Lexus is no stranger to hybrids. Their GS and LS sedans, as well as the RX SUV come in hybrid variants. Problem is, the least expensive Lexus Hybrid sedan sets you back around $67,000, and the few other luxo-hybrids on the market aren’t any cheaper.

For 2010, Lexus changed this with their all-new HS 250h. The HS is a hybrid-only model, Prius style, and currently only comes with the same 2.4-liter four cylinder gas engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that we see in the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Starting at $34,200 with some impressive equipment and style, Lexus hopes to attract a younger, more affluent buyer to the HS 250h, giving them an option fancier than a Camry Hybrid without getting into the $60K range. Did they pull it off? Continue Reading…

Ah yes, the day is finally here. For years now we’ve hearing about the ultimate Lexus supercar, dubbed the LFA. We saw the LF-A concept car at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, and have been hearing about rumors ever since.

But now, Lexus finally released details on the production version of the LFA supercar, which will be out in late 2010 as a 2011 model. Lexus will be showing the LFA at the 2009 SEMA show next month, and at the LA Auto Show in December, making its rounds to other auto shows throughout next year.

The Lexus LFA will serve as Lexus’ flagship car, with only 500 models being built worldwide, ever, each being built custom order (you won’t see any in the showroom) and no more than 20 produced per month. Continue Reading…

The Lexus LF-Ch Compact Hybrid is an odd little car. Or, to be more exact, it’s odd that Toyota would badge a car like this as a Lexus. The hybrid part makes sense, but making a small hatchback as a Lexus, even if Toyota is calling it a “Premium Compact”, seems to run counter to what Lexus has been marketed as up to this point. The fact that Toyota will be showing the Lexus LF-Ch Compact Hybrid at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show this coming December points out that the company is pretty seriously considering offering the car in North America.

A Lexus LF-Ch Premium Compact Hybrid … will Americans go for that?

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I guess you could file this under “Why didn’t someone do this sooner?” and really, why didn’t someone? Every carmaker on the planet, and most every race series, is trying to make themselves look greener. Some, like the ALMS are doing it for real. They’ve got hybrid racers and green equivalency championships and it seems to be working out really well for every one involved. Others are just trying whatever they can to keep the wolves at bay.

No, I’m not say that’s what is going on, but this IS a pretty cool idea. Why not? Why not have a hybrid running as a pace car? It presents no more technical problems than using any other car, it makes the series look better, in an environmental sense, and you know whichever car company gets tapped has got to be pleased.

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To me, Lexus has always been for elitists - someone who cares way too much about what other people think. They are purchased by those who are willing to grossly overpay for a rebadged Toyota to impress his neighbors and coworkers.

But the Lexus LS460, which was redesigned two years ago, has received excellent reviews from experts and consumers, and has even been called a “good value.” At a starting price of $64,000, that’s quite a feat. So what makes this big luxury sedan worth a minimum $64K? Is it really overpriced, or have I been wrong all along? More importantly, is it still a Toyota with a fancy badge? We have a 2009 Lexus LS460 for a week to find out… Continue Reading…

To this journalist, Lexus vehicles have always been parallel to the sophisticated, but quiet guy standing in the corner at a party. You know him well: The good-looking guy who dresses well and has the capacity to hold a conversation when you nudge him into one. However, he is very reticent and will respond, but don’t expect him to be very chatty.

This is very true with the Lexus GS460.

The GS midsize sedan debuted in 1993 and was a popular alternative to the BMW 5-series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and the Audi 100 four-doors. It has always done well in the marketplace, with is comfortable road manners and impeccable quality, but never really overtook its more sporting German competitors. Even it’s newer hometown rival, the Infiniti M45, can compete better with the European offerings.

For this third-generation GS, released in early 2005, Lexus has infused a bit more style and road-going prowess into its usually reserved self. But is it enough to finally beat the big three from Bundesrepublik Deutschland? If it is, has Lexus messed too much with their formula and turned their shy guy into John Belushi from “Animal House”? Read on to find out. Continue Reading…