2011 Lexus HS 250h Reviews

The 2011 Lexus HS 250h sedan was the smallest and most economical car Lexus had ever built when it went on sale in late 2009 as a 2010 model, but it’s unquestionably luxurious. Lexus has noted that more than 60 percent of luxury-car buyers would consider a hybrid if one were available.



Official EPA mileage for the Lexus HS 250h is 35 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway. Lexus says the HS 250h qualifies as a Super-Ultra-Low-Emission-Vehicle (SULEV).



The front-drive HS, which stands for “harmonious sedan,” is Lexus’s first dedicated hybrid, just as the Prius was for its parent Toyota. The downside: The HS 250h’s cabin is a bit buzzy and—like all hybrids—the continuously variable transmission is flavorless compared to a traditional geared transmission.” As for combing fuel economy and performance, Motor Trend seems to have nailed what the HS is all about, “How to describe the HS driving experience? ‘Then there’s Lincoln’s MKZ Hybrid. Its $34,330 starting price bests the HS by $330 and is larger and delivers way better fuel mileage, 41 mpg city and 36 highways.

The Lexus HS 250h is unchanged for 2011.



The Lexus does, however, borrow its power train from the Camry Hybrid, which gives the HS significantly better performance than a Prius. As far as fuel-conscious hybrids go, the Lexus HS 250h is quick, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in only 8.7 seconds. The forthcoming Lexus CT 200h will be a hybrid of a luxury car and a hatchback. For the time being, though, the 2011 Lexus HS 250h represents a solid choice for combining both luxury and fuel frugality.



The 2011 Lexus HS 250h is a five-passenger, front-wheel-drive compact sedan offered in two trim levels: base and Premium.



The Premium trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic wipers, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, driver memory settings, heated and ventilated front seats, real-wood cabin accents and upgraded leather upholstery.



Options include a rear spoiler, rear parking sensors, a separate front-and-rear parking-camera system, adaptive LED headlights, a Mark Levinson audio system and a hard-drive-based navigation system with traffic/weather/sports/stock reporting. Fuel economy checks in at 35 mpg city/34 mpg highway and 35 mpg combined, which is about average for a midsize hybrid sedan.



Safety

The HS 250h comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control, side curtain airbags, front-and-rear seat-mounted side airbags and dual front knee airbags.



Interior Design and Special Features

The HS 250h also comes loaded with plenty of high-tech features, and controls are mercifully intuitive. Despite the HS 250h's smaller size, its backseat offers a decent amount of head- and legroom for taller folks.



Driving Impressions

With a focus on fuel economy, the 2011 Lexus HS 250h won't impress spirited drivers as much as frugal owners.

The Lexus HS 250h was introduced this past year, as the highest-mileage luxury hybrid sedan. The HS is actually larger and wider than the Mercedes C-Class, BMW 3-Series, or Lexus IS—or about six inches shorter than the Lexus ES and about six inches longer than a Toyota Corolla sedan.



The hybrid power train in the 2011 Lexus HS 250h is essentially what's tried and true from the Toyota Prius (and Camry Hybrid); it's a version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system, here combining a 147-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine with a 40-horsepower electric motor system to produce 187 horsepower altogether. The electric-assist steering has a rather quick ratio and reasonably good weighting, but soft suspension tuning means there's plenty of lean (and nosedive when braking); overall the HS handles in an unexciting but safe way. Braking is one of the high points; while hybrids often have touchy, jerky brake-pedal action due to regenerative action, the HS 250h stops predictably and without a hitch.



The 2011 Lexus HS 250h is otherwise tight and quiet inside, thanks to details like an acoustic windshield and triple-layer door seals. As can be expected on a Lexus, there's a fine-sounding 330-watt Mark Levinson audio system available.

2011 Lexus GS 460 Reviews

Lexus’ GS range has promised everything from Italian design to a tantalizing demeanor, but it has never been a major player. To figure out why, we borrowed a shiny new 2011 Lexus GS 460 sedan from one of the automaker’s regional distributors, Gulf States Toyota.



Smoother and saver than the second-generation Lexus GS – notable for its Shakespearean “Something wicked this way comes” ad campaign – the S190-platform car retains the two-engine configuration of its predecessor.



As enthusiasts, we jumped at the range-topping Lexus GS 460 with its 342-horsepower 4.6-liter V8. A hybrid – dubbed Lexus GS 450h – was briefly on offer before sluggish sales forced its removal from the North American market.



Equipped with a V8 engine, the GS’ biggest traditional rivals come from Germany – namely the BMW 550i and Mercedes-Benz E550. As the oldest offering in its segment, the Lexus GS 460 doesn’t exactly brim with unexpected touches. An advanced eight-speed automatic also comes standard on the Lexus GS 460, a byproduct of sharing its power train with the mega-buck LS 460.



The current Lexus GS continues the theme introduced more than a decade ago with Lexus’ subtle-but-shapely original GS 300. We wish all Lexus sedans were this stylistically balanced.

The 2011 Lexus GS 460 carries over mostly unchanged from the previous year, adding only a brake override system.



Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Lexus GS 460 is a midsize luxury sport sedan that is offered in a single, well-appointed trim level that includes 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive variable suspension, adaptive automatic xenon headlights, fog lights, a sunroof, power trunk closer, automatic wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping wood-trimmed steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, 10-way power front seats with driver memory and lumbar adjustment, Safety Connect emergency telemetric, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a 10-speaker stereo with six-CD changer, satellite radio and USB/iPod interface.



Other options include a rear spoiler, rear parking sensors, a power rear sunshade, a power active stabilizer (enhances control during cornering and limits body roll), adaptive cruise control (includes a pre-collision system) and run-flat tires (all-season or summer).



Power trains and Performance

The 2011 Lexus GS 460 is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that produces 342 hp and 339 pound-feet of torque. Lexus estimates the GS 460 will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, which is only 0.4-second quicker than the V6-powered GS 350.



Safety

Standard safety features on the 2011 Lexus GS 460 include antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control, stability control, front and rear side-impact airbags, front knee airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. Upholding Lexus' reputation for finely crafted interiors, the 2011 GS 460's cabin surrounds occupants with supple leather, rich wood and aluminum trim. The 2011 Lexus GS 460 delivers an abundance of power to please the majority of drivers, along with a comfortably smooth ride and respectable handling.



The 2011 Lexus GS 460 looks, rides, and even drives like its GS 350 sibling, only the key difference is that it's powered by a 342-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.



There's not much of a difference in feature sets between the GS 460 and GS 350 either, with Bluetooth, power heated and ventilated front seats, and a seven-inch touch screen all included. For more information on the GS 460, see our full review of the 2011 Lexus GS 350.

2013 Lexus GS 350

The 2013 Lexus GS 350 looks menacing with an all-black background with the just grille and running lights illuminated. The debut of the mid-size luxury sedan will be streamed live on Facebook.The fourth generation GS will feature a complete overhaul of the interior and exterior, with added emphasis on Lexus' new front grille and driving dynamics.



The Lexus GS 350 will be redesigned for 2013.Early next year; Lexus is expected to begin selling a completely redesigned version of its GS midsize luxury sport sedan.



For the new 2013 Lexus GS 350, Lexus will offer a base model GS 350, a hybrid model and a high-performance F-Sport package offering larger 19-inch wheels and tires (the base model will wear 18-inch wheels), sportier suspension tuning and larger brakes.



Power will be sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The most noticeable development in the 2013 Lexus GS is underneath its sheet metal. Wider tracks front and rear also should help this new GS be the sportiest midsize Lexus yet.



We've already driven a prototype of the 2013 Lexus GS 350, and it is fun to drive. All models will come standard with a new system called Lexus Drive Mode Select. It's a system similar to BMW's Dynamic Drive Control and Audi Drive Select. The 2013 Lexus GS 350 will be unveiled this summer, with the hybrid model bowing later in the year.



Toyota has released a teaser photo of the redesigned 2013 Lexus GS 350 sedan ahead of the car's official unveiling August 18 at Pebble Beach.



The four-passenger rear-drive LF-Gh sedan was built on the same 112.2-inch wheelbase as the 2011 Lexus GS, measuring just 2.5 inches longer, at 192.5 inches overall.

In his review, Editor Scott Oldham observed, "Lexus may have finally figured out the sport sedan."

Lexus CT 200h F Sport Performance

CT 200h F Sport Performance and exterior enhancements include a unique suspension, front and rear styling, alloy wheels, and badging. Like all the other F-Sport models, the CT 200h comes painted in Lexus’ unique Flame Blue exterior color.
CT 200h F Sport receives a number of visual and performance enhancements in keeping with Lexus’ F Sport model line-up.

Inside, F Sport model CT 200h will receive optional unique interior trim, F Sport steering wheel, sports pedals, scuff plates, instrument panel and privacy glass.
CT 200h F Sport models will feature Lexus’ unique body performance damper, which has been designed to improve ride and handling.

The value equation has undeniably changed, but what hasn’t changed is that the CT 200h will still make many people in the market for a frugal, premium small car very happy.

When you factor in its level of standard equipment, the $49,900 F Sport model is the best value CT 200h. The Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain in the F Sport is the same as the rest of the CT 200h range. That 100kW maximum power figure puts the CT 200h F Sport on par with a base model Toyota Corolla. A nickel-metal-hydride battery powers the electric motor, and a continuously variable transmission drives the CT’s front wheels.

If it’s a sports hatch you’re after, the CT 200h F Sport will disappoint. The CT 200h F Sport was never designed to be a sports car. Despite the common powertrain, the F Sport is the most engaging model to drive in the CT 200h range. EV mode relies only on the battery and electric motor for propulsion. It tempers your throttle inputs and encourages the electric motor to support the petrol engine whenever possible. The system is equally effective in all modes.
The best thing about being in Sport mode in the F Sport model is the mood change within the cabin. The Prius – at 3.9 litres/100km – is the only petrol-powered vehicle that pips the Lexus for economy in Australia. The other competitors mentioned above are all diesels and still trail the F Sport by a considerable margin: Audi A3 (5.7 litres/100km), Mercedes-Benz B180 (5.6 litres/100km), MINI Countryman SD (4.9 litres/100km). The F Sport’s split-level dashboard/console layout is clean and user-friendly, although there’s a lot of hard, grey plastic for a $50,000 car. Over the base model, the CT 200h F Sport gets smoky 17-inch alloy wheels; sports grille, bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler, scuff plates and sports pedals; front fog lamps; F Sport badging; rear and rear-side privacy glass; and exterior mirrors with memory, self-dimming and auto-retract. Safety is first-rate with eight airbags (dual front, side, curtain and driver and passenger knee) and all the standard electric systems (ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, stability control and traction control), as well as emergency flashing brake lights and LED daytime running lights.

If all you want are two simple things – Prius-like fuel consumption in a package that looks and rides like a traditional hot hatch – the Lexus CT 200h F Sport is the only car in Australia that fits the bill.

Lexus Australia took the wraps off the F Sport version of its upcoming CT200h hybrid hatch at the 2010 Sydney show.

For the F Sport, the car retains the regular CT200h's hybrid drivetrain that is compromised of a 1.8-litre petrol engine, battery pack and electric motor. On the outside, the CT 200h F Sport, uhh, sports a body kit and different alloy wheels.

As part of the CT 200h F Sport upgrade there's an altered instrument panel, sports steering wheel, aluminium pedals and scuff plates.

2012 Lexus GS【Video】

Lexus will unveil the all-new 2012 Lexus GS at the upcoming Concours d’Elegance event at Pebble Beach on August 18. The new Lexus GS will be the production version of the recently unveiled Lexus LF Gh Concept that was shown at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne earlier this month.







Press Release

Automotive journalists test the all-new GS ahead of its official launch.

Swathed in detail-obscuring covers to protect its identity, pre-production versions of the next generation GS were test-driven by a select group of top European journalists - no fanfare, no publicity, just the drive and the experience. Inspired by the dynamic LF-Gh concept, this car is poised to be the new face of Lexus.

Participants drove the new GS in testing conditions at an exclusive proving-ground. Chief Engineer, Yoshihiko Kanamori was in attendance from Japan to gather valuable feedback. The journalists enjoyed the luxurious and spacious interior and were able to test the dynamic and engaging handling characteristics to the full. Although disguised, these trusted correspondents were able to get a taste for the soon-to-be-unveiled styling. This new chapter in the history of Lexus will be revealed at Pebble Beach, California on 18th August 2011.

2011 Lexus Luxury Sport Sedan IS 350

2011 Lexus Luxury Sport Sedan IS 350

July 26, 2010 (TORONTO) – Lexus Canada invites guests to discover why the IS series luxury sport sedan delivers performance, luxury and a driving experience as only Lexus can deliver – with a choice of four models for 2011, including an all-new IS 350 with all-wheel-drive for remarkable driving confidence and poise in all weather and road conditions.

2011 Lexus Luxury Sport Sedan IS 350

Lexus is expanding choices in its popular IS sport sedan line for 2011, adding a 306-horsepower IS 350 all-wheel drive (AWD) model and offering a new Sport Package for the IS 250 rear-wheel drive (RWD). Revised front and rear styling details sharpen all IS models for 2011.  In addition, the IS sedans feature minor interior trim changes.

2011 Lexus Luxury Sport Sedan IS 350

Canadian drivers seeking a contemporary interpretation of the luxury sport sedan will love the performance, comfort and features of the IS 250 and IS 350 – and now, for the first time, Lexus is offering guests a choice of either model in rear-wheel-drive and in all-wheel-drive editions. The popular IS series also enjoys a fresh look this year, with updated styling cues and new options packages that add more performance and luxury across the IS series.

A new front grille and bumper distinguish the 2011 Lexus Luxury Sport Sedan IS 350, while at the rear, the models show a new taillamp cover and revised tailpipe design. New HID headlamps with LED daytime running lamps are standard on the 2011 Lexus Luxury Sport Sedan IS 350 and available for the IS 250. Keeping with Lexus’ attention to detail, the 2011 IS models feature new-design standard 17-inch and optional 18-inch wheels, along with revised exterior color choices.

The F-Sport Package available for the 2011 IS 250 and standard on the IS350 RWD takes inspiration from the IS F ultra-performance sedan, combining special suspension and steering tuning and 18-inch wheels with distinctive design touches. Giving the IS 250/350 F Sport Package model a sporty demeanor are a front lip spoiler and rear deck spoiler, plus the 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark super-chrome finish with matching dark-chrome front grille insert.

2011 Lexus Luxury Sport Sedan IS 350

Inside, special F Sport heated front seats feature a special microfiber insert and leather side bolsters to provide more grip for the driver and passenger during cornering. The package also adds F Sport badging to the steering wheel, shift knob and doorsill scuff plates.

Additional details for the 2011 Lexus IS series, including Canadian pricing, will be released closer to vehicle availability in Canadian Lexus dealerships.

About Lexus of Canada

Lexus in Canada is the exclusive Canadian and distributor of Lexus luxury cars and sport utility vehicles through a sales and service network of 34 dealers across Canada. An industry leader for product quality and ownership satisfaction, Lexus has sold over 130,000 vehicles in Canada. Delivering more perfect moments of advanced motoring, the best-selling Lexus RX 350 SUV – fusing intuitive technology and L-finesse luxury – is built for the North American market in Cambridge, Ontario, the first and only Lexus manufacturing facility located outside of Japan. For more information about Lexus products, and Lexus’ pursuit of perfection, visit www.media.lexus.ca.

2011 Lexus CT 200h

2011 Lexus CT 200h

2011 Lexus CT 200h Side View

2011 Lexus CT 200h Rear View

2011 Lexus CT 200h Picture

2011 Lexus CT 200h Front View

RAV4 and Lexus RX Electric Car

RAV4 and Lexus RX Electric Car

Toyota's cooperation with the United States electric carmaker, Tesla Motors Inc., began to show results. Agreed, RAV4 and Lexus RX models will be produced in an electric version. Tesla-party states, two prototype models will be sent to Toyota this month as well. According to internal company sources, as reported by Bloomberg, today, the previous Toyota also wants to try the battery on the Corolla Altis. However, the RAV4 and the RX is more compatible with the weights held Tesla battery so that both are selected.

Previously, the boss of Toyota Motor Company Akio Toyoda said, cooperation with Tesla became one of the agenda to achieve the latest technology in the automotive sector. Toyota also pour funds worth 50 million U.S. dollars to buy shares in Tesla at the beginning of this month.

"We try to anticipate the accelerated development of electric vehicles in this segment," said Elon Musk, Chief Executive Officer of Tesla, without explaining further details. Separately, Toyota spokesman, Keisuke Kirimoto, also still shut my mouth. "Until now there has been no decision relating to the model to be developed toward electric vehicles," he said.

Currently, Toyota is also working with Panasonic to produce batteries in bulk. However, partnering with Tesla will create Japan's largest car manufacturer is more to know the strengths and weaknesses of each battery to be used in its products.