of Insurance
*See dealer for details
The engine of your new Lexus vehicle is made with industry-leading precision and quality. As a result, the break-in procedures listed in the Owner's Manual for a brand-new Lexus are optional. While following these procedures may help to optimize engine performance and engine longevity over the life of the engine, these potential benefits are marginal compared to the benefits that result from ensuring that recommended maintenance is performed as scheduled.
What size battery is used in Lexus remote keys?
The current model Lexus vehicles use CR1632 and CR1616 Panasonic batteries, which can be obtained through a Lexus dealer.
What should be used to clean fingerprints on the navigation screen?
Use an eyeglass-cleaning cloth for cleaning fingerprints from the screen. Do not use any cleaner containing ammonia.
How do I reset the "Maint Reqd" light located on the instrument panel?
This procedure should be used to reset the light when maintenance has been performed:
1) Turn ignition switch to the ON position.
2) Set the Odometer/Trip Display to the ODO mode
3) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
4) Depress and HOLD the Trip Meter RESET button while turning the ignition switch to the ON position.
5) The Service Maintenance Reminder Light will: a. Illuminate solidly for 3 seconds. b. Blink for 2 seconds. c. Illuminate solidly for 1 second. d. Turn off.
6) Release the Trip Meter RESET button.
7) Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
8) Turn the ignition to the ON position, and confirm that the Service Maintenance Reminder Light goes out.
NOTE: If the light continues blinking in step 5a, turn the ignition off, and repeat the procedure from step 1.
What are some common reasons why the "BRAKE" indicator light is illuminated?
1) The "Brake" indicator light will illuminate if the parking brake is not fully released. The driver may check if the parking brake is fully released. Sometimes the parking brake seems to be released, but it may need be held for a little while before it really releases. The customer can also repeat applying and releasing the parking brake, while parked, as they may have not released the parking brake completely.
2) The light will also be on if the brake fluid is slightly lower than allowed. That is usually an indication that the brake pads are worn and need service soon.
3) The worst-case scenario is that the brake system is leaking fluid, which could lead to hydraulic failure resulting in no braking power. The driver would feel the brake pedal become spongy, and braking power required would steadily decrease or become more difficult. The driver should not drive the vehicle in this situation. The vehicle should be towed and repaired. Additional diagnostics that may be performed by the dealer include: parking brake adjustment, parking brake warning switch, parking brake warning switch wiring harness and connected components, brake fluid-level warning switch, brake fluid-level warning switch wiring harness and connected components.
What is the factory recommendation to have the timing belt replaced?
Our timing belts have been very reliable. However, the timing belt is subjected to severe stress if the vehicle is operated under extensive idling or low speed driving for long distances, such as in heavy commercial use such as delivery, taxi or patrol car. If the timing belt breaks, the engine will stop running and will not restart until it is repaired. While it is possible that the original timing belt may last the life of the above engines, for peace-of-mind, the timing belt may be replaced every 90,000 miles. Also, if major engine work is performed, such as a valve job or engine rebuild, the timing belt should be replaced.
What should be done to a Lexus vehicle to prepare it for long-term storage?
Before storing car: Change engine oil; change engine coolant if due during time of expected length of storage; fill up fuel tank; wash vehicle using high-pressure water or steam to clean underneath. Rub the leather seat surfaces with an approved leather cleaner and allow to dry in a ventilated, shaded area. Check underneath the floor mats to ensure the carpet is dry. If there are any paint chips, have them repaired. (Customer should be aware that Lexus recommends operating the A/C compressor once a month to ensure proper lubrication. If the vehicle is stored for a long time, it could be detrimental to the compressor.) When storing car: Operate engine at normal operating temperature for 15 minutes prior to shutting off the engine. Disconnect negative battery cable. (If applicable, radio may lock up.) Leave parking brake off. Put vehicle up on blocks. If stored in a temperate, ventilated garage, windows can be left cracked slightly open. Cover vehicle. When bringing vehicle out of storage: Charge battery and reconnect negative battery cable. Check and add underhood fluid levels as needed. Check and inflate tires to correct pressures before taking vehicle off blocks. After starting engine, observe warning lights. If any remain illuminated, have issue addressed by Lexus dealer as appropriate. Check brake pedal for normal feel (height and firmness) before shifting transmission. Take vehicle to a Lexus dealer for general inspection.
Does the Owner's Manual state the minimum required maintenance for my Lexus?
Maintaining your Lexus vehicle according to the recommendations in the Warranty and Services Guide Scheduled Maintenance Log is required to ensure that your warranty coverage remains intact. Your Lexus dealer may recommend more frequent maintenance intervals or more maintenance services than those listed in the Warranty and Services Guide. These additional services are not required to maintain your warranty coverage. Please ask your dealer for an explanation of any recommended maintenance not included in the Scheduled Maintenance Log.
How do I clean the interior and exterior of my Lexus?
You don't need to take your vehicle to a car wash to keep it looking beautiful. By using the right products, you can clean the exterior, the wheels and even the leather interior.
What's the best way to take care of my Lexus?
Regular maintenance can help keep your vehicle at its peak performance while averting more serious repairs down the line. When you purchase a Lexus, your dealer will give you several booklets that contain detailed maintenance instructions. For more maintenance information, read the attached PDF. You can also visit your specific model's "Service & Maintenance" page on lexus.com, where you can find your full maintenance guide.
How important is a tire's treadwear rating?
When choosing a new set of tires, the treadwear rating offers no guarantee of the mileage a customer will get. Weather, driving habits, road conditions, alignment and tire maintenance all affect tread life. The treadwear rating merely lets a customer compare the potential life of different tires. Also, these ratings may be interpreted differently by different tire manufacturers. Refer to the appropriate Warranty and Services Guide for specific tire manufacturer limited warranty.
What should be used to clean the carpet?
Lexus recommends the use of Scotchguard™-type products on polyester material to help repel fluids, which could help keep liquids from soaking in and drying between the polyester fibers. Scotchguard™-type treatments are applied to the surface and will wear off at some point. For more information on carpet care for your vehicle, please contact your nearest Lexus dealer.
Courtesy of Lexus.com
Your Lexus has been engineered to perform in wet conditions as well as dry. And when we talk about rain-fighting technologies, there’s a tendency to focus on the performance features—things like Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM)—that aid driver control, disc brakes that help deliver stopping power, and water-channeling all-season tires.
But with Lexus, no detail is too small. So we checked in with the experts at Lexus College for a quick look at some of the more subtle Lexus innovations that have been adopted in recent years, innovations that help your car perform and keep you safe when the clouds let loose.
WATER-REPELLENT FRONT DOOR GLASS
This feature has been around for the better part of a decade, and in current models it’s found on the front driver and passenger windows. “It’s a titanium-silica coating on the glass that helps make water bead up and run off, making it easier to see through the window and to see your mirrors when it’s raining,” says Charles Hubbard, senior dealer education administrator for Lexus College. “The effect is similar to what those aftermarket window treatments can do.”
The difference, of course, is that unlike some aftermarket products, this titanium-silica coating is permanent; it never needs to be reapplied, and it requires no special treatment. Just clean it as you would the rest of your glass.
Water-repellent glass is a subtle innovation, but one that’s easily appreciated by simply comparing the side-by-side behavior of water on the front and rear passenger windows; on the front, rain will bead up and roll off quickly, whereas on the rear, the water tends to sheet.
Incidentally, this is a reason to insist on genuine Lexus parts if you ever need a window replaced, as an aftermarket product likely won’t have this treatment.
RAIN-SENSING WINDSHIELD WIPERS
Sure, you use these all the time. But did you ever wonder how they work? “There’s a sensor in the upper center portion of the windshield, right by the mirror, that shines an LED light (infrared ray) through the glass,” explains Hubbard. “If the system detects no water present, the light bounces back. But when it does detect water, it allows the light to go through the glass, and when it does that, the wipers turn on.”
Hubbard points out that there’s actually a lot of intelligence going on here. Not only is the sensor engineered to detect precipitation; it can also detect the amount of rain hitting the car, and then set or adjust the wiper speed accordingly between INT (intermittent), LO, and HI.
By the way, this is why your owner’s manual recommends keeping the area around the windshield sensor clean, since dirt and bugs can interfere with the sensor. And, just as with the side windows, this is a reason to be selective about who does the work, should you ever need to have the windshield replaced. “If they don’t get that sensor mounted just right, you can have some problems with the automatic wipers,” says Hubbard.
Standard on: LS, ES, IS F, LX, GX, LS Hybrid and GS Hybrid; available on GS, IS, IS C, RX, CT, HS, and RX Hybrid.
FRONT WIPER DEICER
While we’re on the windshield, here’s another interesting feature that is offered for the HS 250h, CT Hybrid, and certain Lexus luxury utility vehicles. It’s an electric grid embedded in the glass—similar to your rear-window deicer—that runs along the base of the windshield and up the driver’s side A-pillar. Its purpose is to warm those areas to help keep the wipers free of ice and snow.
Standard on: LX, GX, CT
HEADLAMP WASHERS
These are available on many models and standard on vehicles with LED headlights. Can you guess why? LED headlights are so efficient that they don’t throw off enough waste heat to keep the headlights free of ice in severe conditions. So this system automatically squirts washer fluid onto the lens when the headlights are turned on or you activate the windshield washers for the first time. The fluid comes from the same reservoir as your window washer fluid, and should be rated for sub-freezing winter driving conditions.
Standard on: LX, CT, LS, GS; available on all other models except ES.
RAIN-CHANNELING A-PILLARS
You know that little groove on the A-pillars on either side of your windshield? It’s not just a design touch; that channel in the sheet metal (standard on all Lexus 2011 models) also has a practical application. “In light to moderate rain, they’re designed to carry the water up and over the top of the car, instead of letting it come around the side and obscure the mirrors,” says Hubbard.
So in a sense, even the L-Finesse design of your Lexus can be said to impact its wet-weather performance. Now that’s attention to detail.
Courtesy of Lexus.com