Showing posts with label Lexus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lexus. Show all posts

Friday, October 22, 2010

2010 Lexus GS


The 2010 Lexus GS ranks 9 out of 13 Luxury Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 41 published reviews and test drives of the Lexus GS, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Sold as both the V6-powered GS350 and the V8-powered GS460, the  Lexus GS offers a luxurious interior and the traditionally strong resale value of a Lexus product. Its ride is smooth, even for a luxury car.

The 2009 Lexus GS won our Best Luxury Car for the Money award for its combination of an attainable price and best-in-class long-term cost of ownership.  The 2010 edition has changed little from that award-winning car, but in the hyper-competitive Large Luxury Car class, the 2010 Lexus GS is just one of many extraordinary options.

The GS is an exceptionally comfortable luxury car with first-rate build quality, long-term reliability and enough power to meet the needs of most drivers.

Lexus LS 460

 Few cars offer a driving experience as serene and luxurious as the Lexus LS 460 and the long-wheelbase LS 460L, most reviewers agree. Redesigned in 2007, the latest Lexus LS continues to be the flagship of the Lexus fleet as the largest, most expensive and best equipped car from Toyota's luxury brand. Refined, quiet and comfortable are words that most reviews use to describe the Lexus LS 460. Many auto writers also praise the strong acceleration from the standard 380-hp V-8 engine and industry-first eight-speed automatic transmission. One source clocked the rear-wheel-drive Lexus LS 460 at 5.8 seconds to reach 60 mph. Equally impressive, many reviews emphasize, is this engine's relatively good fuel economy. EPA figures are 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway, while real-world mileage figures range from 15 to 23 mpg.

But reviewers say the Lexus does not provide the same kind of high-performance handling and confident cornering ability as most German competitors. For better handling, reviews suggest cars like the Mercedes S550 (*est. $86,700 to $89,700), BMW 750i (*est. $76,800 to $79,900) and Audi A8 (*est. $70,690 to $74,690). Each of these cars also offers a bit more prestige than the Lexus, although at significantly higher base prices. Among the many luxury and convenience features offered in the LS 460 is a much-publicized "Advanced Parking Guidance System" that allows the car to park itself. Critics say it works, but slowly and only under ideal conditions.

Edmunds.com has a well-written summary review of the LS 460, with a list of the car's strengths and weaknesses. Motor Trend provides valuable results of a long-term test in a LS 460 after accumulating more than 21,000 miles. Consumer Reports also has an informative summary review and exclusive reliability information available only to subscribers. The Car Connection has a thoughtful summary of the LS, and Kelley Blue Book gives a good review along with its recommendation. Several other top-pick awards for the LS 460 come from Consumer Guide and Cars.com, both of which provide informative road-test reviews. Forbes Autos's review is rather brief, but gives some additional insight.

Lexus ES 350

the Lexus ES 350 is smooth, quiet and comfortable, but will not appeal to drivers who desire a sportier driving experience. The ES 350 is front-wheel drive only, with competent and predictable handling, but it cannot keep pace with similarly-priced rear-drive sports sedans, reviewers say. They recommend several sportier alternatives for drivers who want a car that's more fun to drive, such as the BMW 3 Series (*est. $32,700 to $53,800) or Infiniti G35 (*est. $32,250 to $34,750).

Reviews point out, however, that many entry-luxury car shoppers place a higher importance on a plush ride and reputation for quality and reliability. For them, many editors call the Lexus ES 350 a "perfect" choice for the money. The single engine is a 272-hp V-6, rated at 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Test drivers report respectable real-life mileage ranging from 19 to 27 mpg.

One of the best reviews comes from Edmunds.com, with a thoughtful summary of the Lexus ES 350's strengths and weaknesses. Consumer Reports also has an informative summary review and exclusive reliability information available only to subscribers. Among several recommendations for the Lexus ES 350 are top awards from Consumer Guide and Cars.com, both of which provide good road-test reviews. The Car Connection has a well-written summary of the ES sedan, and New Car Test Drive has a longer review with plenty of road-test details, although not much criticism. MotherProof.com gives some insight into the family friendliness of the ES 350.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Lexus LFA (2011)






Download Lexus LFA Wallpapers(45)

The new Lexus LFA marks an important moment in both the history of Lexus and the development of the supercar. A true "clean-sheet" design, the Lexus LFA was created by a small, passionate and dedicated team of engineers whose achievement has been to push the boundaries of technologies materials and engineering at every stage to produce a car like no other to have carried the Lexus badge.

Constructed using advanced carbon fibre technology, the rear-wheel drive Lexus LFA is powered by a bespoke, high-revving 552bhp 4.8-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine, matched to a rear-mounted six-speed sequential automatic transmission, giving 200mph-plus performance.

In the words of Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi: "The Lexus LFA is a thoroughbred supercar, a machine engineered to achieve a single goal - to deliver a supreme driving experience. Over the past decade we have pushed every boundary in pursuit of this goal and I believe we have created the most driver-orientated car we possibly could."

CARBON FIBRE CONSTRUCTION
Keeping the car's weight to an absolute minimum was one of the defining elements in the development of the Lexus LFA and this led to the decision to switch from using aluminium for the car's construction to advanced Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) for the chassis and bodywork.

Moreover, Lexus decided the CFRP structure should be built in-house rather than by a third-party supplier. In doing so, it drew on Toyota Motor Corporation's heritage in textile weaving technology to push the boundaries of its technical abilities, developing new carbon fibre looms and a laser system for monitoring the integrity of the material.

At four times the strength of aluminium, CFRP gives the Lexus LFA an exceptionally stiff and strong structure, and also delivers major weight advantages, saving around 100kg on an equivalent aluminium body. CFRP accounts for 65 per cent of the body-in-white, with aluminium alloy used for the remaining 35 per cent.

Unlike the few other vehicles on the market that use CFRP construction, the Lexus LFA uses the same advanced resin technology favoured by cutting-edge aerospace programmes for its unmatched weight and strength properties.

ENGINE
The heart of the Lexus LFA is a bespoke, naturally aspirated V10 engine that sets new standards for compact dimensions, lightweight architecture and scintillating performance. From the outset it was determined the engine should have a 4,805cc capacity, develop 552bhp and rev to a wailing 9,000rpm red line. A 72-degree angle between the cylinder heads is ideal for achieving balance in the engine for exceptionally smooth running, while providing individual, electronically controlled throttle bodies for each cylinder gives excellent throttle response.

Using a dry sump lubrication system allows the block to be positioned deep in the engine bay, lowering the car's centre of gravity and moment of inertia, and enabling the engine to handle sustained, high-speed cornering.

The V10 produces 480Nm of torque at 6,800rpm, 90 per cent of which is available from 3,700rpm all the way to the 9,000rpm red line, thanks to Dual VVT-i technology, equal length exhaust manifolds and high-volume, 12-hole fuel injectors. This gives searing in-hear acceleration at all engine speeds and in any gear: nought to 62mph takes just 3.7 seconds and maximum speed is 202mph.

With a kerb weight of 1,480kg, the Lexus LFA has a power to weight ratio of 373bhp per tonne, while specific output of 115bhp per litre is among the highest of any current supercar, aided by a high, 12:1 compression ratio, low friction internals and optimised intake and exhaust flow.

In spite of its potency, the V10 is an object lesson in compact and lightweight packaging, being about the same size as a regular V8 engine and weighing about as much as conventional V6. It is also as reliable and refined as any other Lexus power plan and exceeds Euro 5 emissions standards.

The engine was developed in conjunction with Yamaha through the established collaborative partnership between Toyota Motor Corporation and the Japanese specialist engineering company.

TRANSMISSION
The formidable performance of the V10 is managed through an equally advanced transmission, a purpose-designed six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) that drives the rear wheels via a limited slip differential. To help achieve the optimum 48:52 front-to-rear weight distribution, it is contained in a transaxle mounted over the rear axle.

The ASG is operated by paddle shifts mounted on the steering column and is engineered for exceptionally fast shifts: an upshift can be effected in just 0.2 seconds.

The system has four driving modes: Auto, Sport, Normal and Wet, activated by a selector dial on the dashboard. Each mode has a specific gearshift programme, and engine and brake control logic systems to let the driver tailor the car's performance to suit driving conditions.

SOUND
The Lexus LFA's acoustics, induction system and exhaust notes have been specially tuned to deliver an awesome "soundtrack" that expresses the car's extreme performance, both outside and inside the cabin. Referred to by the acoustic team as "Octave Harmony", it is inspired by the sound of a Formula 1 engine at full revs and is unlike that of any other road car, with different harmonic qualities created as the engine moves up towards its maximum 9,000rpm.

BRAKING
The Lexus LFA has one of the most advanced and powerful braking systems fitted to any production car, appropriate to meet the demands of its 200mph-plus performance capabilities.

The brake discs are made of Carbon Ceramic Material (CCM), which as well as being lighter than steel, gives fade-free performance in all conditions. The front discs are 390mm in diameter and 34mm thick, gripped by six-piston aluminium callipers; the rear discs measure 306mm across, are 28mm thick and are fitted with four-pot callipers. All use high-friction micron pads, manufactured exclusively for use with CCM brakes.

SUSPENSION, WHEELS AND TYRES
The track-tuned suspension is the result of intensive development work carried out by Lexus at the Nürburgring's Nordschleife circuit to give the best possible balance between control and comfort.

The bespoke wishbone front/multilink rear design makes extensive use of aluminium alloy for high strength and low weight, and the aluminium monotube dampers are the same as those Lexus used for its LFA race car in the Nurburgring 24-hour race.

The 20-inch forged aluminium BBS wheels are shod with asymmetric Bridgestone tyres: 265/35ZR20 at the front and 305/20ZR20 at the rear.

AERODYNAMICS
The Lexus LFA boasts class-leading aerodynamics to achieve drivetrain cooling and superb high-speed handling and stability. Extensive wind tunnel testing helped produce a wind-cheating profile with a drag coefficient of 0.31, a remarkable achievement given the degree of downforce the car creates at high speed.

Airflow is precisely controlled over, under and around the car. A carbon fibre rear diffuser and flat underbody generate significant downforce, with an active rear wing, complete with a gurney flap on the leading edge, boosting the level further still.

STEERING
The race-tuned steering gives outstanding response and feedback to create a perfect dynamic link between car and driver. The constant-rate rack and pinion system uses an innovative column-assist Electric Power Steering System that does not sap engine performance.

The large-diameter column shaft is mounted directly on the central chassis structure, giving the steering layout exceptional rigidity. The carbon fibre steering wheel has a flat bottom section and houses the engine starter button and instrument information selector switch. It can be adjusted for reach and rake.

EXTERIOR DESIGN
Dictated by its front-mid engine layout, long wheelbase and short overhangs, sophisticated aerodynamics and low-slung cabin, the Lexus LFA's lines flow from roof to sill in a seamless convex to concave line. As well as its low weight and high strength, carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) also gave the designers more freedom to create shapes, curves and edges that would have been impossible with metal.

The styling remains true, however, to the principles of L-finesse, the design rationale behind all current Lexus models. Form follows function, as witnessed n the numerous air intakes and aerodynamic details, and even in the design of the door mirrors, shaped to channel air over the car's shoulders into the rear intakes.

INTERIOR DESIGN
The low-slung cabin is divided into three zones: the mechanical zone, which includes the skeleton of the car's construction; the human zone, with two seats placed right at the centre of the car; and the driving zone, with high-tech instrumentation that brings driver and machine together.

The cabin is hand-built, with driver-focused ergonomics. The seats, upholstered in fine leather and Alcantara, provide the high level of back and side support needed in a car capable of 200mph-plus performance. The trim echoes the advanced materials used in the Lexus LFA's construction, with exposed areas of both matt and gloss carbon fibre. Trim details are finished in brushed metal and the floor-hinged brake and throttle pedals are made of forged aluminium. As with the exterior finish, owners can choose different interior colours and details to suit personal taste.

INSTRUMENTATION
The compact, hooded instrument panel combines an LCD display panel with a colour Thin Film Transistor (TFT) and a motor-drive movable ring. It features a single circular dial with a central tachometer with an LCD needle. When engine speed exceeds 9,000rpm, the display area turns red to prime the driver for an up-shift. It can also be programmed to turn yellow or green when the revs reach a user-selected range. The dial also houses a digital speedometer and gear indicator, transmission mode, vehicle control data and trip information displays.

An information selector switch on the left side of the steering wheel lets the driver toggle through a series of functions, including customising the data display, adjusting cabin illumination and operating a track-ready stopwatch system.

When the car is started, an instrument display sequence is triggered, creating a sense of occasion, culminating in the four digital dials showing oil and water temperatures, fuel level and oil pressure radiating out from the centre of the rev counter to take up their positions on either side of the central dial.

SAFETY
Passive and active safety provisions are in line with the Lexus LFA's exceptional performance. The central carbon fibre reinforced plastic central structure is extremely strong and provides excellent impact protection. Crash boxes are fitted front and rear that are designed to deform in a controlled fashion in the event of an impact. That at the front is made of CFRP; that at the rear from extruded aluminium. Side impact protection includes strong and rigid carbon fibre side members and door structures comprising an aluminium inner panel and a Glass fibre reinforced Sheet Moulding Compound (G-SMC) outer skin.

The Lexus LFA is equipped with Lexus's Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) system, which co-ordinates the smooth operation of the ABS, vehicle stability and traction control systems as the vehicle approaches its performance limits, based on critical data on brake operation, yaw and roll rates, individual wheel speed and longitudinal, lateral and vertical acceleration

Passive safety features include two-stage adaptive front airbags and seatbelt airbags for driver and passenger and a driver's knee airbag.

MANUFACTURING AND SALES
The Lexus LFA programme was launched in 2000 as a straightforward R&D project, but gained impetus with the appointment of Haruhiko Tanahashi to lead a dedicated team of engineers, committed to a bespoke Lexus development programme. The first Lexus LFA prototype was completed in 2003 and a design study made its public debut at the 2005 Detroit motor show. In 2008 and 2009 the Lexus LFA was entered in the Nurburgring 24-hour race, the intention being to push the car hard under testing conditions prior to its official launch as a production-ready model at the 2009 Tokyo motor show.

The Lexus LFA will be hand-assembled at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City. Only 500 examples will be built, at a maximum rate of 20 per month to ensure the finest build quality and attention to detail. Each V10 engine will be assembled by a single engineer, and will bear his signature as testament to each Lexus LFA's bespoke status.

The UK launch price for the Lexus LFA is €368,000 (approximately £336,000). Owners can choose from an extensive range of options to personalise their car, including 30 different paint finishes. Certain items of standard equipment can also be removed, such as the audio system, to reduce the car's weight.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
Engine Type: 1LR-GSE
Cylinders/arrangement: V10
Valve mechanism: 40-valve DOHC
Displacement: 4,805 cc
Bore x Stroke: 88.0 x 79.0 mm
Compression ratio: 12.0:1
Fuel Injection Type: EFI
Octane Rating : 95 or higher
Max. Power: 552 bhp @ 8,700 rpm
Max Torque: 480 Nm @ 6,800 rpm
Max. engine speed: 9,000 rpm
Exhaust emissions certification: Euro 5
PERFORMANCE
0-62 mph (0-100 km/h): 3.7 s
Max. speed: 202 mph (325 km/h)

DIMENSIONS
Overall length: 4,505 mm
Overall width: 1,895 mm
Overall height: 1,220 mm
Wheelbase: 2,605 mm
Track
front: 1,580 mm
rear: 1,570 mm
Overhang
front: 940 mm
rear: 960 mm
Coefficient of Drag: 0.31 Cd
Fuel tank capacity: 73 l (16.1 gallons)
WEIGHTS (kg)
Kerb weight: 1,480 - 1,580 kg
Gross vehicle weight: 1,700/1,750 kg

TRANSMISSION
Gearbox type: 6-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox
Front counter gear ratio: 1.259
Gear ratios
1st: 3.231
2nd: 2.188
3rd: 1.609
4th: 1.233
5th: 0.970
6th: 0.795
Final drive ratio: 3.417
Maximum permissible speed
1st: 52 mph
2nd: 76 mph
3rd: 104 mph
4th: 136 mph
5th: 172 mph
6th: -

BRAKES
Front: Cross-drilled ventilated discs, 399 x 34 mm
Rear: Cross-drilled ventilated discs, 360 x 28 mm

SUSPENSION
Front: Double wishbone with anti-roll bar
Rear: Multilink with anti-roll bar

STEERING
Steering gear type: Rack and pinion
Power steering type: Electric
Ratio: 14.3
Turns lock to lock: 2.35

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery capacity: 12V-48AH
Alternator output: 2,640 W
Starter output: 1.7 kW

TYRES AND WHEELS
Wheels
Front: 20x9.5J BBS alloy
Rear: 20x11.5J BBS alloy
Tyres
Front: 265/35R20 95Y
Rear: 305/30R20 99Y

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Primeira imagem do híbrido da Lexus o LF-Ch

A foto ao lado é a primeira imagem do compacto da Lexus que deve ser lançado no próximo ano.

O LF-Ch deve fazer sua primeira aparição ou publico já este ano do Salão de Frankfurt que acontece do dia 17 a 27 de setembro.


Tuesday, May 19, 2009

IS C "F-Sport"

A Lexus resolveu alargar a sua linha desportiva "F-Sport" ao IS C, a variante coupé-cabrio da actual geração IS que chega a Portugal dentro de meses.

A linha "F-Sport" é composto por jantes de liga leve especificas, diversos elementos aerodinâmicos, o principal destaque vai para saias laterais, spoiler’s dianteiros e traseiros, novo sistema de travagem e novos sistemas de escape.

A linha "F-Sport" da Lexus não está disponível em Portugal. Nos países em que é disponibilizada, comercializa os componentes nos concessionários oficiail.

A variante coupé-cabrio da gama IS chega ao mercado Português no decorrer do Verão, exclusivamente associado à motorização a gasolina de 2,5 litros com 208 cavalos de potência.
Fonte Carros.pt

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept 2008

Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept
Ano 2008
Velocidade maxima de 200 mph
Motor V10 de 500 cv
Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept 2008
Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept 2008
Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept 2008

Monday, October 8, 2007

Lexus IS F Premium






The IS F is a Lexus "F" premium sports car based on the concept of proposing a new level of performance for Lexus through a refinement of basic performance with the addition of new cruising technology. The vehicle was developed to pursue, to the fullest extent possible, the "joy of driving" - which is one of the fundamental appeals of the automobile - by responding reliably and performing as intended.

Based on the IS series, the IS F boasts a completely new engine and transmission, an exclusive suspension and specially selected aluminum wheels and tires. The vehicle was tested extensively on race circuits in Japan and overseas, including Fuji Speedway, in order to demonstrate its full potential. Detailed attention to the responsiveness of the acceleration, gear shifting, steering and brakes, as well as to the actual experience of quality (such as engine sound and the sensation of acceleration), has created a new type of driving pleasure - not just for the driver but for passengers as well - thus expressing the emotional appeal of the Lexus brand.

Based on the idea of creating a vehicle that can run on various types of roads, the vehicle was extensively tested on race circuits, including Higashifuji Technical Center and Fuji Speedway. The "F" in the IS F name comes from the "F" in "Fuji Speedway".

Note: Products described in this and in any attached materials are for the Japanese market only.

Monthly Sales Target (in Japan): 40 units
Assembly Plant : Tahara Plant, Toyota Motor Corporation

Model: IS F
Engine: 2UR-GSE
Powertrain: 5.0-liter V8, Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Transmission: 8-Speed Sport Direct Shift
Price (including consumption tax)*: 7,660,000

Excluding recycling fees

Vehicle Outline
1. Performance that Can Maximize Driving Pleasure

The newly developed 5.0-liter V8 engine is a D-4S (direct injection four-stroke gasoline engine, superior version) that combines both port and direct fuel injection. Advanced technologies, including electric motor-driven VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system by Electric motor) on the intake side of the Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system), maximize the performance of the engine. This naturally aspirated engine provides a feeling of linear acceleration, high acceleration response and powerful, enjoyable acceleration even at high engine speeds.

By adopting the dual-intake system, the IS F provides smooth and even torque at low or medium engine speeds and high torque with both air inlets open at high engine speeds. In addition, the engine sound goes through three transitions in line with rpm to offer true sports car stimulation.

Engine Specifications
Model: 2UR-GSE
Type: V8 DOHC
Displacement [cc]: 4,968
Bore x stroke [mm]: 94.0 x 89.5
Fuel supply system: D-4S (direct fuel injection + port fuel injection)
Fuel type: Premium unleaded gasoline
Compression ratio: 11.8:1
Maximum output [kW (PS) / rpm]: 311 (423) / 6,600
Maximum torque [N-m (kg-m) / rpm]: 505 (51.5) / 5,200
Exhaust emissions levels compared to the Japanese 2005 standards(1): 75% lower
Fuel efficiency in the 10-15 Japanese test cycle(2) [km/l]: 8.2

1. Specified under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's (MLIT) Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles
2. Outlined by MLIT

The 8-Speed Sport Direct Shift transmission is based on the eight-speed automatic transmission used on the LS460 series, with electronic control technology that provides the benefits of both the smooth shifting of an automatic transmission for comfortable driving and a full-scale, sporty manual transmission that does not need a clutch - which is without precedent anywhere in the world* for an eight-speed transmission. The two-pedal sports transmission also offers new value and perfectly suits a premium sports car. In addition to smooth shifting when the lever is in "D", the torque converter allows smooth and powerful acceleration when starting up in first-gear by putting the lever in "M". In gears two through eight, the direct connection between the engine and the transmission results in direct acceleration response. While achieving one of the fastest gear-change responses in the world, the transmission also has a blipping (revving) control feature that-in the fashion of the heel and toe technique used by race drivers-automatically increases engine rotation speed during downshifts to avoid downshift jolts. In addition, the IS F also features a special paddle shifter that can be operated without the need to remove one's hand from the steering wheel.

The springs, shock absorbers, stabilizers and other parts have been optimally tuned for an exclusive suspension that is based on the IS series suspension, which provides both outstanding stability and a feeling of agility. The vehicle offers excellent cruising performance that is capable of handling race circuits.

In addition to 19-inch forged aluminum wheels that are both strong and light, the IS F uses large-diameter, wide 225/40R19 tires at the front and 255/35R19 tires at the rear for superior gripping performance, excellent handling and cruising stability.

The IS F has high-performance brakes that can withstand even extreme braking on race circuits.
The VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) system stabilizes the vehicle by coordinating control and achieving an optimum balance between drive power, steering and braking, thus allowing high preventive safety. The IS F's VDIM has a "sports" mode that ensures safety while maximizing vehicle performance.

As of September 2007, according to a TMC survey

Wednesday, December 6, 2006

2008 Lexus IS-F to premiere at Detroit

Lexus has finally decided to join in the super-sport sedan league by presenting its own special series brand which will bear the letter “F” –as in fast, in order to compete against those “pesky” BMW M, Audi RS, Mercedes AMG and Cadillac V series models.

The first model in the ‘F” series will be the IS-F which will be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January with sales starting next year where it will compete against cars like the Audi RS4 and the BMW M3. Apart from a teaser pic where we catch a glimpse of the IS-F’s sexy twin-exhaust pipes, Lexus informs us that the high-performance version of the IS 250/350 sport sedans “will feature unique styling and a substantial boost in power from a V8 powerplant”. It is rumored that the V8 engine will produce about 425 Hp. In addition to the IS-F Lexus also announced that it will unveil an exotic sports concept.

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