Monday, October 19, 2009

2010 Lexus RX 350 launched in UAE

lexus-rx
It would seem the Lexus has launched their girly new SUV in Dubai, the 2010 RX350, and did not even tell us. While us being kept in the dark for various products is only getting worse, I heard elsewhere that they plan to target this one towards women, so any men out there who thought about buying an RX — you’ve been warned.

The new GCC-spec 2010 model, launched in March 2009 in the UAE, is powered by a 275 hp 3.5-litre V6, mated to a 6-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive. It can seat five, has 10 standard airbags, and comes with a variety of electronic nannies to keep you from enjoying the drive. To see more photos, see our earlier report on the RX350.

2010 Lexus RX 450h and RX 350

2010 Lexus RX 450h

At the Lexus stand during the LA Auto Show today two new RX cars were unveiled. The first is an all-new RX 350, the second a new RX 450h, the latter being a hybrid as denoted by the “h”. RX 350 comes with a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine producing 275hp, up from 270hp in the current car. It’s mated to a sequential 6-speed ‘box in both FWD and AWD, with the latter featuring Active Torque Control AWD system which optimizes torque for all driving conditions.
For the RX 450h powertrain is very different. Being a hybrid it also uses the 3.5-liter V6 gas engine which runs on the Atkinson cycle with a new inverter for a system power output of 295hp. Twenty seven more horsepower than the previous/current model, plus more efficient. These efficient gains are as a result of, among other innovations, exhaust-heat recovery system that reduces engine warm-up time and an exhaust-gas recirculation setup that lessens engine pumping losses.

The RX 450h’s hybrid system allows for regenerative braking to charge the battery better, for longer running times. 4WD is not permanent; it only kicks in when needed. The rest of the time, which is normal driving conditions, the car is in FWD mode. First-for-Lexus technologies for a greater experience in the RX cars includes a Hard Disk Drive navigation system with a “Remote Touch” controller, voice recognition, XM satellite radio and other cool gadgetry stuff. A class-leading 10 airbags form part of the safety package, so does wide-angle side view monitor and rear-view camera for a bump-free reverse session.
2010 Lexus RX 450h:

2010 Lexus RX 450 Hybrid Review

2010 Lexus RX 450 Hybrid Reviewlexus.jpg
Lexus has done a slick redesign on the RX crossover utility vehicles for 2010. The 2010 Lexus RX 450 Hybrid is the leader of the wolf pack. The previous RX models really worked for Lexus and they have successfully made this line a powerhouse with the new upgrades for this year.

Monday, October 12, 2009

2010 Lexus LS 460 AWD

2010 Lexus LS 460 AWDLexus has previewed an all-wheel drive variant of its LS 460 Luxury Saloon at the Moscow International Motor Show.

LS 460's all-wheel drive system will use a three differential configuration, featuring a compact Torsen® Limited Slip Differential (LSD).

The Torsen® LSD system - shared with the LS 600hL - is designed to provide seamless all-wheel drive, with optimal traction and driving performance. The torque-sensing system generates limited differential torque proportional to the vehicle's drive torque. It will be set up with a front-to-rear torque split that is biased to the rear in the ratio 40:60.

Lexus chief executive John Roca said that Lexus Australia would welcome the all-wheel drive LS 460 in Australia.

2010 Lexus LS 460 AWD"Lexus Australia is currently studying the introduction of the all-wheel drive LS 460 for Australia. If added to the local model line-up, the introduction of LS 460 AWD would coincide with launch of the vehicle in other markets in late 2009," said Roca.

"LS 460 AWD would add another model option for Lexus LS purchasers and provide us with a competitive offering to other all-wheel drive luxury sedans in LS 460's segment," said Roca.

Technical Specifications

Engine: -
Aspiration: -
Maximum Power: -
Maximum Torque: -
Transmission: -
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive

Lexus Announces Prices for 2010 LS 460 and GS Models

LS 460 Coupe

Lexus today announced Manufacturer's
Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the 2010 LS 460 and LS 460 L premium luxury
sedans, GS 350 and GS 460 mid-size luxury sport sedans, and GS 450h mid-size
luxury sport hybrid sedan. The MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing
and handling fee of $875. The GS and LS sedans will arrive at dealerships
later this month.
2010 Lexus LS 460 AWD
For 2010, the 2010 LS 460 models receive a revised grille, bumper, and
headlamps, taillamps, license plate surround and exhaust diffusers. In
addition, new side mirrors feature integrated turn signals while the standard
18-inch wheels have a new 10-spoke design. The LS 460 and LS 460 L freshen
their exterior color palette for 2010 with new shades: Peridot Mica, Satin
Cashmere Metallic, Matador Red Mica and Deep Sea Mica. Inside the LS adds an
Eco Drive indicator that can encourage economical driving. LS 460 L models
also receive standard Intuitive Park Assist and Intelligent High-Beam.


The LS 460 rear-wheel drive (RWD) model offers a new Sport Package for 2010.
The Sport Package enhances the overall driving experience with an exclusive
perforated Black/Saddle leather interior with sport front seats, a unique
leather-trimmed steering wheel and paddle shifters for the eight-speed
automatic transmission. It also offers tighter handling with its sport-tuned
air suspension, stabilizer bars and shock absorbers. A unique front grille,
distinctive Aero kit, which features a front lower spoiler, side rocker
panels, and rear lower spoiler, 19-inch 10-split spoke forged wheels, and
Brembo brakes are also included in the package.


The Appearance Package, a stand-alone option for all LS 460 and LS 460 L
models, is also new for 2010 and offers the unique front grille and Aero kit
found in the Sport Package. For RWD models the package also includes 19-inch
five-spoke wheels.


The new Cold Weather Package featuring a deicer, more effective heater and
heavy-duty battery is available for all LS 460 and LS 460 L models.
Model MSRP MSRP Increase Percentage Increase

GS 350 RWD $45,000 $0 0.0%
GS 350 AWD $46,950 $0 0.0%
GS 460 $53,470 $0 0.0%
GS 450h $56,550 $0 0.0%
LS 460 RWD $64,680 $855 1.3%
LS 460 AWD $68,205 $855 1.3%
LS 460 L RWD $70,225 -$3,510 -4.8%
LS 460 L AWD $73,750 -$3,510 -4.5%

Sliding floor mats lead to biggest Toyota, Lexus recall

Toyota (TM) is launching its biggest recall ever to prevent sliding floor mats from jamming accelerator pedals, a problem that may have killed four in the crash of a runaway Lexus.

The automaker on Tuesday warned the owners of 3.8 million late-model Toyota and Lexus vehicles to immediately remove any driver's side floor mat. Official notice will go out to owners next week.

DRIVE ON: Did Toyota wait too long to issue recall?
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Is Toyota's reputation for safety and corporate integrity overrated?

The federal government, which also issued a "safety alert" on the mats, says it has 102 reports of jammed accelerators in Toyota and Lexus models, including 13 crashes, five deaths and 17 injuries.

Four died Aug. 28 in a Lexus driven by an off-duty California Highway Patrol officer that crashed at an estimated 120 mph.

In a panicked 911 call, the doomed passengers said the accelerator was stuck and they were unable to turn off the engine. The Lexus was a dealer service loaner that may have had mats from another model.

Lexus floor mat recall announced

The Feds just released the official floor mat recall notice that affects more than 3 million Toyota and Lexus cars that could be at risk for acceleration problems. A couple of weeks ago the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration took extreme steps and announced a rare warning about the situation--telling car owners to just take the mats out until the manufacturer comes up with a plan to deal with the predicament.

Looks like Toyota is still working on a prototype mat to replace the defective ones. In the meantime, the automaker is going to send recall notices that say "take the mats out of your car."

According to the actual notice below, car owners should get that letter in the mail this month. And when Toyota comes up with a new, safe mat, a second notice will be mailed out with info on how to get replacements. So essentially the company is saying, when we figure it out, we'll let you know!