Wikicars - User contributions [en]

Wahei Hirai

2010-04-28T08:20:13Z

CelsiorFan: update

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[[Image:Hirai-toyota.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Wahei Hirai]]
'''Wahei Hirai''' is an industrial designer who is best known as the Chief of Design and Managing Officer of [[Toyota]] and [[Lexus]], which he served from 2004 until he semi-retired in 2009. His most recent work was the Lexus' [[Lexus LF-A Concept|LF-A Concept]] and the [[Toyota iQ Concept]].

[[Category:car designers|Hirai, Wahei]]

File:2009 Lexus IS250C.jpg

2010-02-11T23:09:13Z

CelsiorFan:

[[Category: Lexus images]]

File:Lexus IS C F-Sport.jpg

2010-02-11T22:57:44Z

CelsiorFan:

File:2009 Lexus IS250C.jpg

2010-02-11T22:57:32Z

CelsiorFan:

File:Lexus IS 250 F-Sport.jpg

2010-02-11T22:57:01Z

CelsiorFan:

Lexus

2009-07-21T04:22:26Z

CelsiorFan: 2008

{{List Of Lexus Models}}
'''[[Lexus|Lexus]]''' is the luxury automobile division of [[Toyota|Toyota Motor Corporation]]. The Lexus brand name represents a premium line of luxury vehicles, first begun in 1989 with the debut of the LS 400 flagship sedan and the ES 250 executive sedan. Lexus cars and SUVs are sold in North America, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Latin America, Asia and Oceania; in the United States, Lexus is the top selling brand of luxury cars. Until 2005, Lexus vehicles were sold under the [[Toyota]] marque in Japan until its introduction there that year.

The Lexus line of luxury vehicles was started in 1989 to compete with other luxury makes, including German firms Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi; Cadillac and Lincoln in the U.S., and Honda's Acura division. Before the first Lexus sedan premiered at the 1989 Detroit Motor Show, Toyota engineers spent five years in secret development, costing billions of dollars and involving over 150 prototypes built for a testing process unprecedented in Toyota's 50-year history. The crowning result was the LS 400 flagship sedan, a vehicle which was more aerodynamic, more quiet, and more efficient than its rivals. To the customers that bought them, the LS 400 was regarded as a better value than its higher-priced competition,<ref>[http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=115368 Lexus LS Generations]</ref> and within two years Lexus had become the top-selling luxury import in the U.S.

Since its successful introduction, Lexus has developed a reputation for quality and customer service. In the U.S. the brand continually ranks at the top of owner satisfaction and reliability surveys. Today, over 16 years since the company's debut, many LS 400 sedans continue operating capably for their owners, a testament to the engineering expertise that went into the Lexus flagship model. In recent years, Lexus' sales have been propelled by a successive series of popular designs. In 2006, the Lexus line had three of the top 10 best-selling luxury vehicles in the U.S.—the RX, ES, and IS—more than any other luxury make.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/vehicles/2006/12/15/best-selling-luxury-forbeslife-cx_dl_1218bestsellingluxurycars.html Best-Selling Luxury Cars 2006]</ref>

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] History==
The Lexus saga began in 1983, when Toyota began the F1/Circle-F project, a secret initiative to develop the "world's best luxury car." This project was inspired by the success of the [[Toyota Supra]] sports car and the luxury Toyota Cressida models. Both the Supra and Cressida were [[rear-wheel drive]] cars with a powerful ''7M-GE/7M-GTE'' engine. For their new flagship vehicle, however, U.S. Toyota executives convinced the Japanese Toyota board that a separate brand and dealership network was needed to support a top-flight luxury vehicle in the world's largest automotive market, the United States. Additionally, such a network would require not just one model, but several, the executives suggested. After much debate, Toyota's Japanese leadership agreed to launch a separate luxury division. Initially, some Japanese Toyota executives were affronted with the prospect of their most prized design getting a separate badge, but ultimately they agreed that a separate title would confer a more lofty status.

===The Lexus division===

[[Image:Lexus l logo.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''"The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection"'' debuted in 1989.]]An image consulting firm presented a list of 219 names, from which Vectre, Verone, Chaparel, Calibre and Alexis were top candidates. While Alexis quickly became the front runner (possibly due to the association with the Alexis Carrington character on the popular 1980s primetime drama ''Dynasty'') and later morphed to Lexus, the name has been attributed to the combination of the words "luxury" and "elegance." According to [[Toyota]], however, the name had no meaning and was just meant to be pleasing and easy to remember. Just prior to the release of the first vehicles, the database service LexisNexis obtained a temporary injunction forbidding the name Lexus from being used as they stated it might cause confusion. Upon reflection, the court lifted the injunction, deciding that there was a low likelihood of confusion between the two products. Another theory has surfaced, claiming that the Lexus name was given to the project by Toyota in the mid-80s, as an acronym for Luxury EXport United States. with the acronym "LEUS" with the "x" from "luxury" added to form "Lexus". Hunter Communications and Molly Designs created the "L" logo that became the symbol of the Lexus line.

The Lexus slogan, developed after U.S. personnel visited Lexus designers in Japan and noted their obsessive attention to detail, became "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection."

===Launch of Lexus===

[[Image:LS 400 1989.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The first LS 400 flagship challenged the best luxury vehicles in the world.]]The first Lexus-badged models, the V-8 powered [[Lexus LS |LS 400]] and the smaller, [[Toyota Camry]]-based ES 250, appeared in 1989. The LS 400 flagship captured most of the attention; it had a unique design, sharing no major elements with previous Toyota vehicles, with a new 4.0 L [[V8]] engine. It was widely praised for its silence, well-appointed interior, fine engine performance, outstanding build quality, and value. (In some markets, it was priced against mid-sized [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]] models, while offering size, performance, and quality comparable to their full-size cars). It was generally regarded as a major shock to the European marques, but was criticized by automobile columnists for anonymous styling and a suspension regarded as too compromising of handling for ride comfort. Nonetheless, the LS 400 won several major motoring awards when released, including Wheels magazine's Car of the Year and Best Imported Car of the Year by the Motoring Press Association.

The Lexus marque was fully launched in the United States in late 1989. Lexus launched later in Great Britain, Canada and Australia, in 1990. In some countries, like Malaysia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK, where there is a market in grey imports of Japanese cars, some equivalent Toyota models were retro-fitted with Lexus badges, although they still differ slightly from officially imported Lexus models, especially in specification and equipment levels. Lexus launched later in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and other European countries.

===Global expansion===

Today, Lexus has become the fourth-largest luxury make in the world, by volume. Lexus directly competes with such luxury brands as the Europe's [[Audi]], [[BMW]], [[Jaguar]], [[Mercedes-Benz]], [[Porsche]], and [[Volvo]], the American [[Cadillac]] and [[Lincoln]], and Japanese brands [[Acura]] and [[Infiniti]]. In the U.S., Lexus' success can be attributed in large part to its excellent reputation for reliability and customer service; the luxury line consistently ranks at the top of J.D. Power and Consumer Reports surveys; similarly, Lexus vehicles rank at the top of Auto Express and Top Gear automotive surveys in Europe.

[[Image:Lexus JD Power.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Lexus has received numerous JD Power awards.]]The Lexus marque was finally introduced to the Japanese market on July 26, 2005. The compact IS 250/IS 350, convertible SC 430, and midsize GS 350/GS 430 will all be available in Japan in the 2006 model year. By January 2007, nearly all of the 160+ Lexus dealerships in Japan had become profitable.<ref>[http://wardsdealer.com/latest/lexus_progressing_japan/ Lexus Slowly Progressing in Japan]</ref> Still, in a country where Accords and Camrys are considered quite luxurious, and where its existing lineup already has 45% market share, Toyota has a long way to go to expand Lexus to match the success of BMW and Mercedes Benz in the luxury segment. Fortunately, the lowest cost and most efficient automaker in the world has the biggest war chest and can afford to grow Lexus incrementally. In late 2006-2007, the Lexus lineup in Japan gained a significant boost with record-setting orders for its new LS 460 flagship sedan, which debuted in September.
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==L-Finesse==
[[Image:LF-S.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The LF-S concept.]]As part of its expanded global launch and bid for luxury market leadership, Lexus' new offerings, released between 2004 and 2007 all carry its new, distinctive design language - dubbed L-Finesse. Lexus is finally taking visuals and aesthetics seriously, after years of being dismissed as being a producer of bland and lacklustre designs. Following in the footsteps of BMW's Bangle inspired design (but avoiding much of the controversy), The L-Finesse design language is the product of an increasingly competetive auto market, where only the most outstanding and flamboyant vehicles attract consumer attention. Lexus' new crop of concept vehicles, which include the LF-X, LF-S, LF-C, LF-A and LF-Sh, all feature L-Finesse design cues. These vehicles can all be viewed at Lexus' official concept website, [http://www.lexus.com/fcv/ [Lexus Concept Vehicles]]. The first production vehicle to feature the L-Finesse design treatment was the 3rd generation GS sedan, inroduced for 2006. This was followed a few months later by the redesigned second-generation IS, and then the new LS and ES sedans. The Lexus SUV lineup may be next in line for the L-Finesse designers. On the sedans, the L-Finesse "look" is sleek, with character lines emanating from hood to trunk; a "waterfall" effect features from the A pillars forward, and the rear cabin has a pulled-back look, often with slingshot side windows. A unifying characteristic across the entire L-Finesse sedan lineup is a trapezoid grille that is positioned slightly lower than the level of the headlamps, unlike most other car designs from other marques. Elements of the L-Finesse designs feature styling cues derived from Japanese characters.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Vehicles==
Over the years, Lexus has developed a strong and complete portfolio of vehicles that covers a significant spread of the luxury market. Today, its lineup includes four sedans - IS (an entry level sports compact), the ES (an midsize luxury sedan), the GS (a sports-luxury sedan) and the LS (flagship luxury sedan). one roadster (the SC 430), and the porfolio also sports three SUVs - the RX (a crossover compact), the GX (a midsize luxury) and the LX (full size flagship).

===Lexus Cars===
[[Image:Isexterior2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Lexus IS 350.]]The [[Lexus IS|Lexus '''IS''']] was introduced in 1998 as Lexus' answer to the BMW 3-series in the U.S. and European markets. In Japan, the first generation IS was sold as the Toyota Altezza. Although a serious automobile, experts never considered it to be a true threat to the BMW's superior benchmark. That all changed with the introduction of the second generation, 2006 model year IS - a vehicle considered to be on par with the BMW's standings. Now offered with a choice of 2.5 or 3.5 liter mills, the IS delivers serious grunt with the refinement and precision matched only by Lexus. The newest IS was introduced in Japan as part of Lexus' debut in its home country. A high-performance V8 version, the [[Lexus IS-F|IS-F]], was launched in 2008.
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[[Image:Esred.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Lexus ES 350.]]Lexus' entry level midsize luxury sedan, the [[Lexus ES|'''ES''']], is vaguely based on Toyota's bread-and-butter [[Toyota Camry|Camry]] sedan platform, with a separately designed body style, interior, and technological features. Instead of the Camry's four and six banger engines, however, comes the stately 3.5 liter. This V6 hustles the saloon with speed - although the ES is marketed more as an elegant, luxury sedan than a sports tourer. Previous versions of the [[Lexus ES|Lexus ES]] were direct counterparts of the Toyota Windom, which was sold in Japan. While most of Lexus' offerings are aimed squarely at the German car buyer, the ES does not have a German car counterpart, and is instead sold as a luxury sedan for those wishing a comfortable, front-wheel drive luxury vehicle without ample sporty ambitions.
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[[Image:GS 3rd gen.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Lexus GS sedan.]]The [[Lexus GS|'''GS''']] sports sedan has its sights aimed squarely at Germany's midsize sports sedan offerings. Armed with a choice of three engines - the base 3.5, a potent 4.6 and an incredible [[Lexus GS 450h|4.5 Hybrid]] - the 2007 Lexus GS enters battle armed every bit like the German sedans it tries to embody. Unlike the Toyota Hybrid variants, which improve fuel mileage at the cost performance, the hybrid version of the GS, the GS 450h, is aimed at further boosting performance, without loosing fuel economy. With its hybrid powertrain producing around 340 HP, the GS 450h is the fastest Lexus hybrid ever built--surpassing the conventional gasoline powered Lexus IS 350.
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[[Image:LS 460 Platinum.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Lexus LS 460 flagship.]]Lexus' spanking new flagship [[Lexus LS|'''LS''']] luxury cruiser is available for the 2007 model year. This vehicle offers a 4.6 liter powerplant, bringing a whopping 380 HP and 370 pound-feet of torque to the table. Power is transferred to the wheels through a groundbreaking 8 speed gearbox - a first of its kind. An extra few grand buys you the 'L' badge - Lexus' crack at the extended wheelbase sedans of Germany. And if even that is not enough, buyers have the choice to opt for the LS 600h L, the first hybrid V8 ever. Lexus claims that its flagship Hybrid will have the performance and luxury to compete with Germany's V12 sedans, while offering the relative frugality of a V8.
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[[Image:Sc se main img 1a.jpg|thumb|left|225px|Lexus SC convertible.]]Lexus' only sports tourer, the [[Lexus SC|'''SC''']], is a convertible hardtop. While not much of a sports vehicle, the SC 430, previously known as the Toyota Soarer in Japan (until 2006, when it was replaced by the SC 430), is certainly an elegant convertible cruiser. While the Soarer offered a twin-turbo in its home nation, only the standard induction 4.3 is offered with the SC 430. With a body design inspired by the French Riviera, the SC 430 is a stylish statement from Lexus. Until the arrival of the 2007 LS 460/LS 460 L, the SC 430 was the most expensive car in the Lexus lineup.
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===Lexus SUVs===
[[Image:Lexus Luxury Utility Vehicles.jpg|thumb|right|270px|The Lexus Luxury Utility Vehicle lineup, left to right, 2006 LX/RX/GX.]]So you want to enjoy the comfort and space afforded by an SUV but don't want to empty your wallet with $3/gallon fillups? Enter the crossover-ute. Lexus ups the ante in the soft roader class by introducing the new and improved [[Lexus RX|'''RX''']]. Based on the Camry platform, the RX can be had with a 3.5 liter internal combustion engine, or a hybrid - dubbed the [[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]]. The RX is considered one of the first crossover SUVs, and the first one built for the luxury market. It has spawned dozens of competitors, but none approach the success of the RX--Lexus' top-selling model and the best-selling luxury vehicle in America in 2004 and 2005.

Customers shopping for a standard, body-on-frame SUV can also stop by to check out the new [[Lexus GX 470|'''GX''']], known elsewhere as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Available as a five or seven seater, this midsize SUV is Lexus' answer to America's burgoening SUV market. Notable for its extensive 4x4 capabilities, the GX 470/Prado is operated and raced by Toyota and other 4x4 teams the world over.

Lexus' final entree in its portfolio is the [[Lexus LX|'''LX''']]. Based closely on Toyota's [[Toyota Land Cruiser|Land Cruiser]], the LX 470 comes to the Lexus dealership donning a new badge, reworked interiors and a greater level of sophistication. The LX 470 will be succeeded by the all-new LX 570, which premieres at the New York International Auto Show in April 2007.

==In the Pipeline==
[[Image:2007 Lexus LF-A.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Lexus LF-A concept supercar.]]
The 2007 model year marks the finish of Lexus' current batch of launches, with the arrival of the highly anticipated LS. However, possibly two brand new models and other variants loom on the horizon (such as a possible coupe/convertible version of the IS, and successor models to the RX and SC model lines).

The first all-new model is the Lexus JX, Lexus' foray into the full size SUV market. Based on the upcoming [[Toyota Sequoia]]/[[Toyota Tundra|Tundra]] platform, the JX will go head to head with similar offerings from [[Lincoln]] and [[Cadillac]]. Unconfirmed rumors have it that the JX will come to the US not with the standard 4.7 liter mill, but with a more potent 5.4 liter mill.

Finally, Lexus' display of its [[Lexus LF-A|LF-A]] concept at the Detroit Auto Show hints at a production version of its sports coupe. Lexus' bias towards fuel economy, soft suspension settings and silent engines had meant that experts rarely took Lexus' attempts at sportiness seriously. The LF-A is all about changing those perceptions. Lexus has recently announced that the LF-A will walk into dealerships wearing a V-10 rated at over 500 bhp in a sub-5 liter engine. A vehicle that reportedly will push the 200 mph barrier clearly shows that Lexus is taking 'sport' seriously. The LF-A may come to market as the Lexus GT 450.

In January 2007, Lexus announced a new performance division, Lexus "F", which would produce racing-inspired versions of its luxury performance vehicles. The first F-marque vehicle, the IS-F, made its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, accompanied by an exotic F-marque supercar concept, the LF-A F. The Lexus F-marque vehicles will rival the high-performance lineups of the leading European and American luxury marques.

==Production==
Many Lexus vehicles are manufactured in the Tahara, Japan plant, a highly sophisticated, computerized manufacturing plant, awarded the title of the best automobile manufacturing plant in the world.<ref>[http://www.jdpa.com/NeWs/relEaSes/pressrelease.asp?ID=2005069 Tahara given JD Power Platinum Award, fewest defects anywhere in the world]</ref> Lexus manufacturing techniques include methods and standards of quality control that differ from Toyota models. At the Tahara plant, separate assembly lines were developed for the manufacture of Lexus vehicles. New molds and specialized manufacturing equipment were also developed for the Lexus production process. Welding processes, body panel fit tolerances, and paint quality requirements are more stringent for Lexus models. Each production Lexus vehicle is also given an extensive visual inspection for flaws and subjected to vibration tests to ensure a smooth and quiet ride.

The North American-market RX 350 (since the 2004 model year) is produced in the city of Cambridge, in Ontario, Canada, and is the first Lexus plant located outside of Japan. Lexus vehicles are also produced at the Araco, Kanji (Iwate), Kanji (Kanto Jidosha), Katashiki, Kyushu, and Tahara plants in Japan.

==Service==
Lexus has become known for efforts to project a luxury image even with service provided after the sale. The waiting areas in the service departments are complete with such amenities as a refreshment bar, business center that is soundproofed and stocked with computers and a fax machine, and the service bay is lined with large picture windows to allow the customers to watch the repairs. Other amenities can include a children's play area, indoor putting green, and other recreational services. Recently, several Lexus dealerships have added on-site cafes and designer shops.

In 2005, Lexus came first in the Top Gear Survey, "the UK's biggest independent car satisfaction survey" with over 76,000 respondants. In 2006, Lexus ranked first for the eleventh time in J.D. Power's Customer Service Index, its annual study involving over 79,000 U.S. owners and dealership experience. In 2006, the Luxury Institute, New York, rated Lexus #1 in Customer Experience among luxury automobile brands based on its survey of over 2,100 high-income households. On the strength of its customer service standards and high product satisfaction, Lexus enjoys one of the highest customer loyalty rates in the industry.

==Motorsport==
[[Image:Team Lexus GT2 IS 350.png|thumb|right|175px|Team Lexus' IS 350 GT2 race car.]]Lexus has been participating in endurance racing, in particular the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. Since entering the series in 2004, Lexus has won over 15 Rolex Series event races. In 2005, Lexus was runners-up and in 2006 it won the championship. Although Toyota has won this prestigious race in the past it was the first time that its luxury arm emerged as the winner. In 2007, six Lexus-powered Daytona prototypes were entered in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona event at the Daytona International Speedway. Lexus was a repeat winner of the event, with a Lexus-Riley prototype driven by Scott Pruett, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Salvador Durán of Chip Ganassi Racing finishing first; Lexus-Riley prototypes also took three of the top ten spots.

Lexus is also going to participate in [[12 Hours of Sebring]] which now form a part of American Le Mans. There has been speculation of a Lexus F1 operation in the near future, in line with its expansion into the luxury car markets, and increasing competition with BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Lexus may enter for the 2007 Formula 1 season as an engine supplier to the WilliamsF1 team, using Toyota engines rebadged as Lexus, but these rumors are purely speculative.

After the release of the Lexus brand on the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) in 2005, four SC 430 coupes were entered in the SuperGT series in the GT500 class. In the first race of the 2006 series, an SC 430 took the chequered flag. In 2006, Lexus raced a hybrid vehicle for the first time, entering a GS 450h performance hybrid sedan in the Tokachi 24-hour Race in Hokkaido, Japan.

==Future of [[Lexus|Lexus]]==
Although Lexus has had phenomenal success in the US since 1991-1992 — within 3 years of its introduction in 1989 — it has been struggling outside North America, including its home country, Japan, where the Lexus brand started marketing in 2005 and is still waiting for the arrival of the LS series due later this year, and in particular Europe. Automotive analysts have pointed out that Lexus has been so successful in North America because the wide consumer base of Toyota and in particular the baby boomers wanted something more luxurious as they were becoming older and their surplus incomes were allowing them to migrate to brands such as [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]]. The huge success of Lexus was in part due to the fact that its higher levels of quality and less expensive prices enabled it to retain those migrating customers and keep them "in the family."

However, this also had negative repurcussions as Lexus gradually cemented an image of value-priced brand, which would offer similarly equipped cars at tens of thousands of dollars less than its primary competitors, [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]]. The former chief of [[BMW]], Eberhard von Kuenhiem predicted that this strategy would work to some extent in US, but not in Europe, where the words premium and luxury do not go well with value pricing. Some automotive experts believe that Lexus' failure to woo European customers and its very slow incremental increase in European arena is because of differences in perceived value. This has led some automotive thinkers to believe that unless Lexus prices its products head-to-head with the European premium brands and emphasizes its superior quality, reliability and engineering, it will not be able to succeed globally.

However, quality levels of European brands are seemingly dwindling, while Lexus continues to score highly on such reports. Also, in order to attract European buyers, diesel engines have been added to the lineup (starting with the IS 220d), and with Lexus LF concept cars making it into production, Lexus is quickly beginning to re-invent itself as a global luxury brand. Some of these new models will come with a sticker price of around $100,000, setting these models against their European rivals in terms of price.

[[Image:Lexusfront.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Lexus debuted the world's first hybrid luxury SUV, the RX 400h, in 2005.]]The addition of hybrid models (including the RX 400h and GS 450h) have also driven European sales increases in environmentally-conscious markets such as the United Kingdom. Politicians in the UK have endorsed Lexus by using Lexus GS vehicles in place of British-built Vauxhalls, Jaguars and Rovers. Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, replaced his LS 430 with a GS 450h. The London Congestion Charge excludes hybrid vehicles, adding incentive to Lexus hybrids.

In the United Kingdom, the largest European market for Lexus, the IS series accounts for the largest number of Lexus sales (the largest proportion increasing with sales of the new IS 220d), with the GS 450h and RX 400h making up the second largest proportion. Sales of the LS flagship have been small compared to the lower-end Lexus vehicles due to lesser public perception of the brand and the larger expense of the vehicle. This is combined with the higher perception of Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and Jaguar rival brands. With Lexus sales increasing in the UK due to the introduction of the IS diesel and GS/RX hybrids, Lexus has emerged as a European second-tier luxury brand that is rising fast. The second-generation IS, which emerged in 2006 as an intelligent alternative to the dominant German and British marques' compact executive cars, has become representative of Lexus' efforts in Europe.

In South Korea, with sales of the ES 350 spearheading its efforts, Lexus has been the top-selling luxury import since 2005; in Taiwan, Lexus also became the top-selling luxury import in 2005. In Australia, Lexus' sales growth has surpassed its rivals, and the line now ranks third in overall luxury import sales, with the IS model generating high demand. Total worldwide Lexus sales are expected to reach 500,000 vehicles by 2007.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Trivia==
* In Japanese, Lexus is phonetically translated as レクサス (''rekusasu''). Coincidentally, the Polish word ''luksus'', which is pronounced very similarly to Lexus, means luxury in the Polish language.
* Lexus substituted "passionate" for "relentless" in their U.S. brand slogan in 2000; the worldwide motto was adopted in its current form by fall 2005.
* The distinctive voice in Lexus commercials is James Sloyan, who has been doing voiceover work for the brand since 1989 until 2008.
*In the United States, Lexus Financial Savings Bank, in conjunction with US Bank, has launched a Lexus Pursuits Visa Card.
*The ES series is roughly based on the US [[Toyota Camry]].
*The IS (Toyota Altezza in Japan) series is roughly based on the Toyota Cressida luxury sedan, which was discontinued in 1992 in the US partially because of dropping sales due to the launch and success of the Lexus brand.
*After being discontinued in 1992, the X chassis code for Cressidas was still in use in Japan under the Mark II, Chaser, and Cresta names until the early 2000s.
* The Lexus Centre, a sports, meeting, and entertainment facility in Melbourne, Australia, was first constructed for the 1956 Summer Olympics.

==Popular culture==
*Lexus was requested by Steven Spielberg, an ardent fan of Lexus and himself an owner of LX 470, to design a vehicle which would fit the requirements of year 2054 for his movie Minority Report. Lexus came up with an advanced vehicle which would run on fuel cells and have many advanced safety features including a crash-proof structure. (Lexus' cinematic concept car also appears in ''The Island'', though it's colored blue, not red).
* The term "the Lexus of..." has also entered the cultural lexicon as a description of a high-end product.<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BDW/is_n30_v39/ai_20992600 Full Court Press - the success of Lexus]</ref> (Dell in 2006 announced a premium lineup of computers, calling it "the Lexus of our lineup";<ref>[http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1040_22-5730030.html Dell to launch 'Lexus lineup' of PCs]</ref> "the Lexus of phones", "the Lexus of space stations"<ref>[http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h1W8dcUP9H70AmlSfDSenPteDT9gD90TD73G0 Lexus of space station labs poised for launch]</ref> have been used).
* Registration data from the U.S. Social Security Administration in 2003 revealed that Lexus had become the most popular baby name derived from a luxury brand.<ref>Kang, Stephanie. "Naming the Baby: Parents Brand Their Tot with. What’s Hot", ''The Wall Street Journal'' (2003-12-26)</ref>
* Late-night comedian [[Jay Leno]] first coined the term "Lexus-ized" for his automotive columns in ''Popular Mechanics'', an expression generally used to describe the Lexus approach to luxury motoring.<ref>[http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/jay_leno_garage/1302871.html Jay's PM Columns - June 2001]</ref>
* Despite the official pluralized form of Lexus being simply Lexus, the public has also made its own derivatives (the most popular derivative being "Lexi").<ref>[http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/1992/July/10.html Car Guys on plural of Lexus ]</ref>
* In the UK, the LS 430 flagship was introduced in the BBC spy drama ''Spooks''; Lexus models were also placed on ITV's ''Coronation Street'', the BBC's ''Judge John Deed'', and other programs.<ref name=bbc>[http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/article861142.ece Product placement: The car’s the (secret) star]</ref> Lexus GB models saw sales increases after being seen on ITV's ''Footballers' Wives''.<ref name=bbc/>
* By 2004, multiple hip-hop artists, including Jay-Z (in the song "Ain't No Nigga"), Tupac Shakur (in the song "Wonder Why They Call U Bitch"), Dead Prez (in the song "Hip Hop") and Kanye West (in "Jesus Walks") made mention of Lexus vehicles in their song.

==Notable owners==
* Celebrity owners of Lexus vehicles include Steven Spielberg, Burt Bacharach, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Harrison Ford, Holly Hunter, Nicolas Cage, Diane Keaton, Mel Gibson, Cameron Diaz, Tony Hawk, Milla Jovovich, Christie Brinkley, Calista Flockhart, Paula Abdul, Tyra Banks, Michael Bloomberg, Bill Gates and Larry David.
* S R Nathan, the current President of Singapore's preferred limousine is a white Lexus LS430. Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra owned a black LS 400.
* Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore, switched from a Mercedes to a Lexus GS300 in late 1990s/early 2000s, citing its superior reliability; in interviews Mr. Lee said he was tired of dealing with car repairs.
* Donald Tsang, the current Chief Executive of Hong Kong, uses a grey LS600hL as his official limousine.
* Dustin Hoffman, Diane Keaton, and Holly Hunter were among the earliest adopters of the marque's hybrid RX 400h.<ref>[http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/vdp/articleId=106271/pageNumber=1 2006 Lexus RX 400h Long-Term Test]</ref>
* Politicians in the UK<ref name=lexushybrid>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7291323.stm Lexus hybrid woos Sainsbury's chief]</ref> and Ireland<ref>[http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2006/0508/3608229601HM1MINISTERCARS.html Ministers await delivery of their new 'green' luxury cars]</ref> have acquired Lexus hybrids, along with government agencies.<ref>[http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006/08/lexus_gs_450h_m.html Lexus GS 450h Makes the Constabulary Fleet in UK]</ref>
* Prince Albert II of Monaco purchased an LS 600h and advocated the adoption of hybrid tax credits.<ref>[http://www.motorlegend.com/actualite-automobile/albert-ii-en-ls-600h/2036.html Le Prince Albert roule en LS 600]</ref>

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Lineup==
*[[Lexus IS|IS]] - compact [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]/[[all wheel drive|AWD]]
** (1998-2005) IS 200/IS 300
** (2006-) IS 250/IS 250 [[Four Wheel Drive|AWD]]/IS 350/IS 220d
*[[Lexus ES|ES]] - midsize [[front wheel drive|FWD]]
** (1989-1991) ES 250
** (1992-2001) ES 300
** (2002-2006) ES 300/ES 330
** (2007-) ES 350
*[[Lexus GS|GS]] - midsize [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]/[[all wheel drive|AWD]]
** (1993-1997) GS 300
** (1998-2005) GS 300/GS 400
** (2001-2005) GS 300/GS 430
** (2005-2007) GS 300/GS 300 [[Four Wheel Drive|AWD]]/GS 430
** (2007-) GS 350/GS 460/[[Lexus GS 450h|GS 450h]]
*[[Lexus LS|LS]] - full-size [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]
** (1989-1994) LS 400
** (1995-2000) LS 400
** (2001-2006) LS 430
** (2007-) LS 460/LS 460L/LS 600hL ([[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]])
*[[Lexus SC|SC]] - [[coupe]]/convertible [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]
** (1991-2001) SC 300/SC 400
** (2002-) SC 430
*[[Lexus RX|RX]] - [[crossover SUV]]
** (1998-2003) Lexus RX|RX 300
** (2004-2006) Lexus RX|RX 330
** (2007-) RX 350/[[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]] - [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]])
*[[Lexus GX 470|GX]] - midsize [[SUV]]
** (2002-) GX 470
*[[Lexus LX|LX]] - large [[SUV]]
** (1996-2007) LX 450/LX 470
*JX - large [[SUV]]
** (2007-) JX 470
*[[Lexus LF#LF-C|LF-C]] - [[concept car]]
**
*[[Lexus LF-A|LF-A]] - [[concept car]]

==Historical timeline==
* '''1983'''
** Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda challenges his company to build a luxury flagship to “challenge the world’s best.” This effort becomes known as the F1 project.
* '''1985'''
** F1 researchers visit the United States to conduct market research and focus groups on luxury buyers. The first LS 400 prototypes are built.<ref name=timeline>[http://pressroom.lexus.com/Releases/View?id=TYT2006091195844 Lexus History (timeline)]</ref>
* '''1986'''
** Testing for the new Lexus flagship begins at the autobahn in Germany.
* '''1987'''
** Final design of the LS 400 is approved.
* '''1989'''
** The LS 400 debuts at the Detroit Motor Show, and goes on sale in September of that year.
* '''1990'''
** ''Car and Driver'' magazine names the LS 400 one of the Ten Best vehicles of the year. Lexus capture the trifecta of J.D. Power’s Initial Quality, Customer Satisfaction, and Sales Satisfaction studies.
* '''1991'''
** Lexus becomes the top-selling import marque in the United States. The ES 300 and SC 400 models are introduced.
* '''1992'''
** ''Motor Trend'' magazine names the SC 400 its Import Car of the Year.
* '''1993'''
** Lexus introduces the GS 300 luxury performance sedan.
* '''1994'''
** Lexus introduces the second-generation LS 400 sedan.
* '''1996'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation ES 300 sedan and its first luxury utility vehicle, the LX 450.
* '''1997'''
** Lexus introduces the second-generation GS 300 and GS 400 sedans. ''Motor Trend'' magazine names the new GS its Import Car of the Year.
* '''1998'''
** The RX 300, the world’s first luxury crossover SUV, goes on sale at Lexus dealerships. The RX soon becomes Lexus’ top-selling model.
* '''1999'''
** Lexus sells its one-millionth vehicle in the U.S.
* '''2000'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation LS 430 sedan and IS 300 entry sport sedan.
* '''2001'''
** Lexus introduces the fourth-generation ES 300 sedan.
* '''2002'''
** Lexus introduces its third luxury utility vehicle, the GX 470.
* '''2003'''
** The Lexus Development Center is founded in Japan, becoming the headquarters for Lexus' future design efforts.
* '''2005'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation GS 300 and GS 430 mid-size sport sedans, debuting L-Finesse styling. Later that year, Lexus introduces the second-generation IS 220d, IS 250 and IS 350 sport sedans.
** ''Top Gear'' named the IS as the Compact Executive Car of the year, defeating the BMW E90 3-Series.
* '''2006'''
** Lexus debuts the LS 600h L, the world’s first production V8 hybrid sedan. The new ES 350 and fourth-generation LS 460/LS 460 L sedans go on sale.
* '''2007'''
** At the North American International Auto Show, Lexus launches its dedicated performance division, F-Series, with the unveiling of its first high-performance sedan, the IS-F, and an exotic supercar concept, the LF-A.
** The Lexus LS 460 flagship is crowned Luxury Car of the Year, Most Respected, and International Car of the Year at the ICOTY Awards, and is named World Car of the Year at the WCOTY Awards.

{{Lexus}}
{{Lexus timeline}}
==References==
<references />
This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus Lexus], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lexus&action=history contributors].
==External links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/ Lexus USA]
* [http://www.lexus.jp/ Lexus Japan]
* [http://www.lexus-europe.com/ Lexus Europe]
* [http://www.lexus-mideast.com/ Lexus Middle East]
* [http://www.lexus.com/home/international_links.html Lexus International]
<small>
<div style="-moz-column-count: 3; column-count: 3;">
** [http://www.lexus.com.au/ Lexus Australia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.bh/ Lexus Bahrain]
** [http://www.lexus.be/ Lexus Belgium]
** [http://64.56.170.231/b/b01.html Lexus Brazil]
** [http://www.lexus.com.bn/ Lexus Brunei]
** [http://www.lexus.ca/ Lexus Canada]
** [http://www.lexus.com.cn/ Lexus China]
** [http://www.lexus.dk/ Lexus Denmark]
** [http://www.lexus.fi/ Lexus Finland]
** [http://www.lexus.fr/ Lexus France]
** [http://www.lexus.de/ Lexus Germany]
** [http://www.lexus.gr/ Lexus Greece]
** [http://www.akguam.com/index.htm?bhcp=1 Lexus Guam]
** [http://www.servcolexus.com/Distributor/Lexus/ Lexus Hawaii]
** [http://www.lexus.com.hk/ Lexus HK]
** [http://www.lexus.ie/ Lexus Ireland]
** [http://www.lexus.it/ Lexus Italy]
** [http://www.lexus.co.kr/ Lexus Korea]
** [http://www.lexus.com.kw/ Lexus Kuwait]
** [http://www.lexus.lu/ Lexus Luxembourg]
** [http://www.lexus.com.my/ Lexus Malaysia]
** [http://www.lexus.nl/ Lexus Netherlands]
** [http://www.lexus.co.nz/ Lexus New Zealand]
** [http://www.lexusoman.com/ Lexus Oman]
** [http://www.lexus.pt/ Lexus Portugal]
** [http://www.aabqatar.com/lexus/home.htm Lexus Qatar]
** [http://www.lexus-russia.ru/ Lexus Russia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.sa/ Lexus Saudi Arabia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.sg/ Lexus Singapore]
** [http://www.lexus.co.za/ Lexus South Africa]
** [http://www.mundolexus.com/ Lexus Spain]
** [http://www.lexus.se/ Lexus Sweden]
** [http://www.lexus.ch/ Lexus Switzerland]
** [http://www.lexus.com.tw/ Lexus Taiwan]
** [http://www.lexus.co.th/ Lexus Thailand]
** [http://www.lexusuae.com/ Lexus UAE]
** [http://www.lexus.co.uk/ Lexus UK]
</div></small>
* [http://www.teamlexus.com/ Team Lexus - official webpage of the factory-backed team competing in the Grand American Cup road racing series.]
* [http://www.lexus.com/magazine/ Lexus Magazine Website, featuring quarterly updates from the owners' publication]
* [http://www.planetlexus.com Planet Lexus - Pictures and information regarding every Lexus model ever made]
* [http://www.clublexus.com/ ClubLexus - Lexus Enthusiast Website]
*[http://www.babez.de/lexus/lexus-sc430-pebble-beach-edition.php Lexus SC430 Pebble Beach Edition 2006]
* [http://www.mycarwallpapers.com/lexus/2008-lexus-is-f/ Lexus IS-F 2008]
* [http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/lexus-l-finesse-styling-makes-its-gallery-debut-in-milan/ Lexus L-Finesse styling makes its gallery debut in Milan]

[[Category:Makes]]
[[Category:Luxury car manufacturers]]
[[Category:Lexus]]
[[Category:Prestige vehicles]]
[[Category:Toyota]]

Lexus

2009-07-21T04:20:15Z

CelsiorFan: organize + names

{{List Of Lexus Models}}
'''[[Lexus|Lexus]]''' is the luxury automobile division of [[Toyota|Toyota Motor Corporation]]. The Lexus brand name represents a premium line of luxury vehicles, first begun in 1989 with the debut of the LS 400 flagship sedan and the ES 250 executive sedan. Lexus cars and SUVs are sold in North America, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Latin America, Asia and Oceania; in the United States, Lexus is the top selling brand of luxury cars. Until 2005, Lexus vehicles were sold under the [[Toyota]] marque in Japan until its introduction there that year.

The Lexus line of luxury vehicles was started in 1989 to compete with other luxury makes, including German firms Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi; Cadillac and Lincoln in the U.S., and Honda's Acura division. Before the first Lexus sedan premiered at the 1989 Detroit Motor Show, Toyota engineers spent five years in secret development, costing billions of dollars and involving over 150 prototypes built for a testing process unprecedented in Toyota's 50-year history. The crowning result was the LS 400 flagship sedan, a vehicle which was more aerodynamic, more quiet, and more efficient than its rivals. To the customers that bought them, the LS 400 was regarded as a better value than its higher-priced competition,<ref>[http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=115368 Lexus LS Generations]</ref> and within two years Lexus had become the top-selling luxury import in the U.S.

Since its successful introduction, Lexus has developed a reputation for quality and customer service. In the U.S. the brand continually ranks at the top of owner satisfaction and reliability surveys. Today, over 16 years since the company's debut, many LS 400 sedans continue operating capably for their owners, a testament to the engineering expertise that went into the Lexus flagship model. In recent years, Lexus' sales have been propelled by a successive series of popular designs. In 2006, the Lexus line had three of the top 10 best-selling luxury vehicles in the U.S.—the RX, ES, and IS—more than any other luxury make.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/vehicles/2006/12/15/best-selling-luxury-forbeslife-cx_dl_1218bestsellingluxurycars.html Best-Selling Luxury Cars 2006]</ref>

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] History==
The Lexus saga began in 1983, when Toyota began the F1/Circle-F project, a secret initiative to develop the "world's best luxury car." This project was inspired by the success of the [[Toyota Supra]] sports car and the luxury Toyota Cressida models. Both the Supra and Cressida were [[rear-wheel drive]] cars with a powerful ''7M-GE/7M-GTE'' engine. For their new flagship vehicle, however, U.S. Toyota executives convinced the Japanese Toyota board that a separate brand and dealership network was needed to support a top-flight luxury vehicle in the world's largest automotive market, the United States. Additionally, such a network would require not just one model, but several, the executives suggested. After much debate, Toyota's Japanese leadership agreed to launch a separate luxury division. Initially, some Japanese Toyota executives were affronted with the prospect of their most prized design getting a separate badge, but ultimately they agreed that a separate title would confer a more lofty status.

===The Lexus division===

[[Image:Lexus l logo.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''"The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection"'' debuted in 1989.]]An image consulting firm presented a list of 219 names, from which Vectre, Verone, Chaparel, Calibre and Alexis were top candidates. While Alexis quickly became the front runner (possibly due to the association with the Alexis Carrington character on the popular 1980s primetime drama ''Dynasty'') and later morphed to Lexus, the name has been attributed to the combination of the words "luxury" and "elegance." According to [[Toyota]], however, the name had no meaning and was just meant to be pleasing and easy to remember. Just prior to the release of the first vehicles, the database service LexisNexis obtained a temporary injunction forbidding the name Lexus from being used as they stated it might cause confusion. Upon reflection, the court lifted the injunction, deciding that there was a low likelihood of confusion between the two products. Another theory has surfaced, claiming that the Lexus name was given to the project by Toyota in the mid-80s, as an acronym for Luxury EXport United States. with the acronym "LEUS" with the "x" from "luxury" added to form "Lexus". Hunter Communications and Molly Designs created the "L" logo that became the symbol of the Lexus line.

The Lexus slogan, developed after U.S. personnel visited Lexus designers in Japan and noted their obsessive attention to detail, became "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection."

===Launch of Lexus===

[[Image:LS 400 1989.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The first LS 400 flagship challenged the best luxury vehicles in the world.]]The first Lexus-badged models, the V-8 powered [[Lexus LS |LS 400]] and the smaller, [[Toyota Camry]]-based ES 250, appeared in 1989. The LS 400 flagship captured most of the attention; it had a unique design, sharing no major elements with previous Toyota vehicles, with a new 4.0 L [[V8]] engine. It was widely praised for its silence, well-appointed interior, fine engine performance, outstanding build quality, and value. (In some markets, it was priced against mid-sized [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]] models, while offering size, performance, and quality comparable to their full-size cars). It was generally regarded as a major shock to the European marques, but was criticized by automobile columnists for anonymous styling and a suspension regarded as too compromising of handling for ride comfort. Nonetheless, the LS 400 won several major motoring awards when released, including Wheels magazine's Car of the Year and Best Imported Car of the Year by the Motoring Press Association.

The Lexus marque was fully launched in the United States in late 1989. Lexus launched later in Great Britain, Canada and Australia, in 1990. In some countries, like Malaysia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK, where there is a market in grey imports of Japanese cars, some equivalent Toyota models were retro-fitted with Lexus badges, although they still differ slightly from officially imported Lexus models, especially in specification and equipment levels. Lexus launched later in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and other European countries.

===Global expansion===

Today, Lexus has become the fourth-largest luxury make in the world, by volume. Lexus directly competes with such luxury brands as the Europe's [[Audi]], [[BMW]], [[Jaguar]], [[Mercedes-Benz]], [[Porsche]], and [[Volvo]], the American [[Cadillac]] and [[Lincoln]], and Japanese brands [[Acura]] and [[Infiniti]]. In the U.S., Lexus' success can be attributed in large part to its excellent reputation for reliability and customer service; the luxury line consistently ranks at the top of J.D. Power and Consumer Reports surveys; similarly, Lexus vehicles rank at the top of Auto Express and Top Gear automotive surveys in Europe.

[[Image:Lexus JD Power.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Lexus has received numerous JD Power awards.]]The Lexus marque was finally introduced to the Japanese market on July 26, 2005. The compact IS 250/IS 350, convertible SC 430, and midsize GS 350/GS 430 will all be available in Japan in the 2006 model year. By January 2007, nearly all of the 160+ Lexus dealerships in Japan had become profitable.<ref>[http://wardsdealer.com/latest/lexus_progressing_japan/ Lexus Slowly Progressing in Japan]</ref> Still, in a country where Accords and Camrys are considered quite luxurious, and where its existing lineup already has 45% market share, Toyota has a long way to go to expand Lexus to match the success of BMW and Mercedes Benz in the luxury segment. Fortunately, the lowest cost and most efficient automaker in the world has the biggest war chest and can afford to grow Lexus incrementally. In late 2006-2007, the Lexus lineup in Japan gained a significant boost with record-setting orders for its new LS 460 flagship sedan, which debuted in September.
{{clear}}
==L-Finesse==
[[Image:LF-S.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The LF-S concept.]]As part of its expanded global launch and bid for luxury market leadership, Lexus' new offerings, released between 2004 and 2007 all carry its new, distinctive design language - dubbed L-Finesse. Lexus is finally taking visuals and aesthetics seriously, after years of being dismissed as being a producer of bland and lacklustre designs. Following in the footsteps of BMW's Bangle inspired design (but avoiding much of the controversy), The L-Finesse design language is the product of an increasingly competetive auto market, where only the most outstanding and flamboyant vehicles attract consumer attention. Lexus' new crop of concept vehicles, which include the LF-X, LF-S, LF-C, LF-A and LF-Sh, all feature L-Finesse design cues. These vehicles can all be viewed at Lexus' official concept website, [http://www.lexus.com/fcv/ [Lexus Concept Vehicles]]. The first production vehicle to feature the L-Finesse design treatment was the 3rd generation GS sedan, inroduced for 2006. This was followed a few months later by the redesigned second-generation IS, and then the new LS and ES sedans. The Lexus SUV lineup may be next in line for the L-Finesse designers. On the sedans, the L-Finesse "look" is sleek, with character lines emanating from hood to trunk; a "waterfall" effect features from the A pillars forward, and the rear cabin has a pulled-back look, often with slingshot side windows. A unifying characteristic across the entire L-Finesse sedan lineup is a trapezoid grille that is positioned slightly lower than the level of the headlamps, unlike most other car designs from other marques. Elements of the L-Finesse designs feature styling cues derived from Japanese characters.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Vehicles==
Over the years, Lexus has developed a strong and complete portfolio of vehicles that covers a significant spread of the luxury market. Today, its lineup includes four sedans - IS (an entry level sports compact), the ES (an midsize luxury sedan), the GS (a sports-luxury sedan) and the LS (flagship luxury sedan). one roadster (the SC 430), and the porfolio also sports three SUVs - the RX (a crossover compact), the GX (a midsize luxury) and the LX (full size flagship).

===Lexus Cars===
[[Image:Isexterior2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Lexus IS 350.]]The [[Lexus IS|Lexus '''IS''']] was introduced in 1998 as Lexus' answer to the BMW 3-series in the U.S. and European markets. In Japan, the first generation IS was sold as the Toyota Altezza. Although a serious automobile, experts never considered it to be a true threat to the BMW's superior benchmark. That all changed with the introduction of the second generation, 2006 model year IS - a vehicle considered to be on par with the BMW's standings. Now offered with a choice of 2.5 or 3.5 liter mills, the IS delivers serious grunt with the refinement and precision matched only by Lexus. The newest IS was introduced in Japan as part of Lexus' debut in its home country. A high-performance V8 version, the [[Lexus IS-F|IS-F]], was launched in 2008.
<br>
[[Image:Esred.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Lexus ES 350.]]Lexus' entry level midsize luxury sedan, the [[Lexus ES|'''ES''']], is vaguely based on Toyota's bread-and-butter [[Toyota Camry|Camry]] sedan platform, with a separately designed body style, interior, and technological features. Instead of the Camry's four and six banger engines, however, comes the stately 3.5 liter. This V6 hustles the saloon with speed - although the ES is marketed more as an elegant, luxury sedan than a sports tourer. Previous versions of the [[Lexus ES|Lexus ES]] were direct counterparts of the Toyota Windom, which was sold in Japan. While most of Lexus' offerings are aimed squarely at the German car buyer, the ES does not have a German car counterpart, and is instead sold as a luxury sedan for those wishing a comfortable, front-wheel drive luxury vehicle without ample sporty ambitions.
<br>
[[Image:GS 3rd gen.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Lexus GS sedan.]]The [[Lexus GS|'''GS''']] sports sedan has its sights aimed squarely at Germany's midsize sports sedan offerings. Armed with a choice of three engines - the base 3.5, a potent 4.6 and an incredible [[Lexus GS 450h|4.5 Hybrid]] - the 2007 Lexus GS enters battle armed every bit like the German sedans it tries to embody. Unlike the Toyota Hybrid variants, which improve fuel mileage at the cost performance, the hybrid version of the GS, the GS 450h, is aimed at further boosting performance, without loosing fuel economy. With its hybrid powertrain producing around 340 HP, the GS 450h is the fastest Lexus hybrid ever built--surpassing the conventional gasoline powered Lexus IS 350.
<br>
[[Image:LS 460 Platinum.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Lexus LS 460 flagship.]]Lexus' spanking new flagship [[Lexus LS|'''LS''']] luxury cruiser is available for the 2007 model year. This vehicle offers a 4.6 liter powerplant, bringing a whopping 380 HP and 370 pound-feet of torque to the table. Power is transferred to the wheels through a groundbreaking 8 speed gearbox - a first of its kind. An extra few grand buys you the 'L' badge - Lexus' crack at the extended wheelbase sedans of Germany. And if even that is not enough, buyers have the choice to opt for the LS 600h L, the first hybrid V8 ever. Lexus claims that its flagship Hybrid will have the performance and luxury to compete with Germany's V12 sedans, while offering the relative frugality of a V8.
<br>
[[Image:Sc se main img 1a.jpg|thumb|left|225px|Lexus SC convertible.]]Lexus' only sports tourer, the [[Lexus SC|'''SC''']], is a convertible hardtop. While not much of a sports vehicle, the SC 430, previously known as the Toyota Soarer in Japan (until 2006, when it was replaced by the SC 430), is certainly an elegant convertible cruiser. While the Soarer offered a twin-turbo in its home nation, only the standard induction 4.3 is offered with the SC 430. With a body design inspired by the French Riviera, the SC 430 is a stylish statement from Lexus. Until the arrival of the 2007 LS 460/LS 460 L, the SC 430 was the most expensive car in the Lexus lineup.
{{clear}}
===Lexus SUVs===
[[Image:Lexus Luxury Utility Vehicles.jpg|thumb|right|270px|The Lexus Luxury Utility Vehicle lineup, left to right, 2006 LX/RX/GX.]]So you want to enjoy the comfort and space afforded by an SUV but don't want to empty your wallet with $3/gallon fillups? Enter the crossover-ute. Lexus ups the ante in the soft roader class by introducing the new and improved [[Lexus RX|'''RX''']]. Based on the Camry platform, the RX can be had with a 3.5 liter internal combustion engine, or a hybrid - dubbed the [[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]]. The RX is considered one of the first crossover SUVs, and the first one built for the luxury market. It has spawned dozens of competitors, but none approach the success of the RX--Lexus' top-selling model and the best-selling luxury vehicle in America in 2004 and 2005.

Customers shopping for a standard, body-on-frame SUV can also stop by to check out the new [[Lexus GX 470|'''GX''']], known elsewhere as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Available as a five or seven seater, this midsize SUV is Lexus' answer to America's burgoening SUV market. Notable for its extensive 4x4 capabilities, the GX 470/Prado is operated and raced by Toyota and other 4x4 teams the world over.

Lexus' final entree in its portfolio is the [[Lexus LX|'''LX''']]. Based closely on Toyota's [[Toyota Land Cruiser|Land Cruiser]], the LX 470 comes to the Lexus dealership donning a new badge, reworked interiors and a greater level of sophistication. The LX 470 will be succeeded by the all-new LX 570, which premieres at the New York International Auto Show in April 2007.

==In the Pipeline==
[[Image:2007 Lexus LF-A.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Lexus LF-A concept supercar.]]
The 2007 model year marks the finish of Lexus' current batch of launches, with the arrival of the highly anticipated LS. However, possibly two brand new models and other variants loom on the horizon (such as a possible coupe/convertible version of the IS, and successor models to the RX and SC model lines).

The first all-new model is the Lexus JX, Lexus' foray into the full size SUV market. Based on the upcoming [[Toyota Sequoia]]/[[Toyota Tundra|Tundra]] platform, the JX will go head to head with similar offerings from [[Lincoln]] and [[Cadillac]]. Unconfirmed rumors have it that the JX will come to the US not with the standard 4.7 liter mill, but with a more potent 5.4 liter mill.

Finally, Lexus' display of its [[Lexus LF-A|LF-A]] concept at the Detroit Auto Show hints at a production version of its sports coupe. Lexus' bias towards fuel economy, soft suspension settings and silent engines had meant that experts rarely took Lexus' attempts at sportiness seriously. The LF-A is all about changing those perceptions. Lexus has recently announced that the LF-A will walk into dealerships wearing a V-10 rated at over 500 bhp in a sub-5 liter engine. A vehicle that reportedly will push the 200 mph barrier clearly shows that Lexus is taking 'sport' seriously. The LF-A may come to market as the Lexus GT 450.

In January 2007, Lexus announced a new performance division, Lexus "F", which would produce racing-inspired versions of its luxury performance vehicles. The first F-marque vehicle, the IS-F, made its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, accompanied by an exotic F-marque supercar concept, the LF-A F. The Lexus F-marque vehicles will rival the high-performance lineups of the leading European and American luxury marques.

==Production==
Many Lexus vehicles are manufactured in the Tahara, Japan plant, a highly sophisticated, computerized manufacturing plant, awarded the title of the best automobile manufacturing plant in the world.<ref>[http://www.jdpa.com/NeWs/relEaSes/pressrelease.asp?ID=2005069 Tahara given JD Power Platinum Award, fewest defects anywhere in the world]</ref> Lexus manufacturing techniques include methods and standards of quality control that differ from Toyota models. At the Tahara plant, separate assembly lines were developed for the manufacture of Lexus vehicles. New molds and specialized manufacturing equipment were also developed for the Lexus production process. Welding processes, body panel fit tolerances, and paint quality requirements are more stringent for Lexus models. Each production Lexus vehicle is also given an extensive visual inspection for flaws and subjected to vibration tests to ensure a smooth and quiet ride.

The North American-market RX 350 (since the 2004 model year) is produced in the city of Cambridge, in Ontario, Canada, and is the first Lexus plant located outside of Japan. Lexus vehicles are also produced at the Araco, Kanji (Iwate), Kanji (Kanto Jidosha), Katashiki, Kyushu, and Tahara plants in Japan.

==Service==
Lexus has become known for efforts to project a luxury image even with service provided after the sale. The waiting areas in the service departments are complete with such amenities as a refreshment bar, business center that is soundproofed and stocked with computers and a fax machine, and the service bay is lined with large picture windows to allow the customers to watch the repairs. Other amenities can include a children's play area, indoor putting green, and other recreational services. Recently, several Lexus dealerships have added on-site cafes and designer shops.

In 2005, Lexus came first in the Top Gear Survey, "the UK's biggest independent car satisfaction survey" with over 76,000 respondants. In 2006, Lexus ranked first for the eleventh time in J.D. Power's Customer Service Index, its annual study involving over 79,000 U.S. owners and dealership experience. In 2006, the Luxury Institute, New York, rated Lexus #1 in Customer Experience among luxury automobile brands based on its survey of over 2,100 high-income households. On the strength of its customer service standards and high product satisfaction, Lexus enjoys one of the highest customer loyalty rates in the industry.

==Motorsport==
[[Image:Team Lexus GT2 IS 350.png|thumb|right|175px|Team Lexus' IS 350 GT2 race car.]]Lexus has been participating in endurance racing, in particular the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. Since entering the series in 2004, Lexus has won over 15 Rolex Series event races. In 2005, Lexus was runners-up and in 2006 it won the championship. Although Toyota has won this prestigious race in the past it was the first time that its luxury arm emerged as the winner. In 2007, six Lexus-powered Daytona prototypes were entered in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona event at the Daytona International Speedway. Lexus was a repeat winner of the event, with a Lexus-Riley prototype driven by Scott Pruett, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Salvador Durán of Chip Ganassi Racing finishing first; Lexus-Riley prototypes also took three of the top ten spots.

Lexus is also going to participate in [[12 Hours of Sebring]] which now form a part of American Le Mans. There has been speculation of a Lexus F1 operation in the near future, in line with its expansion into the luxury car markets, and increasing competition with BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Lexus may enter for the 2007 Formula 1 season as an engine supplier to the WilliamsF1 team, using Toyota engines rebadged as Lexus, but these rumors are purely speculative.

After the release of the Lexus brand on the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) in 2005, four SC 430 coupes were entered in the SuperGT series in the GT500 class. In the first race of the 2006 series, an SC 430 took the chequered flag. In 2006, Lexus raced a hybrid vehicle for the first time, entering a GS 450h performance hybrid sedan in the Tokachi 24-hour Race in Hokkaido, Japan.

==Future of [[Lexus|Lexus]]==
Although Lexus has had phenomenal success in the US since 1991-1992 — within 3 years of its introduction in 1989 — it has been struggling outside North America, including its home country, Japan, where the Lexus brand started marketing in 2005 and is still waiting for the arrival of the LS series due later this year, and in particular Europe. Automotive analysts have pointed out that Lexus has been so successful in North America because the wide consumer base of Toyota and in particular the baby boomers wanted something more luxurious as they were becoming older and their surplus incomes were allowing them to migrate to brands such as [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]]. The huge success of Lexus was in part due to the fact that its higher levels of quality and less expensive prices enabled it to retain those migrating customers and keep them "in the family."

However, this also had negative repurcussions as Lexus gradually cemented an image of value-priced brand, which would offer similarly equipped cars at tens of thousands of dollars less than its primary competitors, [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]]. The former chief of [[BMW]], Eberhard von Kuenhiem predicted that this strategy would work to some extent in US, but not in Europe, where the words premium and luxury do not go well with value pricing. Some automotive experts believe that Lexus' failure to woo European customers and its very slow incremental increase in European arena is because of differences in perceived value. This has led some automotive thinkers to believe that unless Lexus prices its products head-to-head with the European premium brands and emphasizes its superior quality, reliability and engineering, it will not be able to succeed globally.

However, quality levels of European brands are seemingly dwindling, while Lexus continues to score highly on such reports. Also, in order to attract European buyers, diesel engines have been added to the lineup (starting with the IS 220d), and with Lexus LF concept cars making it into production, Lexus is quickly beginning to re-invent itself as a global luxury brand. Some of these new models will come with a sticker price of around $100,000, setting these models against their European rivals in terms of price.

[[Image:Lexusfront.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Lexus debuted the world's first hybrid luxury SUV, the RX 400h, in 2005.]]The addition of hybrid models (including the RX 400h and GS 450h) have also driven European sales increases in environmentally-conscious markets such as the United Kingdom. Politicians in the UK have endorsed Lexus by using Lexus GS vehicles in place of British-built Vauxhalls, Jaguars and Rovers. Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, replaced his LS 430 with a GS 450h. The London Congestion Charge excludes hybrid vehicles, adding incentive to Lexus hybrids.

In the United Kingdom, the largest European market for Lexus, the IS series accounts for the largest number of Lexus sales (the largest proportion increasing with sales of the new IS 220d), with the GS 450h and RX 400h making up the second largest proportion. Sales of the LS flagship have been small compared to the lower-end Lexus vehicles due to lesser public perception of the brand and the larger expense of the vehicle. This is combined with the higher perception of Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and Jaguar rival brands. With Lexus sales increasing in the UK due to the introduction of the IS diesel and GS/RX hybrids, Lexus has emerged as a European second-tier luxury brand that is rising fast. The second-generation IS, which emerged in 2006 as an intelligent alternative to the dominant German and British marques' compact executive cars, has become representative of Lexus' efforts in Europe.

In South Korea, with sales of the ES 350 spearheading its efforts, Lexus has been the top-selling luxury import since 2005; in Taiwan, Lexus also became the top-selling luxury import in 2005. In Australia, Lexus' sales growth has surpassed its rivals, and the line now ranks third in overall luxury import sales, with the IS model generating high demand. Total worldwide Lexus sales are expected to reach 500,000 vehicles by 2007.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Trivia==
* In Japanese, Lexus is phonetically translated as レクサス (''rekusasu''). Coincidentally, the Polish word ''luksus'', which is pronounced very similarly to Lexus, means luxury in the Polish language.
* Lexus substituted "passionate" for "relentless" in their U.S. brand slogan in 2000; the worldwide motto was adopted in its current form by fall 2005.
* The distinctive voice in Lexus commercials is James Sloyan, who has been doing voiceover work for the brand since 1989.
*In the United States, Lexus Financial Savings Bank, in conjunction with US Bank, has launched a Lexus Pursuits Visa Card.
*The ES series is roughly based on the US [[Toyota Camry]].
*The IS (Toyota Altezza in Japan) series is roughly based on the Toyota Cressida luxury sedan, which was discontinued in 1992 in the US partially because of dropping sales due to the launch and success of the Lexus brand.
*After being discontinued in 1992, the X chassis code for Cressidas was still in use in Japan under the Mark II, Chaser, and Cresta names until the early 2000s.
* The Lexus Centre, a sports, meeting, and entertainment facility in Melbourne, Australia, was first constructed for the 1956 Summer Olympics.

==Popular culture==
*Lexus was requested by Steven Spielberg, an ardent fan of Lexus and himself an owner of LX 470, to design a vehicle which would fit the requirements of year 2054 for his movie Minority Report. Lexus came up with an advanced vehicle which would run on fuel cells and have many advanced safety features including a crash-proof structure. (Lexus' cinematic concept car also appears in ''The Island'', though it's colored blue, not red).
* The term "the Lexus of..." has also entered the cultural lexicon as a description of a high-end product.<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BDW/is_n30_v39/ai_20992600 Full Court Press - the success of Lexus]</ref> (Dell in 2006 announced a premium lineup of computers, calling it "the Lexus of our lineup";<ref>[http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1040_22-5730030.html Dell to launch 'Lexus lineup' of PCs]</ref> "the Lexus of phones", "the Lexus of space stations"<ref>[http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h1W8dcUP9H70AmlSfDSenPteDT9gD90TD73G0 Lexus of space station labs poised for launch]</ref> have been used).
* Registration data from the U.S. Social Security Administration in 2003 revealed that Lexus had become the most popular baby name derived from a luxury brand.<ref>Kang, Stephanie. "Naming the Baby: Parents Brand Their Tot with. What’s Hot", ''The Wall Street Journal'' (2003-12-26)</ref>
* Late-night comedian [[Jay Leno]] first coined the term "Lexus-ized" for his automotive columns in ''Popular Mechanics'', an expression generally used to describe the Lexus approach to luxury motoring.<ref>[http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/jay_leno_garage/1302871.html Jay's PM Columns - June 2001]</ref>
* Despite the official pluralized form of Lexus being simply Lexus, the public has also made its own derivatives (the most popular derivative being "Lexi").<ref>[http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/1992/July/10.html Car Guys on plural of Lexus ]</ref>
* In the UK, the LS 430 flagship was introduced in the BBC spy drama ''Spooks''; Lexus models were also placed on ITV's ''Coronation Street'', the BBC's ''Judge John Deed'', and other programs.<ref name=bbc>[http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/article861142.ece Product placement: The car’s the (secret) star]</ref> Lexus GB models saw sales increases after being seen on ITV's ''Footballers' Wives''.<ref name=bbc/>
* By 2004, multiple hip-hop artists, including Jay-Z (in the song "Ain't No Nigga"), Tupac Shakur (in the song "Wonder Why They Call U Bitch"), Dead Prez (in the song "Hip Hop") and Kanye West (in "Jesus Walks") made mention of Lexus vehicles in their song.

==Notable owners==
* Celebrity owners of Lexus vehicles include Steven Spielberg, Burt Bacharach, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Harrison Ford, Holly Hunter, Nicolas Cage, Diane Keaton, Mel Gibson, Cameron Diaz, Tony Hawk, Milla Jovovich, Christie Brinkley, Calista Flockhart, Paula Abdul, Tyra Banks, Michael Bloomberg, Bill Gates and Larry David.
* S R Nathan, the current President of Singapore's preferred limousine is a white Lexus LS430. Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra owned a black LS 400.
* Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore, switched from a Mercedes to a Lexus GS300 in late 1990s/early 2000s, citing its superior reliability; in interviews Mr. Lee said he was tired of dealing with car repairs.
* Donald Tsang, the current Chief Executive of Hong Kong, uses a grey LS600hL as his official limousine.
* Dustin Hoffman, Diane Keaton, and Holly Hunter were among the earliest adopters of the marque's hybrid RX 400h.<ref>[http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/vdp/articleId=106271/pageNumber=1 2006 Lexus RX 400h Long-Term Test]</ref>
* Politicians in the UK<ref name=lexushybrid>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7291323.stm Lexus hybrid woos Sainsbury's chief]</ref> and Ireland<ref>[http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2006/0508/3608229601HM1MINISTERCARS.html Ministers await delivery of their new 'green' luxury cars]</ref> have acquired Lexus hybrids, along with government agencies.<ref>[http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006/08/lexus_gs_450h_m.html Lexus GS 450h Makes the Constabulary Fleet in UK]</ref>
* Prince Albert II of Monaco purchased an LS 600h and advocated the adoption of hybrid tax credits.<ref>[http://www.motorlegend.com/actualite-automobile/albert-ii-en-ls-600h/2036.html Le Prince Albert roule en LS 600]</ref>

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Lineup==
*[[Lexus IS|IS]] - compact [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]/[[all wheel drive|AWD]]
** (1998-2005) IS 200/IS 300
** (2006-) IS 250/IS 250 [[Four Wheel Drive|AWD]]/IS 350/IS 220d
*[[Lexus ES|ES]] - midsize [[front wheel drive|FWD]]
** (1989-1991) ES 250
** (1992-2001) ES 300
** (2002-2006) ES 300/ES 330
** (2007-) ES 350
*[[Lexus GS|GS]] - midsize [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]/[[all wheel drive|AWD]]
** (1993-1997) GS 300
** (1998-2005) GS 300/GS 400
** (2001-2005) GS 300/GS 430
** (2005-2007) GS 300/GS 300 [[Four Wheel Drive|AWD]]/GS 430
** (2007-) GS 350/GS 460/[[Lexus GS 450h|GS 450h]]
*[[Lexus LS|LS]] - full-size [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]
** (1989-1994) LS 400
** (1995-2000) LS 400
** (2001-2006) LS 430
** (2007-) LS 460/LS 460L/LS 600hL ([[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]])
*[[Lexus SC|SC]] - [[coupe]]/convertible [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]
** (1991-2001) SC 300/SC 400
** (2002-) SC 430
*[[Lexus RX|RX]] - [[crossover SUV]]
** (1998-2003) Lexus RX|RX 300
** (2004-2006) Lexus RX|RX 330
** (2007-) RX 350/[[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]] - [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]])
*[[Lexus GX 470|GX]] - midsize [[SUV]]
** (2002-) GX 470
*[[Lexus LX|LX]] - large [[SUV]]
** (1996-2007) LX 450/LX 470
*JX - large [[SUV]]
** (2007-) JX 470
*[[Lexus LF#LF-C|LF-C]] - [[concept car]]
**
*[[Lexus LF-A|LF-A]] - [[concept car]]

==Historical timeline==
* '''1983'''
** Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda challenges his company to build a luxury flagship to “challenge the world’s best.” This effort becomes known as the F1 project.
* '''1985'''
** F1 researchers visit the United States to conduct market research and focus groups on luxury buyers. The first LS 400 prototypes are built.<ref name=timeline>[http://pressroom.lexus.com/Releases/View?id=TYT2006091195844 Lexus History (timeline)]</ref>
* '''1986'''
** Testing for the new Lexus flagship begins at the autobahn in Germany.
* '''1987'''
** Final design of the LS 400 is approved.
* '''1989'''
** The LS 400 debuts at the Detroit Motor Show, and goes on sale in September of that year.
* '''1990'''
** ''Car and Driver'' magazine names the LS 400 one of the Ten Best vehicles of the year. Lexus capture the trifecta of J.D. Power’s Initial Quality, Customer Satisfaction, and Sales Satisfaction studies.
* '''1991'''
** Lexus becomes the top-selling import marque in the United States. The ES 300 and SC 400 models are introduced.
* '''1992'''
** ''Motor Trend'' magazine names the SC 400 its Import Car of the Year.
* '''1993'''
** Lexus introduces the GS 300 luxury performance sedan.
* '''1994'''
** Lexus introduces the second-generation LS 400 sedan.
* '''1996'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation ES 300 sedan and its first luxury utility vehicle, the LX 450.
* '''1997'''
** Lexus introduces the second-generation GS 300 and GS 400 sedans. ''Motor Trend'' magazine names the new GS its Import Car of the Year.
* '''1998'''
** The RX 300, the world’s first luxury crossover SUV, goes on sale at Lexus dealerships. The RX soon becomes Lexus’ top-selling model.
* '''1999'''
** Lexus sells its one-millionth vehicle in the U.S.
* '''2000'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation LS 430 sedan and IS 300 entry sport sedan.
* '''2001'''
** Lexus introduces the fourth-generation ES 300 sedan.
* '''2002'''
** Lexus introduces its third luxury utility vehicle, the GX 470.
* '''2003'''
** The Lexus Development Center is founded in Japan, becoming the headquarters for Lexus' future design efforts.
* '''2005'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation GS 300 and GS 430 mid-size sport sedans, debuting L-Finesse styling. Later that year, Lexus introduces the second-generation IS 220d, IS 250 and IS 350 sport sedans.
** ''Top Gear'' named the IS as the Compact Executive Car of the year, defeating the BMW E90 3-Series.
* '''2006'''
** Lexus debuts the LS 600h L, the world’s first production V8 hybrid sedan. The new ES 350 and fourth-generation LS 460/LS 460 L sedans go on sale.
* '''2007'''
** At the North American International Auto Show, Lexus launches its dedicated performance division, F-Series, with the unveiling of its first high-performance sedan, the IS-F, and an exotic supercar concept, the LF-A.
** The Lexus LS 460 flagship is crowned Luxury Car of the Year, Most Respected, and International Car of the Year at the ICOTY Awards, and is named World Car of the Year at the WCOTY Awards.

{{Lexus}}
{{Lexus timeline}}
==References==
<references />
This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus Lexus], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lexus&action=history contributors].
==External links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/ Lexus USA]
* [http://www.lexus.jp/ Lexus Japan]
* [http://www.lexus-europe.com/ Lexus Europe]
* [http://www.lexus-mideast.com/ Lexus Middle East]
* [http://www.lexus.com/home/international_links.html Lexus International]
<small>
<div style="-moz-column-count: 3; column-count: 3;">
** [http://www.lexus.com.au/ Lexus Australia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.bh/ Lexus Bahrain]
** [http://www.lexus.be/ Lexus Belgium]
** [http://64.56.170.231/b/b01.html Lexus Brazil]
** [http://www.lexus.com.bn/ Lexus Brunei]
** [http://www.lexus.ca/ Lexus Canada]
** [http://www.lexus.com.cn/ Lexus China]
** [http://www.lexus.dk/ Lexus Denmark]
** [http://www.lexus.fi/ Lexus Finland]
** [http://www.lexus.fr/ Lexus France]
** [http://www.lexus.de/ Lexus Germany]
** [http://www.lexus.gr/ Lexus Greece]
** [http://www.akguam.com/index.htm?bhcp=1 Lexus Guam]
** [http://www.servcolexus.com/Distributor/Lexus/ Lexus Hawaii]
** [http://www.lexus.com.hk/ Lexus HK]
** [http://www.lexus.ie/ Lexus Ireland]
** [http://www.lexus.it/ Lexus Italy]
** [http://www.lexus.co.kr/ Lexus Korea]
** [http://www.lexus.com.kw/ Lexus Kuwait]
** [http://www.lexus.lu/ Lexus Luxembourg]
** [http://www.lexus.com.my/ Lexus Malaysia]
** [http://www.lexus.nl/ Lexus Netherlands]
** [http://www.lexus.co.nz/ Lexus New Zealand]
** [http://www.lexusoman.com/ Lexus Oman]
** [http://www.lexus.pt/ Lexus Portugal]
** [http://www.aabqatar.com/lexus/home.htm Lexus Qatar]
** [http://www.lexus-russia.ru/ Lexus Russia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.sa/ Lexus Saudi Arabia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.sg/ Lexus Singapore]
** [http://www.lexus.co.za/ Lexus South Africa]
** [http://www.mundolexus.com/ Lexus Spain]
** [http://www.lexus.se/ Lexus Sweden]
** [http://www.lexus.ch/ Lexus Switzerland]
** [http://www.lexus.com.tw/ Lexus Taiwan]
** [http://www.lexus.co.th/ Lexus Thailand]
** [http://www.lexusuae.com/ Lexus UAE]
** [http://www.lexus.co.uk/ Lexus UK]
</div></small>
* [http://www.teamlexus.com/ Team Lexus - official webpage of the factory-backed team competing in the Grand American Cup road racing series.]
* [http://www.lexus.com/magazine/ Lexus Magazine Website, featuring quarterly updates from the owners' publication]
* [http://www.planetlexus.com Planet Lexus - Pictures and information regarding every Lexus model ever made]
* [http://www.clublexus.com/ ClubLexus - Lexus Enthusiast Website]
*[http://www.babez.de/lexus/lexus-sc430-pebble-beach-edition.php Lexus SC430 Pebble Beach Edition 2006]
* [http://www.mycarwallpapers.com/lexus/2008-lexus-is-f/ Lexus IS-F 2008]
* [http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/lexus-l-finesse-styling-makes-its-gallery-debut-in-milan/ Lexus L-Finesse styling makes its gallery debut in Milan]

[[Category:Makes]]
[[Category:Luxury car manufacturers]]
[[Category:Lexus]]
[[Category:Prestige vehicles]]
[[Category:Toyota]]

Lexus SC

2009-04-07T23:00:36Z

CelsiorFan: /* Recent Changes */

[[Image:G ext9.jpg|thumb|right|450px|The Lexus SC 430 in ''Mercury Metallic.'']]

The '''[[Lexus|Lexus]] SC''' series is a personal luxury [[coupé]] sold by [[Lexus]], the luxury division of Toyota. The first generation, available as the '''SC 300''' or '''SC 400''' was in production from 1991 until July 7, 2000. A second-generation model, the '''SC 430''', went into production in 2001. The first generation SC 300/SC 400 were assembled at Toyota's ''Higashifuji Technical Center'' in Motomatchi, Japan. Until 2005, when Lexus was introduced in Japan, the SC was sold in that country as the Toyota Soarer.

The [[Lexus|Lexus]] SC is a [[FR layout|front engine, rear-wheel drive]] design and was sold with either [[Straight-6|I6]] or [[V8]] engines. The current SC 430 model is equipped with a 288-hp V8 engine. Assembly of the second generation Lexus SC occurs at the ''Kanji (Kanto Jidosha)'' assembly site.

===Recent Changes===
[[Image:Sc se main img 1a.jpg|frame|right|500px|Lexus SC 430 in ''Tiger Eye Mica''.]]

*The SC 430 recieved a minor refresh for 2006. Updates included new five-spoke wheels and a modified grille. Additional colors included Tiger Eye Mica, which was also used for the 2006 limited Pebble Beach Edition version of the Lexus SC. Runflat tires were optional. The 2007 Pebble Beach Edition features Starfire Pearl for the exterior color.

*For 2008, Lexus launched a new iteration of the limited '''Pebble Beach Edition''' Lexus SC430.
{{-}}
<gallery>
Image:CARSCOOP lEXUSscpb 81.jpg
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Image:CARSCOOP lEXUSscpb 83.jpg
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</gallery>

{{-}}

===Styles and Major Options===

The SC 430 comes in one primary trim configuration, with many standard features and few options. A limited Pebble Beach Edition is offered for 2007, and production of the limited edition is allocated at 400 units.

'''SC 430 Standard Features''' (partial listing)
* Lexus voice-activated DVD Navigation System with Bluetooth® technology
* Mark Levinson® Premium Audio System with Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL) and single-feed, six-disc CD auto-changer
* Remote Keyless Entry[[Image:SC 430 cabin.jpg|thumb|right|500px|The luxurious cabin of the Lexus SC 430 features rich wood trim and an indulgent yet ergonomic design.]]
* HomeLink® Transceiver
* Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
* Knee and Side Airbags
* Walnut or espresso bird's-eye maple wood trim

'''SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition''' - $2,405
* Starfire Pearl exterior
* Pimento Red leather-trimmed interior with black bird's-eye maple wood trim
* 18-in G-Spider alloy wheels
* Interior and exterior Pebble Beach® badging
* Pebble Beach® carpeted floor mats
* Rear spoiler
* Summer or all-season run-flat tires
[[Image:SC 430 monaco.jpg|thumb|right|500px|The Lexus SC 430 can transition from hardtop to open-air convertible in a mere 25 seconds.]]

'''SC 430 Individual Options'''
* Rear spoiler - $440
* 18 x 8.0-in Liquid Graphite alloy wheels with summer or all-season run-flat tires - $400
* Aluminum alloy wheels with summer or all-season run-flat tires - $400
* Wheel locks - $69
* Trunk mat - $69
* Cargo net - $59
* 18-in G-Spider alloy wheels - dealer option
* Car cover - dealer option
* Leather care kit - dealer option
* Touch-up paint - dealer option
{{clear}}

==Generations==
===Second Generation (2001-Present)===
[[Image:SC430belle.JPG|thumb|left|300px|2002 Lexus SC430]][[Lexus|Lexus]] showcased its new sports convertible, the '''SC 430''', at the Paris Motorshow in 2000, and the car entered production the following year. Power was provided by a 4.3 L 3UZ-FE V8 engine mated to a five-speed [[automatic transmission]].

[[Lexus|Lexus]] designers from Europe and Japan worked together to create the convertible's sleek, streamlined design. The car features a retractable aluminium hardtop, all-leather interior, and 18 in alloy wheels. It can seat four and has a base price of US$63,825.

Competitors include the [[Mercedes-Benz SL-Class]], [[BMW 6 Series]], [[Jaguar XK8]], and [[Cadillac XLR]].

===First Generation (1991-2000)===
[[Image:SC400.JPG|thumb|right|300px|1992 Lexus SC400]]
The '''SC 300''' and '''SC 400''' were mid-sized coupes available in the United States with a 3.0 L inline 6 2JZ-GE (225 [[HP|hp]] and 210 ft·lbf, SC 300) or a 4.0 L [[V8]] 1UZ-FE (250 [[HP|hp]] and 260 ft·lbf, SC 400). In Japan, an additional engine choice was a 2.5 L twin-[[Turbo Engine|turbo]] inline 6, good for 276 [[HP|hp]] on the Toyota Soarer 2.5GT-T/TL. The V8 1UZ-FE motor, also used in the LS 400, was reported to have cost over US$400,000,000 in research and development. In 1996, the SC400's engine design was upgraded to 260 [[HP|hp]] from 250 [[HP|hp]]. In 1998, both the SC300 and 400 were upgraded with VVT-i and thus the ratings were raised to 290 [[HP|hp]]/300 ft·lbf of torque for the SC400 and 225 [[HP|hp]]/220 ft·lbf of torque for the SC300. Tests conducted on the new engines showed an acceleration for the SC400 of 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds, and for the SC300 an acceleration of 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds. [http://www.autos.com/autos/car/luxury/2000/]

The SC 400 was ''Motor Trend'''s Import Car of the Year for 1992. It also made ''Car and Driver'' magazine's Ten Best list for 1992 through 1995. The first generation [[Lexus|Lexus]] SC was considered far ahead of its time, which is why it lasted for nearly 10 years without any major changes while comparible cars were being re-designed every 3-4 years.

==Motorsport==
In 2006 the SC430 was entered in the Super GT race series in the GT500 class (cars with approximately 500 [[horsepower]]). Extensively modified from the factory car, the engine used is a modified version of the SC430's 3U-ZFE V8 that was also used in the [[Toyota Supra]] race car from previous years.

The new SC430 based race cars were immediately competitive with former GT500 champion Juichi Wakisaka and no.2 driver Andre Lotterer driving the Open Interface TOM's SC to victory at the opening round at Suzuka giving the SC430 its first victory on its debut race. 

== Awards ==
* 2003 '''J.D. Power Initial Quality Study''' 2nd winner (Prenium luxury)

==External links==
* [http://www.soarerworld.com/forum Soarer World Forum]
* [http://www.lexus.com/models/sc/index.html Lexus SC] - official [[Lexus|Lexus]] website
* [http://www.soarercentral.com/ Soarer Central - SC/Soarer Information and Forum]
* [http://www.[[Lexus|lexus]].australia.as/ Australian [[Lexus|Lexus]] Soarer Club]
* [http://www.intellexual.net/faq.html Intellexual - SC/Soarer FAQ]
* [http://www.supergt.net/en/ SuperGT Race Series Official Site]
* [http://www.clublexus.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=63 [[Lexus|Lexus]] forums]

{{Lexus}}

This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_SC Lexus SC], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lexus_SC&action=history contributors].

[[Category:Current Models]]
[[Category:Lexus vehicles|SC]]
[[Category:Luxury vehicles]]
[[Category:Rear wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Grand tourers]]

Lexus LS

2009-04-07T22:59:07Z

CelsiorFan: spaces, etc

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:G ext5.jpg|300px|2007 Lexus LS 460]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lexus LS'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lexus]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| USF40 / USF41
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1989-present
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Full-Size Executive / Luxury
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-door 4/5-seat [[Sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 198.0 in/202.8 in (5029 mm/5151 mm)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 73.8 in (1875 mm)
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 57.7 in (1476 mm)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 116.9 in/121.7 in (2969 mm/3091 mm)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 4332 lbs (curb)/5480 lbs (GVWR) (1810 kg)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 8-speed Automatic, RWD
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 4.6 litre [[DOHC]] [[V8]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 380 hp @ 6400 rpm <br> 367 lb-ft. of [[torque]] @ 4100 rpm
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Acura RL]]<br>[[Infiniti Q45]]<br>[[Maserati Quattroporte]]<br>[[BMW 7 Series]]<br>[[Mercedes-Benz S-Class]]<br>[[Audi A8]]<br>[[Porsche Panamera]]<br>[[Bentley Continental Flying Spur (2005)|Bentley Flying Spur]]<br>[[Jaguar XJ]]<br>[[Aston Martin Rapide]]<br>[[Volkswagen Phaeton]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[Kunihiri Uchida]] (LS430)<br>[[Moritaka Yoshida]]
|}
The '''[[Lexus|Lexus]] LS''' is a V8-powered, rear wheel drive luxury car that serves as the flagship of [[Toyota]]'s luxury [[Lexus]] division. A length of over five meters (200 in) gives the LS a "large car" classification in Europe as well as in the United States. According to reviews, the Lexus LS has one of the most silent cabins among modern cars and is sometimes hailed as one of the most refined, well-engineered and technologically advanced vehicles in the high-end luxury car segment. As the LS's suspension is tuned primarily for ride comfort and isolation, the model is often accused of not being as sporty as German competitors such as the [[BMW 7 Series]]. The exterior features superb fit-and-finish and one of the lowest drag coefficients of any sedan on the market.

===Recent Changes===
* For 2009, Lexus introduces the '''LS460 AWD''' at the 2008 [[Moscow Motor Show]].[http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080820.013/lexus-ls-460-awd-to-debut-at-moscow-motor-show]

<gallery>
Image:9080820.013.Mini1L2.jpg
Image:9080820.013.1L2.jpg
</gallery>

The LS Series of sedans were completely redesigned for 2007.

For the first time, the Lexus LS was offered in both standard and long wheelbase versions. Innovations on the latest LS sedans included the world's first eight-speed automatic transmission, real-time traffic updates, automatic parallel/reverse parking, and more luxury features than on previous models. The LS Series of luxury flagship sedans went on sale worldwide in late 2006, furthering Lexus' efforts to establish itself as a global luxury brand.
[[Image:Lexus LS 460 002.jpg|thumb|right|450px|The long wheelbase [[Lexus]] LS 460 L in ''Black Sapphire Pearl''.]]
[[Image:Lexus LS 460 003.jpg|thumb|right|450px|[[Lexus]] LS 460 and LS 460 L models.]]

===Styles and Major Options===
* LS Series 4.6L petrol V8 RWD sedan
**2007 LS 460
**2007 LS 460 L
* LS Series 5.0L hybrid V8 AWD sedan
**2008 LS 600h
**2008 LS 600h L

'''Comfort Package - $1,290 (LS 460)'''
* Heated steering wheel
* Climate comfort front seats with heat/cool knob
* Heated rear seats
* Power rear sunshade
* Headlamp washers

'''Comfort Plus Package - $3,620 (LS 460)'''
* Heated steering wheel
* Climate comfort front and rear seats with heat/cool knob
* Power rear seats with memory and power headrests
* Power rear sunshade
* Headlamp washers
* Rear-seat side airbags (SRS)
[[Image:Lexus LS 460 004.jpg|right|thumb|450px|The Lexus LS 460's forward instrumentation and touchscreen navigation system.]]
'''Navigation System/Advanced Parking Guidance System Package (requires Intuitive Parking Assist) - $3,815 (LS 460)'''
* Advanced Parking Guidance System
* Lexus voice-activated HDD Navigation System with backup camera , Bluetooth® technology *, XM® Satellite Radio and Real-Time Traffic capability (includes 90-day trial subscription)
[[Image:Lexus LS 460 001.jpg|right|thumb|450px|The luxurious forward cabin of the Lexus LS.]]
'''Navigation System/Mark Levinson® Premium Audio System Package - $5,645 (LS 460)'''
* Lexus voice-activated HDD Navigation System with backup camera , Bluetooth® technology *, XM® Satellite Radio and Real-Time Traffic capability (includes 90-day trial subscription)
* Mark Levinson 19-speaker 450-watt @ 0.1% THD 20-20,000 Hz Reference Surround Sound Audio System with Hard Disk Drive, 7.1 architecture and in-dash, single-feed, six-disc * DVD/CD auto-changer featuring DVD-audio and DVD-video playback

'''Navigation System/Mark Levinson Premium Audio System/Advanced Parking Guidance System Package (requires Intuitive Parking Assist) - $6,345 (LS 460)'''
* Advanced Parking Guidance System
* Lexus voice-activated HDD Navigation System with backup camera , Bluetooth® technology *, XM® Satellite Radio and Real-Time Traffic capability (includes 90-day trial subscription)
* Mark Levinson 19-speaker 450-watt @ 0.1% THD 20-20,000 Hz Reference Surround Sound Audio System with Hard Disk Drive, 7.1 architecture and in-dash, single-feed, six-disc * DVD/CD auto-changer featuring DVD-audio and DVD-video playback

'''Rear-Seat Upgrade Package (requires Luxury Package) - $1,625 (LS 460 L)'''
* Four-zone automatic climate control with interior air filter, smog sensor and automatic recirculation mode
* Rear-seat air purifier
* Rear-seat audio controls
* Rear-seat cool box
* Power rear-door sunshades

'''Luxury Package - $2,780 (LS 460 L)'''
* Semi-aniline leather-trimmed interior
* Climate comfort rear seats with heat/cool knob
* Power rear seats with memory and power headrests
* Ecsaine headliner
* Rear-seat side airbags (SRS)
[[Image:Lexus LS 460 005.jpg|right|thumb|450px|The superluxury ''Executive Class Four-Seat Package'' exclusive to the Lexus LS 460 L.]]

'''Touring Package - $2,985 (LS 460 L)'''
* 19 x 8.0-in alloy wheels with 245/45R19 Y-rated Summer tires
* Variable Gear-Ratio Steering (VGRS)
* Adaptive Variable Air Suspension (AVS)
* High-friction brakes with larger rotors
[[Image:G int11.jpg|thumb|right|450px|The LS' ceiling air diffusers and body temperature sensors are automotive climate control firsts.]]

'''Executive-Class Seating Package (special order only) - $12,675 (LS 460 L)'''
* Four-person seating with rear fixed console
* Semi-aniline leather-trimmed interior
* Four-zone automatic climate control with rear-seat infrared temperature sensor, interior air filter, smog sensor and automatic recirculation mode
* Rear-seat air purifier
* Right-rear power recliner with multi-function massager and legrest
* Climate comfort rear seats with heat/cool knob
* Rear seat wood-trimmed table
* Lexus DVD Rear-Seat Entertainment System (RSES) with power nine-inch screen and wireless headphones
* Rear-seat audio controls
* Rear-seat cool box
* Power rear-door sunshades
* Ecsaine headliner
* Rear-seat side airbags (SRS)

===Pricing===
Today's actual prices for the [[Lexus]] [http://www.carsdirect.com/lexus/ls_460/prices LS 460 and the LS 460 L] can be found at CarsDirect.

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#f5f5f5>
<td colspan=3>
'''[[Lexus]] LS Trims'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
LS 460
</td>
<td>
LS 460 L
</td>
<td>
LS 600h L
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#F0F8FF>
<td colspan=3>
''MSRP''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$61,000
</td>
<td>
$71,000
</td>
<td>
$104,000
</td>
</tr>
</table>

===Reliability===
*The Lexus LS is regarded as one of the finest automobiles in the world, particularly in terms of reliability and build quality, generally regarded as excellent and surpassing all of its major rivals. The Lexus LS has also won many consecutive awards as a top vehicle in the J.D Power surveys.

*Recall alert: on Jan 17th 2009, Lexus, in conjunction with the NHTSA, issued a recall alert affecting 214,500 2006-2008 GS300/350, IS250/350 and LS460/460L sedans over potentially faulty fuel delivery pipes which can corrode and leak due to certain ethanol fuels with low moisture content that can lead to rust, occasionally triggering a dashboard indicator lamp indicating a system malfunction. Lexus will be contacting owners of affected vehicles via email and Lexus dealers will replace parts at no cost. [http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/17/lexus-recalling-214-500-gs-is-and-ls-models/]

===Colors===
[[Image:LS 460 Platinum.jpg|thumb|right|400px|The Lexus LS 460 L in ''Mercury Metallic.'']]
[[Image:G ext8.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Design features on the LS include integrated rear exhaust vents and LED taillamps.]]
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Exterior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="73">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Black Sapphire Pearl</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#203d55"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Nobel Spine Mica</td>
<td bgcolor="#8b0000" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Verdigris Mica</td>
<td bgcolor="#2f4f4f" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Golden Almond Metallic</td>
<td bgcolor="#FFEBCD" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Starfire Pearl</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Mercury Metallic</td>
<td bgcolor="#ccd2d0" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Smoky Granite Mica</td>
<td bgcolor="#717775" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Obsidian</td>
<td bgcolor="#060607" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>

</div>

<div style="border-color: rgb(98, 89, 178); position: relative;" >
<div style="position: relative;" >
<div style="padding: 2px; position: relative;"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<div style="position: relative; top: 0px;">
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">'''Interior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="76">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>

<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">Cashmere</td>
<td bgcolor="#FAEBD7" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">Light Gray</td>
<td bgcolor="#c0c0c0" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">Alabaster</td>
<td bgcolor="#FDF5E6" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">Black</td>
<td bgcolor="#1b1b1b" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
</div>
{{clear}}

==Hybrid Models==
{{main|Lexus LS 600h L}}
Lexus introduced the LS 600h L, the world's first V8-powered full hybrid, at the 2006 New York Auto Show. The LS 600h L uses a 5.0 L V8 engine mated to a high-output electric motor with Nickel-Metal Hydride battery packs to generate over 440 hp (328 kW). The LS 600h L will be available with an all-wheel drive system and a two-stage continuously variable (CVT) transmission. Lexus claims the LS hybrid is the most technologically advanced vehicle in the world, and predicts that the vehicle will be certified as a SULEV vehicle. Because of the silent nature of its hybrid design, the LS hybrid may be the quietest sedan in the world. More details such as curb weight, engine specifications are yet to be released. The LS hybrid will feature one of the world's first LED headlight systems, a leather-trimmed dash, and different exterior colors. Differently-hued trunk "600h" and side chrome "hybrid" badges are also unique to the LS hybrids. U.S. base pricing is $104,000.

==Generations==
===Current generation (2007-Present)===
[[Image:20_2007-LS-460.jpg|thumb|left|375px|2008 Lexus LS 600h L in ''Black Sapphire Pearl''.]]
Introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, a redesigned LS arrived for the 2007 model year. Based on the LF-Sh concept vehicle, the new LS features a 4.6 L [[V8]] producing 380 [[HP|hp]] (283 kW) and 370 ft•lbf (502 N•m) or a hybrid V8. An 8-speed [[automatic transmission]] is the world's first. The car's complex electronic and safety systems have been shown in detail at the Geneva Motor Show in February, while the [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] version had its debut at the New York Auto Show in April 2006.

New high-tech options on the LS 460 include a 19-speaker "Reference Surround Sound System" with an 8 GB hard drive, front and rear climate-comfort seats, 4-zone climate control with an air purifier, and a new automatic parking system. Lexus SmartAccess with a push-button starting feature, as well as the 8-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] transmission are both standard features.

The 2007 LS marks the first time the car is sold under the [[Lexus|Lexus]] marque in Japan — the [[Lexus|Lexus]] brand was launched there in 2005 as part of [[Toyota]]'s vision to make [[Lexus|Lexus]] a 'global luxury brand.' For the first time, [[Lexus|Lexus]] offers two wheelbases. The base '''LS 460''' uses the shorter 116.9 in (2969 mm) wheelbase, while the gasoline engine is also offered as a long 121.7 in (3091 mm) wheelbase '''LS 460 L'''. The LS 460L also features an optional rear seat comfort package. The package includes a reclining right-hand side rear seat with massage features and an automatically operated footrest. An LCD screen is an available option for the rear seat compartment.

[[Lexus|Lexus]] introduced the '''LS 600h L''' as the world's first V8-powered full [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] to the audience at the 2006 New York Auto Show. Introduced only in long-wheelbase form (it will be available in other parts of the world in both wheelbases), the LS 600h L uses a 5.0 L V8 engine mated to a high-output electric motor with [[Battery Technology|Nickel-Metal Hydride]] battery packs to generate a total of 430 [[HP|hp]] (321 kW) which is comparable to the [[BMW 7 Series|BMW 760Li]]'s 438 [[HP|hp]] (327 kW) V12. The LS 600h L will be available with an all-wheel drive system and a two-stage continuously variable (CVT) transmission. [[Lexus|Lexus]] is also predicting the LS 600h will be certified as an [[Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle|SULEV]] vehicle. It claims the LS 600h is the most technologically advanced vehicle in the world. More details such as curb weight, price (speculated to be in the region of $90,000) are yet to be released.

At the same time the [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] model debuts [[Lexus|Lexus]] will offer its Advanced Pre Collision system, with such features as a driver monitoring camera (to sound an alarm if the system determines the driver's attention is needed), stereo video cameras and millimeter radar for advanced obstacle detection, pre-crash braking, and lane keeping assist (not available on ls600h), which nudges the car back in line if it strays from its intended lane on the highway. The system will also feature rearward-facing radar to detect impending rear collisions and prime the active headrests to reduce injury to passengers.

===Third generation (2001-2006)===
[[Image:Lexsls430.jpg|thumb|right|375px|2005 Lexus LS 430 in ''Mercury Metallic''.]]
For 2001, the UCF30 I '''LS 430''' was introduced. While previous LS redesigns were evolutionary, the 2001 update was a more thorough update of the model's exterior and interior. The UCF30 had a completely redesigned suspension and a brand new 4.3 L engine generating 290 [[HP|hp]] (216 kW) and 320 ft•lbf (434 N•m) of torque. A three-inch wheelbase stretch resulted in more interior volume than the competing Mercedes-Benz S-Class and allowed the engine to be positioned farther rearward for better balance. Features such as Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, a DVD-based [[Navigation System|navigation system]] and heated & cooled seats became available. These and other features, such as sonar assisted parking, power rear seats with massage and a rear cooler were bundled in the 'Ultra Luxury Package.'

In the interior the most notable design changes included additional woodgrain trim on the dashboard and doors as well as the addition of an LCD screen on the center console. The exterior of the vehicle was completely new with the vehicle's dimensions increasing in terms of length and height.

The UCF30 II was introduced in 2004. [[Lexus|Lexus]] freshened the front & rear fascias and added as standard equipment previously optional features, such as a one-touch power [[Sunroof|moonroof]], power rear sunshade, and lighted rear-seat vanity mirrors. Some features previously included in the Custom and Ultra Luxury packages became available separately. The transmission got an added sixth gear, and keyless 'smart access' and [[Bluetooth]] technology became optional, while a pre-collision system, similar to Mercedes-Benz's Pre-Safe, which used millimeter-wavelength radar to predict crashes and allow distance-aware cruise control, was added as an option. Other updates included different wheels, projector headlamps, and LED taillights.

The 2001 to 2006 LS 430 was the most reliable luxury sedan in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality survey, and the early and late models of this series were the most reliable cars in the survey. In later studies of defects after 3 years of ownership, the LS 430 is also at the top of the pack.

===Second generation (1995-2000)===
[[Image:LS 400 1995.jpg|left|375px|thumb|1995 Lexus LS 400 in ''Moonstone Pearl''.]]
Introduced in November 1994, the UCF20 I LS 400 was an evolutionary redesign of the LS and featured a new body that eliminated 300 lb from the previous car. The wheelbase was increased by 1.4 in, resulting in more interior and trunk space, yet the overall length of the car remained at 196.7 in. The durability of the brake system was improved as well.

The most noticeable cosmetic upgrades included a new front fascia with an increased gap between the headlights and grille, new headlights and taillights.

For the 1998 model year, the UCF20 II LS 400 was introduced. New interior amenities included retractable rear headrests, wood accents on the leather-bound steering wheel and gear selector, and a [[Navigation System|navigation system]] with a concealed antenna. A new "jam protection system" for the vehicle's windows was designed to reduce the risk of possible injury by preventing the windows from closing if an object came in between the window and the door frame. Door window controls were also added to the vehicle remote control.

Exterior updates included new five spoke wheels as well as redesigned rear view mirrors that reduced the amount of wind noise. The [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] headlights were now equipped with a delay feature that allowed the headlights to remain on while the occupants exited the vehicle.

The revised LS 400 featured Toyota's new 290 [[HP|hp]] VVT-i UZ engine mated to a smooth five-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] transmission. The drivetrain improvements not only enabled the 3,890 lb sedan to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds but also improved the vehicle's fuel economy.

===First generation (1989-1994)===
[[Image:LS 400 1989.JPG|right|400px|thumb||The original Lexus LS 400 in ''Diamond White Pearl.'']]
The UCF10 I LS 400 was produced from 1989 to 1994. The model introduced the [[Lexus|Lexus]] nameplate to the US, and soon after won critical acclaim, becoming ''Wheels'' magazine's Car of the Year and earning a place on ''Car and Driver'' magazine's Ten Best list for 1990. The LS 400 was initially intended to be introduced as a standalone model for [[Lexus|Lexus]], but ultimately was sold alongside the [[Lexus ES|ES 250]], an entry-level luxury car that was based on the [[Toyota Camry]]. In Japan, where the Lexus brand was not established, the vehicle was sold as the Toyota Celsior.

For the 1993 model year, the LS 400 (now designated as the UCF10 II) was introduced with larger brake rotors, standard passenger's side front airbags, larger wheels and tires, and numerous other upgrades.

==Technical Specifications==

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#f5f5f5>
<td colspan=6 align="center">
'''Lexus LS model year'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#F0F8FF>
<td>
</td>
<td>
1990–1994
</td>
<td>
1995–1997
</td>
<td>
1998–2000
</td>
<td>
2001–2006
</td>
<td>
2007-
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
'''Gears'''
</td>
<td>
4
</td>
<td>
4
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
5-6
</td>
<td>
8*
</td>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
'''Power'''
</td>
<td>
173 kW (250 hp)
</td>
<td>
186 kW (260 hp)
</td>
<td>
214 kW (290 hp)
</td>
<td>
214 kW (290 hp)
<td>
283 kW (380 hp)*
</td>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
'''Torque'''
</td>
<td>
353 Nm (260 ft•lbf) @4400 rpm
</td>
<td>
366 Nm (270 ft•lbf) @4500 rpm
</td>
<td>
407 Nm (300 ft•lbf) @4000 rpm
</td>
<td>
434 Nm (320 ft•lbf) @3400 rpm
<td>
498 Nm (367 ft•lbf) @4100 rpm*
</td>
<table/>
<br/>
''*LS 460 and LS 460 L model versions, excluding hybrids''

==Future possibilities==
For 2007, a gasoline-electric [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] variant, the LS 600h L (see above) became available in the [[Lexus|Lexus]] lineup. The LS 600h L is expected to boost the esteem of the [[Lexus|Lexus]] LS; critics had pointed out the absence of a range-topping [[V12]] as a significant omission in the [[Lexus|Lexus]] lineup. The closest competitors to the LS 460 such as the [[Mercedes-Benz S-Class]] offer range-topping S600 and S65 AMG sedans with powerful V12 engines and prices exceeding US$120,000. Critics' doubts on whether [[Lexus|Lexus]] would be able to command more than $12,000 premium over LS 460 L were dispelled in spring 2007 when Lexus announced a $104,000 base MSRP for the LS600h, exceeding the $100K ultra-luxury segment mark.

Rumors persist that a new and improved version of a Toyota V12, the 1GZ-FE, used in the Japanese [[Toyota Century]] will be upgraded to more than 500 [[HP|hp]] (currently 280 [[HP|hp]]) for the European and North American markets to more successfully compete in the ultra-luxury segment with the [[Mercedes-Benz S-Class|Mercedes-Benz S600]] and [[BMW 7-Series|BMW 760]], but nothing concrete has been confirmed by Toyota.

==Awards==
The LS has received numerous awards since its introduction.
* The Lexus LS has won the '''J.D. Power''' award for the ''"Best High-end Luxury Sedan"'' 12 years in a row, the most for any manufacturer, due to vehicle dependability.
* The Lexus LS was the highest-ranked vehicle in the '''J.D. Power''' ''Initial Quality Survey'' for seven consecutive years from 1997 to 2003. In 2004 and 2005, the Lexus LS 430 was second only to the Lexus SC 430 in the Initial Quality Survey. The LS 430 was again ranked in the top spot in 2006.
* In 2006, '''Consumer Reports''' awarded the Lexus LS as the highest ranked vehicle in reliability in the luxury car class and gave it the ''"Best Car We Ever Tested"'' title, continuing the Lexus trend of scoring highly on Consumer Reports surveys. Based on Consumer Reports a five year old Lexus LS is more reliable and dependable than a brand new BMW 7-series, Mercedes S-class and Audi A8, owing to the wide disparity in reliability scores between the top-ranked LS and below-average German makes.
* The 2005 '''J.D. Power''' ''Vehicle Dependability Study'' found just 90 problems per 100 LS vehicles, the first time in the study's 16 year history for a vehicle to have less than one problem per vehicle. In 2006, the Lexus LS repeated this feat, averaging just 88 problems per 100 vehicles.
* The Lexus LS 430 was named the ''Most Appealing Premium Luxury Car'' by '''J.D. Power''' in 2001. The second generation LS 400 was also named Most Appealing Premium Luxury Car in 1996.
* In 1989, the '''Motoring Press Association''' of the U.S. named the LS 400 the ''Best Imported Car of the Year''.
* The first-generation LS earned a place on '''Car and Driver''' magazine's ''Ten Best list'' and became '''Wheels''' magazine's ''Car of the Year''.
* The 1991 LS 400 was named ''Best New Luxury Sedan'' and awarded the ''Car of the Year'' title at the '''Canadian Car of the Year''' awards, selected by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.
* The LS 400 was named the ''Best Import Car'' of 1993 by '''Robb Report'''.
* '''Automobile Magazine''' in 2005 listed the first Lexus LS 400 as one of the ''24 Most Important Vehicles of the 20th Century'', a title it bestowed on the vehicle in 1996.
* The LS 430 was judged as the ''"Finest Luxury Sedan In America"'' by '''Automotive Marketing Consultants, Inc.''' in a 2002 comparison test. Competing against ten other luxury models, including the Mercedes S500 and the BMW 750iL, the LS placed first in three out of seven categories: NVH, ergonomics, and utility. The LS 430 was also the quietest car in the comparison, with an idle reading of just 31.1 dB in the front seat.
* '''Car and Driver''' magazine awarded the 2004 LS 430 first place in a December 2003 comparison test of $70,000 luxury sedans. The LS 430 ranked above competing vehicles from Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen, with reviewers pointing to the LS 430's superior ride quality, highway performance, interior design, and technology as winning factors.
* '''Kiplinger's Personal Finance''' report named the Lexus LS 430 ''First in Class and Best in Safety'' for cars $40,000 and over in 2005.
* '''Intellichoice''' gave the Lexus LS its ''Best Overall Value'' award for the Luxury Class in 2004 and 2005.
* '''AutoPacific''' and '''Intellichoice''' gave the LS 430 the ''Motorist's Choice Award'' in the Cars category in 2006.
* '''Kelley Blue Book''' gave the LS 430 its ''Best to Hold Value Award'' in 2001, 2002, and 2003.
* '''R. L. Polk & Co.''', automotive marketing research firm, gave the LS 430 its ''Polk Automotive Loyalty Award'' in the Prestige Luxury Car category in 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2005 for customer retention.
* '''Edmunds.com''' gave the LS 430 its ''Most Wanted Car'' award in the Large Luxury Class in 2002.
* The 2006 Lexus LS 430 won ''Best luxury sedan'' overall in the '''ConsumerSearch''' review of Best Luxury Cars on September 2006.
* '''Popular Science''' gave the LS 430 a ''Design & Engineering award'' in 2001, and named the LS 460 to its ''Best of What's New'' in Automotive Technology in December 2006.
* '''Popular Mechanics''' gave the LS 460 its 2007 ''Automotive Excellence Award'' in the Luxury category. The second generation LS 400 was honored with Popular Mechanics' ''Design and Engineering Award'' in 1995.
* Automotive research firm '''TRG''' declared that the 2007 Lexus LS 460 offered the most technological features of any vehicle in the North American market, surpassing the newly launched Mercedes S-class and 2006 BMW 7-Series.
* Automotive data analysis firm '''Vincentric, LLC''' named the LS 460 L the ''"Best Value in America"'' in the Prestige Luxury segment in its 2007 Best Value Awards.
* Technology reviews site '''CNET.com''' named the Lexus LS 460 L the ''"Tech Car of the Year"'', the top prize of its Car Tech Awards 2006. The CNET.com editors recognized the Lexus LS for its sound system, navigation, NavTraffic, Bluetooth integration, and self-parking technology in naming it the most technologically advanced vehicle of the year.
* The fourth-generation Lexus LS was named the 2006-2007 '''Car of the Year Japan''', taking the prestigious top prize among 10 finalists in a competition juried by Japan's top automotive journalists.
* The LS 600h was named ''Limo of the Year'' in '''Top Gear's Car of the Year awards''' for 2006.
* The LS 460 was crowned 2007 ''Car of the Year'' at the '''International Car of the Year''' (ICOTY) awards, held at the North American International Auto Show in January 2007. The LS 460 was named ''Luxury Car of the Year'', beating out same-class competitors, named ''Most Respected'', and in the overall competition the Lexus LS won the top award, Car of the Year.
* The LS 460 was named ''World Car of the Year'' (WCOTY) at the New York International Auto Show's 2007 '''WCOTY Awards'''. The jurors found the LS to be the embodiment of the Lexus "pursuit of perfection" and recognized its innovative firsts, classical luxury with modern execution, and hybrid offerings.

==Trivia==
* Antony Leung, the former secretary of finance of Hong Kong, purchased an LS 430 just before implementing a new tax that would have cost him an additional HK$50,000. The scandal, known as "Lexusgate", led to his resignation.
* The third season of the popular BBC television program, ''Spooks'', featured a number of [[Lexus|Lexus]] LS vehicles as part of the brand's introduction in the British market.
* The 2005 J.D. Power ''initial quality'' study found just 90 problems per 100 LS vehicles, the first time in the study's 16 year history for a vehicle to have less than one problem per vehicle.
* Bill Gates owned a 1990 LS 400 in burgundy and subsequently donated it to the Pacific Crest Outward Bound School in Portland, Oregon in 1995.
* A Toyota Celsior is one of the cars driven in the racing arcade game and manga Wangan Midnight. The car, driven by Gen Sasaki (Gatchan), is often regarded as a joke due to the ricer features and Gatchan's reluctance to give his car more race features like removing excess weight and using garish bodykits.
* Notable LS owners include CEOs and business executives such as Microsoft's Bill Gates (1990 LS 400 in burgundy, later donated to the Pacific Crest Outward Bound School in Portland, Oregon), Ford CEO Alan Mulally (called his LS 430 the "finest car in the world"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060906/BUSINESS01/609060459|title=Only the best will do for Mulally|accessdate=2006-11-01|publisher=Detroit Free Press|last=Walsh|first=Tom|date=2006-09-06}}</ref>), Bloomberg's Michael Bloomberg (gray LS 430), Samsung's corporate leadership (seven 2005 LS 430 sedans), and Creative Technology CEO Sim Wong Hoo (LS 430 owner for three years, later donated as grand prize of a Creative 25th anniversary promotion drive<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sg.creative.com/corporate/pressroom/releases/welcome.asp?pid=12659|title=Creative 25th Anniversary Lucky Draw Offers Sim Wong Hoo's Lexus LS 430 as the Grand Prize|publisher=Creative Technology Ltd.|date=2006-11-21}}</ref>).

{{Lexus}}

==References==
*1. [http://sev.prnewswire.com/auto/20060303/LAF01603032006-1.html Advanced Safety in LS 460]
*2. [http://www.thecarconnection.com/Auto_News/Daily_Edition/Daily_Edition_May_10_2004.S173.A7125.html [[Lexus|Lexus]] Ultra-Sedan]
*3. [http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051123/OPINION03/511230428/1148/AUTO01 [[Lexus|Lexus]] V12]
*4. [http://www.lexus.com/about/press_releases/popups/2002/pr_02_11_a.html Finest Sedan in the World]
*5. [http://www.thecarconnection.com/Vehicle_Reviews/Luxury_Cars/2004_[[Lexus|Lexus]]_LS_430_Sport.S183.A7351.html Pricing]
*6. [http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/34870/[[Lexus|lexus]]_ls_600h_poor_mans_v12.html [[Lexus|Lexus]] 600h: Poor Man's V12]

==External Links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/models/ls/index.html Lexus LS] - official website
* [http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/monterey-2008-pebble-beach-edition-ls-600h-l-and-sc-430/ Monterey 2008: Pebble Beach Edition LS 600h L and SC 430]
<br/>
This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_LS Lexus LS], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lexus_LS&action=history contributors].

[[Category:Current Models]]
[[Category:Lexus vehicles|LS]]
[[Category:Rear wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Luxury vehicles]]
[[Category:Prestige vehicles]]
[[Category:Full-size vehicles]]
[[Category:Flagship vehicles]]
[[Category:Sedans]]

Lexus

2008-10-21T22:05:36Z

CelsiorFan:

{{List Of Lexus Models}}
'''[[Lexus|Lexus]]''' is the luxury automobile division of [[Toyota|Toyota Motor Corporation]]. The Lexus brand name represents a premium line of luxury vehicles, first begun in 1989 with the debut of the LS 400 flagship sedan and the ES 250 executive sedan. Lexus cars and SUVs are sold in North America, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Latin America, Asia and Oceania; in the United States, Lexus is the top selling brand of luxury cars. Until 2005, Lexus vehicles were sold under the [[Toyota]] marque in Japan until its introduction there that year.

The Lexus line of luxury vehicles was started in 1989 to compete with other luxury makes, including German firms Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi; Cadillac and Lincoln in the U.S., and Honda's Acura division. Before the first Lexus sedan premiered at the 1989 Detroit Motor Show, Toyota engineers spent five years in secret development, costing billions of dollars and involving over 150 prototypes built for a testing process unprecedented in Toyota's 50-year history. The crowning result was the LS 400 flagship sedan, a vehicle which was more aerodynamic, more quiet, and more efficient than its rivals. To the customers that bought them, the LS 400 was regarded as a better value than its higher-priced competition,<ref>[http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=115368 Lexus LS Generations]</ref> and within two years Lexus had become the top-selling luxury import in the U.S.

Since its successful introduction, Lexus has developed a reputation for quality and customer service. In the U.S. the brand continually ranks at the top of owner satisfaction and reliability surveys. Today, over 16 years since the company's debut, many LS 400 sedans continue operating capably for their owners, a testament to the engineering expertise that went into the Lexus flagship model. In recent years, Lexus' sales have been propelled by a successive series of popular designs. In 2006, the Lexus line had three of the top 10 best-selling luxury vehicles in the U.S.—the RX, ES, and IS—more than any other luxury make.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/vehicles/2006/12/15/best-selling-luxury-forbeslife-cx_dl_1218bestsellingluxurycars.html Best-Selling Luxury Cars 2006]</ref>

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] History==
The Lexus saga began in 1983, when Toyota began the F1/Circle-F project, a secret initiative to develop the "world's best luxury car." This project was inspired by the success of the [[Toyota Supra]] sports car and the luxury Toyota Cressida models. Both the Supra and Cressida were [[rear-wheel drive]] cars with a powerful ''7M-GE/7M-GTE'' engine. For their new flagship vehicle, however, U.S. Toyota executives convinced the Japanese Toyota board that a separate brand and dealership network was needed to support a top-flight luxury vehicle in the world's largest automotive market, the United States. Additionally, such a network would require not just one model, but several, the executives suggested. After much debate, Toyota's Japanese leadership agreed to launch a separate luxury division. Initially, some Japanese Toyota executives were affronted with the prospect of their most prized design getting a separate badge, but ultimately they agreed that a separate title would confer a more lofty status.

===The Lexus division===

[[Image:Lexus l logo.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''"The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection"'' debuted in 1989.]]An image consulting firm presented a list of 219 names, from which Vectre, Verone, Chaparel, Calibre and Alexis were top candidates. While Alexis quickly became the front runner (possibly due to the association with the Alexis Carrington character on the popular 1980s primetime drama ''Dynasty'') and later morphed to Lexus, the name has been attributed to the combination of the words "luxury" and "elegance." According to [[Toyota]], however, the name had no meaning and was just meant to be pleasing and easy to remember. Just prior to the release of the first vehicles, the database service LexisNexis obtained a temporary injunction forbidding the name Lexus from being used as they stated it might cause confusion. Upon reflection, the court lifted the injunction, deciding that there was a low likelihood of confusion between the two products. Another theory has surfaced, claiming that the Lexus name was given to the project by Toyota in the mid-80s, as an acronym for Luxury EXport United States. with the acronym "LEUS" with the "x" from "luxury" added to form "Lexus". Hunter Communications and Molly Designs created the "L" logo that became the symbol of the Lexus line.

The Lexus slogan, developed after U.S. personnel visited Lexus designers in Japan and noted their obsessive attention to detail, became "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection."

===Launch of Lexus===

[[Image:LS 400 1989.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The first LS 400 flagship challenged the best luxury vehicles in the world.]]The first Lexus-badged models, the V-8 powered [[Lexus LS |LS 400]] and the smaller, [[Toyota Camry]]-based ES 250, appeared in 1989. The LS 400 flagship captured most of the attention; it had a unique design, sharing no major elements with previous Toyota vehicles, with a new 4.0 L [[V8]] engine. It was widely praised for its silence, well-appointed interior, fine engine performance, outstanding build quality, and value. (In some markets, it was priced against mid-sized [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]] models, while offering size, performance, and quality comparable to their full-size cars). It was generally regarded as a major shock to the European marques, but was criticized by automobile columnists for anonymous styling and a suspension regarded as too compromising of handling for ride comfort. Nonetheless, the LS 400 won several major motoring awards when released, including Wheels magazine's Car of the Year and Best Imported Car of the Year by the Motoring Press Association.

The Lexus marque was fully launched in the United States in late 1989. Lexus launched later in Great Britain, Canada and Australia, in 1990. In some countries, like Malaysia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK, where there is a market in grey imports of Japanese cars, some equivalent Toyota models were retro-fitted with Lexus badges, although they still differ slightly from officially imported Lexus models, especially in specification and equipment levels. Lexus launched later in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and other European countries.

===Global expansion===

Today, Lexus has become the fourth-largest luxury make in the world, by volume. Lexus directly competes with such luxury brands as the Europe's [[Audi]], [[BMW]], [[Jaguar]], [[Mercedes-Benz]], [[Porsche]], and [[Volvo]], the American [[Cadillac]] and [[Lincoln]], and Japanese brands [[Acura]] and [[Infiniti]]. In the U.S., Lexus' success can be attributed in large part to its excellent reputation for reliability and customer service; the luxury line consistently ranks at the top of J.D. Power and Consumer Reports surveys; similarly, Lexus vehicles rank at the top of Auto Express and Top Gear automotive surveys in Europe.

[[Image:Lexus JD Power.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Lexus has received numerous JD Power awards.]]The Lexus marque was finally introduced to the Japanese market on July 26, 2005. The compact IS 250/IS 350, convertible SC 430, and midsize GS 350/GS 430 will all be available in Japan in the 2006 model year. By January 2007, nearly all of the 160+ Lexus dealerships in Japan had become profitable.<ref>[http://wardsdealer.com/latest/lexus_progressing_japan/ Lexus Slowly Progressing in Japan]</ref> Still, in a country where Accords and Camrys are considered quite luxurious, and where its existing lineup already has 45% market share, Toyota has a long way to go to expand Lexus to match the success of BMW and Mercedes Benz in the luxury segment. Fortunately, the lowest cost and most efficient automaker in the world has the biggest war chest and can afford to grow Lexus incrementally. In late 2006-2007, the Lexus lineup in Japan gained a significant boost with record-setting orders for its new LS 460 flagship sedan, which debuted in September.
{{clear}}
==L-Finesse==
[[Image:LF-S.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The LF-S concept.]]As part of its expanded global launch and bid for luxury market leadership, Lexus' new offerings, released between 2004 and 2007 all carry its new, distinctive design language - dubbed L-Finesse. Lexus is finally taking visuals and aesthetics seriously, after years of being dismissed as being a producer of bland and lacklustre designs. Following in the footsteps of BMW's Bangle inspired design (but avoiding much of the controversy), The L-Finesse design language is the product of an increasingly competetive auto market, where only the most outstanding and flamboyant vehicles attract consumer attention. Lexus' new crop of concept vehicles, which include the LF-X, LF-S, LF-C, LF-A and LF-Sh, all feature L-Finesse design cues. These vehicles can all be viewed at Lexus' official concept website, [http://www.lexus.com/fcv/ [Lexus Concept Vehicles]]. The first production vehicle to feature the L-Finesse design treatment was the 3rd generation GS sedan, inroduced for 2006. This was followed a few months later by the redesigned second-generation IS, and then the new LS and ES sedans. The Lexus SUV lineup may be next in line for the L-Finesse designers. On the sedans, the L-Finesse "look" is sleek, with character lines emanating from hood to trunk; a "waterfall" effect features from the A pillars forward, and the rear cabin has a pulled-back look, often with slingshot side windows. A unifying characteristic across the entire L-Finesse sedan lineup is a trapezoid grille that is positioned slightly lower than the level of the headlamps, unlike most other car designs from other marques. Elements of the L-Finesse designs feature styling cues derived from Japanese characters.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Vehicles==
Over the years, Lexus has developed a strong and complete portfolio of vehicles that covers a significant spread of the luxury market. Today, its lineup includes four sedans - IS (an entry level sports compact), the ES (an midsize luxury sedan), the GS (a sports-luxury sedan) and the LS (flagship luxury sedan). one roadster (the SC 430), and the porfolio also sports three SUVs - the RX (a crossover compact), the GX (a midsize luxury) and the LX (full size flagship).

===Lexus Cars===
[[Image:Isexterior2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Lexus IS 350.]]The [[Lexus IS|Lexus '''IS''']] was introduced in 1998 as Lexus' answer to the BMW 3-series in the U.S. and European markets. In Japan, the first generation IS was sold as the Toyota Altezza. Although a serious automobile, experts never considered it to be a true threat to the BMW's superior benchmark. That all changed with the introduction of the second generation, 2006 model year IS - a vehicle considered to be on par with the BMW's standings. Now offered with a choice of 2.5 or 3.5 liter mills, the IS delivers serious grunt with the refinement and precision matched only by Lexus. The newest IS was introduced in Japan as part of Lexus' debut in its home country. A high-performance V8 version, the [[Lexus IS-F|IS-F]], was launched in 2008.
<br>
[[Image:Esred.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Lexus ES 350.]]Lexus' entry level midsize luxury sedan, the [[Lexus ES|'''ES''']], is vaguely based on Toyota's bread-and-butter [[Toyota Camry|Camry]] sedan platform, with a separately designed body style, interior, and technological features. Instead of the Camry's four and six banger engines, however, comes the stately 3.5 liter. This V6 hustles the saloon with speed - although the ES is marketed more as an elegant, luxury sedan than a sports tourer. Previous versions of the [[Lexus ES|Lexus ES]] were direct counterparts of the Toyota Windom, which was sold in Japan. While most of Lexus' offerings are aimed squarely at the German car buyer, the ES does not have a German car counterpart, and is instead sold as a luxury sedan for those wishing a comfortable, front-wheel drive luxury vehicle without ample sporty ambitions.
<br>
[[Image:GS 3rd gen.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Lexus GS sedan.]]The [[Lexus GS|'''GS''']] sports sedan has its sights aimed squarely at Germany's midsize sports sedan offerings. Armed with a choice of three engines - the base 3.5, a potent 4.6 and an incredible [[Lexus GS 450h|4.5 Hybrid]] - the 2007 Lexus GS enters battle armed every bit like the German sedans it tries to embody. Unlike the Toyota Hybrid variants, which improve fuel mileage at the cost performance, the hybrid version of the GS, the GS 450h, is aimed at further boosting performance, without loosing fuel economy. With its hybrid powertrain producing around 340 HP, the GS 450h is the fastest Lexus hybrid ever built--surpassing the conventional gasoline powered Lexus IS 350.
<br>
[[Image:LS 460 Platinum.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Lexus LS 460 flagship.]]Lexus' spanking new flagship [[Lexus LS|'''LS''']] luxury cruiser is available for the 2007 model year. This vehicle offers a 4.6 liter powerplant, bringing a whopping 380 HP and 370 pound-feet of torque to the table. Power is transferred to the wheels through a groundbreaking 8 speed gearbox - a first of its kind. An extra few grand buys you the 'L' badge - Lexus' crack at the extended wheelbase sedans of Germany. And if even that is not enough, buyers have the choice to opt for the LS 600h L, the first hybrid V8 ever. Lexus claims that its flagship Hybrid will have the performance and luxury to compete with Germany's V12 sedans, while offering the relative frugality of a V8.
<br>
[[Image:Sc se main img 1a.jpg|thumb|left|225px|Lexus SC convertible.]]Lexus' only sports tourer, the [[Lexus SC|'''SC''']], is a convertible hardtop. While not much of a sports vehicle, the SC 430, previously known as the Toyota Soarer in Japan (until 2006, when it was replaced by the SC 430), is certainly an elegant convertible cruiser. While the Soarer offered a twin-turbo in its home nation, only the standard induction 4.3 is offered with the SC 430. With a body design inspired by the French Riviera, the SC 430 is a stylish statement from Lexus. Until the arrival of the 2007 LS 460/LS 460 L, the SC 430 was the most expensive car in the Lexus lineup.
{{clear}}
===Lexus SUVs===
[[Image:Lexus Luxury Utility Vehicles.jpg|thumb|right|270px|The Lexus Luxury Utility Vehicle lineup, left to right, 2006 LX/RX/GX.]]So you want to enjoy the comfort and space afforded by an SUV but don't want to empty your wallet with $3/gallon fillups? Enter the crossover-ute. Lexus ups the ante in the soft roader class by introducing the new and improved [[Lexus RX|'''RX''']]. Based on the Camry platform, the RX can be had with a 3.5 liter internal combustion engine, or a hybrid - dubbed the [[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]]. The RX is considered one of the first crossover SUVs, and the first one built for the luxury market. It has spawned dozens of competitors, but none approach the success of the RX--Lexus' top-selling model and the best-selling luxury vehicle in America in 2004 and 2005.

Customers shopping for a standard, body-on-frame SUV can also stop by to check out the new [[Lexus GX 470|'''GX''']], known elsewhere as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Available as a five or seven seater, this midsize SUV is Lexus' answer to America's burgoening SUV market. Notable for its extensive 4x4 capabilities, the GX 470/Prado is operated and raced by Toyota and other 4x4 teams the world over.

Lexus' final entree in its portfolio is the [[Lexus LX|'''LX''']]. Based closely on Toyota's [[Toyota Land Cruiser|Land Cruiser]], the LX 470 comes to the Lexus dealership donning a new badge, reworked interiors and a greater level of sophistication. The LX 470 will be succeeded by the all-new LX 570, which premieres at the New York International Auto Show in April 2007.

==In the Pipeline==
[[Image:2007 Lexus LF-A.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Lexus LF-A concept supercar.]]
The 2007 model year marks the finish of Lexus' current batch of launches, with the arrival of the highly anticipated LS. However, possibly two brand new models and other variants loom on the horizon (such as a possible coupe/convertible version of the IS, and successor models to the RX and SC model lines).

The first all-new model is the Lexus JX, Lexus' foray into the full size SUV market. Based on the upcoming [[Toyota Sequoia]]/[[Toyota Tundra|Tundra]] platform, the JX will go head to head with similar offerings from [[Lincoln]] and [[Cadillac]]. Unconfirmed rumors have it that the JX will come to the US not with the standard 4.7 liter mill, but with a more potent 5.4 liter mill.

Finally, Lexus' display of its [[Lexus LF-A|LF-A]] concept at the Detroit Auto Show hints at a production version of its sports coupe. Lexus' bias towards fuel economy, soft suspension settings and silent engines had meant that experts rarely took Lexus' attempts at sportiness seriously. The LF-A is all about changing those perceptions. Lexus has recently announced that the LF-A will walk into dealerships wearing a V-10 rated at over 500 bhp in a sub-5 liter engine. A vehicle that reportedly will push the 200 mph barrier clearly shows that Lexus is taking 'sport' seriously. The LF-A may come to market as the Lexus GT 450.

In January 2007, Lexus announced a new performance division, Lexus "F", which would produce racing-inspired versions of its luxury performance vehicles. The first F-marque vehicle, the IS-F, made its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, accompanied by an exotic F-marque supercar concept, the LF-A F. The Lexus F-marque vehicles will rival the high-performance lineups of the leading European and American luxury marques.

==Production==
Many Lexus vehicles are manufactured in the Tahara, Japan plant, a highly sophisticated, computerized manufacturing plant, awarded the title of the best automobile manufacturing plant in the world.<ref>[http://www.jdpa.com/NeWs/relEaSes/pressrelease.asp?ID=2005069 Tahara given JD Power Platinum Award, fewest defects anywhere in the world]</ref> Lexus manufacturing techniques include methods and standards of quality control that differ from Toyota models. At the Tahara plant, separate assembly lines were developed for the manufacture of Lexus vehicles. New molds and specialized manufacturing equipment were also developed for the Lexus production process. Welding processes, body panel fit tolerances, and paint quality requirements are more stringent for Lexus models. Each production Lexus vehicle is also given an extensive visual inspection for flaws and subjected to vibration tests to ensure a smooth and quiet ride.

The North American-market RX 350 (since the 2004 model year) is produced in the city of Cambridge, in Ontario, Canada, and is the first Lexus plant located outside of Japan. Lexus vehicles are also produced at the Araco, Kanji (Iwate), Kanji (Kanto Jidosha), Katashiki, Kyushu, and Tahara plants in Japan.

==Service==
Lexus has become known for efforts to project a luxury image even with service provided after the sale. The waiting areas in the service departments are complete with such amenities as a refreshment bar, business center that is soundproofed and stocked with computers and a fax machine, and the service bay is lined with large picture windows to allow the customers to watch the repairs. Other amenities can include a children's play area, indoor putting green, and other recreational services. Recently, several Lexus dealerships have added on-site cafes and designer shops.

In 2005, Lexus came first in the Top Gear Survey, "the UK's biggest independent car satisfaction survey" with over 76,000 respondants. In 2006, Lexus ranked first for the eleventh time in J.D. Power's Customer Service Index, its annual study involving over 79,000 U.S. owners and dealership experience. In 2006, the Luxury Institute, New York, rated Lexus #1 in Customer Experience among luxury automobile brands based on its survey of over 2,100 high-income households. On the strength of its customer service standards and high product satisfaction, Lexus enjoys one of the highest customer loyalty rates in the industry.

==Motorsport==
[[Image:Team Lexus GT2 IS 350.png|thumb|right|175px|Team Lexus' IS 350 GT2 race car.]]Lexus has been participating in endurance racing, in particular the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. Since entering the series in 2004, Lexus has won over 15 Rolex Series event races. In 2005, Lexus was runners-up and in 2006 it won the championship. Although Toyota has won this prestigious race in the past it was the first time that its luxury arm emerged as the winner. In 2007, six Lexus-powered Daytona prototypes were entered in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona event at the Daytona International Speedway. Lexus was a repeat winner of the event, with a Lexus-Riley prototype driven by Scott Pruett, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Salvador Durán of Chip Ganassi Racing finishing first; Lexus-Riley prototypes also took three of the top ten spots.

Lexus is also going to participate in [[12 Hours of Sebring]] which now form a part of American Le Mans. There has been speculation of a Lexus F1 operation in the near future, in line with its expansion into the luxury car markets, and increasing competition with BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Lexus may enter for the 2007 Formula 1 season as an engine supplier to the WilliamsF1 team, using Toyota engines rebadged as Lexus, but these rumors are purely speculative.

After the release of the Lexus brand on the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) in 2005, four SC 430 coupes were entered in the SuperGT series in the GT500 class. In the first race of the 2006 series, an SC 430 took the chequered flag. In 2006, Lexus raced a hybrid vehicle for the first time, entering a GS 450h performance hybrid sedan in the Tokachi 24-hour Race in Hokkaido, Japan.

==Future of [[Lexus|Lexus]]==
Although Lexus has had phenomenal success in the US since 1991-1992 — within 3 years of its introduction in 1989 — it has been struggling outside North America, including its home country, Japan, where the Lexus brand started marketing in 2005 and is still waiting for the arrival of the LS series due later this year, and in particular Europe. Automotive analysts have pointed out that Lexus has been so successful in North America because the wide consumer base of Toyota and in particular the baby boomers wanted something more luxurious as they were becoming older and their surplus incomes were allowing them to migrate to brands such as [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]]. The huge success of Lexus was in part due to the fact that its higher levels of quality and less expensive prices enabled it to retain those migrating customers and keep them "in the family."

However, this also had negative repurcussions as Lexus gradually cemented an image of value-priced brand, which would offer similarly equipped cars at tens of thousands of dollars less than its primary competitors, [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]]. The former chief of [[BMW]], Eberhard von Kuenhiem predicted that this strategy would work to some extent in US, but not in Europe, where the words premium and luxury do not go well with value pricing. Some automotive experts believe that Lexus' failure to woo European customers and its very slow incremental increase in European arena is because of differences in perceived value. This has led some automotive thinkers to believe that unless Lexus prices its products head-to-head with the European premium brands and emphasizes its superior quality, reliability and engineering, it will not be able to succeed globally.

However, quality levels of European brands are seemingly dwindling, while Lexus continues to score highly on such reports. Also, in order to attract European buyers, diesel engines have been added to the lineup (starting with the IS 220d), and with Lexus LF concept cars making it into production, Lexus is quickly beginning to re-invent itself as a global luxury brand. Some of these new models will come with a sticker price of around $100,000, setting these models against their European rivals in terms of price.

[[Image:Lexusfront.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Lexus debuted the world's first hybrid luxury SUV, the RX 400h, in 2005.]]The addition of hybrid models (including the RX 400h and GS 450h) have also driven European sales increases in environmentally-conscious markets such as the United Kingdom. Politicians in the UK have endorsed Lexus by using Lexus GS vehicles in place of British-built Vauxhalls, Jaguars and Rovers. Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, replaced his LS 430 with a GS 450h. The London Congestion Charge excludes hybrid vehicles, adding incentive to Lexus hybrids.

In the United Kingdom, the largest European market for Lexus, the IS series accounts for the largest number of Lexus sales (the largest proportion increasing with sales of the new IS 220d), with the GS 450h and RX 400h making up the second largest proportion. Sales of the LS flagship have been small compared to the lower-end Lexus vehicles due to lesser public perception of the brand and the larger expense of the vehicle. This is combined with the higher perception of Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and Jaguar rival brands. With Lexus sales increasing in the UK due to the introduction of the IS diesel and GS/RX hybrids, Lexus has emerged as a European second-tier luxury brand that is rising fast. The second-generation IS, which emerged in 2006 as an intelligent alternative to the dominant German and British marques' compact executive cars, has become representative of Lexus' efforts in Europe.

In South Korea, with sales of the ES 350 spearheading its efforts, Lexus has been the top-selling luxury import since 2005; in Taiwan, Lexus also became the top-selling luxury import in 2005. In Australia, Lexus' sales growth has surpassed its rivals, and the line now ranks third in overall luxury import sales, with the IS model generating high demand. Total worldwide Lexus sales are expected to reach 500,000 vehicles by 2007.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Trivia==
*In the United States, Lexus Financial Savings Bank, in conjunction with US Bank, has launched a Lexus Pursuits Visa Card.
*Lexus was requested by Steven Spielberg, an ardent fan of Lexus and himself an owner of LX 470, to design a vehicle which would fit the requirements of year 2054 for his movie Minority Report. Lexus came up with an advanced vehicle which would run on fuel cells and have many advanced safety features including a crash-proof structure. (Lexus' cinematic concept car also appears in ''The Island'', though it's colored blue, not red).
* In Japanese, Lexus is phonetically translated as レクサス (''rekusasu''). Coincidentally, the Polish word ''luksus'', which is pronounced very similarly to Lexus, means luxury in the Polish language.
* Lexus substituted "passionate" for "relentless" in their U.S. brand slogan in 2000; the worldwide motto was adopted in its current form by fall 2005.
*The distinctive voice in Lexus commercials is James Sloyan, who has been doing voiceover work for the brand since 1989.
*The ES series is roughly based on the US [[Toyota Camry]].
*The IS (Toyota Altezza in Japan) series is roughly based on the Toyota Cressida luxury sedan, which was discontinued in 1992 in the US partially because of dropping sales due to the launch and success of the Lexus brand.
*After being discontinued in 1992, the X chassis code for Cressidas was still in use in Japan under the Mark II, Chaser, and Cresta names until the early 2000s.
* The Lexus Centre, a sports, meeting, and entertainment facility in Melbourne, Australia, was first constructed for the 1956 Summer Olympics.

==Notable owners==
* Celebrity owners of Lexus vehicles include Steven Spielberg, Burt Bacharach, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Harrison Ford, Holly Hunter, Nicolas Cage, Diane Keaton, Mel Gibson, Cameron Diaz, Tony Hawk, Milla Jovovich, Christie Brinkley, Calista Flockhart, Paula Abdul, Tyra Banks, Michael Bloomberg, Bill Gates and Larry David.
* S R Nathan, the current President of Singapore's preferred limousine is a white Lexus LS430. Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra owned a black LS 400.
* Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore, switched from a Mercedes to a Lexus GS300 in late 1990s/early 2000s, citing its superior reliability; in interviews Mr. Lee said he was tired of dealing with car repairs.
* Donald Tsang, the current Chief Executive of Hong Kong, uses a grey LS600hL as his official limousine.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Lineup==
*[[Lexus IS|IS]] - compact [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]/[[all wheel drive|AWD]]
** (1998-2005) IS 200/IS 300
** (2006-) IS 250/IS 250 [[Four Wheel Drive|AWD]]/IS 350/IS 220d
*[[Lexus ES|ES]] - midsize [[front wheel drive|FWD]]
** (1989-1991) ES 250
** (1992-2001) ES 300
** (2002-2006) ES 300/ES 330
** (2007-) ES 350
*[[Lexus GS|GS]] - midsize [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]/[[all wheel drive|AWD]]
** (1993-1997) GS 300
** (1998-2005) GS 300/GS 400
** (2001-2005) GS 300/GS 430
** (2005-2007) GS 300/GS 300 [[Four Wheel Drive|AWD]]/GS 430
** (2007-) GS 350/GS 460/[[Lexus GS 450h|GS 450h]]
*[[Lexus LS|LS]] - full-size [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]
** (1989-1994) LS 400
** (1995-2000) LS 400
** (2001-2006) LS 430
** (2007-) LS 460/LS 460L/LS 600hL ([[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]])
*[[Lexus SC|SC]] - [[coupe]]/convertible [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]
** (1991-2001) SC 300/SC 400
** (2002-) SC 430
*[[Lexus RX|RX]] - [[crossover SUV]]
** (1998-2003) Lexus RX|RX 300
** (2004-2006) Lexus RX|RX 330
** (2007-) RX 350/[[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]] - [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]])
*[[Lexus GX 470|GX]] - midsize [[SUV]]
** (2002-) GX 470
*[[Lexus LX|LX]] - large [[SUV]]
** (1996-2007) LX 450/LX 470
*JX - large [[SUV]]
** (2007-) JX 470
*[[Lexus LF#LF-C|LF-C]] - [[concept car]]
**
*[[Lexus LF-A|LF-A]] - [[concept car]]

==Historical timeline==
* '''1983'''
** Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda challenges his company to build a luxury flagship to “challenge the world’s best.” This effort becomes known as the F1 project.
* '''1985'''
** F1 researchers visit the United States to conduct market research and focus groups on luxury buyers. The first LS 400 prototypes are built.<ref name=timeline>[http://pressroom.lexus.com/Releases/View?id=TYT2006091195844 Lexus History (timeline)]</ref>
* '''1986'''
** Testing for the new Lexus flagship begins at the autobahn in Germany.
* '''1987'''
** Final design of the LS 400 is approved.
* '''1989'''
** The LS 400 debuts at the Detroit Motor Show, and goes on sale in September of that year.
* '''1990'''
** ''Car and Driver'' magazine names the LS 400 one of the Ten Best vehicles of the year. Lexus capture the trifecta of J.D. Power’s Initial Quality, Customer Satisfaction, and Sales Satisfaction studies.
* '''1991'''
** Lexus becomes the top-selling import marque in the United States. The ES 300 and SC 400 models are introduced.
* '''1992'''
** ''Motor Trend'' magazine names the SC 400 its Import Car of the Year.
* '''1993'''
** Lexus introduces the GS 300 luxury performance sedan.
* '''1994'''
** Lexus introduces the second-generation LS 400 sedan.
* '''1996'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation ES 300 sedan and its first luxury utility vehicle, the LX 450.
* '''1997'''
** Lexus introduces the second-generation GS 300 and GS 400 sedans. ''Motor Trend'' magazine names the new GS its Import Car of the Year.
* '''1998'''
** The RX 300, the world’s first luxury crossover SUV, goes on sale at Lexus dealerships. The RX soon becomes Lexus’ top-selling model.
* '''1999'''
** Lexus sells its one-millionth vehicle in the U.S.
* '''2000'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation LS 430 sedan and IS 300 entry sport sedan.
* '''2001'''
** Lexus introduces the fourth-generation ES 300 sedan.
* '''2002'''
** Lexus introduces its third luxury utility vehicle, the GX 470.
* '''2003'''
** The Lexus Development Center is founded in Japan, becoming the headquarters for Lexus' future design efforts.
* '''2005'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation GS 300 and GS 430 mid-size sport sedans, debuting L-Finesse styling. Later that year, Lexus introduces the second-generation IS 220d, IS 250 and IS 350 sport sedans.
** ''Top Gear'' named the IS as the Compact Executive Car of the year, defeating the BMW E90 3-Series.
* '''2006'''
** Lexus debuts the LS 600h L, the world’s first production V8 hybrid sedan. The new ES 350 and fourth-generation LS 460/LS 460 L sedans go on sale.
* '''2007'''
** At the North American International Auto Show, Lexus launches its dedicated performance division, F-Series, with the unveiling of its first high-performance sedan, the IS-F, and an exotic supercar concept, the LF-A.
** The Lexus LS 460 flagship is crowned Luxury Car of the Year, Most Respected, and International Car of the Year at the ICOTY Awards, and is named World Car of the Year at the WCOTY Awards.

{{Lexus}}
{{Lexus timeline}}
==References==
<references />
This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus Lexus], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lexus&action=history contributors].
==External links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/ Lexus USA]
* [http://www.lexus.jp/ Lexus Japan]
* [http://www.lexus-europe.com/ Lexus Europe]
* [http://www.lexus-mideast.com/ Lexus Middle East]
* [http://www.lexus.com/home/international_links.html Lexus International]
<small>
<div style="-moz-column-count: 3; column-count: 3;">
** [http://www.lexus.com.au/ Lexus Australia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.bh/ Lexus Bahrain]
** [http://www.lexus.be/ Lexus Belgium]
** [http://64.56.170.231/b/b01.html Lexus Brazil]
** [http://www.lexus.com.bn/ Lexus Brunei]
** [http://www.lexus.ca/ Lexus Canada]
** [http://www.lexus.com.cn/ Lexus China]
** [http://www.lexus.dk/ Lexus Denmark]
** [http://www.lexus.fi/ Lexus Finland]
** [http://www.lexus.fr/ Lexus France]
** [http://www.lexus.de/ Lexus Germany]
** [http://www.lexus.gr/ Lexus Greece]
** [http://www.akguam.com/index.htm?bhcp=1 Lexus Guam]
** [http://www.servcolexus.com/Distributor/Lexus/ Lexus Hawaii]
** [http://www.lexus.com.hk/ Lexus HK]
** [http://www.lexus.ie/ Lexus Ireland]
** [http://www.lexus.it/ Lexus Italy]
** [http://www.lexus.co.kr/ Lexus Korea]
** [http://www.lexus.com.kw/ Lexus Kuwait]
** [http://www.lexus.lu/ Lexus Luxembourg]
** [http://www.lexus.com.my/ Lexus Malaysia]
** [http://www.lexus.nl/ Lexus Netherlands]
** [http://www.lexus.co.nz/ Lexus New Zealand]
** [http://www.lexusoman.com/ Lexus Oman]
** [http://www.lexus.pt/ Lexus Portugal]
** [http://www.aabqatar.com/lexus/home.htm Lexus Qatar]
** [http://www.lexus-russia.ru/ Lexus Russia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.sa/ Lexus Saudi Arabia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.sg/ Lexus Singapore]
** [http://www.lexus.co.za/ Lexus South Africa]
** [http://www.mundolexus.com/ Lexus Spain]
** [http://www.lexus.se/ Lexus Sweden]
** [http://www.lexus.ch/ Lexus Switzerland]
** [http://www.lexus.com.tw/ Lexus Taiwan]
** [http://www.lexus.co.th/ Lexus Thailand]
** [http://www.lexusuae.com/ Lexus UAE]
** [http://www.lexus.co.uk/ Lexus UK]
</div></small>
* [http://www.teamlexus.com/ Team Lexus - official webpage of the factory-backed team competing in the Grand American Cup road racing series.]
* [http://www.lexus.com/magazine/ Lexus Magazine Website, featuring quarterly updates from the owners' publication]
* [http://www.planetlexus.com Planet Lexus - Pictures and information regarding every Lexus model ever made]
* [http://www.clublexus.com/ ClubLexus - Lexus Enthusiast Website]
*[http://www.babez.de/lexus/lexus-sc430-pebble-beach-edition.php Lexus SC430 Pebble Beach Edition 2006]
* [http://www.mycarwallpapers.com/lexus/2008-lexus-is-f/ Lexus IS-F 2008]

[[Category:Makes]]
[[Category:Luxury car manufacturers]]
[[Category:Lexus]]
[[Category:Prestige vehicles]]
[[Category:Toyota]]

Lexus

2008-04-04T22:22:47Z

CelsiorFan:

{{List Of Lexus Models}}
'''[[Lexus|Lexus]]''' is the luxury automobile division of [[Toyota|Toyota Motor Corporation]]. The Lexus brand name represents a premium line of luxury vehicles, first begun in 1989 with the debut of the LS 400 flagship sedan and the ES 250 executive sedan. Lexus cars and SUVs are sold in North America, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Latin America, Asia and Oceania; in the United States, Lexus is the top selling brand of luxury cars. Until 2005, Lexus vehicles were sold under the [[Toyota]] marque in Japan until its introduction there that year.

The Lexus line of luxury vehicles was started in 1989 to compete with other luxury makes, including German firms Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi; Cadillac and Lincoln in the U.S., and Honda's Acura division. Before the first Lexus sedan premiered at the 1989 Detroit Motor Show, Toyota engineers spent five years in secret development, costing billions of dollars and involving over 150 prototypes built for a testing process unprecedented in Toyota's 50-year history. The crowning result was the LS 400 flagship sedan, a vehicle which was more aerodynamic, more quiet, and more efficient than its rivals. To the customers that bought them, the LS 400 was regarded as a better value than its higher-priced competition,<ref>[http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=115368 Lexus LS Generations]</ref> and within two years Lexus had become the top-selling luxury import in the U.S.

Since its successful introduction, Lexus has developed a reputation for quality and customer service. In the U.S. the brand continually ranks at the top of owner satisfaction and reliability surveys. Today, over 16 years since the company's debut, many LS 400 sedans continue operating capably for their owners, a testament to the engineering expertise that went into the Lexus flagship model. In recent years, Lexus' sales have been propelled by a successive series of popular designs. In 2006, the Lexus line had three of the top 10 best-selling luxury vehicles in the U.S.—the RX, ES, and IS—more than any other luxury make.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/vehicles/2006/12/15/best-selling-luxury-forbeslife-cx_dl_1218bestsellingluxurycars.html Best-Selling Luxury Cars 2006]</ref>

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] History==
The Lexus saga began in 1983, when Toyota began the F1/Circle-F project, a secret initiative to develop the "world's best luxury car." This project was inspired by the success of the [[Toyota Supra]] sports car and the luxury Toyota Cressida models. Both the Supra and Cressida were [[rear-wheel drive]] cars with a powerful ''7M-GE/7M-GTE'' engine. For their new flagship vehicle, however, U.S. Toyota executives convinced the Japanese Toyota board that a separate brand and dealership network was needed to support a top-flight luxury vehicle in the world's largest automotive market, the United States. Additionally, such a network would require not just one model, but several, the executives suggested. After much debate, Toyota's Japanese leadership agreed to launch a separate luxury division. Initially, some Japanese Toyota executives were affronted with the prospect of their most prized design getting a separate badge, but ultimately they agreed that a separate title would confer a more lofty status.

===The Lexus division===

[[Image:Lexus l logo.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''"The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection"'' debuted in 1989.]]An image consulting firm presented a list of 219 names, from which Vectre, Verone, Chaparel, Calibre and Alexis were top candidates. While Alexis quickly became the front runner (possibly due to the association with the Alexis Carrington character on the popular 1980s primetime drama ''Dynasty'') and later morphed to Lexus, the name has been attributed to the combination of the words "luxury" and "elegance." According to [[Toyota]], however, the name had no meaning and was just meant to be pleasing and easy to remember. Just prior to the release of the first vehicles, the database service LexisNexis obtained a temporary injunction forbidding the name Lexus from being used as they stated it might cause confusion. Upon reflection, the court lifted the injunction, deciding that there was a low likelihood of confusion between the two products. Another theory has surfaced, claiming that the Lexus name was given to the project by Toyota in the mid-80s, as an acronym for Luxury EXport United States. with the acronym "LEUS" with the "x" from "luxury" added to form "Lexus". Hunter Communications and Molly Designs created the "L" logo that became the symbol of the Lexus line.

The Lexus slogan, developed after U.S. personnel visited Lexus designers in Japan and noted their obsessive attention to detail, became "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection."

===Launch of Lexus===

[[Image:LS 400 1989.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The first LS 400 flagship challenged the best luxury vehicles in the world.]]The first Lexus-badged models, the V-8 powered [[Lexus LS |LS 400]] and the smaller, [[Toyota Camry]]-based ES 250, appeared in 1989. The LS 400 flagship captured most of the attention; it had a unique design, sharing no major elements with previous Toyota vehicles, with a new 4.0 L [[V8]] engine. It was widely praised for its silence, well-appointed interior, fine engine performance, outstanding build quality, and value. (In some markets, it was priced against mid-sized [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]] models, while offering size, performance, and quality comparable to their full-size cars). It was generally regarded as a major shock to the European marques, but was criticized by automobile columnists for anonymous styling and a suspension regarded as too compromising of handling for ride comfort. Nonetheless, the LS 400 won several major motoring awards when released, including Wheels magazine's Car of the Year and Best Imported Car of the Year by the Motoring Press Association.

The Lexus marque was fully launched in the United States in late 1989. Lexus launched later in Great Britain, Canada and Australia, in 1990. In some countries, like Malaysia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK, where there is a market in grey imports of Japanese cars, some equivalent Toyota models were retro-fitted with Lexus badges, although they still differ slightly from officially imported Lexus models, especially in specification and equipment levels. Lexus launched later in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and other European countries.

===Global expansion===

Today, Lexus has become the fourth-largest luxury make in the world, by volume. Lexus directly competes with such luxury brands as the Europe's [[Audi]], [[BMW]], [[Jaguar]], [[Mercedes-Benz]], [[Porsche]], and [[Volvo]], the American [[Cadillac]] and [[Lincoln]], and Japanese brands [[Acura]] and [[Infiniti]]. In the U.S., Lexus' success can be attributed in large part to its excellent reputation for reliability and customer service; the luxury line consistently ranks at the top of J.D. Power and Consumer Reports surveys; similarly, Lexus vehicles rank at the top of Auto Express and Top Gear automotive surveys in Europe.

[[Image:Lexus JD Power.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Lexus has received numerous JD Power awards.]]The Lexus marque was finally introduced to the Japanese market on July 26, 2005. The compact IS 250/IS 350, convertible SC 430, and midsize GS 350/GS 430 will all be available in Japan in the 2006 model year. By January 2007, nearly all of the 160+ Lexus dealerships in Japan had become profitable.<ref>[http://wardsdealer.com/latest/lexus_progressing_japan/ Lexus Slowly Progressing in Japan]</ref> Still, in a country where Accords and Camrys are considered quite luxurious, and where its existing lineup already has 45% market share, Toyota has a long way to go to expand Lexus to match the success of BMW and Mercedes Benz in the luxury segment. Fortunately, the lowest cost and most efficient automaker in the world has the biggest war chest and can afford to grow Lexus incrementally. In late 2006-2007, the Lexus lineup in Japan gained a significant boost with record-setting orders for its new LS 460 flagship sedan, which debuted in September.
{{clear}}
==L-Finesse==
[[Image:LF-S.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The LF-S concept.]]As part of its expanded global launch and bid for luxury market leadership, Lexus' new offerings, released between 2004 and 2007 all carry its new, distinctive design language - dubbed L-Finesse. Lexus is finally taking visuals and aesthetics seriously, after years of being dismissed as being a producer of bland and lacklustre designs. Following in the footsteps of BMW's Bangle inspired design (but avoiding much of the controversy), The L-Finesse design language is the product of an increasingly competetive auto market, where only the most outstanding and flamboyant vehicles attract consumer attention. Lexus' new crop of concept vehicles, which include the LF-X, LF-S, LF-C, LF-A and LF-Sh, all feature L-Finesse design cues. These vehicles can all be viewed at Lexus' official concept website, [http://www.lexus.com/fcv/ [Lexus Concept Vehicles]]. The first production vehicle to feature the L-Finesse design treatment was the 3rd generation GS sedan, inroduced for 2006. This was followed a few months later by the redesigned second-generation IS, and then the new LS and ES sedans. The Lexus SUV lineup may be next in line for the L-Finesse designers. On the sedans, the L-Finesse "look" is sleek, with character lines emanating from hood to trunk; a "waterfall" effect features from the A pillars forward, and the rear cabin has a pulled-back look, often with slingshot side windows. A unifying characteristic across the entire L-Finesse sedan lineup is a trapezoid grille that is positioned slightly lower than the level of the headlamps, unlike most other car designs from other marques. Elements of the L-Finesse designs feature styling cues derived from Japanese characters.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Vehicles==
Over the years, Lexus has developed a strong and complete portfolio of vehicles that covers a significant spread of the luxury market. Today, its lineup includes four sedans - IS (an entry level sports compact), the ES (an midsize luxury sedan), the GS (a sports-luxury sedan) and the LS (flagship luxury sedan). one roadster (the SC 430), and the porfolio also sports three SUVs - the RX (a crossover compact), the GX (a midsize luxury) and the LX (full size flagship).

===Lexus Cars===
[[Image:Isexterior2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Lexus IS 350.]]The [[Lexus IS|Lexus '''IS''']] was introduced in 1998 as Lexus' answer to the BMW 3-series in the U.S. and European markets. In Japan, the first generation IS was sold as the Toyota Altezza. Although a serious automobile, experts never considered it to be a true threat to the BMW's superior benchmark. That all changed with the introduction of the second generation, 2006 model year IS - a vehicle considered to be on par with the BMW's standings. Now offered with a choice of 2.5 or 3.5 liter mills, the IS delivers serious grunt with the refinement and precision matched only by Lexus. The newest IS was introduced in Japan as part of Lexus' debut in its home country. A high-performance V8 version, the [[Lexus IS-F|IS-F]], was launched in 2008.
<br>
[[Image:Esred.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Lexus ES 350.]]Lexus' entry level midsize luxury sedan, the [[Lexus ES|'''ES''']], is vaguely based on Toyota's bread-and-butter [[Toyota Camry|Camry]] sedan platform, with a separately designed body style, interior, and technological features. Instead of the Camry's four and six banger engines, however, comes the stately 3.5 liter. This V6 hustles the saloon with speed - although the ES is marketed more as an elegant, luxury sedan than a sports tourer. Previous versions of the [[Lexus ES|Lexus ES]] were direct counterparts of the Toyota Windom, which was sold in Japan. While most of Lexus' offerings are aimed squarely at the German car buyer, the ES does not have a German car counterpart, and is instead sold as a luxury sedan for those wishing a comfortable, front-wheel drive luxury vehicle without ample sporty ambitions.
<br>
[[Image:GS 3rd gen.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Lexus GS sedan.]]The [[Lexus GS|'''GS''']] sports sedan has its sights aimed squarely at Germany's midsize sports sedan offerings. Armed with a choice of three engines - the base 3.5, a potent 4.6 and an incredible [[Lexus GS 450h|4.5 Hybrid]] - the 2007 Lexus GS enters battle armed every bit like the German sedans it tries to embody. Unlike the Toyota Hybrid variants, which improve fuel mileage at the cost performance, the hybrid version of the GS, the GS 450h, is aimed at further boosting performance, without loosing fuel economy. With its hybrid powertrain producing around 340 HP, the GS 450h is the fastest Lexus hybrid ever built--surpassing the conventional gasoline powered Lexus IS 350.
<br>
[[Image:LS 460 Platinum.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Lexus LS 460 flagship.]]Lexus' spanking new flagship [[Lexus LS|'''LS''']] luxury cruiser is available for the 2007 model year. This vehicle offers a 4.6 liter powerplant, bringing a whopping 380 HP and 370 pound-feet of torque to the table. Power is transferred to the wheels through a groundbreaking 8 speed gearbox - a first of its kind. An extra few grand buys you the 'L' badge - Lexus' crack at the extended wheelbase sedans of Germany. And if even that is not enough, buyers have the choice to opt for the LS 600h L, the first hybrid V8 ever. Lexus claims that its flagship Hybrid will have the performance and luxury to compete with Germany's V12 sedans, while offering the relative frugality of a V8.
<br>
[[Image:Sc se main img 1a.jpg|thumb|left|225px|Lexus SC convertible.]]Lexus' only sports tourer, the [[Lexus SC|'''SC''']], is a convertible hardtop. While not much of a sports vehicle, the SC 430, previously known as the Toyota Soarer in Japan (until 2006, when it was replaced by the SC 430), is certainly an elegant convertible cruiser. While the Soarer offered a twin-turbo in its home nation, only the standard induction 4.3 is offered with the SC 430. With a body design inspired by the French Riviera, the SC 430 is a stylish statement from Lexus. Until the arrival of the 2007 LS 460/LS 460 L, the SC 430 was the most expensive car in the Lexus lineup.
{{clear}}
===Lexus SUVs===
[[Image:Lexus Luxury Utility Vehicles.jpg|thumb|right|270px|The Lexus Luxury Utility Vehicle lineup, left to right, LX/RX/GX.]]So you want to enjoy the comfort and space afforded by an SUV but don't want to empty your wallet with $3/gallon fillups? Enter the crossover-ute. Lexus ups the ante in the soft roader class by introducing the new and improved [[Lexus RX|'''RX''']]. Based on the Camry platform, the RX can be had with a 3.5 liter internal combustion engine, or a hybrid - dubbed the [[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]]. The RX is considered one of the first crossover SUVs, and the first one built for the luxury market. It has spawned dozens of competitors, but none approach the success of the RX--Lexus' top-selling model and the best-selling luxury vehicle in America in 2004 and 2005.

Customers shopping for a standard, body-on-frame SUV can also stop by to check out the new [[Lexus GX 470|'''GX''']], known elsewhere as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Available as a five or seven seater, this midsize SUV is Lexus' answer to America's burgoening SUV market. Notable for its extensive 4x4 capabilities, the GX 470/Prado is operated and raced by Toyota and other 4x4 teams the world over.

Lexus' final entree in its portfolio is the [[Lexus LX|'''LX''']]. Based closely on Toyota's [[Toyota Land Cruiser|Land Cruiser]], the LX 470 comes to the Lexus dealership donning a new badge, reworked interiors and a greater level of sophistication. The LX 470 will be succeeded by the all-new LX 570, which premieres at the New York International Auto Show in April 2007.

==In the Pipeline==
[[Image:2007 Lexus LF-A.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Lexus LF-A concept supercar.]]
The 2007 model year marks the finish of Lexus' current batch of launches, with the arrival of the highly anticipated LS. However, possibly two brand new models and other variants loom on the horizon (such as a possible coupe/convertible version of the IS, and successor models to the RX and SC model lines).

The first all-new model is the Lexus JX, Lexus' foray into the full size SUV market. Based on the upcoming [[Toyota Sequoia]]/[[Toyota Tundra|Tundra]] platform, the JX will go head to head with similar offerings from [[Lincoln]] and [[Cadillac]]. Unconfirmed rumors have it that the JX will come to the US not with the standard 4.7 liter mill, but with a more potent 5.4 liter mill.

Finally, Lexus' display of its [[Lexus LF-A|LF-A]] concept at the Detroit Auto Show hints at a production version of its sports coupe. Lexus' bias towards fuel economy, soft suspension settings and silent engines had meant that experts rarely took Lexus' attempts at sportiness seriously. The LF-A is all about changing those perceptions. Lexus has recently announced that the LF-A will walk into dealerships wearing a V-10 rated at over 500 bhp in a sub-5 liter engine. A vehicle that reportedly will push the 200 mph barrier clearly shows that Lexus is taking 'sport' seriously. The LF-A may come to market as the Lexus GT 450.

In January 2007, Lexus announced a new performance division, Lexus "F", which would produce racing-inspired versions of its luxury performance vehicles. The first F-marque vehicle, the IS-F, made its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, accompanied by an exotic F-marque supercar concept, the LF-A F. The Lexus F-marque vehicles will rival the high-performance lineups of the leading European and American luxury marques.

==Production==
Many Lexus vehicles are manufactured in the Tahara, Japan plant, a highly sophisticated, computerized manufacturing plant, awarded the title of the best automobile manufacturing plant in the world.<ref>[http://www.jdpa.com/NeWs/relEaSes/pressrelease.asp?ID=2005069 Tahara given JD Power Platinum Award, fewest defects anywhere in the world]</ref> Lexus manufacturing techniques include methods and standards of quality control that differ from Toyota models. At the Tahara plant, separate assembly lines were developed for the manufacture of Lexus vehicles. New molds and specialized manufacturing equipment were also developed for the Lexus production process. Welding processes, body panel fit tolerances, and paint quality requirements are more stringent for Lexus models. Each production Lexus vehicle is also given an extensive visual inspection for flaws and subjected to vibration tests to ensure a smooth and quiet ride.

The North American-market RX 350 (since the 2004 model year) is produced in the city of Cambridge, in Ontario, Canada, and is the first Lexus plant located outside of Japan. Lexus vehicles are also produced at the Araco, Kanji (Iwate), Kanji (Kanto Jidosha), Katashiki, Kyushu, and Tahara plants in Japan.

==Service==
Lexus has become known for efforts to project a luxury image even with service provided after the sale. The waiting areas in the service departments are complete with such amenities as a refreshment bar, business center that is soundproofed and stocked with computers and a fax machine, and the service bay is lined with large picture windows to allow the customers to watch the repairs. Other amenities can include a children's play area, indoor putting green, and other recreational services. Recently, several Lexus dealerships have added on-site cafes and designer shops.

In 2005, Lexus came first in the Top Gear Survey, "the UK's biggest independent car satisfaction survey" with over 76,000 respondants. In 2006, Lexus ranked first for the eleventh time in J.D. Power's Customer Service Index, its annual study involving over 79,000 U.S. owners and dealership experience. In 2006, the Luxury Institute, New York, rated Lexus #1 in Customer Experience among luxury automobile brands based on its survey of over 2,100 high-income households. On the strength of its customer service standards and high product satisfaction, Lexus enjoys one of the highest customer loyalty rates in the industry.

==Motorsport==
[[Image:Team Lexus GT2 IS 350.png|thumb|right|175px|Team Lexus' IS 350 GT2 race car.]]Lexus has been participating in endurance racing, in particular the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. Since entering the series in 2004, Lexus has won over 15 Rolex Series event races. In 2005, Lexus was runners-up and in 2006 it won the championship. Although Toyota has won this prestigious race in the past it was the first time that its luxury arm emerged as the winner. In 2007, six Lexus-powered Daytona prototypes were entered in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona event at the Daytona International Speedway. Lexus was a repeat winner of the event, with a Lexus-Riley prototype driven by Scott Pruett, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Salvador Durán of Chip Ganassi Racing finishing first; Lexus-Riley prototypes also took three of the top ten spots.

Lexus is also going to participate in [[12 Hours of Sebring]] which now form a part of American Le Mans. There has been speculation of a Lexus F1 operation in the near future, in line with its expansion into the luxury car markets, and increasing competition with BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Lexus may enter for the 2007 Formula 1 season as an engine supplier to the WilliamsF1 team, using Toyota engines rebadged as Lexus, but these rumors are purely speculative.

After the release of the Lexus brand on the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) in 2005, four SC 430 coupes were entered in the SuperGT series in the GT500 class. In the first race of the 2006 series, an SC 430 took the chequered flag. In 2006, Lexus raced a hybrid vehicle for the first time, entering a GS 450h performance hybrid sedan in the Tokachi 24-hour Race in Hokkaido, Japan.

==Future of [[Lexus|Lexus]]==
Although Lexus has had phenomenal success in the US since 1991-1992 — within 3 years of its introduction in 1989 — it has been struggling outside North America, including its home country, Japan, where the Lexus brand started marketing in 2005 and is still waiting for the arrival of the LS series due later this year, and in particular Europe. Automotive analysts have pointed out that Lexus has been so successful in North America because the wide consumer base of Toyota and in particular the baby boomers wanted something more luxurious as they were becoming older and their surplus incomes were allowing them to migrate to brands such as [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]]. The huge success of Lexus was in part due to the fact that its higher levels of quality and less expensive prices enabled it to retain those migrating customers and keep them "in the family."

However, this also had negative repurcussions as Lexus gradually cemented an image of value-priced brand, which would offer similarly equipped cars at tens of thousands of dollars less than its primary competitors, [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]]. The former chief of [[BMW]], Eberhard von Kuenhiem predicted that this strategy would work to some extent in US, but not in Europe, where the words premium and luxury do not go well with value pricing. Some automotive experts believe that Lexus' failure to woo European customers and its very slow incremental increase in European arena is because of differences in perceived value. This has led some automotive thinkers to believe that unless Lexus prices its products head-to-head with the European premium brands and emphasizes its superior quality, reliability and engineering, it will not be able to succeed globally.

However, quality levels of European brands are seemingly dwindling, while Lexus continues to score highly on such reports. Also, in order to attract European buyers, diesel engines have been added to the lineup (starting with the IS 220d), and with Lexus LF concept cars making it into production, Lexus is quickly beginning to re-invent itself as a global luxury brand. Some of these new models will come with a sticker price of around $100,000, setting these models against their European rivals in terms of price.

[[Image:Lexusfront.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Lexus debuted the world's first hybrid luxury SUV, the RX 400h, in 2005.]]The addition of hybrid models (including the RX 400h and GS 450h) have also driven European sales increases in environmentally-conscious markets such as the United Kingdom. Politicians in the UK have endorsed Lexus by using Lexus GS vehicles in place of British-built Vauxhalls, Jaguars and Rovers. Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, replaced his LS 430 with a GS 450h. The London Congestion Charge excludes hybrid vehicles, adding incentive to Lexus hybrids.

In the United Kingdom, the largest European market for Lexus, the IS series accounts for the largest number of Lexus sales (the largest proportion increasing with sales of the new IS 220d), with the GS 450h and RX 400h making up the second largest proportion. Sales of the LS flagship have been small compared to the lower-end Lexus vehicles due to lesser public perception of the brand and the larger expense of the vehicle. This is combined with the higher perception of Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and Jaguar rival brands. With Lexus sales increasing in the UK due to the introduction of the IS diesel and GS/RX hybrids, Lexus has emerged as a European second-tier luxury brand that is rising fast. The second-generation IS, which emerged in 2006 as an intelligent alternative to the dominant German and British marques' compact executive cars, has become representative of Lexus' efforts in Europe.

In South Korea, with sales of the ES 350 spearheading its efforts, Lexus has been the top-selling luxury import since 2005; in Taiwan, Lexus also became the top-selling luxury import in 2005. In Australia, Lexus' sales growth has surpassed its rivals, and the line now ranks third in overall luxury import sales, with the IS model generating high demand. Total worldwide Lexus sales are expected to reach 500,000 vehicles by 2007.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Trivia==
*In the United States, Lexus Financial Savings Bank, in conjunction with US Bank, has launched a Lexus Pursuits Visa Card.
*Lexus was requested by Steven Spielberg, an ardent fan of Lexus and himself an owner of LX 470, to design a vehicle which would fit the requirements of year 2054 for his movie Minority Report. Lexus came up with an advanced vehicle which would run on fuel cells and have many advanced safety features including a crash-proof structure. (Lexus' cinematic concept car also appears in ''The Island'', though it's colored blue, not red).
* In Japanese, Lexus is phonetically translated as レクサス (''rekusasu''). Coincidentally, the Polish word ''luksus'', which is pronounced very similarly to Lexus, means luxury in the Polish language.
* Lexus substituted "passionate" for "relentless" in their U.S. brand slogan in 2000; the worldwide motto was adopted in its current form by fall 2005.
*The distinctive voice in Lexus commercials is James Sloyan, who has been doing voiceover work for the brand since 1989.
*The ES series is roughly based on the US [[Toyota Camry]].
*The IS (Toyota Altezza in Japan) series is roughly based on the Toyota Cressida luxury sedan, which was discontinued in 1992 in the US partially because of dropping sales due to the launch and success of the Lexus brand.
*After being discontinued in 1992, the X chassis code for Cressidas was still in use in Japan under the Mark II, Chaser, and Cresta names until the early 2000s.
* The Lexus Centre, a sports, meeting, and entertainment facility in Melbourne, Australia, was first constructed for the 1956 Summer Olympics.

==Notable owners==
* Celebrity owners of Lexus vehicles include Steven Spielberg, Burt Bacharach, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Harrison Ford, Holly Hunter, Nicolas Cage, Diane Keaton, Mel Gibson, Cameron Diaz, Tony Hawk, Milla Jovovich, Christie Brinkley, Calista Flockhart, Paula Abdul, Tyra Banks, Michael Bloomberg, Bill Gates and Larry David.
* S R Nathan, the current President of Singapore's preferred limousine is a white Lexus LS430. Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra owned a black LS 400.
* Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore, switched from a Mercedes to a Lexus GS300 in late 1990s/early 2000s, citing its superior reliability; in interviews Mr. Lee said he was tired of dealing with car repairs.
* Donald Tsang, the current Chief Executive of Hong Kong, uses a grey LS600hL as his official limousine.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Lineup==
*[[Lexus IS|IS]] - compact [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]/[[all wheel drive|AWD]]
** (1998-2005) IS 200/IS 300
** (2006-) IS 250/IS 250 [[Four Wheel Drive|AWD]]/IS 350/IS 220d
*[[Lexus ES|ES]] - midsize [[front wheel drive|FWD]]
** (1989-1991) ES 250
** (1992-2001) ES 300
** (2002-2006) ES 300/ES 330
** (2007-) ES 350
*[[Lexus GS|GS]] - midsize [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]/[[all wheel drive|AWD]]
** (1993-1997) GS 300
** (1998-2005) GS 300/GS 400
** (2001-2005) GS 300/GS 430
** (2005-2007) GS 300/GS 300 [[Four Wheel Drive|AWD]]/GS 430
** (2007-) GS 350/GS 460/[[Lexus GS 450h|GS 450h]]
*[[Lexus LS|LS]] - full-size [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]
** (1989-1994) LS 400
** (1995-2000) LS 400
** (2001-2006) LS 430
** (2007-) LS 460/LS 460L/LS 600hL ([[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]])
*[[Lexus SC|SC]] - [[coupe]]/convertible [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]
** (1991-2001) SC 300/SC 400
** (2002-) SC 430
*[[Lexus RX|RX]] - [[crossover SUV]]
** (1998-2003) Lexus RX|RX 300
** (2004-2006) Lexus RX|RX 330
** (2007-) RX 350/[[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]] - [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]])
*[[Lexus GX 470|GX]] - midsize [[SUV]]
** (2002-) GX 470
*[[Lexus LX|LX]] - large [[SUV]]
** (1996-2007) LX 450/LX 470
*JX - large [[SUV]]
** (2007-) JX 470
*[[Lexus LF#LF-C|LF-C]] - [[concept car]]
**
*[[Lexus LF-A|LF-A]] - [[concept car]]

==Historical timeline==
* '''1983'''
** Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda challenges his company to build a luxury flagship to “challenge the world’s best.” This effort becomes known as the F1 project.
* '''1985'''
** F1 researchers visit the United States to conduct market research and focus groups on luxury buyers. The first LS 400 prototypes are built.<ref name=timeline>[http://pressroom.lexus.com/Releases/View?id=TYT2006091195844 Lexus History (timeline)]</ref>
* '''1986'''
** Testing for the new Lexus flagship begins at the autobahn in Germany.
* '''1987'''
** Final design of the LS 400 is approved.
* '''1989'''
** The LS 400 debuts at the Detroit Motor Show, and goes on sale in September of that year.
* '''1990'''
** ''Car and Driver'' magazine names the LS 400 one of the Ten Best vehicles of the year. Lexus capture the trifecta of J.D. Power’s Initial Quality, Customer Satisfaction, and Sales Satisfaction studies.
* '''1991'''
** Lexus becomes the top-selling import marque in the United States. The ES 300 and SC 400 models are introduced.
* '''1992'''
** ''Motor Trend'' magazine names the SC 400 its Import Car of the Year.
* '''1993'''
** Lexus introduces the GS 300 luxury performance sedan.
* '''1994'''
** Lexus introduces the second-generation LS 400 sedan.
* '''1996'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation ES 300 sedan and its first luxury utility vehicle, the LX 450.
* '''1997'''
** Lexus introduces the second-generation GS 300 and GS 400 sedans. ''Motor Trend'' magazine names the new GS its Import Car of the Year.
* '''1998'''
** The RX 300, the world’s first luxury crossover SUV, goes on sale at Lexus dealerships. The RX soon becomes Lexus’ top-selling model.
* '''1999'''
** Lexus sells its one-millionth vehicle in the U.S.
* '''2000'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation LS 430 sedan and IS 300 entry sport sedan.
* '''2001'''
** Lexus introduces the fourth-generation ES 300 sedan.
* '''2002'''
** Lexus introduces its third luxury utility vehicle, the GX 470.
* '''2003'''
** The Lexus Development Center is founded in Japan, becoming the headquarters for Lexus' future design efforts.
* '''2005'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation GS 300 and GS 430 mid-size sport sedans, debuting L-Finesse styling. Later that year, Lexus introduces the second-generation IS 220d, IS 250 and IS 350 sport sedans.
** ''Top Gear'' named the IS as the Compact Executive Car of the year, defeating the BMW E90 3-Series.
* '''2006'''
** Lexus debuts the LS 600h L, the world’s first production V8 hybrid sedan. The new ES 350 and fourth-generation LS 460/LS 460 L sedans go on sale.
* '''2007'''
** At the North American International Auto Show, Lexus launches its dedicated performance division, F-Series, with the unveiling of its first high-performance sedan, the IS-F, and an exotic supercar concept, the LF-A.
** The Lexus LS 460 flagship is crowned Luxury Car of the Year, Most Respected, and International Car of the Year at the ICOTY Awards, and is named World Car of the Year at the WCOTY Awards.

{{Lexus}}
{{Lexus timeline}}
==References==
<references />
This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus Lexus], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lexus&action=history contributors].
==External links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/ Lexus USA]
* [http://www.lexus.jp/ Lexus Japan]
* [http://www.lexus-europe.com/ Lexus Europe]
* [http://www.lexus-mideast.com/ Lexus Middle East]
* [http://www.lexus.com/home/international_links.html Lexus International]
<small>
<div style="-moz-column-count: 3; column-count: 3;">
** [http://www.lexus.com.au/ Lexus Australia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.bh/ Lexus Bahrain]
** [http://www.lexus.be/ Lexus Belgium]
** [http://64.56.170.231/b/b01.html Lexus Brazil]
** [http://www.lexus.com.bn/ Lexus Brunei]
** [http://www.lexus.ca/ Lexus Canada]
** [http://www.lexus.com.cn/ Lexus China]
** [http://www.lexus.dk/ Lexus Denmark]
** [http://www.lexus.fi/ Lexus Finland]
** [http://www.lexus.fr/ Lexus France]
** [http://www.lexus.de/ Lexus Germany]
** [http://www.lexus.gr/ Lexus Greece]
** [http://www.akguam.com/index.htm?bhcp=1 Lexus Guam]
** [http://www.servcolexus.com/Distributor/Lexus/ Lexus Hawaii]
** [http://www.lexus.com.hk/ Lexus HK]
** [http://www.lexus.ie/ Lexus Ireland]
** [http://www.lexus.it/ Lexus Italy]
** [http://www.lexus.co.kr/ Lexus Korea]
** [http://www.lexus.com.kw/ Lexus Kuwait]
** [http://www.lexus.lu/ Lexus Luxembourg]
** [http://www.lexus.com.my/ Lexus Malaysia]
** [http://www.lexus.nl/ Lexus Netherlands]
** [http://www.lexus.co.nz/ Lexus New Zealand]
** [http://www.lexusoman.com/ Lexus Oman]
** [http://www.lexus.pt/ Lexus Portugal]
** [http://www.aabqatar.com/lexus/home.htm Lexus Qatar]
** [http://www.lexus-russia.ru/ Lexus Russia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.sa/ Lexus Saudi Arabia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.sg/ Lexus Singapore]
** [http://www.lexus.co.za/ Lexus South Africa]
** [http://www.mundolexus.com/ Lexus Spain]
** [http://www.lexus.se/ Lexus Sweden]
** [http://www.lexus.ch/ Lexus Switzerland]
** [http://www.lexus.com.tw/ Lexus Taiwan]
** [http://www.lexus.co.th/ Lexus Thailand]
** [http://www.lexusuae.com/ Lexus UAE]
** [http://www.lexus.co.uk/ Lexus UK]
</div></small>
* [http://www.teamlexus.com/ Team Lexus - official webpage of the factory-backed team competing in the Grand American Cup road racing series.]
* [http://www.lexus.com/magazine/ Lexus Magazine Website, featuring quarterly updates from the owners' publication]
* [http://www.planetlexus.com Planet Lexus - Pictures and information regarding every Lexus model ever made]
* [http://www.clublexus.com/ ClubLexus - Lexus Enthusiast Website]
*[http://www.babez.de/lexus/lexus-sc430-pebble-beach-edition.php Lexus SC430 Pebble Beach Edition 2006]

[[Category:Makes]]
[[Category:Luxury car manufacturers]]
[[Category:Lexus]]
[[Category:Prestige vehicles]]
[[Category:Toyota]]

Lexus

2008-04-04T22:21:55Z

CelsiorFan: IS-F faster

{{List Of Lexus Models}}
'''[[Lexus|Lexus]]''' is the luxury automobile division of [[Toyota|Toyota Motor Corporation]]. The Lexus brand name represents a premium line of luxury vehicles, first begun in 1989 with the debut of the LS 400 flagship sedan and the ES 250 executive sedan. Lexus cars and SUVs are sold in North America, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Latin America, Asia and Oceania; in the United States, Lexus is the top selling brand of luxury cars. Until 2005, Lexus vehicles were sold under the [[Toyota]] marque in Japan until its introduction there that year.

The Lexus line of luxury vehicles was started in 1989 to compete with other luxury makes, including German firms Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi; Cadillac and Lincoln in the U.S., and Honda's Acura division. Before the first Lexus sedan premiered at the 1989 Detroit Motor Show, Toyota engineers spent five years in secret development, costing billions of dollars and involving over 150 prototypes built for a testing process unprecedented in Toyota's 50-year history. The crowning result was the LS 400 flagship sedan, a vehicle which was more aerodynamic, more quiet, and more efficient than its rivals. To the customers that bought them, the LS 400 was regarded as a better value than its higher-priced competition,<ref>[http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=115368 Lexus LS Generations]</ref> and within two years Lexus had become the top-selling luxury import in the U.S.

Since its successful introduction, Lexus has developed a reputation for quality and customer service. In the U.S. the brand continually ranks at the top of owner satisfaction and reliability surveys. Today, over 16 years since the company's debut, many LS 400 sedans continue operating capably for their owners, a testament to the engineering expertise that went into the Lexus flagship model. In recent years, Lexus' sales have been propelled by a successive series of popular designs. In 2006, the Lexus line had three of the top 10 best-selling luxury vehicles in the U.S.—the RX, ES, and IS—more than any other luxury make.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/vehicles/2006/12/15/best-selling-luxury-forbeslife-cx_dl_1218bestsellingluxurycars.html Best-Selling Luxury Cars 2006]</ref>

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] History==
The Lexus saga began in 1983, when Toyota began the F1/Circle-F project, a secret initiative to develop the "world's best luxury car." This project was inspired by the success of the [[Toyota Supra]] sports car and the luxury Toyota Cressida models. Both the Supra and Cressida were [[rear-wheel drive]] cars with a powerful ''7M-GE/7M-GTE'' engine. For their new flagship vehicle, however, U.S. Toyota executives convinced the Japanese Toyota board that a separate brand and dealership network was needed to support a top-flight luxury vehicle in the world's largest automotive market, the United States. Additionally, such a network would require not just one model, but several, the executives suggested. After much debate, Toyota's Japanese leadership agreed to launch a separate luxury division. Initially, some Japanese Toyota executives were affronted with the prospect of their most prized design getting a separate badge, but ultimately they agreed that a separate title would confer a more lofty status.

===The Lexus division===

[[Image:Lexus l logo.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''"The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection"'' debuted in 1989.]]An image consulting firm presented a list of 219 names, from which Vectre, Verone, Chaparel, Calibre and Alexis were top candidates. While Alexis quickly became the front runner (possibly due to the association with the Alexis Carrington character on the popular 1980s primetime drama ''Dynasty'') and later morphed to Lexus, the name has been attributed to the combination of the words "luxury" and "elegance." According to [[Toyota]], however, the name had no meaning and was just meant to be pleasing and easy to remember. Just prior to the release of the first vehicles, the database service LexisNexis obtained a temporary injunction forbidding the name Lexus from being used as they stated it might cause confusion. Upon reflection, the court lifted the injunction, deciding that there was a low likelihood of confusion between the two products. Another theory has surfaced, claiming that the Lexus name was given to the project by Toyota in the mid-80s, as an acronym for Luxury EXport United States. with the acronym "LEUS" with the "x" from "luxury" added to form "Lexus". Hunter Communications and Molly Designs created the "L" logo that became the symbol of the Lexus line.

The Lexus slogan, developed after U.S. personnel visited Lexus designers in Japan and noted their obsessive attention to detail, became "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection."

===Launch of Lexus===

[[Image:LS 400 1989.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The first LS 400 flagship challenged the best luxury vehicles in the world.]]The first Lexus-badged models, the V-8 powered [[Lexus LS |LS 400]] and the smaller, [[Toyota Camry]]-based ES 250, appeared in 1989. The LS 400 flagship captured most of the attention; it had a unique design, sharing no major elements with previous Toyota vehicles, with a new 4.0 L [[V8]] engine. It was widely praised for its silence, well-appointed interior, fine engine performance, outstanding build quality, and value. (In some markets, it was priced against mid-sized [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]] models, while offering size, performance, and quality comparable to their full-size cars). It was generally regarded as a major shock to the European marques, but was criticized by automobile columnists for anonymous styling and a suspension regarded as too compromising of handling for ride comfort. Nonetheless, the LS 400 won several major motoring awards when released, including Wheels magazine's Car of the Year and Best Imported Car of the Year by the Motoring Press Association.

The Lexus marque was fully launched in the United States in late 1989. Lexus launched later in Great Britain, Canada and Australia, in 1990. In some countries, like Malaysia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK, where there is a market in grey imports of Japanese cars, some equivalent Toyota models were retro-fitted with Lexus badges, although they still differ slightly from officially imported Lexus models, especially in specification and equipment levels. Lexus launched later in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and other European countries.

===Global expansion===

Today, Lexus has become the fourth-largest luxury make in the world, by volume. Lexus directly competes with such luxury brands as the Europe's [[Audi]], [[BMW]], [[Jaguar]], [[Mercedes-Benz]], [[Porsche]], and [[Volvo]], the American [[Cadillac]] and [[Lincoln]], and Japanese brands [[Acura]] and [[Infiniti]]. In the U.S., Lexus' success can be attributed in large part to its excellent reputation for reliability and customer service; the luxury line consistently ranks at the top of J.D. Power and Consumer Reports surveys; similarly, Lexus vehicles rank at the top of Auto Express and Top Gear automotive surveys in Europe.

[[Image:Lexus JD Power.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Lexus has received numerous JD Power awards.]]The Lexus marque was finally introduced to the Japanese market on July 26, 2005. The compact IS 250/IS 350, convertible SC 430, and midsize GS 350/GS 430 will all be available in Japan in the 2006 model year. By January 2007, nearly all of the 160+ Lexus dealerships in Japan had become profitable.<ref>[http://wardsdealer.com/latest/lexus_progressing_japan/ Lexus Slowly Progressing in Japan]</ref> Still, in a country where Accords and Camrys are considered quite luxurious, and where its existing lineup already has 45% market share, Toyota has a long way to go to expand Lexus to match the success of BMW and Mercedes Benz in the luxury segment. Fortunately, the lowest cost and most efficient automaker in the world has the biggest war chest and can afford to grow Lexus incrementally. In late 2006-2007, the Lexus lineup in Japan gained a significant boost with record-setting orders for its new LS 460 flagship sedan, which debuted in September.
{{clear}}
==L-Finesse==
[[Image:LF-S.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The LF-S concept.]]As part of its expanded global launch and bid for luxury market leadership, Lexus' new offerings, released between 2004 and 2007 all carry its new, distinctive design language - dubbed L-Finesse. Lexus is finally taking visuals and aesthetics seriously, after years of being dismissed as being a producer of bland and lacklustre designs. Following in the footsteps of BMW's Bangle inspired design (but avoiding much of the controversy), The L-Finesse design language is the product of an increasingly competetive auto market, where only the most outstanding and flamboyant vehicles attract consumer attention. Lexus' new crop of concept vehicles, which include the LF-X, LF-S, LF-C, LF-A and LF-Sh, all feature L-Finesse design cues. These vehicles can all be viewed at Lexus' official concept website, [http://www.lexus.com/fcv/ [Lexus Concept Vehicles]]. The first production vehicle to feature the L-Finesse design treatment was the 3rd generation GS sedan, inroduced for 2006. This was followed a few months later by the redesigned second-generation IS, and then the new LS and ES sedans. The Lexus SUV lineup may be next in line for the L-Finesse designers. On the sedans, the L-Finesse "look" is sleek, with character lines emanating from hood to trunk; a "waterfall" effect features from the A pillars forward, and the rear cabin has a pulled-back look, often with slingshot side windows. A unifying characteristic across the entire L-Finesse sedan lineup is a trapezoid grille that is positioned slightly lower than the level of the headlamps, unlike most other car designs from other marques. Elements of the L-Finesse designs feature styling cues derived from Japanese characters.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Vehicles==
Over the years, Lexus has developed a strong and complete portfolio of vehicles that covers a significant spread of the luxury market. Today, its lineup includes four sedans - IS (an entry level sports compact), the ES (an midsize luxury sedan), the GS (a sports-luxury sedan) and the LS (flagship luxury sedan). one roadster (the SC 430), and the porfolio also sports three SUVs - the RX (a crossover compact), the GX (a midsize luxury) and the LX (full size flagship).

===Lexus Cars===
[[Image:Isexterior2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Lexus IS 350.]]The [[Lexus IS|Lexus '''IS''']] was introduced in 1998 as Lexus' answer to the BMW 3-series in the U.S. and European markets. In Japan, the first generation IS was sold as the Toyota Altezza. Although a serious automobile, experts never considered it to be a true threat to the BMW's superior benchmark. That all changed with the introduction of the second generation, 2006 model year IS - a vehicle considered to be on par with the BMW's standings. Now offered with a choice of 2.5 or 3.5 liter mills, the IS delivers serious grunt with the refinement and precision matched only by Lexus. The newest IS was introduced in Japan as part of Lexus' debut in its home country. A high-performance V8 version, the [[Lexus IS-F|IS-F]], was launched in 2008.
<br>
[[Image:Esred.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Lexus ES 350.]]Lexus' entry level midsize luxury sedan, the [[Lexus ES|'''ES''']], is vaguely based on Toyota's bread-and-butter [[Toyota Camry|Camry]] sedan platform, with a separately designed body style, interior, and technological features. Instead of the Camry's four and six banger engines, however, comes the stately 3.5 liter. This V6 hustles the saloon with speed - although the ES is marketed more as an elegant, luxury sedan than a sports tourer. Previous versions of the [[Lexus ES|Lexus ES]] were direct counterparts of the Toyota Windom, which was sold in Japan. While most of Lexus' offerings are aimed squarely at the German car buyer, the ES does not have a German car counterpart, and is instead sold as a luxury sedan for those wishing a comfortable, front-wheel drive luxury vehicle without ample sporty ambitions.
<br>
[[Image:GS 3rd gen.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Lexus GS sedan.]]The [[Lexus GS|'''GS''']] sports sedan has its sights aimed squarely at Germany's midsize sports sedan offerings. Armed with a choice of three engines - the base 3.5, a potent 4.6 and an incredible [[Lexus GS 450h|4.5 Hybrid]] - the 2007 Lexus GS enters battle armed every bit like the German sedans it tries to embody. Unlike the Toyota Hybrid variants, which improve fuel mileage at the cost performance, the hybrid version of the GS, the GS 450h, is aimed at further boosting performance, without loosing fuel economy. With its hybrid powertrain producing around 340 HP, the GS 450h is the fastest Lexus hybrid ever built--surpassing the IS 350, the fastest conventional gasoline powered Lexus.
<br>
[[Image:LS 460 Platinum.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Lexus LS 460 flagship.]]Lexus' spanking new flagship [[Lexus LS|'''LS''']] luxury cruiser is available for the 2007 model year. This vehicle offers a 4.6 liter powerplant, bringing a whopping 380 HP and 370 pound-feet of torque to the table. Power is transferred to the wheels through a groundbreaking 8 speed gearbox - a first of its kind. An extra few grand buys you the 'L' badge - Lexus' crack at the extended wheelbase sedans of Germany. And if even that is not enough, buyers have the choice to opt for the LS 600h L, the first hybrid V8 ever. Lexus claims that its flagship Hybrid will have the performance and luxury to compete with Germany's V12 sedans, while offering the relative frugality of a V8.
<br>
[[Image:Sc se main img 1a.jpg|thumb|left|225px|Lexus SC convertible.]]Lexus' only sports tourer, the [[Lexus SC|'''SC''']], is a convertible hardtop. While not much of a sports vehicle, the SC 430, previously known as the Toyota Soarer in Japan (until 2006, when it was replaced by the SC 430), is certainly an elegant convertible cruiser. While the Soarer offered a twin-turbo in its home nation, only the standard induction 4.3 is offered with the SC 430. With a body design inspired by the French Riviera, the SC 430 is a stylish statement from Lexus. Until the arrival of the 2007 LS 460/LS 460 L, the SC 430 was the most expensive car in the Lexus lineup.
{{clear}}
===Lexus SUVs===
[[Image:Lexus Luxury Utility Vehicles.jpg|thumb|right|270px|The Lexus Luxury Utility Vehicle lineup, left to right, LX/RX/GX.]]So you want to enjoy the comfort and space afforded by an SUV but don't want to empty your wallet with $3/gallon fillups? Enter the crossover-ute. Lexus ups the ante in the soft roader class by introducing the new and improved [[Lexus RX|'''RX''']]. Based on the Camry platform, the RX can be had with a 3.5 liter internal combustion engine, or a hybrid - dubbed the [[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]]. The RX is considered one of the first crossover SUVs, and the first one built for the luxury market. It has spawned dozens of competitors, but none approach the success of the RX--Lexus' top-selling model and the best-selling luxury vehicle in America in 2004 and 2005.

Customers shopping for a standard, body-on-frame SUV can also stop by to check out the new [[Lexus GX 470|'''GX''']], known elsewhere as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Available as a five or seven seater, this midsize SUV is Lexus' answer to America's burgoening SUV market. Notable for its extensive 4x4 capabilities, the GX 470/Prado is operated and raced by Toyota and other 4x4 teams the world over.

Lexus' final entree in its portfolio is the [[Lexus LX|'''LX''']]. Based closely on Toyota's [[Toyota Land Cruiser|Land Cruiser]], the LX 470 comes to the Lexus dealership donning a new badge, reworked interiors and a greater level of sophistication. The LX 470 will be succeeded by the all-new LX 570, which premieres at the New York International Auto Show in April 2007.

==In the Pipeline==
[[Image:2007 Lexus LF-A.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Lexus LF-A concept supercar.]]
The 2007 model year marks the finish of Lexus' current batch of launches, with the arrival of the highly anticipated LS. However, possibly two brand new models and other variants loom on the horizon (such as a possible coupe/convertible version of the IS, and successor models to the RX and SC model lines).

The first all-new model is the Lexus JX, Lexus' foray into the full size SUV market. Based on the upcoming [[Toyota Sequoia]]/[[Toyota Tundra|Tundra]] platform, the JX will go head to head with similar offerings from [[Lincoln]] and [[Cadillac]]. Unconfirmed rumors have it that the JX will come to the US not with the standard 4.7 liter mill, but with a more potent 5.4 liter mill.

Finally, Lexus' display of its [[Lexus LF-A|LF-A]] concept at the Detroit Auto Show hints at a production version of its sports coupe. Lexus' bias towards fuel economy, soft suspension settings and silent engines had meant that experts rarely took Lexus' attempts at sportiness seriously. The LF-A is all about changing those perceptions. Lexus has recently announced that the LF-A will walk into dealerships wearing a V-10 rated at over 500 bhp in a sub-5 liter engine. A vehicle that reportedly will push the 200 mph barrier clearly shows that Lexus is taking 'sport' seriously. The LF-A may come to market as the Lexus GT 450.

In January 2007, Lexus announced a new performance division, Lexus "F", which would produce racing-inspired versions of its luxury performance vehicles. The first F-marque vehicle, the IS-F, made its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, accompanied by an exotic F-marque supercar concept, the LF-A F. The Lexus F-marque vehicles will rival the high-performance lineups of the leading European and American luxury marques.

==Production==
Many Lexus vehicles are manufactured in the Tahara, Japan plant, a highly sophisticated, computerized manufacturing plant, awarded the title of the best automobile manufacturing plant in the world.<ref>[http://www.jdpa.com/NeWs/relEaSes/pressrelease.asp?ID=2005069 Tahara given JD Power Platinum Award, fewest defects anywhere in the world]</ref> Lexus manufacturing techniques include methods and standards of quality control that differ from Toyota models. At the Tahara plant, separate assembly lines were developed for the manufacture of Lexus vehicles. New molds and specialized manufacturing equipment were also developed for the Lexus production process. Welding processes, body panel fit tolerances, and paint quality requirements are more stringent for Lexus models. Each production Lexus vehicle is also given an extensive visual inspection for flaws and subjected to vibration tests to ensure a smooth and quiet ride.

The North American-market RX 350 (since the 2004 model year) is produced in the city of Cambridge, in Ontario, Canada, and is the first Lexus plant located outside of Japan. Lexus vehicles are also produced at the Araco, Kanji (Iwate), Kanji (Kanto Jidosha), Katashiki, Kyushu, and Tahara plants in Japan.

==Service==
Lexus has become known for efforts to project a luxury image even with service provided after the sale. The waiting areas in the service departments are complete with such amenities as a refreshment bar, business center that is soundproofed and stocked with computers and a fax machine, and the service bay is lined with large picture windows to allow the customers to watch the repairs. Other amenities can include a children's play area, indoor putting green, and other recreational services. Recently, several Lexus dealerships have added on-site cafes and designer shops.

In 2005, Lexus came first in the Top Gear Survey, "the UK's biggest independent car satisfaction survey" with over 76,000 respondants. In 2006, Lexus ranked first for the eleventh time in J.D. Power's Customer Service Index, its annual study involving over 79,000 U.S. owners and dealership experience. In 2006, the Luxury Institute, New York, rated Lexus #1 in Customer Experience among luxury automobile brands based on its survey of over 2,100 high-income households. On the strength of its customer service standards and high product satisfaction, Lexus enjoys one of the highest customer loyalty rates in the industry.

==Motorsport==
[[Image:Team Lexus GT2 IS 350.png|thumb|right|175px|Team Lexus' IS 350 GT2 race car.]]Lexus has been participating in endurance racing, in particular the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. Since entering the series in 2004, Lexus has won over 15 Rolex Series event races. In 2005, Lexus was runners-up and in 2006 it won the championship. Although Toyota has won this prestigious race in the past it was the first time that its luxury arm emerged as the winner. In 2007, six Lexus-powered Daytona prototypes were entered in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona event at the Daytona International Speedway. Lexus was a repeat winner of the event, with a Lexus-Riley prototype driven by Scott Pruett, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Salvador Durán of Chip Ganassi Racing finishing first; Lexus-Riley prototypes also took three of the top ten spots.

Lexus is also going to participate in [[12 Hours of Sebring]] which now form a part of American Le Mans. There has been speculation of a Lexus F1 operation in the near future, in line with its expansion into the luxury car markets, and increasing competition with BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Lexus may enter for the 2007 Formula 1 season as an engine supplier to the WilliamsF1 team, using Toyota engines rebadged as Lexus, but these rumors are purely speculative.

After the release of the Lexus brand on the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) in 2005, four SC 430 coupes were entered in the SuperGT series in the GT500 class. In the first race of the 2006 series, an SC 430 took the chequered flag. In 2006, Lexus raced a hybrid vehicle for the first time, entering a GS 450h performance hybrid sedan in the Tokachi 24-hour Race in Hokkaido, Japan.

==Future of [[Lexus|Lexus]]==
Although Lexus has had phenomenal success in the US since 1991-1992 — within 3 years of its introduction in 1989 — it has been struggling outside North America, including its home country, Japan, where the Lexus brand started marketing in 2005 and is still waiting for the arrival of the LS series due later this year, and in particular Europe. Automotive analysts have pointed out that Lexus has been so successful in North America because the wide consumer base of Toyota and in particular the baby boomers wanted something more luxurious as they were becoming older and their surplus incomes were allowing them to migrate to brands such as [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]]. The huge success of Lexus was in part due to the fact that its higher levels of quality and less expensive prices enabled it to retain those migrating customers and keep them "in the family."

However, this also had negative repurcussions as Lexus gradually cemented an image of value-priced brand, which would offer similarly equipped cars at tens of thousands of dollars less than its primary competitors, [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]]. The former chief of [[BMW]], Eberhard von Kuenhiem predicted that this strategy would work to some extent in US, but not in Europe, where the words premium and luxury do not go well with value pricing. Some automotive experts believe that Lexus' failure to woo European customers and its very slow incremental increase in European arena is because of differences in perceived value. This has led some automotive thinkers to believe that unless Lexus prices its products head-to-head with the European premium brands and emphasizes its superior quality, reliability and engineering, it will not be able to succeed globally.

However, quality levels of European brands are seemingly dwindling, while Lexus continues to score highly on such reports. Also, in order to attract European buyers, diesel engines have been added to the lineup (starting with the IS 220d), and with Lexus LF concept cars making it into production, Lexus is quickly beginning to re-invent itself as a global luxury brand. Some of these new models will come with a sticker price of around $100,000, setting these models against their European rivals in terms of price.

[[Image:Lexusfront.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Lexus debuted the world's first hybrid luxury SUV, the RX 400h, in 2005.]]The addition of hybrid models (including the RX 400h and GS 450h) have also driven European sales increases in environmentally-conscious markets such as the United Kingdom. Politicians in the UK have endorsed Lexus by using Lexus GS vehicles in place of British-built Vauxhalls, Jaguars and Rovers. Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, replaced his LS 430 with a GS 450h. The London Congestion Charge excludes hybrid vehicles, adding incentive to Lexus hybrids.

In the United Kingdom, the largest European market for Lexus, the IS series accounts for the largest number of Lexus sales (the largest proportion increasing with sales of the new IS 220d), with the GS 450h and RX 400h making up the second largest proportion. Sales of the LS flagship have been small compared to the lower-end Lexus vehicles due to lesser public perception of the brand and the larger expense of the vehicle. This is combined with the higher perception of Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and Jaguar rival brands. With Lexus sales increasing in the UK due to the introduction of the IS diesel and GS/RX hybrids, Lexus has emerged as a European second-tier luxury brand that is rising fast. The second-generation IS, which emerged in 2006 as an intelligent alternative to the dominant German and British marques' compact executive cars, has become representative of Lexus' efforts in Europe.

In South Korea, with sales of the ES 350 spearheading its efforts, Lexus has been the top-selling luxury import since 2005; in Taiwan, Lexus also became the top-selling luxury import in 2005. In Australia, Lexus' sales growth has surpassed its rivals, and the line now ranks third in overall luxury import sales, with the IS model generating high demand. Total worldwide Lexus sales are expected to reach 500,000 vehicles by 2007.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Trivia==
*In the United States, Lexus Financial Savings Bank, in conjunction with US Bank, has launched a Lexus Pursuits Visa Card.
*Lexus was requested by Steven Spielberg, an ardent fan of Lexus and himself an owner of LX 470, to design a vehicle which would fit the requirements of year 2054 for his movie Minority Report. Lexus came up with an advanced vehicle which would run on fuel cells and have many advanced safety features including a crash-proof structure. (Lexus' cinematic concept car also appears in ''The Island'', though it's colored blue, not red).
* In Japanese, Lexus is phonetically translated as レクサス (''rekusasu''). Coincidentally, the Polish word ''luksus'', which is pronounced very similarly to Lexus, means luxury in the Polish language.
* Lexus substituted "passionate" for "relentless" in their U.S. brand slogan in 2000; the worldwide motto was adopted in its current form by fall 2005.
*The distinctive voice in Lexus commercials is James Sloyan, who has been doing voiceover work for the brand since 1989.
*The ES series is roughly based on the US [[Toyota Camry]].
*The IS (Toyota Altezza in Japan) series is roughly based on the Toyota Cressida luxury sedan, which was discontinued in 1992 in the US partially because of dropping sales due to the launch and success of the Lexus brand.
*After being discontinued in 1992, the X chassis code for Cressidas was still in use in Japan under the Mark II, Chaser, and Cresta names until the early 2000s.
* The Lexus Centre, a sports, meeting, and entertainment facility in Melbourne, Australia, was first constructed for the 1956 Summer Olympics.

==Notable owners==
* Celebrity owners of Lexus vehicles include Steven Spielberg, Burt Bacharach, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Harrison Ford, Holly Hunter, Nicolas Cage, Diane Keaton, Mel Gibson, Cameron Diaz, Tony Hawk, Milla Jovovich, Christie Brinkley, Calista Flockhart, Paula Abdul, Tyra Banks, Michael Bloomberg, Bill Gates and Larry David.
* S R Nathan, the current President of Singapore's preferred limousine is a white Lexus LS430. Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra owned a black LS 400.
* Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore, switched from a Mercedes to a Lexus GS300 in late 1990s/early 2000s, citing its superior reliability; in interviews Mr. Lee said he was tired of dealing with car repairs.
* Donald Tsang, the current Chief Executive of Hong Kong, uses a grey LS600hL as his official limousine.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Lineup==
*[[Lexus IS|IS]] - compact [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]/[[all wheel drive|AWD]]
** (1998-2005) IS 200/IS 300
** (2006-) IS 250/IS 250 [[Four Wheel Drive|AWD]]/IS 350/IS 220d
*[[Lexus ES|ES]] - midsize [[front wheel drive|FWD]]
** (1989-1991) ES 250
** (1992-2001) ES 300
** (2002-2006) ES 300/ES 330
** (2007-) ES 350
*[[Lexus GS|GS]] - midsize [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]/[[all wheel drive|AWD]]
** (1993-1997) GS 300
** (1998-2005) GS 300/GS 400
** (2001-2005) GS 300/GS 430
** (2005-2007) GS 300/GS 300 [[Four Wheel Drive|AWD]]/GS 430
** (2007-) GS 350/GS 460/[[Lexus GS 450h|GS 450h]]
*[[Lexus LS|LS]] - full-size [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]
** (1989-1994) LS 400
** (1995-2000) LS 400
** (2001-2006) LS 430
** (2007-) LS 460/LS 460L/LS 600hL ([[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]])
*[[Lexus SC|SC]] - [[coupe]]/convertible [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]
** (1991-2001) SC 300/SC 400
** (2002-) SC 430
*[[Lexus RX|RX]] - [[crossover SUV]]
** (1998-2003) Lexus RX|RX 300
** (2004-2006) Lexus RX|RX 330
** (2007-) RX 350/[[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]] - [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]])
*[[Lexus GX 470|GX]] - midsize [[SUV]]
** (2002-) GX 470
*[[Lexus LX|LX]] - large [[SUV]]
** (1996-2007) LX 450/LX 470
*JX - large [[SUV]]
** (2007-) JX 470
*[[Lexus LF#LF-C|LF-C]] - [[concept car]]
**
*[[Lexus LF-A|LF-A]] - [[concept car]]

==Historical timeline==
* '''1983'''
** Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda challenges his company to build a luxury flagship to “challenge the world’s best.” This effort becomes known as the F1 project.
* '''1985'''
** F1 researchers visit the United States to conduct market research and focus groups on luxury buyers. The first LS 400 prototypes are built.<ref name=timeline>[http://pressroom.lexus.com/Releases/View?id=TYT2006091195844 Lexus History (timeline)]</ref>
* '''1986'''
** Testing for the new Lexus flagship begins at the autobahn in Germany.
* '''1987'''
** Final design of the LS 400 is approved.
* '''1989'''
** The LS 400 debuts at the Detroit Motor Show, and goes on sale in September of that year.
* '''1990'''
** ''Car and Driver'' magazine names the LS 400 one of the Ten Best vehicles of the year. Lexus capture the trifecta of J.D. Power’s Initial Quality, Customer Satisfaction, and Sales Satisfaction studies.
* '''1991'''
** Lexus becomes the top-selling import marque in the United States. The ES 300 and SC 400 models are introduced.
* '''1992'''
** ''Motor Trend'' magazine names the SC 400 its Import Car of the Year.
* '''1993'''
** Lexus introduces the GS 300 luxury performance sedan.
* '''1994'''
** Lexus introduces the second-generation LS 400 sedan.
* '''1996'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation ES 300 sedan and its first luxury utility vehicle, the LX 450.
* '''1997'''
** Lexus introduces the second-generation GS 300 and GS 400 sedans. ''Motor Trend'' magazine names the new GS its Import Car of the Year.
* '''1998'''
** The RX 300, the world’s first luxury crossover SUV, goes on sale at Lexus dealerships. The RX soon becomes Lexus’ top-selling model.
* '''1999'''
** Lexus sells its one-millionth vehicle in the U.S.
* '''2000'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation LS 430 sedan and IS 300 entry sport sedan.
* '''2001'''
** Lexus introduces the fourth-generation ES 300 sedan.
* '''2002'''
** Lexus introduces its third luxury utility vehicle, the GX 470.
* '''2003'''
** The Lexus Development Center is founded in Japan, becoming the headquarters for Lexus' future design efforts.
* '''2005'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation GS 300 and GS 430 mid-size sport sedans, debuting L-Finesse styling. Later that year, Lexus introduces the second-generation IS 220d, IS 250 and IS 350 sport sedans.
** ''Top Gear'' named the IS as the Compact Executive Car of the year, defeating the BMW E90 3-Series.
* '''2006'''
** Lexus debuts the LS 600h L, the world’s first production V8 hybrid sedan. The new ES 350 and fourth-generation LS 460/LS 460 L sedans go on sale.
* '''2007'''
** At the North American International Auto Show, Lexus launches its dedicated performance division, F-Series, with the unveiling of its first high-performance sedan, the IS-F, and an exotic supercar concept, the LF-A.
** The Lexus LS 460 flagship is crowned Luxury Car of the Year, Most Respected, and International Car of the Year at the ICOTY Awards, and is named World Car of the Year at the WCOTY Awards.

{{Lexus}}
{{Lexus timeline}}
==References==
<references />
This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus Lexus], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lexus&action=history contributors].
==External links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/ Lexus USA]
* [http://www.lexus.jp/ Lexus Japan]
* [http://www.lexus-europe.com/ Lexus Europe]
* [http://www.lexus-mideast.com/ Lexus Middle East]
* [http://www.lexus.com/home/international_links.html Lexus International]
<small>
<div style="-moz-column-count: 3; column-count: 3;">
** [http://www.lexus.com.au/ Lexus Australia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.bh/ Lexus Bahrain]
** [http://www.lexus.be/ Lexus Belgium]
** [http://64.56.170.231/b/b01.html Lexus Brazil]
** [http://www.lexus.com.bn/ Lexus Brunei]
** [http://www.lexus.ca/ Lexus Canada]
** [http://www.lexus.com.cn/ Lexus China]
** [http://www.lexus.dk/ Lexus Denmark]
** [http://www.lexus.fi/ Lexus Finland]
** [http://www.lexus.fr/ Lexus France]
** [http://www.lexus.de/ Lexus Germany]
** [http://www.lexus.gr/ Lexus Greece]
** [http://www.akguam.com/index.htm?bhcp=1 Lexus Guam]
** [http://www.servcolexus.com/Distributor/Lexus/ Lexus Hawaii]
** [http://www.lexus.com.hk/ Lexus HK]
** [http://www.lexus.ie/ Lexus Ireland]
** [http://www.lexus.it/ Lexus Italy]
** [http://www.lexus.co.kr/ Lexus Korea]
** [http://www.lexus.com.kw/ Lexus Kuwait]
** [http://www.lexus.lu/ Lexus Luxembourg]
** [http://www.lexus.com.my/ Lexus Malaysia]
** [http://www.lexus.nl/ Lexus Netherlands]
** [http://www.lexus.co.nz/ Lexus New Zealand]
** [http://www.lexusoman.com/ Lexus Oman]
** [http://www.lexus.pt/ Lexus Portugal]
** [http://www.aabqatar.com/lexus/home.htm Lexus Qatar]
** [http://www.lexus-russia.ru/ Lexus Russia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.sa/ Lexus Saudi Arabia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.sg/ Lexus Singapore]
** [http://www.lexus.co.za/ Lexus South Africa]
** [http://www.mundolexus.com/ Lexus Spain]
** [http://www.lexus.se/ Lexus Sweden]
** [http://www.lexus.ch/ Lexus Switzerland]
** [http://www.lexus.com.tw/ Lexus Taiwan]
** [http://www.lexus.co.th/ Lexus Thailand]
** [http://www.lexusuae.com/ Lexus UAE]
** [http://www.lexus.co.uk/ Lexus UK]
</div></small>
* [http://www.teamlexus.com/ Team Lexus - official webpage of the factory-backed team competing in the Grand American Cup road racing series.]
* [http://www.lexus.com/magazine/ Lexus Magazine Website, featuring quarterly updates from the owners' publication]
* [http://www.planetlexus.com Planet Lexus - Pictures and information regarding every Lexus model ever made]
* [http://www.clublexus.com/ ClubLexus - Lexus Enthusiast Website]
*[http://www.babez.de/lexus/lexus-sc430-pebble-beach-edition.php Lexus SC430 Pebble Beach Edition 2006]

[[Category:Makes]]
[[Category:Luxury car manufacturers]]
[[Category:Lexus]]
[[Category:Prestige vehicles]]
[[Category:Toyota]]

Lexus

2008-03-24T07:55:11Z

CelsiorFan:

{{List Of Lexus Models}}
'''[[Lexus|Lexus]]''' is the luxury automobile division of [[Toyota|Toyota Motor Corporation]]. The Lexus brand name represents a premium line of luxury vehicles, first begun in 1989 with the debut of the LS 400 flagship sedan and the ES 250 executive sedan. Lexus cars and SUVs are sold in North America, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Latin America, Asia and Oceania; in the United States, Lexus is the top selling brand of luxury cars. Until 2005, Lexus vehicles were sold under the [[Toyota]] marque in Japan until its introduction there that year.

The Lexus line of luxury vehicles was started in 1989 to compete with other luxury makes, including German firms Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi; Cadillac and Lincoln in the U.S., and Honda's Acura division. Before the first Lexus sedan premiered at the 1989 Detroit Motor Show, Toyota engineers spent five years in secret development, costing billions of dollars and involving over 150 prototypes built for a testing process unprecedented in Toyota's 50-year history. The crowning result was the LS 400 flagship sedan, a vehicle which was more aerodynamic, more quiet, and more efficient than its rivals. To the customers that bought them, the LS 400 was regarded as a better value than its higher-priced competition,<ref>[http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=115368 Lexus LS Generations]</ref> and within two years Lexus had become the top-selling luxury import in the U.S.

Since its successful introduction, Lexus has developed a reputation for quality and customer service. In the U.S. the brand continually ranks at the top of owner satisfaction and reliability surveys. Today, over 16 years since the company's debut, many LS 400 sedans continue operating capably for their owners, a testament to the engineering expertise that went into the Lexus flagship model. In recent years, Lexus' sales have been propelled by a successive series of popular designs. In 2006, the Lexus line had three of the top 10 best-selling luxury vehicles in the U.S.—the RX, ES, and IS—more than any other luxury make.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/vehicles/2006/12/15/best-selling-luxury-forbeslife-cx_dl_1218bestsellingluxurycars.html Best-Selling Luxury Cars 2006]</ref>

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] History==
The Lexus saga began in 1983, when Toyota began the F1/Circle-F project, a secret initiative to develop the "world's best luxury car." This project was inspired by the success of the [[Toyota Supra]] sports car and the luxury Toyota Cressida models. Both the Supra and Cressida were [[rear-wheel drive]] cars with a powerful ''7M-GE/7M-GTE'' engine. For their new flagship vehicle, however, U.S. Toyota executives convinced the Japanese Toyota board that a separate brand and dealership network was needed to support a top-flight luxury vehicle in the world's largest automotive market, the United States. Additionally, such a network would require not just one model, but several, the executives suggested. After much debate, Toyota's Japanese leadership agreed to launch a separate luxury division. Initially, some Japanese Toyota executives were affronted with the prospect of their most prized design getting a separate badge, but ultimately they agreed that a separate title would confer a more lofty status.

===The Lexus division===

[[Image:Lexus l logo.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''"The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection"'' debuted in 1989.]]An image consulting firm presented a list of 219 names, from which Vectre, Verone, Chaparel, Calibre and Alexis were top candidates. While Alexis quickly became the front runner (possibly due to the association with the Alexis Carrington character on the popular 1980s primetime drama ''Dynasty'') and later morphed to Lexus, the name has been attributed to the combination of the words "luxury" and "elegance." According to [[Toyota]], however, the name had no meaning and was just meant to be pleasing and easy to remember. Just prior to the release of the first vehicles, the database service LexisNexis obtained a temporary injunction forbidding the name Lexus from being used as they stated it might cause confusion. Upon reflection, the court lifted the injunction, deciding that there was a low likelihood of confusion between the two products. Another theory has surfaced, claiming that the Lexus name was given to the project by Toyota in the mid-80s, as an acronym for Luxury EXport United States. with the acronym "LEUS" with the "x" from "luxury" added to form "Lexus". Hunter Communications and Molly Designs created the "L" logo that became the symbol of the Lexus line.

The Lexus slogan, developed after U.S. personnel visited Lexus designers in Japan and noted their obsessive attention to detail, became "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection."

===Launch of Lexus===

[[Image:LS 400 1989.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The first LS 400 flagship challenged the best luxury vehicles in the world.]]The first Lexus-badged models, the V-8 powered [[Lexus LS |LS 400]] and the smaller, [[Toyota Camry]]-based ES 250, appeared in 1989. The LS 400 flagship captured most of the attention; it had a unique design, sharing no major elements with previous Toyota vehicles, with a new 4.0 L [[V8]] engine. It was widely praised for its silence, well-appointed interior, fine engine performance, outstanding build quality, and value. (In some markets, it was priced against mid-sized [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]] models, while offering size, performance, and quality comparable to their full-size cars). It was generally regarded as a major shock to the European marques, but was criticized by automobile columnists for anonymous styling and a suspension regarded as too compromising of handling for ride comfort. Nonetheless, the LS 400 won several major motoring awards when released, including Wheels magazine's Car of the Year and Best Imported Car of the Year by the Motoring Press Association.

The Lexus marque was fully launched in the United States in late 1989. Lexus launched later in Great Britain, Canada and Australia, in 1990. In some countries, like Malaysia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK, where there is a market in grey imports of Japanese cars, some equivalent Toyota models were retro-fitted with Lexus badges, although they still differ slightly from officially imported Lexus models, especially in specification and equipment levels. Lexus launched later in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and other European countries.

===Global expansion===

Today, Lexus has become the fourth-largest luxury make in the world, by volume. Lexus directly competes with such luxury brands as the Europe's [[Audi]], [[BMW]], [[Jaguar]], [[Mercedes-Benz]], [[Porsche]], and [[Volvo]], the American [[Cadillac]] and [[Lincoln]], and Japanese brands [[Acura]] and [[Infiniti]]. In the U.S., Lexus' success can be attributed in large part to its excellent reputation for reliability and customer service; the luxury line consistently ranks at the top of J.D. Power and Consumer Reports surveys; similarly, Lexus vehicles rank at the top of Auto Express and Top Gear automotive surveys in Europe.

[[Image:Lexus JD Power.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Lexus has received numerous JD Power awards.]]The Lexus marque was finally introduced to the Japanese market on July 26, 2005. The compact IS 250/IS 350, convertible SC 430, and midsize GS 350/GS 430 will all be available in Japan in the 2006 model year. By January 2007, nearly all of the 160+ Lexus dealerships in Japan had become profitable.<ref>[http://wardsdealer.com/latest/lexus_progressing_japan/ Lexus Slowly Progressing in Japan]</ref> Still, in a country where Accords and Camrys are considered quite luxurious, and where its existing lineup already has 45% market share, Toyota has a long way to go to expand Lexus to match the success of BMW and Mercedes Benz in the luxury segment. Fortunately, the lowest cost and most efficient automaker in the world has the biggest war chest and can afford to grow Lexus incrementally. In late 2006-2007, the Lexus lineup in Japan gained a significant boost with record-setting orders for its new LS 460 flagship sedan, which debuted in September.
{{clear}}
==L-Finesse==
[[Image:LF-S.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The LF-S concept.]]As part of its expanded global launch and bid for luxury market leadership, Lexus' new offerings, released between 2004 and 2007 all carry its new, distinctive design language - dubbed L-Finesse. Lexus is finally taking visuals and aesthetics seriously, after years of being dismissed as being a producer of bland and lacklustre designs. Following in the footsteps of BMW's Bangle inspired design (but avoiding much of the controversy), The L-Finesse design language is the product of an increasingly competetive auto market, where only the most outstanding and flamboyant vehicles attract consumer attention. Lexus' new crop of concept vehicles, which include the LF-X, LF-S, LF-C, LF-A and LF-Sh, all feature L-Finesse design cues. These vehicles can all be viewed at Lexus' official concept website, [http://www.lexus.com/fcv/ [Lexus Concept Vehicles]]. The first production vehicle to feature the L-Finesse design treatment was the 3rd generation GS sedan, inroduced for 2006. This was followed a few months later by the redesigned second-generation IS, and then the new LS and ES sedans. The Lexus SUV lineup may be next in line for the L-Finesse designers. On the sedans, the L-Finesse "look" is sleek, with character lines emanating from hood to trunk; a "waterfall" effect features from the A pillars forward, and the rear cabin has a pulled-back look, often with slingshot side windows. A unifying characteristic across the entire L-Finesse sedan lineup is a trapezoid grille that is positioned slightly lower than the level of the headlamps, unlike most other car designs from other marques. Elements of the L-Finesse designs feature styling cues derived from Japanese characters.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Vehicles==
Over the years, Lexus has developed a strong and complete portfolio of vehicles that covers a significant spread of the luxury market. Today, its lineup includes four sedans - IS (an entry level sports compact), the ES (an midsize luxury sedan), the GS (a sports-luxury sedan) and the LS (flagship luxury sedan). one roadster (the SC 430), and the porfolio also sports three SUVs - the RX (a crossover compact), the GX (a midsize luxury) and the LX (full size flagship).

===Lexus Cars===
[[Image:Isexterior2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Lexus IS 350.]]The [[Lexus IS|Lexus '''IS''']] was introduced in 1998 as Lexus' answer to the BMW 3-series in the U.S. and European markets. In Japan, the first generation IS was sold as the Toyota Altezza. Although a serious automobile, experts never considered it to be a true threat to the BMW's superior benchmark. That all changed with the introduction of the second generation, 2006 model year IS - a vehicle considered to be on par with the BMW's standings. Now offered with a choice of 2.5 or 3.5 liter mills, the IS delivers serious grunt with the refinement and precision matched only by Lexus. The newest IS was introduced in Japan as part of Lexus' debut in its home country. A high-performance V8 version, the [[Lexus IS-F|IS-F]], was launched in 2008.
<br>
[[Image:Esred.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Lexus ES 350.]]Lexus' entry level midsize luxury sedan, the [[Lexus ES|'''ES''']], is vaguely based on Toyota's bread-and-butter [[Toyota Camry|Camry]] sedan platform, with a separately designed body style, interior, and technological features. Instead of the Camry's four and six banger engines, however, comes the stately 3.5 liter. This V6 hustles the saloon with speed - although the ES is marketed more as an elegant, luxury sedan than a sports tourer. Previous versions of the [[Lexus ES|Lexus ES]] were direct counterparts of the Toyota Windom, which was sold in Japan. While most of Lexus' offerings are aimed squarely at the German car buyer, the ES does not have a German car counterpart, and is instead sold as a luxury sedan for those wishing a comfortable, front-wheel drive luxury vehicle without ample sporty ambitions.
<br>
[[Image:GS 3rd gen.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Lexus GS sedan.]]The [[Lexus GS|'''GS''']] sports sedan has its sights aimed squarely at Germany's midsize sports sedan offerings. Armed with a choice of three engines - the base 3.5, a potent 4.6 and an incredible [[Lexus GS 450h|4.5 Hybrid]] - the 2007 Lexus GS enters battle armed every bit like the German sedans it tries to embody. Unlike the Toyota Hybrid variants, which improve fuel mileage at the cost performance, the hybrid version of the GS, the GS 450h, is aimed at further boosting performance, without loosing fuel economy. With its hybrid powertrain producing around 340 HP, the GS 450h is the fastest Lexus ever built--surpassing the IS 350, the fastest conventional gasoline powered Lexus.
<br>
[[Image:LS 460 Platinum.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Lexus LS 460 flagship.]]Lexus' spanking new flagship [[Lexus LS|'''LS''']] luxury cruiser is available for the 2007 model year. This vehicle offers a 4.6 liter powerplant, bringing a whopping 380 HP and 370 pound-feet of torque to the table. Power is transferred to the wheels through a groundbreaking 8 speed gearbox - a first of its kind. An extra few grand buys you the 'L' badge - Lexus' crack at the extended wheelbase sedans of Germany. And if even that is not enough, buyers have the choice to opt for the LS 600h L, the first hybrid V8 ever. Lexus claims that its flagship Hybrid will have the performance and luxury to compete with Germany's V12 sedans, while offering the relative frugality of a V8.
<br>
[[Image:Sc se main img 1a.jpg|thumb|left|225px|Lexus SC convertible.]]Lexus' only sports tourer, the [[Lexus SC|'''SC''']], is a convertible hardtop. While not much of a sports vehicle, the SC 430, previously known as the Toyota Soarer in Japan (until 2006, when it was replaced by the SC 430), is certainly an elegant convertible cruiser. While the Soarer offered a twin-turbo in its home nation, only the standard induction 4.3 is offered with the SC 430. With a body design inspired by the French Riviera, the SC 430 is a stylish statement from Lexus. Until the arrival of the 2007 LS 460/LS 460 L, the SC 430 was the most expensive car in the Lexus lineup.
{{clear}}
===Lexus SUVs===
[[Image:Lexus Luxury Utility Vehicles.jpg|thumb|right|270px|The Lexus Luxury Utility Vehicle lineup, left to right, LX/RX/GX.]]So you want to enjoy the comfort and space afforded by an SUV but don't want to empty your wallet with $3/gallon fillups? Enter the crossover-ute. Lexus ups the ante in the soft roader class by introducing the new and improved [[Lexus RX|'''RX''']]. Based on the Camry platform, the RX can be had with a 3.5 liter internal combustion engine, or a hybrid - dubbed the [[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]]. The RX is considered one of the first crossover SUVs, and the first one built for the luxury market. It has spawned dozens of competitors, but none approach the success of the RX--Lexus' top-selling model and the best-selling luxury vehicle in America in 2004 and 2005.

Customers shopping for a standard, body-on-frame SUV can also stop by to check out the new [[Lexus GX 470|'''GX''']], known elsewhere as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Available as a five or seven seater, this midsize SUV is Lexus' answer to America's burgoening SUV market. Notable for its extensive 4x4 capabilities, the GX 470/Prado is operated and raced by Toyota and other 4x4 teams the world over.

Lexus' final entree in its portfolio is the [[Lexus LX|'''LX''']]. Based closely on Toyota's [[Toyota Land Cruiser|Land Cruiser]], the LX 470 comes to the Lexus dealership donning a new badge, reworked interiors and a greater level of sophistication. The LX 470 will be succeeded by the all-new LX 570, which premieres at the New York International Auto Show in April 2007.

==In the Pipeline==
[[Image:2007 Lexus LF-A.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Lexus LF-A concept supercar.]]
The 2007 model year marks the finish of Lexus' current batch of launches, with the arrival of the highly anticipated LS. However, possibly two brand new models and other variants loom on the horizon (such as a possible coupe/convertible version of the IS, and successor models to the RX and SC model lines).

The first all-new model is the Lexus JX, Lexus' foray into the full size SUV market. Based on the upcoming [[Toyota Sequoia]]/[[Toyota Tundra|Tundra]] platform, the JX will go head to head with similar offerings from [[Lincoln]] and [[Cadillac]]. Unconfirmed rumors have it that the JX will come to the US not with the standard 4.7 liter mill, but with a more potent 5.4 liter mill.

Finally, Lexus' display of its [[Lexus LF-A|LF-A]] concept at the Detroit Auto Show hints at a production version of its sports coupe. Lexus' bias towards fuel economy, soft suspension settings and silent engines had meant that experts rarely took Lexus' attempts at sportiness seriously. The LF-A is all about changing those perceptions. Lexus has recently announced that the LF-A will walk into dealerships wearing a V-10 rated at over 500 bhp in a sub-5 liter engine. A vehicle that reportedly will push the 200 mph barrier clearly shows that Lexus is taking 'sport' seriously. The LF-A may come to market as the Lexus GT 450.

In January 2007, Lexus announced a new performance division, Lexus "F", which would produce racing-inspired versions of its luxury performance vehicles. The first F-marque vehicle, the IS-F, made its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, accompanied by an exotic F-marque supercar concept, the LF-A F. The Lexus F-marque vehicles will rival the high-performance lineups of the leading European and American luxury marques.

==Production==
Many Lexus vehicles are manufactured in the Tahara, Japan plant, a highly sophisticated, computerized manufacturing plant, awarded the title of the best automobile manufacturing plant in the world.<ref>[http://www.jdpa.com/NeWs/relEaSes/pressrelease.asp?ID=2005069 Tahara given JD Power Platinum Award, fewest defects anywhere in the world]</ref> Lexus manufacturing techniques include methods and standards of quality control that differ from Toyota models. At the Tahara plant, separate assembly lines were developed for the manufacture of Lexus vehicles. New molds and specialized manufacturing equipment were also developed for the Lexus production process. Welding processes, body panel fit tolerances, and paint quality requirements are more stringent for Lexus models. Each production Lexus vehicle is also given an extensive visual inspection for flaws and subjected to vibration tests to ensure a smooth and quiet ride.

The North American-market RX 350 (since the 2004 model year) is produced in the city of Cambridge, in Ontario, Canada, and is the first Lexus plant located outside of Japan. Lexus vehicles are also produced at the Araco, Kanji (Iwate), Kanji (Kanto Jidosha), Katashiki, Kyushu, and Tahara plants in Japan.

==Service==
Lexus has become known for efforts to project a luxury image even with service provided after the sale. The waiting areas in the service departments are complete with such amenities as a refreshment bar, business center that is soundproofed and stocked with computers and a fax machine, and the service bay is lined with large picture windows to allow the customers to watch the repairs. Other amenities can include a children's play area, indoor putting green, and other recreational services. Recently, several Lexus dealerships have added on-site cafes and designer shops.

In 2005, Lexus came first in the Top Gear Survey, "the UK's biggest independent car satisfaction survey" with over 76,000 respondants. In 2006, Lexus ranked first for the eleventh time in J.D. Power's Customer Service Index, its annual study involving over 79,000 U.S. owners and dealership experience. In 2006, the Luxury Institute, New York, rated Lexus #1 in Customer Experience among luxury automobile brands based on its survey of over 2,100 high-income households. On the strength of its customer service standards and high product satisfaction, Lexus enjoys one of the highest customer loyalty rates in the industry.

==Motorsport==
[[Image:Team Lexus GT2 IS 350.png|thumb|right|175px|Team Lexus' IS 350 GT2 race car.]]Lexus has been participating in endurance racing, in particular the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. Since entering the series in 2004, Lexus has won over 15 Rolex Series event races. In 2005, Lexus was runners-up and in 2006 it won the championship. Although Toyota has won this prestigious race in the past it was the first time that its luxury arm emerged as the winner. In 2007, six Lexus-powered Daytona prototypes were entered in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona event at the Daytona International Speedway. Lexus was a repeat winner of the event, with a Lexus-Riley prototype driven by Scott Pruett, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Salvador Durán of Chip Ganassi Racing finishing first; Lexus-Riley prototypes also took three of the top ten spots.

Lexus is also going to participate in [[12 Hours of Sebring]] which now form a part of American Le Mans. There has been speculation of a Lexus F1 operation in the near future, in line with its expansion into the luxury car markets, and increasing competition with BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Lexus may enter for the 2007 Formula 1 season as an engine supplier to the WilliamsF1 team, using Toyota engines rebadged as Lexus, but these rumors are purely speculative.

After the release of the Lexus brand on the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) in 2005, four SC 430 coupes were entered in the SuperGT series in the GT500 class. In the first race of the 2006 series, an SC 430 took the chequered flag. In 2006, Lexus raced a hybrid vehicle for the first time, entering a GS 450h performance hybrid sedan in the Tokachi 24-hour Race in Hokkaido, Japan.

==Future of [[Lexus|Lexus]]==
Although Lexus has had phenomenal success in the US since 1991-1992 — within 3 years of its introduction in 1989 — it has been struggling outside North America, including its home country, Japan, where the Lexus brand started marketing in 2005 and is still waiting for the arrival of the LS series due later this year, and in particular Europe. Automotive analysts have pointed out that Lexus has been so successful in North America because the wide consumer base of Toyota and in particular the baby boomers wanted something more luxurious as they were becoming older and their surplus incomes were allowing them to migrate to brands such as [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]]. The huge success of Lexus was in part due to the fact that its higher levels of quality and less expensive prices enabled it to retain those migrating customers and keep them "in the family."

However, this also had negative repurcussions as Lexus gradually cemented an image of value-priced brand, which would offer similarly equipped cars at tens of thousands of dollars less than its primary competitors, [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]]. The former chief of [[BMW]], Eberhard von Kuenhiem predicted that this strategy would work to some extent in US, but not in Europe, where the words premium and luxury do not go well with value pricing. Some automotive experts believe that Lexus' failure to woo European customers and its very slow incremental increase in European arena is because of differences in perceived value. This has led some automotive thinkers to believe that unless Lexus prices its products head-to-head with the European premium brands and emphasizes its superior quality, reliability and engineering, it will not be able to succeed globally.

However, quality levels of European brands are seemingly dwindling, while Lexus continues to score highly on such reports. Also, in order to attract European buyers, diesel engines have been added to the lineup (starting with the IS 220d), and with Lexus LF concept cars making it into production, Lexus is quickly beginning to re-invent itself as a global luxury brand. Some of these new models will come with a sticker price of around $100,000, setting these models against their European rivals in terms of price.

[[Image:Lexusfront.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Lexus debuted the world's first hybrid luxury SUV, the RX 400h, in 2005.]]The addition of hybrid models (including the RX 400h and GS 450h) have also driven European sales increases in environmentally-conscious markets such as the United Kingdom. Politicians in the UK have endorsed Lexus by using Lexus GS vehicles in place of British-built Vauxhalls, Jaguars and Rovers. Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, replaced his LS 430 with a GS 450h. The London Congestion Charge excludes hybrid vehicles, adding incentive to Lexus hybrids.

In the United Kingdom, the largest European market for Lexus, the IS series accounts for the largest number of Lexus sales (the largest proportion increasing with sales of the new IS 220d), with the GS 450h and RX 400h making up the second largest proportion. Sales of the LS flagship have been small compared to the lower-end Lexus vehicles due to lesser public perception of the brand and the larger expense of the vehicle. This is combined with the higher perception of Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and Jaguar rival brands. With Lexus sales increasing in the UK due to the introduction of the IS diesel and GS/RX hybrids, Lexus has emerged as a European second-tier luxury brand that is rising fast. The second-generation IS, which emerged in 2006 as an intelligent alternative to the dominant German and British marques' compact executive cars, has become representative of Lexus' efforts in Europe.

In South Korea, with sales of the ES 350 spearheading its efforts, Lexus has been the top-selling luxury import since 2005; in Taiwan, Lexus also became the top-selling luxury import in 2005. In Australia, Lexus' sales growth has surpassed its rivals, and the line now ranks third in overall luxury import sales, with the IS model generating high demand. Total worldwide Lexus sales are expected to reach 500,000 vehicles by 2007.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Trivia==
*In the United States, Lexus Financial Savings Bank, in conjunction with US Bank, has launched a Lexus Pursuits Visa Card.
*Lexus was requested by Steven Spielberg, an ardent fan of Lexus and himself an owner of LX 470, to design a vehicle which would fit the requirements of year 2054 for his movie Minority Report. Lexus came up with an advanced vehicle which would run on fuel cells and have many advanced safety features including a crash-proof structure. (Lexus' cinematic concept car also appears in ''The Island'', though it's colored blue, not red).
* In Japanese, Lexus is phonetically translated as レクサス (''rekusasu''). Coincidentally, the Polish word ''luksus'', which is pronounced very similarly to Lexus, means luxury in the Polish language.
* Lexus substituted "passionate" for "relentless" in their U.S. brand slogan in 2000; the worldwide motto was adopted in its current form by fall 2005.
*The distinctive voice in Lexus commercials is James Sloyan, who has been doing voiceover work for the brand since 1989.
*The ES series is roughly based on the US [[Toyota Camry]].
*The IS (Toyota Altezza in Japan) series is roughly based on the Toyota Cressida luxury sedan, which was discontinued in 1992 in the US partially because of dropping sales due to the launch and success of the Lexus brand.
*After being discontinued in 1992, the X chassis code for Cressidas was still in use in Japan under the Mark II, Chaser, and Cresta names until the early 2000s.
* The Lexus Centre, a sports, meeting, and entertainment facility in Melbourne, Australia, was first constructed for the 1956 Summer Olympics.

==Notable owners==
* Celebrity owners of Lexus vehicles include Steven Spielberg, Burt Bacharach, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Harrison Ford, Holly Hunter, Nicolas Cage, Diane Keaton, Mel Gibson, Cameron Diaz, Tony Hawk, Milla Jovovich, Christie Brinkley, Calista Flockhart, Paula Abdul, Tyra Banks, Michael Bloomberg, Bill Gates and Larry David.
* S R Nathan, the current President of Singapore's preferred limousine is a white Lexus LS430. Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra owned a black LS 400.
* Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore, switched from a Mercedes to a Lexus GS300 in late 1990s/early 2000s, citing its superior reliability; in interviews Mr. Lee said he was tired of dealing with car repairs.
* Donald Tsang, the current Chief Executive of Hong Kong, uses a grey LS600hL as his official limousine.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Lineup==
*[[Lexus IS|IS]] - compact [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]/[[all wheel drive|AWD]]
** (1998-2005) IS 200/IS 300
** (2006-) IS 250/IS 250 [[Four Wheel Drive|AWD]]/IS 350/IS 220d
*[[Lexus ES|ES]] - midsize [[front wheel drive|FWD]]
** (1989-1991) ES 250
** (1992-2001) ES 300
** (2002-2006) ES 300/ES 330
** (2007-) ES 350
*[[Lexus GS|GS]] - midsize [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]/[[all wheel drive|AWD]]
** (1993-1997) GS 300
** (1998-2005) GS 300/GS 400
** (2001-2005) GS 300/GS 430
** (2005-2007) GS 300/GS 300 [[Four Wheel Drive|AWD]]/GS 430
** (2007-) GS 350/GS 460/[[Lexus GS 450h|GS 450h]]
*[[Lexus LS|LS]] - full-size [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]
** (1989-1994) LS 400
** (1995-2000) LS 400
** (2001-2006) LS 430
** (2007-) LS 460/LS 460L/LS 600hL ([[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]])
*[[Lexus SC|SC]] - [[coupe]]/convertible [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]
** (1991-2001) SC 300/SC 400
** (2002-) SC 430
*[[Lexus RX|RX]] - [[crossover SUV]]
** (1998-2003) Lexus RX|RX 300
** (2004-2006) Lexus RX|RX 330
** (2007-) RX 350/[[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]] - [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]])
*[[Lexus GX 470|GX]] - midsize [[SUV]]
** (2002-) GX 470
*[[Lexus LX|LX]] - large [[SUV]]
** (1996-2007) LX 450/LX 470
*JX - large [[SUV]]
** (2007-) JX 470
*[[Lexus LF#LF-C|LF-C]] - [[concept car]]
**
*[[Lexus LF-A|LF-A]] - [[concept car]]

==Historical timeline==
* '''1983'''
** Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda challenges his company to build a luxury flagship to “challenge the world’s best.” This effort becomes known as the F1 project.
* '''1985'''
** F1 researchers visit the United States to conduct market research and focus groups on luxury buyers. The first LS 400 prototypes are built.<ref name=timeline>[http://pressroom.lexus.com/Releases/View?id=TYT2006091195844 Lexus History (timeline)]</ref>
* '''1986'''
** Testing for the new Lexus flagship begins at the autobahn in Germany.
* '''1987'''
** Final design of the LS 400 is approved.
* '''1989'''
** The LS 400 debuts at the Detroit Motor Show, and goes on sale in September of that year.
* '''1990'''
** ''Car and Driver'' magazine names the LS 400 one of the Ten Best vehicles of the year. Lexus capture the trifecta of J.D. Power’s Initial Quality, Customer Satisfaction, and Sales Satisfaction studies.
* '''1991'''
** Lexus becomes the top-selling import marque in the United States. The ES 300 and SC 400 models are introduced.
* '''1992'''
** ''Motor Trend'' magazine names the SC 400 its Import Car of the Year.
* '''1993'''
** Lexus introduces the GS 300 luxury performance sedan.
* '''1994'''
** Lexus introduces the second-generation LS 400 sedan.
* '''1996'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation ES 300 sedan and its first luxury utility vehicle, the LX 450.
* '''1997'''
** Lexus introduces the second-generation GS 300 and GS 400 sedans. ''Motor Trend'' magazine names the new GS its Import Car of the Year.
* '''1998'''
** The RX 300, the world’s first luxury crossover SUV, goes on sale at Lexus dealerships. The RX soon becomes Lexus’ top-selling model.
* '''1999'''
** Lexus sells its one-millionth vehicle in the U.S.
* '''2000'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation LS 430 sedan and IS 300 entry sport sedan.
* '''2001'''
** Lexus introduces the fourth-generation ES 300 sedan.
* '''2002'''
** Lexus introduces its third luxury utility vehicle, the GX 470.
* '''2003'''
** The Lexus Development Center is founded in Japan, becoming the headquarters for Lexus' future design efforts.
* '''2005'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation GS 300 and GS 430 mid-size sport sedans, debuting L-Finesse styling. Later that year, Lexus introduces the second-generation IS 220d, IS 250 and IS 350 sport sedans.
** ''Top Gear'' named the IS as the Compact Executive Car of the year, defeating the BMW E90 3-Series.
* '''2006'''
** Lexus debuts the LS 600h L, the world’s first production V8 hybrid sedan. The new ES 350 and fourth-generation LS 460/LS 460 L sedans go on sale.
* '''2007'''
** At the North American International Auto Show, Lexus launches its dedicated performance division, F-Series, with the unveiling of its first high-performance sedan, the IS-F, and an exotic supercar concept, the LF-A.
** The Lexus LS 460 flagship is crowned Luxury Car of the Year, Most Respected, and International Car of the Year at the ICOTY Awards, and is named World Car of the Year at the WCOTY Awards.

{{Lexus}}
{{Lexus timeline}}
==References==
<references />
This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus Lexus], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lexus&action=history contributors].
==External links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/ Lexus USA]
* [http://www.lexus.jp/ Lexus Japan]
* [http://www.lexus-europe.com/ Lexus Europe]
* [http://www.lexus-mideast.com/ Lexus Middle East]
* [http://www.lexus.com/home/international_links.html Lexus International]
<small>
<div style="-moz-column-count: 3; column-count: 3;">
** [http://www.lexus.com.au/ Lexus Australia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.bh/ Lexus Bahrain]
** [http://www.lexus.be/ Lexus Belgium]
** [http://64.56.170.231/b/b01.html Lexus Brazil]
** [http://www.lexus.com.bn/ Lexus Brunei]
** [http://www.lexus.ca/ Lexus Canada]
** [http://www.lexus.com.cn/ Lexus China]
** [http://www.lexus.dk/ Lexus Denmark]
** [http://www.lexus.fi/ Lexus Finland]
** [http://www.lexus.fr/ Lexus France]
** [http://www.lexus.de/ Lexus Germany]
** [http://www.lexus.gr/ Lexus Greece]
** [http://www.akguam.com/index.htm?bhcp=1 Lexus Guam]
** [http://www.servcolexus.com/Distributor/Lexus/ Lexus Hawaii]
** [http://www.lexus.com.hk/ Lexus HK]
** [http://www.lexus.ie/ Lexus Ireland]
** [http://www.lexus.it/ Lexus Italy]
** [http://www.lexus.co.kr/ Lexus Korea]
** [http://www.lexus.com.kw/ Lexus Kuwait]
** [http://www.lexus.lu/ Lexus Luxembourg]
** [http://www.lexus.com.my/ Lexus Malaysia]
** [http://www.lexus.nl/ Lexus Netherlands]
** [http://www.lexus.co.nz/ Lexus New Zealand]
** [http://www.lexusoman.com/ Lexus Oman]
** [http://www.lexus.pt/ Lexus Portugal]
** [http://www.aabqatar.com/lexus/home.htm Lexus Qatar]
** [http://www.lexus-russia.ru/ Lexus Russia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.sa/ Lexus Saudi Arabia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.sg/ Lexus Singapore]
** [http://www.lexus.co.za/ Lexus South Africa]
** [http://www.mundolexus.com/ Lexus Spain]
** [http://www.lexus.se/ Lexus Sweden]
** [http://www.lexus.ch/ Lexus Switzerland]
** [http://www.lexus.com.tw/ Lexus Taiwan]
** [http://www.lexus.co.th/ Lexus Thailand]
** [http://www.lexusuae.com/ Lexus UAE]
** [http://www.lexus.co.uk/ Lexus UK]
</div></small>
* [http://www.teamlexus.com/ Team Lexus - official webpage of the factory-backed team competing in the Grand American Cup road racing series.]
* [http://www.lexus.com/magazine/ Lexus Magazine Website, featuring quarterly updates from the owners' publication]
* [http://www.planetlexus.com Planet Lexus - Pictures and information regarding every Lexus model ever made]
* [http://www.clublexus.com/ ClubLexus - Lexus Enthusiast Website]
*[http://www.babez.de/lexus/lexus-sc430-pebble-beach-edition.php Lexus SC430 Pebble Beach Edition 2006]

[[Category:Makes]]
[[Category:Luxury car manufacturers]]
[[Category:Lexus]]
[[Category:Prestige vehicles]]
[[Category:Toyota]]

File:Lexus-lf-a-roadster-01.jpg

2008-01-13T23:27:45Z

CelsiorFan:

File:Lexus-lf-a-roadster-46.jpg

2008-01-13T23:27:21Z

CelsiorFan:

File:Lexus-lf-a-roadster-12.jpg

2008-01-13T23:27:03Z

CelsiorFan:

Lexus LF-A

2008-01-13T23:25:30Z

CelsiorFan: /* LF-A Roadster (2008) */

Lexus LF-A

2008-01-13T23:25:22Z

CelsiorFan: /* LF-A II (2007) */

Lexus LF-A

2008-01-13T23:25:10Z

CelsiorFan: /* LF=A Roadster (2008) */

Lexus LF-A

2008-01-13T23:24:59Z

CelsiorFan: /* LF-A II (2007) */

Lexus

2007-12-07T22:07:26Z

CelsiorFan:

{{List Of Lexus Models}}
'''[[Lexus|Lexus]]''' is the luxury automobile division of [[Toyota|Toyota Motor Corporation]]. The Lexus brand name represents a premium line of luxury vehicles, first begun in 1989 with the debut of the LS 400 flagship sedan and the ES 250 executive sedan. Lexus cars and SUVs are sold in North America, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Latin America, Asia and Oceania; in the United States, Lexus is the top selling brand of luxury cars. Until 2005, Lexus vehicles were sold under the [[Toyota]] marque in Japan until its introduction there that year.

The Lexus line of luxury vehicles was started in 1989 to compete with other luxury makes, including German firms Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi; Cadillac and Lincoln in the U.S., and Honda's Acura division. Before the first Lexus sedan premiered at the 1989 Detroit Motor Show, Toyota engineers spent five years in secret development, costing billions of dollars and involving over 150 prototypes built for a testing process unprecedented in Toyota's 50-year history. The crowning result was the LS 400 flagship sedan, a vehicle which was more aerodynamic, more quiet, and more efficient than its rivals. To the customers that bought them, the LS 400 was regarded as a better value than its higher-priced competition,<ref>[http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=115368 Lexus LS Generations]</ref> and within two years Lexus had become the top-selling luxury import in the U.S.

Since its successful introduction, Lexus has developed a reputation for quality and customer service. In the U.S. the brand continually ranks at the top of owner satisfaction and reliability surveys. Today, over 16 years since the company's debut, many LS 400 sedans continue operating capably for their owners, a testament to the engineering expertise that went into the Lexus flagship model. In recent years, Lexus' sales have been propelled by a successive series of popular designs. In 2006, the Lexus line had three of the top 10 best-selling luxury vehicles in the U.S.—the RX, ES, and IS—more than any other luxury make.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/vehicles/2006/12/15/best-selling-luxury-forbeslife-cx_dl_1218bestsellingluxurycars.html Best-Selling Luxury Cars 2006]</ref>

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] History==
The Lexus saga began in 1983, when Toyota began the F1/Circle-F project, a secret initiative to develop the "world's best luxury car." This project was inspired by the success of the [[Toyota Supra]] sports car and the luxury Toyota Cressida models. Both the Supra and Cressida were [[rear-wheel drive]] cars with a powerful ''7M-GE/7M-GTE'' engine. For their new flagship vehicle, however, U.S. Toyota executives convinced the Japanese Toyota board that a separate brand and dealership network was needed to support a top-flight luxury vehicle in the world's largest automotive market, the United States. Additionally, such a network would require not just one model, but several, the executives suggested. After much debate, Toyota's Japanese leadership agreed to launch a separate luxury division. Initially, some Japanese Toyota executives were affronted with the prospect of their most prized design getting a separate badge, but ultimately they agreed that a separate title would confer a more lofty status.

===The Lexus division===

[[Image:Lexus l logo.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''"The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection"'' debuted in 1989.]]An image consulting firm presented a list of 219 names, from which Vectre, Verone, Chaparel, Calibre and Alexis were top candidates. While Alexis quickly became the front runner (possibly due to the association with the Alexis Carrington character on the popular 1980s primetime drama ''Dynasty'') and later morphed to Lexus, the name has been attributed to the combination of the words "luxury" and "elegance." According to [[Toyota]], however, the name had no meaning and was just meant to be pleasing and easy to remember. Just prior to the release of the first vehicles, the database service LexisNexis obtained a temporary injunction forbidding the name Lexus from being used as they stated it might cause confusion. Upon reflection, the court lifted the injunction, deciding that there was a low likelihood of confusion between the two products. Another theory has surfaced, claiming that the Lexus name was given to the project by Toyota in the mid-80s, as an acronym for Luxury EXport United States. with the acronym "LEUS" with the "x" from "luxury" added to form "Lexus". Hunter Communications and Molly Designs created the "L" logo that became the symbol of the Lexus line.

The Lexus slogan, developed after U.S. personnel visited Lexus designers in Japan and noted their obsessive attention to detail, became "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection."

===Launch of Lexus===

[[Image:LS 400 1989.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The first LS 400 flagship challenged the best luxury vehicles in the world.]]The first Lexus-badged models, the V-8 powered [[Lexus LS |LS 400]] and the smaller, [[Toyota Camry]]-based ES 250, appeared in 1989. The LS 400 flagship captured most of the attention; it had a unique design, sharing no major elements with previous Toyota vehicles, with a new 4.0 L [[V8]] engine. It was widely praised for its silence, well-appointed interior, fine engine performance, outstanding build quality, and value. (In some markets, it was priced against mid-sized [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]] models, while offering size, performance, and quality comparable to their full-size cars). It was generally regarded as a major shock to the European marques, but was criticized by automobile columnists for anonymous styling and a suspension regarded as too compromising of handling for ride comfort. Nonetheless, the LS 400 won several major motoring awards when released, including Wheels magazine's Car of the Year and Best Imported Car of the Year by the Motoring Press Association.

The Lexus marque was fully launched in the United States in late 1989. Lexus launched later in Great Britain, Canada and Australia, in 1990. In some countries, like Malaysia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK, where there is a market in grey imports of Japanese cars, some equivalent Toyota models were retro-fitted with Lexus badges, although they still differ slightly from officially imported Lexus models, especially in specification and equipment levels. Lexus launched later in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and other European countries.

===Global expansion===

Today, Lexus has become the fourth-largest luxury make in the world, by volume. Lexus directly competes with such luxury brands as the Europe's [[Audi]], [[BMW]], [[Jaguar]], [[Mercedes-Benz]], [[Porsche]], and [[Volvo]], the American [[Cadillac]] and [[Lincoln]], and Japanese brands [[Acura]] and [[Infiniti]]. In the U.S., Lexus' success can be attributed in large part to its excellent reputation for reliability and customer service; the luxury line consistently ranks at the top of J.D. Power and Consumer Reports surveys; similarly, Lexus vehicles rank at the top of Auto Express and Top Gear automotive surveys in Europe.

[[Image:Lexus JD Power.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Lexus has received numerous JD Power awards.]]The Lexus marque was finally introduced to the Japanese market on July 26, 2005. The compact IS 250/IS 350, convertible SC 430, and midsize GS 350/GS 430 will all be available in Japan in the 2006 model year. By January 2007, nearly all of the 160+ Lexus dealerships in Japan had become profitable.<ref>[http://wardsdealer.com/latest/lexus_progressing_japan/ Lexus Slowly Progressing in Japan]</ref> Still, in a country where Accords and Camrys are considered quite luxurious, and where its existing lineup already has 45% market share, Toyota has a long way to go to expand Lexus to match the success of BMW and Mercedes Benz in the luxury segment. Fortunately, the lowest cost and most efficient automaker in the world has the biggest war chest and can afford to grow Lexus incrementally. In late 2006-2007, the Lexus lineup in Japan gained a significant boost with record-setting orders for its new LS 460 flagship sedan, which debuted in September.
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==L-Finesse==
[[Image:LF-S.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The LF-S concept.]]As part of its expanded global launch and bid for luxury market leadership, Lexus' new offerings, released between 2004 and 2007 all carry its new, distinctive design language - dubbed L-Finesse. Lexus is finally taking visuals and aesthetics seriously, after years of being dismissed as being a producer of bland and lacklustre designs. Following in the footsteps of BMW's Bangle inspired design (but avoiding much of the controversy), The L-Finesse design language is the product of an increasingly competetive auto market, where only the most outstanding and flamboyant vehicles attract consumer attention. Lexus' new crop of concept vehicles, which include the LF-X, LF-S, LF-C, LF-A and LF-Sh, all feature L-Finesse design cues. These vehicles can all be viewed at Lexus' official concept website, [http://www.lexus.com/fcv/ [Lexus Concept Vehicles]]. The first production vehicle to feature the L-Finesse design treatment was the 3rd generation GS sedan, inroduced for 2006. This was followed a few months later by the redesigned second-generation IS, and then the new LS and ES sedans. The Lexus SUV lineup may be next in line for the L-Finesse designers. On the sedans, the L-Finesse "look" is sleek, with character lines emanating from hood to trunk; a "waterfall" effect features from the A pillars forward, and the rear cabin has a pulled-back look, often with slingshot side windows. A unifying characteristic across the entire L-Finesse sedan lineup is a trapezoid grille that is positioned slightly lower than the level of the headlamps, unlike most other car designs from other marques. Elements of the L-Finesse designs feature styling cues derived from Japanese characters.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Vehicles==
Over the years, Lexus has developed a strong and complete portfolio of vehicles that covers a significant spread of the luxury market. Today, its lineup includes four sedans - IS (an entry level sports compact), the ES (an midsize luxury sedan), the GS (a sports-luxury sedan) and the LS (flagship luxury sedan). one roadster (the SC 430), and the porfolio also sports three SUVs - the RX (a crossover compact), the GX (a midsize luxury) and the LX (full size flagship).

===Lexus Cars===
[[Image:Isexterior2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Lexus IS 350.]]The [[Lexus IS|Lexus '''IS''']] was introduced in 1998 as Lexus' answer to the BMW 3-series in the U.S. and European markets. In Japan, the first generation IS was sold as the Toyota Altezza. Although a serious automobile, experts never considered it to be a true threat to the BMW's superior benchmark. That all changed with the introduction of the second generation, 2006 model year IS - a vehicle considered to be on par with the BMW's standings. Now offered with a choice of 2.5 or 3.5 liter mills, the IS delivers serious grunt with the refinement and precision matched only by Lexus. The newest IS was introduced in Japan as part of Lexus' debut in its home country. A high-performance V8 version, the [[Lexus IS-F|IS-F]], was launched in 2008.
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[[Image:Esred.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Lexus ES 350.]]Lexus' entry level midsize luxury sedan, the [[Lexus ES|'''ES''']], is vaguely based on Toyota's bread-and-butter [[Toyota Camry|Camry]] sedan platform, with a separately designed body style, interior, and technological features. Instead of the Camry's four and six banger engines, however, comes the stately 3.5 liter. This V6 hustles the saloon with speed - although the ES is marketed more as an elegant, luxury sedan than a sports tourer. Previous versions of the [[Lexus ES|Lexus ES]] were direct counterparts of the Toyota Windom, which was sold in Japan. While most of Lexus' offerings are aimed squarely at the German car buyer, the ES does not have a German car counterpart, and is instead sold as a luxury sedan for those wishing a comfortable, front-wheel drive luxury vehicle without ample sporty ambitions.
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[[Image:GS 3rd gen.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Lexus GS sedan.]]The [[Lexus GS|'''GS''']] sports sedan has its sights aimed squarely at Germany's midsize sports sedan offerings. Armed with a choice of three engines - the base 3.5, a potent 4.6 and an incredible [[Lexus GS 450h|4.5 Hybrid]] - the 2007 Lexus GS enters battle armed every bit like the German sedans it tries to embody. Unlike the Toyota Hybrid variants, which improve fuel mileage at the cost performance, the hybrid version of the GS, the GS 450h, is aimed at further boosting performance, without loosing fuel economy. With its hybrid powertrain producing around 340 HP, the GS 450h is the fastest Lexus ever built--surpassing the IS 350, the fastest conventional gasoline powered Lexus.
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[[Image:LS 460 Platinum.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Lexus LS 460 flagship.]]Lexus' spanking new flagship [[Lexus LS|'''LS''']] luxury cruiser is available for the 2007 model year. This vehicle offers a 4.6 liter powerplant, bringing a whopping 380 HP and 370 pound-feet of torque to the table. Power is transferred to the wheels through a groundbreaking 8 speed gearbox - a first of its kind. An extra few grand buys you the 'L' badge - Lexus' crack at the extended wheelbase sedans of Germany. And if even that is not enough, buyers have the choice to opt for the LS 600h L, the first hybrid V8 ever. Lexus claims that its flagship Hybrid will have the performance and luxury to compete with Germany's V12 sedans, while offering the relative frugality of a V8.
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[[Image:Sc se main img 1a.jpg|thumb|left|225px|Lexus SC convertible.]]Lexus' only sports tourer, the [[Lexus SC|'''SC''']], is a convertible hardtop. While not much of a sports vehicle, the SC 430, previously known as the Toyota Soarer in Japan (until 2006, when it was replaced by the SC 430), is certainly an elegant convertible cruiser. While the Soarer offered a twin-turbo in its home nation, only the standard induction 4.3 is offered with the SC 430. With a body design inspired by the French Riviera, the SC 430 is a stylish statement from Lexus. Until the arrival of the 2007 LS 460/LS 460 L, the SC 430 was the most expensive car in the Lexus lineup.
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===Lexus SUVs===
[[Image:Lexus Luxury Utility Vehicles.jpg|thumb|right|270px|The Lexus Luxury Utility Vehicle lineup, left to right, LX/RX/GX.]]So you want to enjoy the comfort and space afforded by an SUV but don't want to empty your wallet with $3/gallon fillups? Enter the crossover-ute. Lexus ups the ante in the soft roader class by introducing the new and improved [[Lexus RX|'''RX''']]. Based on the Camry platform, the RX can be had with a 3.5 liter internal combustion engine, or a hybrid - dubbed the [[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]]. The RX is considered one of the first crossover SUVs, and the first one built for the luxury market. It has spawned dozens of competitors, but none approach the success of the RX--Lexus' top-selling model and the best-selling luxury vehicle in America in 2004 and 2005.

Customers shopping for a standard, body-on-frame SUV can also stop by to check out the new [[Lexus GX 470|'''GX''']], known elsewhere as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Available as a five or seven seater, this midsize SUV is Lexus' answer to America's burgoening SUV market. Notable for its extensive 4x4 capabilities, the GX 470/Prado is operated and raced by Toyota and other 4x4 teams the world over.

Lexus' final entree in its portfolio is the [[Lexus LX|'''LX''']]. Based closely on Toyota's [[Toyota Land Cruiser|Land Cruiser]], the LX 470 comes to the Lexus dealership donning a new badge, reworked interiors and a greater level of sophistication. The LX 470 will be succeeded by the all-new LX 570, which premieres at the New York International Auto Show in April 2007.

==In the Pipeline==
[[Image:2007 Lexus LF-A.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Lexus LF-A concept supercar.]]
The 2007 model year marks the finish of Lexus' current batch of launches, with the arrival of the highly anticipated LS. However, possibly two brand new models and other variants loom on the horizon (such as a possible coupe/convertible version of the IS, and successor models to the RX and SC model lines).

The first all-new model is the Lexus JX, Lexus' foray into the full size SUV market. Based on the upcoming [[Toyota Sequoia]]/[[Toyota Tundra|Tundra]] platform, the JX will go head to head with similar offerings from [[Lincoln]] and [[Cadillac]]. Unconfirmed rumors have it that the JX will come to the US not with the standard 4.7 liter mill, but with a more potent 5.4 liter mill.

Finally, Lexus' display of its [[Lexus LF-A|LF-A]] concept at the Detroit Auto Show hints at a production version of its sports coupe. Lexus' bias towards fuel economy, soft suspension settings and silent engines had meant that experts rarely took Lexus' attempts at sportiness seriously. The LF-A is all about changing those perceptions. Lexus has recently announced that the LF-A will walk into dealerships wearing a V-10 rated at over 500 bhp in a sub-5 liter engine. A vehicle that reportedly will push the 200 mph barrier clearly shows that Lexus is taking 'sport' seriously. The LF-A may come to market as the Lexus GT 450.

In January 2007, Lexus announced a new performance division, F-Sport, which would produce racing-inspired versions of its luxury performance vehicles. The first F-Sport vehicle, the IS-F, made its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, accompanied by an exotic F-Sport supercar concept, the LF-A F. The Lexus F-Sport vehicles will rival the high-performance lineups of the leading European and American luxury marques.

==Production==
Many Lexus vehicles are manufactured in the Tahara, Japan plant, a highly sophisticated, computerized manufacturing plant, awarded the title of the best automobile manufacturing plant in the world.<ref>[http://www.jdpa.com/NeWs/relEaSes/pressrelease.asp?ID=2005069 Tahara given JD Power Platinum Award, fewest defects anywhere in the world]</ref> Lexus manufacturing techniques include methods and standards of quality control that differ from Toyota models. At the Tahara plant, separate assembly lines were developed for the manufacture of Lexus vehicles. New molds and specialized manufacturing equipment were also developed for the Lexus production process. Welding processes, body panel fit tolerances, and paint quality requirements are more stringent for Lexus models. Each production Lexus vehicle is also given an extensive visual inspection for flaws and subjected to vibration tests to ensure a smooth and quiet ride.

The North American-market RX 350 (since the 2004 model year) is produced in the city of Cambridge, in Ontario, Canada, and is the first Lexus plant located outside of Japan. Lexus vehicles are also produced at the Araco, Kanji (Iwate), Kanji (Kanto Jidosha), Katashiki, Kyushu, and Tahara plants in Japan.

==Service==
Lexus has become known for efforts to project a luxury image even with service provided after the sale. The waiting areas in the service departments are complete with such amenities as a refreshment bar, business center that is soundproofed and stocked with computers and a fax machine, and the service bay is lined with large picture windows to allow the customers to watch the repairs. Other amenities can include a children's play area, indoor putting green, and other recreational services. Recently, several Lexus dealerships have added on-site cafes and designer shops.

In 2005, Lexus came first in the Top Gear Survey, "the UK's biggest independent car satisfaction survey" with over 76,000 respondants. In 2006, Lexus ranked first for the eleventh time in J.D. Power's Customer Service Index, its annual study involving over 79,000 U.S. owners and dealership experience. In 2006, the Luxury Institute, New York, rated Lexus #1 in Customer Experience among luxury automobile brands based on its survey of over 2,100 high-income households. On the strength of its customer service standards and high product satisfaction, Lexus enjoys one of the highest customer loyalty rates in the industry.

==Motorsport==
[[Image:Team Lexus GT2 IS 350.png|thumb|right|175px|Team Lexus' IS 350 GT2 race car.]]Lexus has been participating in endurance racing, in particular the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. Since entering the series in 2004, Lexus has won over 15 Rolex Series event races. In 2005, Lexus was runners-up and in 2006 it won the championship. Although Toyota has won this prestigious race in the past it was the first time that its luxury arm emerged as the winner. In 2007, six Lexus-powered Daytona prototypes were entered in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona event at the Daytona International Speedway. Lexus was a repeat winner of the event, with a Lexus-Riley prototype driven by Scott Pruett, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Salvador Durán of Chip Ganassi Racing finishing first; Lexus-Riley prototypes also took three of the top ten spots.

Lexus is also going to participate in [[12 Hours of Sebring]] which now form a part of American Le Mans. There has been speculation of a Lexus F1 operation in the near future, in line with its expansion into the luxury car markets, and increasing competition with BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Lexus may enter for the 2007 Formula 1 season as an engine supplier to the WilliamsF1 team, using Toyota engines rebadged as Lexus, but these rumors are purely speculative.

After the release of the Lexus brand on the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) in 2005, four SC 430 coupes were entered in the SuperGT series in the GT500 class. In the first race of the 2006 series, an SC 430 took the chequered flag. In 2006, Lexus raced a hybrid vehicle for the first time, entering a GS 450h performance hybrid sedan in the Tokachi 24-hour Race in Hokkaido, Japan.

==Future of [[Lexus|Lexus]]==
Although Lexus has had phenomenal success in the US since 1991-1992 — within 3 years of its introduction in 1989 — it has been struggling outside North America, including its home country, Japan, where the Lexus brand started marketing in 2005 and is still waiting for the arrival of the LS series due later this year, and in particular Europe. Automotive analysts have pointed out that Lexus has been so successful in North America because the wide consumer base of Toyota and in particular the baby boomers wanted something more luxurious as they were becoming older and their surplus incomes were allowing them to migrate to brands such as [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]]. The huge success of Lexus was in part due to the fact that its higher levels of quality and less expensive prices enabled it to retain those migrating customers and keep them "in the family."

However, this also had negative repurcussions as Lexus gradually cemented an image of value-priced brand, which would offer similarly equipped cars at tens of thousands of dollars less than its primary competitors, [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]]. The former chief of [[BMW]], Eberhard von Kuenhiem predicted that this strategy would work to some extent in US, but not in Europe, where the words premium and luxury do not go well with value pricing. Some automotive experts believe that Lexus' failure to woo European customers and its very slow incremental increase in European arena is because of differences in perceived value. This has led some automotive thinkers to believe that unless Lexus prices its products head-to-head with the European premium brands and emphasizes its superior quality, reliability and engineering, it will not be able to succeed globally.

However, quality levels of European brands are seemingly dwindling, while Lexus continues to score highly on such reports. Also, in order to attract European buyers, diesel engines have been added to the lineup (starting with the IS 220d), and with Lexus LF concept cars making it into production, Lexus is quickly beginning to re-invent itself as a global luxury brand. Some of these new models will come with a sticker price of around $100,000, setting these models against their European rivals in terms of price.

[[Image:Lexusfront.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Lexus debuted the world's first hybrid luxury SUV, the RX 400h, in 2005.]]The addition of hybrid models (including the RX 400h and GS 450h) have also driven European sales increases in environmentally-conscious markets such as the United Kingdom. Politicians in the UK have endorsed Lexus by using Lexus GS vehicles in place of British-built Vauxhalls, Jaguars and Rovers. Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, replaced his LS 430 with a GS 450h. The London Congestion Charge excludes hybrid vehicles, adding incentive to Lexus hybrids.

In the United Kingdom, the largest European market for Lexus, the IS series accounts for the largest number of Lexus sales (the largest proportion increasing with sales of the new IS 220d), with the GS 450h and RX 400h making up the second largest proportion. Sales of the LS flagship have been small compared to the lower-end Lexus vehicles due to lesser public perception of the brand and the larger expense of the vehicle. This is combined with the higher perception of Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and Jaguar rival brands. With Lexus sales increasing in the UK due to the introduction of the IS diesel and GS/RX hybrids, Lexus has emerged as a European second-tier luxury brand that is rising fast. The second-generation IS, which emerged in 2006 as an intelligent alternative to the dominant German and British marques' compact executive cars, has become representative of Lexus' efforts in Europe.

In South Korea, with sales of the ES 350 spearheading its efforts, Lexus has been the top-selling luxury import since 2005; in Taiwan, Lexus also became the top-selling luxury import in 2005. In Australia, Lexus' sales growth has surpassed its rivals, and the line now ranks third in overall luxury import sales, with the IS model generating high demand. Total worldwide Lexus sales are expected to reach 500,000 vehicles by 2007.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Trivia==
*In the United States, Lexus Financial Savings Bank, in conjunction with US Bank, has launched a Lexus Pursuits Visa Card.
*Lexus was requested by Steven Spielberg, an ardent fan of Lexus and himself an owner of LX 470, to design a vehicle which would fit the requirements of year 2054 for his movie Minority Report. Lexus came up with an advanced vehicle which would run on fuel cells and have many advanced safety features including a crash-proof structure. (Lexus' cinematic concept car also appears in ''The Island'', though it's colored blue, not red).
* In Japanese, Lexus is phonetically translated as レクサス (''rekusasu''). Coincidentally, the Polish word ''luksus'', which is pronounced very similarly to Lexus, means luxury in the Polish language.
* Lexus substituted "passionate" for "relentless" in their U.S. brand slogan in 2000; the worldwide motto was adopted in its current form by fall 2005.
*The distinctive voice in Lexus commercials is James Sloyan, who has been doing voiceover work for the brand since 1989.
*The ES series is roughly based on the US [[Toyota Camry]].
*The IS (Toyota Altezza in Japan) series is roughly based on the Toyota Cressida luxury sedan, which was discontinued in 1992 in the US partially because of dropping sales due to the launch and success of the Lexus brand.
*After being discontinued in 1992, the X chassis code for Cressidas was still in use in Japan under the Mark II, Chaser, and Cresta names until the early 2000s.
* The Lexus Centre, a sports, meeting, and entertainment facility in Melbourne, Australia, was first constructed for the 1956 Summer Olympics.

==Notable owners==
* Celebrity owners of Lexus vehicles include Steven Spielberg, Burt Bacharach, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Harrison Ford, Holly Hunter, Nicolas Cage, Diane Keaton, Mel Gibson, Cameron Diaz, Tony Hawk, Milla Jovovich, Christie Brinkley, Calista Flockhart, Paula Abdul, Tyra Banks, Michael Bloomberg, Bill Gates and Larry David.
* S R Nathan, the current President of Singapore's preferred limousine is a white Lexus LS430. Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra owned a black LS 400.
* Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore, switched from a Mercedes to a Lexus GS300 in late 1990s/early 2000s, citing its superior reliability; in interviews Mr. Lee said he was tired of dealing with car repairs.
* Donald Tsang, the current Chief Executive of Hong Kong, uses a grey LS600hL as his official limousine.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Lineup==
*[[Lexus IS|IS]] - compact [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]/[[all wheel drive|AWD]]
** (1998-2005) IS 200/IS 300
** (2006-) IS 250/IS 250 [[Four Wheel Drive|AWD]]/IS 350/IS 220d
*[[Lexus ES|ES]] - midsize [[front wheel drive|FWD]]
** (1989-1991) ES 250
** (1992-2001) ES 300
** (2002-2006) ES 300/ES 330
** (2007-) ES 350
*[[Lexus GS|GS]] - midsize [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]/[[all wheel drive|AWD]]
** (1993-1997) GS 300
** (1998-2005) GS 300/GS 400
** (2001-2005) GS 300/GS 430
** (2005-2007) GS 300/GS 300 [[Four Wheel Drive|AWD]]/GS 430
** (2007-) GS 350/GS 460/[[Lexus GS 450h|GS 450h]]
*[[Lexus LS|LS]] - full-size [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]
** (1989-1994) LS 400
** (1995-2000) LS 400
** (2001-2006) LS 430
** (2007-) LS 460/LS 460L/LS 600hL ([[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]])
*[[Lexus SC|SC]] - [[coupe]]/convertible [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]
** (1991-2001) SC 300/SC 400
** (2002-) SC 430
*[[Lexus RX|RX]] - [[crossover SUV]]
** (1998-2003) Lexus RX|RX 300
** (2004-2006) Lexus RX|RX 330
** (2007-) RX 350/[[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]] - [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]])
*[[Lexus GX 470|GX]] - midsize [[SUV]]
** (2002-) GX 470
*[[Lexus LX|LX]] - large [[SUV]]
** (1996-2007) LX 450/LX 470
*JX - large [[SUV]]
** (2007-) JX 470
*[[Lexus LF#LF-C|LF-C]] - [[concept car]]
**
*[[Lexus LF-A|LF-A]] - [[concept car]]

==Historical timeline==
* '''1983'''
** Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda challenges his company to build a luxury flagship to “challenge the world’s best.” This effort becomes known as the F1 project.
* '''1985'''
** F1 researchers visit the United States to conduct market research and focus groups on luxury buyers. The first LS 400 prototypes are built.<ref name=timeline>[http://pressroom.lexus.com/Releases/View?id=TYT2006091195844 Lexus History (timeline)]</ref>
* '''1986'''
** Testing for the new Lexus flagship begins at the autobahn in Germany.
* '''1987'''
** Final design of the LS 400 is approved.
* '''1989'''
** The LS 400 debuts at the Detroit Motor Show, and goes on sale in September of that year.
* '''1990'''
** ''Car and Driver'' magazine names the LS 400 one of the Ten Best vehicles of the year. Lexus capture the trifecta of J.D. Power’s Initial Quality, Customer Satisfaction, and Sales Satisfaction studies.
* '''1991'''
** Lexus becomes the top-selling import marque in the United States. The ES 300 and SC 400 models are introduced.
* '''1992'''
** ''Motor Trend'' magazine names the SC 400 its Import Car of the Year.
* '''1993'''
** Lexus introduces the GS 300 luxury performance sedan.
* '''1994'''
** Lexus introduces the second-generation LS 400 sedan.
* '''1996'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation ES 300 sedan and its first luxury utility vehicle, the LX 450.
* '''1997'''
** Lexus introduces the second-generation GS 300 and GS 400 sedans. ''Motor Trend'' magazine names the new GS its Import Car of the Year.
* '''1998'''
** The RX 300, the world’s first luxury crossover SUV, goes on sale at Lexus dealerships. The RX soon becomes Lexus’ top-selling model.
* '''1999'''
** Lexus sells its one-millionth vehicle in the U.S.
* '''2000'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation LS 430 sedan and IS 300 entry sport sedan.
* '''2001'''
** Lexus introduces the fourth-generation ES 300 sedan.
* '''2002'''
** Lexus introduces its third luxury utility vehicle, the GX 470.
* '''2003'''
** The Lexus Development Center is founded in Japan, becoming the headquarters for Lexus' future design efforts.
* '''2005'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation GS 300 and GS 430 mid-size sport sedans, debuting L-Finesse styling. Later that year, Lexus introduces the second-generation IS 220d, IS 250 and IS 350 sport sedans.
** ''Top Gear'' named the IS as the Compact Executive Car of the year, defeating the BMW E90 3-Series.
* '''2006'''
** Lexus debuts the LS 600h L, the world’s first production V8 hybrid sedan. The new ES 350 and fourth-generation LS 460/LS 460 L sedans go on sale.
* '''2007'''
** At the North American International Auto Show, Lexus launches its dedicated performance division, F-Series, with the unveiling of its first high-performance sedan, the IS-F, and an exotic supercar concept, the LF-A.
** The Lexus LS 460 flagship is crowned Luxury Car of the Year, Most Respected, and International Car of the Year at the ICOTY Awards, and is named World Car of the Year at the WCOTY Awards.

{{Lexus}}
{{Lexus timeline}}
==References==
<references />
This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus Lexus], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lexus&action=history contributors].
==External links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/ Lexus USA]
* [http://www.lexus.jp/ Lexus Japan]
* [http://www.lexus-europe.com/ Lexus Europe]
* [http://www.lexus-mideast.com/ Lexus Middle East]
* [http://www.lexus.com/home/international_links.html Lexus International]
<small>
<div style="-moz-column-count: 3; column-count: 3;">
** [http://www.lexus.com.au/ Lexus Australia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.bh/ Lexus Bahrain]
** [http://www.lexus.be/ Lexus Belgium]
** [http://64.56.170.231/b/b01.html Lexus Brazil]
** [http://www.lexus.com.bn/ Lexus Brunei]
** [http://www.lexus.ca/ Lexus Canada]
** [http://www.lexus.com.cn/ Lexus China]
** [http://www.lexus.dk/ Lexus Denmark]
** [http://www.lexus.fi/ Lexus Finland]
** [http://www.lexus.fr/ Lexus France]
** [http://www.lexus.de/ Lexus Germany]
** [http://www.lexus.gr/ Lexus Greece]
** [http://www.akguam.com/index.htm?bhcp=1 Lexus Guam]
** [http://www.servcolexus.com/Distributor/Lexus/ Lexus Hawaii]
** [http://www.lexus.com.hk/ Lexus HK]
** [http://www.lexus.ie/ Lexus Ireland]
** [http://www.lexus.it/ Lexus Italy]
** [http://www.lexus.co.kr/ Lexus Korea]
** [http://www.lexus.com.kw/ Lexus Kuwait]
** [http://www.lexus.lu/ Lexus Luxembourg]
** [http://www.lexus.com.my/ Lexus Malaysia]
** [http://www.lexus.nl/ Lexus Netherlands]
** [http://www.lexus.co.nz/ Lexus New Zealand]
** [http://www.lexusoman.com/ Lexus Oman]
** [http://www.lexus.pt/ Lexus Portugal]
** [http://www.aabqatar.com/lexus/home.htm Lexus Qatar]
** [http://www.lexus-russia.ru/ Lexus Russia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.sa/ Lexus Saudi Arabia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.sg/ Lexus Singapore]
** [http://www.lexus.co.za/ Lexus South Africa]
** [http://www.mundolexus.com/ Lexus Spain]
** [http://www.lexus.se/ Lexus Sweden]
** [http://www.lexus.ch/ Lexus Switzerland]
** [http://www.lexus.com.tw/ Lexus Taiwan]
** [http://www.lexus.co.th/ Lexus Thailand]
** [http://www.lexusuae.com/ Lexus UAE]
** [http://www.lexus.co.uk/ Lexus UK]
</div></small>
* [http://www.teamlexus.com/ Team Lexus - official webpage of the factory-backed team competing in the Grand American Cup road racing series.]
* [http://www.lexus.com/magazine/ Lexus Magazine Website, featuring quarterly updates from the owners' publication]
* [http://www.planetlexus.com Planet Lexus - Pictures and information regarding every Lexus model ever made]
* [http://www.clublexus.com/ ClubLexus - Lexus Enthusiast Website]
*[http://www.babez.de/lexus/lexus-sc430-pebble-beach-edition.php Lexus SC430 Pebble Beach Edition 2006]

[[Category:Makes]]
[[Category:Luxury car manufacturers]]
[[Category:Lexus]]
[[Category:Prestige vehicles]]
[[Category:Toyota]]

Lexus

2007-12-07T22:06:46Z

CelsiorFan:

{{List Of Lexus Models}}
'''[[Lexus|Lexus]]''' is the luxury automobile division of [[Toyota|Toyota Motor Corporation]]. The Lexus brand name represents a premium line of luxury vehicles, first begun in 1989 with the debut of the LS 400 flagship sedan and the ES 250 executive sedan. Lexus cars and SUVs are sold in North America, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Latin America, Asia and Oceania; in the United States, Lexus is the top selling brand of luxury cars. Until 2005, Lexus vehicles were sold under the [[Toyota]] marque in Japan until its introduction there that year.

The Lexus line of luxury vehicles was started in 1989 to compete with other luxury makes, including German firms Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi; Cadillac and Lincoln in the U.S., and Honda's Acura division. Before the first Lexus sedan premiered at the 1989 Detroit Motor Show, Toyota engineers spent five years in secret development, costing billions of dollars and involving over 150 prototypes built for a testing process unprecedented in Toyota's 50-year history. The crowning result was the LS 400 flagship sedan, a vehicle which was more aerodynamic, more quiet, and more efficient than its rivals. To the customers that bought them, the LS 400 was regarded as a better value than its higher-priced competition,<ref>[http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=115368 Lexus LS Generations]</ref> and within two years Lexus had become the top-selling luxury import in the U.S.

Since its successful introduction, Lexus has developed a reputation for quality and customer service. In the U.S. the brand continually ranks at the top of owner satisfaction and reliability surveys. Today, over 16 years since the company's debut, many LS 400 sedans continue operating capably for their owners, a testament to the engineering expertise that went into the Lexus flagship model. In recent years, Lexus' sales have been propelled by a successive series of popular designs. In 2006, the Lexus line had three of the top 10 best-selling luxury vehicles in the U.S.—the RX, ES, and IS—more than any other luxury make.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/vehicles/2006/12/15/best-selling-luxury-forbeslife-cx_dl_1218bestsellingluxurycars.html Best-Selling Luxury Cars 2006]</ref>

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] History==
The Lexus saga began in 1983, when Toyota began the F1/Circle-F project, a secret initiative to develop the "world's best luxury car." This project was inspired by the success of the [[Toyota Supra]] sports car and the luxury Toyota Cressida models. Both the Supra and Cressida were [[rear-wheel drive]] cars with a powerful ''7M-GE/7M-GTE'' engine. For their new flagship vehicle, however, U.S. Toyota executives convinced the Japanese Toyota board that a separate brand and dealership network was needed to support a top-flight luxury vehicle in the world's largest automotive market, the United States. Additionally, such a network would require not just one model, but several, the executives suggested. After much debate, Toyota's Japanese leadership agreed to launch a separate luxury division. Initially, some Japanese Toyota executives were affronted with the prospect of their most prized design getting a separate badge, but ultimately they agreed that a separate title would confer a more lofty status.

===The Lexus division===

[[Image:Lexus l logo.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''"The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection"'' debuted in 1989.]]An image consulting firm presented a list of 219 names, from which Vectre, Verone, Chaparel, Calibre and Alexis were top candidates. While Alexis quickly became the front runner (possibly due to the association with the Alexis Carrington character on the popular 1980s primetime drama ''Dynasty'') and later morphed to Lexus, the name has been attributed to the combination of the words "luxury" and "elegance." According to [[Toyota]], however, the name had no meaning and was just meant to be pleasing and easy to remember. Just prior to the release of the first vehicles, the database service LexisNexis obtained a temporary injunction forbidding the name Lexus from being used as they stated it might cause confusion. Upon reflection, the court lifted the injunction, deciding that there was a low likelihood of confusion between the two products. Another theory has surfaced, claiming that the Lexus name was given to the project by Toyota in the mid-80s, as an acronym for Luxury EXport United States. with the acronym "LEUS" with the "x" from "luxury" added to form "Lexus". Hunter Communications and Molly Designs created the "L" logo that became the symbol of the Lexus line.

The Lexus slogan, developed after U.S. personnel visited Lexus designers in Japan and noted their obsessive attention to detail, became "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection."

===Launch of Lexus===

[[Image:LS 400 1989.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The first LS 400 flagship challenged the best luxury vehicles in the world.]]The first Lexus-badged models, the V-8 powered [[Lexus LS |LS 400]] and the smaller, [[Toyota Camry]]-based ES 250, appeared in 1989. The LS 400 flagship captured most of the attention; it had a unique design, sharing no major elements with previous Toyota vehicles, with a new 4.0 L [[V8]] engine. It was widely praised for its silence, well-appointed interior, fine engine performance, outstanding build quality, and value. (In some markets, it was priced against mid-sized [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]] models, while offering size, performance, and quality comparable to their full-size cars). It was generally regarded as a major shock to the European marques, but was criticized by automobile columnists for anonymous styling and a suspension regarded as too compromising of handling for ride comfort. Nonetheless, the LS 400 won several major motoring awards when released, including Wheels magazine's Car of the Year and Best Imported Car of the Year by the Motoring Press Association.

The Lexus marque was fully launched in the United States in late 1989. Lexus launched later in Great Britain, Canada and Australia, in 1990. In some countries, like Malaysia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK, where there is a market in grey imports of Japanese cars, some equivalent Toyota models were retro-fitted with Lexus badges, although they still differ slightly from officially imported Lexus models, especially in specification and equipment levels. Lexus launched later in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and other European countries.

===Global expansion===

Today, Lexus has become the fourth-largest luxury make in the world, by volume. Lexus directly competes with such luxury brands as the Europe's [[Audi]], [[BMW]], [[Jaguar]], [[Mercedes-Benz]], [[Porsche]], and [[Volvo]], the American [[Cadillac]] and [[Lincoln]], and Japanese brands [[Acura]] and [[Infiniti]]. In the U.S., Lexus' success can be attributed in large part to its excellent reputation for reliability and customer service; the luxury line consistently ranks at the top of J.D. Power and Consumer Reports surveys; similarly, Lexus vehicles rank at the top of Auto Express and Top Gear automotive surveys in Europe.

[[Image:Lexus JD Power.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Lexus has received numerous JD Power awards.]]The Lexus marque was finally introduced to the Japanese market on July 26, 2005. The compact IS 250/IS 350, convertible SC 430, and midsize GS 350/GS 430 will all be available in Japan in the 2006 model year. By January 2007, nearly all of the 160+ Lexus dealerships in Japan had become profitable.<ref>[http://wardsdealer.com/latest/lexus_progressing_japan/ Lexus Slowly Progressing in Japan]</ref> Still, in a country where Accords and Camrys are considered quite luxurious, and where its existing lineup already has 45% market share, Toyota has a long way to go to expand Lexus to match the success of BMW and Mercedes Benz in the luxury segment. Fortunately, the lowest cost and most efficient automaker in the world has the biggest war chest and can afford to grow Lexus incrementally. In late 2006-2007, the Lexus lineup in Japan gained a significant boost with record-setting orders for its new LS 460 flagship sedan, which debuted in September.
{{clear}}
==L-Finesse==
[[Image:LF-S.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The LF-S concept.]]As part of its expanded global launch and bid for luxury market leadership, Lexus' new offerings, released between 2004 and 2007 all carry its new, distinctive design language - dubbed L-Finesse. Lexus is finally taking visuals and aesthetics seriously, after years of being dismissed as being a producer of bland and lacklustre designs. Following in the footsteps of BMW's Bangle inspired design (but avoiding much of the controversy), The L-Finesse design language is the product of an increasingly competetive auto market, where only the most outstanding and flamboyant vehicles attract consumer attention. Lexus' new crop of concept vehicles, which include the LF-X, LF-S, LF-C, LF-A and LF-Sh, all feature L-Finesse design cues. These vehicles can all be viewed at Lexus' official concept website, [http://www.lexus.com/fcv/ [Lexus Concept Vehicles]]. The first production vehicle to feature the L-Finesse design treatment was the 3rd generation GS sedan, inroduced for 2006. This was followed a few months later by the redesigned second-generation IS, and then the new LS and ES sedans. The Lexus SUV lineup may be next in line for the L-Finesse designers. On the sedans, the L-Finesse "look" is sleek, with character lines emanating from hood to trunk; a "waterfall" effect features from the A pillars forward, and the rear cabin has a pulled-back look, often with slingshot side windows. A unifying characteristic across the entire L-Finesse sedan lineup is a trapezoid grille that is positioned slightly lower than the level of the headlamps, unlike most other car designs from other marques. Elements of the L-Finesse designs feature styling cues derived from Japanese characters.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Vehicles==
Over the years, Lexus has developed a strong and complete portfolio of vehicles that covers a significant spread of the luxury market. Today, its lineup includes four sedans - IS (an entry level sports compact), the ES (an midsize luxury sedan), the GS (a sports-luxury sedan) and the LS (flagship luxury sedan). one roadster (the SC 430), and the porfolio also sports three SUVs - the RX (a crossover compact), the GX (a midsize luxury) and the LX (full size flagship).

===Lexus Cars===
[[Image:Isexterior2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Lexus IS 350.]]The [[Lexus IS|Lexus '''IS''']] was introduced in 1998 as Lexus' answer to the BMW 3-series in the U.S. and European markets. In Japan, the first generation IS was sold as the Toyota Altezza. Although a serious automobile, experts never considered it to be a true threat to the BMW's superior benchmark. That all changed with the introduction of the second generation, 2006 model year IS - a vehicle considered to be on par with the BMW's standings. Now offered with a choice of 2.5 or 3.5 liter mills, the IS delivers serious grunt with the refinement and precision matched only by Lexus. The newest IS was introduced in Japan as part of Lexus' debut in its home country. A high-performance version, the [[Lexus IS-F|IS-F]], was launched in 2008.
<br>
[[Image:Esred.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Lexus ES 350.]]Lexus' entry level midsize luxury sedan, the [[Lexus ES|'''ES''']], is vaguely based on Toyota's bread-and-butter [[Toyota Camry|Camry]] sedan platform, with a separately designed body style, interior, and technological features. Instead of the Camry's four and six banger engines, however, comes the stately 3.5 liter. This V6 hustles the saloon with speed - although the ES is marketed more as an elegant, luxury sedan than a sports tourer. Previous versions of the [[Lexus ES|Lexus ES]] were direct counterparts of the Toyota Windom, which was sold in Japan. While most of Lexus' offerings are aimed squarely at the German car buyer, the ES does not have a German car counterpart, and is instead sold as a luxury sedan for those wishing a comfortable, front-wheel drive luxury vehicle without ample sporty ambitions.
<br>
[[Image:GS 3rd gen.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Lexus GS sedan.]]The [[Lexus GS|'''GS''']] sports sedan has its sights aimed squarely at Germany's midsize sports sedan offerings. Armed with a choice of three engines - the base 3.5, a potent 4.6 and an incredible [[Lexus GS 450h|4.5 Hybrid]] - the 2007 Lexus GS enters battle armed every bit like the German sedans it tries to embody. Unlike the Toyota Hybrid variants, which improve fuel mileage at the cost performance, the hybrid version of the GS, the GS 450h, is aimed at further boosting performance, without loosing fuel economy. With its hybrid powertrain producing around 340 HP, the GS 450h is the fastest Lexus ever built--surpassing the IS 350, the fastest conventional gasoline powered Lexus.
<br>
[[Image:LS 460 Platinum.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Lexus LS 460 flagship.]]Lexus' spanking new flagship [[Lexus LS|'''LS''']] luxury cruiser is available for the 2007 model year. This vehicle offers a 4.6 liter powerplant, bringing a whopping 380 HP and 370 pound-feet of torque to the table. Power is transferred to the wheels through a groundbreaking 8 speed gearbox - a first of its kind. An extra few grand buys you the 'L' badge - Lexus' crack at the extended wheelbase sedans of Germany. And if even that is not enough, buyers have the choice to opt for the LS 600h L, the first hybrid V8 ever. Lexus claims that its flagship Hybrid will have the performance and luxury to compete with Germany's V12 sedans, while offering the relative frugality of a V8.
<br>
[[Image:Sc se main img 1a.jpg|thumb|left|225px|Lexus SC convertible.]]Lexus' only sports tourer, the [[Lexus SC|'''SC''']], is a convertible hardtop. While not much of a sports vehicle, the SC 430, previously known as the Toyota Soarer in Japan (until 2006, when it was replaced by the SC 430), is certainly an elegant convertible cruiser. While the Soarer offered a twin-turbo in its home nation, only the standard induction 4.3 is offered with the SC 430. With a body design inspired by the French Riviera, the SC 430 is a stylish statement from Lexus. Until the arrival of the 2007 LS 460/LS 460 L, the SC 430 was the most expensive car in the Lexus lineup.
{{clear}}
===Lexus SUVs===
[[Image:Lexus Luxury Utility Vehicles.jpg|thumb|right|270px|The Lexus Luxury Utility Vehicle lineup, left to right, LX/RX/GX.]]So you want to enjoy the comfort and space afforded by an SUV but don't want to empty your wallet with $3/gallon fillups? Enter the crossover-ute. Lexus ups the ante in the soft roader class by introducing the new and improved [[Lexus RX|'''RX''']]. Based on the Camry platform, the RX can be had with a 3.5 liter internal combustion engine, or a hybrid - dubbed the [[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]]. The RX is considered one of the first crossover SUVs, and the first one built for the luxury market. It has spawned dozens of competitors, but none approach the success of the RX--Lexus' top-selling model and the best-selling luxury vehicle in America in 2004 and 2005.

Customers shopping for a standard, body-on-frame SUV can also stop by to check out the new [[Lexus GX 470|'''GX''']], known elsewhere as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Available as a five or seven seater, this midsize SUV is Lexus' answer to America's burgoening SUV market. Notable for its extensive 4x4 capabilities, the GX 470/Prado is operated and raced by Toyota and other 4x4 teams the world over.

Lexus' final entree in its portfolio is the [[Lexus LX|'''LX''']]. Based closely on Toyota's [[Toyota Land Cruiser|Land Cruiser]], the LX 470 comes to the Lexus dealership donning a new badge, reworked interiors and a greater level of sophistication. The LX 470 will be succeeded by the all-new LX 570, which premieres at the New York International Auto Show in April 2007.

==In the Pipeline==
[[Image:2007 Lexus LF-A.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Lexus LF-A concept supercar.]]
The 2007 model year marks the finish of Lexus' current batch of launches, with the arrival of the highly anticipated LS. However, possibly two brand new models and other variants loom on the horizon (such as a possible coupe/convertible version of the IS, and successor models to the RX and SC model lines).

The first all-new model is the Lexus JX, Lexus' foray into the full size SUV market. Based on the upcoming [[Toyota Sequoia]]/[[Toyota Tundra|Tundra]] platform, the JX will go head to head with similar offerings from [[Lincoln]] and [[Cadillac]]. Unconfirmed rumors have it that the JX will come to the US not with the standard 4.7 liter mill, but with a more potent 5.4 liter mill.

Finally, Lexus' display of its [[Lexus LF-A|LF-A]] concept at the Detroit Auto Show hints at a production version of its sports coupe. Lexus' bias towards fuel economy, soft suspension settings and silent engines had meant that experts rarely took Lexus' attempts at sportiness seriously. The LF-A is all about changing those perceptions. Lexus has recently announced that the LF-A will walk into dealerships wearing a V-10 rated at over 500 bhp in a sub-5 liter engine. A vehicle that reportedly will push the 200 mph barrier clearly shows that Lexus is taking 'sport' seriously. The LF-A may come to market as the Lexus GT 450.

In January 2007, Lexus announced a new performance division, F-Sport, which would produce racing-inspired versions of its luxury performance vehicles. The first F-Sport vehicle, the IS-F, made its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, accompanied by an exotic F-Sport supercar concept, the LF-A F. The Lexus F-Sport vehicles will rival the high-performance lineups of the leading European and American luxury marques.

==Production==
Many Lexus vehicles are manufactured in the Tahara, Japan plant, a highly sophisticated, computerized manufacturing plant, awarded the title of the best automobile manufacturing plant in the world.<ref>[http://www.jdpa.com/NeWs/relEaSes/pressrelease.asp?ID=2005069 Tahara given JD Power Platinum Award, fewest defects anywhere in the world]</ref> Lexus manufacturing techniques include methods and standards of quality control that differ from Toyota models. At the Tahara plant, separate assembly lines were developed for the manufacture of Lexus vehicles. New molds and specialized manufacturing equipment were also developed for the Lexus production process. Welding processes, body panel fit tolerances, and paint quality requirements are more stringent for Lexus models. Each production Lexus vehicle is also given an extensive visual inspection for flaws and subjected to vibration tests to ensure a smooth and quiet ride.

The North American-market RX 350 (since the 2004 model year) is produced in the city of Cambridge, in Ontario, Canada, and is the first Lexus plant located outside of Japan. Lexus vehicles are also produced at the Araco, Kanji (Iwate), Kanji (Kanto Jidosha), Katashiki, Kyushu, and Tahara plants in Japan.

==Service==
Lexus has become known for efforts to project a luxury image even with service provided after the sale. The waiting areas in the service departments are complete with such amenities as a refreshment bar, business center that is soundproofed and stocked with computers and a fax machine, and the service bay is lined with large picture windows to allow the customers to watch the repairs. Other amenities can include a children's play area, indoor putting green, and other recreational services. Recently, several Lexus dealerships have added on-site cafes and designer shops.

In 2005, Lexus came first in the Top Gear Survey, "the UK's biggest independent car satisfaction survey" with over 76,000 respondants. In 2006, Lexus ranked first for the eleventh time in J.D. Power's Customer Service Index, its annual study involving over 79,000 U.S. owners and dealership experience. In 2006, the Luxury Institute, New York, rated Lexus #1 in Customer Experience among luxury automobile brands based on its survey of over 2,100 high-income households. On the strength of its customer service standards and high product satisfaction, Lexus enjoys one of the highest customer loyalty rates in the industry.

==Motorsport==
[[Image:Team Lexus GT2 IS 350.png|thumb|right|175px|Team Lexus' IS 350 GT2 race car.]]Lexus has been participating in endurance racing, in particular the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. Since entering the series in 2004, Lexus has won over 15 Rolex Series event races. In 2005, Lexus was runners-up and in 2006 it won the championship. Although Toyota has won this prestigious race in the past it was the first time that its luxury arm emerged as the winner. In 2007, six Lexus-powered Daytona prototypes were entered in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona event at the Daytona International Speedway. Lexus was a repeat winner of the event, with a Lexus-Riley prototype driven by Scott Pruett, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Salvador Durán of Chip Ganassi Racing finishing first; Lexus-Riley prototypes also took three of the top ten spots.

Lexus is also going to participate in [[12 Hours of Sebring]] which now form a part of American Le Mans. There has been speculation of a Lexus F1 operation in the near future, in line with its expansion into the luxury car markets, and increasing competition with BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Lexus may enter for the 2007 Formula 1 season as an engine supplier to the WilliamsF1 team, using Toyota engines rebadged as Lexus, but these rumors are purely speculative.

After the release of the Lexus brand on the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) in 2005, four SC 430 coupes were entered in the SuperGT series in the GT500 class. In the first race of the 2006 series, an SC 430 took the chequered flag. In 2006, Lexus raced a hybrid vehicle for the first time, entering a GS 450h performance hybrid sedan in the Tokachi 24-hour Race in Hokkaido, Japan.

==Future of [[Lexus|Lexus]]==
Although Lexus has had phenomenal success in the US since 1991-1992 — within 3 years of its introduction in 1989 — it has been struggling outside North America, including its home country, Japan, where the Lexus brand started marketing in 2005 and is still waiting for the arrival of the LS series due later this year, and in particular Europe. Automotive analysts have pointed out that Lexus has been so successful in North America because the wide consumer base of Toyota and in particular the baby boomers wanted something more luxurious as they were becoming older and their surplus incomes were allowing them to migrate to brands such as [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]]. The huge success of Lexus was in part due to the fact that its higher levels of quality and less expensive prices enabled it to retain those migrating customers and keep them "in the family."

However, this also had negative repurcussions as Lexus gradually cemented an image of value-priced brand, which would offer similarly equipped cars at tens of thousands of dollars less than its primary competitors, [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]]. The former chief of [[BMW]], Eberhard von Kuenhiem predicted that this strategy would work to some extent in US, but not in Europe, where the words premium and luxury do not go well with value pricing. Some automotive experts believe that Lexus' failure to woo European customers and its very slow incremental increase in European arena is because of differences in perceived value. This has led some automotive thinkers to believe that unless Lexus prices its products head-to-head with the European premium brands and emphasizes its superior quality, reliability and engineering, it will not be able to succeed globally.

However, quality levels of European brands are seemingly dwindling, while Lexus continues to score highly on such reports. Also, in order to attract European buyers, diesel engines have been added to the lineup (starting with the IS 220d), and with Lexus LF concept cars making it into production, Lexus is quickly beginning to re-invent itself as a global luxury brand. Some of these new models will come with a sticker price of around $100,000, setting these models against their European rivals in terms of price.

[[Image:Lexusfront.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Lexus debuted the world's first hybrid luxury SUV, the RX 400h, in 2005.]]The addition of hybrid models (including the RX 400h and GS 450h) have also driven European sales increases in environmentally-conscious markets such as the United Kingdom. Politicians in the UK have endorsed Lexus by using Lexus GS vehicles in place of British-built Vauxhalls, Jaguars and Rovers. Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, replaced his LS 430 with a GS 450h. The London Congestion Charge excludes hybrid vehicles, adding incentive to Lexus hybrids.

In the United Kingdom, the largest European market for Lexus, the IS series accounts for the largest number of Lexus sales (the largest proportion increasing with sales of the new IS 220d), with the GS 450h and RX 400h making up the second largest proportion. Sales of the LS flagship have been small compared to the lower-end Lexus vehicles due to lesser public perception of the brand and the larger expense of the vehicle. This is combined with the higher perception of Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and Jaguar rival brands. With Lexus sales increasing in the UK due to the introduction of the IS diesel and GS/RX hybrids, Lexus has emerged as a European second-tier luxury brand that is rising fast. The second-generation IS, which emerged in 2006 as an intelligent alternative to the dominant German and British marques' compact executive cars, has become representative of Lexus' efforts in Europe.

In South Korea, with sales of the ES 350 spearheading its efforts, Lexus has been the top-selling luxury import since 2005; in Taiwan, Lexus also became the top-selling luxury import in 2005. In Australia, Lexus' sales growth has surpassed its rivals, and the line now ranks third in overall luxury import sales, with the IS model generating high demand. Total worldwide Lexus sales are expected to reach 500,000 vehicles by 2007.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Trivia==
*In the United States, Lexus Financial Savings Bank, in conjunction with US Bank, has launched a Lexus Pursuits Visa Card.
*Lexus was requested by Steven Spielberg, an ardent fan of Lexus and himself an owner of LX 470, to design a vehicle which would fit the requirements of year 2054 for his movie Minority Report. Lexus came up with an advanced vehicle which would run on fuel cells and have many advanced safety features including a crash-proof structure. (Lexus' cinematic concept car also appears in ''The Island'', though it's colored blue, not red).
* In Japanese, Lexus is phonetically translated as レクサス (''rekusasu''). Coincidentally, the Polish word ''luksus'', which is pronounced very similarly to Lexus, means luxury in the Polish language.
* Lexus substituted "passionate" for "relentless" in their U.S. brand slogan in 2000; the worldwide motto was adopted in its current form by fall 2005.
*The distinctive voice in Lexus commercials is James Sloyan, who has been doing voiceover work for the brand since 1989.
*The ES series is roughly based on the US [[Toyota Camry]].
*The IS (Toyota Altezza in Japan) series is roughly based on the Toyota Cressida luxury sedan, which was discontinued in 1992 in the US partially because of dropping sales due to the launch and success of the Lexus brand.
*After being discontinued in 1992, the X chassis code for Cressidas was still in use in Japan under the Mark II, Chaser, and Cresta names until the early 2000s.
* The Lexus Centre, a sports, meeting, and entertainment facility in Melbourne, Australia, was first constructed for the 1956 Summer Olympics.

==Notable owners==
* Celebrity owners of Lexus vehicles include Steven Spielberg, Burt Bacharach, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Harrison Ford, Holly Hunter, Nicolas Cage, Diane Keaton, Mel Gibson, Cameron Diaz, Tony Hawk, Milla Jovovich, Christie Brinkley, Calista Flockhart, Paula Abdul, Tyra Banks, Michael Bloomberg, Bill Gates and Larry David.
* S R Nathan, the current President of Singapore's preferred limousine is a white Lexus LS430. Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra owned a black LS 400.
* Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore, switched from a Mercedes to a Lexus GS300 in late 1990s/early 2000s, citing its superior reliability; in interviews Mr. Lee said he was tired of dealing with car repairs.
* Donald Tsang, the current Chief Executive of Hong Kong, uses a grey LS600hL as his official limousine.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Lineup==
*[[Lexus IS|IS]] - compact [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]/[[all wheel drive|AWD]]
** (1998-2005) IS 200/IS 300
** (2006-) IS 250/IS 250 [[Four Wheel Drive|AWD]]/IS 350/IS 220d
*[[Lexus ES|ES]] - midsize [[front wheel drive|FWD]]
** (1989-1991) ES 250
** (1992-2001) ES 300
** (2002-2006) ES 300/ES 330
** (2007-) ES 350
*[[Lexus GS|GS]] - midsize [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]/[[all wheel drive|AWD]]
** (1993-1997) GS 300
** (1998-2005) GS 300/GS 400
** (2001-2005) GS 300/GS 430
** (2005-2007) GS 300/GS 300 [[Four Wheel Drive|AWD]]/GS 430
** (2007-) GS 350/GS 460/[[Lexus GS 450h|GS 450h]]
*[[Lexus LS|LS]] - full-size [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]
** (1989-1994) LS 400
** (1995-2000) LS 400
** (2001-2006) LS 430
** (2007-) LS 460/LS 460L/LS 600hL ([[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]])
*[[Lexus SC|SC]] - [[coupe]]/convertible [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]
** (1991-2001) SC 300/SC 400
** (2002-) SC 430
*[[Lexus RX|RX]] - [[crossover SUV]]
** (1998-2003) Lexus RX|RX 300
** (2004-2006) Lexus RX|RX 330
** (2007-) RX 350/[[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]] - [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]])
*[[Lexus GX 470|GX]] - midsize [[SUV]]
** (2002-) GX 470
*[[Lexus LX|LX]] - large [[SUV]]
** (1996-2007) LX 450/LX 470
*JX - large [[SUV]]
** (2007-) JX 470
*[[Lexus LF#LF-C|LF-C]] - [[concept car]]
**
*[[Lexus LF-A|LF-A]] - [[concept car]]

==Historical timeline==
* '''1983'''
** Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda challenges his company to build a luxury flagship to “challenge the world’s best.” This effort becomes known as the F1 project.
* '''1985'''
** F1 researchers visit the United States to conduct market research and focus groups on luxury buyers. The first LS 400 prototypes are built.<ref name=timeline>[http://pressroom.lexus.com/Releases/View?id=TYT2006091195844 Lexus History (timeline)]</ref>
* '''1986'''
** Testing for the new Lexus flagship begins at the autobahn in Germany.
* '''1987'''
** Final design of the LS 400 is approved.
* '''1989'''
** The LS 400 debuts at the Detroit Motor Show, and goes on sale in September of that year.
* '''1990'''
** ''Car and Driver'' magazine names the LS 400 one of the Ten Best vehicles of the year. Lexus capture the trifecta of J.D. Power’s Initial Quality, Customer Satisfaction, and Sales Satisfaction studies.
* '''1991'''
** Lexus becomes the top-selling import marque in the United States. The ES 300 and SC 400 models are introduced.
* '''1992'''
** ''Motor Trend'' magazine names the SC 400 its Import Car of the Year.
* '''1993'''
** Lexus introduces the GS 300 luxury performance sedan.
* '''1994'''
** Lexus introduces the second-generation LS 400 sedan.
* '''1996'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation ES 300 sedan and its first luxury utility vehicle, the LX 450.
* '''1997'''
** Lexus introduces the second-generation GS 300 and GS 400 sedans. ''Motor Trend'' magazine names the new GS its Import Car of the Year.
* '''1998'''
** The RX 300, the world’s first luxury crossover SUV, goes on sale at Lexus dealerships. The RX soon becomes Lexus’ top-selling model.
* '''1999'''
** Lexus sells its one-millionth vehicle in the U.S.
* '''2000'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation LS 430 sedan and IS 300 entry sport sedan.
* '''2001'''
** Lexus introduces the fourth-generation ES 300 sedan.
* '''2002'''
** Lexus introduces its third luxury utility vehicle, the GX 470.
* '''2003'''
** The Lexus Development Center is founded in Japan, becoming the headquarters for Lexus' future design efforts.
* '''2005'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation GS 300 and GS 430 mid-size sport sedans, debuting L-Finesse styling. Later that year, Lexus introduces the second-generation IS 220d, IS 250 and IS 350 sport sedans.
** ''Top Gear'' named the IS as the Compact Executive Car of the year, defeating the BMW E90 3-Series.
* '''2006'''
** Lexus debuts the LS 600h L, the world’s first production V8 hybrid sedan. The new ES 350 and fourth-generation LS 460/LS 460 L sedans go on sale.
* '''2007'''
** At the North American International Auto Show, Lexus launches its dedicated performance division, F-Series, with the unveiling of its first high-performance sedan, the IS-F, and an exotic supercar concept, the LF-A.
** The Lexus LS 460 flagship is crowned Luxury Car of the Year, Most Respected, and International Car of the Year at the ICOTY Awards, and is named World Car of the Year at the WCOTY Awards.

{{Lexus}}
{{Lexus timeline}}
==References==
<references />
This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus Lexus], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lexus&action=history contributors].
==External links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/ Lexus USA]
* [http://www.lexus.jp/ Lexus Japan]
* [http://www.lexus-europe.com/ Lexus Europe]
* [http://www.lexus-mideast.com/ Lexus Middle East]
* [http://www.lexus.com/home/international_links.html Lexus International]
<small>
<div style="-moz-column-count: 3; column-count: 3;">
** [http://www.lexus.com.au/ Lexus Australia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.bh/ Lexus Bahrain]
** [http://www.lexus.be/ Lexus Belgium]
** [http://64.56.170.231/b/b01.html Lexus Brazil]
** [http://www.lexus.com.bn/ Lexus Brunei]
** [http://www.lexus.ca/ Lexus Canada]
** [http://www.lexus.com.cn/ Lexus China]
** [http://www.lexus.dk/ Lexus Denmark]
** [http://www.lexus.fi/ Lexus Finland]
** [http://www.lexus.fr/ Lexus France]
** [http://www.lexus.de/ Lexus Germany]
** [http://www.lexus.gr/ Lexus Greece]
** [http://www.akguam.com/index.htm?bhcp=1 Lexus Guam]
** [http://www.servcolexus.com/Distributor/Lexus/ Lexus Hawaii]
** [http://www.lexus.com.hk/ Lexus HK]
** [http://www.lexus.ie/ Lexus Ireland]
** [http://www.lexus.it/ Lexus Italy]
** [http://www.lexus.co.kr/ Lexus Korea]
** [http://www.lexus.com.kw/ Lexus Kuwait]
** [http://www.lexus.lu/ Lexus Luxembourg]
** [http://www.lexus.com.my/ Lexus Malaysia]
** [http://www.lexus.nl/ Lexus Netherlands]
** [http://www.lexus.co.nz/ Lexus New Zealand]
** [http://www.lexusoman.com/ Lexus Oman]
** [http://www.lexus.pt/ Lexus Portugal]
** [http://www.aabqatar.com/lexus/home.htm Lexus Qatar]
** [http://www.lexus-russia.ru/ Lexus Russia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.sa/ Lexus Saudi Arabia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.sg/ Lexus Singapore]
** [http://www.lexus.co.za/ Lexus South Africa]
** [http://www.mundolexus.com/ Lexus Spain]
** [http://www.lexus.se/ Lexus Sweden]
** [http://www.lexus.ch/ Lexus Switzerland]
** [http://www.lexus.com.tw/ Lexus Taiwan]
** [http://www.lexus.co.th/ Lexus Thailand]
** [http://www.lexusuae.com/ Lexus UAE]
** [http://www.lexus.co.uk/ Lexus UK]
</div></small>
* [http://www.teamlexus.com/ Team Lexus - official webpage of the factory-backed team competing in the Grand American Cup road racing series.]
* [http://www.lexus.com/magazine/ Lexus Magazine Website, featuring quarterly updates from the owners' publication]
* [http://www.planetlexus.com Planet Lexus - Pictures and information regarding every Lexus model ever made]
* [http://www.clublexus.com/ ClubLexus - Lexus Enthusiast Website]
*[http://www.babez.de/lexus/lexus-sc430-pebble-beach-edition.php Lexus SC430 Pebble Beach Edition 2006]

[[Category:Makes]]
[[Category:Luxury car manufacturers]]
[[Category:Lexus]]
[[Category:Prestige vehicles]]
[[Category:Toyota]]

Lexus

2007-12-07T22:06:19Z

CelsiorFan:

{{List Of Lexus Models}}
'''[[Lexus|Lexus]]''' is the luxury automobile division of [[Toyota|Toyota Motor Corporation]]. The Lexus brand name represents a premium line of luxury vehicles, first begun in 1989 with the debut of the LS 400 flagship sedan and the ES 250 executive sedan. Lexus cars and SUVs are sold in North America, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Latin America, Asia and Oceania; in the United States, Lexus is the top selling brand of luxury cars. Until 2005, Lexus vehicles were sold under the [[Toyota]] marque in Japan until its introduction there that year.

The Lexus line of luxury vehicles was started in 1989 to compete with other luxury makes, including German firms Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi; Cadillac and Lincoln in the U.S., and Honda's Acura division. Before the first Lexus sedan premiered at the 1989 Detroit Motor Show, Toyota engineers spent five years in secret development, costing billions of dollars and involving over 150 prototypes built for a testing process unprecedented in Toyota's 50-year history. The crowning result was the LS 400 flagship sedan, a vehicle which was more aerodynamic, more quiet, and more efficient than its rivals. To the customers that bought them, the LS 400 was regarded as a better value than its higher-priced competition,<ref>[http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=115368 Lexus LS Generations]</ref> and within two years Lexus had become the top-selling luxury import in the U.S.

Since its successful introduction, Lexus has developed a reputation for quality and customer service. In the U.S. the brand continually ranks at the top of owner satisfaction and reliability surveys. Today, over 16 years since the company's debut, many LS 400 sedans continue operating capably for their owners, a testament to the engineering expertise that went into the Lexus flagship model. In recent years, Lexus' sales have been propelled by a successive series of popular designs. In 2006, the Lexus line had three of the top 10 best-selling luxury vehicles in the U.S.—the RX, ES, and IS—more than any other luxury make.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/vehicles/2006/12/15/best-selling-luxury-forbeslife-cx_dl_1218bestsellingluxurycars.html Best-Selling Luxury Cars 2006]</ref>

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] History==
The Lexus saga began in 1983, when Toyota began the F1/Circle-F project, a secret initiative to develop the "world's best luxury car." This project was inspired by the success of the [[Toyota Supra]] sports car and the luxury Toyota Cressida models. Both the Supra and Cressida were [[rear-wheel drive]] cars with a powerful ''7M-GE/7M-GTE'' engine. For their new flagship vehicle, however, U.S. Toyota executives convinced the Japanese Toyota board that a separate brand and dealership network was needed to support a top-flight luxury vehicle in the world's largest automotive market, the United States. Additionally, such a network would require not just one model, but several, the executives suggested. After much debate, Toyota's Japanese leadership agreed to launch a separate luxury division. Initially, some Japanese Toyota executives were affronted with the prospect of their most prized design getting a separate badge, but ultimately they agreed that a separate title would confer a more lofty status.

===The Lexus division===

[[Image:Lexus l logo.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''"The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection"'' debuted in 1989.]]An image consulting firm presented a list of 219 names, from which Vectre, Verone, Chaparel, Calibre and Alexis were top candidates. While Alexis quickly became the front runner (possibly due to the association with the Alexis Carrington character on the popular 1980s primetime drama ''Dynasty'') and later morphed to Lexus, the name has been attributed to the combination of the words "luxury" and "elegance." According to [[Toyota]], however, the name had no meaning and was just meant to be pleasing and easy to remember. Just prior to the release of the first vehicles, the database service LexisNexis obtained a temporary injunction forbidding the name Lexus from being used as they stated it might cause confusion. Upon reflection, the court lifted the injunction, deciding that there was a low likelihood of confusion between the two products. Another theory has surfaced, claiming that the Lexus name was given to the project by Toyota in the mid-80s, as an acronym for Luxury EXport United States. with the acronym "LEUS" with the "x" from "luxury" added to form "Lexus". Hunter Communications and Molly Designs created the "L" logo that became the symbol of the Lexus line.

The Lexus slogan, developed after U.S. personnel visited Lexus designers in Japan and noted their obsessive attention to detail, became "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection."

===Launch of Lexus===

[[Image:LS 400 1989.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The first LS 400 flagship challenged the best luxury vehicles in the world.]]The first Lexus-badged models, the V-8 powered [[Lexus LS |LS 400]] and the smaller, [[Toyota Camry]]-based ES 250, appeared in 1989. The LS 400 flagship captured most of the attention; it had a unique design, sharing no major elements with previous Toyota vehicles, with a new 4.0 L [[V8]] engine. It was widely praised for its silence, well-appointed interior, fine engine performance, outstanding build quality, and value. (In some markets, it was priced against mid-sized [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]] models, while offering size, performance, and quality comparable to their full-size cars). It was generally regarded as a major shock to the European marques, but was criticized by automobile columnists for anonymous styling and a suspension regarded as too compromising of handling for ride comfort. Nonetheless, the LS 400 won several major motoring awards when released, including Wheels magazine's Car of the Year and Best Imported Car of the Year by the Motoring Press Association.

The Lexus marque was fully launched in the United States in late 1989. Lexus launched later in Great Britain, Canada and Australia, in 1990. In some countries, like Malaysia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK, where there is a market in grey imports of Japanese cars, some equivalent Toyota models were retro-fitted with Lexus badges, although they still differ slightly from officially imported Lexus models, especially in specification and equipment levels. Lexus launched later in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and other European countries.

===Global expansion===

Today, Lexus has become the fourth-largest luxury make in the world, by volume. Lexus directly competes with such luxury brands as the Europe's [[Audi]], [[BMW]], [[Jaguar]], [[Mercedes-Benz]], [[Porsche]], and [[Volvo]], the American [[Cadillac]] and [[Lincoln]], and Japanese brands [[Acura]] and [[Infiniti]]. In the U.S., Lexus' success can be attributed in large part to its excellent reputation for reliability and customer service; the luxury line consistently ranks at the top of J.D. Power and Consumer Reports surveys; similarly, Lexus vehicles rank at the top of Auto Express and Top Gear automotive surveys in Europe.

[[Image:Lexus JD Power.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Lexus has received numerous JD Power awards.]]The Lexus marque was finally introduced to the Japanese market on July 26, 2005. The compact IS 250/IS 350, convertible SC 430, and midsize GS 350/GS 430 will all be available in Japan in the 2006 model year. By January 2007, nearly all of the 160+ Lexus dealerships in Japan had become profitable.<ref>[http://wardsdealer.com/latest/lexus_progressing_japan/ Lexus Slowly Progressing in Japan]</ref> Still, in a country where Accords and Camrys are considered quite luxurious, and where its existing lineup already has 45% market share, Toyota has a long way to go to expand Lexus to match the success of BMW and Mercedes Benz in the luxury segment. Fortunately, the lowest cost and most efficient automaker in the world has the biggest war chest and can afford to grow Lexus incrementally. In late 2006-2007, the Lexus lineup in Japan gained a significant boost with record-setting orders for its new LS 460 flagship sedan, which debuted in September.
{{clear}}
==L-Finesse==
[[Image:LF-S.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The LF-S concept.]]As part of its expanded global launch and bid for luxury market leadership, Lexus' new offerings, released between 2004 and 2007 all carry its new, distinctive design language - dubbed L-Finesse. Lexus is finally taking visuals and aesthetics seriously, after years of being dismissed as being a producer of bland and lacklustre designs. Following in the footsteps of BMW's Bangle inspired design (but avoiding much of the controversy), The L-Finesse design language is the product of an increasingly competetive auto market, where only the most outstanding and flamboyant vehicles attract consumer attention. Lexus' new crop of concept vehicles, which include the LF-X, LF-S, LF-C, LF-A and LF-Sh, all feature L-Finesse design cues. These vehicles can all be viewed at Lexus' official concept website, [http://www.lexus.com/fcv/ [Lexus Concept Vehicles]]. The first production vehicle to feature the L-Finesse design treatment was the 3rd generation GS sedan, inroduced for 2006. This was followed a few months later by the redesigned second-generation IS, and then the new LS and ES sedans. The Lexus SUV lineup may be next in line for the L-Finesse designers. On the sedans, the L-Finesse "look" is sleek, with character lines emanating from hood to trunk; a "waterfall" effect features from the A pillars forward, and the rear cabin has a pulled-back look, often with slingshot side windows. A unifying characteristic across the entire L-Finesse sedan lineup is a trapezoid grille that is positioned slightly lower than the level of the headlamps, unlike most other car designs from other marques. Elements of the L-Finesse designs feature styling cues derived from Japanese characters.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Vehicles==
Over the years, Lexus has developed a strong and complete portfolio of vehicles that covers a significant spread of the luxury market. Today, its lineup includes four sedans - IS (an entry level sports compact), the ES (an midsize luxury sedan), the GS (a sports-luxury sedan) and the LS (flagship luxury sedan). one roadster (the SC 430), and the porfolio also sports three SUVs - the RX (a crossover compact), the GX (a midsize luxury) and the LX (full size flagship).

===Lexus Cars===
[[Image:Isexterior2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Lexus IS 350.]]The [[Lexus IS|Lexus '''IS''']] was introduced in 1998 as Lexus' answer to the BMW 3-series in the U.S. and European markets. In Japan, the first generation IS was sold as the Toyota Altezza. Although a serious automobile, experts never considered it to be a true threat to the BMW's superior benchmark. That all changed with the introduction of the second generation, 2006 model year IS - a vehicle considered to be on par with the BMW's standings. Now offered with a choice of 2.5 or 3.5 liter mills, the IS delivers serious grunt with the refinement and precision matched only by Lexus. The newest IS was introduced in Japan as part of Lexus' debut in its home country. A high-performance version, the '''[[Lexus IS-F|IS-F]]''', was launched in 2008.
<br>
[[Image:Esred.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Lexus ES 350.]]Lexus' entry level midsize luxury sedan, the [[Lexus ES|'''ES''']], is vaguely based on Toyota's bread-and-butter [[Toyota Camry|Camry]] sedan platform, with a separately designed body style, interior, and technological features. Instead of the Camry's four and six banger engines, however, comes the stately 3.5 liter. This V6 hustles the saloon with speed - although the ES is marketed more as an elegant, luxury sedan than a sports tourer. Previous versions of the [[Lexus ES|Lexus ES]] were direct counterparts of the Toyota Windom, which was sold in Japan. While most of Lexus' offerings are aimed squarely at the German car buyer, the ES does not have a German car counterpart, and is instead sold as a luxury sedan for those wishing a comfortable, front-wheel drive luxury vehicle without ample sporty ambitions.
<br>
[[Image:GS 3rd gen.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Lexus GS sedan.]]The [[Lexus GS|'''GS''']] sports sedan has its sights aimed squarely at Germany's midsize sports sedan offerings. Armed with a choice of three engines - the base 3.5, a potent 4.6 and an incredible [[Lexus GS 450h|4.5 Hybrid]] - the 2007 Lexus GS enters battle armed every bit like the German sedans it tries to embody. Unlike the Toyota Hybrid variants, which improve fuel mileage at the cost performance, the hybrid version of the GS, the GS 450h, is aimed at further boosting performance, without loosing fuel economy. With its hybrid powertrain producing around 340 HP, the GS 450h is the fastest Lexus ever built--surpassing the IS 350, the fastest conventional gasoline powered Lexus.
<br>
[[Image:LS 460 Platinum.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Lexus LS 460 flagship.]]Lexus' spanking new flagship [[Lexus LS|'''LS''']] luxury cruiser is available for the 2007 model year. This vehicle offers a 4.6 liter powerplant, bringing a whopping 380 HP and 370 pound-feet of torque to the table. Power is transferred to the wheels through a groundbreaking 8 speed gearbox - a first of its kind. An extra few grand buys you the 'L' badge - Lexus' crack at the extended wheelbase sedans of Germany. And if even that is not enough, buyers have the choice to opt for the LS 600h L, the first hybrid V8 ever. Lexus claims that its flagship Hybrid will have the performance and luxury to compete with Germany's V12 sedans, while offering the relative frugality of a V8.
<br>
[[Image:Sc se main img 1a.jpg|thumb|left|225px|Lexus SC convertible.]]Lexus' only sports tourer, the [[Lexus SC|'''SC''']], is a convertible hardtop. While not much of a sports vehicle, the SC 430, previously known as the Toyota Soarer in Japan (until 2006, when it was replaced by the SC 430), is certainly an elegant convertible cruiser. While the Soarer offered a twin-turbo in its home nation, only the standard induction 4.3 is offered with the SC 430. With a body design inspired by the French Riviera, the SC 430 is a stylish statement from Lexus. Until the arrival of the 2007 LS 460/LS 460 L, the SC 430 was the most expensive car in the Lexus lineup.
{{clear}}
===Lexus SUVs===
[[Image:Lexus Luxury Utility Vehicles.jpg|thumb|right|270px|The Lexus Luxury Utility Vehicle lineup, left to right, LX/RX/GX.]]So you want to enjoy the comfort and space afforded by an SUV but don't want to empty your wallet with $3/gallon fillups? Enter the crossover-ute. Lexus ups the ante in the soft roader class by introducing the new and improved [[Lexus RX|'''RX''']]. Based on the Camry platform, the RX can be had with a 3.5 liter internal combustion engine, or a hybrid - dubbed the [[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]]. The RX is considered one of the first crossover SUVs, and the first one built for the luxury market. It has spawned dozens of competitors, but none approach the success of the RX--Lexus' top-selling model and the best-selling luxury vehicle in America in 2004 and 2005.

Customers shopping for a standard, body-on-frame SUV can also stop by to check out the new [[Lexus GX 470|'''GX''']], known elsewhere as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Available as a five or seven seater, this midsize SUV is Lexus' answer to America's burgoening SUV market. Notable for its extensive 4x4 capabilities, the GX 470/Prado is operated and raced by Toyota and other 4x4 teams the world over.

Lexus' final entree in its portfolio is the [[Lexus LX|'''LX''']]. Based closely on Toyota's [[Toyota Land Cruiser|Land Cruiser]], the LX 470 comes to the Lexus dealership donning a new badge, reworked interiors and a greater level of sophistication. The LX 470 will be succeeded by the all-new LX 570, which premieres at the New York International Auto Show in April 2007.

==In the Pipeline==
[[Image:2007 Lexus LF-A.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Lexus LF-A concept supercar.]]
The 2007 model year marks the finish of Lexus' current batch of launches, with the arrival of the highly anticipated LS. However, possibly two brand new models and other variants loom on the horizon (such as a possible coupe/convertible version of the IS, and successor models to the RX and SC model lines).

The first all-new model is the Lexus JX, Lexus' foray into the full size SUV market. Based on the upcoming [[Toyota Sequoia]]/[[Toyota Tundra|Tundra]] platform, the JX will go head to head with similar offerings from [[Lincoln]] and [[Cadillac]]. Unconfirmed rumors have it that the JX will come to the US not with the standard 4.7 liter mill, but with a more potent 5.4 liter mill.

Finally, Lexus' display of its [[Lexus LF-A|LF-A]] concept at the Detroit Auto Show hints at a production version of its sports coupe. Lexus' bias towards fuel economy, soft suspension settings and silent engines had meant that experts rarely took Lexus' attempts at sportiness seriously. The LF-A is all about changing those perceptions. Lexus has recently announced that the LF-A will walk into dealerships wearing a V-10 rated at over 500 bhp in a sub-5 liter engine. A vehicle that reportedly will push the 200 mph barrier clearly shows that Lexus is taking 'sport' seriously. The LF-A may come to market as the Lexus GT 450.

In January 2007, Lexus announced a new performance division, F-Sport, which would produce racing-inspired versions of its luxury performance vehicles. The first F-Sport vehicle, the IS-F, made its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, accompanied by an exotic F-Sport supercar concept, the LF-A F. The Lexus F-Sport vehicles will rival the high-performance lineups of the leading European and American luxury marques.

==Production==
Many Lexus vehicles are manufactured in the Tahara, Japan plant, a highly sophisticated, computerized manufacturing plant, awarded the title of the best automobile manufacturing plant in the world.<ref>[http://www.jdpa.com/NeWs/relEaSes/pressrelease.asp?ID=2005069 Tahara given JD Power Platinum Award, fewest defects anywhere in the world]</ref> Lexus manufacturing techniques include methods and standards of quality control that differ from Toyota models. At the Tahara plant, separate assembly lines were developed for the manufacture of Lexus vehicles. New molds and specialized manufacturing equipment were also developed for the Lexus production process. Welding processes, body panel fit tolerances, and paint quality requirements are more stringent for Lexus models. Each production Lexus vehicle is also given an extensive visual inspection for flaws and subjected to vibration tests to ensure a smooth and quiet ride.

The North American-market RX 350 (since the 2004 model year) is produced in the city of Cambridge, in Ontario, Canada, and is the first Lexus plant located outside of Japan. Lexus vehicles are also produced at the Araco, Kanji (Iwate), Kanji (Kanto Jidosha), Katashiki, Kyushu, and Tahara plants in Japan.

==Service==
Lexus has become known for efforts to project a luxury image even with service provided after the sale. The waiting areas in the service departments are complete with such amenities as a refreshment bar, business center that is soundproofed and stocked with computers and a fax machine, and the service bay is lined with large picture windows to allow the customers to watch the repairs. Other amenities can include a children's play area, indoor putting green, and other recreational services. Recently, several Lexus dealerships have added on-site cafes and designer shops.

In 2005, Lexus came first in the Top Gear Survey, "the UK's biggest independent car satisfaction survey" with over 76,000 respondants. In 2006, Lexus ranked first for the eleventh time in J.D. Power's Customer Service Index, its annual study involving over 79,000 U.S. owners and dealership experience. In 2006, the Luxury Institute, New York, rated Lexus #1 in Customer Experience among luxury automobile brands based on its survey of over 2,100 high-income households. On the strength of its customer service standards and high product satisfaction, Lexus enjoys one of the highest customer loyalty rates in the industry.

==Motorsport==
[[Image:Team Lexus GT2 IS 350.png|thumb|right|175px|Team Lexus' IS 350 GT2 race car.]]Lexus has been participating in endurance racing, in particular the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. Since entering the series in 2004, Lexus has won over 15 Rolex Series event races. In 2005, Lexus was runners-up and in 2006 it won the championship. Although Toyota has won this prestigious race in the past it was the first time that its luxury arm emerged as the winner. In 2007, six Lexus-powered Daytona prototypes were entered in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona event at the Daytona International Speedway. Lexus was a repeat winner of the event, with a Lexus-Riley prototype driven by Scott Pruett, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Salvador Durán of Chip Ganassi Racing finishing first; Lexus-Riley prototypes also took three of the top ten spots.

Lexus is also going to participate in [[12 Hours of Sebring]] which now form a part of American Le Mans. There has been speculation of a Lexus F1 operation in the near future, in line with its expansion into the luxury car markets, and increasing competition with BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Lexus may enter for the 2007 Formula 1 season as an engine supplier to the WilliamsF1 team, using Toyota engines rebadged as Lexus, but these rumors are purely speculative.

After the release of the Lexus brand on the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) in 2005, four SC 430 coupes were entered in the SuperGT series in the GT500 class. In the first race of the 2006 series, an SC 430 took the chequered flag. In 2006, Lexus raced a hybrid vehicle for the first time, entering a GS 450h performance hybrid sedan in the Tokachi 24-hour Race in Hokkaido, Japan.

==Future of [[Lexus|Lexus]]==
Although Lexus has had phenomenal success in the US since 1991-1992 — within 3 years of its introduction in 1989 — it has been struggling outside North America, including its home country, Japan, where the Lexus brand started marketing in 2005 and is still waiting for the arrival of the LS series due later this year, and in particular Europe. Automotive analysts have pointed out that Lexus has been so successful in North America because the wide consumer base of Toyota and in particular the baby boomers wanted something more luxurious as they were becoming older and their surplus incomes were allowing them to migrate to brands such as [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]]. The huge success of Lexus was in part due to the fact that its higher levels of quality and less expensive prices enabled it to retain those migrating customers and keep them "in the family."

However, this also had negative repurcussions as Lexus gradually cemented an image of value-priced brand, which would offer similarly equipped cars at tens of thousands of dollars less than its primary competitors, [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]]. The former chief of [[BMW]], Eberhard von Kuenhiem predicted that this strategy would work to some extent in US, but not in Europe, where the words premium and luxury do not go well with value pricing. Some automotive experts believe that Lexus' failure to woo European customers and its very slow incremental increase in European arena is because of differences in perceived value. This has led some automotive thinkers to believe that unless Lexus prices its products head-to-head with the European premium brands and emphasizes its superior quality, reliability and engineering, it will not be able to succeed globally.

However, quality levels of European brands are seemingly dwindling, while Lexus continues to score highly on such reports. Also, in order to attract European buyers, diesel engines have been added to the lineup (starting with the IS 220d), and with Lexus LF concept cars making it into production, Lexus is quickly beginning to re-invent itself as a global luxury brand. Some of these new models will come with a sticker price of around $100,000, setting these models against their European rivals in terms of price.

[[Image:Lexusfront.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Lexus debuted the world's first hybrid luxury SUV, the RX 400h, in 2005.]]The addition of hybrid models (including the RX 400h and GS 450h) have also driven European sales increases in environmentally-conscious markets such as the United Kingdom. Politicians in the UK have endorsed Lexus by using Lexus GS vehicles in place of British-built Vauxhalls, Jaguars and Rovers. Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, replaced his LS 430 with a GS 450h. The London Congestion Charge excludes hybrid vehicles, adding incentive to Lexus hybrids.

In the United Kingdom, the largest European market for Lexus, the IS series accounts for the largest number of Lexus sales (the largest proportion increasing with sales of the new IS 220d), with the GS 450h and RX 400h making up the second largest proportion. Sales of the LS flagship have been small compared to the lower-end Lexus vehicles due to lesser public perception of the brand and the larger expense of the vehicle. This is combined with the higher perception of Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and Jaguar rival brands. With Lexus sales increasing in the UK due to the introduction of the IS diesel and GS/RX hybrids, Lexus has emerged as a European second-tier luxury brand that is rising fast. The second-generation IS, which emerged in 2006 as an intelligent alternative to the dominant German and British marques' compact executive cars, has become representative of Lexus' efforts in Europe.

In South Korea, with sales of the ES 350 spearheading its efforts, Lexus has been the top-selling luxury import since 2005; in Taiwan, Lexus also became the top-selling luxury import in 2005. In Australia, Lexus' sales growth has surpassed its rivals, and the line now ranks third in overall luxury import sales, with the IS model generating high demand. Total worldwide Lexus sales are expected to reach 500,000 vehicles by 2007.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Trivia==
*In the United States, Lexus Financial Savings Bank, in conjunction with US Bank, has launched a Lexus Pursuits Visa Card.
*Lexus was requested by Steven Spielberg, an ardent fan of Lexus and himself an owner of LX 470, to design a vehicle which would fit the requirements of year 2054 for his movie Minority Report. Lexus came up with an advanced vehicle which would run on fuel cells and have many advanced safety features including a crash-proof structure. (Lexus' cinematic concept car also appears in ''The Island'', though it's colored blue, not red).
* In Japanese, Lexus is phonetically translated as レクサス (''rekusasu''). Coincidentally, the Polish word ''luksus'', which is pronounced very similarly to Lexus, means luxury in the Polish language.
* Lexus substituted "passionate" for "relentless" in their U.S. brand slogan in 2000; the worldwide motto was adopted in its current form by fall 2005.
*The distinctive voice in Lexus commercials is James Sloyan, who has been doing voiceover work for the brand since 1989.
*The ES series is roughly based on the US [[Toyota Camry]].
*The IS (Toyota Altezza in Japan) series is roughly based on the Toyota Cressida luxury sedan, which was discontinued in 1992 in the US partially because of dropping sales due to the launch and success of the Lexus brand.
*After being discontinued in 1992, the X chassis code for Cressidas was still in use in Japan under the Mark II, Chaser, and Cresta names until the early 2000s.
* The Lexus Centre, a sports, meeting, and entertainment facility in Melbourne, Australia, was first constructed for the 1956 Summer Olympics.

==Notable owners==
* Celebrity owners of Lexus vehicles include Steven Spielberg, Burt Bacharach, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Harrison Ford, Holly Hunter, Nicolas Cage, Diane Keaton, Mel Gibson, Cameron Diaz, Tony Hawk, Milla Jovovich, Christie Brinkley, Calista Flockhart, Paula Abdul, Tyra Banks, Michael Bloomberg, Bill Gates and Larry David.
* S R Nathan, the current President of Singapore's preferred limousine is a white Lexus LS430. Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra owned a black LS 400.
* Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore, switched from a Mercedes to a Lexus GS300 in late 1990s/early 2000s, citing its superior reliability; in interviews Mr. Lee said he was tired of dealing with car repairs.
* Donald Tsang, the current Chief Executive of Hong Kong, uses a grey LS600hL as his official limousine.

==[[Lexus|Lexus]] Lineup==
*[[Lexus IS|IS]] - compact [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]/[[all wheel drive|AWD]]
** (1998-2005) IS 200/IS 300
** (2006-) IS 250/IS 250 [[Four Wheel Drive|AWD]]/IS 350/IS 220d
*[[Lexus ES|ES]] - midsize [[front wheel drive|FWD]]
** (1989-1991) ES 250
** (1992-2001) ES 300
** (2002-2006) ES 300/ES 330
** (2007-) ES 350
*[[Lexus GS|GS]] - midsize [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]/[[all wheel drive|AWD]]
** (1993-1997) GS 300
** (1998-2005) GS 300/GS 400
** (2001-2005) GS 300/GS 430
** (2005-2007) GS 300/GS 300 [[Four Wheel Drive|AWD]]/GS 430
** (2007-) GS 350/GS 460/[[Lexus GS 450h|GS 450h]]
*[[Lexus LS|LS]] - full-size [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]
** (1989-1994) LS 400
** (1995-2000) LS 400
** (2001-2006) LS 430
** (2007-) LS 460/LS 460L/LS 600hL ([[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]])
*[[Lexus SC|SC]] - [[coupe]]/convertible [[rear wheel drive|RWD]]
** (1991-2001) SC 300/SC 400
** (2002-) SC 430
*[[Lexus RX|RX]] - [[crossover SUV]]
** (1998-2003) Lexus RX|RX 300
** (2004-2006) Lexus RX|RX 330
** (2007-) RX 350/[[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]] - [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]])
*[[Lexus GX 470|GX]] - midsize [[SUV]]
** (2002-) GX 470
*[[Lexus LX|LX]] - large [[SUV]]
** (1996-2007) LX 450/LX 470
*JX - large [[SUV]]
** (2007-) JX 470
*[[Lexus LF#LF-C|LF-C]] - [[concept car]]
**
*[[Lexus LF-A|LF-A]] - [[concept car]]

==Historical timeline==
* '''1983'''
** Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda challenges his company to build a luxury flagship to “challenge the world’s best.” This effort becomes known as the F1 project.
* '''1985'''
** F1 researchers visit the United States to conduct market research and focus groups on luxury buyers. The first LS 400 prototypes are built.<ref name=timeline>[http://pressroom.lexus.com/Releases/View?id=TYT2006091195844 Lexus History (timeline)]</ref>
* '''1986'''
** Testing for the new Lexus flagship begins at the autobahn in Germany.
* '''1987'''
** Final design of the LS 400 is approved.
* '''1989'''
** The LS 400 debuts at the Detroit Motor Show, and goes on sale in September of that year.
* '''1990'''
** ''Car and Driver'' magazine names the LS 400 one of the Ten Best vehicles of the year. Lexus capture the trifecta of J.D. Power’s Initial Quality, Customer Satisfaction, and Sales Satisfaction studies.
* '''1991'''
** Lexus becomes the top-selling import marque in the United States. The ES 300 and SC 400 models are introduced.
* '''1992'''
** ''Motor Trend'' magazine names the SC 400 its Import Car of the Year.
* '''1993'''
** Lexus introduces the GS 300 luxury performance sedan.
* '''1994'''
** Lexus introduces the second-generation LS 400 sedan.
* '''1996'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation ES 300 sedan and its first luxury utility vehicle, the LX 450.
* '''1997'''
** Lexus introduces the second-generation GS 300 and GS 400 sedans. ''Motor Trend'' magazine names the new GS its Import Car of the Year.
* '''1998'''
** The RX 300, the world’s first luxury crossover SUV, goes on sale at Lexus dealerships. The RX soon becomes Lexus’ top-selling model.
* '''1999'''
** Lexus sells its one-millionth vehicle in the U.S.
* '''2000'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation LS 430 sedan and IS 300 entry sport sedan.
* '''2001'''
** Lexus introduces the fourth-generation ES 300 sedan.
* '''2002'''
** Lexus introduces its third luxury utility vehicle, the GX 470.
* '''2003'''
** The Lexus Development Center is founded in Japan, becoming the headquarters for Lexus' future design efforts.
* '''2005'''
** Lexus introduces the third-generation GS 300 and GS 430 mid-size sport sedans, debuting L-Finesse styling. Later that year, Lexus introduces the second-generation IS 220d, IS 250 and IS 350 sport sedans.
** ''Top Gear'' named the IS as the Compact Executive Car of the year, defeating the BMW E90 3-Series.
* '''2006'''
** Lexus debuts the LS 600h L, the world’s first production V8 hybrid sedan. The new ES 350 and fourth-generation LS 460/LS 460 L sedans go on sale.
* '''2007'''
** At the North American International Auto Show, Lexus launches its dedicated performance division, F-Series, with the unveiling of its first high-performance sedan, the IS-F, and an exotic supercar concept, the LF-A.
** The Lexus LS 460 flagship is crowned Luxury Car of the Year, Most Respected, and International Car of the Year at the ICOTY Awards, and is named World Car of the Year at the WCOTY Awards.

{{Lexus}}
{{Lexus timeline}}
==References==
<references />
This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus Lexus], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lexus&action=history contributors].
==External links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/ Lexus USA]
* [http://www.lexus.jp/ Lexus Japan]
* [http://www.lexus-europe.com/ Lexus Europe]
* [http://www.lexus-mideast.com/ Lexus Middle East]
* [http://www.lexus.com/home/international_links.html Lexus International]
<small>
<div style="-moz-column-count: 3; column-count: 3;">
** [http://www.lexus.com.au/ Lexus Australia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.bh/ Lexus Bahrain]
** [http://www.lexus.be/ Lexus Belgium]
** [http://64.56.170.231/b/b01.html Lexus Brazil]
** [http://www.lexus.com.bn/ Lexus Brunei]
** [http://www.lexus.ca/ Lexus Canada]
** [http://www.lexus.com.cn/ Lexus China]
** [http://www.lexus.dk/ Lexus Denmark]
** [http://www.lexus.fi/ Lexus Finland]
** [http://www.lexus.fr/ Lexus France]
** [http://www.lexus.de/ Lexus Germany]
** [http://www.lexus.gr/ Lexus Greece]
** [http://www.akguam.com/index.htm?bhcp=1 Lexus Guam]
** [http://www.servcolexus.com/Distributor/Lexus/ Lexus Hawaii]
** [http://www.lexus.com.hk/ Lexus HK]
** [http://www.lexus.ie/ Lexus Ireland]
** [http://www.lexus.it/ Lexus Italy]
** [http://www.lexus.co.kr/ Lexus Korea]
** [http://www.lexus.com.kw/ Lexus Kuwait]
** [http://www.lexus.lu/ Lexus Luxembourg]
** [http://www.lexus.com.my/ Lexus Malaysia]
** [http://www.lexus.nl/ Lexus Netherlands]
** [http://www.lexus.co.nz/ Lexus New Zealand]
** [http://www.lexusoman.com/ Lexus Oman]
** [http://www.lexus.pt/ Lexus Portugal]
** [http://www.aabqatar.com/lexus/home.htm Lexus Qatar]
** [http://www.lexus-russia.ru/ Lexus Russia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.sa/ Lexus Saudi Arabia]
** [http://www.lexus.com.sg/ Lexus Singapore]
** [http://www.lexus.co.za/ Lexus South Africa]
** [http://www.mundolexus.com/ Lexus Spain]
** [http://www.lexus.se/ Lexus Sweden]
** [http://www.lexus.ch/ Lexus Switzerland]
** [http://www.lexus.com.tw/ Lexus Taiwan]
** [http://www.lexus.co.th/ Lexus Thailand]
** [http://www.lexusuae.com/ Lexus UAE]
** [http://www.lexus.co.uk/ Lexus UK]
</div></small>
* [http://www.teamlexus.com/ Team Lexus - official webpage of the factory-backed team competing in the Grand American Cup road racing series.]
* [http://www.lexus.com/magazine/ Lexus Magazine Website, featuring quarterly updates from the owners' publication]
* [http://www.planetlexus.com Planet Lexus - Pictures and information regarding every Lexus model ever made]
* [http://www.clublexus.com/ ClubLexus - Lexus Enthusiast Website]
*[http://www.babez.de/lexus/lexus-sc430-pebble-beach-edition.php Lexus SC430 Pebble Beach Edition 2006]

[[Category:Makes]]
[[Category:Luxury car manufacturers]]
[[Category:Lexus]]
[[Category:Prestige vehicles]]
[[Category:Toyota]]

Lexus IS-F

2007-12-07T02:05:30Z

CelsiorFan: /* Colors */

{{Infobox |
|Image = [[Image:Lexus IS-F 2.jpg|300px]]
|Marque = Lexus
|aka =
|Production = 2008-
|Class = Compact Luxury Sports Sedan
|Body Style = 4-Door Sedan
|Length = 183.5 in.
|Width = 71.5 in.
|Height = 55.7 in.
|Wheelbase = 107.5 in.
|Weight = 3,780 lbs.
|Transmission = 8-speed Automatic
|Engine = 5.0L V8
|Power = 416 hp <br>371 lb-ft of [[torque]] 
|Similar = [[BMW M3]]
|Designer = Yukihiko Yaguchi
}}
The '''[[Lexus]] IS-F''' is the motorsport version of the successful [[Lexus IS]] series. Launched as a new 2008 model, the Lexus IS-F features a 5.0L V8 engine mated with an 8-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. The IS-F produces 416 hp, and promises a 0-60 time of under 4.9 seconds.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|Lexus IS-F Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
The Lexus IS-F is brand new for 2008.

===Styles and Major Options===
====Factory Options====
[[Image:Lexus IS-F Obsidian.jpg|thumb|400px|right|2008 '''Lexus IS-F''' in Obsidian.]]
[[Image:Lexus IS-F Matador Red Mica.jpg|thumb|400px|right|2008 '''Lexus IS-F''' in Matador Red Mica.]]
* Mark Levinson® Premium Surround-sound System (AM/FM tuner, in-dash 6-DVD/CD changer, 14 speakers, advanced discrete amplifier design with 300 watts continuous power at less than 0.1% THD from 20 to 20,000 Hz, 7.1-channel speaker architecture)
* Lexus DVD Navigation System - 7-inch LCD VGA touch screen, Voice activation
* Rear back-up camera
* Bluetooth®
* Intuitive Park Assist (IPA)
* Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
* Headlamp Cleaner

===Pricing===
Pricing TBA

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |'''MODEL Trims'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''MSRP''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''Invoice''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|}


===Photos===

<gallery>
Image:NM IS FL.jpg|Neiman Marcus Edition IS-F
Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue.JPG|Lexus IS-F
Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue Metallic.jpg
</gallery>

===Colors===
[[Image:Lexus IS-F profile.JPG|thumb|400px|right|'''Lexus IS-F''' in Ultrasonic Blue.]]
[[Image:Lexus IS-F interior.jpg|thumb|400px|right|'''Lexus IS-F''' interior.]]
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Exterior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="73">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Obsidian</td>
<td bgcolor="#060607" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Mercury Metallic</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#d0d0d0"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Ultrasonic Blue</td>
<td bgcolor="#0000FF" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Starfire Pearl</td>
<td bgcolor="#fdfaf7" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Matador Red Mica</td>
<td bgcolor="#881b22" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Smoky Granite</td>
<td bgcolor="#717775" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<div style="border-color: rgb(98, 89, 178); position: relative;" >
<div style="position: relative;" >
<div style="padding: 2px; position: relative;"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<div style="position: relative; top: 0px;">
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">'''Interior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="76">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>

<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">Black</td>
<td bgcolor="#1b1b1b" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">White</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
</div>

===Main Competitors===
* [[BMW M3]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class|Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG]]

==Unique Attributes==
This is the first vehicle in the motorsport class to feature an 8-speed automatic transmission.

==Interior==
The interior is similar to the regular IS, but adds carbon fiber panels, F-badging, blue stitching, and a different white interior color is available. The gauges are also modified.

==Criticisms==
The exterior appearance of the IS-F has drawn some criticism from some reviewers.

==Worldwide==
The Lexus IS-F is expected to go on sale in Japan, Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of Asia and the Middle East.

==Design quirks and oddities==
The sloped bulge on the hood is to accomodate the larger 5.0L V8 engine.

==Awards==
TBA

==See Also==
[[Lexus IS]]

==External Links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/isf Lexus.com IS-F official site]

[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]

{{Lexus}}

Lexus IS-F

2007-12-07T02:05:02Z

CelsiorFan:

{{Infobox |
|Image = [[Image:Lexus IS-F 2.jpg|300px]]
|Marque = Lexus
|aka =
|Production = 2008-
|Class = Compact Luxury Sports Sedan
|Body Style = 4-Door Sedan
|Length = 183.5 in.
|Width = 71.5 in.
|Height = 55.7 in.
|Wheelbase = 107.5 in.
|Weight = 3,780 lbs.
|Transmission = 8-speed Automatic
|Engine = 5.0L V8
|Power = 416 hp <br>371 lb-ft of [[torque]] 
|Similar = [[BMW M3]]
|Designer = Yukihiko Yaguchi
}}
The '''[[Lexus]] IS-F''' is the motorsport version of the successful [[Lexus IS]] series. Launched as a new 2008 model, the Lexus IS-F features a 5.0L V8 engine mated with an 8-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. The IS-F produces 416 hp, and promises a 0-60 time of under 4.9 seconds.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|Lexus IS-F Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
The Lexus IS-F is brand new for 2008.

===Styles and Major Options===
====Factory Options====
[[Image:Lexus IS-F Obsidian.jpg|thumb|400px|right|2008 '''Lexus IS-F''' in Obsidian.]]
[[Image:Lexus IS-F Matador Red Mica.jpg|thumb|400px|right|2008 '''Lexus IS-F''' in Matador Red Mica.]]
* Mark Levinson® Premium Surround-sound System (AM/FM tuner, in-dash 6-DVD/CD changer, 14 speakers, advanced discrete amplifier design with 300 watts continuous power at less than 0.1% THD from 20 to 20,000 Hz, 7.1-channel speaker architecture)
* Lexus DVD Navigation System - 7-inch LCD VGA touch screen, Voice activation
* Rear back-up camera
* Bluetooth®
* Intuitive Park Assist (IPA)
* Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
* Headlamp Cleaner

===Pricing===
Pricing TBA

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |'''MODEL Trims'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''MSRP''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''Invoice''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|}


===Photos===

<gallery>
Image:NM IS FL.jpg|Neiman Marcus Edition IS-F
Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue.JPG|Lexus IS-F
Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue Metallic.jpg
</gallery>

===Colors===
[[Image:Lexus IS-F interior.jpg|thumb|400px|right|'''Lexus IS-F''' interior.]]
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Exterior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="73">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Obsidian</td>
<td bgcolor="#060607" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Mercury Metallic</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#d0d0d0"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Ultrasonic Blue</td>
<td bgcolor="#0000FF" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Starfire Pearl</td>
<td bgcolor="#fdfaf7" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Matador Red Mica</td>
<td bgcolor="#881b22" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Smoky Granite</td>
<td bgcolor="#717775" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<div style="border-color: rgb(98, 89, 178); position: relative;" >
<div style="position: relative;" >
<div style="padding: 2px; position: relative;"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<div style="position: relative; top: 0px;">
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">'''Interior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="76">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>

<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">Black</td>
<td bgcolor="#1b1b1b" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">White</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
</div>

===Main Competitors===
* [[BMW M3]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class|Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG]]

==Unique Attributes==
This is the first vehicle in the motorsport class to feature an 8-speed automatic transmission.

==Interior==
The interior is similar to the regular IS, but adds carbon fiber panels, F-badging, blue stitching, and a different white interior color is available. The gauges are also modified.

==Criticisms==
The exterior appearance of the IS-F has drawn some criticism from some reviewers.

==Worldwide==
The Lexus IS-F is expected to go on sale in Japan, Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of Asia and the Middle East.

==Design quirks and oddities==
The sloped bulge on the hood is to accomodate the larger 5.0L V8 engine.

==Awards==
TBA

==See Also==
[[Lexus IS]]

==External Links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/isf Lexus.com IS-F official site]

[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]

{{Lexus}}

File:Lexus IS-F 2.jpg

2007-12-07T02:04:40Z

CelsiorFan:

Lexus GX 470

2007-12-03T05:35:52Z

CelsiorFan:

[[image:2007_GX_470_waterfall.jpg|right|thumb|450px|'''2007 [[Lexus]] GX 470''']]
The '''[[Lexus|Lexus]] GX 470''' is a mid-size [[SUV]] built in Tahara plant in Japan and sold only on the North American markets by [[Toyota]]'s luxury division, [[Lexus]]. It was introduced in November 2002 as a 2003 model as [[Lexus|Lexus]]'s true answer to the [[BMW X5]], [[Acura MDX]], [[Land Rover LR3]] and [[Porsche Cayenne]], and is visually almost identical to the current models of the [[Toyota Land Cruiser]] sold on the European markets. It was released at the same time as the [[Infiniti FX45]], its competitor.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|Lexus GX 470 Review]]'''.
===Recent Changes===
The GX 470 hasn't changed too much since it was introduced in 2003. This year, it receives a few new exterior colors and some updates to interior items like the parking brake handle.

===Styles and Major Options===
[[image:2007_GX_470_silverleftlake.jpg|thumb|right|350px]]
The [[Lexus]] GX 470 comes in just one base trim. It is equipped with a 4.7L 263[[hp]] [[V8]] engine, 5-speed [[automatic transmission]], and full time [[four wheel drive]]. Its list of safety features is impressive, as detailed below, and amenities abound within. Some of the key features include:

*17" silver alloy wheels
*8-way power driver (4-way power passenger) heated front seats with driver seat memory
*Leather interior, door trim, shift knob, and steering wheel
*Express open/close sunroof
*Dual zone front automatic air conditioning
*11-speaker AM/FM/MP3/6CD in-dash changer audio system
*Homelink Wireless Control System
*Compass, exterior temperature monitor, trip computer

===Pricing===
Today's actual prices for the [[Lexus]] GX 470 can be found at [http://www.carsdirect.com/lexus/gx_470/prices CarsDirect].

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=1 |'''MODEL Trims'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | GX 470
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=1 |''MSRP''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $46,635
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=1 |''Invoice''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
|}

===Gas Mileage===
As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=1 |'''Trim'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | GX 470
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=1 |'''MPG'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | 15/19
|}

===Reliability===
[[image:2007_GX_470_darkdrivingleft.jpg|right|thumb|350px]]
There is not yet any accurate reliability data for the new GX 470, but the latest information on the 2004 model, as reported by Automotive Information Systems, reveals that it received their highest mark with an overall Green reliability rating, which indicates minimal problems in all categories.

===Safety===
Currently, the [http://www.safercar.gov NHTSA] website has no safety test information listed for the 2007 GX 470. However, according to [http://www.autos.com/autos/rankings_safety?cat=suvs&segment=luxury_suvs&rank=safety&year=2006 Autos.com,] the GX 470 ranks tied for 3rd with the [[Acura MDX]] and its siblings, the [[Lexus RX 330]] and [[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]], in the Luxury SUV category for Safety. Some of the standard safety features on the GX470 are:
*[[Traction control]]
*[[Electronic stability control]]
*Front and rear anti-roll bars
*Four wheel [[anti-lock brakes]]
*Driver/Passenger front impact [[airbag]]s
*Driver/Passenger seat mounted side impact [[airbag]]s
*1st/2nd row overhead side curtain [[airbag]]s
*Occupancy sensors
*Side-impact bars

===Photos===
<gallery>
image:2007_GX_470_darkseasideright.jpg
image:2007_GX_470_darkwaterleft.jpg
image:2007_GX_470_dashboard.jpg
image:2007_GX_470_interiorseating.jpg
image:2007_GX_470_silvercanyon.jpg
</gallery>

===Colors===
A full list of colors can be viewed at [http://www.carsdirect.com/lexus/gx_470/colors CarsDirect.com.] Some of the available choices include:

'''Exterior'''
*Ash Blue Mica
*Black Onyx
*Blizzard Pearl
*Nautical Blue
*Savannah Metallic

'''Interior'''
*Gray
*Ivory

===Main Competitors===
*[[Acura MDX]]
*[[Cadillac SRX]]
*[[Land Rover Range Rover]]
*[[Infiniti FX]]
*[[Volvo XC90]]
*[[Land Rover Range Rover Sport]]

==Hybrid Models==
There are currently no [[hybrid]] models of the GX 470 in production.

==Unique Attributes==

The GX 470 offers the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which frees and adjusts the GX's stabilizer bars so that each wheel can move with less restriction over uneven terrain. This option uses front and rear hydraulic pressure-sensing valves and larger stabilizer bars to reduce body roll during off-road conditions, while retaining smooth ride quality on regular road surfaces.

==Resale Values==
According to [http://www.kbb.com Kelley Blue Book,] "the GX 470 is expected to retain a high resale value, holding 68% of its purchase price at 24-months and an amazing 56% at 48 months. That's far better than the [[Cadillac SRX]], [[Lincoln Aviator]] and [[Mercedes-Benz ML-Class]], but on a par with the [[Land Rover LR3]], [[Volkswagen Touareg]], [[Infiniti FX45]] and [[BMW X5]].

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#9e9784; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |'''<MODEL> Year'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Year X
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Year X-2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Year X-3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Year X-4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#9e9784; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |'''Resale Value'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $
|}

==Criticisms==
*There are only a few disappointing aspects to this largely well-designed vehicle. The regular stereo system is disappointing for a vehicle in this price range. Lexus needed to have a noticeable step up to the Mark Levinson system that came with the $4K navigation package. The rear door swings on hinges without the smoothness you'd hope for in such a vehicle.
*"If it's cargo space you crave, the GX 470's third-row seat takes up most of the cargo hold and you have to lug them in and out (as opposed to being able to fold them into the floor). This added hassle may make it difficult to justify the added size and gas consumption." - Kelley Blue Book

==Current Generation: (2003–Present)==
[[Image:Lexus_GX470.jpg|right|thumb|350px]]
The 2005 GX 470s are powered by a 4.7 L, 32-valve, four-cam [[V8]] engine with 270 [[HP|hp]] (201 kW) at 5,400 rpm and 330 ft·lbf (447 N·m) of torque at 3,400 rpm. This is also the largest engine that has ever been put into a [[Lexus|Lexus]].

The GX 470 has a welded steel body, an electronically controlled 5-speed [[automatic transmission]], a [[4 wheel drive]] system, and its interior offers a place for up to eight passengers.

This vehicle is a competent contender for serious off-roading while civilized enough for everyday driving. The MSRP is averaged at about US $50,000. It has won various awards including 4-Wheeler of the Year from [[Four Wheel Drive|4X4]] Magazine.

In the [[Lexus|Lexus]] lineup, it is situated between the premium [[Lexus LX 470|LX 470]] and the entry-level luxury [[Lexus RX 330|RX 330]].

The vehicle offers many refinements over its sister truck under the Toyota label. Almost 40 pounds of noise insulation is added, making for a surprisingly quiet ride.

The GX 470 has good acceleration for a large vehicle. The downside is the poor mileage the GX 470 gets...only about 14MPG in city driving. The ease with which the back seat can be folded down for added cargo room is commendable.

==Worldwide==
The GX 470 is mainly sold in North America; similar versions are sold in Europe and Australasia under the Land Cruiser moniker.

==Design quirks and oddities==
The rear door does not swing upward, but rather opens to one side.

==Awards==
* ''4-Wheeler of the Year'' in 2003 and 2004 from '''4x4 Magazine'''.
* ''Highest ranked'' premium luxury SUV in initial quality in 2005, '''J.D. Power and Associates'''.
* '''Kelley Blue Book''' gave the GX 470 its ''Best Resale Value Award'' in 2006.

==See also==
{{Lexus}}

==External Links==
*[http://www.lexus.com/models/gx/index.html Lexus GX] - official [[Lexus|Lexus]] website

This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_GX Lexus GX], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lexus_GX&action=history contributors].

[[Category:Current Models]]
[[Category:Lexus Vehicles|GX]]
[[Category:Luxury Vehicles]]
[[Category:SUVs]]
[[Category:2000s Automobiles]]
[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]

Template:Lexus

2007-12-03T05:32:13Z

CelsiorFan:

{{Automotive navigational box |
|Image = [[Image:Lexus RX 400h 2006.jpg|170px]]
|Marque = [[Lexus|LEXUS]]
|1 = {{Toyota Motor Corporation}}
|Body = '''Current'''

<small>'''Cars:'''</small> [[Lexus IS|IS 250/350]] · [[Lexus IS-F|IS-F]] · [[Lexus ES|ES 350]] · [[Lexus GS|GS 300/430/450h]] · [[Lexus LS|LS 460/460L]] · [[Lexus LS 600h L|LS 600h/600hL]] · [[Lexus SC|SC 430]]

<small>'''SUVs:'''</small> [[Lexus RX|RX 330/350/400h]] · [[Lexus GX 470|GX 470]] · [[Lexus LX|LX 470]] · [[Lexus LX|LX 570]]

<small>'''Hybrid:'''</small> [[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]] · [[Lexus GS 450h|GS 450h]] · [[Lexus LS 600h L|LS 600h/600hL]]

'''Historic'''

<small>'''Cars:'''</small> [[Lexus IS#First Generation/Origins|IS 200/300]] · [[Lexus ES|ES 250/300/330]] · [[Lexus GS|GS 300/400/430]] · [[Lexus LS|LS 400/430]] · [[Lexus SC|SC 300/400]]

<small>'''SUVs:'''</small> [[Lexus RX|RX 300]] · [[Lexus LX|LX 450]]

'''Concept Vehicles'''

<small></small> [[Lexus LF-A|LF-A]] · [[Lexus LF#LF-C|LF-C]] · [[Lexus LF#LF-S|LF-S]] · [[Lexus LF#LF-Sh|LF-Sh]] · [[Lexus LF#LF-X|LF-X]] · [[Lexus LF-Xh Concept|LF-Xh]]
|Notables = [[List of Toyota engines|Engines]] · [[List of Toyota transmissions|Transmissions]]
|edit = Template:Lexus
|Founder/s = [[Toyota]]
|Corporate website = [http://www.lexus.com/ Corporate website]
|Parent =''[[Toyota|A division of the Toyota Motor Corporation]]''
}}
<noinclude>
[[Category:Automotive navigational boxes|{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Templates|{{PAGENAME}}]]
</noinclude>

Template:List Of Lexus Models

2007-12-03T05:29:42Z

CelsiorFan:

__NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__
{| align="left" width="180px" style="float:right; border:1px #8597ab solid; background:#f5faff; margin:0px 0px 20px 20px;text-align:left;"
|-
| style="padding: 10px 5px 5px 5px;background:#ffffff;border-bottom:1px #8597ab solid;" align="center"|
<h2 style="margin:4;background:#f5faff;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #8597ab; text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">Search By Model</h2>
[[Image:Lexus_logo.png|170px]]
|-
|align="center" style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 0px;"|<font color="navy">'''2008 Current Models'''</font>
|-
| style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 5px; border-top:1px #8597ab solid;" | '''Near-Luxury Car'''
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus IS|IS 250]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus IS|IS 350]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus ES|ES 350]]
|-
| style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 5px; border-top:1px #8597ab solid;" | '''Mid-Luxury Car'''
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus GS|GS 350]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus GS|GS 460]]
|-
| style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 5px; border-top:1px #8597ab solid;" | '''Ultra-Luxury Car'''
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus SC|SC 430]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus LS|LS 460 / LS 460 L]]
|-
| style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 5px; border-top:1px #8597ab solid;" colspan="2" | '''Luxury SUV'''
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus GX 470|GX 470]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus LX|LX 570]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus RX|RX 350]]
|-
| style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 5px; border-top:1px #8597ab solid;" colspan="2" | '''Hybrid'''
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus_LS_600h L|LS 600h / LS 600h L]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus GS 450h|GS 450h]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]]
|-
|align="center" style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 0px; border-top:1px #8597ab solid;" |<font color="navy">'''2007 Discontinued Models'''</font>
|-
| style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 5px; border-top:1px #8597ab solid;" | '''Mid-Luxury Car'''
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus GS|GS 430]]
|}

Template:List Of Lexus Models

2007-12-03T05:29:24Z

CelsiorFan:

__NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__
{| align="left" width="180px" style="float:right; border:1px #8597ab solid; background:#f5faff; margin:0px 0px 20px 20px;text-align:left;"
|-
| style="padding: 10px 5px 5px 5px;background:#ffffff;border-bottom:1px #8597ab solid;" align="center"|
<h2 style="margin:4;background:#f5faff;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #8597ab; text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">Search By Model</h2>
[[Image:Lexus_logo.png|170px]]
|-
|align="center" style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 0px;"|<font color="navy">'''2007 Current Models'''</font>
|-
| style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 5px; border-top:1px #8597ab solid;" | '''Near-Luxury Car'''
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus IS|IS 250]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus IS|IS 350]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus ES|ES 350]]
|-
| style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 5px; border-top:1px #8597ab solid;" | '''Mid-Luxury Car'''
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus GS|GS 350]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus GS|GS 460]]
|-
| style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 5px; border-top:1px #8597ab solid;" | '''Ultra-Luxury Car'''
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus SC|SC 430]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus LS|LS 460 / LS 460 L]]
|-
| style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 5px; border-top:1px #8597ab solid;" colspan="2" | '''Luxury SUV'''
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus GX 470|GX 470]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus LX|LX 570]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus RX|RX 350]]
|-
| style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 5px; border-top:1px #8597ab solid;" colspan="2" | '''Hybrid'''
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus_LS_600h L|LS 600h / LS 600h L]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus GS 450h|GS 450h]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]]
|-
|align="center" style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 0px; border-top:1px #8597ab solid;" |<font color="navy">'''2007 Discontinued Models'''</font>
|-
| style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 5px; border-top:1px #8597ab solid;" | '''Mid-Luxury Car'''
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus GS|GS 430]]
|}

Template:List Of Lexus Models

2007-12-03T05:28:58Z

CelsiorFan:

__NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__
{| align="left" width="180px" style="float:right; border:1px #8597ab solid; background:#f5faff; margin:0px 0px 20px 20px;text-align:left;"
|-
| style="padding: 10px 5px 5px 5px;background:#ffffff;border-bottom:1px #8597ab solid;" align="center"|
<h2 style="margin:4;background:#f5faff;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #8597ab; text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">Search By Model</h2>
[[Image:Lexus_logo.png|170px]]
|-
|align="center" style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 0px;"|<font color="navy">'''2007 Current Models'''</font>
|-
| style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 5px; border-top:1px #8597ab solid;" | '''Near-Luxury Car'''
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus IS|IS 250]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus IS|IS 350]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus ES|ES 350]]
|-
| style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 5px; border-top:1px #8597ab solid;" | '''Mid-Luxury Car'''
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus GS|GS 350]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus GS|GS 460]]
|-
| style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 5px; border-top:1px #8597ab solid;" | '''Ultra-Luxury Car'''
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus SC|SC 430]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus LS|LS 460 / LS 460 L]]
|-
| style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 5px; border-top:1px #8597ab solid;" colspan="2" | '''Luxury SUV'''
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus GX 470|GX 470]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus LX|LX 570]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus RX|RX 350]]
|-
| style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 5px; border-top:1px #8597ab solid;" colspan="2" | '''Hybrid'''
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus_LS_600h L|LS 600h / LS 600h L]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus GS 450h|GS 450h]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]]
|-
|align="center" style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 0px; border-top:1px #8597ab solid;" |<font color="navy">'''2006 Discontinued Models'''</font>
|-
| style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 5px; border-top:1px #8597ab solid;" | '''Mid-Luxury Car'''
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus GS|GS 300]]
|-
|style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"|[[Lexus GS|GS 430]]
|}

Lexus IS-F

2007-12-03T05:25:14Z

CelsiorFan:

{{Infobox |
|Image = [[Image:Lexus IS-F profile.JPG|300px]]
|Marque = Lexus
|aka =
|Production = 2008-
|Class = Compact Luxury Sports Sedan
|Body Style = 4-Door Sedan
|Length = 183.5 in.
|Width = 71.5 in.
|Height = 55.7 in.
|Wheelbase = 107.5 in.
|Weight = 3,780 lbs.
|Transmission = 8-speed Automatic
|Engine = 5.0L V8
|Power = 416 hp <br>371 lb-ft of [[torque]] 
|Similar = [[BMW M3]]
|Designer = Yukihiko Yaguchi
}}
The '''[[Lexus]] IS-F''' is the motorsport version of the successful [[Lexus IS]] series. Launched as a new 2008 model, the Lexus IS-F features a 5.0L V8 engine mated with an 8-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. The IS-F produces 416 hp, and promises a 0-60 time of under 4.9 seconds.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|Lexus IS-F Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
The Lexus IS-F is brand new for 2008.

===Styles and Major Options===
====Factory Options====
[[Image:Lexus IS-F Obsidian.jpg|thumb|400px|right|2008 '''Lexus IS-F''' in Obsidian.]]
[[Image:Lexus IS-F Matador Red Mica.jpg|thumb|400px|right|2008 '''Lexus IS-F''' in Matador Red Mica.]]
* Mark Levinson® Premium Surround-sound System (AM/FM tuner, in-dash 6-DVD/CD changer, 14 speakers, advanced discrete amplifier design with 300 watts continuous power at less than 0.1% THD from 20 to 20,000 Hz, 7.1-channel speaker architecture)
* Lexus DVD Navigation System - 7-inch LCD VGA touch screen, Voice activation
* Rear back-up camera
* Bluetooth®
* Intuitive Park Assist (IPA)
* Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
* Headlamp Cleaner

===Pricing===
Pricing TBA

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |'''MODEL Trims'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''MSRP''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''Invoice''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|}


===Photos===

<gallery>
Image:NM IS FL.jpg|Neiman Marcus Edition IS-F
Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue.JPG|Lexus IS-F
Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue Metallic.jpg
</gallery>

===Colors===
[[Image:Lexus IS-F interior.jpg|thumb|400px|right|'''Lexus IS-F''' interior.]]
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Exterior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="73">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Obsidian</td>
<td bgcolor="#060607" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Mercury Metallic</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#d0d0d0"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Ultrasonic Blue</td>
<td bgcolor="#0000FF" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Starfire Pearl</td>
<td bgcolor="#fdfaf7" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Matador Red Mica</td>
<td bgcolor="#881b22" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Smoky Granite</td>
<td bgcolor="#717775" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<div style="border-color: rgb(98, 89, 178); position: relative;" >
<div style="position: relative;" >
<div style="padding: 2px; position: relative;"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<div style="position: relative; top: 0px;">
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">'''Interior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="76">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>

<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">Black</td>
<td bgcolor="#1b1b1b" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">White</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
</div>

===Main Competitors===
* [[BMW M3]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class|Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG]]

==Unique Attributes==
This is the first vehicle in the motorsport class to feature an 8-speed automatic transmission.

==Interior==
The interior is similar to the regular IS, but adds carbon fiber panels, F-badging, blue stitching, and a different white interior color is available. The gauges are also modified.

==Criticisms==
The exterior appearance of the IS-F has drawn some criticism from some reviewers.

==Worldwide==
The Lexus IS-F is expected to go on sale in Japan, Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of Asia and the Middle East.

==Design quirks and oddities==
The sloped bulge on the hood is to accomodate the larger 5.0L V8 engine.

==Awards==
TBA

==See Also==
[[Lexus IS]]

==External Links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/isf Lexus.com IS-F official site]

[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]

{{Lexus}}

Lexus IS-F

2007-12-03T05:23:56Z

CelsiorFan:

{{Infobox |
|Image = [[Image:Lexus IS-F profile.JPG|300px]]
|Marque = Lexus
|aka =
|Production = 2008-
|Class = Compact Luxury Sports Sedan
|Body Style = 4-Door Sedan
|Length = 183.5 in.
|Width = 71.5 in.
|Height = 55.7 in.
|Wheelbase = 107.5 in.
|Weight = 3,780 lbs.
|Transmission = 8-speed Automatic
|Engine = 5.0L V8
|Power = 416 hp <br>371 lb-ft of [[torque]] 
|Similar = [[BMW M3]]
|Designer = Yukihiko Yaguchi
}}
The '''[[Lexus]] IS-F''' is the motorsport version of the successful [[Lexus IS]] series. Launched as a new 2008 model, the Lexus IS-F features a 5.0L V8 engine mated with an 8-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. The IS-F produces 416 hp, and promises a 0-60 time of under 4.9 seconds.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|Lexus IS-F Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
The Lexus IS-F is brand new for 2008.

===Styles and Major Options===
====Factory Options====
[[Image:Lexus IS-F Obsidian.jpg|thumb|400px|right|2008 '''Lexus IS-F''' in Obsidian.]]
[[Image:Lexus IS-F interior.jpg|thumb|400px|right|'''Lexus IS-F''' interior.]]
* Mark Levinson® Premium Surround-sound System (AM/FM tuner, in-dash 6-DVD/CD changer, 14 speakers, advanced discrete amplifier design with 300 watts continuous power at less than 0.1% THD from 20 to 20,000 Hz, 7.1-channel speaker architecture)
* Lexus DVD Navigation System - 7-inch LCD VGA touch screen, Voice activation
* Rear back-up camera
* Bluetooth®
* Intuitive Park Assist (IPA)
* Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
* Headlamp Cleaner

===Pricing===
Pricing TBA

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |'''MODEL Trims'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''MSRP''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''Invoice''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|}


===Photos===

<gallery>
Image:NM IS FL.jpg|Neiman Marcus Edition IS-F
Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue.JPG|Lexus IS-F
Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue Metallic.jpg
</gallery>

===Colors===
[[Image:Lexus IS-F Matador Red Mica.jpg|thumb|400px|right|2008 '''Lexus IS-F''' in Matador Red Mica.]]
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Exterior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="73">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Obsidian</td>
<td bgcolor="#060607" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Mercury Metallic</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#d0d0d0"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Ultrasonic Blue</td>
<td bgcolor="#0000FF" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Starfire Pearl</td>
<td bgcolor="#fdfaf7" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Matador Red Mica</td>
<td bgcolor="#881b22" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Smoky Granite</td>
<td bgcolor="#717775" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<div style="border-color: rgb(98, 89, 178); position: relative;" >
<div style="position: relative;" >
<div style="padding: 2px; position: relative;"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<div style="position: relative; top: 0px;">
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">'''Interior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="76">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>

<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">Black</td>
<td bgcolor="#1b1b1b" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">White</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
</div>

===Main Competitors===
* [[BMW M3]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class|Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG]]

==Unique Attributes==
This is the first vehicle in the motorsport class to feature an 8-speed automatic transmission.

==Interior==
The interior is similar to the regular IS, but adds carbon fiber panels, F-badging, blue stitching, and a different white interior color is available. The gauges are also modified.

==Criticisms==
The exterior appearance of the IS-F has drawn some criticism from some reviewers.

==Worldwide==
The Lexus IS-F is expected to go on sale in Japan, Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of Asia and the Middle East.

==Design quirks and oddities==
The sloped bulge on the hood is to accomodate the larger 5.0L V8 engine.

==Awards==
TBA

==See Also==
[[Lexus IS]]

==External Links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/isf Lexus.com IS-F official site]

[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]

{{Lexus}}

File:Lexus IS-F profile.JPG

2007-12-03T05:22:58Z

CelsiorFan:

Lexus IS-F

2007-12-03T05:22:00Z

CelsiorFan: /* Factory Options */

{{Infobox |
|Image = [[Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue Metallic.jpg|300px]]
|Marque = Lexus
|aka =
|Production = 2008-
|Class = Compact Luxury Sports Sedan
|Body Style = 4-Door Sedan
|Length = 183.5 in.
|Width = 71.5 in.
|Height = 55.7 in.
|Wheelbase = 107.5 in.
|Weight = 3,780 lbs.
|Transmission = 8-speed Automatic
|Engine = 5.0L V8
|Power = 416 hp <br>371 lb-ft of [[torque]] 
|Similar = [[BMW M3]]
|Designer = Yukihiko Yaguchi
}}
The '''[[Lexus]] IS-F''' is the motorsport version of the successful [[Lexus IS]] series. Launched as a new 2008 model, the Lexus IS-F features a 5.0L V8 engine mated with an 8-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. The IS-F produces 416 hp, and promises a 0-60 time of under 4.9 seconds.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|Lexus IS-F Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
The Lexus IS-F is brand new for 2008.

===Styles and Major Options===
====Factory Options====
[[Image:Lexus IS-F Obsidian.jpg|thumb|400px|right|2008 '''Lexus IS-F''' in Obsidian.]]
[[Image:Lexus IS-F Matador Red Mica.jpg|thumb|400px|right|2008 '''Lexus IS-F''' in Matador Red Mica.]]
[[Image:Lexus IS-F interior.jpg|thumb|400px|right|'''Lexus IS-F''' interior.]]
* Mark Levinson® Premium Surround-sound System (AM/FM tuner, in-dash 6-DVD/CD changer, 14 speakers, advanced discrete amplifier design with 300 watts continuous power at less than 0.1% THD from 20 to 20,000 Hz, 7.1-channel speaker architecture)
* Lexus DVD Navigation System - 7-inch LCD VGA touch screen, Voice activation
* Rear back-up camera
* Bluetooth®
* Intuitive Park Assist (IPA)
* Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
* Headlamp Cleaner

===Pricing===
Pricing TBA

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |'''MODEL Trims'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''MSRP''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''Invoice''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|}


===Photos===

<gallery>
Image:NM IS FL.jpg|Neiman Marcus Edition IS-F
Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue.JPG|Lexus IS-F
</gallery>

===Colors===
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Exterior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="73">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Obsidian</td>
<td bgcolor="#060607" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Mercury Metallic</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#d0d0d0"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Ultrasonic Blue</td>
<td bgcolor="#0000FF" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Starfire Pearl</td>
<td bgcolor="#fdfaf7" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Matador Red Mica</td>
<td bgcolor="#881b22" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Smoky Granite</td>
<td bgcolor="#717775" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<div style="border-color: rgb(98, 89, 178); position: relative;" >
<div style="position: relative;" >
<div style="padding: 2px; position: relative;"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<div style="position: relative; top: 0px;">
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">'''Interior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="76">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>

<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">Black</td>
<td bgcolor="#1b1b1b" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">White</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
</div>

===Main Competitors===
* [[BMW M3]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class|Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG]]

==Unique Attributes==
This is the first vehicle in the motorsport class to feature an 8-speed automatic transmission.

==Interior==
The interior is similar to the regular IS, but adds carbon fiber panels, F-badging, blue stitching, and a different white interior color is available. The gauges are also modified.

==Criticisms==
The exterior appearance of the IS-F has drawn some criticism from some reviewers.

==Worldwide==
The Lexus IS-F is expected to go on sale in Japan, Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of Asia and the Middle East.

==Design quirks and oddities==
The sloped bulge on the hood is to accomodate the larger 5.0L V8 engine.

==Awards==
TBA

==See Also==
[[Lexus IS]]

==External Links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/isf Lexus.com IS-F official site]

[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]

{{Lexus}}

File:Lexus IS-F interior.jpg

2007-12-03T05:21:02Z

CelsiorFan:

Lexus IS-F

2007-12-03T05:19:28Z

CelsiorFan: /* Factory Options */

{{Infobox |
|Image = [[Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue Metallic.jpg|300px]]
|Marque = Lexus
|aka =
|Production = 2008-
|Class = Compact Luxury Sports Sedan
|Body Style = 4-Door Sedan
|Length = 183.5 in.
|Width = 71.5 in.
|Height = 55.7 in.
|Wheelbase = 107.5 in.
|Weight = 3,780 lbs.
|Transmission = 8-speed Automatic
|Engine = 5.0L V8
|Power = 416 hp <br>371 lb-ft of [[torque]] 
|Similar = [[BMW M3]]
|Designer = Yukihiko Yaguchi
}}
The '''[[Lexus]] IS-F''' is the motorsport version of the successful [[Lexus IS]] series. Launched as a new 2008 model, the Lexus IS-F features a 5.0L V8 engine mated with an 8-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. The IS-F produces 416 hp, and promises a 0-60 time of under 4.9 seconds.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|Lexus IS-F Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
The Lexus IS-F is brand new for 2008.

===Styles and Major Options===
====Factory Options====
[[Image:Lexus IS-F Obsidian.jpg|thumb|400px|right|2008 '''Lexus IS-F''' in Obsidian.]]
[[Image:Lexus IS-F Matador Red Mica.jpg|thumb|400px|right|2008 '''Lexus IS-F''' in Matador Red Mica.]]
* Mark Levinson® Premium Surround-sound System (AM/FM tuner, in-dash 6-DVD/CD changer, 14 speakers, advanced discrete amplifier design with 300 watts continuous power at less than 0.1% THD from 20 to 20,000 Hz, 7.1-channel speaker architecture)
* Lexus DVD Navigation System - 7-inch LCD VGA touch screen, Voice activation
* Rear back-up camera
* Bluetooth®
* Intuitive Park Assist (IPA)
* Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
* Headlamp Cleaner

===Pricing===
Pricing TBA

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |'''MODEL Trims'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''MSRP''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''Invoice''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|}


===Photos===

<gallery>
Image:NM IS FL.jpg|Neiman Marcus Edition IS-F
Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue.JPG|Lexus IS-F
</gallery>

===Colors===
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Exterior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="73">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Obsidian</td>
<td bgcolor="#060607" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Mercury Metallic</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#d0d0d0"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Ultrasonic Blue</td>
<td bgcolor="#0000FF" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Starfire Pearl</td>
<td bgcolor="#fdfaf7" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Matador Red Mica</td>
<td bgcolor="#881b22" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Smoky Granite</td>
<td bgcolor="#717775" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<div style="border-color: rgb(98, 89, 178); position: relative;" >
<div style="position: relative;" >
<div style="padding: 2px; position: relative;"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<div style="position: relative; top: 0px;">
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">'''Interior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="76">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>

<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">Black</td>
<td bgcolor="#1b1b1b" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">White</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
</div>

===Main Competitors===
* [[BMW M3]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class|Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG]]

==Unique Attributes==
This is the first vehicle in the motorsport class to feature an 8-speed automatic transmission.

==Interior==
The interior is similar to the regular IS, but adds carbon fiber panels, F-badging, blue stitching, and a different white interior color is available. The gauges are also modified.

==Criticisms==
The exterior appearance of the IS-F has drawn some criticism from some reviewers.

==Worldwide==
The Lexus IS-F is expected to go on sale in Japan, Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of Asia and the Middle East.

==Design quirks and oddities==
The sloped bulge on the hood is to accomodate the larger 5.0L V8 engine.

==Awards==
TBA

==See Also==
[[Lexus IS]]

==External Links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/isf Lexus.com IS-F official site]

[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]

{{Lexus}}

Lexus IS-F

2007-12-03T05:17:31Z

CelsiorFan:

{{Infobox |
|Image = [[Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue Metallic.jpg|300px]]
|Marque = Lexus
|aka =
|Production = 2008-
|Class = Compact Luxury Sports Sedan
|Body Style = 4-Door Sedan
|Length = 183.5 in.
|Width = 71.5 in.
|Height = 55.7 in.
|Wheelbase = 107.5 in.
|Weight = 3,780 lbs.
|Transmission = 8-speed Automatic
|Engine = 5.0L V8
|Power = 416 hp <br>371 lb-ft of [[torque]] 
|Similar = [[BMW M3]]
|Designer = Yukihiko Yaguchi
}}
The '''[[Lexus]] IS-F''' is the motorsport version of the successful [[Lexus IS]] series. Launched as a new 2008 model, the Lexus IS-F features a 5.0L V8 engine mated with an 8-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. The IS-F produces 416 hp, and promises a 0-60 time of under 4.9 seconds.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|Lexus IS-F Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
The Lexus IS-F is brand new for 2008.

===Styles and Major Options===
====Factory Options====
[[Image:Lexus IS-F Matador Red Mica.jpg|thumb|400px|right|2008 '''Lexus IS-F''' in Matador Red Mica.]]
[[Image:Lexus IS-F Obsidian.jpg|thumb|400px|right|2008 '''Lexus IS-F''' in Obsidian.]]
* Mark Levinson® Premium Surround-sound System (AM/FM tuner, in-dash 6-DVD/CD changer, 14 speakers, advanced discrete amplifier design with 300 watts continuous power at less than 0.1% THD from 20 to 20,000 Hz, 7.1-channel speaker architecture)
* Lexus DVD Navigation System - 7-inch LCD VGA touch screen, Voice activation
* Rear back-up camera
* Bluetooth®
* Intuitive Park Assist (IPA)
* Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
* Headlamp Cleaner

===Pricing===
Pricing TBA

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |'''MODEL Trims'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''MSRP''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''Invoice''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|}


===Photos===

<gallery>
Image:NM IS FL.jpg|Neiman Marcus Edition IS-F
Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue.JPG|Lexus IS-F
</gallery>

===Colors===
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Exterior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="73">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Obsidian</td>
<td bgcolor="#060607" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Mercury Metallic</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#d0d0d0"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Ultrasonic Blue</td>
<td bgcolor="#0000FF" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Starfire Pearl</td>
<td bgcolor="#fdfaf7" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Matador Red Mica</td>
<td bgcolor="#881b22" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Smoky Granite</td>
<td bgcolor="#717775" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<div style="border-color: rgb(98, 89, 178); position: relative;" >
<div style="position: relative;" >
<div style="padding: 2px; position: relative;"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<div style="position: relative; top: 0px;">
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">'''Interior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="76">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>

<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">Black</td>
<td bgcolor="#1b1b1b" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">White</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
</div>

===Main Competitors===
* [[BMW M3]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class|Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG]]

==Unique Attributes==
This is the first vehicle in the motorsport class to feature an 8-speed automatic transmission.

==Interior==
The interior is similar to the regular IS, but adds carbon fiber panels, F-badging, blue stitching, and a different white interior color is available. The gauges are also modified.

==Criticisms==
The exterior appearance of the IS-F has drawn some criticism from some reviewers.

==Worldwide==
The Lexus IS-F is expected to go on sale in Japan, Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of Asia and the Middle East.

==Design quirks and oddities==
The sloped bulge on the hood is to accomodate the larger 5.0L V8 engine.

==Awards==
TBA

==See Also==
[[Lexus IS]]

==External Links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/isf Lexus.com IS-F official site]

[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]

{{Lexus}}

Lexus IS-F

2007-12-03T05:17:12Z

CelsiorFan: /* Factory Options */

{{Infobox |
|Image = [[Image:Lexus IS-F Matador Red Mica.jpg|300px]]
|Marque = Lexus
|aka =
|Production = 2008-
|Class = Compact Luxury Sports Sedan
|Body Style = 4-Door Sedan
|Length = 183.5 in.
|Width = 71.5 in.
|Height = 55.7 in.
|Wheelbase = 107.5 in.
|Weight = 3,780 lbs.
|Transmission = 8-speed Automatic
|Engine = 5.0L V8
|Power = 416 hp <br>371 lb-ft of [[torque]] 
|Similar = [[BMW M3]]
|Designer = Yukihiko Yaguchi
}}
The '''[[Lexus]] IS-F''' is the motorsport version of the successful [[Lexus IS]] series. Launched as a new 2008 model, the Lexus IS-F features a 5.0L V8 engine mated with an 8-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. The IS-F produces 416 hp, and promises a 0-60 time of under 4.9 seconds.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|Lexus IS-F Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
The Lexus IS-F is brand new for 2008.

===Styles and Major Options===
====Factory Options====
[[Image:Lexus IS-F Matador Red Mica.jpg|thumb|400px|right|2008 '''Lexus IS-F''' in Matador Red Mica.]]
[[Image:Lexus IS-F Obsidian.jpg|thumb|400px|right|2008 '''Lexus IS-F''' in Obsidian.]]
* Mark Levinson® Premium Surround-sound System (AM/FM tuner, in-dash 6-DVD/CD changer, 14 speakers, advanced discrete amplifier design with 300 watts continuous power at less than 0.1% THD from 20 to 20,000 Hz, 7.1-channel speaker architecture)
* Lexus DVD Navigation System - 7-inch LCD VGA touch screen, Voice activation
* Rear back-up camera
* Bluetooth®
* Intuitive Park Assist (IPA)
* Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
* Headlamp Cleaner

===Pricing===
Pricing TBA

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |'''MODEL Trims'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''MSRP''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''Invoice''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|}


===Photos===

<gallery>
Image:NM IS FL.jpg|Neiman Marcus Edition IS-F
Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue.JPG|Lexus IS-F
</gallery>

===Colors===
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Exterior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="73">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Obsidian</td>
<td bgcolor="#060607" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Mercury Metallic</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#d0d0d0"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Ultrasonic Blue</td>
<td bgcolor="#0000FF" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Starfire Pearl</td>
<td bgcolor="#fdfaf7" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Matador Red Mica</td>
<td bgcolor="#881b22" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Smoky Granite</td>
<td bgcolor="#717775" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<div style="border-color: rgb(98, 89, 178); position: relative;" >
<div style="position: relative;" >
<div style="padding: 2px; position: relative;"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<div style="position: relative; top: 0px;">
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">'''Interior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="76">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>

<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">Black</td>
<td bgcolor="#1b1b1b" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">White</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
</div>

===Main Competitors===
* [[BMW M3]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class|Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG]]

==Unique Attributes==
This is the first vehicle in the motorsport class to feature an 8-speed automatic transmission.

==Interior==
The interior is similar to the regular IS, but adds carbon fiber panels, F-badging, blue stitching, and a different white interior color is available. The gauges are also modified.

==Criticisms==
The exterior appearance of the IS-F has drawn some criticism from some reviewers.

==Worldwide==
The Lexus IS-F is expected to go on sale in Japan, Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of Asia and the Middle East.

==Design quirks and oddities==
The sloped bulge on the hood is to accomodate the larger 5.0L V8 engine.

==Awards==
TBA

==See Also==
[[Lexus IS]]

==External Links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/isf Lexus.com IS-F official site]

[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]

{{Lexus}}

Lexus IS-F

2007-12-03T05:16:20Z

CelsiorFan:

{{Infobox |
|Image = [[Image:Lexus IS-F Matador Red Mica.jpg|300px]]
|Marque = Lexus
|aka =
|Production = 2008-
|Class = Compact Luxury Sports Sedan
|Body Style = 4-Door Sedan
|Length = 183.5 in.
|Width = 71.5 in.
|Height = 55.7 in.
|Wheelbase = 107.5 in.
|Weight = 3,780 lbs.
|Transmission = 8-speed Automatic
|Engine = 5.0L V8
|Power = 416 hp <br>371 lb-ft of [[torque]] 
|Similar = [[BMW M3]]
|Designer = Yukihiko Yaguchi
}}
The '''[[Lexus]] IS-F''' is the motorsport version of the successful [[Lexus IS]] series. Launched as a new 2008 model, the Lexus IS-F features a 5.0L V8 engine mated with an 8-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. The IS-F produces 416 hp, and promises a 0-60 time of under 4.9 seconds.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|Lexus IS-F Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
The Lexus IS-F is brand new for 2008.

===Styles and Major Options===
====Factory Options====
[[Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue Metallic.jpg|thumb|400px|right|2008 '''Lexus IS-F''' in Ultrasonic Blue.]]
* Mark Levinson® Premium Surround-sound System (AM/FM tuner, in-dash 6-DVD/CD changer, 14 speakers, advanced discrete amplifier design with 300 watts continuous power at less than 0.1% THD from 20 to 20,000 Hz, 7.1-channel speaker architecture)
* Lexus DVD Navigation System - 7-inch LCD VGA touch screen, Voice activation
* Rear back-up camera
* Bluetooth®
* Intuitive Park Assist (IPA)
* Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
* Headlamp Cleaner

===Pricing===
Pricing TBA

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |'''MODEL Trims'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''MSRP''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''Invoice''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|}


===Photos===

<gallery>
Image:NM IS FL.jpg|Neiman Marcus Edition IS-F
Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue.JPG|Lexus IS-F
</gallery>

===Colors===
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Exterior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="73">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Obsidian</td>
<td bgcolor="#060607" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Mercury Metallic</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#d0d0d0"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Ultrasonic Blue</td>
<td bgcolor="#0000FF" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Starfire Pearl</td>
<td bgcolor="#fdfaf7" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Matador Red Mica</td>
<td bgcolor="#881b22" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Smoky Granite</td>
<td bgcolor="#717775" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<div style="border-color: rgb(98, 89, 178); position: relative;" >
<div style="position: relative;" >
<div style="padding: 2px; position: relative;"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<div style="position: relative; top: 0px;">
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">'''Interior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="76">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>

<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">Black</td>
<td bgcolor="#1b1b1b" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">White</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
</div>

===Main Competitors===
* [[BMW M3]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class|Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG]]

==Unique Attributes==
This is the first vehicle in the motorsport class to feature an 8-speed automatic transmission.

==Interior==
The interior is similar to the regular IS, but adds carbon fiber panels, F-badging, blue stitching, and a different white interior color is available. The gauges are also modified.

==Criticisms==
The exterior appearance of the IS-F has drawn some criticism from some reviewers.

==Worldwide==
The Lexus IS-F is expected to go on sale in Japan, Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of Asia and the Middle East.

==Design quirks and oddities==
The sloped bulge on the hood is to accomodate the larger 5.0L V8 engine.

==Awards==
TBA

==See Also==
[[Lexus IS]]

==External Links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/isf Lexus.com IS-F official site]

[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]

{{Lexus}}

File:Lexus IS-F Matador Red Mica.jpg

2007-12-03T05:14:22Z

CelsiorFan:

Lexus IS-F

2007-12-03T05:13:37Z

CelsiorFan: /* Factory Options */

{{Infobox |
|Image = [[Image:Lexus IS-F Obsidian.jpg|300px]]
|Marque = Lexus
|aka =
|Production = 2008-
|Class = Compact Luxury Sports Sedan
|Body Style = 4-Door Sedan
|Length = 183.5 in.
|Width = 71.5 in.
|Height = 55.7 in.
|Wheelbase = 107.5 in.
|Weight = 3,780 lbs.
|Transmission = 8-speed Automatic
|Engine = 5.0L V8
|Power = 416 hp <br>371 lb-ft of [[torque]] 
|Similar = [[BMW M3]]
|Designer = Yukihiko Yaguchi
}}
The '''[[Lexus]] IS-F''' is the motorsport version of the successful [[Lexus IS]] series. Launched as a new 2008 model, the Lexus IS-F features a 5.0L V8 engine mated with an 8-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. The IS-F produces 416 hp, and promises a 0-60 time of under 4.9 seconds.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|Lexus IS-F Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
The Lexus IS-F is brand new for 2008.

===Styles and Major Options===
====Factory Options====
[[Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue Metallic.jpg|thumb|400px|right|2008 '''Lexus IS-F''' in Ultrasonic Blue.]]
* Mark Levinson® Premium Surround-sound System (AM/FM tuner, in-dash 6-DVD/CD changer, 14 speakers, advanced discrete amplifier design with 300 watts continuous power at less than 0.1% THD from 20 to 20,000 Hz, 7.1-channel speaker architecture)
* Lexus DVD Navigation System - 7-inch LCD VGA touch screen, Voice activation
* Rear back-up camera
* Bluetooth®
* Intuitive Park Assist (IPA)
* Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
* Headlamp Cleaner

===Pricing===
Pricing TBA

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |'''MODEL Trims'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''MSRP''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''Invoice''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|}


===Photos===

<gallery>
Image:NM IS FL.jpg|Neiman Marcus Edition IS-F
Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue.JPG|Lexus IS-F
</gallery>

===Colors===
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Exterior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="73">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Obsidian</td>
<td bgcolor="#060607" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Mercury Metallic</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#d0d0d0"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Ultrasonic Blue</td>
<td bgcolor="#0000FF" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Starfire Pearl</td>
<td bgcolor="#fdfaf7" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Matador Red Mica</td>
<td bgcolor="#881b22" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Smoky Granite</td>
<td bgcolor="#717775" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<div style="border-color: rgb(98, 89, 178); position: relative;" >
<div style="position: relative;" >
<div style="padding: 2px; position: relative;"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<div style="position: relative; top: 0px;">
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">'''Interior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="76">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>

<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">Black</td>
<td bgcolor="#1b1b1b" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">White</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
</div>

===Main Competitors===
* [[BMW M3]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class|Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG]]

==Unique Attributes==
This is the first vehicle in the motorsport class to feature an 8-speed automatic transmission.

==Interior==
The interior is similar to the regular IS, but adds carbon fiber panels, F-badging, blue stitching, and a different white interior color is available. The gauges are also modified.

==Criticisms==
The exterior appearance of the IS-F has drawn some criticism from some reviewers.

==Worldwide==
The Lexus IS-F is expected to go on sale in Japan, Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of Asia and the Middle East.

==Design quirks and oddities==
The sloped bulge on the hood is to accomodate the larger 5.0L V8 engine.

==Awards==
TBA

==See Also==
[[Lexus IS]]

==External Links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/isf Lexus.com IS-F official site]

[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]

{{Lexus}}

Lexus IS-F

2007-12-03T05:13:13Z

CelsiorFan: /* Factory Options */

{{Infobox |
|Image = [[Image:Lexus IS-F Obsidian.jpg|300px]]
|Marque = Lexus
|aka =
|Production = 2008-
|Class = Compact Luxury Sports Sedan
|Body Style = 4-Door Sedan
|Length = 183.5 in.
|Width = 71.5 in.
|Height = 55.7 in.
|Wheelbase = 107.5 in.
|Weight = 3,780 lbs.
|Transmission = 8-speed Automatic
|Engine = 5.0L V8
|Power = 416 hp <br>371 lb-ft of [[torque]] 
|Similar = [[BMW M3]]
|Designer = Yukihiko Yaguchi
}}
The '''[[Lexus]] IS-F''' is the motorsport version of the successful [[Lexus IS]] series. Launched as a new 2008 model, the Lexus IS-F features a 5.0L V8 engine mated with an 8-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. The IS-F produces 416 hp, and promises a 0-60 time of under 4.9 seconds.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|Lexus IS-F Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
The Lexus IS-F is brand new for 2008.

===Styles and Major Options===
====Factory Options====
[[Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue Metallic.jpg|thumb|400px|right]]
* Mark Levinson® Premium Surround-sound System (AM/FM tuner, in-dash 6-DVD/CD changer, 14 speakers, advanced discrete amplifier design with 300 watts continuous power at less than 0.1% THD from 20 to 20,000 Hz, 7.1-channel speaker architecture)
* Lexus DVD Navigation System - 7-inch LCD VGA touch screen, Voice activation
* Rear back-up camera
* Bluetooth®
* Intuitive Park Assist (IPA)
* Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
* Headlamp Cleaner

===Pricing===
Pricing TBA

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |'''MODEL Trims'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''MSRP''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''Invoice''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|}


===Photos===

<gallery>
Image:NM IS FL.jpg|Neiman Marcus Edition IS-F
Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue.JPG|Lexus IS-F
</gallery>

===Colors===
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Exterior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="73">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Obsidian</td>
<td bgcolor="#060607" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Mercury Metallic</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#d0d0d0"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Ultrasonic Blue</td>
<td bgcolor="#0000FF" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Starfire Pearl</td>
<td bgcolor="#fdfaf7" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Matador Red Mica</td>
<td bgcolor="#881b22" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Smoky Granite</td>
<td bgcolor="#717775" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<div style="border-color: rgb(98, 89, 178); position: relative;" >
<div style="position: relative;" >
<div style="padding: 2px; position: relative;"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<div style="position: relative; top: 0px;">
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">'''Interior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="76">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>

<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">Black</td>
<td bgcolor="#1b1b1b" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">White</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
</div>

===Main Competitors===
* [[BMW M3]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class|Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG]]

==Unique Attributes==
This is the first vehicle in the motorsport class to feature an 8-speed automatic transmission.

==Interior==
The interior is similar to the regular IS, but adds carbon fiber panels, F-badging, blue stitching, and a different white interior color is available. The gauges are also modified.

==Criticisms==
The exterior appearance of the IS-F has drawn some criticism from some reviewers.

==Worldwide==
The Lexus IS-F is expected to go on sale in Japan, Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of Asia and the Middle East.

==Design quirks and oddities==
The sloped bulge on the hood is to accomodate the larger 5.0L V8 engine.

==Awards==
TBA

==See Also==
[[Lexus IS]]

==External Links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/isf Lexus.com IS-F official site]

[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]

{{Lexus}}

Lexus IS-F

2007-12-03T05:12:38Z

CelsiorFan: /* Photos */

{{Infobox |
|Image = [[Image:Lexus IS-F Obsidian.jpg|300px]]
|Marque = Lexus
|aka =
|Production = 2008-
|Class = Compact Luxury Sports Sedan
|Body Style = 4-Door Sedan
|Length = 183.5 in.
|Width = 71.5 in.
|Height = 55.7 in.
|Wheelbase = 107.5 in.
|Weight = 3,780 lbs.
|Transmission = 8-speed Automatic
|Engine = 5.0L V8
|Power = 416 hp <br>371 lb-ft of [[torque]] 
|Similar = [[BMW M3]]
|Designer = Yukihiko Yaguchi
}}
The '''[[Lexus]] IS-F''' is the motorsport version of the successful [[Lexus IS]] series. Launched as a new 2008 model, the Lexus IS-F features a 5.0L V8 engine mated with an 8-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. The IS-F produces 416 hp, and promises a 0-60 time of under 4.9 seconds.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|Lexus IS-F Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
The Lexus IS-F is brand new for 2008.

===Styles and Major Options===
====Factory Options====
* Mark Levinson® Premium Surround-sound System (AM/FM tuner, in-dash 6-DVD/CD changer, 14 speakers, advanced discrete amplifier design with 300 watts continuous power at less than 0.1% THD from 20 to 20,000 Hz, 7.1-channel speaker architecture)
* Lexus DVD Navigation System - 7-inch LCD VGA touch screen, Voice activation
* Rear back-up camera
* Bluetooth®
* Intuitive Park Assist (IPA)
* Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
* Headlamp Cleaner

===Pricing===
Pricing TBA

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |'''MODEL Trims'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''MSRP''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''Invoice''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|}


===Photos===

<gallery>
Image:NM IS FL.jpg|Neiman Marcus Edition IS-F
Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue.JPG|Lexus IS-F
</gallery>

===Colors===
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Exterior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="73">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Obsidian</td>
<td bgcolor="#060607" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Mercury Metallic</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#d0d0d0"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Ultrasonic Blue</td>
<td bgcolor="#0000FF" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Starfire Pearl</td>
<td bgcolor="#fdfaf7" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Matador Red Mica</td>
<td bgcolor="#881b22" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Smoky Granite</td>
<td bgcolor="#717775" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<div style="border-color: rgb(98, 89, 178); position: relative;" >
<div style="position: relative;" >
<div style="padding: 2px; position: relative;"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<div style="position: relative; top: 0px;">
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">'''Interior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="76">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>

<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">Black</td>
<td bgcolor="#1b1b1b" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">White</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
</div>

===Main Competitors===
* [[BMW M3]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class|Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG]]

==Unique Attributes==
This is the first vehicle in the motorsport class to feature an 8-speed automatic transmission.

==Interior==
The interior is similar to the regular IS, but adds carbon fiber panels, F-badging, blue stitching, and a different white interior color is available. The gauges are also modified.

==Criticisms==
The exterior appearance of the IS-F has drawn some criticism from some reviewers.

==Worldwide==
The Lexus IS-F is expected to go on sale in Japan, Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of Asia and the Middle East.

==Design quirks and oddities==
The sloped bulge on the hood is to accomodate the larger 5.0L V8 engine.

==Awards==
TBA

==See Also==
[[Lexus IS]]

==External Links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/isf Lexus.com IS-F official site]

[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]

{{Lexus}}

Lexus IS-F

2007-12-03T05:10:37Z

CelsiorFan: /* External Links */

{{Infobox |
|Image = [[Image:Lexus IS-F Obsidian.jpg|300px]]
|Marque = Lexus
|aka =
|Production = 2008-
|Class = Compact Luxury Sports Sedan
|Body Style = 4-Door Sedan
|Length = 183.5 in.
|Width = 71.5 in.
|Height = 55.7 in.
|Wheelbase = 107.5 in.
|Weight = 3,780 lbs.
|Transmission = 8-speed Automatic
|Engine = 5.0L V8
|Power = 416 hp <br>371 lb-ft of [[torque]] 
|Similar = [[BMW M3]]
|Designer = Yukihiko Yaguchi
}}
The '''[[Lexus]] IS-F''' is the motorsport version of the successful [[Lexus IS]] series. Launched as a new 2008 model, the Lexus IS-F features a 5.0L V8 engine mated with an 8-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. The IS-F produces 416 hp, and promises a 0-60 time of under 4.9 seconds.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|Lexus IS-F Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
The Lexus IS-F is brand new for 2008.

===Styles and Major Options===
====Factory Options====
* Mark Levinson® Premium Surround-sound System (AM/FM tuner, in-dash 6-DVD/CD changer, 14 speakers, advanced discrete amplifier design with 300 watts continuous power at less than 0.1% THD from 20 to 20,000 Hz, 7.1-channel speaker architecture)
* Lexus DVD Navigation System - 7-inch LCD VGA touch screen, Voice activation
* Rear back-up camera
* Bluetooth®
* Intuitive Park Assist (IPA)
* Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
* Headlamp Cleaner

===Pricing===
Pricing TBA

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |'''MODEL Trims'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''MSRP''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''Invoice''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|}


===Photos===

<gallery>
Image:NM IS FL.jpg|Neiman Marcus Edition IS-F
Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue Metallic.jpg|Lexus IS-F
</gallery>

===Colors===
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Exterior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="73">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Obsidian</td>
<td bgcolor="#060607" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Mercury Metallic</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#d0d0d0"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Ultrasonic Blue</td>
<td bgcolor="#0000FF" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Starfire Pearl</td>
<td bgcolor="#fdfaf7" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Matador Red Mica</td>
<td bgcolor="#881b22" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Smoky Granite</td>
<td bgcolor="#717775" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<div style="border-color: rgb(98, 89, 178); position: relative;" >
<div style="position: relative;" >
<div style="padding: 2px; position: relative;"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<div style="position: relative; top: 0px;">
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">'''Interior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="76">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>

<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">Black</td>
<td bgcolor="#1b1b1b" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">White</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
</div>

===Main Competitors===
* [[BMW M3]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class|Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG]]

==Unique Attributes==
This is the first vehicle in the motorsport class to feature an 8-speed automatic transmission.

==Interior==
The interior is similar to the regular IS, but adds carbon fiber panels, F-badging, blue stitching, and a different white interior color is available. The gauges are also modified.

==Criticisms==
The exterior appearance of the IS-F has drawn some criticism from some reviewers.

==Worldwide==
The Lexus IS-F is expected to go on sale in Japan, Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of Asia and the Middle East.

==Design quirks and oddities==
The sloped bulge on the hood is to accomodate the larger 5.0L V8 engine.

==Awards==
TBA

==See Also==
[[Lexus IS]]

==External Links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/isf Lexus.com IS-F official site]

[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]

{{Lexus}}

Lexus IS-F

2007-12-03T05:09:54Z

CelsiorFan: /* Photos */

{{Infobox |
|Image = [[Image:Lexus IS-F Obsidian.jpg|300px]]
|Marque = Lexus
|aka =
|Production = 2008-
|Class = Compact Luxury Sports Sedan
|Body Style = 4-Door Sedan
|Length = 183.5 in.
|Width = 71.5 in.
|Height = 55.7 in.
|Wheelbase = 107.5 in.
|Weight = 3,780 lbs.
|Transmission = 8-speed Automatic
|Engine = 5.0L V8
|Power = 416 hp <br>371 lb-ft of [[torque]] 
|Similar = [[BMW M3]]
|Designer = Yukihiko Yaguchi
}}
The '''[[Lexus]] IS-F''' is the motorsport version of the successful [[Lexus IS]] series. Launched as a new 2008 model, the Lexus IS-F features a 5.0L V8 engine mated with an 8-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. The IS-F produces 416 hp, and promises a 0-60 time of under 4.9 seconds.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|Lexus IS-F Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
The Lexus IS-F is brand new for 2008.

===Styles and Major Options===
====Factory Options====
* Mark Levinson® Premium Surround-sound System (AM/FM tuner, in-dash 6-DVD/CD changer, 14 speakers, advanced discrete amplifier design with 300 watts continuous power at less than 0.1% THD from 20 to 20,000 Hz, 7.1-channel speaker architecture)
* Lexus DVD Navigation System - 7-inch LCD VGA touch screen, Voice activation
* Rear back-up camera
* Bluetooth®
* Intuitive Park Assist (IPA)
* Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
* Headlamp Cleaner

===Pricing===
Pricing TBA

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |'''MODEL Trims'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''MSRP''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''Invoice''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|}


===Photos===

<gallery>
Image:NM IS FL.jpg|Neiman Marcus Edition IS-F
Image:Lexus IS-F Ultrasonic Blue Metallic.jpg|Lexus IS-F
</gallery>

===Colors===
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Exterior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="73">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Obsidian</td>
<td bgcolor="#060607" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Mercury Metallic</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#d0d0d0"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Ultrasonic Blue</td>
<td bgcolor="#0000FF" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Starfire Pearl</td>
<td bgcolor="#fdfaf7" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Matador Red Mica</td>
<td bgcolor="#881b22" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Smoky Granite</td>
<td bgcolor="#717775" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<div style="border-color: rgb(98, 89, 178); position: relative;" >
<div style="position: relative;" >
<div style="padding: 2px; position: relative;"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<div style="position: relative; top: 0px;">
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">'''Interior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="76">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>

<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">Black</td>
<td bgcolor="#1b1b1b" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">White</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
</div>

===Main Competitors===
* [[BMW M3]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class|Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG]]

==Unique Attributes==
This is the first vehicle in the motorsport class to feature an 8-speed automatic transmission.

==Interior==
The interior is similar to the regular IS, but adds carbon fiber panels, F-badging, blue stitching, and a different white interior color is available. The gauges are also modified.

==Criticisms==
The exterior appearance of the IS-F has drawn some criticism from some reviewers.

==Worldwide==
The Lexus IS-F is expected to go on sale in Japan, Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of Asia and the Middle East.

==Design quirks and oddities==
The sloped bulge on the hood is to accomodate the larger 5.0L V8 engine.

==Awards==
TBA

==See Also==
[[Lexus IS]]

==External Links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/isf Lexus.com IS-F official site]

[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]

Lexus IS-F

2007-12-03T05:09:19Z

CelsiorFan:

{{Infobox |
|Image = [[Image:Lexus IS-F Obsidian.jpg|300px]]
|Marque = Lexus
|aka =
|Production = 2008-
|Class = Compact Luxury Sports Sedan
|Body Style = 4-Door Sedan
|Length = 183.5 in.
|Width = 71.5 in.
|Height = 55.7 in.
|Wheelbase = 107.5 in.
|Weight = 3,780 lbs.
|Transmission = 8-speed Automatic
|Engine = 5.0L V8
|Power = 416 hp <br>371 lb-ft of [[torque]] 
|Similar = [[BMW M3]]
|Designer = Yukihiko Yaguchi
}}
The '''[[Lexus]] IS-F''' is the motorsport version of the successful [[Lexus IS]] series. Launched as a new 2008 model, the Lexus IS-F features a 5.0L V8 engine mated with an 8-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. The IS-F produces 416 hp, and promises a 0-60 time of under 4.9 seconds.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|Lexus IS-F Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
The Lexus IS-F is brand new for 2008.

===Styles and Major Options===
====Factory Options====
* Mark Levinson® Premium Surround-sound System (AM/FM tuner, in-dash 6-DVD/CD changer, 14 speakers, advanced discrete amplifier design with 300 watts continuous power at less than 0.1% THD from 20 to 20,000 Hz, 7.1-channel speaker architecture)
* Lexus DVD Navigation System - 7-inch LCD VGA touch screen, Voice activation
* Rear back-up camera
* Bluetooth®
* Intuitive Park Assist (IPA)
* Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
* Headlamp Cleaner

===Pricing===
Pricing TBA

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |'''MODEL Trims'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''MSRP''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''Invoice''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|}


===Photos===

<gallery>
</gallery>

===Colors===
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Exterior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="73">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Obsidian</td>
<td bgcolor="#060607" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Mercury Metallic</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#d0d0d0"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Ultrasonic Blue</td>
<td bgcolor="#0000FF" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Starfire Pearl</td>
<td bgcolor="#fdfaf7" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Matador Red Mica</td>
<td bgcolor="#881b22" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Smoky Granite</td>
<td bgcolor="#717775" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<div style="border-color: rgb(98, 89, 178); position: relative;" >
<div style="position: relative;" >
<div style="padding: 2px; position: relative;"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<div style="position: relative; top: 0px;">
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">'''Interior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="76">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>

<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">Black</td>
<td bgcolor="#1b1b1b" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">White</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
</div>

===Main Competitors===
* [[BMW M3]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class|Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG]]

==Unique Attributes==
This is the first vehicle in the motorsport class to feature an 8-speed automatic transmission.

==Interior==
The interior is similar to the regular IS, but adds carbon fiber panels, F-badging, blue stitching, and a different white interior color is available. The gauges are also modified.

==Criticisms==
The exterior appearance of the IS-F has drawn some criticism from some reviewers.

==Worldwide==
The Lexus IS-F is expected to go on sale in Japan, Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of Asia and the Middle East.

==Design quirks and oddities==
The sloped bulge on the hood is to accomodate the larger 5.0L V8 engine.

==Awards==
TBA

==See Also==
[[Lexus IS]]

==External Links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/isf Lexus.com IS-F official site]

[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]

File:Lexus IS-F Obsidian.jpg

2007-12-03T05:08:22Z

CelsiorFan:

Lexus IS-F

2007-12-03T05:07:24Z

CelsiorFan:

{{Infobox |
|Image = '''place image here in 300 pixels'''
|Marque = Lexus
|aka =
|Production = 2008-
|Class = Compact Luxury Sports Sedan
|Body Style = 4-Door Sedan
|Length = 183.5 in.
|Width = 71.5 in.
|Height = 55.7 in.
|Wheelbase = 107.5 in.
|Weight = 3,780 lbs.
|Transmission = 8-speed Automatic
|Engine = 5.0L V8
|Power = 416 hp <br>371 lb-ft of [[torque]] 
|Similar = [[BMW M3]]
|Designer = Yukihiko Yaguchi
}}

The '''[[Lexus]] IS-F''' is the motorsport version of the successful [[Lexus IS]] series. Launched as a new 2008 model, the Lexus IS-F features a 5.0L V8 engine mated with an 8-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. The IS-F produces 416 hp, and promises a 0-60 time of under 4.9 seconds.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|Lexus IS-F Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
The Lexus IS-F is brand new for 2008.

===Styles and Major Options===
====Factory Options====
* Mark Levinson® Premium Surround-sound System (AM/FM tuner, in-dash 6-DVD/CD changer, 14 speakers, advanced discrete amplifier design with 300 watts continuous power at less than 0.1% THD from 20 to 20,000 Hz, 7.1-channel speaker architecture)
* Lexus DVD Navigation System - 7-inch LCD VGA touch screen, Voice activation
* Rear back-up camera
* Bluetooth®
* Intuitive Park Assist (IPA)
* Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
* Headlamp Cleaner

===Pricing===
Pricing TBA

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |'''MODEL Trims'''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''MSRP''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
! colspan=4 |''Invoice''
|-
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
|}


===Photos===

<gallery>
</gallery>

===Colors===
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Exterior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="73">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Obsidian</td>
<td bgcolor="#060607" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Mercury Metallic</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#d0d0d0"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Ultrasonic Blue</td>
<td bgcolor="#0000FF" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Starfire Pearl</td>
<td bgcolor="#fdfaf7" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Matador Red Mica</td>
<td bgcolor="#881b22" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Smoky Granite</td>
<td bgcolor="#717775" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<div style="border-color: rgb(98, 89, 178); position: relative;" >
<div style="position: relative;" >
<div style="padding: 2px; position: relative;"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<div style="position: relative; top: 0px;">
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">'''Interior Colors'''</td>
<td height="20" width="76">'''Base'''</td>
</tr>
</table>

<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">Black</td>
<td bgcolor="#1b1b1b" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="140">White</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="76"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
</div>

===Main Competitors===
* [[BMW M3]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class|Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG]]

==Unique Attributes==
This is the first vehicle in the motorsport class to feature an 8-speed automatic transmission.

==Interior==
The interior is similar to the regular IS, but adds carbon fiber panels, F-badging, blue stitching, and a different white interior color is available. The gauges are also modified.

==Criticisms==
The exterior appearance of the IS-F has drawn some criticism from some reviewers.

==Worldwide==
The Lexus IS-F is expected to go on sale in Japan, Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of Asia and the Middle East.

==Design quirks and oddities==
The sloped bulge on the hood is to accomodate the larger 5.0L V8 engine.

==Awards==
TBA

==See Also==
[[Lexus IS]]

==External Links==
* [http://www.lexus.com/isf Lexus.com IS-F official site]

[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]

Template:Lexus

2007-12-03T04:26:39Z

CelsiorFan:

{{Automotive navigational box |
|Image = [[Image:Lexus RX 400h 2006.jpg|170px]]
|Marque = [[Lexus|LEXUS]]
|1 = {{Toyota Motor Corporation}}
|Body = '''Current'''

<small>'''Cars:'''</small> [[Lexus IS|IS 250/350]] · [[Lexus IS-F|IS-F]] · [[Lexus ES|ES 350]] · [[Lexus GS|GS 300/430/450h]] · [[Lexus LS|LS 460/460L]] · [[Lexus LS 600h L|LS 600h/600hL]] · [[Lexus SC|SC 430]]

<small>'''SUVs:'''</small> [[Lexus RX|RX 330/350/400h]] · [[Lexus GX 470|GX 470]] · [[Lexus LX|LX 470]] · [[Lexus LX|LX 570]]

<small>'''Hybrid:'''</small> [[Lexus RX 400h|RX 400h]] · [[Lexus GS 450h|GS 450h]]

'''Historic'''

<small>'''Cars:'''</small> [[Lexus IS#First Generation/Origins|IS 200/300]] · [[Lexus ES|ES 250/300/330]] · [[Lexus GS|GS 300/400/430]] · [[Lexus LS|LS 400/430]] · [[Lexus SC|SC 300/400]]

<small>'''SUVs:'''</small> [[Lexus RX|RX 300]] · [[Lexus LX|LX 450]]

'''Concept Vehicles'''

<small></small> [[Lexus LF-A|LF-A]] · [[Lexus LF#LF-C|LF-C]] · [[Lexus LF#LF-S|LF-S]] · [[Lexus LF#LF-Sh|LF-Sh]] · [[Lexus LF#LF-X|LF-X]] · [[Lexus LF-Xh Concept|LF-Xh]]
|Notables = [[List of Toyota engines|Engines]] · [[List of Toyota transmissions|Transmissions]]
|edit = Template:Lexus
|Founder/s = [[Toyota]]
|Corporate website = [http://www.lexus.com/ Corporate website]
|Parent =''[[Toyota|A division of the Toyota Motor Corporation]]''
}}
<noinclude>
[[Category:Automotive navigational boxes|{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Templates|{{PAGENAME}}]]
</noinclude>