tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28147007228615002182024-02-20T18:01:15.916-08:00Eskridge Lexus of Oklahoma CtyEskridge Lexus of Oklahoma Cty
700 W Memorial Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73114-2012
(405) 755-9000 RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-32711137724264572252012-08-28T13:13:00.003-07:002012-08-28T13:13:25.374-07:00New Lexus LF-LC concept to debut Down Under <img alt="Lexus LF-LC concept - Detroit reveal" class="post_top_img" height="265" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lexus-lf-lc-concept-detroit.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;" width="400" /><br />
If you haven't seen enough of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/lexus-lf-lc-concept-detroit-2012/">Norelco-inspired Lexus concept from this year's Detroit show</a>, just wait until October. The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/australian+international+motor+show/">Australian International Motor Show</a> has formally announced that <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lexus/">Lexus</a> will be bringing a hybrid coupe concept to the Sydney show floor, reportedly another version of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/lf-lc/">LF-LC</a> that graced Cobo nine months earlier.<br />
<br />
Car Advice says that the Aussie concept is likely to be differentiated
from the concept we've already seen by employing an all-wheel-drive
powertrain. Its gas-electric hybrid driveline is said to produce close
to 500 horsepower, though we reserve the right to remain skeptical of
anything still wearing a "concept" label, especially a vehicle that's
likely three or four years out from production, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/17/lexus-lf-lc-production-bound-based-on-positive-reaction/">assuming it gets the green light at all</a>.RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-34192759324381476092012-08-28T13:12:00.000-07:002012-08-28T13:12:37.681-07:002013 Lexus LS <img alt="2013 Lexus LS" class="post_top_img" height="265" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2013-lexus-ls-fd.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;" width="400" /><br />
In 1990, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/nissan/">Nissan</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/toyota/">Toyota</a>
both entered the luxury market with two new brands, each boasting a
flagship premium full-size sedan. The Infiniti Q45 was aimed at the
enthusiast with a powerful V8, limited-slip differential and a
multi-link suspension. The Lexus LS 400, on the other hand, was all
about luxury. The automaker surrounded its buttery-smooth V8 with
aerodynamic (if banal) bodywork and lined its cabin with premium leather
and fine wood.<br />
<br />
Thanks to a clear message, a strong advertising campaign and a product solid enough to back both, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lexus/">Lexus</a> sold more than 40,000 units that first year. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/infiniti/">Infiniti</a>,
in sharp contrast, was never able to capture the same momentum. By
1995, Lexus had introduced an all-new second-generation LS, followed by
an all-new third-generation model six years later – and each
introduction only served to drive the nails deeper into the Q45's
coffin. By the time the fourth-generation LS arrived in 2007, the
Infiniti Q45 was gone, and Infiniti nearly with it.<br />
<br />
The Lexus LS continued to develop. What was originally a
rear-wheel-drive sedan evolved into a model range of rear- and
all-wheel-drive sedans, short- and long-wheelbase, with a choice of
gasoline or hybrid drivetrains. The automaker's flagship continued to
lead with technological innovation and unsurpassed luxury – but it still
lacked a sporty quotient, a model seemingly necessary to run
head-to-head with the Europeans.<br />
<br />
All that will change in 2013. After a minor update in 2010, Lexus has
unveiled a significant refresh for the new model year that encompasses
all seven models in the lineup. But most importantly, the LS range now
includes its first-ever performance-oriented model, the F Sport.
<br />
<div id="continued">
<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-ls-first-drive/#photo-5201291" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus LS side view" height="159" id="vimage_5201348" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lead2-2013-lexus-ls-fd.jpg" style="margin: 4px;" width="400" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-ls-first-drive/#photo-5201292" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus LS front view" id="vimage_5201349" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lead3-2013-lexus-ls-fd.jpg" style="height: 203px; margin: 4px; width: 305px;" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-ls-first-drive/#photo-5201293" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus LS rear view" id="vimage_5201350" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lead4-2013-lexus-ls-fd.jpg" style="height: 203px; margin: 4px; width: 305px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Look back over the past two decades and one will realize that every
generation and subsequent refresh of the LS has been evolutionary –
until now. Thanks to a bold new exterior, its character buoyed by the
automaker's prominent signature 'spindle' grille, the LS no longer
appears bland and boring.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="pull-quote pull-quote-right">
It arrives with a drag coefficient of just .26, making it again one of the slipperiest entries in its segment.<br />
</blockquote>
From the exterior, about the only part carried forward from last year's
model are the doors. Bright chrome surrounds the new grille, and the
bottom edge of the radiator opening and front bumper have been lowered.
The hood features a raised bulge (purely cosmetic), traveling down its
center, and the headlights are shaped more aggressively. Along the side,
the sculpted lower rocker panels carry the new theme rearward. Out
back, the sedan's tail is dramatically tapered in an effort to maintain
uniformity with the front fascia and its dramatic new look.<br />
<br />
The freshly sculpted exterior pleases more than just the eyes. Lexus has
always been an innovator with regards to vehicle aerodynamics, and the
freshened LS continues the trend. By paying attention to the small
details, such as underbody air management and small stabilizing fins to
control air rushing along each side, the Lexus arrives with a drag
coefficient of just .26, making it again one of the slipperiest entries
in its segment.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-ls-first-drive/#photo-5201300" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus LS headlight" id="vimage_5201366" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lead16-2013-lexus-ls-fd.jpg" style="height: 203px; margin: 4px; width: 305px;" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-ls-first-drive/#photo-5201302" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus LS wheel" id="vimage_5201365" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lead15-2013-lexus-ls-fd.jpg" style="height: 203px; margin: 4px; width: 305px;" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-ls-first-drive/#photo-5201305" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus LS taillight" id="vimage_5201364" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lead14-2013-lexus-ls-fd.jpg" style="height: 203px; margin: 4px; width: 305px;" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-ls-first-drive/#photo-5201308" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus LS exhaust tip" id="vimage_5201363" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lead13-2013-lexus-ls-fd.jpg" style="height: 203px; margin: 4px; width: 305px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Lexus has also addressed exterior illumination. High-intensity discharge
(HID) headlamps are standard (and two projector lamps at each front
corner) with incandescent bulbs in other locations. However, customers
may choose an optional all-LED setup with light-emitting diode front
headlamps (utilizing three projector lamps behind each transparent
cover) and LED bulbs in the turn signals, marker lights, brake and
taillamps. Even the fog lamps are LED (a configuration that provides a
clean, uniform color across all front illumination).<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="pull-quote pull-quote-left">
Those familiar with the cabin of the new Lexus GS will feel quite at home – their similarity is striking.<br />
</blockquote>
The interior has been completely reworked too. The objective was to
deliver "confidence-inspiring spaciousness worthy of the Lexus
flagship," says the automaker, and it looks as if they have achieved
their goal. Compared to its predecessor, the new interior is more
spacious, upscale and ergonomics have been improved. Those familiar with
the cabin of the new Lexus GS will feel quite at home – their
similarity is striking.<br />
<br />
Drivers now peer through the new three-spoke steering wheel to find four
easy-to-read Optitron analog gauges, with a large tachometer and
speedometer taking center stage (a 5.8-inch full-color TFT
multi-function display splits above the two). Over in the middle of the
dashboard, last year's touchscreen navigation has been replaced with a
larger 12.3-inch multimedia display unit that has been set higher and
further rearward (its interface is now the Lexus Remote Touch haptic
feedback joystick). The HVAC, beneath the center vents, features a
high-contrast 16-gradation full-dot organic light-emitting diode (OLED)
display, with a trick roll-up/down animation when used. The twin
cupholders (previously to the right of the shifter) have been moved in
front of the transmission lever, with the 12v accessory plug in the same
area. The center armrest is still the largest storage compartment,
remaining the home for the various infotainment interfaces (USB ports,
iPod cables, etc...).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-ls-first-drive/#photo-5201314" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus LS interior" height="187" id="vimage_5201358" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lead9-2013-lexus-ls-fd.jpg" style="margin: 4px;" width="400" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-ls-first-drive/#photo-5201316" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus LS front seats" id="vimage_5201359" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lead10-2013-lexus-ls-fd.jpg" style="height: 133px; margin: 4px; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-ls-first-drive/#photo-5201338" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus LS rear seats" id="vimage_5201360" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lead11-2013-lexus-ls-fd.jpg" style="height: 133px; margin: 4px; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-ls-first-drive/#photo-5201343" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus LS trunk" id="vimage_5201361" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lead12-2013-lexus-ls-fd.jpg" style="height: 133px; margin: 4px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
<br />
In addition to premium leather upholsteries (smooth and semi-aniline),
there are five trim treatments including new Shimamoku ("striped") wood,
cabin LED illumination of different colors based on specific cabin
location, and a slew of other enhancements. The upgraded LS passenger
compartment, even in standard trim, is stunning, easily on par with the
best in the segment.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="pull-quote pull-quote-right">
Lexus says the standard sedan will run to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and on to a 130-mph electronically limited top speed.<br />
</blockquote>
In terms of the model breakdown, there are short- and long-wheelbase,
rear- and all-wheel drive, the more athletic F Sport and lastly, a
choice of powerplants. Mixed and matched, there are seven models: LS
460, LS 460 AWD, LS 460 L, LS 460 L AWD, LS 460 F Sport, LS 460 F Sport
AWD and LS 600h L (also AWD, but it is left out of the nomenclature).
Pricing, however, has not been released.<br />
<br />
Under the hood, things are carried forward mostly intact from last year.
The standard LS 460 models are powered by the automaker's naturally
aspirated direct-injected 4.6-liter eight-cylinder (1UR-FSE) engine. For
the 2013 model year, the oil pan has been redesigned and the engineers
have focused their attention on reducing unwanted noise (part of the
changes include a new dynamic damper and a new rear engine mount). The
powerplant is now rated at 386 horsepower at 6,400 rpm (six more than
last year) and 367 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm in rear-wheel drive
models. However, the same engine in the all-wheel-drive model is rated
at 359 horsepower and the same torque. With a standard eight-speed
automatic transmission (PRNDS with a snow mode), Lexus says the standard
gasoline-powered sedan will run to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and on to a
130-mph electronically limited top speed. The manufacturer-estimated
fuel economy is 16 city, 24 highway and 19 combined for the RWD model
and 16 city, 23 highway and 18 combined for the AWD model.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-ls-first-drive/#photo-5201310" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus LS engine" height="265" id="vimage_5201352" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lead5-2013-lexus-ls-fd.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The LS 600h L returns with a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain. Under
the front hood is a naturally aspirated high-output 5.0-liter
eight-cylinder (2UR-FSE) engine. With direct fuel injection, the engine
is rated at 389 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque. Mated to two
electric motors pulling power from nickel-metal hydride battery packs,
the system is rated at 438 total combined horsepower. The gearbox is a
two-stage continuously variable transmission (CVT) with three different
operator-selected driving modes (Normal, Power and Snow). There is also
an EV mode for driving under full electric power at low speeds. All LS
600h L models feature standard all-wheel drive with a Torsen
limited-slip differential. The hybrid is about as quick as its gasoline
siblings, but its EPA fuel economy is a tick higher at 19 city, 23
highway and 20 combined.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="pull-quote pull-quote-left">
Lexus reportedly replaced more than 3,000 items – about 50 percent of the vehicle's components.<br />
</blockquote>
Lexus has also addressed safety in a big way with the new LS. In
addition to all of the government-mandated equipment, the automaker's
Advanced Pre-Collision Safety System (APCS) is designed to detect
pedestrians and objects in the vehicle's path and bring the LS to a
quick stop from speeds up to 24 mph if a collision is imminent (to see
the system in action, watch our ShortCut video below). The available
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) has also been upgraded to operate at any
speed, plus it is now able to bring the vehicle to a complete stop and
accelerate once the flow of traffic has resumed. New to the LS is Blind
Spot Monitor (BSM), which uses radar to monitor blind spots while
driving and when the vehicle is in Reverse (Lexus calls this feature
Rear Cross Traffic Alert, or RCTA).<br />
<br />
Lexus reportedly replaced more than 3,000 items – about 50 percent of
the vehicle's components – to develop the 2013 LS lineup and we cannot
possibly discuss all of them. However, the good news after our day
behind the wheel of several different models is that the effort is worth
it – this luxury sedan is impressive.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our first jaunt was in the range-topping LS 600h L with the optional
rear lounge seating. The updated cabin is every bit as comfortable as it
appears in the pictures. The 16-way power-adjustable front seats are
some of the best we have ever dropped into, and there was plenty of room
for our feet, head and arms in all directions. Every component that a
body part may contact is soft to the touch and richly textured, all very
well done. Even though the location of some of the switchgear is
strange (the parking brake is below the ignition button), we acclimated
quickly. We did find the black box hovering just in front of the
headliner (housing the APCS cameras) a bit intrusive, but we eventually
looked right past it.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="pull-quote pull-quote-right">
It was immediately apparent that Lexus has polished its flagship hybrid better than the belly of Air Force One.<br />
</blockquote>
The LS 600h L is the heaviest (at a whopping 5,200 pounds) and arguably
least engaging of the range. Nevertheless, it surprised us with its
quiet and seamless power delivery. Although we are no fans of the CVT,
and we continue to question why anyone would buy the pricey hybrid for
any reason other than the blue badge (the $40,000 premium only delivers
one mpg better combined fuel economy), it was immediately apparent that
Lexus has polished its flagship hybrid better than the belly of Air
Force One. It is absolutely dead quiet at a standstill (the combustion
engine shuts down at idle) and only minimally louder at speed. There was
always torque on hand and the hybrid transition is virtually seamless.
Yet despite our awe over its advanced technology, and our amazement that
it works so well, we'd still prefer the gasoline-fed LS 460 L AWD.<br />
<br />
Our next jaunt was in the LS 460 F Sport AWD, technically the second
sportiest of the lineup (behind the standard LS 460 F Sport). The F
Sport model boasts a sporty interior with bucket front seats,
leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters and aluminum trim.
It is mechanically differentiated by its standard Torsen limited-slip
differential (RWD models only, as the AWD models have a Torsen center
differential), sport tuned air suspension (lowered by 0.4 inches),
Brembo brakes (with six-piston monobloc calipers in the front) and
19-inch forged alloy wheels (with a choice between summer and all-season
tires).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-ls-first-drive/#photo-5201294" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus LS driving" id="vimage_5201356" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lead8-2013-lexus-ls-fd.jpg" style="height: 203px; margin: 4px; width: 305px;" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-ls-first-drive/#photo-5201295" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus LS driving" id="vimage_5201355" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lead7-2013-lexus-ls-fd.jpg" style="height: 203px; margin: 4px; width: 305px;" /></a><br />
<br />
After leaving the parking lot, we immediately set the F Sport's Drive
Mode to its most aggressive "Sport S+" setting (putting the powertrain,
air suspension, electric power steering and variable gear ratio steering
into their firmest configurations) and headed for the mountains. In
this mode, body roll was nearly eliminated, but damping was not overly
firm. The steering was a bit heavier, but still lighter and slower than
most of its full-size European competition.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="pull-quote pull-quote-left">
Engineers have opened the F Sport's exhaust and acoustically enhanced
the growl coming from the engine (it is not played through the
speakers).<br />
</blockquote>
Acceleration is plenty strong, and the engine enjoys spinning around the
tachometer, but we missed the immediate low-end torque that the
Europeans are delivering with their forced induction powerplants these
days. Lexus hasn't forgotten how to isolate the passengers from what's
going on ahead of the firewall, as the engine is all but silent in the
standard models. The F Sport is different though, as the engineers have
opened the exhaust and acoustically enhanced the growl coming from the
engine (it is not played through the speakers). It sounds okay, but not
even half as good as the music made by the GS 350 F Sport.<br />
<br />
We pushed the big F Sport harder to probe its limits and immediately
praised the more aggressively contoured front seats and the thick
leather-wrapped steering wheel that was easy to grip (we find wood gets
slippery). To the engineering team's credit, the sporty Lexus handled
better than any LS we have ever driven. Under the control of a skilled
driver, it would embarrass many in a sports car trying to outrun it.
Even with rather lifeless feedback through the steering wheel, placing
wheels on specific parts of the pavement wasn't an issue. And as much as
we could tell, the brakes were solid and easy to modulate.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-ls-first-drive/#photo-5201290" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus LS rear 3/4 view" height="265" id="vimage_5201353" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lead6-2013-lexus-ls-fd.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
But in our opinion, the LS F Sport still falls short of handling benchmarks such as the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/alpina+b7/">BMW Alpina B7</a> (we are discussing sporty driving dynamics, not acceleration). Both vehicles have a curb weight of about 4,600 pounds, but the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/">BMW</a>
feels more agile and light as speeds increase, while the Lexus is best
described as accurate and stable. The suspension in the BMW will
confidently absorb sharp undulations in the roadway, while the Lexus
almost felt overwhelmed (to the credit of Lexus, and the pacification of
its customers, the LS F Sport did ride much more comfortably than the
B7 when driven civilly). BMWs may be driven surprisingly fast in anger,
and they seem to thrive on the pressure, but the Lexus didn't seem to
want to lose its temper – it remained, for lack of better words, a
Lexus.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="pull-quote pull-quote-right">
The 2013 Lexus LS model range is not forgettable. Rather, we'd call it significant.<br />
</blockquote>
We've been driving Lexus LS models for a long time. They are
consistently safe, comfortable and accommodating. They are also mostly
characterless.<br />
<br />
But the 2013 Lexus LS model range is not forgettable. Rather, we'd call
it significant. Aside from the many improvements, which will likely
escape from mind, the full-size luxury sedan will be remembered for its
daring spindle grille and the introduction of the enthusiast-targeted F
Sport. The standard sedan and hybrid are both sound steps forward, and
each will spend little time gathering dust in the showroom. While the
new enthusiast model falls short of segment leading – consider it a
solid base hit – it is unquestionably the sportiest and most engaging LS
we have ever driven. Lexus customers should be elated.
</div>
RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-40377271263278257632012-08-28T13:08:00.002-07:002012-08-28T13:08:09.643-07:00If you were behind the wheel of this LFA, where would you let the open road take you?<img alt="Photo: If you were behind the wheel of this LFA, where would you let the open road take you?" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/c128.0.403.403/p403x403/431385_432006806837395_1548075932_n.jpg" />RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-37999632178399546332012-08-28T13:07:00.001-07:002012-08-28T13:07:47.001-07:00<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CBztCw3iSGk" width="560"></iframe><br />RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-86725982053639934492012-07-26T11:06:00.002-07:002012-07-26T11:06:43.839-07:00Lexus challenges passengers to control their heart rates... in a hybridPicture the scene: You're in a quiet place; a forest. The grass is
green, the sky a perfect shade of blue. It's sunny; the temperature is
hovering somewhere near perfect and a gentle breeze wafts by. You look
at the pretty flowers – bend down to reach one... then, BAM!<br />
<br />
No, we're not talking about <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpBkc2jK-6w">Bambi versus Godzilla</a> – though we do offer Marv Newland a healthy round of applause. What's we're talking about is the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lexus/gs/">Lexus GS</a> Hybrid. Or, more specifically, the car's Italian advertising campaign as seen in the video below.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://autoblog.com/lexus">Lexus</a> claims its <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/2013-lexus-gs-450h-w-video/">2013 GS 450h</a>
can accelerate from 0 to 60 in just 5.6 seconds, courtesy of its
3.5-liter V6 engine and electric motor hybrid powertrain that puts out a
combined 338 horsepower. Combine that level of thrust with rear-wheel
drive and a professional driver and you've got yourself some fun at the
race track.<br />
<br />
Lexus decided to put this combination together, mixing in a blend of
new-car shoppers to see what effect its hybrid sedan had on the heart. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/lexus-challenges-passengers-to-control-their-heart-rates-in-a/#continued">Scroll down below</a> to watch it all unfold.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ht-_CxBB-kc?rel=0" width="560"></iframe> RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-27638989389767431512012-07-26T11:05:00.001-07:002012-07-26T11:05:16.926-07:00<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Dy1-qN-IaUk?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-69977932033443232492012-07-26T11:03:00.003-07:002012-07-26T11:03:22.790-07:00Lexus tops quality survey, Ford stumbles again<br />
<img alt="lex660.jpg" height="224" src="http://global.fncstatic.com/static/managed/img/Leisure/2009/lex660.jpg" style="opacity: 1;" width="400" /><br />
Lexus makes the best-quality cars in the U.S., and automakers overall
are much better at eliminating problems that land vehicles in the
repair shop, according to a new survey of car owners.<br />
Toyota's luxury brand had the fewest problems per 100 vehicles in a
survey of 2012 models by research firm J.D. Power and Associates. The
brand was followed by two other luxury carmakers, Jaguar and Porsche,
which tied for second place. Cadillac and Honda rounded out the top
five.<br />
Cars and trucks sold in the U.S. had the highest quality since J.D.
Power started doing the study in 1987. Still, quality was hurt by
widespread glitches in technology such as touch-screen controls and
voice-recognition software, said David Sargent, the firm's automotive
vice president.<br />
Companies have learned quality manufacturing techniques from top
competitors, and they're using higher quality materials than in the
past, he said. Quality has improved so much during the past decade that
the difference between the best and worst brands is less than one
problem per vehicle, according to the study.<br />
"Everybody in the industry knows that if they don't keep improving, they're going to fall behind," said Sargent.<br />
In the nationwide survey, J.D. Power asked 74,000 people who bought
or leased 2012 models about how reliable their vehicles were and whether
they had problems with knobs, switches, electronics and other items in
the first 90 days of ownership.<br />
It's the first major assessment of quality for 2012 vehicles.
Consumer Reports magazine's influential quality study comes out in
October and includes other years. J.D. Power follows up with a long-term
quality study in March.<br />
In the J.D. Power survey, the entire industry cut the number of problems per 100 vehicles by five to a score of 102.<br />
Here are some highlights from the study:<br />
WINNERS: Lexus owners reported only 73 problems per 100 vehicles.
Lexus wins consistently because quality and customer service have guided
the brand since its first car went on sale in 1989, Sargent said.
Cadillac was Detroit's top entry at fourth, and Honda was the
highest-ranking mainstream brand at fifth.<br />
LOSERS: Italy's Fiat tied for last in quality with Mercedes' smart brand. Both had 151 problems per 100 vehicles.<br />
BEST MODELS: Ford and Lexus had the top cars or trucks in three categories. Infiniti, Nissan and Toyota each won two categories.<br />
TECHNOLOGY WOES: Sargent said the poor quality scores for new
technology came because people had trouble adjusting to the devices, and
because some of them don't operate right. Electronics are making their
way from luxury to mainstream brands where they are new to people.
"There are a lot of problems where the system just doesn't work as
designed," he said.<br />
MOST IMPROVED: Jaguar, which went from 21st place last year to second
this year, and Nissan, which improved 11 spots to tie for 12th. Jaguar
was weighed down last year by problems with the XJ model, which was new
for 2011. Fixing those problems vaulted the brand, which has only three
models, toward the top, Sargent said. Nissan improved by hard work
across all of its models, he said.<br />
GOING BACKWARD: Troubles with touch screens and automatic
transmissions continued to hurt Ford, which finished 27th out of 34
brands in the survey. Ford was a star in 2010 at fifth place, but
tumbled when it introduced its complicated MyFordTouch screens. Buyers
also were annoyed with constant shifting by transmissions in small cars.
Sargent said J.D. Power surveyed people who bought cars before Ford
unveiled a major fix to its touch-screen. "That fix has taken
MyFordTouch quite a ways toward where it needs to go," he said.<br />
<div style="border: medium none; overflow: hidden;">
<br />Read more: <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/06/20/lexus-tops-quality-survey-ford-stumbles-again/#ixzz21kkRwItn" style="color: #003399;">http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/06/20/lexus-tops-quality-survey-ford-stumbles-again/#ixzz21kkRwItn</a></div>RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-38203829787449735302012-07-26T11:02:00.003-07:002012-07-26T11:02:39.814-07:00Lexus Boosts RX Manufacturing in Canada<br />
<img alt="Lexus RX Cambridge Manufacturing" class="borderc" height="167" src="http://cdn.thelexusenthusiast.com/images/weblog/12-07-24-lexus-rx-cambridge-manufacturing.jpg" width="400" /><br />
Lexus RX manufacturing at the Cambridge plant in Canada is set to receive a big boost after a major announcement this morning:<br />
<blockquote>
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC) announced today that it
will invest more than $100 million and hire approximately 400 employees
to increase Lexus RX production at its Cambridge, Ontario facility.<br />
Overall Lexus RX capacity will increase by 30,000 vehicles to
104,000 units, including 15,000 RX450h vehicles, the hybrid electric
version of the popular Lexus. The investment will take Toyota’s annual
production capacity in Canada to 500,000 units.<br />
Toyota is targeting early 2014 for expanded Lexus production.
</blockquote>
The Canadian plant is the only factory outside of Japan to produce Lexus vehicles, and has been manufacturing RXs since 2003.<br />
<em>Automotive News</em> has some additional insight into the story:<br />
<blockquote>
Toyota produced about 81,000 RX SUVs at Miyata [factory in Southern Japan] in 2011.<br />
The total number of vehicles produced at the Miyata plant would
likely be unchanged, as other models would be made instead of the RX,
said the source, who declined to be named because he was not authorized
to speak about the matter.<br />
Toyota is set to make an announcement on the matter soon, the source said.
</blockquote>
Shifting 30,000 units out of Japan brings an opportunity to use that
output for another model — whether that’s an existing model or something
brand-new is where it gets interesting.<br />
(Of course, it might be something as simple as increasing ES production — we do know that Lexus is forecasting <a href="http://lexusenthusiast.com/2012/06/18/lexus-considering-manufacturing-es-in-north-america-releases-regional-sales-estimates/">an additional 20,000 ES worldwide sales</a>.)<br />RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-30973499554394374132012-07-26T11:02:00.000-07:002012-07-26T11:02:03.093-07:00<object height="315" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vEkHsnB4tiI?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param>
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0lazf_AUcYg?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-62270669729014435312012-06-27T10:30:00.003-07:002012-06-27T10:30:36.384-07:002013 Lexus GS 450hEver since the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/toyota/prius/">Prius</a> unexpectedly became the Xerox of hybrids and a greenie icon, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/toyota/">Toyota</a>
has been trying to figure out how to apply the technology to its other
models. Its results have been decidedly mixed, nowhere more so than with
its luxury lineup. But with the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lexus/gs/">2013 Lexus GS </a>450h, Toyota thinks it has finally figured out what a hybrid luxury car should be.<br />
<br />
From a sales perspective, the first-generation GS 450h was a disappointment. While <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/26/lexus-gs450h-review/">we liked it quite a bit when we test-drove it</a>
a couple years ago, Lexus just hasn't been able to move the metal.
Introduced to much fanfare in 2006 as a 2007 model, the GS was Lexus'
second hybrid and the first rear-wheel-drive hybrid on the market. Lexus
touted it as a performance sedan, even as Toyota was heavily marketing
its hybrids as fuel sippers. Whether <a href="http://green.autoblog.com/2007/05/24/lexus-hybrid-ad-reported-as-misleading/">consumers were confused</a>
or not, they never took to the hybrid GS. Sales peaked at just below
1,800 in that first year and have gone down in each successive year. In
2010, Lexus sold barely 300 GS hybrids, roughly four percent of total GS
sales, which were about 7,000.<br />
<br />
The cognitive dissonance presented by Lexus hybrids has been an issue since the brand launched its first, the 2006 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2005/03/01/lexus-rx-400h-ready-at-a-price/">RX 400h</a> SUV. Only marginally more powerful than the standard RX, its improvement in fuel economy was similarly slight at launch. The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/17/i-new-york-times-i-has-choice-words-for-the-lexus-ls-600h-l/">LS 600hL</a> – the brand's halo car before the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lexus/lfa/">LFA</a>
sports car came along – is a six-figure, 20-mile-per-gallon hybrid
marketed as having V12 performance with V8 fuel economy, the rough
equivalent of ordering a Diet Coke with your Super Size Big Mac Extra
Value Meal. The "Lexus Prius" <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lexus/hs+250h/">HS 250h</a>,
with neither particularly good fuel economy (35 mpg combined) nor any
sporting aspirations, has been a critical and sales disaster and is <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/slow-selling-lexus-hs-250h-already-getting-the-axe/">rumored to be on the chopping block</a>.
While Toyota's simple, "better mileage" definition of its hybrids is
clear, Lexus has combined green machine and muscle car in varying doses,
such that you never quite know what you'll be getting with a
gas-electric Lexus.
<br />
<div id="continued">
<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-gs-450h-first-drive/#photo-4707107" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus GS 450h side view" height="166" id="vimage_4707146" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lead2-2013-lexus-gs-45h-fd.jpg" style="margin: 4px;" width="400" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-gs-450h-first-drive/#photo-4707108" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus GS 450h front view" id="vimage_4707147" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lead3-2013-lexus-gs-45h-fd.jpg" style="height: 203px; margin: 4px; width: 305px;" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-gs-450h-first-drive/#photo-4707109" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus GS 450h rear view" id="vimage_4707148" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lead4-2013-lexus-gs-45h-fd.jpg" style="height: 203px; margin: 4px; width: 305px;" /></a><br />
<br />
While the new GS 450h continues to pay homage to two different masters,
Lexus has, from the outset, done a better job at splitting the
difference. With an entirely new V6 engine and revised hybrid system,
the 2013 model has remarkably improved fuel economy, while sacrificing
just a bit on the raw performance side. According to Lexus, the new
model will be rated at 31 mpg combined (29/34 city/highway), an
improvement of eight miles per gallon over the old 2011 model. Do the
math and that's a 35-percent improvement, which seems like a pretty good
tradeoff for less than half a second in 0-60 time. By Lexus' stopwatch,
the 2013 GS 450h does 0-60 miles per hour in 5.6 seconds, compared to
5.2 seconds for the old GS hybrid.<br />
<br />
The 2011 GS was offered with three engine choices: A 303-horsepower
3.5-liter V6, a 342-hp 4.6-liter V8, and a hybrid V6 with a combined
output of 340 hp. Lexus has simplified all that in the 2013 redesign and
now your choices boil down to hybrid or not, with the V8 gone.
According to Lexus, nobody bought the V8-powered GS 460 anyway, and by
its estimation, the new hybrid will serve well as the top-of-the-line
model. The new hybrid V6, while still displacing 3.5 liters, has been
redesigned to run on the Atkinson cycle, hence the improved fuel
economy. Total system output is 338 hp, compared to the non-hybrid's
306.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-gs-450h-first-drive/#photo-4707122" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus GS 450h engine" height="180" id="vimage_4707151" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lead7-2013-lexus-gs-45h-fd.jpg" style="margin: 4px;" width="400" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-gs-450h-first-drive/#photo-4707123" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus GS 450he engine" id="vimage_4707150" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lead6-2013-lexus-gs-45h-fd.jpg" style="height: 203px; margin: 4px; width: 305px;" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-gs-450h-first-drive/#photo-4707126" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus GS 450h engine detail" id="vimage_4707149" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lead5-2013-lexus-gs-45h-fd.jpg" style="height: 203px; margin: 4px; width: 305px;" /></a><br />
<br />
The hybrid battery pack still uses nickel-metal hydride batteries, but
they have been repackaged to give the GS hybrid more trunk space (13.2
cubic feet, up from 10.6 on the old model). Toyota has also upgraded the
hybrid controller (it's now similar to the one found on the LS 600hL)
for improved cooling and thus, greater efficiency. Maximum voltage is
limited to 500 in eco mode, while peaking as high as 650 volts in Sport
mode. And yes, there is a Sport mode in the 2013 GS 450h, just as in the
standard GS. In fact, there's even a Sport-Plus mode in the hybrid,
which stiffens up the shocks, as well as offers the more aggressive
throttle response and tighter steering feel of the regular Sport mode.
Putting the drive selector into Sport also pulls a nifty trick on the
hybrid's power gauge, which as you can see in our Short Cut video below,
magically turns into a tachometer, not unlike it does in the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lexus/ct+200h/">CT 200h</a>.
The GS hybrid also has a button-activated EV mode, just like Toyota's
other hybrids, and a button for traversing slush and snow.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Thankfully, we drove the car in Southern California along with the
standard GS 350, so we didn't need to press the latter, opting to leave
the drive selector alone and stay in the same normal mode used for EPA
testing for the majority of our time behind the wheel. During our short
afternoon, we saw 29 miles per gallon during a 100-mile drive that
included some rigorous right-pedal application and manual shifting of
the car with its steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The fuel
economy was clearly the thing about the GS 450h that impressed us most,
but the hybrid also benefits from all the styling, interior and chassis
upgrades afforded the standard GS 350, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/23/2013-lexus-gs-350-first-drive-review/">as detailed in our First Drive</a>.
We're quite fond of the GS overall, and while we're not so sure we
agree with Lexus' proclamation that the hybrid stands atop the model
range – more like beside it – it is the only way to get the optional
bamboo interior trim, which looks quite nice. And how else would you
not-so-subtly let your passengers know that you care about the
environment than to bedeck it with a sustainable plant?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-gs-450h-first-drive/#photo-4707127" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus GS 450h interior" height="205" id="vimage_4707154" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lead11-2013-lexus-gs-45h-fd.jpg" style="margin: 4px;" width="400" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-gs-450h-first-drive/#photo-4707132" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus GS 450h gauges" id="vimage_4707152" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lead9-2013-lexus-gs-45h-fd.jpg" style="height: 133px; margin: 4px; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-gs-450h-first-drive/#photo-4707133" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus GS 450h multimedia system display" id="vimage_4707155" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lead8-2013-lexus-gs-45h-fd.jpg" style="height: 133px; margin: 4px; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-gs-450h-first-drive/#photo-4707138" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus GS 450h drive mode control knob" id="vimage_4707153" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lead10-2013-lexus-gs-45h-fd.jpg" style="height: 133px; margin: 4px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Turning to matters of greater importance, our initial impression was
that the GS 450h felt a lot heavier than the standard GS. Indeed, at
4,190 pounds there's nearly 400 more pounds of Lexus in the hybrid. When
we did punch up the Sport-Plus mode to try and make the car feel
smaller, it helped, but there was still no confusing the hybrid for the
standard GS. Good thing most owners aren't going to have both cars
parked side-by-side in their driveway.<br />
<br />
But thanks to the almost-instant torque of the GS 450h's electric
motors, the car can leap off the line with a good bit of aggression,
though dead-stop acceleration in a hybrid is always going to feel
different than it would in a V8. Smooth power delivery is the GS's
forte, and the extra push of the electric motors at speed is blended
with the torque of the engine as well as we've felt in a hybrid. The
brakes, on the other hand, still feel like regenerative brakes. They
bite like real brakes, but then the hybrid system's computer takes over
the car's deceleration and your attempts at modulating them will go for
naught. This is probably the biggest impediment towards making a hybrid
sports sedan feel "right," and suffice it to say that Lexus has yet to
find that magic.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-gs-450h-first-drive/#photo-4707110" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus GS 450h grille" id="vimage_4707161" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lead15-2013-lexus-gs-45h-fd.jpg" style="height: 203px; margin: 4px; width: 305px;" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-gs-450h-first-drive/#photo-4707113" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus GS 450h headlight" id="vimage_4707160" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lead14-2013-lexus-gs-45h-fd.jpg" style="height: 203px; margin: 4px; width: 305px;" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-gs-450h-first-drive/#photo-4707115" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus GS 450h wheel" id="vimage_4707159" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lead13-2013-lexus-gs-45h-fd.jpg" style="height: 203px; margin: 4px; width: 305px;" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-gs-450h-first-drive/#photo-4707119" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus GS 450h taillight" id="vimage_4707158" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lead12-2013-lexus-gs-45h-fd.jpg" style="height: 203px; margin: 4px; width: 305px;" /></a><br />
<br />
But it has found the right trade-off between performance and fuel
economy. While this "top-of-the-line" model isn't any faster than the GS
350, and given its weight penalty it's not the standard model's dynamic
equal either, the GS 450h still seems more like what a hybrid Lexus
should be. Lexus made a big deal at its introduction about the GS 350
being a "no compromises" sports sedan, but the irony here is that
Toyota's engineers made a lot of good compromises to make the hybrid
turn out this well.<br />
<br />
Pricing of the GS 450h won't be announced until March 2012, ahead of an April release. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/lexus-holds-steady-on-price-for-redesigned-gs/">Lexus is holding firm on the GS 350</a>
at a base price of $46,900 (plus $875 handling), but there's no telling
if it will do similarly with the hybrid. The outgoing GS 450h carried a
hefty $12,050 price premium over the base GS, but did include a higher
level of standard equipment. Lexus has some ambitious expectations for
the hybrid GS, especially when you consider that it hasn't cracked
four-digit sales since 2007. Lexus reps said they expect 10 percent of
GS sales to be hybrids, which would put annual sales of the GS 450h at
about 2,400. Yes, that's a projected 800 percent improvement.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-gs-450h-first-drive/#photo-4707106" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Lexus GS 450h rear 3/4 view" height="265" id="vimage_4707162" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lead16-2013-lexus-gs-45h-fd.jpg" style="margin: 4px;" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
But before we deride this as simply crazy talk, it's worth reflecting on
the most recent hybrid to join the Lexus lineup, the 2011 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lexus/ct+200h/">CT 200h</a>. The 42-mpg compact hatchback has far outpaced expectations, selling over 12,000 units through November. Its <em>raison d'etre</em>
is to offer high mileage first, albeit wrapped in a sporty package.
That the GS 450h is now following suit shows that perhaps Lexus has
finally decided paying fealty to fuel economy makes as much sense for it
as it does for Toyota.</div>
<div id="continued">
<br /></div>
<div id="continued">
Read more <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/2013-lexus-gs-450h-w-video/">here</a> </div>RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-35061856840085560622012-06-20T09:22:00.000-07:002012-06-20T09:22:00.546-07:00New Lexus LFA Reviews, Specs, & Pricing<span id="intelliTXT"></span><br />
<h1 class="sz20 b arial" id="nointelliTXT">
<br /></h1>
Get details on the new Lexus LFA in the Motor Trend new car buyer's
guide. With helpful data on pricing, reviews, safety ratings, specs,
car pictures, and dealer rebates, you'll have all you need to make a
decision on whether to purchase the new Lexus LFA.
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; overflow: hidden; text-align: left;">
<br />Read more: <a href="http://www.motortrend.com/new_cars/04/lexus/lfa/#ixzz1vny60r5c" style="color: #003399;">http://www.motortrend.com/new_cars/04/lexus/lfa/#ixzz1vny60r5c</a></div>RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-83944001800663393592012-06-13T09:21:00.000-07:002012-06-13T09:21:00.134-07:00New Lexus CT 200h Reviews, Specs, & Pricing<span id="intelliTXT"></span><br />
<h1 class="sz20 b arial" id="nointelliTXT">
<br /></h1>
Get details on the new Lexus CT 200h in the Motor Trend new car
buyer's guide. With helpful data on pricing, reviews, safety ratings,
specs, car pictures, and dealer rebates, you'll have all you need to
make a decision on whether to purchase the new Lexus CT 200h.
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; overflow: hidden; text-align: left;">
<br />Read more: <a href="http://www.motortrend.com/new_cars/04/lexus/ct_200h/#ixzz1vnxh3Ujk" style="color: #003399;">http://www.motortrend.com/new_cars/04/lexus/ct_200h/#ixzz1vnxh3Ujk</a></div>RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-55915938876696064282012-06-06T09:19:00.000-07:002012-06-06T09:19:00.294-07:00Bugatti Veyron, Lexus LFA, McLaren MP4-12C and Lambo Aventador in 1/4-mile shootout... who wins?<em>Automobile Magazine</em> scribe Jason Cammisa was sent into the
desert to referee four carbon-fiber-bodied wild animals fighting it out
over the quarter mile: the V8 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/mclaren+mp4-12c">McLaren MP4-12C</a>, the V10 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lexus/lfa">Lexus LFA</a>, the V12 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lamborghini/aventador">Lamborghini Aventador</a> and the W16 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bugatti/veyron">Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport</a>. It's a tough job, innit?<br />
<br />
The Head 2 Head race was run elimination style, with the winner of each
two-up challenge facing the next devil up the totem pole. Although you
might not have any doubts about the eventual victor, how each of these
supercars fared is good watching. See all the screaming for yourself in
the video <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/bugatti-veyron-lexus-lfa-mclaren-mp4-12c-and-lambo-aventador-i/#continued">below</a>. <br />
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<img alt="" aria-label="Photo: Congratulations Jana Walker on the purchase of your 2012 CT 200h from Eskridge Lexus!
Sales Consultant Nathan Gardner" class="img" height="403" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/p480x480/72845_394846910553385_135882699783142_1029056_172905995_n.jpg" style="left: -16.67%;" width="538" />RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-1435859555241494142012-05-24T09:13:00.001-07:002012-05-24T09:13:57.163-07:00<object height="315" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/E_0qbuZ5awo?version=3&hl=en_US">
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/E0jTfL4N7Qw?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-39097168129601608002012-05-12T10:40:00.000-07:002012-05-12T10:40:00.235-07:00Fun ReadsHow about a fun riddle challenge today! The first 10 Eskridge Lexus fans
to correctly answer the riddle will have a chance at winning a FREE
Managers Special Car wash! Good Luck<br /> <br /> A traveller comes to a
fork in the road which leads to two villages. In one village the people
always tell lies, and in the other village the people always tell the
truth. The traveller needs to conduct business in the vi<span class="text_exposed_show">llage
where everyone tells the truth. A man from one of the villages is
standing in the middle of the fork, but there is no indication of which
village he is from. The traveller approaches the man and asks him one
question. From the villager's answer, he knows which road to follow.
What did the traveller ask?</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">Answers us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EskridgeLexus">Facebook</a> </span>RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-41680970320836180372012-04-30T10:39:00.000-07:002012-04-30T10:39:00.137-07:00Eskridge Lexus LFA Arrival!!<object height="315" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ipAVQ1_v9xA?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0">
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ipAVQ1_v9xA?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-89959140242457825332012-04-26T10:38:00.002-07:002012-04-26T10:38:29.836-07:00Eskridge Lexus of Oklahoma City How to pair your Smart Key<object height="315" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ITYc73lZ5aU?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0">
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ITYc73lZ5aU?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-59678471825286095242012-02-28T14:45:00.000-08:002012-02-28T14:45:00.921-08:00Eskridge Lexus Incentives Rebates Offers<div itemtype="http://schema.org/Product"> At Eskridge Lexus, Incentives, <span itemprop="brand">Lexus</span> Factory Rebates, Offers and our large inventory can all be accessed through this site. <strong>Eskridge Lexus Discounts Norman and Incentives</strong> are what we do, providing <span content="Cars, Automotive" itemprop="category">Lexus</span> Factory Incentives for Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and the surrounding region.<br />
</div>You came to the right place - Eskridge Lexus. You made the right decision to buy or lease a Lexus. Now it's time to get the right deal - the kind of deal that <em>Eskridge Lexus Incentives, Rebates offers</em> can provide.RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-89069202295117540742012-02-22T14:44:00.000-08:002012-02-22T14:44:01.372-08:00Best Luxury Brand: LexusLike the Toyota brand from which it spawned, Lexus is taking home its second big Best Resale Value Award in three years, again topping established automakers such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW for Best Luxury Brand honors. Now into its third decade, the Lexus lineup has grown to include a wide range of vehicles bookended by the sub-$30,000 CT 200h hybrid and the six-figure LF-A supercar – every one of them roaming the earth surrounded by a glowing aura of quality that draws new- and used-car buyers alike. Combined with a renowned dealership experience, buying a Lexus is the beginning of what many owners cite as their most pleasant car ownership experience ever.RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-66205369773191890952012-02-14T14:41:00.000-08:002012-02-14T14:41:00.084-08:002013 GS sedan continues the evolution of Lexus<div class="postBody txtWrap" section="txt"> <div class="cnet-image-div image-LARGE2 float-none" style="width: 610px;"> <img alt="" class="cnet-image" height="457" src="http://asset3.cbsistatic.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2011/12/01/P1010710_610x457.jpg" width="610" /> <span class="image-credit">(Credit: John Scott Lewinski)</span> </div>LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif.--After years of hearing that its <a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/car-tech/" section="luke_topic">cars</a> are smooth and tech-rich while lacking the passion and fun that appeal to devoted drivers, Lexus might be getting it. <br />
To prove it's headed in a new direction branded by "emotion" and "passion," Lexus gathered journalists at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel along the Pacific coastline between Los Angeles and San Diego to test-drive the 2013 Lexus GS on a route across the SoCal freeways, along the coast, and over mountain roads. The six-cylinder midrange luxury sedan will greet showrooms in three primary setups--the standard 350, the 450h hybrid version, and a tuned F Sport for the biggest performance fans. <br />
Lexus has never been interested in the fins, vents, and flashy exhaust pipes of some performance cars, so much of the 2013 GS body design remains simple and easily identified as a conservative Lexus. But, taking a page from its ridiculous king of the line, the <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-57321863-48/2012-lexus-lfa-a-wet-first-drive/">Lexus LFA</a>, the GS greets you with a dual, up/down grille--with its underneath layer sporting three angled scoops. <br />
<div class="cnet-image-div image-MEDIUM float-right" style="width: 270px;"> <img alt="" class="cnet-image" height="203" src="http://asset3.cbsistatic.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2011/12/01/P1010698_270x203.jpg" width="270" /> <span class="image-credit">(Credit: John Scott Lewinski/)</span> </div>The interior features include that familiar Lexus mix of leather and wood trim. The hybrid model throws in that little extra piece of "green" flair by accenting its doors panels and dash with bamboo. But it's technology that really dominates the experience of sitting in a GS. Lexus introduced a center console mouse/joystick device in its 2011 models, allowing drivers or passengers to guide a cursor through onscreen menus while the car is in motion--though some attention-rich functions are suspended when the wheels are in motion. <br />
Previous models set the joystick where the shifter stick would be "on the floor" of most car designs, with a click button on both the right and left side of its pedestal. The 2013 GS removes those buttons and allows a simple downward push of the joystick to click onscreen selections. <br />
Another big debut is the center dashboard's 12.3-inch-wide screen, the industry's largest such display. The extra visual space allows Lexus to combine elements that other screens can't handle, such as a guidance map and complete menus or a directions list and audio options. To take advantage of the size increase, Lexus also improved and enriched its map software, providing finer route guidance details, more destination names, and clearer dimension highlighting to help guide your eye en route. <br />
Once the GS was set free along the various Lexus-approved driving routes, its 2013 improvements came to the foreground. <br />
<br />
<div class="cnet-image-div image-LARGE2 float-none" style="width: 610px;"> <img alt="" class="cnet-image" height="457" src="http://asset1.cbsistatic.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2011/12/01/P1010701_610x457.jpg" width="610" /> <span class="image-credit">(Credit: John Scott Lewinski)</span> </div><br />
By focusing on a mix of lighter refined materials, engineers increased body rigidity by a reported 14 percent without adding an ounce to the vehicle's overall weight of 3,800 pounds. Add that tightened stiffness to a new multilink rear suspension creating four-wheel-steering, improved traction control, and optional all-wheel drive, and you have a standard-issue V6 GS that confidently goes where you point its nose. The 350 power plant is a 3.5-liter, 306-hp engine harnessed by a six-speed automatic, serving up fuel economy of 19/28 mpg. <br />
The hybrid GS 450h combines the V6 with an electric motor to produce 338 hp with a maxed-out mpg of 29/34. That electric motor is mounted above the back axle for weight distribution, so the GS 450h models are available in rear-drive exclusively. <br />
However, for an eager driver, the F Sport setup is the most attractive. Stylized with the now-familiar F badge and including 19-inch wheels, it also has huge 14-inch front brake rotors, tightened-up suspension, and a variable gear ratio steering system. The F Sport is the only model in the line to include the Lexus Dynamic Handling System, which turns the rear wheels slightly to improve bite and reduce understeer. <br />
As Lexus executives there stayed on message by stressing themes of newly found "passion," the F Sport proved the most worthy recipient of that expressive noun. On its multiple laps around a test track set up at the former El Torro Marine Base (current home of the U.S. variant of "Top Gear") the F Sport provided more raw excitement than either the 2011 Mercedes Benz C350 or the 2011 BMW 535i on hand for direction comparison. It's not often a Lexus will let you drive hot enough to leave a smell of simmering rubber as you de-car, but the GS F Sport had all sniffing happily as they hopped out of the driver's seat. <br />
The final take on the 2013 GS reports a much improved driving experience and easily the third best performing car in the Lexus line--behind the IS F and the celestial LFA. If designers wanted to introduce more "emotion" and enjoyment into this car, mission accomplished. But, a little more outward flair and cosmetic design spicing might further distinguish the model for drivers reconsidering the performance capabilities of Lexus.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57334411-1/2013-gs-sedan-continues-the-evolution-of-lexus/">Read more here! </a> </div>RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-9924311721126732032012-02-09T14:38:00.000-08:002012-02-09T14:38:44.261-08:00More Lexus RX F Sport Rumors<img alt="Lexus RX F Sport" class="borderc" src="http://cdn.lexusenthusiast.com/images/weblog/12-02-07-lexus-rx-f-sport.jpg" /><br />
Backing up previous rumors out of <a href="http://lexusenthusiast.com/2011/08/25/lexus-ls-rx-next-in-line-for-f-sport-model/">Australia</a> & <a href="http://lexusenthusiast.com/2011/09/22/imagining-the-lexus-rx-f-sport/">Japan</a>, Taiwanese website <em>Autonet</em> is reporting that Lexus plans to release a RX F Sport package this year.<br />
According to <em>Autonet</em>, the RX F Sport would be fitted with a sports suspension (likely based on its <a href="http://www.lexus.com/models/RX/features/pricing.html#JOptionPackages">existing Sports Package</a>), a mesh grille, 19″ wheels, and a new body kit — or in other words, all the standard Lexus F Sport upgrades.<br />
Should this rumor be true — and at this point, I’m inclined to think it is — a RX F Sport would not only add a new dimension to the Lexus’ best selling vehicle, but would also be another strong signal of the brand’s dedication to its performance reinvention.<br />
(Personally, I like the idea. Balancing out the utility & popularity of the RX with the styling & performance upgrades of a F Sport package makes for an interesting combination, and one that may ultimately draw a different kind of customer to the SUV — I know I’m certainly paying attention.)<br />
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<a href="http://lexusenthusiast.com/2012/02/07/more-lexus-rx-f-sport-rumors/">Read more here!</a>RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2814700722861500218.post-10231281677459997962012-01-10T15:22:00.001-08:002012-01-10T15:22:21.601-08:00About Our CompanyEskridge Lexus has founded its reputation on customer trust and satisfaction. We know that trust isn’t simply given, so we have dedicated ourselves to earn yours. Eskridge Lexus is committed to superior service in all departments, from sales to finance to service. We carry an extensive selection of new and used vehicles for you to choose from. We know that you want choice, and we provide it!RepresentativeJCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353732725034008692noreply@blogger.com0