2011 Lexus IS gets Minor Facelift

There has been some subtle design changes done on the new 2011 Lexus IS, like the inclusion of a new headlamp cluster. These new headlamps incorporate LED daytime running lights. The other prominent changes include the restyled lower front bumper with round fog lamps. Besides, the interior too has been subjected to a once over so that there is some minor trim upgrades here as well.

The changes came out in the open due to some leaked brochure shots that revealed, for the very first time, pictures of the Japanese domestic market (JDM) version of, the new 2011 Lexus IS 250 / 350 sedans though the changes has only been subtle at best. However, not all of the above changes may be visible in the leaked out pictures.

The JDM Lexus IS has also added an F-Sport grade car, which is a first for the JDM Lexus IS. The F-Sport grade is alike the 2010 IS 250 and 220d models that the company has made available in the UK market. However, the Japanese version of F-Sport comes bundled with a front bumper along with what is described by Lexus, a new sport suspension that has been created by the LFA team.

2010 Lexus GX 460

2010 Lexus GX 460
Big SUVs may be out of favor because of their generally low fuel economy, but the 2010 Lexus GX 460 reminds us how comfortable it can be to cruise around in one of these behemoths. Lexus fits the GX 460 cabin in leather, soft plastics, and wood trim, and its third-row seats fold out of the cargo floor, letting the big vehicle transport seven people.

The 2010 GX 460 is the successor to the 2009 GX 470. With the GX 460, Lexus uses a more advanced variable valve timing to downsize the engine yet increase horsepower and fuel economy. With the GX 460, Lexus uses more advanced variable valve timing to downsize the engine yet increase horsepower and fuel economy.

However, don't expect a dramatic difference in fuel economy. Weighing in at 5,305 pounds, the engine has a lot of metal to move. Mated to its six-speed-automatic transmission, the engine turns in EPA fuel economy ratings of 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. In our driving, we averaged 16.2 mpg through city, freeway, and mountain roads.

Lexus sells all its LFA supercar

Lexus has allready sold all its LFA supercars. 500 lucky buyers already own a brand new Lexus LFA, the super sports car manufactured by Toyota allready sold out, even for a price of 350,000 euros.

The Lexus LFA is manufactured by hand at the Toyota Motomachi plant in Japan. This was a bad business for the manufacturer because each one of these 500 Toyota sports car costs 350,000 euros to make.

2010 Lexus GS 450h is a performance hybrid

It's the car that makes you scratch your head: the 2010 Lexus GS 450h.

The reason it comes across as confusing is because this rear-wheel-drive sedan is one of the most fun Lexus cars to drive. It's all sport on the highway.

The pickup is phenomenal. It boasts nearly 300 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V-6 and on the open road, it's library quiet. The steering is crisp. While heavy, the body remains stiff through turns and its adaptive variable suspension holds the car nicely to the road.

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Oh, and, it's a hybrid.

But this is a hybrid for enthusiasts, one that uses electricity for power and not just efficiency. What other mainstream hybrid goes 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds?

Of course, boosting a V-6 to provide V-8 type power is nothing new (the GS 450h has a combined 340 horsepower). It's the wave of the future as carmakers around the world look to provide power and fuel economy. Already, other carmakers are talking about four-cylinder turbos replacing V-6 engines and others have said three-cylinder engines could replace fours.
Amazing highway ride

The GS 450h shies toward the power side, which takes away from the efficiency, enabling 22 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Great mileage numbers for a V-8, so-so for a six-cylinder engine.

And while this hybrid can drive on electric motors only, it rarely does. Instead, the electric motors seem to act as a boost for the car, pushing it quickly forward and inspiring the driver to push the accelerator a little harder.