The Passionate Pursuit - Lexus News & Information

Edmunds 2010 Lexus RX Video

krew — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:02:20 -0600

Next up on the 2010 Lexus trip is an Edmunds video that not only serves as a nice introduction, but also displays the RX's new Remote Touch controller (or at least how it moves):

As you can see, the controller functions much like a computer mouse -- making it instantly intuitive and familiar. I can't wait to try it in person. As for the reasoning behind the switch from touchscreen to controller, this is most likely a reaction to the common complaint that the touchscreen won't accept input when the vehicle is in motion.

2010 Lexus RX LA Auto Show Introduction Video

krew — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:40:35 -0600

Here's the video of Mark Templin introducing the 2010 Lexus RX at the LA Auto Show:

Not much in the way of new information, and still no public demonstration of either the HUD or the Remote Touch controller, but I assume this is an edited version of the presentation and that a tech tour is bound to make its way online sooner than later.

2010 Lexus RX 350 & RX 450h Details

krew — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:25:21 -0600

Lexus has issued their press release with details on the new 2010 RX 350 & 450h, which backs up the specifications and options I posted last month. Here's some selected passages from the press release:

Entering its second generation, the RX 450h will feature an enhanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system with a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine that runs on a highly efficient Atkinson cycle. Combined with a new, more efficient inverter, the total system output will be 295 horsepower, 27 more horsepower than the current generation RX hybrid.

Another step in the Lexus Hybrid Drive's evolution is the addition of two new systems that improve its efficiency. The first is an exhaust-heat recovery system that reduces engine warm-up time allowing it to stop earlier, more often, and for longer periods. The result is an improvement in both fuel economy and emissions. The second is a cooled exhaust-gas recirculation system that reduces engine pumping losses, which also helps to improve economy.

The RX 450h features a front-wheel hybrid drive or an electronically driven, part-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid drive system, which supplies the rear wheels with the optimal amount of torque as conditions demand. Unlike mechanical AWD systems that reduce fuel efficiency via added weight and friction, the RX 450h's rear-mounted electric motor-generator allows all four wheels to perform regenerative braking, charging the hybrid battery more effectively.

The third generation RX 350 will be powered by an improved 275-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an electrically controlled, sequential-shift six-speed transaxle. The all-wheel-drive version will feature an Active Torque Control AWD system that optimizes torque depending on driving conditions, resulting in improved efficiency and performance.

The all-new RX models possess a number of Lexus-first technologies that enhance the ownership experience. An available Hard Disk Drive (HDD) navigation system has an all-new "Remote Touch" controller that is both intuitive and ergonomic. Positioned on the center console, Remote Touch is as natural to the driver's hand as a computer mouse. It can also be customized to the desired level of haptic feedback. While RX will feature voice recognition as standard, the new navigation system will also include a new casual language voice-recognition system that acknowledges conversational commands. Standard XM® satellite-radio capability (requires subscription) is joined by XM NavTraffic and new NavWeather features.

The "display zone" assists the driver via an eight-inch, navigation display that is set back in the dash for improved visibility. A white Organic LED multi-informational display ensures exceptional readability from a wide angle. An optional Heads-up Display reduces the need for excessive eye movement, and the use of high-intensity LEDs make the display bright enough to be read in direct sunlight.

All in all, I'm impressed with the progression, particularly with the extremely modern interior, though I share the common opinion that the exterior design wasn't pushed far enough. One thing to keep in mind is the need for balance and continuity, after all, the RX is Lexus' best selling model.

There's a lot to absorb, a ton of pictures and information to go through, and I'm going to give it some thought before I make a final decision. I can say this, I've seen both the heads-up display and the Remote Touch controller in action, and it was the first time I ever really wanted an RX.

Official 2010 Lexus RX 350 Photos!

krew — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:35:54 -0600

We've seen the 2010 Lexus RX 450h, and now here's a set of images from Lexus of the upcoming RX 350 -- details on the new models in my next post:

Official 2010 Lexus RX 450h Photos!

krew — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:57:45 -0600

Today's the big day, both the Lexus RX 350 & RX 450h have been unveiled at the LA Auto Show!

So far, no live images of the new 2010 Lexus RX 450h have been posted, but luckily Lexus has pushed out a ton of official photos (Still uploading images...):

Video of the 1997 Lexus RX300 SLV Concept

krew — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:25:22 -0600

On the eve of the new 2010 Lexus RX debut, I thought it would be a good time to reach back and take a look at the introduction of the original RX, including some footage of the Lexus SLV concept, courtesy of Motor Week:

Would the RX have been as successful with that trunk spoiler on the production model? Too bad we'll never know.

(The new 2010 RX debuts tomorrow at 1:20PST, so expect a torrent of info throughout the day.)

Lexus ES 350 Commercial: Cards

krew — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:51:19 -0600

This new Lexus ES commercial continues the "behind every detail, there's a detail" marketing campaign:

It might not be as successful as the first riff on this theme, but the nod to the original LS champagne glass commercial more than makes up for it.

The Quantum of Lexus

krew — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:24:01 -0600

I found this promo video for the Lexus LS 600hL a few days ago, but decided to wait on posting it until today's release of Quantum of Solace -- while they're totally unrelated, but the music is straight out of a James Bond movie:

(Been looking forward to this movie for months -- so much in fact, I've started reading all the Ian Fleming novels.)

Flickr Find: Key to the Future

krew — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:56:21 -0600

Lexus of Tulsa is in the process of building a new dealership building, and employee Austin Colbert decided to commemorate the event with this photo:

Edited for clarity: It reminds me of my '94 LS valet key, but commenters have told me valet keys are now grey and this is now the standard key design. Still, it makes me want to geek out and assemble a timeline of key styles.

2009 Lexus IS UK Pricing

krew — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:41:31 -0600

Somehow this slipped by me, but the UK prices for the 2009 Lexus IS were announced earlier this week and show some significant savings over last year's model. Here's a full table breakdown, courtesy of 4WheelsNews:

CURRENT IS MODEL	OTR PRICE	2009 IS MODEL (equivalent)	OTR PRICE	CUSTOMER SAVING
IS 220d	£23,192	IS 220d SE	£22,490	£702
IS 220d SE	£25,842	IS 220d SE-I	£24,995	£847
IS 220d SE-L	£27,942	IS 220d SE-L	£27,160	£782
IS 250	£24,127	IS 250 SE	£23,200	£927
IS 250 auto	£24,937	IS 250 SE auto	£24,010	£927
IS 250 SE	£26,777	IS 250 SE-I	£25,720	£1,057
IS 250 SE auto	£27,587	IS 250 SE-I auto	£26,530	£1,057
IS 250 SE-L	£29,687	IS 250 SE-L	£28,850	£837

Of course, the big deal here is that the new 2009 IS has just been revamped, so getting a price drop on top of the improvements is a jolly-good deal.

2010 Lexus RX 350 & 450h to debut at LA Auto Show

krew — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:55:42 -0600

Lexus has confirmed that the next generation RX & RX hybrid will be revealed November 19th at the LA Auto Show, along with the American debut of the IS 250/350C:

Lexus will stage the world premiere of the all-new 2010 RX 450h hybrid and RX 350 luxury utility vehicles at a press conference at the upcoming 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19.

The next generation RX models will raise the bar above the current best-selling products by offering outstanding luxury, comfort, technology, safety and efficiency.

Recently revealed at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the 2010 IS convertible will make its North American debut at the show. The IS 250C and IS 350C convertibles feature a lightweight aluminum three-panel roof that opens in just seconds. They feature the same powertrains as the IS sedans: the IS 250C receives a 2.5-liter, 204-hp V6 mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission; and the IS 350C contains a 3.5-liter, 306-hp V6 with a six-speed automatic.

The RX press conference will be held on Wednesday, November 19, at 1:20 p.m. PST in the Lexus display area at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Mark your calendars!

[Source: Lexus]

First Spy Photos of the Lexus HS 250h?

krew — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:35:23 -0600

So not even twelve hours after seeing the Mag-X rendering of the upcoming Lexus HS 250h hybrid, TPP reader Dan posted a link to a series of photos by Mike Ingels, who very well may have captured the first spy shots of the new hybrid:

Considering these photos were taken near the Chrysler proving grounds in Chelsea, Michigan, so there's every possibility this isn't the HS, but I definitely see some Lexus touches in the design, including the hybrid lower door trim and the wheel design. Nevermind that in the photo of the four models sitting outside the store, the beige car looks like a GS.

What do you think? Yes or no?

[Source: The Erie Hiker (Thanks Dan!)]

Is this the Lexus HS 250h?

krew — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:37:20 -0600

Volkswagen website VWVortex isn't the first place you'd expect to find information on the upcoming Lexus dedicated hybrid, but the Internet's a strange place. Regardless, a member of their forum came across this page out of Japanese magazine Mag-X, featuring a rendition of the now-named Lexus HS 250h (click for a closeup):

Other information gleaned from the Japanese article is the HS 250h will be powered by the 2.4L hybrid engine from the Camry hybrid and will have the 2010 RX i-Drive competitor and the common LED lights found in all the new Lexus hybrids.

I have doubts that this is the actual exterior styling, which basically looks like a Prius/ES mashup. We do know that this new Lexus hybrid will be introduced at the Detroit auto show, plus there's also an on/off rumor that another hybrid will also be announced. Luckily, it's only a couple months away...

[Souce: VWVortex via Motor Authority]

Lexus IS-F Body Kit by Wald International

krew — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:33:23 -0600

Wald International, the Japanese bodykit manufacturer that's made aero-parts for every Lexus out there, has taken a shot at the IS-F. The results, however, are not too pretty -- take a look at this rear spoiler/under-spoiler combo:

Luckily, the whole thing's still in the photochop development stage, which leaves the door open for some improvement. Beyond that, here's a collection of different angles so you can see the kit in all its glory:

D Motor Comparison: Lexus IS-F vs. Mercedes C63

krew — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:16:21 -0600

German TV Show D Motor compared the Lexus IS-F and Mercedes C63 in their latest episode, and no matter how tired you might be of this duel, this english-subbed feature is tops:

Just to be clear, host Tim Schrick did use the adjective "super cool" four times to describe the IS-F, you couldn't fake that enthusiasm. And take a look at this screencap:

(Just curious, this show is obviously using Top Gear as a template, does anyone else find it weird how much this presenter looks like Richard Hammond?)