New Lexus LS officially revealed!!!

 

 

 

The all-new Lexus LS (previous post) was officially revealed in NAIAS and you can read the press release here. Although there is no point in reproducing what has been already released, it is definitely a beautiful car!!! The design is simply amazing, and along with the new Lexus LC, they are by far the best looking cars for sale on the planet! 

Toyota Celsior 1989 model by Hi-Story

This Toyota Celsior C-Ttype 1989 model by Hi-Story is the second Celsior model added to my collection (earlier post) and I opted for the White Pearl Mica Toning G version. Unfortunately, photos don't do justice to the colour. Hi-Story models are handmade and for its price, I am very happy with it!

Toyota Celsior F Package 2004 model by WiT's

The Lexus LS wasn't available in Japan until 2006. Until then, a domestic version badged as Toyota Celsior (トヨタ・セルシオ) was sold in Japan. This is the third-gen Celsior / LS (F30型) and the actual model colour is called White Pearl Crystal Shine. Although the photos cannot show the beauty of the colour, in real life, it is very impressive indeed!

New Lexus LS arrives in 2017

The all-new Lexus LS should be introduced in May 2017 and it is going to use the new FR platform that the new LC 500 has first adopted. Based on that, it is expected that the new LS will be wider than the current model. Changes are also coming in terms of the powertrain, as Lexus is downsizing from the current 5.0-liter V8 engine with hybrid drive to a 3.5-liter V6 one, again with hybrid drive. The gasoline only LS is also likely to come with a smaller engine, but it is not certain yet, based on the info leaked.

An F Sport version will also become available and this time, Lexus is planning to use a turbocharged V8 engine in order to compete with Mercedes’ S63 AMG. During the second half of the model life, a new powertrain will be added. Scheduled to be released in 2020, a hydrogen fuel cell version will hit the markets, but the biggest surprise will be the introduction of the LS 250t. Power will come from a 2.5-liter inline-4 turbocharged engine coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Rumors suggest that Lexus is going to use cameras instead of door mirrors, as they are now legal in Japan (since June 17). The LF-FC concept showcased this technology and Lexus will definitely try to introduce it with the new LS.

Specifications:
■ Expected announcement date: May 2017
■ Total length x total width x height: 5,100 x 1,915 x 1,470 (mm)
■ Engine: 3.5L V6 + hybrid drive

Source: Mag-X via Car Sensor

Lexus LS L-Select program: Escape Journey

There many beautiful items produced in Japan that unfortunately are not available outside the country. The same implies for the L-Select customization program available for the Lexus LS.

As part of the L-Select program (more info), there are six ‘worlds’ from which to choose the look and feel of your interior. Those "worlds" are the Presidential Suite, Escape Journey, Japanese Modern (my personal favourite), Royal Therapy, Wild Beauty and Passionate Spirit. The most distinct ones are definately the Escape Journey and the Passionate Spirit and although they may seem as extreme at first glance, the craftmanship and colour combinations are simply amazing.

The Escape Journey (more info) in particular conjures the image of a Mediterranean style yacht. The Marine Blue (マリンブルー) leather on the dashboard is spread in such a way that reproduces the scene of a steering cruiser aiming at the horizon (Kajiwokiru 舵を切る)! The aluminium trim also conjures the image of how the water reflects light.

Source of photos: Luxury TV

Source of price list: kotakunのページ

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

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.

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.

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.

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

2011 Lexus "The Hard Way" - Chain commercial

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!

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]

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