Can a smarter dummy help make a safer vehicle? See how Lexus is engineering amazing with digital crash test models that give engineers a better understanding of the human body!

Five Toyota, Lexus and Scion Models Earn 2011 Motorist Choice Awards

INTELLICHOICE AND AUTOPACIFIC ANNOUNCE THE 2011 MOTORIST CHOICE AWARDS

INTELLICHOICE AND AUTOPACIFIC ANNOUNCE

THE 2011 MOTORIST CHOICE AWARDS 

Thirty Winning Models Announced at the Orange County International Auto Show 

Anaheim, Calif. (September 22, 2011) – Notable automotive industry research companies, IntelliChoice and AutoPacific, today announced the 2011 Motorist Choice Awards. Now in its sixth year, this venerable award series is designed to recognize those vehicles that deliver the compelling combination of high consumer satisfaction and lower-than-expected ownership costs over time. These awards were announced today at the Orange County International Auto Show at the Anaheim Convention Center.

This year, IntelliChoice and AutoPacific continued categorizing the winners into a collection of 15 popular lifestyle segments that shoppers could easily identify with, including categories such as “Active Lifestyle”, “Cosmopolitan”, “Head Turner” and “People Mover”. The category winners covered two market segments – Popular and Premium. Both reflect the purpose and perception of the consumer and illustrate the results of practical analysis, like total cost of ownership, fuel economy and resale value.

Ford led the list of winning vehicles with four, including the Expedition which won in three different Popular categories. Repeat winners included the Dodge Ram HD in the Popular Active Lifestyle category, Hyundai Genesis in the Popular Luxury Lifestyle category, and the Lexus IS in the Premium Youthful category.

 

The 2011 Motorist Choice Award Winners:

Category	Popular	Premium
Active Lifestyle	Dodge Ram HD	Land Rover LR4
Cargo Hauler	Ford Expedition EL	Volvo XC70
Cosmopolitan	Scion xD	Audi A3
Eco Friendly	Ford Fusion Hybrid	Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Fun to Drive	MINI Cooper	Volvo C30
Head Turner	Chevrolet Camaro	Porsche Panamera
High Tech	Volkswagen Touareg	Cadillac Escalade
Image	MINI Cooper	Mercedes-Benz GLK
Kid Friendly	Toyota Sienna	Volvo XC90
Luxury Lifestyle	Hyundai Genesis	Jaguar XJ
People Mover	Ford Expedition EL	Lincoln Navigator
Performance	Chevrolet Corvette	Cadillac Escalade
Road Trip	Ford Expedition	Mercedes-Benz GL
Value	Hyundai Elantra	Lexus HS
Youthful	Scion tC	Lexus IS

 

 

Each year, AutoPacific performs the broadest and most widely followed owner satisfaction survey in the U.S. with a record of over 72,000 responses in 2011. This study solicits consumer feedback on a recently purchased 2011 vehicle using 48 key attributes covering the entire ownership experience. From these data, AutoPacific compares overall buyer satisfaction between individual models and vehicle classes and announces its annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSAs) based on the findings. 

Meanwhile, IntelliChoice constantly monitors and adjusts cost of ownership metrics for over 1,800 model trim lines to provide consumers with valuable insight into the financial impact of ownership over a five year time horizon. This analysis is the foundation of the IntelliChoice Best Overall Value of the Year (BOVY) awards announced each January, and its interim Best Bets awards which were recently announced for the upcoming 2012 model year.

The Motorist Choice Awards combine complementary analysis from both firms into one set of accolades representing vehicles that earn high marks on both sets of criteria. Fifteen unique vehicle categories were defined by the needs and usage sought by new vehicle buyers and named appropriately based on recommendations from a panel of consumers. The firms then determined winners in the Popular and Premium brand groupings. This methodology provides a superior means of evaluating “Best in Class” vehicles that align consumer shopping patterns with probability for both satisfaction and value.

“Each year, we appreciate the opportunity to partner with AutoPacific to perform this research and analysis,” said Tyler Schulze, vice president and general manager of IntelliChoice. “The Motorist Choice Award methodology is designed to help consumers identify vehicles that speak to their hearts and their wallets. The 2011 award winners all share a connection with buyers from both a satisfaction standpoint and overall value as compared to their peers. Based on this compelling combination, we are pleased to recommend these vehicles to consumers as a guide for good purchase decisions.”

“The Motorist Choice Awards are designed to assist consumers by using a categorization scheme other than traditional vehicle classes.  Our research has shown that buyers often shop in more than one vehicle segment based on their needs and uses, rather than simply choosing a segment and then comparing models within it,” said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. “Whether buyers are seeking a kid friendly, youthful, or fun to drive vehicle – we have a suggestion that will fit their budget and needs.”

For more details on these categories and the winning vehicles please visit www.Intellichoice.com and www.AutoPacific.com.Â

 

Courtesy of autopacific.com

2nd Annual CFDA/Lexus Eco-Fashion Challenge Winners Announced

Collections to be shown during February’s New York Fashion Week

NEW YORK (Sept. 13, 2011) — The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), a non-profit trade association, and Lexus once again challenged emerging designers to develop proposals for a sustainable clothing or accessory line with the environment in mind. At an event at MILK Studios last night in New York, attended by many well-known designers and fashion insiders interested in supporting emerging and eco-friendly designers, the winners of the CFDA/Lexus Eco-Fashion Challenge were revealed. The three winners of this year’s challenge are: Marcia Patmos from New York, NY; John Bartlett from New York, NY; and Johnson Hartig from Los Angeles, Calif.

 

All submitted proposals for a clothing or accessory line that demonstrated a commitment to ecologically responsible design. The contest required that a minimum of 25 percent of the collection be produced in an environmentally-friendly manner. Many of the proposals included components such as recycled plastic, reclaimed wood, minimal packaging and non-chemically treated fabrics. 

 

“Lexus partnered with the CFDA to create the Eco-Fashion Challenge as a platform to encourage and support sustainable lifestyles,” stated Brian Smith, vice president of marketing for Lexus. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate designers that share Lexus’ commitment to providing sustainable products without sacrificing style or luxury. We’re looking forward to February’s Fashion Week to see the winners’ work on the runway.”

 

“There is a movement within the fashion industry to create more sustainable and environmentally friendly clothing lines and accessories,” said Steven Kolb, CFDA executive director. “This competition allows us to highlight emerging designers and their creative approaches to sustainability and in some ways become thought-leaders in the industry.”  

 

The winners will each receive $25,000 to bring their collection to life and produce a fashion show during the February 2012 Fashion Week in New York. The proposals were selected by a panel of judges from the CFDA, Loomstate, Marie Claire and Parsons School of Design and were based on design credibility, business acumen and eco-commitment, with attention focused on eco-fabrics, materials, processes and packaging.

 

Courtesy of Lexus.com

How To See Duluth: MN Fall Colors

by Mike Dalton....General Sales Manager

How to See Duluth, MN Fall Colors

The fall colors in Duluth, Minnesota are beautiful and the contrast between Lake Superior and the changing leaves is magical. The best time to go hiking is at the end of September and the beginning of October, but anytime before November should result in breathtaking views of the fall foliage. The colors are abundant everywhere you turn. There are some places that are just spectacular to see the colors from afar. Driving through the backwoods of Minnesota and around Duluth allows you to see the most beautiful scenery and colors that you will ever experience. There are many things to do, but below is a list of things that are definitely worth doing.

• The riverwalk paths down through Canal Park is a nice bike ride or walk and really allows you to take in the feel of Duluth. You may even get lucky to watch a ship come through the canal into the harbor. There are many Hotels in this area and provide very close proximity to much of what Duluth has to offer.

• Schedule a tour with Isle Royale Boats. This day tour provides a scenic tour of the Lake Superior area and takes you to the Isle Royale National Park. The park has many different colors of leaves to see and hiking is recommended.

• Explore the countryside by taking the Skyline Drive scenic drive. This takes you 600 feet up so you have a clear view of Twin Ports, the harbor and Lake Superior. This drive is 30 miles long. You will see canyons and streams with fall colors all around. 

• Hike the Waterfront Trail to see the fall colors around the St. Louis River. The hiking path is 3 1/2 miles long. Not only do you see the fall colors, but you may catch a glimpse of some local wildlife. 

• Hike along Lake Superior on the Superior Hiking Trail. The hike is rugged and takes you along the shoreline of the lake. The fall colors are beautiful.  There is also a campground to stay at overnight. 

• Take scenic highway 61 north towards Grand Marais and travel to Split Rock Lighthouse or Goose Berry falls. Both of these sights are about an hour north and are a great experience.

Have fun and bring your camera!

How do you challenge a car designed for the driver?

Properly inflated tires are key to making your car driving experience safe, achieve better fuel economy and help with uniform tire wear. Not to mention those pesky tire pressure warning lights that have a tendency of coming on this time of year. We offer

All-New 2013 GS 450h Unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show

• GS 450h Features Second Generation Lexus Hybrid Drive System
• Fuel Economy Improved by More Than 30 Percent
• New Atkinson Cycle V6 with Gas Engine

FRANKFURT – Sept. 12, 2011 - With a five vehicle hybrid line-up, Lexus reinforces its commitment to hybrid technology with the all-new 2013 GS 450h. When it was introduced for the 2007 model year, the GS 450h was the first hybrid-powered luxury sport sedan to enter the market. Today, the GS 450h is the world’s first premium performance sedan to be equipped with a V6 Atkinson cycle gas engine and two-motor hybrid system, in a front engine rear-wheel drive vehicle.

The hybrid version of the 2013 GS 350 incorporates improvements to its hybrid powertrain and is equipped with a second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system. GS 450h engineers have aimed for reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, while providing exhilarating performance.

With a total system power output of 338 hp, the GS 450h will accelerate effortlessly from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Conversely, fuel consumption is expected to be improved by more than 30 percent. The GS 450h is targeting certification as a Super-Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (SULEV II). The new GS hybrid also features a Drive Mode selector. In addition to the Normal mode, the driver can customize the driving experience using Eco, Sport S, Sport S+ and EV modes.

“The all-new GS 450h will provide our customers with an exciting blend of performance and precision in a new hybrid package,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager in the U.S. “With its dynamic exterior styling, roomy interior and advanced technology features, the GS 450h further demonstrates Lexus’ mastery of the luxury hybrid.”

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance
As with all Lexus hybrid vehicles, the new GS 450h is a full hybrid capable of operating in gas-only or electric-only modes, as well as a combination of both. Its Lexus Hybrid Drive system features an ultra-smooth running, Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a compact, high-output, water-cooled permanent magnet electric motor. The two powerplants drive the rear wheels both independently and in tandem, as needed.

In addition to the gas engine and electric motor, the new GS 450h’s hybrid drive system a generator; a high-performance nickel-metal hydride battery; a power split device which, via planetary reduction gears, combines and re-allocates power from the engine, electric motor and generator according to operational requirements; and a compact power control unit to govern the high speed interaction of the system components.

Adapted specifically for the hybrid powertrain and a first for premium performance sedans, the 3.5-liter V6, DOHC engine benefits from several technical improvements including the adoption of the Atkinson Cycle engine design to optimize the fuel-efficient benefits of Lexus Hybrid Drive.

Compression is delayed in an Atkinson Cycle engine, because the intake valves close late. This creates a high expansion ratio for less compression, reducing intake and exhaust energy losses and converting combustion energy to engine power more effectively.

A high compression ratio of 13:1; a new, mid-port intake tumble generator; and the adoption of the latest evolution of Lexus’ four-stroke, direct injection technology, D-4S, help the GS 450h achieve better fuel consumption.

With one injector installed in the combustion chamber and a second mounted in the intake port, D-4S combines the strengths of both direct and port injection, realizing optimum engine efficiency throughout the power band and improving torque across the rev range, while minimizing fuel consumption and emissions.

The D-4S system features new slit-type injector nozzles with a modified port shape, a higher fuel pressure for more efficient combustion, and idle port injection for improved NHV characteristics.

Engine noise, vibration and friction have been lowered through the adoption of lightweight chain technology.

The cooling performance of the hybrid system’s Power Control Unit (PCU) helps reduce fuel consumption and has been improved through the adoption of dual cooling paths and a single-piece, integrated AC/DC converter.

System control has been enhanced. The PCU boosts motor drive voltage to a maximum 650V in Sport mode and limits it to a maximum of 500V in Eco mode under normal driving conditions where maximum output is not required. The motor is driven at lower voltage to provide a more environmentally–advanced driving performance to help enhance fuel efficiency.

The electric motor features lighter mounts and reduced friction. The system’s regenerative braking operation range has been expanded, contributing to further improvements in fuel efficiency. In addition, the battery layout has been redesigned. A new stacked configuration maximizing luggage space allows the 2013 GS 450h to have more cargo area than the previous generation gas model.

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes
All second-generation GS hybrid models have a new platform that is designed to be more rigid compared to the previous models. Engineers conducted extensive platform testing, ultimately increasing the number of spot welds and adding laser welds in very specific locations. The track works in combination with a revised suspension design to assure a more solid stance and superior cornering performance.

The new suspension system is designed to help guide the 2013 GS through corners with precision. In the front, upper and lower control arms are made from aluminum and employ larger bushings. The rear subframe has been completely redesigned to accommodate an all-new multi-link rear suspension, using improved suspension geometry that retains tire cornering force and enhances rear control. With the stiffer platform and lighter components, the shocks can use lighter-viscosity oil, so they move easily and respond to small inputs more quickly.

The use of front and rear aluminum control arms helps reduce unsprung weight and results in significant improvements in agility, roll damping, ride comfort, body control and steering precision. Overall, the suspension is lighter and stronger, allowing it to react to driver input readily, and ride quietly without harshness. Ventilated disc brakes featuring four-piston aluminum front calipers includes the latest electronic enhancements to help provide braking balance and control.

The standard 17-inch alloy wheels are paired with 225/50R17 tires while the optional 18-inch alloy wheels are equipped with 235/45R18 tires. The GS 450h’s Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB) system characteristics have been modified to provide greater responsiveness from the first touch of the pedal.

Safety/Security Features
Like the GS 350, the GS 450h will be standard equipped with 10 airbags, including a knee airbag for both driver and front passenger. Rear seat occupants have seat-mounted side airbags, and all four outboard occupants are equipped with side curtain airbags. Also standard are new Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats that reduce the space between the occupant’s head and headrest, to help limit excessive head movement, and help decrease the severity of whiplash-type injuries in certain types of collisions. Standard seatbelts with pretensioners with force limiters used for front and outboard rear seats further assist occupant protection.

Available options to help further enhance safety include a pre-collision system, which uses the dynamic radar cruise control system to provide early warning of upcoming objects that might result in a collision. The system also uses a Lexus first infrared camera to monitor the driver’s eyes to check on driver status. In the event that the driver does not appear to be looking forward when a collision appears imminent, the system will initiate the warning at an earlier threshold. If the driver still does not respond and make the appropriate maneuver, the system will initiate light braking intervention up to two seconds prior to impact, designed to help to lessen the severity of the collision.

Other available safety systems include a Night Vision System that enhances driver visibility at night; Heads Up Display (HUD); a Blind Spot Monitor that helps detect vehicles in rear/side blind spots; and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW). LKA provides a small amount of active steering torque to help maintain course, while the LDW feature alerts the driver if the system detects that the vehicle is beginning to drift out of the lane.

Exterior Design
The 2013 GS expresses a new generation of Lexus’ design philosophy with its precisely sculpted exterior and will lead the rest of the lineup in an entirely new direction. When designers shaped the GS they visualized the flow of air around it and, like the LFA supercar, maximized aerodynamic efficiency.

Exclusive to the hybrid model is a unique three-lamp design that aligns the turn signal and Lexus-first high and low beam LED lamps in a single horizontal row. The improved illumination and beam range provided by LED lamps offers better visibility even under low beam driving conditions. In addition, the rear bumper of the GS 450h covers the exhaust pipe apertures. The GS 450h can also be distinguished by Lexus’ signature blue hybrid badging.

The GS fuses distinctive style with engineering functionality. Fins incorporated into the side of the tail lamps and the design of the trunk area all help direct air over and past the car. The rear bumper underbody area was designed for reduced wind resistance to help keep the car steady. Finally, air inlets located on the outer edges of the lower grille serve as cooling ducts.

The signature spindle grille with its trapezoidal contours evolved from current Lexus styling and fully integrates into the aggressive front bumper allowing for efficient airflow. This distinctive Lexus design feature combined with the deep-set, high-tech headlamps and L-shaped LED daytime running lamps further express the vehicle’s confident and dynamic character.

From the side, the GS projects the image of a spacious sport sedan with a road-hugging wider stance. The tapered lower rocker panel and the short front overhang give the vehicle a sense of motion. Width-enhancing front and rear wheel arches adds an athletic stance enhancing the vehicle’s dynamic presence.

The rear bumper features centered aero fins to help control underbody airflow. Combined with the L-shaped LED tail lamps, a Lexus design cue, these rear bumper features lend a high-performance appearance. Overall, the new GS sheet metal represents a significant extension of the Lexus L-finesse philosophy that is the core of all Lexus product design.

The GS line-up will feature three colors that are new to the Lexus color palette: Riviera Red, Meteor Blue Mica and Liquid Platinum. Vehicles in Riviera Red will benefit from glass flakes incorporated into the coating that adds a high level of brilliance to the paint. Lexus engineers developed a new advanced coating process for Liquid Platinum exteriors. The GS will be the first Lexus to adopt this new coating technology. Vehicles with the Liquid Platinum exterior will appear more radiant as an additional metallic texture gives both strong shading and defined, sharp highlights. This metallic effect makes subtle and defined bodylines more noticeable and the surface appear finely polished.

Interior Design
The GS 450h will share the same luxurious and technological amenities as its gas counterpart, including next generation Remote Touch; analog clock with LED indicators, carved from an ingot; and a new energy-saving auto climate control system called S-Flow that focuses airflow only to the front area where passengers are actually seated. A few notable differences include a bamboo-finished steering wheel which reinforces the sustainability of the GS 450h, and the hybrid monitor.

“There is no other mid-luxury hybrid like the new GS 450h,” said Lexus’Templin. “The handling, acceleration, and design of this Lexus hybrid are impeccable. We can’t wait for customers to drive one.”

PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS FOR GS 450h

GAS ENGINE
Number of cylinders and arrangement	V6
Displacement	3.5L
MOTOR GENERATORS
Motor type	Permanent magnet synchronous motor
HYBRID BATTERY
Battery type	Nickel-Metal Hydride
TOTAL SYSTEM OUTPUT
Net Horsepower	338 hp
TRANSMISSION
Type	Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox type	Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT)
SUSPENSION
Front	Double wishbone
Rear	Multi-link
STEERING
Type	Rack and pinion
Power steering type	Electric
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS (in.)
Overall Length	190.7
Overall width	72.4
Overall height	57.3
Wheelbase	112.2
Driven Wheels	Rear
Curb weight (lbs.)	4,190
Brake type	Ventilated front and rear disc with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM)

Wheel size	17 x 7.5 in. (standard) 18 x 8 in. (optional)
Tire size	225/50/17 (standard) 235/45/18 (optional)
0 – 60 mph	5.6 seconds
Top Track Speed	131 mph (electronically limited)

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Thank you to the author of this fantastic review! Great job Greg!

"We couldn't be more pleased with our new car. Greg was very helpful during the process and the dealership worked with us to fulfill our automotive needs."

Did you know your Lexus can automatically adjust to your preferred climate control setting?

Eight Lexus, Toyota Models Earn ‘Perfect Scores’ for Safety

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Eight Lexus and Toyota pickups and SUVs earned a place on a list titled "The Safest Trucks of 2011" published by Forbes magazine Sept. 7 for receiving "perfect scores." The eight are the Toyota 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Highlander, RAV4, Tacoma, Tundra and Venza and the Lexus RX.

The author, Jason Fogelson, said he used Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash results and electronic stability control (ESC) data as the basis for his determination, assigning point values from 0 to 10 for each category. A total of 32 points were needed to earn a "perfect score."

 

To View More: http://onforb.es/q5k8mJ

Johnny Miller: Sponsored Lexus Athlete

Johnny Miller

Born in San Francisco on April 29, 1947, Johnny Miller took up golf at the age of five. He received playing privileges at the Olympic Club and in 1964 won the U.S. Junior Amateur. As a 19-year-old amateur, he qualified for the 1966 U.S. Open at Olympic and finished eighth. After attending Brigham Young University where he made 1st Team All-American in 1967, Johnny turned professional in 1969 and nearly won the 1971 Masters.

Between 1974 and 1975, Miller won 12 tournaments, including the triumphant 1973 U.S. Open victory at Oakmont where he made a comeback from six behind and finished with a record-setting 63 in the final round. Following Oakmont, Johnny finished in a tie for second at the British Open Championship at Royal Troon, three strokes behind winner Tom Weiskopf. This was the first of five consecutive top-10 finishes for him at The Open. By the end of 1974 he was the leading money winner on the PGA TOUR by some distance with eight victories, unseating Nicklaus as money leader for a season.

In 21 years, Johnny won 25 times on the PGA TOUR and was inducted into the PGA TOUR Hall of Fame. In 1976 Miller won his second and final major at the British Open Championship. He then put the focus on raising a family of six children and, in 1990, he began a career in broadcasting. Not only has Johnny excelled in the game of golf, but he has received eight Emmy® Award nominations for his insightful, “tell-it-like-it-is” commentary and has several instructional golf videos for sale. In 1984 he founded the golf course design firm, Johnny Miller Design. Outside of being a commentator, course designer, columnist and author, Miller also enjoys fishing, ranching, church activities and spending time with his wife and family, which includes 18 grandchildren.

AWARDS, HONORS & RECORDS
1964	U.S. Junior Amateur Championship Winner
1974	PGA Player of the Year PGA TOUR leading money winner
1998	World Golf Hall of Fame

The beautifully detailed 2013 Lexus GS 450h...

 

2013 Lexus GS 450h Launch Video

Posted by krew on September 12th, 2011

Here’s the just-released launch video for the 2013 Lexus GS 450h:

The LED headlights are beautifully detailed, but I’m surprised that they appear to be the only significant exterior difference between the GS 450h and the GS 350. This marks a shift in strategy for Lexus, which had previously used a different front grille to differentiate the hybrid from the conventional model.

 

http://bit.ly/q165M5

Lexus of Wayzata Gives Back: With Your Help We Have Donated Over 500 Trees To Date

Lexus of Wayzata

 Gives Back

Lexus of Wayzata has teamed up with the Three Rivers Park District “Forests Forever” program and we’re taking our environmental stewardship to the next level.  In recognition of a hybrid vehicle purchase, Lexus of Wayzata will plant a tree on behalf of our customer to “give back” to the environment.  We are part of the remarkable task of reforesting acres of parkland in Carver Park Reserve, home of the Lowry Nature Center. The gift of a tree will last for generations, provide beauty, help clean the air and restore wildlife habitat.

 

A Lexus Hybrid customer will receive a certificate from Three Rivers Park District noting that a native tree has been planted in their name and recorded in the permanent log of “Forests forever”.

 

As we continually look for ways to improve our customers’ experience, we appreciate the eco-friendly awareness that helps make our hybrid vehicles more popular than ever.

We are proud to announce that we are a contributing sponsor to the 37th Annual James J. Hill Days event this Sunday!

We hope to see you there!

http://bit.ly/17PAUE

See how Lexus has designed a digital crash test model that helps engineer a safe car...

Wondering what kind of accessories can come with your new Lexus GS?

Visit Site For More Information.

http://bit.ly/ovni4Q

Lexus Environment & Technology

Lexus' tireless environmental efforts have grown out of a genuine respect and concern for the environment. Our concerns range from the gathering and transporting of raw materials to the processing and assembly of vehicle parts, and from the processes at our dealer locations to the handling of materials at the end of a vehicle's life.

Designed With Concern

The focus of Lexus design efficiency is to build a vehicle that is exceptionally lean in its use of raw materials, its fuel and its impact on the environment - all while pushing the boundaries of performance, luxury and quality.

The design of lighter-weight vehicles helps to conserve natural resources, reduce fuel consumption, emissions and brake wear, improves handling and braking performance, and results in less scrap for recycling and disposal. Lexus works to reduce weight without weakening the vehicle or sacrificing luxury or safety features through sophisticated computer modeling that allows excess material to be engineered out. Extensive testing validates the strength and durability of each component before it goes into production.

Lexus pushes the frontiers of vehicle aerodynamic efficiency using wind-tunnel-tuned, computer-modeled details to reduce aerodynamic drag. Engine and driveline sounds are analyzed and tuned extensively, and airflow is investigated in the wind tunnel and on the road.

Lexus innovations ensure that our vehicles deliver maximum power from the minimum amount of fuel, with remarkably low exhaust emissions. As a result of sophisticated engine -management controls, the RX, HS and CT hybrid models are among the most fuel efficient on the road and every 2011 Lexus model has met Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV II) or the more stringent Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV II) EPA certification standards.

Cleaner Manufacturing and Distribution

Lexus has also made great strides in the development of materials: Seat cushions made with foam derived from castor seeds. Speakers manufactured with sustainable bamboo. Carpeting composed of 30% plant-based sources. These are just a few of the innovative processes used in the creation of recent Lexus vehicles. Lexus also offers an innovative seating material called NuLuxe. It weighs half as much as leather, and its manufacturing process generates 65% fewer CO2 emissions than other synthetic leathers and no VOCs [1].

Additionally, every Lexus manufacturing site has achieved Zero Landfill Status, meaning that any waste resulting from manufacture is recycled, repurposed or used to generate additional energy. In-plant water use and scrap material generation have also been cut dramatically at Lexus plants, and improvements in plant energy efficiency help to reduce the greenhouse gases that are a by-product of power generation. All eight plants that build Lexus vehicles are ISO 14001-certified, having received certification to an international standard for environmental management systems.

Lexus dealers are a part of this effort. The Lexus Environmental Assistance Network equips all dealers with a customized web site that provides up-to-date waste-management information. Dealers return numerous components for precision factory remanufacture and ultimate sale as rebuilt parts.

On The Road And Beyond

Lexus is improving recycling technology with facilities such as the Automobile Shredder Residue Recycling plant that recovers and repurposes as much urethane foam, fiber, copper, glass and plastics as possible. For example, sound insulation found throughout Lexus vehicles is largely composed of the leftover bits and trimmings that remain after the manufacture of seat cushions, floor mats [2] and roof liners. These efforts, combined with advanced dismantling methods and recycling technologies have already begun to yield impressive results: more than 85% of the HS and CT can ultimately be recycled [3].

 

Courtesy of Lexus.com

We would like to remind our fans that we will be open on Labor Day from 9am-5pm. Service and Parts department will be closed. We look forward to seeing you!

Richly endowed with world-class features and premium details, the new GS is supported by advanced, performance-enhancing technology that makes it more than just a luxury car

We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us! Great job Jon!

"Jon was a great help to my husband and I,while we were making our decision to purchase our Lexus RX350. He was very patient with us, and offered us the best deal. Of all the dealerships we have been to, by far Jon is the only sales person who has exhibited a good business acumen."