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"We purchased a used Lexus GX and were very impressed with everyone we worked with, especially Jim Kirchner. He breaks all of the stereotypes of a sales person. Jim seems like a great guy that really cares about his clients and prospects."

Top Gear Reviews the 2013 Lexus GS 450h F Sport

A spot of localised interrogation reveals the words most associated with Lexus are: ‘soft', ‘comfortable', ‘old-mannish', ‘reliable', ‘tape deck' and ‘dentist'. Which makes the brand sound like an old people's home. Ever considered a Lexus? Probably. Then you bought a BMW or Audi.

Lexus wants us to rethink the prejudice. And this new GS is the spear-tip of a shiny new direction. This particular car is the GS450h F-Sport, packed full of clever tech and sporting one of the most aggressive bumpers ever seen on a production car. The rest of the launch range - a non-F-Sport 450h and a 205bhp 2.5-litre GS250 petrol V6 - are a little less visually intimidating, but they all get a serious refresh. So that means a new platform, all-new interiors and exteriors and revised drivetrains.

The 450h gets a new version of the Lexus Hybrid Drive, a 3.5-litre Atkinson cycle V6 petrol in tandem with an electric motor to give 338bhp or, depending on demand, either running solo. Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries take care of the energy storage, and a six-speed sequential shift E-CVT manages the transfer to the rear wheels. It adds up to a respectably fast saloon, and an especially fast hybrid: 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds and limited to 155mph. So far, so good.

It stays positive. The GS450h was always pretty rapid. But you got the feeling that when you pushed it hard, it got clear of its comfort zone. Now it's more distinctly vigorous. All cars get adaptive variable suspension, but the F-Sport goes one better with Lexus Dynamic Handling, featuring dynamic rear steering, a variable-ratio steering rack and electric power steering. Translation? The rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the fronts under 50mph for that nimble feeling, in the same direction at higher speed for stability, and the electric steering changes ratio and weight depending on demand. It's good. More distinct than before, easily more dynamic. But complex and not - understandably - with all that much natural fluency.

The inside has also undergone a serious revamp. The battery pack is now stacked rather than laid flat in the rear, meaning a much bigger boot and improved knee room throughout. The interior is more European - think thoughtful and sober - with the slick dash dominated by a huge 12.3in screen, good-quality materials thoughout, and all the comfort-orientated buttons you could wish for in a generous standard spec.

It makes the GS450h F-Sport a lovely sports cruiser, capable of driving around in quiet munificence. Quick and quiet on the day-to-day, slightly anonymous (F-Sport excepted), rapid rather than devastating, relatively efficient and pleasing company. But the 450h is way too pricey. Lexus needs to be pitching similar performance and price, and offering an option to the default choices.

Tom Ford

The numbers
3456cc, V6, RWD, 338bhp, 255lb ft, 47.8mpg, 137g/km CO2, 0-62 in 5.9secs, 155mph, 1820kg

The verdict
Better than the old GS, surprisingly nimble, nice interior and a properly interesting choice.

Courtesy of Top Gear via Lexus Enthusiast

Lexus of Wayzata - Luxury Contest! Enter to win fabulous prizes!

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Like us (link) and enter to win a grand prize trip for two flying First Class on Sun Country Airlines. Grand Prize winner will select from 3 fabulous destinations.  Additional prizes include $1000 to Continental Diamond, Timberwolves tickets, an Auto Spa package, a gift card to Kowalski’s and a gift card to Sunset’s Restaurant.

Lexus & Sports Illustrated Present the "Tori 500"

Can you handle the curves of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Tori Praver? Want to show-off a custom photo with you and Tori? Go behind the scenes of the making of "Tori 500," then download our two new iPhone apps at http://www.Lexus.com/Tori500.

Toyota Motor Corporation Vehicles Dominate J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Vehicle

Dependability Study

TORRANCE, Calif., February 15, 2012 – Eight Lexus, Toyota, and Scion models captured segment awards in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, a performance equal to all other vehicle brands combined and more than twice as many as the runner-up nameplate.

The study also found:

• Lexus is the number one nameplate improving by 23 fewer problems/100

“We are extremely pleased that not only did we win awards in eight of the 14 model segments, but that in two segments we finished one-two and made the podium in 12 segments overall”, said Jim Lentz, President and Chief Operating Officer Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

2012 Vehicle Dependability Study performers by segment

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Entry Premium Car

Ranking: 1

Lexus ES350

81/100

 

Midsize Premium Crossover SUV

Ranking: 1

Lexus RX350

85/100

 

Large Premium Car*

Ranking: 1

Lexus LS460

72/100

 

Lexus Nameplate 

Ranking: 1 

Premium Brands Industry Average

129

Additional examples of Toyota’s commitment to the highest standards for quality, safety, reliability and retained value include:

• Lexus was the highest ranking nameplate in the industry in the 2011 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study and earned more segment awards than any other premium brand.
• The Lexus IS won the entry premium car segment in the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.
• Toyota and Lexus won 11 awards – more than half the 21 total awards – in IntelliChoice.com’s Best Overall Values of the Year.
• Two Lexus vehicles were named 2012 “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 2012 Lexus models are:  Lexus CT 200h and RX

####

Courtesy of Toyota Newsroom

2013 Lexus RX & RX F Sport Revealed!

A brochure for the 2013 Lexus RX has been leaked online, and it confirms the crossover will be getting both a mid-cycle update and a F Sport package — first off, here’s the full brochure:

When the third-generation RX was introduced in 2009, it was a move towards a more masculine look when compared to the second generation, and this update takes it even further with an expert application of the new spindle grille:

Even more aggressive is the F Sport package:

Can’t believe how good the RX F Sport looks, especially as a mid-cycle improvement — I’m not crazy about how it looks with the vented front under spoiler, but that doesn’t take away from the overall appeal.

Courtesy of Lexus Enthusiast

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Five Simple Ways to Save Money on Gas

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1) Replace the fancy gasoline with low-octane fuel
In filling up your car , make sure to buy the lowest grade of gasoline. However, choose the most appropriate gas for your automobile. Knowing which fuel works best for your car is always located in your owner's manual. Look it up.
Filling up your car with premium gasoline, even if it can be filled with low-octane fuel, is just a waste of money. Besides, not buying the high-octane gasoline won't boost your car's performance, anyway.

2) Remember to tighten the gas cap
Gas naturally evaporates from your car when the gas tank has an escape. According to the statistics, over 145 million gallons of gas evaporate yearly due to missing, damaged and loose gas caps. Why be one of those careless car owners? Tighten those gas caps now.

3) Air conditioning and shade
During summer, the intense sun can evaporate fuel instantly and make the insides of your car burn your skin up. For this reason, parking your car in the shade can be an effective gas-saving routine.
Besides, once you've parked your car in a shady place, using the gas-hogging air conditioning can be counted out. Just remember that air conditioning can drag your car's fuel economy by 10 to 20 percent.

However, when air conditioning is necessary, cool your car down by opening the windows, vents and sunroof. Turning on the air conditioning at full blast once you go into your car will definitely waste your money and gas.

4) Engine Care
A car that is out of tune or failed an emission test can drag your gas mileage down to up to 4 percent. Regular tune-ups as well as spark plug and air filter replacements can provide your car with over 30 percent of fuel efficiency.

5) Fast Cars with good mileage
Buying cars with a good mileage is probably the most important tip in saving money on gas. To know which car provides good gas mileage, check with an unbiased car dealer.

Believe it or not, these five simple routines can stretch up your gas dollar. Try it now and let it become your daily habit.

 

Courtesy of Fast Lanes