Lexus LF Reviews

Lexus' LF-CC Coupe Concept, shown at the 2012 Paris Auto Show, was a brilliant exercise in design and proportion--but it was clearly concept-only, despite hints that it might presage a production model. This appears to be that production model, the 2015 Lexus RC F. The latest images show the car testing on the Nordschleife. Earlier shots showed the car in testing on city streets.Why RC F? Because Lexus recently trademarked the name, as an expansion of the also-trademarked RC name. Given Lexus' penchant for somewhat sensible names, the C likely indicates a coupe. In fact, we expect the RC to be the coupe version of the IS sedan. The LF-CC was taken as a preview of the IS, in coupe form, at the time of its unveiling, as well. From the design elements seen in these spy shots, we can see the proportions of the LF-CC have held through to the current development vehicle quite clearly. The RC F's dimensions are tipped to be 4700mm long and 1845mm wide, with it riding on a 2730mm wheelbase. Details such as the extremely narrow headlights, blade-like side scoop, and involuted rear diffuser found on the LF-CC concept have been replaced by simpler, more production-oriented designs.Other differences include larger tail lights, stacked exhaust outlets (like on the current IS F) and what appears to be a functional centre hood vent on the car spied in testing. Inside the cockpit of the RC F, there is a dashboard and centre stack very similar to that found in the 2014 IS sedan.So what will power the RC F? Some reports are suggesting it will carry over the high-output 5.0-litre V8 engine found in the outgoing IS F sedan, which delivers 311kW of power and 505Nm of torque -- though even more is possible.Lexus IS chief engineer Junichi Furuyama hinted last week that the 5.0-litre V8 could be dropped because of its difficulty meeting Euro 6 emission standards, and be replaced by a completely new engine for the F model. We'll update you with more details and information as the car progresses through its development cycle, which should come to completion in time for a full unveiling sometime in 2014 as a 2015 model.www.motorauthority.com 

And for the first time, a hybrid IS300h variant has arrived as well as upgrades to the IS 250 and IS 350 models. All three models all come with the option of F Sport enhancements.Now in its third decade, the Toyota luxury brand Lexus is aimed at the luxury European brands, in particular the big three German carmakers. As is the norm, the new Lexus IS models have grown in size with a longer, wider platform that provides more interior space especially in rear-seat legroom and boot capacity.There are styling changes both inside and out highlighted at the front by a new version of the Lexus' trademark spindle grille as well as a sweeping profile.These cars are immaculately finished inside and out in a tradition that has been with the Lexus marque since day one. The quality of materials and workmanship not only makes the car a delight to look at and sit in, but also suggests a high level of reliability.ENGINESUsing the ‘if it ain’t broke …’ philosophy the engines in the IS 250 and IS 350 are unchanged from the outgoing model. The IS 250’s 2.5-litre all-alloy V6 develops 153kW of power and 252Nm of torque, delivered through a six-speed sequential automatic transmission. The 3.5-litre engine in the IS 350 increases outputs to 233kW and 378Nm all-alloy 3.5-litre V6 powerplant matched to a new eight-speed transmission.With the arrival of the IS 300h Lexus is closing in on its target of offering hybrid technology right across its range. It combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle petrol engine with a 650-volt permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor to provide a combined power output of up to 164 kW.Listed fuel consumption for the IS 300h is 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres with CO2 emissions of 113 grams per kilometre. By way of comparison the two petrol-powered models use around twice as much fuel (IS 250 at 9.2 and the IS 350 9.7 L/100km) and about double the emissions (213 and 225 g/km respectively). However, official fuel consumption figures for hybrids are notoriously optimistic and can be very difficult to achieve in real life driving.TECHNOLOGYThe new hybrid powerplant is mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission with six-step shift logic and paddle shift.All three IS models come with the option of the Lexus F Sport package including a more rigid chassis, distinct steering and chassis tune through an adaptive variable suspension system and a new drive mode select feature. External features include different front and rear bumpers, side skirts, grille, wheels and badging.FEATURESStandard features across the Lexus IS range include eight airbags, powered and ventilated front seats, reversing camera, satellite navigation, a new pedestrian protection pop-up bonnet, drive mode select, tyre pressure warning sensors, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth phone and audio and digital radio. Sports Luxury models also get a number of additional safety features including two extra airbags, a Pre-Collision Safety System (PCS) with adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning.For those with enough patience, from the fourth quarter of 2013 the all-new Lexus Enform telematics system will be available. Enform will provide a range of connected services such as Enform Concierge (a dial-up link a range of Lexus services); Destination Download (sends destination information to the satellite navigations system);  Fuel Finder (transmits the location of the nearest service stations with comparative fuel prices and availability of premium fuels); Local Search (an internet-based search for local businesses and services): and Weather (forecasts for a selected location).

A hybrid, running on electric power, with a throaty V8 growl? It’s one of a bagful of features in the Lexus IS 300h, the luxury brand’s first hybrid in its sports IS range, newly uprated to give its trio of Teutonic rivals some real trouble.The car is an attention-grabber with a bigger, three-dimensional spindle grille, wider stance and dramatically swoopy rear end styling. A 70mm longer wheelbase has given it greater interior space, the seating is lower and sportier and the driver-oriented cockpit is derived from the Lexus LFA supercar.The hybrid has 60/40 split-fold rear seats and its battery pack is mounted low, under the boot floor, so there’s 450litres of cargo space, just 30litres less than the petrol-powered models.The IS 300h joins the IS 250 and IS 350 models in the model’s just-launched third generation, with prices starting from $55,900. The 300h is quite a performer, with a combined output of 164kW from its 2.5litre four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor. It runs just as well as the 153/252Nm V6 IS 250, and uses only about half the fuel.IS 250 Luxury is $55,900, the F Sport from $64,900 and Sports Luxury from $77,900. The IS 300 hybrid starts from $58,900 and the F Sport is from $67,900. IS 350 Luxury is $65,000, with the F Sport from $73,000 and Sports Luxury from $84,000.Despite being dubbed ‘all new’ the 250 and 350 have not altered their existing V6 motors. However, transmissions have changed in that the 233kW/378Nm 3.5litre V6 now has an eight-speed auto. The 250 retains its six-speed auto and the 300h gets a six-stepped CVT.The 300h is the first Lexus to use a Atkinson Cycle 2.5litre petrol electric/hybrid powertrain, which apart from lots of pep, makes it a sensation in the economy and clean air section, consuming and average 4.9litres/100km and emitting 113g of CO2/km. By comparison, the IS 250 data is 9.2litres/100km and 213g/km and the 350 uses 9.7litres and emits 225g/km.Lexus says the hybrid’s figures are unmatched by any rival petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicles in the segment, and expects growing awareness of fuel prices and exhaust emissions to lift its hybrid sales  from their present 18per cent to close on 50 per cent.There’s the expected suite of electronic driver aids, plus eight airbags (10 of them in Sports Luxury models), a reversing camera and tyre pressure monitoring. Option packs add Automatic High Beam, Lane Departure Alert, Blind Spot Monitor and a Pre-Collision system. The cars also have a bonnet that pops up to minimise pedestrian injury. Lexus says it’s confident of a five-star safety rating.The standard Luxury models all have powered, ventilated front seats, keyless entry, satnav, dual-zone climate control, digital radio, Bluetooth with audio streaming, bi-xenon headlights with daytime running lights, reverse-view camera, 7-inch colour media display, and Drive Mode select.A telematics system called Enform, will be available late this year, offering a vast range of data, including customer care, internet search, fuel station finder with fuel prices, weather, plus downloadable destination guides.We were able to compare an existing IS 350 with the latest one on the famed Phillip Island racing circuit, and the improvement, especially in grip, was immediately evident.Smoother lines and a stiffer body gave the newie better balance and its fast-shifting gearbox, complete with auto-blipping, was a delight. The rear-wheel drive IS has super balance – close to 50:50 front to rear – and that translates to very sporty road manners.However there’s no masking the considerable weight of the vehicle, and that undermines both off-the-line acceleration and cornering. Doesn’t destroy it completely, but leaves you with the wish that it could just make that extra leap to true performance characteristics.But it’s not performance most Lexus IS buyers will be looking for – it’s luxury and refinement. They won’t be disappointed. Cruising on public roads in various models, every kilometre was a pleasure. As for the burbling engine sound from the hybrid, it’s from something called Active Sound Control, presumably to counter the comparative silence of hybrid power. It can be customised or switched off, but we thought it hilarious.Passengers would never know the snarl came from under the dash, and if they didn’t see the ‘h’ badge on the tail, they’d never know the car was a hybrid.Given that few Lexus owners will venture onto the race circuit, we’d make the 300h our pick. It has all the prestige and luxury of the others, with phenomenal savings in running costs. And switchable joy sound.

Lexus’ new IS range arrives in Australia next month, with all-new IS250 and IS350 models joined by the hybrid IS300h for the first time.Lexus has given Allan Jones an early taste of the new IS lineup around Sydney Motorsport Park, and his reaction suggests that Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW are about to have a battle on their hands with their mid-size sedan models. 

Lexus’ stunning LF-CC concept made its first local appearance this week, following its unveiling at last September’s Paris Motor Show.The LF-CC is expected to form the basis of an upcoming coupe version of the new IS mid-size sedan, but Lexus remains tight-lipped about its production future. “A production LF-CC is yet to be confirmed, but the concept does offer a strong visual hint at a future mid-size coupe,” Lexus’ Australian boss Sean Hanley says.Hanley’s reference to a coming IS-coupe is may not be confirmation, but the likelihood of the car going into production issupported by Lexus’ trademarking of the ‘RC 350’ nameplate with IP Australia late last year, with the RC prefix following established Lexus naming convention.The R designation hints at a mid-size-ish body (as per the RX SUV), and C suggests a two-door model – following the pattern of the existing IS 250C and earlier SC 430 and US-market SC 400 models.Such specific nomenclature suggests Lexus will distance the new model from its sedan stablemate in a similar strategy used by Audi with the A5, and BMW will with the upcoming 4 Series.The ‘RC F’ nameplate was reportedly trademarked shortly after, suggesting that a high-performance (IS F coupe) version is also in the works – but Hanley refuses to confirm such a project. “We are not in a position to discuss future model launches,” he says.Given Lexus’ investment in the ‘F’ performance brand with the existing IS F and the now-discontinued LFA supercar, it’s fair to assume that such performance flagship IS models will arrive at some point.This assumption is supported by the sighting of a test mule wearing the existing IS 250C body with IS F body details at the Nurburgring last year, with the new IS’ rear suspension visible along with a revised version of the IS F’s distinctive stacked exhaust outlets.Possible power sources for such ‘F’ models range from a version of the existing IS F’s 311kW/505Nm 5.0 litre petrol V8, to a tweaked version of the bigger GS 450h’s 3.5 litre V6 hybrid drivetrain, to a turbo petrol six cylinder unit from parent company Toyota’s drivetrain alliance with BMW.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn 

Australia has been given its first look at the new Lexus IS sedan that will hit showrooms early in July.The IS – and the stunning LF-CC concept from last year’s Paris Motor Show – made an appearance in Sydney in lieu of their scheduled June booking at the now-cancelled 2013 Australian International Motor Show.The new third-generation IS was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January, with fresh contemporary styling, and a 70mm wheelbase stretch to deliver rear seat accommodation to compete with BMW’s 3 Series, Audi’s A4, and the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class due next year.The days of drab Lexus interiors appear to be over, with the IS cockpit offering similar attention to detail and material quality to the award-winning GS that arrived last year.Lexus confirmed that the new IS sedan will be launched here with drivetrains spanning the 2.5 litre V6 IS 250, 3.5 litre V6 IS 350, plus a hybrid IS 300h variant for the first time.The new hybrid will deliver combined fuel consumption of 4.9l/100km from its 2.5 litre four-cylinder/electric drivetrain, with a combined output of 164kW – and a combined torque figure yet to be confirmed.Lexus Australia spokesman Tyson Bowen confirmed that the hybrid’s nickel-metal hydride battery system will reduce boot capacity by just 30 litres, and the 60/40 rear seat folding mechanism will be unaffected.This limited boot capacity drop is partially due to the hybrid ditching the petrol models’ space saver spare, with IS 300h models to be equipped run flat tyres or a puncture repair kit –depending on the wheel/tyre package optioned.Lexus insists that a diesel IS is off the cards for the new model, despite offering the Europe-only IS 220d version of the existing model between 2005-2012.Lexus' Australia boss Sean Hanley affirmed the brand's focus on hybrids for its efficiency leaders, “Lexus’ commitment to hybrid technology is firm, both now and into the future,” he said.Lexus is yet to confirm the future of the convertible IS 250C and IS F performance flagship model, but will continue to sell the existing versions alongside the new IS sedan for the foreseeable future.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn 

The new ES is moving up and away from its one-time twin, finally earning a dedicated development program intended to make it a real Lexus and not just a Camry with a posh badge. The ES hits Australia before the end of the year with a two-poweplant plan that includes a hybrid for the first time, and big promises about improvements in every area. "The decision to develop ES on a different platform came about in the initial development stage, when I drove the previous generations and spoke to potential customers about the things they liked and disliked about ES," the car's chief engineer, Toshio Asahi, reveals to Carsguide from Japan. "At that early stage of development it became clear that space, refinement and comfort were the priority. But I also knew that dynamic performance needed some attention. To achieve this we engineered a new longer, wider, lower and more-rigid platform - then designed the suspension systems from this solid base." It's a very different approach to the earlier ES models, which were set as price leaders in Australia. Just over 7000 cars were sold here before the ES was withdrawn in 2006, with 2800 still in known active service. But the car was very similar to the Jaguar X-Type - a re-badged and re-bodied Ford Mondeo - with a loyal group of older owners but few converts. Lexus Australia lobbied hard to ensure it gets the new ES, driving the right-hand drive program, and also a petrol starter car that's more suitable for luxury buyers than the hybrid CT200h or sporty IS. That points to a price point beyond either the CT or IS, most likely starting beyond $60,000. "ES will target a very different customer . . . in that ES customers prioritise space, comfort and quietness over driving dynamics," says Asahi. He says a lot of work went into the new ES, just as Lexus has reinvented both the mid-sized GS and compact IS over the past three years to give them more impact and driving enjoyment. "As for the exterior design . . . it leverages L-finesse design with spindle grille that delivers a resolute look that is distinctive, sporty and elegance. For its interior, ES aims to achieve advanced design incorporating Lexus Remote Touch, while also offering many luxury accents such as wood grain ornaments and leather seats." "As for driving dynamics, we focused on the improvement of driving comfort, straight-running stability at high speed, while further improving ES’ high levels of quietness." He says the showroom position of the ES is unchanged despite the improved chassis, with the emphasis on luxury. "When ES was first launched it was called the compact LS, offering many of the features and traits of our flagship vehicle in a smaller body – today that is no different," Asahi says. "Even though it is an entry luxury sedan . . . interior space is comparable to S Class and ride comfort and NVH are key selling points for this vehicle." News from Japan on the ES comes as Lexus Australia confirms three new models, with the ES 300h and ES 350 opening the action in late 2013, ahead of the GS 300h hybrid in early 2014. “The return of ES to Australia is a direct result of continued customer demand and we are pleased to have secured not one but two options for them while simultaneously expanding our innovative hybrid vehicle portfolio," says the chief executive of Lexus Australia, Sean Hanley. This reporter is on Twitter: @paulwardgover