Welcome to 2009!

To prepare for this new year, let’s recap what we can expect over the next twelve months. The most definitive information regarding Lexus’ future was a WSJ interview with Lexus General Manager Mark Templin, where he promised four new models this year. Here’s a breakdown:

New Lexus RX

The biggest Lexus story of 2008 carries into 2009. The new, fully redesigned RX is expected to hit dealerships in February. Both the conventional-gas RX 350 and the hybrid RX 450h were unveiled in November at the LA Auto Show, and created quite a stir with its evolutionary exterior and revolutionary interior.

Lexus IS Convertible

The long-expected convertible variation of the IS was introduced at the Paris Auto Show in October 2008, but probably won’t make it to dealerships until early summer 2009. The hard-top convertible coupe looks to be the successor of the SC, and also better equips the IS to compete with the versatility of the BMW 3-series & Infiniti G line-up.

Lexus HS 250h

We’ll know all the details on the HS 250h after next week’s Detroit Auto Show, where it will be shown for the first time. The above photo could very well be this new hybrid sedan, which is said to be the Lexus version of the Toyota Prius.

Mystery Fourth Model

The last model is currently unknown, and it adds a little intrigue to this new year. It’s widely expected to a new GX with looks based on the current LX 570 design, but there’s also a possibility we might see an F-Sport version of the LS.

There’s also been mention of LS & ES facelifts, similar to what happened with the 2008 GS & 2009 IS. This would likely include new grilles and headlight treatments.

It’s the last day of 2008, making it the perfect day to list the most popular stories over the last year. Let’s start:

10. Is the Lexus LF-A really the new SC?

Early this year, I was struck by the idea that the Lexus LF-A was actually the F-Sport version of the next SC, and this was written to support the idea. This is also one of my only feature articles on the site.

9. Five Axis Lexus Project GS Unveiled

This was the first look at the Project GS, a heavily modified Lexus GS 460 by FiveAxis, which quickly carved a spot into my top-five Lexus’ of all time.

8. New Job Design Lexus LS Body Kit

Regardless of its Buick VIP looks, this Job Design body kit for the 4th Generation Lexus LS was quite a hit.

Read the rest of this entry »

Designed to resemble samurai swords, the Lexus IS-F gunmetal forged aluminum rims are the subject of this week’s wallpaper of the week:

(It could be the gunmetal coloring, but the IS-F rim is probably my favorite Lexus wheel design ever.)

Welcome to a new feature here at TPP, the Wallpaper of the Week! From now on, every Wednesday will bring a brand new desktop image from every era of Lexus, from the ES 250 right down to the LF-A, and everything in between.

This first edition, which stands as one of my favorite desktop images of all time, is a visual progression through each Lexus LS model:

This desktop is pitch-perfect, right down to the dark-to-light paint colors. I love the sense of continuity, though it also illustrates just how radical the change from the LS 430 to the LS 460 really was.

Enjoy!

Since starting this website, I’ve been asked numerous times about the overall benefits of Lexus hybrid technology, so I thought it would be a good idea to put together a basic primer.

First off, here’s a direct-from-Lexus video explanation on how a hybrid engine works:

Now, everyone knows the primary advantage that (most) hybrids have over conventional gas engines is better miles-per-gallon performance, but that’s just one of the benefits to this progressive technology:

• Environmental - All Lexus hybrids carry the Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV II) certification, meaning they release approximately 76 percent fewer emissions compared to their gasoline counterparts.
• Ride Quality - The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) that Lexus employs creates exceptionally smooth shifts between electric and gasoline power, most occupants are usually unaware the change has occurred.
• Noise Reduction - Hybrids are quieter than their gasoline burning counterparts, and Lexus engineers took it even further by moving the engine mounts upward in their hybrids and completely re-conceptualized the air intake system. Those changes, in addition to all the sound-dampening insulation, make Lexus hybrids virtually silent.
• Long Battery Life - Improvements in battery technology are central to the continued evolution of hybrids. Lexus uses nickel-metal hydride batteries rated to last 100,000 miles. This choice, paired with regenerative braking, gives Lexus hybrids longer battery life on the road over the competition.
• Superior Horsepower - An early complaint about hybrids was the lack of the “get up and go” of conventional cars. Lexus solved this problem by synchronizing the operation of their electric and gasoline motors, which turns the weakness into a strength. The combined performance of the two engines gives a V6 the acceleration power of a V8 and a V8 the power of a V12.
• Manufacturing Waste Reduction - Lexus didn’t just focus on the engine when building their hybrids, these vehicles are lighter and more economical in terms of raw materials required. Sustainable natural materials, like kenaf, are employed, as are soy-oil-based polyurethane and water-based paints on the undercoatings to reduce Volatile Organic Compound emissions. Also, the use of left-over construction materials as sound insulation allows Lexus manufacturing sites to recycle 98 percent of their manufacturing waste.

There are even some unexpected benefits, such as insurance companies granting discounts to hybrid drivers, and a reduction in congestion tax charges. These fees can add up, which can help offset the additional cost of the purchase.

Most importantly, hybrid technology is improving, and it will only get better with every new implementation. In fact, it’s only a matter of time before every Lexus is powered by the dual-powerplant.

Due to an email I sent out far too late, I wasn’t able to include Dougie Wand’s great mirror image of the Lexus LF-A as part of my anniversary wallpaper collection, but all the better to offer it on a hot Friday afternoon. Here’s the various desktop sizes, enjoy!