20 years of Lexus in the UK: 1990 LS 400 meets 2010 LS 600h

Toyota at 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon

The 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon is going to take place in January, opening on January 14, and we have the first info on what Toyota will display.

Toyota will display the Auris GT Concept (an Auris with TRD parts), as well as MODELLISTA options for the FJ Cruiser and the Ractis (aka Verso-S). Subaru will also exhibit an STi version of its own version of the latter one, the Trezia.

Additionally, the Toyota Sports EV-Twin will be there, an FR sports concept developed in-house voluntary by TES (Toyota Engineering Society).

The Gazoo Racing Lexus LFA that won its class in the 2010 Nurburgring 24 hours race will be displayed, as well as TOM'S version of LS460.

[Source: Response]

Lexus' L-Select customisation program

I have spent a couple of hours by now trying to find a photo showing the Lexus LX's “glass fake” photo luminescent material (earlier post), but with no luck. I have tried Taiwanese, Chinese and Japanese websites… but nothing.

However, on Lexus' Japanese website, I came across with the L-Select customisation program for LS, available in Japan, and I have posted some photos. I have to admit that I really do like such stuff! Similar programs are available by other premium manufacturers, such as Audi (exclusive), BMW (Individual) and MB (designo). 

More photos after the jump!

[Sources: Lexus Japan, zawaの自動車blog]

2011 Lexus "The Hard Way" - Chain commercial

Behind the scenes of the 2011 Lexus "The Hard Way" - Chain commercial

All-new spicy Lexus LS coming in 2013!!!

Lexus seems to be very busy developing its new lineup, since the LS will be also replaced with a new model in 2013. The current model is a really good car, but it lacks character in my opinion. Well, this may be about to change judging by this rendering. So, BC claims that the all-new LS 600h, which will continue to be the top of the line version, will be powered by a 5.0L V8 engine delivering 400 ps and 55.0 kgm of torque. Oh, then we've got the electric motor! Fuel efficiency should be around 15.0 km/L, which doesn't seem a lot at first glance, but we are talking about a big car.

Another impression of 2013 Lexus LS

Lexus is working on the GS and LS successors and the later one is expected to hit the markets in 2013. This will enable Lexus to compete with Mercedes' all-new S-Class, which is also expected around that time.

Although this rendering doesn't look as impressive as the previous one, I reckon that it's still early to have a good indication of how the new model will look like. This time, BC has published some speculations regarding the LS 460, which should be powered by the 1UR-FSE 4.6L engine delivering 385 ps @ 6400 rpm. The max torque claimed is 51.0 kgm and the estimated fuel efficiency is 11.8 km/L. Prices in Japan should start from around ¥ 9,500,000.

Latest rumours about new Lexus LS - it comes in 2014

Initial reports suggested that the all-new Lexus LS (earlier post) will be introduced in 2013, but BC claims now that the new model will be introduced in 2014 instead. BC published also this rendering, which looks completely different compared to the previous ones.

The LS 600h will use a 5.0L V6 engine plus the latest-gen hybrid system, which will enable it to achieve a fuel efficiency of 15.0 km/L. Well, it's not bad at all considering that it's a really big car and it has 400 ps + 55.0 kgm of torque! An 8 gear automatic transmission will be fitted.

The article mentions that an LS F Sport will be also introduced, powered by a 3.5L V6 engine. In terms of performance, 320 ps and 38.5 kgm of torque are the estimated numbers.

Video: How Lexus spends 38 days building a 'Shimamoku' steering wheel