Lexus LF Reviews

There are exciting new releases planned across the board; from budget hatches to practical SUVs, to exotic supercars. We’ve broken them down into segments and likely price categories to help you. We've based our price estimations on the current market, but some estimations could change in the future, and some model ranges span across price categories, so be sure to check our other stories...New cars for 2014 | less than $20,000New cars for 2014 | $20,000-$40,000New cars for 2014 | $40,000-$59,000New cars for 2014 | over $100,000 LIGHT CARSBMW i3: BMW will bring the high tech i3 city car down under from September, with the pure-electric i3 BEV expected to start at about $60,000, and a range-extended i3 REX version with a 647cc petrol generator further up the price scale. (Approximately $60,000)SMALL CARSAudi A3 sedan: Audi will add a sedan version of its A3 small car to the existing Sportback hatch lineup from January, with the hot S3 version to follow in April, and the drop-top A3 Cabriolet (from about $57k) to complete the lineup in about September. (Approximately $65,000)BMW 2 Series: The discontinued 1 Series coupe will be replaced by the new 2 Series coupe in around May, and will likely mirror the petrol and diesel drivetrains of the existing 1 Series hatch. A soft-top convertible is also in the works, but its launch date is still up in the air. (Approximately $45,000-$85,000)FAMILY CARSInfiniti Q50: Infiniti models are set to become a more common sight on Australian roads before June, with the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series-rivalling Q50’s arrival, boasting fresh styling, rear-wheel drive, and a choice of diesel or hybrid drivetrains. (Approximately $51,900-$73,900)Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Mercedes' new C-Class sedan and wagon are due around mid-year, with a range of new engines and an 80mm wheelbase stretch to help combat the also enlarged BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS rivals. Drivetrain availability from launch will include the 115kW/250Nm 1.6-litre C180 and 135kW/300Nm 2.0-litre C200 petrols, and the 125kW/400Nm 2.1-litre turbodiesel C220. A smaller diesel, diesel-electric hybrid and more powerful petrol engines will come later. (Approximately from $60,000)Tesla Model S: The long-awaited Tesla Model S pure-electric passenger car is due to arrive locally in the second quarter, with the five door hatch balancing style, performance, and all-electric tech in equal measures. (Approximately $80,000)Volvo S60 and V60: Volvo will introduce the first of its new Drive-E engines to the S60 sedan and V60 wagon range in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $49,000-$78,000)LUXURY CARSLexus RC: Lexus’ new RC coupe should arrive before the end of 2014 to take on the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5, with a choice of petrol V6 and hybrid drivetrains likely to expand to include a high-performance 5.0-litre V8 RC-F soon after. (Approximately $70,000-$130,000)SUV/4WDAudi RS Q3: The company’s first RS-badged SUV will arrive in February, with the RS Q3 borrowing its 228kW/420Nm five-cylinder heart from the TTRS, and promising 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds. (Approximately $81,900)BMW X1: The baby bimmer SUV is also in line for a refreshing in March, with styling and interior tweaks expected. (Approximately 46,000-63,000)BMW X5 sDrive 25d: BMW will add the first two-wheel drive X5 to the new 2014 lineup early in the year, with a price-leading $82,900 2.0-litre turbodiesel sDrive 25d undercutting the existing all-wheel drive xDrive 25d by $5000. (Approximately $82,900)Ford Territory: The Territory SUV will score SYNC-inclusive revisions by the end of the year, ahead of its 2016 fate. (Approximately $40,000-$63,000)Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: The stylish Range Rover Evoque is due for an update before June, with a new nine-speed auto delivering fuel economy gains of about 10 per cent, plus styling tweaks to bring it in line with the new full-size Range Rover and Sport models. (Approximately $50,000-$91,000)Porsche Macan: Porsche will add the new sub-Cayenne Macan SUV to its Australian lineup from June, with the cheapest diesel model forming a new entry point to Porsche ownership at $84,900. Twin-turbo 3.0 and 3.6-litre V6s will sit further up the price scale, with the 294kW top-spec capable of 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds. (Approximately $84,900-$122,900)Volvo XC60: Volvo’s new Drive-E engines will also appear in the XC60 SUV in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $57,000-79,000)SPORTS/PERFORMANCEAlfa Romeo 4C: Alfa will bring a limited number of its limited-build 4C sports car to Australia in around June, with the mid-engined, carbon-chassised performance hero expected to lob for as little as $75,000.Peugeot RCZ-R: Building on the brand’s reignited performance cred thanks to the excellent 208 GTi, the French brand will also add the hot RCZ-R to the lineup in the second quarter, with a highly tuned 199kW version of the existing petrol version’s 1.6-litre turbo. (Approximately $70,000)CONVERTIBLESBMW 4 Series convertible: The folding hardtop version of BMW’s 4-Series coupe is expected by March, and echo its hardtop sibling with 420d, 428i, and 435i drivetrains. (Approximately $85,000-$120,000)  

Lexus has already released two teasers and a tiny trickle of information for the RC F Coupe ahead of its debut at the Detroit motor show in a couple of weeks. But the best detail to come to light so far has been the leak of what's said to be engine figures in an alleged debut invitation.If that leak -- sent to autoblog.com from 'an anonymous tipster -- is the real deal, the RC F will be powered by a 5.0-litre V8 we've previously suggested will be a tweaked version of the one in the IS F delivering 343kW (a lift of 32kW). It's not known yet whether torque will also rise above the carryover 505Nm, but some reports have suggested it could get close to another 40Nm.Of course, the truth of the 'leaked' engine and power depend on whether the leaked invitation is real. It's linked to a matching website, which would be a lot of trouble for somebody to go to just as a red herring. And a cynic might suggest it could have been leaked by Lexus themselves.We've also heard suggestions that the RC F has been the subject of some weight-trimming strategies to have it tip the scales well under the IS F's 1700kg -- including a carbon-fibre bonnet, roof and bootlid -- which should help performance exceed that of the IS F's 4.9 seconds for the 0-100kmh sprint and top speed of 274km/h.

The Lexus IS sedan is the Japanese maker's rival to the biggest sellers among the three German luxury brands, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The first teaser showed the front wheel, three-quarter panel bearing an 'F' badge and a headlight cluster echoing the recently debuted RC coupe.

With the 40th and final LFA supercar having been built and delivered, Lexus needs a new performance hero -- and this teaser could be showing us the first glimpse of it.

People imagine being a motoring writer involves nothing more than stepping out of one Ferrari and into another.

One of the more stylish cars to make an entrance at this year's Tokyo motor show was the glamorous new Lexus RC Coupe. Although based on the GS platform, the RC Coupe is a stand-alone model -- rather than a two-door derivative -- and differs in all dimensions to both the IS and GS lines.And the two-door is just about a year away from our showrooms. Lexus says the RC Coupe is production ready and will go sale in overseas markets towards the end of 2014, and we will get the car very close to its Japanese release.DESIGNIt's a real work of art. The emotionally charged RC boasts the widest and lowest application yet of the signature Lexus spindle grille. Sitting 30mm wider, 35mm lower and 70mm shorter in wheelbase than the new IS line, it has a more aggressive stance. The unique headlamp design adopts the symbolic Lexus L-shaped motif front and rear, while the car rides on 18 or 19 inch wheels.INTERIORA highlight of the interior is the specially designed back lighting which shines up rather than down. Genuine layered Shimamoku wood highlights are used to emphasise the surrounding trim while the driver’s cockpit is divided into operational and display zones. The upper zone houses the instrument panel and a seven-inch navigation screen while a layered centre console integrates a new Lexus first Remote Touch Interface. The form fitting seats created using a new foam process have been designed to ensure optimum occupant comfort and support.TECHNOLOGYThe RC coupe is powered by the same drivetrain choices as the IS sedan: either a 2.5-litre hybrid or 3.5 litre V6 -- the latter with an eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission (with steering wheel paddles) adapted from the IS F and optimising power delivery and economy. The power output per litre of the RC is second only to the $700,00 LFA supercar -- the dual injection 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine produces 234kW of power at 6400 revs and 380Nm of torque from 4800 revs.The hybrid combines a dual-injected 2.5-litre four cylinder engine with a 105kW electric motor for a combined output of 161kW and 221Nm, with drive to the rear wheels through a six-step CVT style transmission.To go with its racy good looks the sound generated by the engine has been tuned to ensure it delivers a more stirring note. Advanced technology includes upgraded Blind Spot Monitor and a new innovative Remote Touch Interface, which controls the audio and navigation systems. The RC is the first Lexus to adopt the upgraded Blind Spot Monitor system which detects vehicles that are approaching from behind at a higher speed and from a greater distance.UNDERPINNINGSRC uses double wishbone front suspension and multi-link suspension at the rear. Lighter and stronger the purpose-built chassis is designed to provide a world class driving experience, as epitomised by improvements in both the GS and IS lines. Extra thick underbody rocker panels increase the car's rigidity and new manufacturing techniques pioneered in the IS and LS models, including the use of body adhesives - have been used to strengthen the chassis. Aerodynamic aids, especially on the underbody, contribute to the handling package.Watch the desktop version of the Lexus RC Coupe video here.This reporter is on Twitter: @IamChrisRiley_______________________________________ 

Weak results in the booming prestige small-car market hope to change with Lexus soon to upgrade its smallest model, the hybrid CT200h.The $40,000-plus small-car prestige segment is the Australian market's best-performing category in year-to-date October figures, up 64 per cent on the same time last year.Big winners are the Mercedes-Benz pair of the A-Class and B-Class with 5468 sales to date, but the sole Lexus entry attracted 702 buyers, down 43 per cent on last year. But it remains the third best-selling Lexus, trailing the RX SUV and compact IS series.On sale from April, the improved CT200h adds better body rigidity, lower cabin noise and suspension refinement to improve ride and handling.It will also be the seventh model to get Lexus' new family spindle-shaped grille.The Toyota-based Prius hybrid 100kW/142Nm drivetrain won't be changed in the 2014 upgrade, with Lexus aiming all attention to reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) by making the body more rigid, the suspension more comfortable and wind noise reduced by attention to the car's aerodynamics. Lexus says there are 94 separate changes to the car to reduce NVH.The grille and the rear bumper will be the only exterior panels to be changed for the 2014 model, though it will receive 10-spoke alloy wheels in 16-inch or 17-inch sizes. The unusual design of the rear of the hatchback, with confused angles and window shapes, is a talking point and is not being changed.Cabin differences include a new, smaller-diameter steering wheel borrowed from the IS-series, a TFT screen within the main instrument panel, improvements to the satellite-navigation operation and the introduction of unique audio speakers made using bamboo. Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley says the changes will improve "its overall dynamic capabilities, driveability and visual appeal".Final specification and price will be announced closer to the car's launch.Meanwhile Lexus has added a entry-level hybrid version of its GS range. The GS300h uses the same hybrid drivetrain as the IS300h — 164kW/221Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder — and is priced from $79,000 for the Luxury. There are three GS300h models — the Luxury, F-Sport at $87,000 and the $102,000 Sports Luxury.The inclusion of these models has chopped the bigger GS450h Luxury hybrid ($99,900) and petrol GS250 Sports Luxury ($99,400) from the Australian market. The model shuffle places more emphasis on hybrid and sets Lexus up as a manufacturer of both conventional and electric powerplants.The writer is on Twitter: @cg_dowling 

The aggressively styled two-door Lexus RC coupe will arrive in Australian showrooms in 2014.It will sit alongside the new IS sedan with versions of the IS 350 and 300h’s 3.5 litre V6 engine with 234kW of power and 2.5 litre hybrid drivetrain with 162kW.Watch the 2014 Lexus RC coupe desktop video version here. _______________________________________ 

With bold aggressive styling, the new Lexus NX crossover is in training to go head to head with the likes of Range Rover's stylish Evoque and others in the luxury crossover field – including BMW X3 and Audi Q3 (with Benz yet to offer an entry here in this growing segment).Still in concept form, the NX Turbo is a city car that targets the growing appetite for smaller, more urban-centric premium, compact crossover vehicles around the world. Smaller and more compact than the current RX wagon, it will mark the debut of Lexus's first turbocharged petrol engine, in the guise of a 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo with all the mod cons including fuel saving stop-start.THE TURBO ENGINESLexus showed this car earlier this year at Frankfurt with a hybrid powertrain and unveiled another version this week at the Tokyo motor show with a turbocharged petrol engine. At this stage it is not saying which engine the new crossover will carry when it comes to market, but it is expected to offer a choice of both engines in line with its current philosophy.Lexus has not revealed many details of the turbo which is still in development but has confirmed it will support a variety of sizes topping out at 2.0 litres. It's expected to make its debut in the NX later next year. The turbocharged power plant follows the current trend to smaller, force fed engines that deliver the same kind of power as larger naturally aspirated units but offer better economy and less engine emissions.It will match the current 3.5-litre V6 for power and torque and is expected to eventually replace the V6, with the addition of balancer shafts to provide the same smoothness.THE DETAILSThe 2.0 litre, four-cylinder unit combines Lexus' advanced high tumble port, fan spray fuel injection, D-4S and VVT-iw combustion technologies with a cylinder head-integrated exhaust manifold and a twin scroll turbocharger with an active wastegate valve.Through optimisation of the exhaust gas temperature, the cylinder head-integrated exhaust manifold combines a high level of performance with fuel efficiency, clean exhaust emission reliability, while the twin scroll turbocharger operates effectively across the widest possible rev range.It targets fast throttle response and spirited performance while demonstrating outstanding fuel efficiency.THE CARThe striking exterior reflects a further evolution of the L-finesse design language, dominated by a huge version of the Lexus spindle grille, with smoked chrome trim and mesh insets. Signature front lighting features three diamond-shaped LEDs and independent daytine running lights underscored by a full-length LED turn signal strip.High gloss black toughens the looks of the wheel arches and lower rocker panels, while the rear features taillights extending the full depth of the bumper, with a full-width, air diffuser and highly sculpted chrome exhausts.WHAT'S INSIDE?The interior mirrors the NX Turbo's highly sculpted exterior. The centre console extends the full length of the cabin to create two separate rear seat cockpits. A brushed metal finish accents the instrument panel, steering wheel, seat structure and the overhead console, complemented by yellow and black leather with contrasting stitching.The dash features new generation touch-sensitive, electrostatic switches and the new Lexus remote touch interface, which combines a modified touch tracer display with a new touch pad design for smooth and intuitive use.VERDICTThe NX is a striking vehicle and it needs to be. The last thing Lexus wants is to deliver a car that goes unnoticed. We're guessing the final version won't be radically different and Lexus Australia can't wait to get its hands on the car.