Lexus RC350 & RC300h sets to rival BMW 4 Series

You can't blame Lexus stylist for not trying to make their car looks good and different. The upcoming Lexus RC is the most extreme application of the new design language yet, characterized by the mega spindle grille with madly stretched compared to any model before this.

Lexus RC is the coupe derived from the Lexus IS, and set to challenge the likes of BMW 4 Series and Mercedes C-Class coupe to name a few. Compared to the sedan brethren, Lexus RC measures 4,695mm long, 1,840mm wide, 1,395mm tall and rides on 2,730mm wheelbase, which is 30mm longer, 30mm wider, 35mm lower and 70mm shorter wheelbase.

At the front, the "implied" headlight concept pioneered by Lexus IS has been refined further, and it looks a bit better and less haphazard looking with smoother headlight lower section. The LED infused looks jewel inspired, a theme further adopted by the fog lamp  which is akin to the diamond encrusted into the grille frame.

While the side profile is fairly conventional looking, with none of upswept rear bumper profile like the IS sedan, the same can't be said with the rear fascia. Lexus designers has played the surfacing really a lot, with different planes intersecting each other all over the place, all tied up together to create the hugging stance which is really sporty looking. I am not sure if the rear vents are functioning, but it better be or else it is just like the one on the Perodua Myvi SE rear bumper.

The model line up comprises of Lexus RC350 and RC300h. The former is powered by the familiar 3.5L V6 while the latter is 2.5L gasoline paired to hybrid system. The powertrain should be similar with the unit in other Lexuses, so we are looking at  312bhp and 378Nm for the RC350 and 220bhp and 300Nm for the RC300h.

Similar in BMW 3 and 4 Series, the interior is carried over from the sedan donor. The only new addition is the newly develop Remote Touch Interface which controls the car functionality via a centralized command system. Several more photos can be found after the jump.

2014 Toyota Harrier - Photo Gallery

Toyota Harrier is traditionally available as an identical twin to Lexus RX-series right from the first generation. The trend however stops at the current generation of Lexus RX as Toyota stop selling the identical car in Japan, a move which also kills the like of Toyota Altezza, Toyota Windom, Toyota Aristo, Toyota Soarer and Toyota Celsior, all which are Lexus IS, ES, GS, SC and LS respectively.

For this year, Harrier is back, and it is wearing a different clothes from the current Lexus RX (at least for now as we don't know how the forthcoming Lexus RX is going to look like. While the front end looks entirely different, it still has the slim light unit near the fender like the RX, but devoid of the mega spindle grille of course. Side profile however, does bears some resemblance, especially the C-pillar and rear window line.

That's as far as any resemblance detected. The rest of the exterior are unique, including the rear end. The rear window cladding makes it appear less steeply raked compared to Lexus RX. The rear fascia has trendy looking clear lens tail light with fashionable light rays, but the rest of aesthetic is well restraint and imparts a degree of elegance touch. 

The interior is an all-new and carries several design cues like not unlike the other big Toyotas such as Toyota Crown and Mark X. The gear level retains the traditional position of gear knob in any previous Toyota Harrier which is mounted high up. Unlike the Lexus sibling, the centre stack is symmetrical. Interior finishing seems to have Lexus-level of craftmanship and design quality. High gloss centre console, classy wood insert and swooping leather line dashboard complete the interior.

The new Toyota Harrier will be hybrid powered although we don't know the detail of the powertrain unit. However, it is very likely it is the same unit as the one powering the latest bunch of Lexus hybrid series. The SUV is due to be launched in Japanese market this winter. A gallery can be found after the jump, thanks to Response and Autoc-one.

Lexus Preparing Hot GS-F?

It seems so, at least from the uncamouflaged photos spied by a Japanese car magazine. Nothing is firm although the magazine claim the super-sedan will be powered 5.0L V8 mill punching 456PS. More obvious than the hidden engine is the more aggressive outtake of GS F-Sport version bodykit, with more pronounced front bumper opening, flared front airdam with blistered front wheelarch, more aggressive side skirting and rear lower valence accompanied by quad exhaust setup arranged in similar manner to the older IS-F. The skirtings are all carbon fibre finished. Similar finishing is spotted on the side mirror rear duck-tail spoiler. The larger alloy wheel is finish in dark tone as well. Two more photos after the jump.

Honda NSX and Lexus LF-CC Lined for Japan Super GT 2014

Two contenders for Japan Super GT 2014 were lined up today at Suzuka Circuit, respectively Honda and Lexus with their NSX and LF-CC. Both will compete in GT500 class, which means according to the Japan Automobile Federation, will be powered by 2.0L in-line 4 cylinder with force induction. Honda has confirmed NSX will feature hybrid powertrain system while there is no news yet on Lexus.

Lexus LF-CC will take the baton from the long-serving SC430, which gave Lexus 2 titles in 2006 and 2009.

Several more photos of Honda NSX Concept GT can be found after the jump.

Lexus ES Coming To Malaysian Shore

Lexus ES is coming for the first time to Malaysian market, making the Lexus product portfolio more complete than ever in our country. Combined with the expansion of sales centre, Lexus is set to increase its presence in Malaysia. Those not in the know, Lexus ES is the front-drive model within the line-up, targeting different kind of buyer from the usual rear wheel driven Lexus. Based on Toyota Avalon platform, the version coming to Malaysia is ES250 and ES300h. Typical in Lexus Malaysia fashion, the pure gasoline version will be differentiated by Standard and Luxury.

Lexus ES250 is 4,895mm long, 1,820mm wide and 1,450mm tall. It sits on a 2,820mm wheelbase, which is similar to Toyota Avalon which it is based on. From the source, the Malaysian version will be powered by Dual VVT-i 2.5L 4-banger churning out 181bhp@6,000rpm and 235Nm@4,100rpm, driving the front wheel via 6 speed automatic transmission. The engine spec is uncannily similar to our 2.5L top-range Camry. The other version is ES300h, powered by Atkinson-cycled 2.5L mill hooked up to electric motor, giving a combined output of 202bhp.

How will Lexus position the ES250 model? In US, for a comparable 3.5L engine, Lexus ES350 is priced lower than IS350, as it occupies the lower rung of Lexus product and previously has a very close resemblance with the donor Toyota vehicle. Will we see it priced just slightly more than the premium CT200h? We can't get the un-taxed price for the hybrid though as the engine displaced more than 2.0L.

Revised Lexus LS launched in Malaysia - 4 variants, priced from RM788,000

Lexus Malaysia has launched the revised range of its flagship model, the LS to our market. Comes in four variant, the LS now starts from RM788,000 for the LS460, rises to RM818,000 for LS460 F Sport, RM878,000 for LS460 Long Wheelbase and topped by LS600hL priced at RM1,068,000. 

As covered in our launch review, the 2013 LS comes with a renewed front end , sporting the now famous spindle grille treatment.  Its mammoth, running all the way from the hood edge down to the air dam level. The crisp front fascia is joined by similarly sharply dressed headlight, which looks uncannily like the one on the new GS. While the side profile is recognisably belong to the 4th generation LS, the rear end has been thoroughly tweaked. The trunk lid, lighting, garnish and bumper are all revised, with the chromed interlink between the more elaborate rear light bring on a harmonious look unfound on the previous LS. The character line that runs from the bumper, upwards into the rear light, narrowing before joining the trailing edge of the trunk lid has given a new found assertiveness as far as design impact is concerned.

The interior too has been suitably updated to bring it in line with the new line-up of Lexus.  It gets a twin cowled top fascia which extend towards the middle of the car and house a gigantic 12.3" screen that housed the entertaintment and navigation system, complete with split screen hi-res functionality. The dashboard also gained a metal section that housed the classy analog clock, again similar in trend with the new GS and ES model.

Mechanically, these car are unchanged fundamentally, although the 4.6L V8 has been given a boost of power and torque, totally 386bhp and 497Nm. Drive is channelled via the 8 speed automatic gearbox, to the option of either RWD or AWD for the gasoline version. Performance can be described as scintillating, with century sprint can be completed in 5.4s while the top speed is limited to bizarre 210km/h only. The hybrid LS600hL continues to be powered by 5.0L V8 hooked to a pair of electric motor, making it an AWD only.

More photos of the revised Lexus LS can be found after the jump.

Lexus injects healthy dose of style into the 2013 flagship LS

The 6 year old Lexus LS-series has been given a serious dose of style injection to keep it afresh. The changes are so significant and altered the outlook too dramatically to be called a mere facelift. Although typically the life cycle of the LS series is around 6 years, Lexus has chosen to update the model in its sixth years of service, leaving us wondering if Lexus is indeed planning to extend its life a little further, judging by the sheer effort in restyling it.

For one, the exterior outlook has been brought aligned with the rest of the Lexus line-up. The sombre front fascia of the outgoing car has been dazzled by the huge spindle grille. Its mammoth, running all the way from the hood edge down to the air dam level. The crisp front fascia is joined by similarly sharply dressed headlight, which looks uncannily like the one on the new GS.

While the side profile is recognisably belong to the 4th generation LS, the rear end has been thoroughly tweaked. The trunk lid, lighting, garnish and bumper are all revised, with the chromed interlink between the more elaborate rear light bring on a harmonious look unfound on the previous LS. The character line that runs from the bumper, upwards into the rear light, narrowing before joining the trailing edge of the trunk lid has given a new found assertiveness as far as design impact is concerned.

Continuing the trend set by the new GS and updated RX, Lexus is also offering a sportier F Sport model. Similar in modus operandi to the Bimmer's M Sport model, the exterior outlook has been given an uptight of muscle contraction, firming up the look significantly. For the LS 460 F Sport, the front bumper is chunkier, with more pronounced curved and flared, especially around the lower air intake and fog lamp housing. The barely friendly face of the "normal" LS has been swapped for more angrier look, frumpy even.

The rear end tweaks are minimal. It is limited to the different lower valence design that features a few vertical strakes in place of the smooth item on standard LS car. The 10mm lower suspension and 19" alloy wheel complete the F Sport exterior makeover. The chassis has been tightened for the F Sport, featuring a stiffer shocks, Torsen LSD for the RWD and Brembo 6 pot caliper at the front.

If you want to find a reason why this 2013 LS is by no means a mere facelift, you just have to look at the interior. There's never been a facelift that gives the car a whole new dashboard! For the 2013 LS, Lexus has thrown the outgoing soulless dashboard to the bin, and in comes a more modern looking item. It gets a twin cowled top fascia which extend towards the middle of the car and house a gigantic 12.3" screen that housed the entertaintment and navigation system, complete with split screen hi-res functionality. The dashboard also gained a metal section that housed the classy analog clock, again similar in trend with the new GS and ES model.

The door trim has been updated too, although the basic moulded section remains the same. Lexus has replaced the wood insert with a more elaborate multi-section component, in-line with the look on the new Lexus GS. All in all, once seated in, you won't be recalling a 2007 Lexus LS anymore. The F Sport treatment meanwhile covers the trimmings and color scheme.

The updated LS series comes in four variant: LS460, LS460L, LS460 F Sport and LS600hL. Mechanically, these car are unchanged fundamentally, although the 4.6L V8 has been given a boost of power and torque, totally 386bhp and 497Nm. Drive is channelled via the 8 speed automatic gearbox, to the option of either RWD or AWD for the gasoline version. Performance can be described as scintillating, with century sprint can be completed in 5.4s while the top speed is limited to bizarre 210km/h only. The hybrid LS600hL continues to be powered by 5.0L V8 hooked to a pair of electric motor, making it an AWD only.

Full gallery of the 2013 Lexus LS can be found after the jump.

Lexus rehashed LS460 for 2013

The 6-year-old Lexus LS will be refreshed for 2013 with a host of styling updates and introduction of F Sport version to the flagship model. While the official introduction has been set on 30th July, but some photos has made an early appearance on the net on the Chinese website. While it was previously thought that we are going to see an all-new model as the current LS is an ageing model already, but the recent capture show that the profile remains familiar.

What's new then. Well the now customary spindle grille make an appearance here, albeit in its largest disguise. The bumper also sports a much aggressive frontal presence with larger air opening, signalling that this is the F Sport version. At the back, the rear light has been redesign and it sports new silhouette.

More details sets to come on July 30th.

Source:xcar

Facelifted Lexus RX launched in Malaysia

Swift. Not the Suzuki supermini, but more of describing how active Lexus Malaysia in bringing the updated Lexus RX series to Malaysian market, merely two month after its global debut in Geneva Motorshow. Not only that, Lexus is also offering a full house of RX variant, from the entry level RX270 all the way to the environmentalist RX450h.

The updated Lexus RX featured the spindle-themed front grille, consistent with the rest of its contemporary siblings. The popular Lexus SUV also received a new headlight inner graphic including the LED DRL that run along the bottom edge of the headlight, a totally re-profiled bumper and a new rear combi internals. Elsewhere inside the cabin, Lexus has also updated the steering wheel design, centre console box, second-generation Remote Touch Controller and 8" Electro Multi Vision Screen featuring GPS navigation. Both RX350 and RX350 F Sport gets a deeper front bumper, while the entry-level RX270 gets a more simpler arrangement with split-level lower intake.

Lexus Malaysia also brings in the F Sport version, offered on the RX350 version. This RM409,800 version is equipped with meshed upper grille, darkened 19" alloy wheel, F Sport suspension and some external badging. On the inside, the sporting intention is signalled by the alloy pedals, aluminium trim, F Sport perforated seats upholstery and the paddle shifter made an appearance.

Mechanically, all version of of Lexus RX is as per before. To recap, Lexus RX270 is powered by 1AR-FE 2,672cc in-line 4 lump with Dual VVTi valvetrain kicking 185bhp@5,800rpm and 252Nm@4,200rpm. Lexus RX270 is a front-driver only, channelled via a 6 speed automatic gearbox. It has 200 km/h of top speed, whereby the century sprint is achieved in leisurely 11s. Next up in the range is RX350 powered by 2GR-FE V6 engine with 3,456cc of displacement. This powertrain unit produced 274bhp@6,200rpm and 346Nm@4,700rpm where the drive is channelled via also the 6 speeder self-shifter, but directed toward the all four wheels. This version is a lot faster to 100km/h, achieved in 8s. Top speed is however similar to the lower powered version. Similar powertrain is powering the F Sport version. The top-line RX450h is powered by 2GR-FXE 3.5L V6 running on Atkinson cycle kicking out a reduced 245bhp@6,000rpm and 317Nm@4,800rpm. However, the gasoline engine is augmented by the 123kW electric motor at the front and 50kW motor at the rear axle, producing a total 295bhp on hybrid propulsion power. This green version topped 200km/h while century sprint is fastest among all variant at 7.8s.

In Malaysia, Lexus RX is the most popular Lexus model besides the tax-buster Lexus CT200h. The lack of equivalent Toyota version probably helps as there are no more alternative to rebadged a used Toyota Harrier running on new registration plate with the Lexus emblem. Lexus RX270 goes for RM359,800, RX350 for RM399,800, RX350 F Sport RM409,800 and RX450h at RM525,000.

Small gallery of the facelifted Lexus RX Series can be found after the jump.

Lexus GS launched in Malaysia - two engines, three trims, from RM366,200

Lexus Malaysia has launched the new GS Series to Malaysia market today. For Malaysian market, we are getting the full range of gasoline engine namely the 2.5L V6 D-4S engine in GS250 and the 3.5L V6 in GS350. The "entry level" is available in Standard Trim, as well as in Luxury and F Sport guise. The last two trims are also available for GS350, giving five variants of Lexus GS in total for our market.

Typical to Lexus standard, equipment level is pretty high, even for an entry level variant. The GS250 Standard comes with Bi-Xenon headlamps with auto levelling and washer, LED DRL, rain sensor, all leather interior with choices of 3 shades (no walnut panelling), 8" display screen that controls the audio systems with 12 speakers and with GPS, dual zone aircond, 10-way electrically adjustment for front seats (with memory for driver) and "only" 17" wheel wrapped in 225/50R17 tyres. This version goes for RM366,200.

Opting for Luxury and F Sport will gives the GS250 an adaptive headlights, 18" alloy with 235/45 R18 tyres, wooden interior trim option, larger 12.3" screen in the console controlling 17 speakers Mark Levinson audio system, 3-zone climate control and upgraded front seats with 18-way electrical adjustment with memory functions for both front seats. The GS350 Luxury is similarly equipped too. GS250 Luxury goes for RM398,660 while the GS350 Luxury is pitched at RM456,800.

Going for F Sport range will gives you a sport-treated bumper design, skirting and lip spoiler. The alloy wheel is different in design too. The F Sports version gets an uprated braking systems with larger disc brake at the front and the suspension is recalibrated too. The GS350 F Sport also gets Dynamics Rear Steering for an added agility. For the interior, the seats are trimmed in F Sport leather and the front ones are the sport seat that offers 16 way of adjustment for the driver. The F Sport versions are priced at RM400,600 for the GS250 F Sport and RM464,800 for the top range GS350 F Sport. More detail after the jump.

2013 Lexus ES250 spied uncovered

If you have never head about the ES-series from Lexus, I don't blame you as it was never been introduced to our market. There are however some examples running on our KL-road, perhaps a grey importer unit for this mid-sized Lexus sedan. For the uninformed, Lexus ES is a front-driver, with much of its running gear taken from Toyota Camry. Perhaps this humble origin makes it unpopular for Malaysia's introduction, as it is too close to Toyota Camry. Anyway, the new 2013 model has recently been spied, and despite its Camry underpinnings, the ES now features a pure Lexus touch, especially the spindled grille and the exotic-oriental cabin.

The front, side and rear profile suggest the latest Lexus design language, with prominent spindle grille, swept-back headlights with LED DRL, sleek side profile and a stretched rear lights. The window line features an up-kink at the C-pillar too like the rest of Lexus sedan.

However, it is the interior that takes the biggest stride. Gone is the Toyota-look alike and in comes a pure Lexus touch. It includes the analog clock, layered fascia design, metal-look for the centre console. It bears some simple resemblance to the newer Lexus GS-series interior. Some the Camry-based interior has been shed for good perhaps!

In the past, Lexus ES is offered in 2.4L and 3.5L engine option, exactly mirroring the Camry drivetrain. The dimension is as per Camry too, where both of outgoing Camry and ES shares a 2,776mm wheelbase. So expect this model to follow the same trend too. More photos after the jump, and some photo of the current Lexus ES is included after the jump for the uninformed. 

2013 Lexus RX gains spindle grille & F Sport version

Lexus will updated the its luxury SUV, depicted by the leak brochure here whereby the RX range with the new corporate spindle grille, as well as adding an F Sport version for a sportier ride, handling-wise as well as aesthetic-wise. At the front, the facelifted RX features a spindle grille outline - consistent with the rest of newer Lexus range, an LED DRL in the headlamps and also sporting a new design front bumper.

The changes at the back are more subtle, with the rear bumper retained its service for the second half of the RX life cycle. Meanwhile, the rear light graphic has been updated with more red elements in the lens.It can be seen in the leaked scanned brochure below.

Lexus will also update the interior of the RX, which is one of the first Lexus model to break free from the Toyota corporate parts bin with its distinctive Instrument Panel layout and design. Apart from the new color scheme for the cabin, Lexus also will be offering for the first time a rear seat entertainment systems. 

Not unlike the recently introduced GS model, the RX model also will be offered with the F Sport version. In the same mould as the BMW's M Sport in-house tuning, the F Sport will be offered with a host of chassis and styling tweaks to enhance its sport appeal. This option is offered on RX350 and RX450h, where the entry-level RX270 is left out for the moment. Buying an F Sport trim will give buyers a honeycomb mesh inserts in the front bumper, tinted lighting, all around skirting, larger alloys and an interior enhancement including sports seat, steering wheel and alloy pedal. The interior color also is very likely to be a sport-tuned dark environment for some serious dose of adrenalin.

The official debut of the facelifted RX is expected to happen soon. One more photo after the jump.

Lexus launched the entry level GS250, GS-F to be LFA powered?

Lexus launched the smallest version yet of its mid-sized sedan , the GS250 at Guangzhou Motorshow. Powered by the 2.5l V6 D-4S engine producing 206bhp@6400 rpm and 253Nm@4800 of power and torque figures respectively, sufficient to push the 4,850mm long sedan to century sprint of respectable  8.6 seconds and 230km/h of top speed. The V6 engine is hooked to 6 speed Super ECT-i automatic transmission. Combined fuel consumption is 11.2km/l.

The smaller engine capacity should increase the appeal of the GS series in engine-size sensitive market, such as in UK and also Asian country. BMW and Mercedes also offered the small engine, even in 2.0l guise in their E-Class and 5-Series at some point. This should cater the lower end of the mid-size luxury sedan market, where the previous GS never dipped below 3.0l engine.

However, according to Lexus, there is no plan to equip the GS with four-cylinder diesel to given BMW 520d a run for its money. The hybrid model is already there to cater the market segment which otherwise will opt for a diesel.

In the meantime, there is also a rumours of M5-rivalling version of Lexus GS. There is a possibility of the hot GS-F to be powered by a version of Lexus LFA V10 engine, reduced in capacity to 4.6l and targeted to produce around 450bhp. Lexus is really upping their ante this time around, with comprehensive segment coverage of their model in the territory that is firmly occupied by the German. Interior photos after the jump.

2013 Lexus GS F-Sport unveiled ahead of SEMA

Lexus will unveiled the F-Sport version of its new GS series at SEMA show in Las Vegas on November 1st. The F-Sport version of Lexus is akin to Bimmer's M-Sport, which offer a host of aesthetic enhancement as well as an improved handling for keener driver.

The GS F-Sport gets new sport front bumper and rear lower valence, rear lip spoiler, unique    F-SPORT mesh grille inserts and F-SPORT badging for external aesthetic enhancement. The signature spindle grille with its trapezoidal contours fully integrates into the deeply sculpted front bumper allowing for efficient airflow. Enlarged air inlets located on the outer edges of the lower grille serve as cooling ducts as well as lending extra dose of aggressiveness. 

From the side, the GS F-Sport projects the image of a sport sedan with a road-hugging wider stance. The tapered lower rocker panel and the short front overhang give the vehicle a sense of motion. Aggressive character line running along the sills blend perfectly with the visibly ready to pounced-like front bumper and kicked-up rear skirting.

The rear bumper features a distinctive exhaust diffuser and centered aero fins to help control underbody airflow. Combined with the L-shaped LED tail lamps, a Lexus design cue, these rear bumper features lend a high-performance appearance. Lip spoiler is featured too at the trailing edge of the trunk lid.

The GS F-Sport exterior looks are completed with 19-inch alloy wheels shod in 235/40 R19 front and 265/35 R19 rear tires. However,the all-wheel drive models will be paired with similarly sized front and rear tyres in 235/40 R19 size. More details and photo after the jump.

Lexus GS350 - technical data

Vital statistics:

• Dimension: 4850mm x 1840mm x 1455mm (length x width x height)
• Wheelbase: 2850mm
• Weight: 1686kg
• Range: GS250, GS350 and GS450h
• Drive: RWD & AWD for GS350
• Main engine: 3.5l V6 Direct Injection, 306PS@6400rpm & 375Nm@4800rpm
• Transmission : 6 speed automatic
• 0-100km/h: 5.7 seconds for GS350
• Tyre size:
  Standard: 225/50 R17
  Optional: 235/45 R18
  Optional: 235/40 R19

The exterior design is distinctive, but unmistakably Japanese. Perhaps Lexus has decided that they will stay true to their heritage rather than trying to mimic the European bland, taut and sometimes simplified design. The side profile has an element of IS and LS model, the front adopt the concept pioneered by CT200h while the rear is a clear progression of RX series and CT model, with some Mark X touch to it. 

Lexus GS officially launched

The new Lexus GS series has been officially launched in Peeble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The car, previously preview my LF-Gh concept, adopt the latest of Lexus design language, first prominently seen on CT200h model.

Dimension-wise, the car remains similar to old model. However, front and rear track has been increased by 40mm and 50mm respectively to improve road holding. At the front, lighter upper and lower control arm employed larger bushing, while the rear get an all-new multi-link suspension. Combined with more rigid bodyshell, Lexus aimed to improve handling and the car refinement.

At the moment, 3 models are available. GS250 is confirmed for UK market, while GS350 and GS450h are available too.F-Sport version will be made available too. But GS-F remains a possibility, with no confirmation yet from Lexus.

The car features sharp creases grill edge, called hourglass shaped as of CT200h, bit more prominently styled with more distinctive chroming placement. The car also lost the dual headlamp setup pioneered by second generation GS model. In a way, the car is a spiritual successor to the original first generation car.

Lexus GS 2012 - leaked photos

The new Lexus GS series has been caught totally uncovered (saved for the Lexus badge), according to publication in China. The car is quite aggressive looking, with some element from smaller CT series. The model caught here is GS350 AWD.Judge it yourself!

More photos after the jump.