Just a quick note, I’ll be away from a computer for the next couple days and will resume posting on Monday.

(Hopefully the GS-F isn’t announced this weekend!)

For whatever reason, Business Week has become particularly concerned with how Lexus is doing in other parts of the world. First there was an article a couple weeks ago about the company’s sales in Japan (which I partially refuted), and now a new story has sprung up about how hybrid technology may be the key to Lexus improving their status in Europe:

Lexus sold only about 39,000 cars in Western and Eastern Europe in 2007, compared to 730,000 for the Mercedes brand and 700,000 for BMW.

Already sales of Lexus’ three hybrid models—the GS 450h and LS 600h sedans, and the RX 400h sport-utility vehicle—accounted for 31% of total Lexus sales in Europe in 2007, up from 26% in 2006. Among Lexus SUVs it’s 85%. “Hybrid has been our breakthrough,” says Schlicht.

The gasoline-electric powertrain helps address one of Lexus’ main problems in Europe. Because of the brand’s focus on the gasoline-oriented U.S. market, it has a much narrower range of diesel-powered models than do BMW and Mercedes. “We don’t want to copy the Germans. They’re good at what they do,” says Schlicht. “We want to find our own way.”

For anyone following Lexus in any way, this is old news, it’s quite clear that hybrids are going to make or break Lexus in Europe. At first, I was slightly confused why Business Week would even bother covering it…until I realized it’s a general business publication, tasked with giving broad overviews. Under that perspective, it makes total sense.

No idea just how close it will be to the real deal, but Club Lexus member GFerg has posted up a drawing of what the dedicated hybrid from Lexus might look like, taken from the Japanese magazine Mag-X:

All in all, it doesn’t look all that bad, but I’m still scratching my head at how necessary this car really is. Bringing a rebadged Prius into the Lexus lineup is ill-fitting, to say the least, and I hope Lexus avoids it at all costs. If they’re dead set on releasing a small hybrid, in my mind it makes more sense to offer it as an variant of the “no-longer-just-a-rumor” BMW 1-series competitor.

Speaking of which, there was another image in Mag-X that may very well be a rendering of that very vehicle:

Far too bubbly, especially in the hood (though it might just be the scan), but it’s hard to ignore the charm of this smaller version of the IS. Why bother with a Prius when this shape is so much more appealing?

[Source: Club Lexus]

Four Wheeler magazine recently tested the Lexus LX 570, and it’s an interesting read for anyone thinking about the LX as more than just a giant on-road cruiser:

The really big news, however, can be found beneath the framerails, where an all-new independent A-arm front/four-link rear suspension system utilizes Lexus-exclusive computer-managed hydraulics to lift and lower the vehicle as much as 3 inches on demand…and to re-tune spring rates and shock damping on the fly…The new system is said to reduce body lean by as much as 30 percent at road speeds via diagonally linked shock chambers…the new suspension struck us as far more responsive, and much quicker to react, to undulating terrain at trail speeds than the older (and still quite good) electromechanical Kinetic Dynamic system it replaces.

Despite our best efforts to cross up the new LX on some steep and deep-rutted two-tracks, it was much more difficult for us to lift a tire off the ground than we would’ve guessed for a vehicle of this type.

Seems like the latest version of the LX is more than capable of keeping its established off-road prowess. There was one thing that really stood out in the review, and it was in regards to the noise of the new Crawl-Control feature:

As with the Land Cruiser, the Crawl Control ultra-low speed-holding system is loud and rattly, and it’ll shake the seat of your pants (but thankfully not the well-isolated steering). It also, however, indisputably works, so just think of it as the automotive equivalent of one of those Magic Finger thingies you used to find in many of America’s finest motels, and enjoy the occasional lower-back massage while you’re crawling.

Lexus and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts have teamed up to create eco-friendly hotel suites in two of Fairmont’s luxury hotels:

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Lexus are partnering to unveil two “Lexus Hybrid Living Suites” geared for eco-conscious visitors, with the first to launch at The Fairmont San Francisco, followed by The Fairmont Washington, D.C. in conjunction with Earth Day 2008.

Guests can sleep, eat and drink sustainably in these unique suites, with every aspect of the room meticulously planned for the eco-minded traveler, incorporating ideas and products from Lexus Hybrid Living partners. Complimentary use of a Lexus LS
600h L awaits the Lexus Hybrid Living Suite visitor who wishes to explore the area in the comfort of a low-emission luxury car that spoils the driver, not the environment.

The suites were designed by Kelly LaPlante and features a slew of organic materials and rapidly renewable resources like bamboo, but the strangest set piece in the room has to be the custom coffee table created using leather from recycled Lexus’. To me, that’s just awkward, but I suppose it’s no different than leather in a hybrid vehicle.

The cost of the suite will be $869USD, which also seems to the same cost as their other top-of-the-line accommodations, it’s almost like you’re getting a LS 600hL rental for free.

[Source: PR Newswire]

I have a great love for the Japanese Lexus GS with the Passionate Black interior, so I was excited to discover its commercial on Youtube today. Too bad it’s just recycled footage from a previous advert:

This is a stark reminder of the cultural differences between Japan and North America, no way this commercial would fly stateside. The Passionate Black interior, though, is a different story altogether, and I’m continuing to cross my fingers that it makes a North American appearance.

The Lexus LS 600hL has been named the UK Chauffeur Car of the Year by The Chauffeur Magazine (no, really):

Key factors behind the judges’ decision included the Lexus hybrid system which allowed for lower emission and competitive fuel economy, build quality, and the reclining and massaging rear seats which can adapt for shiatsu back and shoulder massages with varying intensity.

Also contributing to the award was the Lexus Chauffeur programme which offers unique finance packages, designated staff within the Lexus Centre network for sales and service, plus access to the loan of a PCO (Public Carriage Office) licenced Lexus enabling chauffeurs to continue working in the event of their own vehicle being off the road for any reason.

Paul Gibson, Editor of The Chauffeur magazine commented: “I am delighted to present this prestigious award to Lexus for its excellent LS 600h L, which easily fought off its rivals in this sector of the competition. The vehicle represents true luxury and gives the chauffeur everything he needs to carry out his job successfully.”

The win was in the highly competitive £50,000 - £100,000 category, with competition provided by the Mercedes S-Class LWB, BMW 730d LWB and Audi A8 3.0 TDi LWB.

[Via: 4Wheels Car Blog]

When John Roca, the chief executive of Lexus Australia, isn’t leaking the future plans of his employer, he’s busy planning the expansion of Australia’s dealer network by more than 50%:

Lexus Australia has announced plans to grow its current 22-strong dealer network by more than 50% by 2012.

Dealers will commit A$230m towards new and existing dealer facilities and sites over the next four years. New outlets will be in a mix of regional and metropolitan centres.

Lexus chief executive John Roca said that the commitment had been made possible by the continued growth of the brand in Australia over the last seven years.

“Lexus locally is in growth mode,” he said. “Demand for our vehicles regularly outstrips supply and our dealerships in their current format are reaching their capacity limits.”

The new dealerships will be based on the recently opened Lexus Perth dealership (pictured above), which has a very nice look. I’m especially impressed by the giant roof overhang.

[Source: Just Auto via Carscoop]

I remember hearing about it last year, but this is the first time I’ve seen this Lexus commercial detailing the life of a US Open tennis ball after its day in the spotlight:

Quirky and cute, it’s a neat take on the standard sponsorship advertisement, and makes you think, what really does happen to all those tennis balls?

John Roca, the chief executive of Lexus Australia, just can’t seem to help himself when it comes to leaking new product announcements. In an interview with The Australian, Roca dropped information about a number of new vehicles in the Lexus pipeline:

• Lexus will be expanding the F lineup to include the GS-F, which was rumored last year, and quite possibly a LS-F, both of which could be powered by a V10.
• There’s definitely plans to produce a new entry-level Lexus, positioned under the IS, which would compete with the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.
• The dedicated hybrid, expected to be announced at next year’s Detroit Auto Show, would be separate from the new entry-level car, though that makes very little sense to me.
• The IS coupe/convertible is being tested in Australia right now, and is expected to be released late next year.
• The LF-A, seemingly stuck in concept form, will definitely see production, though it might not happen until 2011. Roca mentions that it may only be available in a left-hand drive configuration.
• Lastly, the next generation RX will be released next year, and will remain a 5-seater. (This mirrors the comments of a poster on my site, who also says there’s a 7-seater on the horizon, most likely the JX we heard about last year.)

For a short interview, this is a lot of verified rumors. It’s unclear exactly how the new entry-level model is going to play out, and whether this Lexus “Prius” will be separate or the very same thing.

I’ll admit that the possibility of a LS-F has me intrigued, but it’s safe to say it’s at least 2-3 years away.