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The Lexus GX 460 is one of those vehicles that just keeps on being sold in spite of being rather old. For 2020, the GX 460 gets a face lift, a new safety system, and an available all-new off-road package. Starting off with the styling, Lexus added a giant spindle grille to the front, apparently borrowed from the larger LX. Lexus also added Lexus Safety System+ as a standard feature across the lineup. This addition means that now all Lexus vehicles have standard active safety equipment. The Safety System+ on the GX 460 consists of Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Intelligent High Beams, and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The new available off-road package offers multi-terrain monitor, panoramic view monitor, transmission cooler, fuel tank protector, crawl control, and multi-terrain select. The suspension is Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System that helps level out the vehicle in different load conditions to keep all four wheels on the ground. On-road smoothness is helped by the Adaptive Variable Suspension that uses electronically controlled shocks that can be selected to Normal, Sport, or Comfort modes depending on the driver's mood. The standard and only engine remains the same, a 4.6-liter V8 producing 301 horsepower 329 lb-ft of torque. The updated 2020 Lexus GX 460 arrives at dealerships this fall. View full article

Toyota Motor North America Reports April 2019 Sales RAV4 sales up 10.1 percent; a best-ever April Tacoma up 8.3 percent; a best-ever April and the 18th consecutive month of increased sales Corolla Hatchback sales increased 14.2 percent; a best-ever April NXh sales up 13.0 percent; a best-ever April and the 19th consecutive best-ever month PLANO, Texas (May 1, 2019) – Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) today reported April 2019 sales of 183,866 vehicles, a decrease of 4.4 percent on a volume basis and a decrease of 8.2 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis versus April 2018. Toyota division posted April sales of 162,506 units, down 4.8 percent on a volume basis and down 8.6 percent on a DSR basis. Lexus division posted April sales of 21,360 vehicles, down 1.3 percent on a volume basis and down 5.3 percent on a DSR basis. April 2019 Highlights Tacoma up 8.3 percent; a best-ever April, with 18 consecutive months of increased sales Toyota light trucks marked a best-ever April, with 102,074 in sales RAV4 sales up of 10.1 percent; a best-ever April Corolla Hatchback sales increased 14.2 percent; a best-ever April Yaris sales up 21.6 percent Mirai sales increased 165.8 percent; a best-ever April LX sales up 4.9 percent ES sales increased by 8.7 percent NXh sales up 13.0 percent; a best-ever April and the 19th consecutive best-ever month RXh sales increased 30.4 percent Lexus Hybrid sales up 60.9 percent Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume

Toyota Motor North America Reports March 2019 Sales C-HR sales increased 8.1 percent; a best-ever March and first quarter 4Runner sales up 6.4 percent; a best-ever March and first quarter Tacoma up 12.6 percent; a best-ever March and first quarter NXh sales up 21.2 percent; a best-ever March (18th consecutive) and first quarter PLANO, Texas (April 2, 2019) – Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) today reported March 2019 sales of 214,947 vehicles, an increase of 0.1 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis and a decrease of 3.5 percent on a volume basis versus March 2018. For the quarter, TMNA reported sales of 543,714 vehicles, a decrease of 3.7 percent on a DSR basis and a 5.0 percent decrease on a volume basis. Toyota division posted March sales of 185,696 units, down 1.6 percent on a DSR basis and down 5.1 percent on a volume basis. For the quarter, Toyota division reported sales of 476,923 vehicles, down 4.8 percent on a DSR basis and down 6.1 percent on a volume basis. “Light trucks and SUVs continue to lead the way for our industry, and Toyota’s Tacoma and RAV4 first-quarter sales results are a reflection of the strong consumer appeal of these vehicles,” said Jack Hollis, group vice president and general manager, Toyota division. “Passenger cars, however, remain an important part of Toyota’s portfolio. Earlier in the month, we introduced the all-new Corolla — the world’s best-selling nameplate — now with a hybrid option, which comes on the heels of Prius AWD, Camry TRD and Avalon TRD introductions. While some of our competitors are abandoning sedans, we remain optimistic about the future of the segment.” Lexus division posted March sales of 29,249 vehicles, up 12.2 percent on a DSR basis and up 8.2 percent on a volume basis. For the quarter, Lexus sales of 66,791 vehicles were up 5.4 percent on a DSR basis and up 4.0 percent on a volume basis. “Lexus had a solid start to 2019. The launch of the all-new UX was a success in Q1, particularly with the introduction of the UX 250h,” said David Christ, group vice president and general manager, Lexus division. “We are looking forward to continued momentum next quarter with the updated Lexus RC F and limited-edition RC F Track Edition arriving at dealerships this month.” March 2019 Highlights C-HR sales increased 8.1 percent; a best-ever March and first quarter 4Runner sales up 6.4 percent; a best-ever March and first quarter Tacoma up 12.6 percent; a best-ever March and first quarter; 17 consecutive months of increased sales Light trucks marked a best-ever March, with 114,844 in sales RAV4 posted sales of 33,166 Mirai sales increased 112.0 percent; a best-ever March NXh sales up 21.2 percent; a best-ever March (18th consecutive) and first quarter LX sales up 4.5 percent ES sales increased by 25.0 percent RC sales up 55.7 percent Lexus Hybrid sales up 94.1 percent *Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume TOYOTA U.S. SALES SUMMARY March 2019 -- CURRENT MONTH -- 2019 2018 DSR % VOL % -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE -- 2019 2018 DSR % VOL % TOTAL TOYOTA 214,947 222,787 0.1 -3.5 543,716 572,041 -3.7 -5.0 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV 185,696 195,750 -1.6 -5.1 476,923 507,824 -4.8 -6.1 TOTAL LEXUS 29,249 27,037 12.2 8.2 66,791 64,217 5.4 4.0 YARIS SD (INCL YAR IA) 3,947 2,918 40.3 35.3 7,710 7,506 4.1 2.7 YARIS LIFTBACK 52 144 -62.6 -63.9 184 454 -58.9 -59.5 TOTAL YARIS 3,999 3,062 35.4 30.6 7,894 7,960 0.5 -0.8 tC 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 1 -100.0 -100.0 COROLLA HB (INCL COR IM) 2,144 2,147 3.6 -0.1 5,263 5,029 6.0 4.7 COROLLA SEDAN 22,335 29,245 -23.4 -26.2 72,590 72,791 1.0 -0.3 TOTAL COROLLA 24,479 31,392 -19.1 -22.0 78,606 77,820 2.3 1.0 SUPRA 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.0 86 (INCL FR-S) 320 491 -32.4 -34.8 807 1,182 -30.8 -31.7 MIRAI 176 83 119.9 112.0 347 462 -23.9 -24.9 AVALON 2,855 4,068 -27.2 -29.8 6,619 10,576 -36.6 -37.4 PRIUS 5,410 8,222 -31.8 -34.2 12,058 22,235 -45.1 -45.8 CAMRY 33,615 35,264 -1.1 -4.7 81,684 90,767 -8.8 -10.0 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. CAR 70,854 82,595 -11.0 -14.2 188,017 211,016 -9.7 -10.9 CT 0 1 -100 -100 0 4 -100.0 -100.0 IS 1,694 2,312 -24.0 -26.7 3,884 5,283 -25.5 -26.5 RC 422 271 61.5 55.7 963 618 57.9 55.8 ES 4,922 3,938 29.6 25.0 11,390 9,263 24.6 23.0 GS 394 754 -45.8 -47.7 955 1,763 -45.1 -45.8 LS 457 1,008 -53.0 -54.7 1,404 1,673 -15.0 -16.1 LC 141 218 -32.9 -35.3 320 522 -37.9 -38.7 LFA 0 0 0 0 3 1 204 200 TOTAL LEXUS CAR 8,030 8,502 -2.1 -5.6 18,919 19,127 0.2 -1.1 TOTAL TOYOTA CAR 78,884 91,097 -10.2 -13.4 206,936 230,130 -8.9 -10.1 SIENNA 8,351 7,559 14.6 10.5 18,616 23,619 -20.1 -21.2 C-HR 5,676 5,253 12.1 8.1 14,521 13,619 8.0 6.6 RAV4 33,166 34,937 -1.6 -5.1 83,820 91,461 -7.1 -8.4 FJ CRUISER 0 0 0 0 0 1 -100 -100 VENZA 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 HIGHLANDER 20,824 21,438 0.7 -2.9 52,621 52,882 0.8 -0.5 4RUNNER 12,510 11,761 10.3 6.4 32,829 31,550 5.4 4.1 SEQUOIA 843 1,006 -13.1 -16.2 2,410 2,828 -13.7 -14.8 LAND CRUISER 324 267 25.8 21.3 807 764 7.0 5.6 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. SUV 73,344 74,662 1.9 -1.8 187,009 193,105 -1.9 -3.2 TACOMA 22,798 20,250 16.8 12.6 58,183 53,779 9.6 8.2 TUNDRA 10,351 10,697 0.3 -3.2 25,100 26,318 -3.4 -4.6 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. PICKUP 33,149 30,947 11.1 7.1 83,283 80,097 5.3 4.0 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. TRUCK 114,844 113,168 5.2 1.5 288,908 296,821 -1.4 -2.7 UX 1,776 0 0.0 0.0 3,925 0 0.0 0.0 NX 5,633 5,859 -0.3 -3.9 13,775 14,327 -2.6 -3.9 RX 10,967 9,819 15.8 11.7 23,529 23,795 0.2 -1.1 2,291 2,329 2.0 -1.6 5,429 5,691 -3.3 -4.6 552 528 8.4 4.5 1,214 1,277 -3.7 -4.9 21,219 18,535 18.7 14.5 47,872 45,090 7.6 6.2 136,063 131,703 7.1 3.3 336,780 341,911 -0.2 -1.5 27 28 76 77 TOYOTA U.S. SALES SUMMARY March 2019 -- CURRENT MONTH -- 2019 2018 DSR % VOL % -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE -- 2019 2018 DSR % VOL % COROLLA 20,388 29,245 -27.7 -30.3 71,381 72,791 -0.6 -1.9 CAMRY 33,519 33,235 4.6 0.9 81,283 82,164 0.2 -1.1 AVALON 2,855 4,068 -27.2 -29.8 6,619 10,576 -36.6 -37.4 YARIS SD (INCL YARIS IA) 3,947 2,918 40.3 35.3 7,710 7,506 4.1 2.7 RAV4 12,631 14,622 -10.4 -13.6 29,472 41,184 -27.5 -28.4 VENZA 1 0 0.0 0.0 1 0 0.0 0.0 HIGHLANDER 20,824 21,438 0.7 -2.9 52,620 52,882 0.8 -0.5 SIENNA 8,351 7,559 14.6 10.5 18,616 23,619 -20.1 -21.2 SEQUOIA 843 1,006 -13.1 -16.2 2,410 2,828 -13.7 -14.8 TACOMA 22,798 20,250 16.8 12.6 58,183 53,779 9.6 8.2 TUNDRA 10,351 10,697 0.3 -3.2 25,100 26,318 -3.4 -4.6 ES 3,882 3,507 14.8 10.7 8,844 8,282 8.2 6.8 RX 9,227 8,203 16.6 12.5 19,013 21,009 -8.3 -9.5 TOTAL 149,617 156,748 -1.0 -4.5 381,252 402,938 -4.1 -5.4 N.A VEHICLES % OF TOTAL 69.6% 70.4% 70.1% 70.4% TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT CAR 10,143 13,116 -19.8 -22.7 21,022 37,966 -43.9 -44.6 LEXUS IMPORT CAR 4,148 4,995 -13.9 -17.0 10,075 10,845 -5.9 -7.1 TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT CARS 60,709 69,466 -9.4 -12.6 166,993 173,037 -2.2 -3.5 LEXUS NA BUILT CARS 3,882 3,507 14.8 10.7 8,844 8,282 8.2 6.8 TOTAL TOYOTA CARS 78,882 91,084 -10.2 -13.4 206,934 230,130 -8.9 -10.1 TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT TRUCK 39,045 37,596 7.7 3.9 102,506 96,211 7.9 6.5 LEXUS IMPORT TRUCK 11,992 10,332 20.4 16.1 28,859 24,081 21.4 19.8 TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT TRUCK 75,799 75,572 4.0 0.3 186,402 200,610 -5.9 -7.1 LEXUS NA BUILT TRUCK 9,227 8,203 16.6 12.5 19,013 21,009 -8.3 -9.5 TOTAL TOYOTA TRUCK 136,063 131,703 7.1 3.3 336,780 341,911 -0.2 -1.5 Selling Days 27 28 76 77 TOYOTA U.S. HYBRID SALES SUMMARY March 2019 -- CURRENT MONTH -- -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE -- 2019 2018 DSR % 2019 2018 DSR % TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID 5,410 8,222 -31.8% 12,058 22,235 -45.1% TOYOTA COROLLA HYBRID 743 0 0.0% 753 0 0.0% TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID 2,606 2,125 27.2% 6,366 5,303 21.6% TOYOTA AVALON HYBRID 734 828 -8.1% 1,793 1,818 -0.1% TOYOTA MIRAI 176 83 119.9% 347 462 -23.9% TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID 1,252 1,401 -7.3% 3,404 3,471 -0.6% TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID 892 4,128 -77.6% 2,829 11,289 -74.6% LEXUS ES HYBRID 844 388 125.6% 1,890 865 121.4% LEXUS GS HYBRID 0 2 -100.0% 4 10 -60% LEXUS UX HYBRID 889 0 0.0% 1,983 0 0 LEXUS NX HYBRID 891 735 25.70% 2,301 1711 36.30% LEXUS RX HYBRID 1,522 965 63.60% 3,441 2216 57.30% LEXUS LS HYBRID 15 41 -62.10% 33 68 -50.80% LEXUS LC HYBRID 4 13 -68% 7 30 -76.40% LEXUS CT HYBRID 0 1 -100% 0 4 -100.0% TOTAL TMNA HYBRID 15,978 18,932 -12.50% 37,209 49,482 -23.80% TOTAL TOYOTA HYBRID 11,813 16,787 -27.00% 27,550 44,578 -37.40% TOTAL LEXUS HYBRID 4,165 2,145 101.40% 9,659 4,904 99.60%

Toyota Motor North America Reports February 2019 Sales Tacoma sales increased 10.2 percent; up for the 16th consecutive month Highlander sales up 8.9 percent; a best-ever February Lexus RXh sales up 52.5 percent; a best-ever February Lexus Luxury SUV sales up 7.0 percent; a best-ever February March 01, 2019 February 2019 Sales Chart PLANO, Texas (March 1, 2019) – Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) today reported February 2019 sales of 172,748 vehicles, a decrease of 5.2 percent from February 2018 on a volume and daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Toyota division posted February sales of 152,626 units, down 6.3 percent on a volume and DSR basis. Lexus posted February sales of 20,122 vehicles, up 4.4 percent on a volume and a DSR basis. February 2019 Highlights Corolla sales up 16.0 percent Highlander sales increased 8.9 percent; a best-ever February C-HR sales increased 7.3 percent; a best-ever February Tacoma up 10.2 percent; a best-ever February Land Cruiser sales increased 52.5 percent LX sales up 6.8 percent ES sales increased by 23.8 percent in February RC sales up 50.0 percent NXh sales up 39.8 percent; a best-ever February RXh sales up 52.5 percent Lexus Hybrid sales up 112.3 percent Lexus Luxury SUV sales up 7.0 percent; a best-ever February *Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume. Toyota_Motor_North_America_Reports_February_2019_Sales_Chart_Final.pdf

Lexus has some has some big plans in store for the F performance sub-brand. Motor1 is reporting that the luxury brand is planning to keep the Track Edition nameplate for some time. “The plan right now is to build 60 [RC F] Track Editions...and it’s going to be 40 of the white and 20 of the matte gray [cars for 2020]. It’s [our] intention to have a version of the Track Edition in subsequent [model] years,” said Cooper Ericksen, vice president for product planning and strategy at Lexus. It is unclear what Lexus has planned for the future of Track Edition. Ericksen said everything is up in the air ranging from improving the performance to possibly applying the treatment to other models (LC Track Edition anyone?). “We’re having fun with the engineers to figure out what [Track Edition] can look like in the future." Another item being talked about for F is building a crossover or SUV. Ericken said that a key topic of discussion is whether or not they should focus on doing an on-road version or buck the trend and do an off-road one. “[What] we're currently trying to figure out is [if] the on-road performance aspect [is] more important [for Lexus] to invest in than the off-road performance.” Source: Motor1, 2 View full article

Previous Page Next Page The RC F Track Edition won't have all of the spotlight to itself at Detroit next week. Lexus has revealed today the LC Convertible concept that will be rolling out on the auto show floor next week. Lexus is really stretching the definition of what it means to be a concept. To our eyes, the LC Convertible concept looks like it is ready to sit in the nearest Lexus showroom. Changes from the standard LC coupe include a slightly longer rear deck to house the power folding-top (we're thinking its a soft-top) and massive 22-inch alloy wheels. No mention of what's under the hood, but we're betting its the 5.0L V8 with 471 horsepower. While there are officially no plans to add a convertible version of the LC, statements from various company executives hint that it is being considered. “A production version of this concept would be exhilarating in many different ways. You would see its dynamic lines as you approach, hear its engine when you started it up and feel everything around you once on the road. It would engage the senses in a way that is unique and exciting every time you got behind the wheel,” said Tadao Mori, chief designer of the LC Convertible concept. Source: Lexus Lexus LC Convertible Concept Makes World Debut in Detroit Open top concept suggests future direction of LC flagship Dynamic design positions LC concept as a halo for the rest of the brand DETROIT (January 11, 2019) – Lexus shocked the automotive world in Detroit three years ago with the debut of the LC coupe. It was a testament to the brand’s new sense of creative ambition, but it was only just the beginning. Since then, the Lexus design team has been exploring the brand’s evolution and the latest result of those explorations will make its debut at the 2019 North American International Auto Show with the world premiere of the Lexus LC Convertible Concept. An open-air roadster that is an artful reflection of the LC coupe, the design goal of the Convertible Concept was the expression of “ultimate beauty”. From the rake of the windshield to the smooth contours of the rear decklid that houses the convertible top, every line on the LC Convertible concept was drawn to evoke an emotional response. A stunning design from every angle, the LC Convertible concept stands as an aspirational halo vehicle for the entire Lexus lineup. “This concept takes the unmistakable design of the LC coupe and reimagines it as a future convertible,” said Tadao Mori, chief designer of the LC Convertible concept. “It blends all the best aspects of the original coupe with the dynamic design of an open-air convertible.” Long, low and lean, the LC Convertible concept retains the athletic proportions of the LC coupe. It’s a shape that evolved naturally from the original LC design, yet still manages to stand on its own with a unique identity. It blends uniquely Japanese aesthetics with the promise of sensory satisfaction that only a convertible can provide. In addition to the visual appeal of the exterior sheetmetal, the LC Convertible concept attracts drivers and passengers alike with an allure of a cabin that caters to every need. From the comfort of its tailored seats to the feel of every switch and button, everything about this LC is designed to make even the most common trip feel like an occasion. Crisp white leather trim abounds while yellow accent stitching adds a pop of color without distracting from the subtle elegance of the overall design. More than just a grand tourer, the strong exterior lines of the LC Convertible concept reinforce its performance pedigree. Its short overhangs, 22-inch wheels and wide stance are all reminders of this car’s performance potential. “A production version of this concept would be exhilarating in many different ways. You would see its dynamic lines as you approach, hear its engine when you started it up and feel everything around you once on the road. It would engage the senses in a way that is unique and exciting every time you got behind the wheel,” said Mori-san. Previous Page Next Page View full article

It may not seem like big news that late last month that Lexus launched the seventh-generation ES in Japan. But it becomes that when you consider that Lexus has never sold the ES outside of the U.S. and China for most of its life. Plus, Lexus has only been on sale in Japan since 2005. The introduction of the ES is somewhat surprising, considering sales of full-size cars are falling in the country. But Lexus believes the ES can buck that trend as there is "expanding demand for premium rides", and the vehicle being aimed at executives between their 40s or 50s. The company is also planning to ramp up marketing efforts on the sedan. One example is hour-long test drives of every Lexus model at the Lexus Meets lounge in Tokyo. It seems to be paying off as Automotive News reports that model has 2,000 preorders - 70 percent of those are current Lexus customers. Lexus has set a sales of 350 models per month. "We are still a young brand. We will offer experiences that surprise new customers through marketing and step up our exposure," said Lexus International President Yoshihiro Sawa. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

The Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX 570 are part of an endangered species: SUVs designed with the purpose of going off-road. It may seem somewhat mad to describe most SUVs as not off-road oriented, but most buyers don’t really take SUVs off the beaten path. Automakers have responded in kind by providing a minimum four-wheel capability while improving on-road behavior. The Land Cruiser and LX 570 haven’t gone down this path as they have a small, but loyal owner base that would cry foul if Toyota/Lexus decided to do this. But as I found out during my week with them, Toyota and Lexus need to do some serious thinking about the future of these models if they want to keep them around. Exterior Both the Land Cruiser and LX 570 share the same boxy shape with a slightly angled front end, large area of glass, and a split opening tailgate. Where the two differentiate is in the details. Toyota plays it safe with a large rectangular grille and chrome bars that separate the front headlights. The set of 18-inch alloy wheels look somewhat small on the Land Cruiser, mostly due to the large size of the off-road tires. The LX 570 is very extroverted as evidenced by the front end styling. It features the largest version of Lexus’ spindle grille that gives it an intense look. A set of LED headlights with a unique lamp design sit on either side. Multi-spoke 20-inch wheels are standard and seem suited to fit the large size of the SUV. Interior Considering the $84k+ price tag of this Land Cruiser, it is slightly disappointing that Toyota went for a very utilitarian look. It doesn’t have the flash or elegance and you’ll find in competitors such as the Range Rover or Mercedes-Benz GLS. Material quality is what you expect for the price with an abundance of soft-touch plastic, leather upholstery, wood trim, and faux metal used all around. The Lexus LX 570 takes a different approach with the interior, feeling more like a real contender to the likes of the Germans and Range Rover. The dash design is very modern with a short center stack, a widescreen display for the infotainment system, and glossy wood trim. Both models have a button-ladened center stack, but I found the LX 570’s easier to use as the buttons weren’t tightly packed. Getting inside either SUV is somewhat tough due to the tall ride height. But thanks to doorsteps and pull handles, entering both models becomes easier. The front seats are some of best I have sat in, offering plenty of cushioning and support for any trip length. Power adjustments and memory come standard on both models. The second-row offers plenty of head and legroom for passengers. You can slide the seat to either increase legroom or cargo space. The third-row should only be used for small kids as there is only a minuscule amount of legroom. The lack of padding also makes third-row best for short trips. One quirk about the Land Cruiser and LX 570’s third-row is that the seats don’t fold into the floor. Instead, the seats flip towards the side. Not only does it make it slightly awkward to load cargo into either model, but it also makes for a small cargo area. Measurements for the two models are 16.1 cubic feet with all three-rows up, 44.7 with the third-row folded, and 81.7 with the second-row folded. For 2018, Lexus did introduce a two-row version that increases space by 5.8 cubic feet - bringing the total to 50.5 cubic feet. Infotainment Lexus has fitted one the of largest infotainment screens in the class into the LX 570. Measuring 12.3-inches, this allows for a split-screen capability where you can have various functions up at the same time. For example, you can have navigation on one side and audio on the other. Some of the configuration options Lexus offers are strange to say in the least like having two maps of the navigation system up at the same time. Where the LX 570 falls short is the Remote Touch controller. The joystick controller is a pain to use as it feels quite vague when moving around and causes you to overshoot when trying to select something. This is very problematic when you’re driving as you’ll find yourself paying more attention to the system than the road. In the Land Cruiser, you’ll find a smaller 9-inch infotainment system with Toyota’s Entune system. Thankfully, Toyota had decided to use a touchscreen instead of a frustrating controller. Moving around in Entune is easy thanks to a simple interface with large touchscreen buttons and a set of physical shortcut buttons underneath. I did notice that Entune was a few ticks slower than the system found in the LX 570. Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is not available on either model. Powertrain Under the hoods of the Land Cruiser and LX 570 is a 5.7L V8. The Land Cruiser gets 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. The LX 570 features 383 horsepower and 403 pound-feet of torque. This is teamed with an eight-speed automatic and a full-time four-wheel drive system. Interestingly, the Land Cruiser feels slightly faster than the LX 570. Outlets who have timed both models say the Land Cruiser is about 0.5 seconds quicker to 60 than the LX 570. This is a bit surprising considering the two models are nearly identical in power and weight. But the LX 570 has a noticeable pause when accelerating. It feels like the engine was asleep and was startled by the throttle being prodded, before realizing it needed to get to work. The eight-speed automatic delivers rapid and smooth upshifts, but stumbles somewhat when it comes to downshifts. Both models come fully-equipped to take on whatever Mother Nature decides to dish out. This includes a two-speed transfer case, locking center differential, crawl-control system, terrain selection system, and an adjustable suspension system. Sadly, I didn’t get the chance to take either model off the paved road to see what they are capable of. Fuel Economy EPA rates the 2018 Land Cruiser and LX 570 at 13 City/18 Highway/15 Combined. My average in both vehicles landed around 14.9 mpg in a 50/50 mix of city and highway driving. Ride and Handling These SUVs prefer the roads to be straight as there is significant body motion when cornering. Blame the tall ride height and soft-suspension tuning. Steering feels very numb and slow, making it somewhat tough to figure out how much input is needed when turning. When the road is straight, both vehicles provide a smooth ride. I did find that on the highway, I needed to make constant corrections with the steering to keep it in the middle of the lane. One major difference between the two is braking. The LX 570’s braking system felt very discombobulated. It was very difficult to modulate the pedal to provide a smooth stop. Either the vehicle wasn’t slowing down or the braking system would enter panic stop mode and passengers being thrown from their seats. I thought this was an issue that was limited to my LX, but other people who have driven different LXs have reported similar behavior. The Land Cruiser didn’t experience any of this during my week. Value The 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser begins at $83,665, while the LX 570 begins at $85,630 for the two-row variant and $89,980 for the three-row model. Both models come generously equipped with a number of standard features such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, heated and ventilated front seats; power tilt-telescoping steering wheel, and three-zone climate control. The vehicles tested here came lightly optioned. The Land Cruiser featured a set of optional floor mats, bringing the as-tested price to $85,185. For the LX 570, it came with a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and center console cool box to bring its as-tested price to $93,350. The best value of the two models has to be the two-row LX 570 as you get a nicer interior and more cargo space, for not much more money than the three-row Land Cruiser. But if you really want three-rows, then the Land Cruiser is your best bet. Verdict Unless your daily commute includes traversing the Rocky Mountains or driving through Death Valley, I cannot recommend either of these SUVs. They have a number of flaws such as middling fuel economy, small cargo area, and needing constant steering corrections on the highway. But the LX 570 comes off slightly worse as it has some issues with the powertrain and brakes need to be addressed quickly. Besides, the Land Cruiser offers many of the features of LX 570, albeit in a more utilitarian package for a couple of grand less. But for some people, the off-road capability and legendary reliability of these two models are more than enough to excuse the faults. That group of people though we have to think is getting smaller as time goes on and makes us wonder if the next-generation of the Land Cruiser and LX 570 will go through a dramatic change or not. Disclaimer: Toyota Provided the Vehicles, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2018 Make: Lexus Model: LX 570 Trim: N/A Engine: 5.7L 32-Valve, DOHC, Dual VVT-i V8 Driveline: Eight-Speed Automatic, Four-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 383 @ 5,600 Torque @ RPM: 403 @ 3,600 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 13/18/15 Curb Weight: 5,815 lbs Location of Manufacture: Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, Japan Base Price: $89,980 As Tested Price: $93,350 (Includes $1,195.00 Destination Charge) Options: Dual-Screen DVD Rear-Entertainment System - $2,005.00 Cool Box - $170.00 Year: 2018 Make: Toyota Model: Land Cruiser Trim: N/A Engine: 5.7L 32-Valve, DOHC, Dual VVT-i V8 Driveline: Eight-Speed Automatic, Four-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 381@ 5,600 Torque @ RPM: 401 @ 3,600 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 13/18/15 Curb Weight: 5,815 lbs Location of Manufacture: Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, Japan Base Price: $83,685 As Tested Price: $85,185 (Includes $1,295.00 Destination Charge) Options: Carpet Floor/Cargo Mat Set - $225.00 View full article

Hand Folded Origami Cloth It is amazing the hand skill used in this and how cool it is to watch, Never had heard of this till this story caught my attention today. Talk about proving they can swing with the Mercedes-Benz S class on ultimate luxury, hand made quality. Ultimate Kiriko Glass - Hand etched to achieve the right colors in clear glass. This is the Lexus Executive Seating Package. From totally comfort of the seating to the interior quality it is an amazing thing to see. But is it worth it? Jalopnik story

Lexus will soon be joining the subscription service fray. Roadshow reports that Lexus will introduce Complete Lease for the first quarter of 2019 to coincide with the launch of the UX crossover. The service will offer two-year leases with a 20,000-mile limit for one non-negotiable price. This price includes lease payment, insurance, and maintenance coverage. Lexus will launch Complete Lease in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami. According to Cynthia Tenhouse, Lexus general manager of product and consumer marketing, these locations were chosen in part to UX is aimed at those living in the city, and the high insurance costs in those cities make a subscription service that includes insurance very appealing. There are still a number of details that Lexus is keeping quiet on, such as how much it will cost, who will be providing the insurance, and whether a buyer needs to go into a dealership to order their UX. Source: Roadshow View full article

Lexus' F performance sub-brand has relied on V8 power. But the head of Lexus, Yoshihiro Sawa tells Auto Express that F needs to "embrace different powertrain choices" to stay relevant in the future. “F is very important; with F we have to think of our own original way. One solution could be a pure F GT car, which could be a hybrid with an electric motor and a strong engine, giving a different kind of drive feel. We don’t stick to V8, V10, twin-turbocharged; they’re important but we’re looking at the future. We’d like to find a way to connect to the next era,” said Sawa. “I think that now, we’re in a transitional period. At this moment people say EVs are trendy but three years later, who knows? People like the sound, the dynamics [of combustion engines]. I think we cannot stick to the one solution when it comes to providing emotion.” Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz have announced plans to add electrified powertrains to their future high-performance models. Source: Auto Express View full article

Toyota Motor North America Reports U.S. Sales for June, First Half 2018 TMNA, Toyota and Lexus divisions set light truck sales record RAV4, Highlander posted best-ever June and first half Lexus NX Hybrid recorded best-ever June PLANO, Texas (July 3, 2018) – Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) today reported June 2018 sales of 209,602 units. With one more selling day in June 2018 compared to June 2017, sales were up 3.6 percent on volume basis and down 0.3 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. For the first half of the year, TMNA reported sales of 1,189,312 units, up 3.0 percent on a volume basis versus the same period in 2017. On a DSR basis, sales were up 1.6 percent versus last year. Toyota division posted June 2018 sales of 185,852 units, up 4.4 percent on a volume basis and up 1.9 percent on a DSR basis. “Record June light truck sales, led by RAV4 and Highlander, solidified Toyota as the No. 1 selling retail brand through the first half of this year,” said Andrew Gilleland, vice president of Sales Operations, Toyota division. “Strong consumer demand on Toyota Camry, the excitement of the all-new 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla Hatchback, paired with excellent light truck availability sets us up for continued strong sales throughout the summer.” Lexus posted June sales of 23,750 units, down 2.6 percent on a volume basis and down 6.2 percent on a DSR basis. “Lexus closed out the first half of the year up led by best-ever LUV sales,” said David Christ, group vice president and general manager, Lexus division. “RX is up seven percent year-to-date and remains the top-selling luxury vehicle in the industry while the NX delivered ten percent year-over-year growth. In addition to these great results, we successfully launched our flagship sedan, the all-new LS 500, and the all-new RXL. We’re looking forward to continued success in the third quarter, which will get a boost from our all-new ES sedan that goes on sale in September.” June and First Half 2018 Highlights: TMNA, Toyota and Lexus divisions posted best-ever light truck sales for June and the first half Camry recorded June sales of 28,215 units Corolla sedan posted sales of 25,947 units for the month RAV4 increased by 10.6 percent; best-ever June and best-ever first half Highlander increased by 20.7 percent; best-ever June and best-ever first half 4Runner sales of 11,569 units in June; a best-ever June Tacoma increased by 30.6 percent Tundra posted June sales of 9,955 Lexus LUVs posted a 7.4 percent increase, a best-ever June NX Hybrid up 270 percent, the sixth consecutive best-ever month NX combined sales up 5.8 percent in June, a best-ever June and first half RX saw gain of 5.3 percent in June GX increased 23.5 percent, a best-ever June in 13 years LS up 135.5 percent in the first half *Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume

Lexus finds itself in a bit of a bind. With demand for crossovers growing, Lexus is doing a serious look at its product lineup and deciding what needs to be added and what needs to taken out. "We're more focused on maximizing the opportunities we have than comparing ourselves," said David Christ, the new general manager for Lexus to Automotive News. "Our product plan is what I would call a work in progress." The current focus for Lexus is the upcoming launches of the ES and the subcompact UX crossover. The ES is expected to keep current Lexus owners happy, but the new F-Sport package will hopefully bring in younger people - Lexus expects a quarter of ES sales to be the F-sport. The UX though is seen as what will bring the majority of young buyers to the brand. But this focus has Lexus doing "a strategic look" at two of their older models, the IS and GS. Both models are late into their lifecycles: IS was launched in 2013, while GS dates back to 2011. The two aren't big sellers either. In 2017, Lexus only moved 7,773 GS models and 26,482 IS models. Rumor has it that the GS could go away if the ES gets all-wheel drive. Christ wouldn't comment on that. "We can't do it all at once, but we're certainly evaluating both vehicles," said Christ. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

Toyota Motor North America Reports May 2018 Sales TMNA, Toyota, Lexus divisions posted best-ever light truck May sales Toyota Highlander posted best-ever monthly sales Lexus NXh posted best-ever May sales PLANO, Texas (June 1, 2018) – Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) today reported May 2018 sales of 215,321 vehicles, a decrease of 1.3 percent from May 2017 on a volume basis. With one more selling day in May 2018 compared to May 2017, sales were down 5.1 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Toyota division posted May sales of 189,930 units, down 1.5 percent on a volume basis and down 5.3 percent on a DSR basis. Lexus division posted May sales of 25,391 vehicles, down 0.1 percent on a volume basis and down 3.9 percent on a DSR basis. May 2018 Highlights TMNA, Toyota and Lexus divisions’ light trucks posted a best-ever May Camry posted sales of 29,965 RAV4 posted sales of 38,202 units Highlander sales up 17.6 percent, a best-ever May 4Runner sales up 6.6 percent Toyota division pickup truck sales up 11.0 percent Tacoma sales up 21.1 percent Tundra posted sales of 10,062 units Lexus LUVs posted a 6.8 percent increase, a best-ever May RX posted sales of 9,697 units NX Hybrid up 221.4 percent, a best-ever May NX combined sales of 4,975 units, continuing a best-ever start to the year LS sales up 186.4 percent with sales of 908 units *Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume TOYOTA U.S. SALES SUMMARY MAY 2018 -- CURRENT MONTH -- -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE -- 2018 2017 DSR % VOL % 2018 2017 DSR % VOL % TOTAL TOYOTA 215,321 218,252 -5.1 -1.3 979,710 952,791 2.0 2.8 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV 189,930 192,848 -5.3 -1.5 868,460 843,426 2.2 3.0 TOTAL LEXUS 25,391 25,404 -3.9 -0.1 111,250 109,365 0.9 1.7 YARIS IA (INCL SCI IA) 2,861 3,444 -20.1 -16.9 13,430 15,758 -15.4 -14.8 YARIS LIFTBACK 139 852 -84.3 -83.7 724 6,138 -88.3 -88.2 TOTAL YARIS 3,000 4,296 -32.9 -30.2 14,154 21,896 -35.9 -35.4 iQ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 xD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 xB 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 tC 0 10 -100.0 -100.0 1 166 -99.4 -99.4 COROLLA IM (INCL SCI IM) 2,526 1,995 21.7 26.6 9,436 9,312 0.5 1.3 COROLLA SEDAN 27,052 30,942 -15.9 -12.6 123,858 136,164 -9.8 -9.0 TOTAL COROLLA 29,578 32,937 -13.7 -10.2 133,294 145,476 -9.1 -8.4 86 (INCL FR-S) 401 680 -43.3 -41.0 1,920 3,101 -38.6 -38.1 MIRAI 102 162 -39.5 -37.0 640 579 9.7 10.5 AVALON 2,669 2,872 -10.6 -7.1 16,499 14,215 15.2 16.1 PRIUS 8,672 10,023 -16.8 -13.5 38,327 46,366 -18.0 -17.3 CAMRY 29,965 32,547 -11.5 -7.9 150,580 147,434 1.3 2.1 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. CAR 74,387 83,527 -14.4 -10.9 355,415 379,233 -7.0 -6.3 CT 0 825 -100 -100 4 3,311 -99.9 -99.9 IS 2,180 2,367 -11.4 -7.9 9,279 10,225 -10.0 -9.3 RC 434 517 -19.3 -16.1 1,421 2,600 -45.8 -45.3 ES 3,828 4,228 -12.9 -9.5 16,309 17,134 -5.6 -4.8 GS 672 615 5.1 9.3 3,086 2,907 5.3 6.2 LS 908 317 175.4 186.4 3,580 1,555 128.4 130.2 LC 154 422 -65 -64 855 422 101 103 LFA 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 TOTAL LEXUS CAR 8,177 9,291 -15.4 -12.0 34,536 38,154 -10.2 -9.5 TOTAL TOYOTA CAR 82,564 92,818 -14.5 -11.0 389,951 417,387 -7.3 -6.6 SIENNA 7,346 10,434 -32.3 -29.6 38,903 46,696 -17.3 -16.7 C-HR 4,366 1848 127 136 21,908 2398 806.4 813.6 RAV4 38,202 38,356 -4.2 -0.4 160,670 150,646 5.8 6.7 FJ CRUISER 0 0 0 0 1 2 -50.4 -50 VENZA 0 0 0 0 0 11 -100 -100 HIGHLANDER 21,312 18,115 13.1 17.6 92,650 82,738 11.1 12.0 4RUNNER 11,739 11,014 2.5 6.6 53,259 53,098 -0.5 0.3 SEQUOIA 868 964 -13.4 -10.0 4,556 5,349 -15.5 -14.8 LAND CRUISER 268 259 -0.5 3.5 1,291 1,292 -0.9 -0.1 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. SUV 76,755 70,556 4.6 8.8 334,335 295,534 12.2 13.1 TACOMA 21,380 17,654 16.4 21.1 93,970 78,154 19.3 20.2 TUNDRA 10,062 10,677 -9.4 -5.8 45,837 43,809 3.8 4.6 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. PICKUP 31,442 28,331 6.7 11.0 139,807 121,963 13.7 14.6 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. TRUCK 115,543 109,321 1.6 5.7 513,045 464,193 9.7 10.5 NX 4,975 5,009 -4.5 -0.7 23,810 21,426 10.3 11.1 RX 9,697 8,849 5.4 9.6 41,197 38,329 6.6 7.5 GX 2018 1851 4.8 9.0 9,521 9,157 3.2 4.0 LX 524 404 24.7 29.7 2,186 2,299 -5.7 -4.9 TOTAL LEXUS TRUCK 17,214 16,113 2.7 6.8 76,714 71,211 6.9 7.7 TOTAL TOYOTA TRUCK 132,757 125,434 1.8 5.8 589,759 535,404 9.3 10.2 Selling Days 26 25 127 126 DSR = Daily Selling Rate *NA Built Vehicles TOYOTA U.S. SALES SUMMARY MAY, 2018 -- CURRENT MONTH -- -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE -- 2018 2017 DSR % VOL % 2018 2017 DSR % VOL % COROLLA 27,052 30,942 -15.9 -12.6 123,858 136,164 -9.8 -9.0 CAMRY 28,875 32,547 -14.7 -11.3 139,680 147,434 -6.0 -5.3 AVALON 2,669 2,872 -10.6 -7.1 16,499 14,215 15.2 16.1 YARIS IA (INCL SCI IA) 2,861 3,444 -20.1 -16.9 13,430 15,758 -15.4 -14.8 RAV4 16,769 17,580 -8.3 -4.6 70,412 70,483 -0.9 -0.1 VENZA 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 11 -100.0 -100.0 HIGHLANDER 21,312 18,115 13.1 17.6 92,650 82,738 11.1 12.0 SIENNA 7,346 10,434 -32.3 -29.6 38,903 46,696 -17.3 -16.7 SEQUOIA 868 964 -13.4 -10.0 4,556 5,349 -15.5 -14.8 TACOMA 21,380 17,654 16.4 21.1 93,970 78,154 19.3 20.2 TUNDRA 10,062 10,677 -9.4 -5.8 45,837 43,809 3.8 4.6 ES 3,400 3,335 -2.0 1.9 14,544 12,864 12.2 13.1 RX 5,834 8,301 -32.4 -29.7 32,391 35,626 -9.8 -9.1 TOTAL 148,428 156,865 -9.0 -5.4 686,730 689,301 -1.2 -0.4 N.A VEHICLES % OF TOTAL 68.9% 71.9% 70.1% 72.3% TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT CAR 12,930 13,722 -9.4 -5.8 61,948 65,662 -6.4 -5.7 LEXUS IMPORT CAR 4,777 5,956 -22.9 -19.8 19,992 25,290 -21.6 -20.9 TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT CARS 61,457 69,805 -15.3 -12.0 293,467 313,571 -7.1 -6.4 LEXUS NA BUILT CARS 3,400 3,335 -2.0 1.9 14,544 12,864 12.2 13.1 TOTAL TOYOTA CARS 82,564 92,818 -14.5 -11.0 389,951 417,387 -7.3 -6.6 TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT TRUCK 37,806 33,897 7.2 11.5 166,717 136,953 20.8 21.7 LEXUS IMPORT TRUCK 11,380 7,812 40.1 45.7 44,323 35,585 23.6 24.6 TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT TRUCK 77,737 75,424 -0.9 3.1 346,328 327,240 5.0 5.8 LEXUS NA BUILT TRUCK 5,834 8,301 -32.4 -29.7 32,391 35,626 -9.8 -9.1 TOTAL TOYOTA TRUCK 132,757 125,434 1.8 5.8 589,759 535,404 9.3 10.2 Selling Days 26 25 127 126 TOYOTA U.S. HYBRID SALES SUMMARY APRIL, 2018 -- Current Month -- -- Calendar Year To Date -- 2018 2017 DSR % 2018 2017 DSR % Toyota Prius Sedan 4,760 6,065 -24.5% 20,554 27,636 -26.2% Toyota Prius V(only) 170 929 -82.4% 1,882 4,474 -58.3% Toyota Prius C(only) 818 1,121 -29.8% 3,873 6,182 -37.8% Toyota Prius PRIME(only) 2,924 1,908 47.4% 12,018 8,074 47.7% Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 4,268 4,070 0.8% 19,347 17,061 12.5% Lexus NX Hybrid 762 228 221.4% 3,077 1,048 191.3% Lexus RX Hybrid 1,359 747 74.9% 4,407 3,025 44.5%

The Lexus ES has always been the safe, conservative choice in the midsize class. There was nothing controversial or exciting about it. But that is changing with the seventh-generation model that made its debut today at Auto China. Lexus has already given us a preview of what most of the ES looks like last week, but we weren't sure about what the back end looks like. We now know and it looks very similar to the current GS with a short trunk lid, triangular taillights that extend into the rear fenders, and sculpting on the bumper. This generation of the ES will also get for the first time an F-Sport package with a mesh grille, body kit, and new wheels. In terms of dimensions, the 2019 ES sees a 2.6-inch increase in overall length, 2-inch increase in wheelbase, and a 1.8-inch increase in width. The interior borrows a fair amount of ideas from the LS and LC with a trapezoidal gauge cluster and control knobs sitting on either side; real wood and aluminum dash accents, and a large infotainment screen measuring out 8- or 12-inches. The ES will be the first Lexus model to get (finally) Apple CarPlay intergration. Those with Android phones are just out of luck. Lexus will offer two engines for the U.S. market. The ES 350 packs a 3.5L V6 producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. For those who care about fuel efficiency have the ES 300h which pairs a 2.5L four-cylinder with an electric motor to produce a total output of 215. The V6 gets an eight-speed automatic, while the ES 300h makes do with a CVT. Platform-wise, the ES uses a variant of the GA-K platform found in the new Camry and Avalon. Lexus added extra reinforcement for the ES to improve overall rigidity. The 2019 ES arrives at Lexus dealers in September. Source: Lexus A New Level of Performance and Sophistication—The Next Generation Lexus ES Emotional Design Reflects New Dynamic Capabilities Introduction of the First F SPORT Model in the ES Lineup Hybrid Model Delivers Exceptional Mileage and Improved Performance BEIJING, April 25, 2018 — After six generations of unprecedented success in the entry-luxury sedan category, the next-generation Lexus ES is forging a new, more ambitious path. Long known for its unparalleled comfort, refinement and luxury appointments, the seventh-generation ES builds on its strengths with an all-new chassis that allows for a more dynamic exterior design and the introduction of the first ES F SPORT. Representing the third vehicle in the Future Chapter of Lexus that started with the LC coupe and LS sedan, the new ES expands that vision of the brand’s future to a broader audience. Traditional buyers will find the new ES more spacious, quieter and safer than ever before while a new generation of customers will be introduced to a sedan with sharpened performance, class-leading active safety technology and a level of craftsmanship rarely found in this segment. The New Dimension of ES Design Built on the all-new Global Architecture – K (GA-K) platform, the new ES pushes the limits of design in the luxury sedan class. This ES is longer (+2.6 in), lower (-.2 in) and wider (+1.8 in.) than before with wheels that have been pushed closer to the corners thanks to a two-inch longer wheelbase and wider tracks front (+.4 in) and rear (+1.5 in). Its stance and proportions reflect its newfound performance capabilities and give the ES the kind of eye-catching appearance that will make owners take a second look as they walk away. Project Chief Designer, Yasuo Kajino, describes the look of the ES as “provocative elegance”. “The ES has always been an elegant luxury sedan. For this generation, we have added daring design elements that challenge the traditional expectations of buyers.” To create a dynamic yet fluid shape, Kaijino’s team used the low hood enabled by the new ES platform to produce a distinctive silhouette emphasized by an aggressive downward slant. Up front, the ES offers two dramatically different grille designs. The standard ES 350 and the ES 300h use elegant vertical bars that radiate out from the center while the ES 350 F SPORT model adopts a blacked out pattern consisting of “L”-shaped clusters with corresponding cut outs at each corner of the fascia. In a break with ES models of the past, the seventh-generation design uses a fast roofline that emphasizes its lower stance and slippery aerodynamics. The rear end is clean and sharply chiseled, with LED taillamps that wrap around the quarter panels to provide a continuous styling line from any angle. F SPORT models add a rear spoiler, additional rear badging and a dark lower valance to further refine the look. There are three different wheel designs (standard 17-inch, two 18-inch) for the ES 350 and ES 300h while the ES 350 F SPORT gets standard 19-inch wheels with a design similar to that found on the LC coupe. A dozen colors make up the exterior paint palette including two new shades, one green and one beige, that are anything but typical. Moonbeam Beige Metallic was designed to mimic light reflecting off fresh snow, while Sunlit Green replicates the color of ocean water brightened by the sun. F SPORT models get an exclusive Ultra Sonic Blue Mica 2.0 color that complements its high-energy design. The Future of Lexus Interiors When designing the look and feel of the ES’s interior, Kajino’s team started with the Lexus Future Interior concept which blends a driver-centric cockpit with a spacious and comfortable area for the front passenger. In the ES, the driver’s focus is kept on the road ahead by placing the center display screen, instrument panel and available heads up display in a tight cluster in the driver’s field of view. Front passengers, on the other hand, get a more open and spacious environment that promotes relaxation. Rear seat passenger comfort has long been a hallmark of the ES and the seventh-generation model still prioritizes rear package capability despite the sleeker exterior roofline. A lower hip point and a carefully configured headliner preserve headroom while the longer wheelbase delivers generous legroom. To create an entirely different appearance for the inside of new F SPORT model, an all-new kind of metallic cabin trim was developed that is unlike anything else Lexus has done before. Inspired by the making of a traditional Japanese sword, Hadori aluminum trim features fluctuating wave patterns that give it a three-dimensional appearance that varies depending on the viewing angle. The effect is subtle yet indicative of the level of detail and craftsmanship that Kajino’s team put into giving the F SPORT a unique place in the lineup. The standard ES 350 and ES 300h will continue to offer traditional materials like Matte Bamboo, Linear Dark Mocha and Linear Espresso wood which give the ES a hand-crafted appearance that luxury buyers expect in this category. A New Era of Performance The engineering team led by Yasuhiro Sakakibara had one clear goal when it came to the ES: transform the image of the ES. That meant turning a sedan known primarily for comfort and quietness into one that is equally capable of delivering class-leading handling and power that you can feel and hear. According to Sakakibara, this ES was built to deliver a fundamentally higher level of performance than any of its predecessors. “We knew that this ES had to feel responsive and easy to drive, no matter what kind of road it was on and that can only be achieved with a solid foundation.” The starting point was the newly developed GA-K chassis. It’s an exceptionally rigid front-wheel drive chassis, rivalling the GA-L rear-wheel drive platform used for the LC coupe and LS sedan in terms of torsional stiffness. Various grades of high-tensile steel reduce weight versus previous platforms while additional enhancements like an all-new multi-link rear suspension design, rack-mounted electric power steering and a V-brace mounted behind the rear seat gave the engineers the flexibility to tune the ES with a newfound level of precision. All of the upgrades to the chassis were designed to deliver a sense of comforting predictability coupled with a feeling of quick response to every movement. Yoshiaki Ito, chief test driver for Lexus, describes the ES’s heightened level and refined definition of comfort by saying: “We want every kind of driver to feel a sense of complete control when they are behind the wheel of the ES. It’s a level of comfort that goes beyond merely delivering a smooth ride.” For an enhanced level of dynamic performance, F SPORT models offer an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) similar to that found on the LC coupe. AVS adds adjustable dampers at each corner that feature 650 levels of damping force for the ultimate in control over any surface. Another F SPORT exclusive is a Sport+ mode for the Drive Mode Select system that selects the most aggressive engine, transmission and suspension settings for maximum performance. A new Engine Sound Enhancement feature is also activated in Sport+ mode that adds an additional layer of engine noise that enhances the natural rhythms of the spirited driving. Standard V6 Power and a New 8-Speed Direct-Shift Automatic Transmission All ES 350s are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that is designed to deliver commanding acceleration along with an invigorating sound. With an update to D4-S fuel injection, the impressively smooth engine now develops 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Both of those numbers are up significantly (+34 hp, +19 lb-ft) compared to the previous generation V6. In addition to the boost in power, the ES 350 also benefits from a new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. It uses an ultra-thin torque converter and a multi-plate lock up clutch to more efficiently transfer power to the front wheels, and has been tuned to deliver crisp, precisely timed shifts with quick responses. With a wider spread of ratios, the new eight speed is able to utilize high torque gears on the low end for quick starts and tall gearing on the high end for optimum efficiency. Fourth Generation Hybrid Drive System Not to be outdone by its gasoline siblings, the ES 300h is capable of delivering exceptional fuel efficiency, responsive performance and minimal emissions for an entry-level luxury sedan. A new, fourth-generation Hybrid Drive System couples an ultra-efficient, Atkinson cycle 2.5-liter, four-cylinder gas engine with a lighter, more compact, more power dense electric motor and self-charging hybrid system. Together they deliver a combined 215 total system horsepower and a preliminary estimate of 44 mpg in combined driving. An all-new engine, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder incorporates fast-burn combustion technology that makes it one of the most thermally efficient engines ever offered in a Lexus. The result is more power without increasing emissions or fuel consumption. Various methods were used to achieve such impressive results including straight intake ports, increased valve angles and laser-clad valve seats. A variable capacity oil pump, multihole injectors, VVTi-E on the intake valves and a variable cooling system also contribute to the engine’s impressive heat and combustion management. Overall drivability of the ES 300h has been improved thanks to a more sophisticated hybrid system control computer that is better able to mimic the feel and power delivery of a standard gas engine. An all-new nickel metal hydride battery is smaller than before which allows it to be mounted underneath the back seat so it doesn’t infringe on trunk space. Unparalleled Safety Comes Standard One element of the ES that hasn’t been radically transformed is its dedication to safety. All versions of the seventh-generation ES feature the new Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 as standard equipment. Already one of the most sophisticated systems of its kind, LSS+ 2.0 adds new features that further expand its capabilities. One such feature is daytime bicyclist detection which is part of the comprehensive Pre-Collision System (PCS). Already designed to detect an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian, the PCS system’s ability to potentially detect a bicyclist addresses a common accident scenario. PCS has also been enhanced to help better detect a pedestrian at night by increasing the radar’s sensitivity and dynamic range. Technology That Connects and Simplifies Staying connected has never been so important to ES owners, so there are now multiple ways to engage with technology in a safe and convenient manner. For example, the seventh-generation ES is the first Lexus product to offer Apple CarPlay™ phone functionality, enabling drivers to control their iPhones® through the dashboard display screen or with Siri Eyes Free® voice control. The ES is also Amazon Alexa®-enabled, so drivers can use natural language commands to control a variety of functions. That functionality includes car-to-home and home-to-car commands, so owners who have Alexa enabled devices in their home can interact with their ES before they ever get behind the wheel. On board Wi-fi powered by Verizon is also available on the ES as part of an optional navigation system that includes an easy-to-read 12.3-inch wide dashboard display. Along with its on-board data set, the navigation system is also capable of receiving over-the-air updates for improved routing and the latest Points of Interest (POIs). Models without navigation will use an 8-inch display and all interactions will be controlled through the Remote Touch Interface (RTI) trackpad. The Next Chapter of ES When it goes on sale in September, the 2019 Lexus ES will usher in a new era for one of the brand’s most popular models. Much like the flagship LS, the new ES sedan addresses the need to engage a broader range of customers. It delivers everything that traditional Lexus buyers expect along with elements that will draw in those who haven’t considered the brand before. Bolder styling, more dynamic performance, unique cabin materials and the latest technology add a chapter to the ES story that hasn’t been told, but that all changes in 2018. View full article