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Chicago 2008: the Lexus RX 350 Pebble Beach Edition

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lexus RX 350 Pebble Beach Edition.

Lexus showed up in Chicago with two special edition cars from a different time in a different state. Lexus has been making limited edition vehicles for the Pebble Beach glitterati since 2003, which up to now has always been a Lexus SC 430 unveiled at the concours' Vogue fashion show. This year marks the first time the line has expanded beyond the hardtop coupe, and the RX 350 gets its chance to try on a swanky paint job and some of them there special features. In case you're wondering what color that is, it's Truffle Mica -- but it comes in two others, in case speckly fungus isn't exactly your flavor. Buyers will even get to choose from three packages that come with the special edition -- which would make them even more special. But we won't spoil the surprise -- the full press release is after the jump, and check out the gallery of hi-res photos below.

Continue reading Chicago 2008: the Lexus RX 350 Pebble Beach Edition

(Via Autoblog.)

Chicago 2008: Lexus ES 350 Pebble Beach Edition
Click the image above for a hi-res gallery of the Lexus ES 350 Pebble Beach Edition

The Lexus ES 350 is the second model this year to get the Pebble Beach Special Edition treatment, along with the Lexus RX 350. Both of them join Lexus' Pebble Beach regular, the Lexus SC 430, in the bespoke-paint-and-packages options. We don't mind the 17-inch wheels with the liquid graphite finish one bit. And just as with the RX, you get your choice of three additonal special packages that can bestow you with Callaway goods, custom luggage or Viking cookware for you epicureans. For full details, check out the press release after the jump, and take a gander at the gallery of hi-res pics below.

Continue reading Chicago 2008: Lexus ES 350 Pebble Beach Edition

(Via Autoblog.)

Lexus looking for successor to L-Finesse design
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lexus LF-A roadster concept.

Lexus' L-finesse design language was meant to stand for 'Seamless Anticipation,' 'Intriguing Elegance,' and 'Incisive Simplicity.' If we put aside the marketing speak for a moment, the point of L-f was to give Lexus design a greater emotional connection with consumers. While it certainly didn't stop Lexus from selling more cars, we have a feeling that the increased number of wavy lines simply didn't resonate with the public quite like it was meant to.

Now Lexus is looking for a successor to L-finesse. Emotional connection from a purely design standpoint -- not 'I just love my Toyota!' -- has been a weak point for Japanese cars in this country. Even the GT-R, the LF-A and the last Supra, technological tour-de-forces that they are (or were or will be), and for as much emotion as they inspire, are not pretty cars. The LS is a good looking car, but we wouldn't call it inspiring. Yet Lexus has a pretty good grasp on what its customers are looking for, so while we can't imagine that whatever's coming is going to be outrageous, we can hope that it will be a little less birds and clouds and a little more visceral.

(Via Autoblog.)

Lexus LF-A at Nurburgring (Video)

Here is a video showing the Lexus LF-A being tested in Nurburgring. THe Lexus LF-A sets a new record of 7 minutes, 24 seconds, beating Porsche 911 GT2’s 7 minutes, 32 seconds.

http://www.itechnews.net/2007/07/21/2008-porsche-911-gt2/

(Via iTech News Net.)

Lexus IS F Racing Concept Car

Lexus IS F Racing Concept car will be presented at the 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon, as announced by Lexus.

The Japanese car maker will also present the Super GT version of the Lexus SC430, along side with the Lexus IS F Racing Concept car.

All the major Japanese car manufacturers are offering modified versions of their stock models and it was about time for a tricked out Lexus IS F to come into the spot light.

(Via WWW.YOSAX.COM.)

Lexus LF-A beats Porsche 911 GT2

Hey, remember the Lexus LF-A concept? Here’s the real one, powered by 4.8L V10 churning out 552bhp and has set a lap records at Nurburgring at 7 minutes 24 seconds compare to Porsche 911 GT2 at 7 minutes, 32 seconds. A 210 mph top speed is said to be the car’s upper bound. Video after the jump.

(Via 2dayBlog - Technology Journal, New Gadget everyday!.)

Lexus was smart about increasing the ES’s usability without making the car unwieldy. The new car hasn’t grown in overall length, but its wheelbase is up 2.2 inches (to 109.3 inches) over the previous ES.

The platform, which is tweaked in size rather than fully redesigned, has reduced overhangs and more space for the doors, which eases ingress and egress. Overall width is up only 0.39 inch while the track width increases by 1.2 inches, producing a proportionally larger footprint. These new dimensions put the ES securely in the realm of other midsize players like the Nissan Maxima, Saab 9-5 and Volvo S80.

Despite the longer wheelbase, Lexus wasn’t able to defy physics with the ES. It might be easier to get in and out, but interior space is almost identical to that of the old car. In fact, front legroom is the same as the previous ES and rear legroom is increased only 0.3 inch. It’s also heavy. At 3,580 pounds the ES bears no small burden on its powertrain.

Under the hood there’s an updated 3.5-liter V6 good for 272 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque. The dual-overhead-cam design utilizes four valves per cylinder controlled by variable valve timing hardware. This latest version of VVT-i adjusts timing on both the intake and exhaust cams, which increases power and fuel economy while reducing emissions.

There’s also a new six-speed automatic transmission which delivers the power to the front wheels and is smaller, using 20 percent fewer parts than the previous five-speed. Shifts can be manually controlled using the sequential-style sport shifter. The tranny also adjusts shifts to account for engine conditions, driving habits and component wear.

In measured testing, the ES’s newfound power paid off. Mash the throttle and there’s no denying that it has significant thrust for a luxury sedan. Despite its rather hefty curb weight, the ES hit 60 mph in 7.1 seconds and went on to record a quarter-mile time of 15.2 seconds at 94.6 mph. That’s only 0.2 second slower than the Acura TL, a decidedly sportier car.

Even during maximum acceleration with the throttle pinned and the tranny fluidly linking gears, you’re reminded this is a luxury car. It’s exceptionally quiet, engine noise is barely perceptible and there’s virtually no road discord. Drive like a normal human being, and you’ll be in one of the quietest environments we’ve tested during a 70-mph cruise (67.5 decibels).

Little has changed about the fundamental suspension design of the 350 — it still uses struts front and rear. The previous car’s Adaptive Variable Suspension option is replaced by conventional dampers tuned to meet a specific comfort/performance trade-off.

It works. On the road, the ES has noticeably better ride control than we expected. Even over small rises at triple-digit speeds it maintains composure. There’s a subtle but controlled frequency to its chassis pitch which strikes the precise balance a car in this class should have. It is exactly what it claims to be: a perfect compromise between the couchlike driving experience of an American luxury car and the well-damped ride of a Japanese sport sedan.

Seven-spoke 17-inch wheels come standard with the ES, but our test car was fitted with the optional graphite-finish 10-spokers which come with the ultraluxury package. Each wheel on our test car wore a 215/55-R17 Michelin Energy MXV4 S8 all-season tire. Summer tires are available on the standard wheels.

Through the slalom, the ES’s weight was obvious, and body roll was abundant on its way to a 60.9-mph pass. That’s slower than most cars its size, but faster than the last Toyota Avalon and Buick Lacrosse we tested.

The ES 350 is fitted with four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Featuring 11.7-inch front rotors and aluminum rear calipers, the ES brakes hauled the sedan down from 60 mph in 123 feet — a respectable number for a car in this class.

Inside the ES is a combination of indulgent shapes and textures that are as functional as they are pampering. There’s real walnut trim in the center console and door panels, and optionally, on the steering wheel. Leather, which is added with the premium package, is available in three colors: Cashmere, Light Gray or Black.

The ES has perhaps the most functional ventilated seats we’ve experienced. If you’re buying this car for its luxury features, go all the way and get these seats. Their leather is the most flowing, ductile material we’ve ever experienced in a car seat. Its perforations allow cooling air a direct shot at the target, making them as functional as they sound. Seat heaters were also great at quickly and evenly warming the goods on cool mornings.

Ten-way adjustability makes finding the right driving position easy. But in a car like the ES, it’s the details that matter. Our test car was fitted with the power cushion extender which increases or decreases the length of the seat bottom cushion underneath the thighs, allowing support for both long- and short-legged drivers. As if that wasn’t enough, the ES can link seat position to two different key fobs. Using this feature, position is automatically adjusted according to which key fob is used to access the car — another example of custom tailoring.

Even with the pamper factor in overdrive, Lexus hasn’t lost sight of Camry-like usability and safety. There are eight standard airbags hidden in the cabin plus two optional side airbags for the rear seats. The shifter is a familiar Toyota job that’s housed in walnut trim. Gauges are straightforward and easy to read, with an 8,000-rpm tachometer on the left and a 160-mph speedometer on the right. Still, the ES doesn’t share a single dash panel or material with its less expensive Toyota sibling.

If you ask Newport Ned he’ll tell you that Lexus isn’t the world’s most exciting carmaker. He’s right, because the new ES isn’t going to blow you away with insane speed or outrageous curves. What it will do, however, is up the ante for other manufacturers competing in the segment. It offers more power, more convenience and more luxury than the car it replaces, and it should have an almost identical base price.

As of this writing Lexus hasn’t announced official pricing for the ES 350 although the outgoing ES 330 starts at $32,300. “Expect little change in the base price,” said John Hanson, Toyota’s national manager of product communications. “There will be higher-priced option packages, however.”

An ES 330 equipped similarly to our 2007 Lexus ES 350 test car will set you back $37,925. When the cars arrive in April, we predict you’ll be able to get a car like our tester for less than $40,000. And that’s about what Nancy wants to spend.

BLITZ began in the late 1970’s as a circuit racing team and eventually developed into a high performance tuning shop. In 1980 BLITZ Co., LTD. was established in Tokyo, Japan. The concept was to produce high performance products without sacrificing the capability of being daily driven, commuter cars. A key to BLITZ’s success has been the extensive race experience, and also the use of German made KKK turbos, currently owned by the Borg Warner Corp. With the integration of KKK components, BLITZ has been able to produce high performance products for race and street purposes.

Highlights

Engine

• Blitz Twin Supercharger System – Prototype

  • Electronic Clutch type system with activation selector switch

  • Normal HP/TQ (flywheel) = 290 hp / 319 lb-ft .

  • Estimated HP/TQ (flywheel) = 363 hp / 415 lb-ft

• Blitz Sonic Power Air Cleaner

  • Adjustable Velocity stack intake utilizing a cotton fiber filter

• Blitz Iridium Spec 77 Spark Plugs

  • Iridium Spark plugs with heat range 7

• Blitz Nur Spec DT Exhaust System

  • Full stainless-steel system with a dual rolled tip

• Blitz Radiator Cap

  • High pressure racing radiator cap – holds up to 18.4 psi

• Blitz Oil filler Cap

  • Made of forged billet aluminum

Electronics

• Blitz RVIT DS – Prototype

  • OBD2 Port reader with limited CAN BUS Controllability

  • Utilizes Factory Navigation Screen to view ECU Information

• Blitz TV/NAVI Jumper – Prototype

  • Allows driver to view dvd/aux input while vehicle is in motion

• Blitz Power Meter i-Color

  • Calculates horsepower up to 1200 hp. Features peak hold, warning, and rec/replay functions

Suspension

• Blitz Super Flex Lowering Springs

  • Front: ~1.0”

  • Rear: ~ 0.75”

Wheels

• Blitz BRW Profile 09

  • CAD Designed 1-piece cast wheels

  • Front: 20 x 9 +38 -Deep Chrome Coating - 245/35/20 Falken FK-452

  • Rear: 20 x 10 +40 -Deep Chrome Coating - 275/30/20 Falken FK-452

Exterior

• Blitz Carbon fiber front grill w/ emblem base

• Blitz Front Lip Spoiler

• Blitz Side Skirts and Rear valence – Prototype

• Blitz i-Burner Illusion LED Lights

  • User controlled LED lights with multiple color output

2008 Lexus SC 430 is complemented by an elegant exterior/interior color combination that will be exclusive to the Pebble Beach edition SC. This special SC will feature a Smoky Granite Mica exterior paint combined with an exclusive two-tone Camel and Ecru leather trim interior and Espresso Bird-eye maple wood trim. Additional styling cues unique to the Pebble Beach SC include special-edition brushed chrome badging on the front fenders and center console and an Ecru Pebble Beach logo embroidered on Camel carpeted floor mats. The Pebble Beach SC will also feature White illuminated scuff plates, a sleek rear spoiler and aggressive 18-inch six-spoke chrome wheels equipped on all-season or summer run-flat tires.

In addition to its elegant styling, the Lexus SC 430 hardtop convertible benefits from its ability to hide the roof within the confines of its trunk in a mere 25 seconds, while still maintaining enough room for luggage. All without latches, catches, snaps or covers. And when the top is up, it defies traditional convertible logic by remaining solid, secure and weatherproof.

The rear-wheel drive SC 430 is powered by a 288-horsepower, DOHC, 4.3-liter V8 engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). The aggressive V8 is mated to a six-speed sequential-shift ECT-i transmission to achieve a 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 149 mph. In addition to its impressive performance, the SC is certified as an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II.

The SC features a number of technologies designed to enhance driver visibility including an Adaptive Front lighting System headlights, which help better illuminate a turn as the driver steers into it. The SC also includes daytime running lights, fog lamps and projector High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights.

Dynamic handling is accomplished with standard features that include an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, traction control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

Every SC 430 comes standard-quipped with a Mark Levinson® Premium Sound System. This extraordinary system has been configured to self-optimize performance for top-up or top-down driving. Designed by one of the audio field's legendary innovative brands, the SC 430's system uses a seven-channel DSP 240-watt amplifier and nine strategically located speakers to turn the SCs interior into a private concert hall. System equalization automatically adjusts when the roof is lowered to compensate for the changed acoustics and ambient noise levels, and it returns to its original levels when the roof is raised.

We’ve seen a few RX test mules in recent weeks wearing a chopped up modified body of a current RX model, but this is actually an early prototype distinguished by its heavy camouflage.

The RX will be undergoing a major update for the 2009 model year, with production beginning in late December of 2008, and an on-sale date of early spring of 2009.

The new RX will measure a fraction larger than its predecesor. It will still offer a 3.5-liter V6, but we’re expecting a new 6-speed transmission to go along. Also, a 400-horsepower hybrid powerplant from the Toyota FT-HS Concept is rumored to following in 2010 or 2011.

Overall, the RX will play it safe and keep its recognizable design, but will be modernized to keep up with current styling trends - evolution instead of revolution.

At first glance, this undisguised prototype might look like a normal Lexus RX350 sport utility vehicle. However, after close examination, it becomes apparent that there are some significant differences. The light colored vertical stripe just forward of the front doors indicates that the front end has been lengthened an inch or two. The ends of the front bumpers are modified and covered with tape, as are the lower parts of the rear doors. The rear bumper has also been cut away slightly just aft of the rear wheels. All these changes indicate the body has been modified to make the vehicle slightly longer, and to adapt to a slight relocation of both front and rear axles.

Now notice that the tail lights don’t fit flush with the outer fenders, and are not wide enough to reach the side of the vehicle. Similarly, the rear glass hatch is too narrow to reach the full distance between the vehicle’s sides. So the body panels on this vehicle have also been relocated to make it wider than the current model RX350. So this vehicle is really a mule, using the body panels of the normal RX350, but very cleverly modified for extra length, wheelbase, and greater width. Under this modified body lies the new platform of the next generation RX350 which the test engineers are putting through its paces.

The one part of the vehicle that really is new – the side mirrors. Note the reshaped mirrors which include the turn signal lights, a feature used by many rival vehicles, but so far not seen on the RX350.

Based on this information, one can expect the next RX350 to be slightly longer, wider, and to have a greater wheelbase than it does now. With a vehicle as popular as the current RX350, however, Lexus is unlikely to make any radical changes. Styling will likely keep a shape that is quickly recognizable and evolutionary rather than all new.

The new RX will also likely stay with its current 5-passenger capacity, since customers wanting three rows of seats can get that in the bigger Lexus SUV’s, the GX470 and the LX 570. Base engine will probably continue to be shared with the Toyota Highlander, that now being (for 2008) a 3.5 liter DOHC V-6 making 270 hp. The Lexus will likely also continue to offer a hybrid engine, the 3.3 liter V-6 which combined with its electric motors also makes 270 hp.

Lexus will be introducing an all new LX570 for the 2008 model year, so it is likely that a new RX350 won’t be scheduled until 2009.