Lexus LFA

The Lexus LFA is a 2-seat exotic sports coupe produced by Lexus as a concept car, "halo" vehicle, racing prototype, and production model.It is the second model in the F marque line of performance vehicles from Lexus, following the IS F. Three concept versions have been shown, each debuting at the North American International Auto Show with the LF-A designation as part of the LF Series concept line. The first LF-A concept premiered in 2005, followed in 2007 by a second LF-A with a more completely furnished interior and exterior. The third version of the LF-A, a roadster model, premiered in 2008. The production model, trademarked LFA, was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2009. The production Lexus LFA features a new V10 engine and a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) body. CFRP materials account for 65 percent of the LFA's body composition by mass. The LFA went into production in late 2010, with a projected run of 500 vehicles at the base price of US$375,000. A circuit-tuned variant is scheduled for 2012. 

Lexus GS 460

The 2010 Lexus GS 350 and Lexus GS 460 deliver a unique combination of luxury and sport performance to the Lexus vehicle lineup. Several technology enhancements continue to keep GS models at the top of their segment for 2010.

To further enhance the driving experience, iPod®/USB connectivity, streaming audio via Bluetooth® and an integrated XM® satellite radio receiver are added to the standard Lexus Premium Sound System. The optional Lexus Navigation system has been updated with Voice Command casual-language voice recognition and Bluetooth® phonebook download capability. The navigation system also comes with integrated XM® NavTraffic/Weather capability and includes a complimentary 90-day trial subscription. Finally, two all-new telematics products are available with a complimentary one-year trial subscription. Safety Connect™ is standard on non-navigation equipped vehicles. Lexus Enform™, which automatically comes with Safety Connect, is only available with navigation-equipped vehicles.

New exterior colors are offered to complement the advanced technology added to the 2010 GS 350 and GS 460. Deep Sea Mica replaces Black Sapphire Pearl and Satin Cashmere Metallic replaces Golden Almond Metallic. In addition, Parchment leather interior takes the place of Cashmere. Continuing its commitment to passenger safety, Lexus now offers active front headrests standard on 2010 Lexus GS 350 and Lexus GS 460 models.

The GS gas luxury sport sedan comes in three models - GS 350 RWD, GS 350 AWD and GS 460 RWD. Optimized for low internal friction, the GS 350's 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 303 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 274 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,600 rpm. A direct fuel-injection system provides much finer fuel-mixture control to improve both power and fuel efficiency. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) acts on both intake and exhaust valves to further enhance performance through a wide rpm range. A smooth-shifting six-speed transmission allows sequential shifting when desired.

The Lexus GS 460's V8 produces 342 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 339 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,100 rpm. The GS 460, like the Lexus GS 350, meets the EPA's Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II) certification. Lexus has been setting standards for powertrain smoothness since its inception, and the GS 460's V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission continue that tradition. The transmission, like the six-speed automatic in the Lexus GS 350 models, allows manual shifting for a more engaging driving experience, and helps to maximize performance in certain driving situations. The Lexus GS 460 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, the Lexus GS 350 in 5.7 (5.8 for AWD).

Lexus GS 450h

Based on the GS platform and featuring Lexus Hybrid Drive technology, the Lexus GS 450h offers V8-like performance with greater fuel efficiency. In addition to boosting performance and fuel efficiency while lowering emissions, Lexus Hybrid Drive technology also further accentuates the brand's renowned smooth, quiet operation. A full hybrid, the Lexus GS 450h is capable of operating in gas-only or electric-only modes, or a combination of the two. With its unique transmission, the Lexus GS 450h was the first hybrid vehicle to enable the electric drive motor to contribute to highway performance, not just slow-speed driving.

The Lexus GS 450h model's version of the Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain combines a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine with a compact, permanent magnet electric motor - all driving the rear wheels. The hybrid powertrain collectively produces 340 horsepower and can effortlessly accelerate the Lexus GS 450h from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.2 seconds.

Just as impressive as the Lexus GS 450h's acceleration from a stop is how quickly and powerfully torque is delivered during mid-range acceleration. The hybrid system's electric-drive motor delivers maximum torque immediately upon demand. This unique power-delivery characteristic is most noticeable, and most useful, during 30-to-50 mph passing and in traffic-merging maneuvers. The Lexus GS 450h returns EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg city/25 highway/23 combined and is certified as a Super-Low Emissions Vehicle II (SULEV II).

One of a new generation of Lexus engines, the gasoline V6 uses an Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i) and a dual fuel-injection system that combines the benefits of direct injection with those of port injection. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) operates on the intake and exhaust valves to further enhance power and torque across a broad engine speed range.

The Lexus GS 450h hybrid powertrain uses two motor-generators, MG1 and MG2 (the drive motor). Each performs specific functions and can operate as both a motor and a generator, although MG1 is used as a starter motor and provides no motive force. The engine-driven generator (MG1) can charge the battery pack or provide additional power to MG2 as needed.

A 288-volt DC Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack is installed behind the rear seat area. The battery's power is directed through a "boost converter" that can efficiently raise voltage to a maximum 650V DC. An inverter changes this to AC, providing its elevated power to the 147-kW electric motor, which turns as high as 14,400 rpm. A 12-volt auxiliary battery powers various vehicle systems, including audio and navigation.

Power from the gas engine and MG2 is distributed to the rear drive wheels via a planetary gear-type Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT). This special transmission, which eliminates specific gear ratios, features a two-speed torque-multiplication device that allows drivers to select from among three driving modes: Power, Normal and Snow. "Normal" provides the smoothest operation and is ideal for city or suburban driving; "Power" sharpens accelerator pedal response, and "Snow" mode softens accelerator pedal response making it easier to travel on slippery road surfaces.

The ECVT consists of a motor generator, motive power-dividing mechanism, two-stage motor-reduction device, electrically powered oil pump and hydraulic control system. The two-stage torque-multiplication device varies the gear ratio in two stages by controlling a planetary gear and two wet brakes, similar to the way a conventional automatic transmission operates.

This configuration allows the electric drive motor to operate in high or low ranges, with seamless transitions between the two. MG2 can therefore contribute power not just for acceleration, but at higher cruising speeds as well.

The Lexus GS 450h is driven solely by its electric motor when starting, traveling slowly, and during low-load driving, the resulting super-quiet operation enhancing the luxury experience. A regenerative braking system further boosts system efficiency. When the vehicle is coasting or the brakes are applied, the electric motors function as generators, capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through the brakes and transforming it into useable electricity to recharge the batteries.

Lexus GS 350

The 2010 Lexus GS 350 and Lexus GS 460 deliver a unique combination of luxury and sport performance to the Lexus vehicle lineup. Several technology enhancements continue to keep GS models at the top of their segment for 2010.

To further enhance the driving experience, iPod®/USB connectivity, streaming audio via Bluetooth® and an integrated XM® satellite radio receiver are added to the standard Lexus Premium Sound System. The optional Lexus Navigation system has been updated with Voice Command casual-language voice recognition and Bluetooth® phonebook download capability. The navigation system also comes with integrated XM® NavTraffic/Weather capability and includes a complimentary 90-day trial subscription. Finally, two all-new telematics products are available with a complimentary one-year trial subscription. Safety Connect™ is standard on non-navigation equipped vehicles. Lexus Enform™, which automatically comes with Safety Connect, is only available with navigation-equipped vehicles.

New exterior colors are offered to complement the advanced technology added to the 2010 GS 350 and GS 460. Deep Sea Mica replaces Black Sapphire Pearl and Satin Cashmere Metallic replaces Golden Almond Metallic. In addition, Parchment leather interior takes the place of Cashmere.

Continuing its commitment to passenger safety, Lexus now offers active front headrests standard on 2010 Lexus GS 350 and Lexus GS 460 models.

The GS gas luxury sport sedan comes in three models - GS 350 RWD, GS 350 AWD and GS 460 RWD. Optimized for low internal friction, the GS 350's 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 303 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 274 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,600 rpm. A direct fuel-injection system provides much finer fuel-mixture control to improve both power and fuel efficiency. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) acts on both intake and exhaust valves to further enhance performance through a wide rpm range. A smooth-shifting six-speed transmission allows sequential shifting when desired.

The Lexus GS 460's V8 produces 342 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 339 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,100 rpm. The GS 460, like the Lexus GS 350, meets the EPA's Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II) certification. Lexus has been setting standards for powertrain smoothness since its inception, and the GS 460's V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission continue that tradition. The transmission, like the six-speed automatic in the Lexus GS 350 models, allows manual shifting for a more engaging driving experience, and helps to maximize performance in certain driving situations. The Lexus GS 460 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, the Lexus GS 350 in 5.7 (5.8 for AWD).

Lexus ES 350

The Lexus ES 350 debuts revised styling, new luxury amenities and the all-new telematics system, Lexus Enform™ and Safety Connect™, for 2010. Newly standard rear seat-mounted side airbags bring the number of airbags in the Lexus ES 350 to 10.

In its fifth generation, the Lexus ES 350 continues to blur the line between "entry luxury" and "prestige luxury." Revised headlamps, a new grille, new grille surround, chrome body side molding and new front bumper with revised lower intake and integrated fog lamps underscore the car's refined character. Side mirrors now feature integrated turn signals, and the tail lamps are redesigned. Elegant new exterior colors accentuate the distinctive design in the 2010 ES 350.

For 2010, renowned Lexus luxury is enhanced by revised steering wheel controls, as well as new wood trim choices. A revised center console offers more storage than before. An array of new user technologies expands navigation capability and music playing options. The updated optional navigation system features improved Voice Command casual-language voice recognition to enhance owner convenience.

The new standard Lexus Memory System controls and stores settings for the driver's seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel. Rain-sensing windshield wipers, previously optional, are now standard.

Two all-new telematics products are available with a complimentary one-year trial subscription. Safety Connect is standard on non-navigation equipped vehicles. Lexus Enform, which automatically comes with Safety Connect, is only available with navigation-equipped vehicles.

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance
The Lexus ES 350's aluminum 3.5-liter V6 produces 272 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 254 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,700 rpm. The chain-driven camshafts employ Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) for optimal performance and efficiency at all engine speeds.

The six-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) provides a sequential manual shift feature for a more involved driving experience when desired. Shifting strategy adapts to driver input, with rapid kick-down response.

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes
The Lexus ES 350 owes its smooth, quiet ride in large part to a rigid unibody structure that allows the four-wheel independent suspension to be tuned to provide responsive handling agility and ultra-smooth ride quality. The low 0.28 coefficient of drag (Cd) helps minimize wind noise while also helping to maximize highway fuel efficiency. Standard 17 x 7-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a new split five-spoke design carry 215/55R17 all-season tires. A full-size spare wheel/tire is available.

Standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control system integrates the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and the Brake Assist (BA) safety feature. A new VSC cut-off switch for 2010 is useful if it becomes necessary to extricate the car from deep snow or other difficult conditions, such as mud or sand.