All Cars » Lexus http://www.allcarsvideo.com Automobile Videos Sun, 26 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Lexus ES http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-es/ http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-es/#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:59:57 +0000 admin http://www.allcarsvideo.com/?p=449 The Lexus ES manufacture by Lexus automobile company. Read more to view more detail and video reviews. Please feel free to comments and give rating to help others


The Lexus ES series is a family of mid-size luxury sedans sold by Lexus since 1989. Now in its fifth generation, the series has been consistently built on the Toyota Camry platform with a V6 engine, automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. For much of its existence, the Lexus ES has anchored the entry-level luxury car segment of the Lexus lineup in North America, a position it maintained until the introduction of the Lexus IS sport luxury sedans in 2001. It was Lexus’ only front-wheel drive vehicle until 1999, when the related Lexus RX 300 arrived. For over fifteen years, the Lexus ES has been the best-selling Lexus sedan in the United States.[1][2]

The first through fourth generation Lexus ES sedans shared body styling elements with Japan-market Toyota sedans, and a domestic market equivalent, the Toyota Windom, was sold until the launch of the fifth generation ES in 2006. The fifth generation ES 350, featuring Lexus’ own L-finesse body styling, was unveiled in the spring of 2006 as a 2007 model. Like the previous generation ES 330 model, the fifth generation Lexus ES is geared towards the comfort luxury segment, with an emphasis on interior amenities, quietness, and a smooth ride.[3]

The first Lexus ES (codename VZV21) debuted in January 1989 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit as part of the launch of the Lexus division. In order to avoid introducing the nameplate with only one model, the LS 400, Lexus debuted the ES alongside their flagship sedan. The smaller representative of the initial two-sedan Lexus lineup was designated the ES 250, and powered by the Camry’s 2.5 L, 156 hp (116 kW) V6. The ES 250 was partly based on the Toyota Vista,[4] a Japan-market sedan which was never sold in the United States, which in turn shared the chassis of the Toyota Camry.

On the exterior, the ES 250 shared the same general body style and overall dimensions as its Toyota counterparts, but had a more prominent grille, bigger tail lights, chrome trim, frameless windows, and distinct wheel design similar to its LS brethren. Inside the cabin, the ES 250 featured a six-speaker Pioneer sound system, genuine wood trim, one-touch power windows, and leather seats. A four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission was offered. The Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission (ECT) featured “normal” and “power” modes.

Safety features included a driver’s SRS airbag and anti-lock brakes. In typical specification, the ES 250 further included 15-inch alloy wheels, a power driver’s seat, power moonroof, and CD player.[5] Leather upholstery was common equipment,[5] despite being listed as an option, while some ES 250s were also produced with cloth interiors.

In September 1989, the ES 250 and the flagship LS 400 went on sale in the United States. The ES 250 was marketed as the “luxury sedan of sports sedans,” and carried a U.S. market suggested base price of approximately $22,000. During the first month of release, the ES 250 logged 1,216 units in sales.[6] However, these numbers were eclipsed by the larger LS sedan, which unlike the ES was built on a unique and all-new platform. The original LS had been envisioned as a a standalone model, but Lexus dealerships had asked for an additional vehicle to accompany its launch. Due to its similarities to the Camry, some viewed the ES 250 as a placeholder product of badge engineering and the vehicle ultimately did not sell as well as its more expensive counterpart.

]]> http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-es/feed/ 0 Lexus GS http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-gs/ http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-gs/#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:59:57 +0000 admin http://www.allcarsvideo.com/?p=450 The Lexus GS manufacture by Lexus automobile company. Read more to view more detail and video reviews. Please feel free to comments and give rating to help others


The Lexus GS is a series of mid-size luxury sports sedans / executive cars sold by Lexus since 1993. Designed to fill the gap between the ES and LS, and to provide Lexus with a sports sedan to compete in the mid-size class, three generations of the GS have been produced to date. The first GS, based on the platform and running gear of the Toyota Crown, was introduced in 1993 in the United States, Europe and selected markets in Asia. The second generation model premiered in 1998, using a new platform and adding a V8 version for the first time outside Japan. The current third generation GS, which premiered globally for the 2006 model year, comes in both V6, V8, and hybrid versions, the latter known as the GS 450h performance hybrid.

In Japan, the equivalent Toyota Aristo, which debuted in 1991, was sold until the introduction of the Lexus marque and the third generation GS in 2005. Following the debut of the third generation GS in Japan, the Aristo was discontinued. Though largely identical in exterior and interior design, first two generations of the GS and the Aristo differed in their engine and transmission combinations as well as equipment packages. The redesigned third generation GS was also the first model to feature Lexus’ own L-finesse styling upon its introduction.

With a body styled by the famous Italdesign Giugiaro firm, the Aristo was launched in October 1991, offering two inline-6 powered versions for the Japanese market: the 3.0Q and 3.0V. The 3.0Q Aristo featured a 2JZ-GE engine which produced 226 hp (169 kW). The 3.0V Aristo was equipped with a 24-valve twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE engine which produced 276 hp (205 kW). This twin-turbo engine was the same as could be found in the Toyota Supra Mk IV (JZA80). In 1992, a third model, the V8-powered 4.0Zi-Four (codename UZS143), joined the Aristo lineup. This model came with standard four-wheel drive and a 250 hp (186 kW) 1UZ-FE engine. This V8 had also been used in the first generation Lexus LS and the Toyota Crown Majesta. The Aristo/GS models were equipped with an independent, double-wishbone suspension setup.[1] The only engine available for the export markets was the 2JZ-GE inline-6.

Production of the Lexus GS 300 (JZS147) began on February 22, 1993 at the Tahara, Japan assembly plant. At the time, the GS represented the latest advancement of Tahara production technology, with only eight spot welds performed by hand. The rest, some 4,200 welds, were performed by robots.[2] Italdesign Giugiaro’s exterior styling blended elements of the original LS flagship and SC performance coupe in a rounded, aerodynamic shape, complementing the rest of the Lexus lineup. The vehicle adopted a wedge-like shape with high rear decklid, and longer and wider proportions than competing vehicles.[3] The exterior shape of the original GS produced a drag coefficient of Cd 0.31. Offered color schemes included single-tone bumper and body finishes,[3] along with dual-tone schemes.

As Lexus’ first rear-wheel drive sports sedan, the GS exceeded the front-wheel drive ES luxury sedan in power and available amenities. The 3.0 liter 2JZ-GE inline-6 producing up to 226 hp (169 kW) and 210 lb·ft (285 N·m) of torque served as the powerplant. According to reviewer testing, 0-60 acceleration times for the GS 300 were clocked at slightly over nine seconds.[3]

For the interior, the GS 300 featured walnut wood trim on the center console, leather seating, an automatic tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and the option of a Nakamichi premium stereo system. Driver and front passenger airbags were standard.[3] A moonroof, remote 12-CD auto changer, and traction control (TRAC) were options. In 1996, the four-speed automatic transmission was replaced with a five-speed automatic.

]]> http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-gs/feed/ 0 Lexus IS http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-is/ http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-is/#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:59:57 +0000 admin http://www.allcarsvideo.com/?p=451 The Lexus IS manufacture by Lexus automobile company. Read more to view more detail and video reviews. Please feel free to comments and give rating to help others


The Lexus IS is a series of entry-level luxury cars / compact executive cars sold by Lexus since 1999. The IS was introduced as an entry-level sport model slotted below the ES in the Lexus lineup (and outside of North America, the Lexus GS). The IS was originally sold under the Toyota Altezza (the word “altezza” is Italian for “noble”) nameplate in Japan until the introduction of the second generation Lexus IS design. The Altezza name is still used at times to depict chromed car taillights like those fitted to the first generation model, known as ‘Altezza lights’ or ‘Lexus-style’ lights.[1]

The first generation Altezza (codename XE10) was launched in Japan in October 1998, while the Lexus IS 200 (JCE10) made its debut in Europe in 1999 and in North America as the IS 300 in 2000. The first generation, straight-6-powered IS featured sedan and wagon variants. The second generation IS (GSE20) was launched globally in 2006 with V6-powered IS 250 and IS 350 sedan models. A high-performance V8 sedan version, the IS F, premiered in 2007. Hardtop convertible versions, the IS 250 C and IS 350 C, debuted in 2008. According to Lexus, the IS designation stands for Intelligent Sport.[2]

Produced as a direct competitor to the luxury sport sedans of the leading European luxury marques, the Altezza/IS was designed with a greater performance emphasis than typically seen on prior Japanese luxury vehicles.[3] The design received critical acclaim at its 1998 launch, and was awarded Japan’s “Car of the Year” honor for 1998-1999.[3] A year later, Lexus began marketing the IS equivalent models in Europe, and the IS debuted in the U.S. as a 2001 model.[4]

The Altezza came in 3 variants:

Lexus IS vehicles sold in North America, as well as the Japanese hatchback/station wagon version called the Gita (called Lexus IS SportCross in the U.S. and Europe) were only available in the 3.0 liter 6-cylinder version (2JZ-GE). In the U.S. market, sales fell below expectations; after hitting a high of 22,486 units in 2001,[5] IS sales dropped below the 10,000-unit mark in 2004.[6] The IS 200 fared better relative to sales targets in Europe and Asia, while still well short of the sales volume achieved by the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and other, mostly German-made competitors. This trend was indicative of Lexus’ smaller global status; while Lexus’ range of cars is very successful in North America, the marque’s sales still lag behind its German rivals in Europe.[7] In Europe the IS 300 was only available with the 5-speed automatic transmission; the lack of a manual gearbox option may have limited sales in contrast to its rivals, the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class.

The IS 200/300 interior featured unique elements not typically found in other Lexus models. These included a chrome metal ball shifter, pop-up navigation screen, and chronograph-styled instrument panel (with mini gauges for temperature, fuel economy, and volts). The styling cues of the rear light clusters on the first generation Lexus IS were copied by a number of after-market accessory manufacturers for applications on other vehicles.[1] This iconic style of one or more internal lamp units, covered with a clear (or tinted) perspex cover made popular by Lexus, became known in many circles as ‘Lexus-style’ or ‘Altezza lights’.[1]

]]> http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-is/feed/ 0 Lexus IS F http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-is-f/ http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-is-f/#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:59:57 +0000 admin http://www.allcarsvideo.com/?p=452 The Lexus IS F manufacture by Lexus automobile company. Read more to view more detail and video reviews. Please feel free to comments and give rating to help others


The Lexus IS F is a high performance version of the Lexus IS series of sport luxury cars. It is the first vehicle in the F marque line of performance vehicles from Lexus.[1] The first generation IS F, which premiered at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, features a larger, more powerful engine than standard IS models, improved suspension and brakes, body design enhancements, and other vehicle changes. The IS F sports 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 4.6 seconds.[2] The vehicle went on sale for late 2007 in Japan, in early 2008 in the United States,[3] and in Europe in 2008.

In 2006, several automotive publications reported on rumors of a higher performance variant of the IS being tested at various stages of development. Spy photos of such a vehicle being tested in Germany and California were published in several magazines and websites. Among these spy reports, several photos were shown of a heavily modified and camouflaged IS sedan at the Nürburgring test track in Germany along with other disguised Lexus test vehicles. The previous generation IS 430 prototype vehicle was indicative of future possibilities for the IS series, including the likelihood that a second generation high-performance IS model could come equipped with a V8 engine. It was rumored that there would be a coupe and a convertible version for a 2009 model, as well as a convertible version of the V8-powered IS. [Note: Lexus dropped the hyphen in official press documents as of vehicle launch, referring to it as IS F. Several media sites continue to use the hyphen in error. [4]]

On 6 December 2006, Lexus officially confirmed the existence of the vehicle which they called IS F in the press release.[5] At the North American International Auto Show on January 8, 2007, the new IS F was debuted to the public. The vehicle features a 5.0 L direct-injected V8 producing 416 SAE hp (423 PS, 311 kW) at 6,600 rpm, while peak torque is 371 ft·lbf (503 N·m) at 5,200 rpm.[6] The engine also features a two-stage intake system, engine oil and automatic transmission fluid coolers and an oil pump designed for high-speed cornering. Images were leaked a couple of hours before the official announcement.[7] At its press debut, Lexus revealed that a separate “skunk works” team designed the IS F in a manner distinct from typical Lexus engineering efforts. The chief designer of the IS F, Yukihiko Yaguchi, previously worked on the Toyota Supra.

The Lexus IS F features an 8-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift (Sport Direct Shift, or SPDS), a new sport version of Lexus’ electronic stability control system (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, or VDIM, featuring three distinct on-off modes), and was equipped with Brembo brakes stamped with the Lexus emblem.[8] Other design features included a four-passenger cabin with carbon-fiber panels, steering wheel paddle shifters, and 19-inch BBS forged aluminum alloy wheels. The vehicle body was lowered by 1 cm (0.5 inches) compared to the standard IS.[9] Noticeable about the IS F’s design are its faux quad exhaust tailpipes comprised of two vertically stacked exhaust tips on each side that do not directly connect to the actual exhaust pipes (part of bumper).[1] For 2008, the IS F carried a base price of $56,000 USD.

Road & Track tested the IS F in their January 2008 issue, attaining a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 4.4 seconds, a slalom speed of 71.2 mph (114.6 km/h) (0.3 mph (0.48 km/h) adrift of a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S), and an electronically limited top speed of 170 mph (270 km/h).[10]

]]> http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-is-f/feed/ 0 Lexus LS http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-ls/ http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-ls/#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:59:57 +0000 admin http://www.allcarsvideo.com/?p=453 The Lexus LS manufacture by Lexus automobile company. Read more to view more detail and video reviews. Please feel free to comments and give rating to help others


The Lexus LS is a full-size luxury sedan that serves as the flagship model of Lexus. Four generations of the V8-powered, rear-wheel drive Lexus LS have been produced to date. The original LS 400, the first Lexus to be developed, premiered in 1989. Subsequent generations of the Lexus flagship added technological features, luxury appointments, and safety innovations. The Lexus LS is recognized as one of the most reliable vehicles ever built,[1] and its cabin is regarded among the quietest of luxury automobiles.[2] Each successive Lexus LS design has become the best-selling prestige luxury sedan in the United States.[3][4]

In 2006, Lexus launched the fourth generation Lexus LS, offering the first long wheelbase version of its flagship model. Beginning with the 2008 model year, an all-wheel drive hybrid joined the line up. The new LS also introduces the latest in Lexus technology, including the first production eight-speed automatic transmission,[5] an automatic parking system, and on the hybrid models, the first production LED headlamps in the U.S. market.[6] Several different Lexus LS models are sold worldwide, including standard, long wheelbase, hybrid, and all-wheel-drive versions.

Lexus’ flagship model has held the highest ranking in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Survey for over twelve consecutive years,[7] and Consumer Reports has named the LS as the most dependable vehicle ever tested.[8] In 2007, international jurors named the LS 460 as the World Car of the Year.[5]

In August 1983, Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda initiated the F1 project (“Flagship” and “No. 1 vehicle”; alternatively called the “Circle-F” project), a top secret effort aimed at producing a world-class luxury sedan. Unlike past Toyota efforts, the F1 project was not bound by a specific budget or time constraints. It also did not utilize existing Toyota vehicle platforms or parts.[9][10] Instead, chief engineer Ichiro Suzuki sought to develop an all-new design that would surpass existing flagship luxury sedans. Specific targets included: a more aerodynamic exterior, quieter cabin, higher top speed, and more fuel-efficient design versus American and European rivals.[11]

To achieve their goals, F1 engineers produced new concepts and part designs, resulting in hundreds of patent applications.[12] Their final design would have among the lowest drag coefficients of any production vehicle (Cd 0.29), record a quiet 58 dB of cabin noise at a cruising speed of 62 mph (100 km/h), and exhibit lower levels of vibration than rival sedans.[13] The F1 design’s new 4.0 L V8 engine produced 250 hp (190 kW), had a maximum speed of 155 mph (250 km/h), and avoided the U.S. gas-guzzler tax.

Over a period of five years, a team of over 3,900 engineers, technicians, and other F1 personnel built some 450 flagship prototypes and 900 engine prototypes.[14] During the early development process, engineers also modified Toyota models for use as test vehicles.[15] Prototype F1 vehicles were driven over a total of 2.7 million kilometers on testing locations ranging from winter Europe roadways, deserts in Arizona, Australia, and Saudi Arabia, to U.S. highways and wilderness areas.[16][17] To ensure quality, more precise manufacturing standards were developed to produce higher levels of fit and finish in the new sedan.[18][19] Toyota’s Tahara plant, a highly automated facility, was selected as the site of production. Materials selection tests examined multiple types of leather and scrutinized 24 different kinds of wood for use in the passenger cabin.[20] Total costs for the project exceeded $1 billion.[21]

]]> http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-ls/feed/ 0 Lexus RX http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-rx/ http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-rx/#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:59:57 +0000 admin http://www.allcarsvideo.com/?p=454 The Lexus RX manufacture by Lexus automobile company. Read more to view more detail and video reviews. Please feel free to comments and give rating to help others


The Lexus RX is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV sold by Lexus since 1997. The RX series has comprised multiple V6- and hybrid-powered models (such as the RX 300, RX 330, RX 350, RX 400h, and RX 450h), in either all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive versions. Three generations of the Lexus RX have been produced to date. One of the first crossovers, the RX series is designed to combine the functional characteristics of an SUV with ride and features of a luxury-type sedan.[1] The RX has ranked as the one of the best-selling luxury vehicle in the United States.[2]

The Lexus RX first premiered in 1997 as a Lexus concept, followed several months later by debut of the production RX 300 models.[3] In 2003, the second generation RX debuted in the U.S., and the redesigned RX 330 went on sale shortly after. In 2004, the RX line added the world’s first luxury-type hybrid,[4] the RX 400h, and the RX 330 was upgraded to the RX 350 for model year 2007. Equivalent versions of the first and second generation models were sold in Japan under the Toyota Harrier nameplate until 2008. The redesigned third generation RX 350/RX 450h models premiered in late 2008.[5]

As one of the first luxury SUVs on the market, the Lexus RX has inspired similar competitors from rival marques.[6] Its commercial success as Lexus’ best-selling model has been attributed to the strong reliability reputation of Lexus and the RX line.[7] The RX is also the only Lexus vehicle to be produced outside of Japan, with North American market RX 350s being made at the Cambridge plant in Canada.[8] The RX designation, coincidentally similar to the unrelated Mazda RX-7/RX-8 coupes and the Kia Rio RX-V hatchback in Canada, signifies its place in the Lexus lineup next to the larger GX and LX SUVs.

In February 1997, Lexus debuted the “Sport Luxury Vehicle” (SLV) concept, a prototype crossover SUV, at the Chicago Auto Show.[3] This concept, which appeared close to production, combined the characteristics of an SUV, wagon, and sedan.[9] In Japan, the SLV concept appeared in first-generation Harrier form (codename SXU10 and MCU10 for the front wheel drive models, and SXU15 and MCU15 for the four wheel drive models) in December 1997. Two engines were available, the 2.2 L 5S-FE I4 which produced 139 hp (104 kW) JIS (102 kW) and 191 Nm (140 ft·lbf), and the 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 which produced 219 hp (163 kW) JIS (161 kW) and 304 Nm (224 ft·lbf). Both engines could be specified with either front or all wheel drive. All models came with an automatic transmission as standard. The vehicle was partly based on the Camry platform.

The Lexus RX 300 made its sales debut in America in March 1998 as a 1999 model following its premiere at the North American International Auto Show that year. The only engine and drivetrain combination available was the 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 and either front or four wheel drive. The RX 300 interior included leather seats, wood trim, a multi-level center console with storage drawers, and individual reclining and sliding rear seats. A shift lever mounted near the instrument panel freed up floor space for additional storage. On the exterior, the RX featured heated mirrors, automatic light-sensing headlights, a low step-in entry height, and an overall drag coefficient of Cd 0.36.[10] A 240-watt, 7-speaker Pioneer sound system was standard, while a Nakamichi premium customized sound system was available as an option. The Lexus RX was an immediate hit, and sold over 370,000 units in five years.[11]

In Japan, the first-generation Harrier was a sales success, and many went to other right hand drive markets in Asia as grey imports. The Harrier continued largely unchanged until November 2000, when the 2.2 L 5S-FE engine was replaced by the 2.4 L 2AZ-FE 4-cylinder engine, producing 159 hp (119 kW) JIS (117 kW) and 221 Nm (163 ft·lbf). As before, the engine was offered with either front wheel drive or four wheel drive. The change in engine also meant a change in model code, which was now ACU10 for the front wheel drive version and ACU15 for the four wheel drive version. A small facelift was also performed on the Harrier.

]]> http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-rx/feed/ 0 Lexus RX Hybrid http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-rx-hybrid/ http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-rx-hybrid/#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:59:57 +0000 admin http://www.allcarsvideo.com/?p=455 The Lexus RX Hybrid manufacture by Lexus automobile company. Read more to view more detail and video reviews. Please feel free to comments and give rating to help others


The Lexus RX Hybrid is a hybrid crossover SUV sold by Lexus since 2005. The RX Hybrid uses the Lexus RX body design and a Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain which combines a V6 gasoline engine with electrical motors.[1] First introduced in January 2004 at the North American International Auto Show, the original RX 400h became the first luxury hybrid,[1] and the world’s second mass-produced hybrid sport utility vehicle, after the Ford Escape Hybrid. The RX 400h was also the launch vehicle of the Lexus hybrid lineup, which later expanded to include hybrid versions of other Lexus vehicles, including the GS 450h and LS 600h/LS 600h L.

The first generation RX 400h was sold until the 2008 model year, and an equivalent model, the Toyota Harrier Hybrid, was sold in Japan until the same year. In November 2008, Lexus launched a complete redesign of its hybrid crossover, the second generation RX 450h, at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.[2] The Lexus RX 450h was scheduled to go on sale in North America, Europe, Asia (including Japan), and other markets in 2009 as a 2010 model.[2]

Lexus debuted the RX 400h at the North American International Auto Show in 2004, with plans to launch the vehicle in the U.S. market. The equivalent Harrier Hybrid debuted in Japan on 22 March 2005, the same day as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The Lexus RX 400h made its U.S. sales debut in mid-2005, with over 9,000 pre-orders at launch.[3] The RX 400h’s arrival in the U.S. had been delayed by several months; Lexus had announced in November 2004 that the American launch of the hybrid Lexus SUV would occur for the 2006 model year (with European and Asian launches during 2005).[4]

Since its launch, the all-wheel drive RX 400h/Harrier Hybrid has been sold at a substantial premium over the non-hybrid RX 300/RX 330/RX 350/Harrier.[5] In the U.S., the initial base price was US$49,185, which was a $5,600 premium over a similarly-equipped RX 330/RX 350.[1] A front-wheel drive version of the RX 400h debuted in 2006, with a base MSRP approximately $1,400 less than the all-wheel drive RX hybrid.[6] For 2007, along with the reduction of the federal hybrid tax credit for its hybrids, Lexus lowered the base price of the RX 400h to $42,580 and $41,180 for the respective all-wheel and front-wheel drive versions.[7] The list price in Japan for the Harrier Hybrid ranged from 4.095 million Yen to 4.62 million Yen.[8] Based on the 2010 Lexus RX redesign, no 2009 model for the Lexus RX 400h was offered.

The gasoline-powered part of the RX 400h engine system is a 3.3 L 3MZ-FE V6, very similar to the one found in the RX 330. It produced 211 hp JIS (155 kW) and 288 N·m (212 ft·lbf).[9] The gasoline engine is aided by a maximum of two additional electric motors, one driving the front wheels, producing 167 hp JIS (123 kW) and 333 N·m (245 ft·lbf) and connected to the CVT gearbox,[9] and the other driving the rear wheels, producing 68 hp JIS (50 kW) and 130 N·m (95 ft·lbf).[9] The whole system, called Lexus Hybrid Drive (also Hybrid Synergy Drive), produces a maximum of 272 hp JIS (200 kW).[9] With Lexus Hybrid Drive, under normal driving conditions, only the front motor and gasoline engine are used. The rear motor is only used under full-throttle acceleration or when the front wheels lose traction.[1] The gasoline engine switches off automatically and the car runs completely on electricity when either stationary, decelerating, or being driven at slow speeds (0 to 40 miles per hour).[1] An Ni-MH battery is responsible for powering the motors,[1] and is charged by generators during deceleration or sharp cornering.[5]

]]> http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-rx-hybrid/feed/ 0 Lexus SC http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-sc/ http://www.allcarsvideo.com/lexus/lexus-sc/#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:59:57 +0000 admin http://www.allcarsvideo.com/?p=456 The Lexus SC manufacture by Lexus automobile company. Read more to view more detail and video reviews. Please feel free to comments and give rating to help others


The Lexus SC series is a personal luxury coupé sold by Lexus since 1991. The SC features a front engine, rear-wheel drive design and seating for up to four passengers. The first generation SC debuted as the V8-powered SC 400 in 1991, and the I6-powered SC 300 was added in 1992. Both first generation models were produced until 2000. The second generation model, the SC 430, went into production in 2001. The SC 430 features a hardtop convertible design and a V8 engine. The first generation SC was largely styled in California, and the second generation SC was mainly conceived at design studios in Europe.

In Japan, the related third-generation Toyota Soarer, with which the first generation SC originally shared body design and multiple components, featured a separate lineup of vehicle configurations and different powertrains. The fourth generation Soarer, largely identical to the SC 430, was superseded by its Lexus counterpart in Japan when the Lexus marque debuted there in 2005. At present, the SC is the sole coupe in the Lexus lineup and carries a U.S. base price of $65,455 and a UK base price of £54,880 (approximately $112,000).

In the summer of 1990, following the successful debut of Lexus a year earlier, Toyota decided that work would begin on a mid-size Lexus coupe to compete with the luxury coupes of other marques like Mercedes-Benz and Acura. At that point, Toyota had no genuine luxury coupes in existence. Initially, the existing Japanese second generation Toyota Soarer was selected to serve as the basis for the new Lexus coupe, much like the Lexus ES 250 was based on the Toyota Camry. However, the Soarer’s design at the time was considered “boxy”-looking and outdated. Since the coupe was going to be targeted towards the American market, the project was handed over to the Calty Design Research center in California.

The American Calty design team took a revolutionary approach to designing the car, using duracluster molding shapes to design the body, and working 3-dimensionally instead of the traditional 2-D sketch approach. As described by design chiefs Denis Campbell and Erwin Lui, the result was a car that was based on “emotion and feeling” rather than linear aesthetics. The design of the coupe was considered revolutionary, possessing almost no straight edges and built on curvature. As a result, it produced a drag coefficient of Cd 0.31, which was considered very aerodynamic at the time. Some critics found the design of the new Lexus coupe to be very distinctive compared to other cars at the time; later, the SC design was considered influential in the development of automotive designs that followed.[1]

The SC 400 debuted on June 1, 1991 in the United States as a 1992 model. The SC 400′s 4.0 L V8 1UZ-FE, the same engine as used in the LS 400, was reported to have cost over $400,000,000 in research and development.[2] The SC 400 was honored as the Motor Trend Import Car of the Year for 1992. It also made Car and Driver magazine’s Ten Best list for 1992 through 1998.

In July 1992, the SC 300, a smaller engined brother to the SC 400, premiered in the United States. The SC 300 was equipped with a 3.0 L inline 6 2JZ-GE. Compared to the SC 400, the smaller-engined variant cost $7,040 less with a manual, and $4,180 less when equipped with the five-speed automatic transmission, (U.S. base price of $31,650 for the 1992 model year).[3] Lexus’ traction control system, TRAC, was offered as an option.[3]

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