Lexus is the luxury car division of Japanese Import Car maker, Toyota Motor Corporation. The first Lexus was introduced in the United States in 1989. Lexus is now sold globally and has become Japan’s largest selling make of luxury cars. Lexus is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi, Japan.The Lexus LS was the flagship sedan project that began in 1983. The sedan was launched in 1989. Lexus added sedan, coupe, convertible and SUV models in later years. A hybrid version of the RX crossover debuted in 2005. Additional hybrid models were soon added to the Lexus lineup. In 2007, Lexus launched its performance division with the IS F sport sedan.Lexus cars have incorporated touchscreen navigation system interfaces, a smart key entry and startup system, SmartAccess, and Optitron gauges. In 1989, Lexus became among the first luxury line to equip models with premium audio systems, in partnership with stereo firm Nakamichi. Optional surround sound systems are offered via high-end audio purveyor Mark Levinson. In 2006, the LS 460 climate control system included the first ceiling air diffusers and infrared body temperature sensors in a car.In 2006, Lexus incorporated the first eight-speed automatic transmission in an automobile with the LS 460. The gearbox was later adapted for the GS 460 and IS F models. Continuously variable transmissions, regenerative braking, and electric motors have been used on all Lexus hybrid models. Lexus executives in 2007 signaled intentions to equip further models with hybrid powertrains. Safety features on Lexus cars include stability systems, backup cameras, swivel headlights, and sonar warning systems. The Lexus Pre-Collision System (PCS) integrates multiple safety systems. The first car safety systems with infrared and pedestrian detection capabilities, lane keep assist, a Driver Monitoring System with facial recognition monitoring of driver attentiveness, and rear pre-collision whiplash protection, were introduced by Lexus as part of the LS 460 PCS in 2007.
The folks at Lexus had a decision to make back in 2000. They already had an unqualified success with the LS 400, considered by many to be one of the finest luxury sedans on the market. Now it was time to decide whether to leave well enough alone and ride the LS 400 for as…
With the Lexus IS 350 you get all that you expect from a Lexus vehicle, and that’s saying a lot. What you don’t get is what the competition offers, and that may or may not be saying a lot. The IS350 has power to spare and comfort in spades. The 3.5 liter V6 engine produces…
Advertised upon its release as “Something Wicked This Way Comes,” the Lexus GS 400 proved that a Japanese import car could stand with the best that European car makers had to offer. The BMW 5 Series may frolic a bit more and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class may have the classy name, but this entry into the…
The Lexus SC 430 falls under the category “if it ain’t broke, why fix it?” When the folks at Lexus finally addressed the problem that they did not have a luxury convertible, production began in 2001 on the all-new SC 430, and they were so pleased with the results, evidently, that they have hardly modified…
Track record means everything in the automotive business when new models are introduced and consumers know that when Lexus has a new model there is no doubt concerning its bloodlines. Lexus seldom makes a mistake with new models and in 1998 they introduced one of the first luxury midsize SUV’s and they did not disappoint.…