The Future-Proof music channel is a playlist of 100 songs that Nic Harcourt predicts will stand the test of time....

Five Toyota, Lexus and Scion Models Earn 2011 Motorist Choice Awards

INTELLICHOICE AND AUTOPACIFIC ANNOUNCE THE 2011 MOTORIST CHOICE AWARDS

INTELLICHOICE AND AUTOPACIFIC ANNOUNCE

THE 2011 MOTORIST CHOICE AWARDS 

Thirty Winning Models Announced at the Orange County International Auto Show 

Anaheim, Calif. (September 22, 2011) – Notable automotive industry research companies, IntelliChoice and AutoPacific, today announced the 2011 Motorist Choice Awards. Now in its sixth year, this venerable award series is designed to recognize those vehicles that deliver the compelling combination of high consumer satisfaction and lower-than-expected ownership costs over time. These awards were announced today at the Orange County International Auto Show at the Anaheim Convention Center.

This year, IntelliChoice and AutoPacific continued categorizing the winners into a collection of 15 popular lifestyle segments that shoppers could easily identify with, including categories such as “Active Lifestyle”, “Cosmopolitan”, “Head Turner” and “People Mover”. The category winners covered two market segments – Popular and Premium. Both reflect the purpose and perception of the consumer and illustrate the results of practical analysis, like total cost of ownership, fuel economy and resale value.

Ford led the list of winning vehicles with four, including the Expedition which won in three different Popular categories. Repeat winners included the Dodge Ram HD in the Popular Active Lifestyle category, Hyundai Genesis in the Popular Luxury Lifestyle category, and the Lexus IS in the Premium Youthful category.

 

The 2011 Motorist Choice Award Winners:

Category	Popular	Premium
Active Lifestyle	Dodge Ram HD	Land Rover LR4
Cargo Hauler	Ford Expedition EL	Volvo XC70
Cosmopolitan	Scion xD	Audi A3
Eco Friendly	Ford Fusion Hybrid	Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Fun to Drive	MINI Cooper	Volvo C30
Head Turner	Chevrolet Camaro	Porsche Panamera
High Tech	Volkswagen Touareg	Cadillac Escalade
Image	MINI Cooper	Mercedes-Benz GLK
Kid Friendly	Toyota Sienna	Volvo XC90
Luxury Lifestyle	Hyundai Genesis	Jaguar XJ
People Mover	Ford Expedition EL	Lincoln Navigator
Performance	Chevrolet Corvette	Cadillac Escalade
Road Trip	Ford Expedition	Mercedes-Benz GL
Value	Hyundai Elantra	Lexus HS
Youthful	Scion tC	Lexus IS

 

 

Each year, AutoPacific performs the broadest and most widely followed owner satisfaction survey in the U.S. with a record of over 72,000 responses in 2011. This study solicits consumer feedback on a recently purchased 2011 vehicle using 48 key attributes covering the entire ownership experience. From these data, AutoPacific compares overall buyer satisfaction between individual models and vehicle classes and announces its annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSAs) based on the findings. 

Meanwhile, IntelliChoice constantly monitors and adjusts cost of ownership metrics for over 1,800 model trim lines to provide consumers with valuable insight into the financial impact of ownership over a five year time horizon. This analysis is the foundation of the IntelliChoice Best Overall Value of the Year (BOVY) awards announced each January, and its interim Best Bets awards which were recently announced for the upcoming 2012 model year.

The Motorist Choice Awards combine complementary analysis from both firms into one set of accolades representing vehicles that earn high marks on both sets of criteria. Fifteen unique vehicle categories were defined by the needs and usage sought by new vehicle buyers and named appropriately based on recommendations from a panel of consumers. The firms then determined winners in the Popular and Premium brand groupings. This methodology provides a superior means of evaluating “Best in Class” vehicles that align consumer shopping patterns with probability for both satisfaction and value.

“Each year, we appreciate the opportunity to partner with AutoPacific to perform this research and analysis,” said Tyler Schulze, vice president and general manager of IntelliChoice. “The Motorist Choice Award methodology is designed to help consumers identify vehicles that speak to their hearts and their wallets. The 2011 award winners all share a connection with buyers from both a satisfaction standpoint and overall value as compared to their peers. Based on this compelling combination, we are pleased to recommend these vehicles to consumers as a guide for good purchase decisions.”

“The Motorist Choice Awards are designed to assist consumers by using a categorization scheme other than traditional vehicle classes.  Our research has shown that buyers often shop in more than one vehicle segment based on their needs and uses, rather than simply choosing a segment and then comparing models within it,” said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. “Whether buyers are seeking a kid friendly, youthful, or fun to drive vehicle – we have a suggestion that will fit their budget and needs.”

For more details on these categories and the winning vehicles please visit www.Intellichoice.com and www.AutoPacific.com.Â

 

Courtesy of autopacific.com

Lexus News: Back on Track

09/22/2011—Late summer has been a busy, and triumphant, time for the Lexus-equipped crew at JTGrey Racing, led by off-road-racing champ Joe Bacal.

After a major tumble down a steep hillside at the Baja 500 last June, Bacal’s team got to work repairing the body panels on its championship vehicle, a heavily modified Lexus LX^[1]—and then secured a second-place podium placement at the SCORE Challenge of Champions 250 in San Felipe, Mexico.

A few shots of the bodywork:

Bacal’s Lexus LX has traveled a long, hard (not to mention victorious) road these past few years, which is why the team has also been busy building its next racing LX, which is expected to debut at the SEMA auto show in early November.

Before then, however, we’ll show you some photos of this second off-road LX’s transformation from production model to wicked racing beast.

Trust us, it’s looking gorgeous. Rugged and dominating—but gorgeous.

—BRIAN GILL, MANAGING EDITOR

Courtesy of Lexus.com

Explore the Unknown: Dig deeper and learn something new in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Take some time to explore Wisconsin and Minnesota and learn about the special treasures that call these states home. From beautiful artwork to the history of the cranberry, you might be surprised by what you discover.

With the state nickname “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota’s history and culture have been strongly influenced by the water. Visit the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and reflect on artwork that uses nature’s treasures as inspiration. Current exhibits include America’s Great Rivers, a collection featuring the intricate and powerful river systems throughout the country. From September 6 through October 20, 2011, explore the Flow exhibit, which examines the numerous meanings associated with water. Artists represented in the exhibit include William Theo Brown, Neil Welliver, Robert Morris and others. For more information on current and upcoming exhibits at the museum, visit www.minnesotamarineart.org.

Nothing completes a morning like a warm, fresh blueberry muffin made with native Minnesota blueberries. As the state’s official muffin, the blueberry muffin is pretty popular. Since blueberry season has already passed for this year, why not treat yourself to a close cousin of the muffin – the cupcake. Minneapolis, Minnesota is home to delectable cupcake flavors like Mexican Hot Chocolate, Chai Tea, Lemon Sunshine and the divine Lemon Raspberry White Chocolate thanks to Cupcake, the go-to place for these finger-licking treats. Their cupcakes even competed on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. Whether you’re looking for a daily dessert or a generous spread for an upcoming wedding, Cupcake has just the recipe. Get directions and store hours at www.cup-cake.com.

Wisconsin’s state fruit is not only a tangy treat, but also a significant source of vitamin C and antioxidants. Cranberries are native to North America and were originally used by Native Americans long before the Pilgrims arrived. Now they’re a popular addition to the traditional Thanksgiving spread, as well as Wisconsin’s top fruit crop. Head to the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center, aptly housed in a former cranberry warehouse in Warrens, Wisconsin, and enjoy an interactive experience all about the cranberry, the industry and the history behind Wisconsin’s favorite fruit. Schedule a tour, and be sure to sample a treat like cranberry pie or cranberry oatmeal cookies from the Taste Test Kitchen. Find directions and tour prices at www.discovercranberries.com.

You don’t have to be from Wisconsin to know that the state is proud of its cheese and, as a result, its cows. As the state’s domestic animal, the dairy cow holds an important place in Wisconsin’s economy and heritage. Get a firsthand experience with these docile creatures on a tour of Hinchley’s Dairy Farm, a family-owned farm in Cambridge, Wisconsin. Guided tours are offered until October31, 2011; guests can milk a cow, pet other farm animals and enjoy an antique hayride. During the fall, a farm tour also includes a free pumpkin from the six-acre pumpkin patch. For more information, visit www.dairyfarmtours.com.

Wisconsin and Minnesota have plenty of other attributes that set them apart. Go to www.wisconsin.gov/state/core/wisconsin_facts.html and www.minnesota.gov to learn more.

Drive off in this breathetaking 2008 Lexus GS 450h 4dr Sedan Hybrid!

Price
$39,987

• Doors: 4
• Engine: 3.5L V6
• Exterior: Black Opal Mica
• Interior: Black
• Stock Number: 14372P
• Transmission: Automatic
• VIN: JTHBC96S785014696
• Mileage: 35,977

CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE DETAILS AND FULL LISTING

2nd Annual CFDA/Lexus Eco-Fashion Challenge Winners Announced

Collections to be shown during February’s New York Fashion Week

NEW YORK (Sept. 13, 2011) — The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), a non-profit trade association, and Lexus once again challenged emerging designers to develop proposals for a sustainable clothing or accessory line with the environment in mind. At an event at MILK Studios last night in New York, attended by many well-known designers and fashion insiders interested in supporting emerging and eco-friendly designers, the winners of the CFDA/Lexus Eco-Fashion Challenge were revealed. The three winners of this year’s challenge are: Marcia Patmos from New York, NY; John Bartlett from New York, NY; and Johnson Hartig from Los Angeles, Calif.

All submitted proposals for a clothing or accessory line that demonstrated a commitment to ecologically responsible design. The contest required that a minimum of 25 percent of the collection be produced in an environmentally-friendly manner. Many of the proposals included components such as recycled plastic, reclaimed wood, minimal packaging and non-chemically treated fabrics. 

“Lexus partnered with the CFDA to create the Eco-Fashion Challenge as a platform to encourage and support sustainable lifestyles,” stated Brian Smith, vice president of marketing for Lexus. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate designers that share Lexus’ commitment to providing sustainable products without sacrificing style or luxury. We’re looking forward to February’s Fashion Week to see the winners’ work on the runway.”

“There is a movement within the fashion industry to create more sustainable and environmentally friendly clothing lines and accessories,” said Steven Kolb, CFDA executive director. “This competition allows us to highlight emerging designers and their creative approaches to sustainability and in some ways become thought-leaders in the industry.”  

The winners will each receive $25,000 to bring their collection to life and produce a fashion show during the February 2012 Fashion Week in New York. The proposals were selected by a panel of judges from the CFDA, Loomstate, Marie Claire and Parsons School of Design and were based on design credibility, business acumen and eco-commitment, with attention focused on eco-fabrics, materials, processes and packaging.

Courtesy of Lexus.com

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Did you know that your Lexus can detect when there is not enough air in one or more of the tires?

L Studio Explores the Inner workings of Human Creativity

Musician will.i.am talks about art and inspiration in new Lexus film series.

In June 2011, the innovative Lexus L Studio premiered The Sessions Project: will.i.am, which offers viewers an in-depth look at seven-time Grammy Award winner will.i.am from behind the lens of famed filmmaker Norman Seeff. The four-part online series will be followed by a one-hour television special, Sessions: A conversation with will.i.am, produced by OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network later this year.

The online series begins by delving into will.i.am’s childhood. As a young boy, he discovered that music was a welcome distraction from neighborhood gangs and his family’s poverty. He even performs one of his first raps, after some encouragement from Seeff. Will.i.am’s early life experiences leave viewers inspired by such longstanding passion and intrigued by the artist’s candid telling of his youth.

Throughout Seeff’s long list of noteworthy documentaries, issues surrounding human expression and creative processes emerge as complex, but unifying themes. On multiple occasions, will.i.am talks about how the term “breaking the code” has helped define his approach to music. From noises and images found in every day settings to patterns that inspire melodies, Seeff and will.i.am’s conversation is both entertaining and intellectual.

The online series can be found at www.lstudio.com, along with other L Studio projects like the award-winning Web Therapy with Lisa Kudrow, and Puppy Love, by Amy B. Harris. If music is your thing, check out Break it Down with Ray Manzarek and Jon Anderson. Culinary enthusiasts will love listening to Chef John Besh’s thoughts on both food and relevant social issues in Dinner Party. Keep updated at OWN (www.oprah.com/own) for information regarding the will.i.am television special.

Lexus understands that there’s more to a car than simply horsepower. From paintings and architectural trends that inspire exterior aesthetics to the personality of the individual behind the wheel, driving is not just about mechanics. L Studio is the product of this notion with artistic films that offer amusement, as well as stimulation. For more information about the will.i.am series, visit http://www.lstudio.com/the-sessions-project/index.html.>

All-New 2013 GS 450h Unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show

• GS 450h Features Second Generation Lexus Hybrid Drive System
• Fuel Economy Improved by More Than 30 Percent
• New Atkinson Cycle V6 with Gas Engine

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FRANKFURT – Sept. 12, 2011 - With a five vehicle hybrid line-up, Lexus reinforces its commitment to hybrid technology with the all-new 2013 GS 450h. When it was introduced for the 2007 model year, the GS 450h was the first hybrid-powered luxury sport sedan to enter the market. Today, the GS 450h is the world’s first premium performance sedan to be equipped with a V6 Atkinson cycle gas engine and two-motor hybrid system, in a front engine rear-wheel drive vehicle.

The hybrid version of the 2013 GS 350 incorporates improvements to its hybrid powertrain and is equipped with a second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system. GS 450h engineers have aimed for reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, while providing exhilarating performance.

With a total system power output of 338 hp, the GS 450h will accelerate effortlessly from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Conversely, fuel consumption is expected to be improved by more than 30 percent. The GS 450h is targeting certification as a Super-Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (SULEV II). The new GS hybrid also features a Drive Mode selector. In addition to the Normal mode, the driver can customize the driving experience using Eco, Sport S, Sport S+ and EV modes.

“The all-new GS 450h will provide our customers with an exciting blend of performance and precision in a new hybrid package,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager in the U.S. “With its dynamic exterior styling, roomy interior and advanced technology features, the GS 450h further demonstrates Lexus’ mastery of the luxury hybrid.”

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance
As with all Lexus hybrid vehicles, the new GS 450h is a full hybrid capable of operating in gas-only or electric-only modes, as well as a combination of both. Its Lexus Hybrid Drive system features an ultra-smooth running, Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a compact, high-output, water-cooled permanent magnet electric motor. The two powerplants drive the rear wheels both independently and in tandem, as needed.

In addition to the gas engine and electric motor, the new GS 450h’s hybrid drive system a generator; a high-performance nickel-metal hydride battery; a power split device which, via planetary reduction gears, combines and re-allocates power from the engine, electric motor and generator according to operational requirements; and a compact power control unit to govern the high speed interaction of the system components.

Adapted specifically for the hybrid powertrain and a first for premium performance sedans, the 3.5-liter V6, DOHC engine benefits from several technical improvements including the adoption of the Atkinson Cycle engine design to optimize the fuel-efficient benefits of Lexus Hybrid Drive.

Compression is delayed in an Atkinson Cycle engine, because the intake valves close late. This creates a high expansion ratio for less compression, reducing intake and exhaust energy losses and converting combustion energy to engine power more effectively.

A high compression ratio of 13:1; a new, mid-port intake tumble generator; and the adoption of the latest evolution of Lexus’ four-stroke, direct injection technology, D-4S, help the GS 450h achieve better fuel consumption.

With one injector installed in the combustion chamber and a second mounted in the intake port, D-4S combines the strengths of both direct and port injection, realizing optimum engine efficiency throughout the power band and improving torque across the rev range, while minimizing fuel consumption and emissions.

The D-4S system features new slit-type injector nozzles with a modified port shape, a higher fuel pressure for more efficient combustion, and idle port injection for improved NHV characteristics.

Engine noise, vibration and friction have been lowered through the adoption of lightweight chain technology.

The cooling performance of the hybrid system’s Power Control Unit (PCU) helps reduce fuel consumption and has been improved through the adoption of dual cooling paths and a single-piece, integrated AC/DC converter.

System control has been enhanced. The PCU boosts motor drive voltage to a maximum 650V in Sport mode and limits it to a maximum of 500V in Eco mode under normal driving conditions where maximum output is not required. The motor is driven at lower voltage to provide a more environmentally–advanced driving performance to help enhance fuel efficiency.

The electric motor features lighter mounts and reduced friction. The system’s regenerative braking operation range has been expanded, contributing to further improvements in fuel efficiency. In addition, the battery layout has been redesigned. A new stacked configuration maximizing luggage space allows the 2013 GS 450h to have more cargo area than the previous generation gas model.

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes
All second-generation GS hybrid models have a new platform that is designed to be more rigid compared to the previous models. Engineers conducted extensive platform testing, ultimately increasing the number of spot welds and adding laser welds in very specific locations. The track works in combination with a revised suspension design to assure a more solid stance and superior cornering performance.

The new suspension system is designed to help guide the 2013 GS through corners with precision. In the front, upper and lower control arms are made from aluminum and employ larger bushings. The rear subframe has been completely redesigned to accommodate an all-new multi-link rear suspension, using improved suspension geometry that retains tire cornering force and enhances rear control. With the stiffer platform and lighter components, the shocks can use lighter-viscosity oil, so they move easily and respond to small inputs more quickly.

The use of front and rear aluminum control arms helps reduce unsprung weight and results in significant improvements in agility, roll damping, ride comfort, body control and steering precision. Overall, the suspension is lighter and stronger, allowing it to react to driver input readily, and ride quietly without harshness. Ventilated disc brakes featuring four-piston aluminum front calipers includes the latest electronic enhancements to help provide braking balance and control.

The GS 450h also offers the Lexus Dynamic Handling system, an integrated four-wheel steering system. The leading edge platform technology of the Lexus Dynamic Handling system offers Lexus’ first integration of Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS); Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS); Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS); and the latest generation of Lexus’ unique Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system to help coordinate every aspect of front and rear wheel control and provide agile, sharp and confident driving behavior with a more direct response to the driver’s actions.

The Lexus Dynamic Handling system integrates the control of the Electric Power Steering (EPS), VGRS and newly developed DRS. Monitoring vehicle speed, steering direction and driver inputs, the system calculates the optimum angle for all four wheels. Using VGRS to the front and DRS to the rear, the system can independently control both front and rear wheel steering angles to help improve turn-in response, rear grip, vehicle stability and overall agility when cornering.

The DRS system monitors vehicle speed and yaw rate, steering angle and speed, and lateral G to calculate the required rear wheel steering input, to a maximum of 1.5 degrees. At speeds below 50 mph the front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions. At speeds over 50 mph, front and rear wheels turn in the same direction.

Further coordinating DRS with VGRS, AVS and VDIM, the Lexus Dynamic Handling system will automatically customize the adaptive suspension tuning and active safety systems to suit road conditions, vehicle speed and driving style, giving customers confidence to experience the new GS’ exceptional driving performance.

The standard 17-inch alloy wheels are paired with 225/50R17 tires while the optional 18-inch alloy wheels are equipped with 235/45R18 tires. The GS 450h’s Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB) system characteristics have been modified to provide greater responsiveness from the first touch of the pedal.

Safety/Security Features
Like the GS 350, the GS 450h will be standard equipped with 10 airbags, including a knee airbag for both driver and front passenger. Rear seat occupants have seat-mounted side airbags, and all four outboard occupants are equipped with side curtain airbags. Also standard are new Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats that reduce the space between the occupant’s head and headrest, to help limit excessive head movement, and help decrease the severity of whiplash-type injuries in certain types of collisions. Standard seatbelts with pretensioners with force limiters used for front and outboard rear seats further assist occupant protection.

Available options to help further enhance safety include a pre-collision system, which uses the dynamic radar cruise control system to provide early warning of upcoming objects that might result in a collision. The system also uses a Lexus first infrared camera to monitor the driver’s eyes to check on driver status. In the event that the driver does not appear to be looking forward when a collision appears imminent, the system will initiate the warning at an earlier threshold. If the driver still does not respond and make the appropriate maneuver, the system will initiate light braking intervention up to two seconds prior to impact, designed to help to lessen the severity of the collision.

Other available safety systems include a Night Vision System that enhances driver visibility at night; Heads Up Display (HUD); a Blind Spot Monitor that helps detect vehicles in rear/side blind spots; and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW). LKA provides a small amount of active steering torque to help maintain course, while the LDW feature alerts the driver if the system detects that the vehicle is beginning to drift out of the lane.

Exterior Design
The 2013 GS expresses a new generation of Lexus’ design philosophy with its precisely sculpted exterior and will lead the rest of the lineup in an entirely new direction. When designers shaped the GS they visualized the flow of air around it and, like the LFA supercar, maximized aerodynamic efficiency.

Exclusive to the hybrid model is a unique three-lamp design that aligns the turn signal and Lexus-first high and low beam LED lamps in a single horizontal row. The improved illumination and beam range provided by LED lamps offers better visibility even under low beam driving conditions. In addition, the rear bumper of the GS 450h covers the exhaust pipe apertures. The GS 450h can also be distinguished by Lexus’ signature blue hybrid badging.

The GS fuses distinctive style with engineering functionality. Fins incorporated into the side of the tail lamps and the design of the trunk area all help direct air over and past the car. The rear bumper underbody area was designed for reduced wind resistance to help keep the car steady. Finally, air inlets located on the outer edges of the lower grille serve as cooling ducts.

The signature spindle grille with its trapezoidal contours evolved from current Lexus styling and fully integrates into the aggressive front bumper allowing for efficient airflow. This distinctive Lexus design feature combined with the deep-set, high-tech headlamps and L-shaped LED daytime running lamps further express the vehicle’s confident and dynamic character.

From the side, the GS projects the image of a spacious sport sedan with a road-hugging wider stance. The tapered lower rocker panel and the short front overhang give the vehicle a sense of motion. Width-enhancing front and rear wheel arches adds an athletic stance enhancing the vehicle’s dynamic presence.

The rear bumper features centered aero fins to help control underbody airflow. Combined with the L-shaped LED tail lamps, a Lexus design cue, these rear bumper features lend a high-performance appearance. Overall, the new GS sheet metal represents a significant extension of the Lexus L-finesse philosophy that is the core of all Lexus product design.

The GS line-up will feature three colors that are new to the Lexus color palette: Riviera Red, Meteor Blue Mica and Liquid Platinum. Vehicles in Riviera Red will benefit from glass flakes incorporated into the coating that adds a high level of brilliance to the paint. Lexus engineers developed a new advanced coating process for Liquid Platinum exteriors. The GS will be the first Lexus to adopt this new coating technology. Vehicles with the Liquid Platinum exterior will appear more radiant as an additional metallic texture gives both strong shading and defined, sharp highlights. This metallic effect makes subtle and defined bodylines more noticeable and the surface appear finely polished.

Interior Design
The GS 450h will share the same luxurious and technological amenities as its gas counterpart, including next generation Remote Touch; analog clock with LED indicators, carved from an ingot; and a new energy-saving auto climate control system called S-Flow that focuses airflow only to the front area where passengers are actually seated. A few notable differences include a bamboo-finished steering wheel which reinforces the sustainability of the GS 450h, and the hybrid monitor.

“There is no other mid-luxury hybrid like the new GS 450h,” said Lexus’Templin. “The handling, acceleration, and design of this Lexus hybrid are impeccable. We can’t wait for customers to drive one.”

PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS FOR GS 450h

GAS ENGINE
Number of cylinders and arrangement	V6
Displacement	3.5L
MOTOR GENERATORS
Motor type	Permanent magnet synchronous motor
HYBRID BATTERY
Battery type	Nickel-Metal Hydride
TOTAL SYSTEM OUTPUT
Net Horsepower	338 hp
TRANSMISSION
Type	Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox type	Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT)
SUSPENSION
Front	Double wishbone
Rear	Multi-link
STEERING
Type	Rack and pinion
Power steering type	Electric
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS (in.)
Overall Length	190.7
Overall width	72.4
Overall height	57.3
Wheelbase	112.2
Driven Wheels	Rear
Curb weight (lbs.)	4,190
Brake type	Ventilated front and rear disc with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM)

Wheel size	17 x 7.5 in. (standard) 18 x 8 in. (optional)
Tire size	225/50/17 (standard) 235/45/18 (optional)
0 – 60 mph	5.6 seconds
Top Track Speed	131 mph (electronically limited)

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Courtesy of Toyota.com

 

Car Care: Tire Maintenance- Taking care of the most important part of your vehicle.

Tires are hugely important to nearly every aspect of your vehicle’s performance. As the only portion of any car, truck, crossover and SUV that actually touches the road, they impact acceleration, cornering, handling and braking while also playing a huge role in fuel economy and road noise as well. Tires may not be as thrilling as sleek sheet metal or a high-horsepower engine, but there’s nothing more important to your vehicle’s safety than their care and maintenance. That means making sure your tires are properly inflated and regularly rotated and balanced.

According to the experts at Goodyear, making sure your tires are correctly inflated is the most important aspect of vigilant tire care. Every tire comes with inflation recommendations – listed as “PSI,” or pounds per square inch – on the sidewall, but it’s worth noting that those are the maximum allowable pressures. While the tire can handle those inflation levels, they may not be what are actually recommended for your vehicle. Those figures can be found in your owner’s manual, on a sticker on the inside of the driver’s door or on a door pillar. Lower than recommended inflation can lead to premature tire wear, uneven braking and early tire failure. It can also cause a serious drain on fuel economy, up to a 0.4 percent reduction for every single PSI below optimum levels, according to some studies.

On the other hand, overinflation can be just as dangerous. Extreme tire pressures can warp the tire’s tread, thereby reducing the physical area where the tire touches the road. Not surprisingly, this reduces your vehicle’s traction on dry pavement, which can lead to longer braking distances and unstable handling at speed. Like underinflation, overinflation can also lead to premature tire failure.

Tire manufacturers recommend having a rotation performed* to promote even wear and to extend the life of the tire. A qualified factory service technician will know the best rotation pattern for your tires and your vehicle, but the procedure typically entails moving the tires that were on the drive axle to a non-drive axle and vice-versa. The process is different for all-wheel drive vehicles and those equipped with directional tires, but the aim remains the same. This prevents one area of the tire from wearing down before the rest of the tread, and can save you serious money on a premature replacement.

While making sure that your tires are properly inflated and regularly rotated can save you hundreds of dollars a year in replacement costs and fuel economy, making sure that your tires are accurately balanced is also important. Your vehicle’s tires and wheels spin at a rate of thousands of revolutions per minute when at highway speed, and, as a result, any small imbalance can cause a significant vibration. While tire and wheel manufacturers strive to produce the most perfectly balanced products possible, some variance will always exist. Service technicians overcome those variances by securing small, incremental lead weights to the vehicle’s wheel to achieve proper balance.

Balancing is typically performed anytime that a new tire is mounted to a wheel, but as the tire ages, balancing may need to be rechecked. Those lead weights routinely fall off over time as well, which can lead to a harsh vibration in one wheel. That vibration is translated directly to the vehicle’s suspension components, which can cause premature wear to expensive components like bushings and shocks, and into the vehicle’s cabin. As the vibration increases, so can driver fatigue. If you notice a regular vibration while driving your vehicle, it may be time for a rotation.

As the only link between your vehicle and the road, your tires are monumentally important to your safety. Simple maintenance like keeping up with inflation, regular rotations and prompt balancing can extend tire life, save you money and improve nearly every aspect of your vehicle’s performance.

Lexus anatomy of safety...

Vehicle Profile: The 2011 Lexus CT 200h You can drive the future of luxury today.

The future of luxury vehicles will assuredly look different than it does today with exciting advanced technology coming down the pike to boost fuel efficiency, performance and comfort. Why wait? The all-new 2011 Lexus CT 200h model joins the brand’s other four hybrid models with thrilling performance and great fuel economy.

No other brand, luxury or otherwise, currently offers more hybrid choices than Lexus. The all-new 2011 Lexus CT 200h Hybrid (starting MSRP $29,120) embodies the brand’s latest thinking on this technology. More important than its technology, however, is the way the CT 200h drives. Sporty performance reinforces the car’s distinctly sporty design with a new take on Lexus interior luxury that caters especially to the driver. The practicality of a five-door design expands the car’s appeal by offering 14.3 cubic feet of luggage capacity behind the rear seats.

The 2011 Lexus CT 200h debuts a bold new version of Lexus L-finesse design with dynamic lines that give this model an athletic stance. A focus on aerodynamics for high fuel economy and low wind noise does not render a jellybean-like contrivance, but rather a muscular, chiseled profile capped by a fairly aggressive take on the new Lexus signature grille style. The CT 200h looks like it wants to just get out and have fun.

A four-wheel independent suspension, with a sports car-like double-wishbone rear configuration, delivers on the performance promised by the bold exterior design. Special lightweight suspension components, along with 17-inch light alloy wheels and optimized vehicle weight, help endow the 2011 Lexus CT 200h Hybrid with uncompromised agility. It’s the kind of handling that driving enthusiasts crave, yet still with the ride quality befitting a Lexus. In fact, even with all its advanced hybrid technology and Lexus luxury and safety, the CT 200h weighs less than some comparable conventional high-efficiency cars.

Inside, the CT 200h presents a highly focused driver’s cockpit with bolstered front seats, a wide-grip steering wheel and triple-dial instrument gauge panel. The driver gets a standard 10-way power seat, the front passenger a four-way power seat. Bluetooth^®, Smart Access^® with Push Button Start/Stop and a premium audio system with USB/iPod^® connection all come standard.

The CT 200h Premium model adds heated seats and a power tilt/slide sunroof, and opens the possibility to add numerous other amenities including a 10-speaker audio upgrade, hard drive navigation with the Lexus Enform^® telematics service and a Leather Interior Package. You can augment the standard safety technology, which includes eight airbags, with an available Pre-Collision system, which constantly monitors the distance and closing speed of vehicles in front of you, and can tighten the front seatbelts and pre-charge the brakes if a collision is imminent.

Under the hood, the Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain combines the output of a high-tech 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with a proven electric motor-generator and a power split device in the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). As with other Lexus hybrid vehicles, the CT 200h seamlessly blends power from the gasoline engine and the electric motor as needed. The Electronically Controlled Braking-Regeneration system captures energy from the still-rotating wheels as the car slows during braking. The vehicle’s 134 total system hp can move the CT 200h with verve with the hybrid system delivering a strong feeling of low-end and mid-range torque.

The Lexus CT 200h certainly delivers on the promise of high fuel economy, achieving an EPA-rated 43 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. If those figures seem reversed from the “normal,” it’s because the Hybrid Drive powertrain really comes into its own in the kind of stop-and-go, urban driving that would reduce fuel consumption in ordinary cars. Lexus fine-tuned every aspect of the CT 200h Hybrid to provide optimal environmental performance. For example, LED lighting, an energy-efficient audio system amplifier and even special bamboo-charcoal speakers help reduce weight and power consumption.

Speaking of fine-tuning, the driver can do just that in the CT 200h by choosing from among four selectable driving modes to suit a mood or driving situation. In “EV” mode, the CT 200h can run purely on electric power for up to one mile at speeds of up to 28 mph. Imagine how much quieter and cleaner cities could be if all cars could do that.

Choose “Eco” mode to deliver maximum fuel efficiency in every day driving, or “Normal” mode for an ideal all-around mix of performance and economy. The CT 200h really comes alive when you select “Sport” mode, yielding crisper throttle response and a tighter feel through the Electronic Power Steering.

Come in and see how Lexus has applied tomorrow’s technology in its latest hybrid model, the unique 2011 CT 200h Hybrid.

Lexus at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

• World Premiere of the new GS 450h on September 13
• European Premiere of the new GS 350AWD
• European Premiere of the new CT 200h F-Sport

 

World Premiere of the new GS 450h
Lexus will present the full hybrid version of its new premium performance sedan, the GS 450h. Equipped with the second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system, the all-new GS full hybrid will bring even better environmental and driving performance.

European Premiere of the new GS 350AWD¹
After its World Premiere at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in mid August, the new GS 350AWD will make its European Premiere at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

The bold and dynamic GS range features a new exterior and interior design reflecting a further development of Lexus’ L-finesse philosophy. Additionally, several innovative technologies that improve the driving experience and passenger safety make their debut.   

European Premiere of the new CT 200h F-Sport
Building upon the successful launch of the new CT 200h, Lexus is introducing the new F-Sport version. It features more aggressive design elements and is aimed at customers favouring a more dynamic and engaging drive.

The Lexus press conference will be conducted by Andy Pfeiffenberger, Vice President Lexus Europe, and is scheduled to take place at 14:15 CET on September 13 in Hall 8.

The Lexus stand is located in Hall 8 and the following vehicles will be on the stand during the press days: GS 450h, GS 350AWD, CT 200h F-Sport, 2 x CT 200h (Comfort Grade / Executive Grade),
IS 250 F-Sport , IS 250C, LS 600h L, RX 450h.

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Courtesy of Lexus.com

The Lexus LFA takes on the competition for the 2011 Motor Trend Best Drivers Car award! Check out the its first lap!