Motor Authority - blog Category: GS 450h

While Mercedes-Benz and BMW struggle to catch up on their hybrid sedan offerings, Lexus is motoring calmly ahead with its revised hybrid sedan lineup, including the 2010 Lexus GS 450h revealed in September and priced today. The car made its official debut at the Frankfurt auto show, and hits dealerships across the country later this month. Pricing for the updated GS starts from $45,000 and runs up to $56,550 for the revised GS 450h.

Sharp-eyed Lexus aficionados will note that's the exact same range of prices from last year. That's because Lexus has left the prices untouched despite updating the car's feature set.  The standard 2010 GS...

While Mercedes-Benz and BMW struggle to catch up on their hybrid sedan offerings, Lexus is motoring calmly ahead with its revised hybrid sedan lineup, including the 2010 Lexus GS 450h revealed in September and priced today. The car made its official debut at the Frankfurt auto show, and hits dealerships across the country later this month. Pricing for the updated GS starts from $45,000 and runs up to $56,550 for the revised GS 450h. Sharp-eyed Lexus aficionados will note that's the exact same range of prices from last year. That's because Lexus has left the prices untouched despite updating the car's feature set.  The standard 2010 GS 350 RWD still starts from $45,000, with the AWD model adding $1,950 to that price. The V-8 powered GS 460 stays at $53,470, while the hybrid GS 450h model hovers at $56,550. Key updates to the GS 450h for 2010 include a few new exterior styling cues, plus new available colors and interior trim options. Hard-disk based navigation and entertainment systems get an update, while safety gets an upgrade with new active headrests and a revised Pre-Crash system. The aesthetic changes are small, with a revised front grille, more emphasis on the "hybrid blue" exterior elements, revised tail lights with clear outer lenses and a new 18-inch alloy wheel design for the SE-L trim level. Inside the cabin, there's more emphasis on the hybrid theme with a blue backlit start/stop button. Venaro Grey semi-aniline leather adds a new interior surface option, as does maple wood trim. The Pre-Crash update tweaks the way the GS handles seatbelt pre-tensioning before a crash, and also how the brake assist functions to help slow the car before impact. The inflator-actuated headrests further boost safety by helping to eliminate whiplash in a rear-end impact scenario. Navigation upgrades include the features also found on the revised 2010 Lexus LS 600h, including a 40-gigabyte hard disk to store navigation and data. A choice of two audio systems is available: either the 10-speaker Lexus Premium Package or the 14-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound System, with 5.1 channels. USB, Bluetooth and auxiliary inputs are all standard on either system. Up to 10 gigabytes of the 40 gigabyte internal hard drive can be used to store music as well. Power for the 2010 Lexus GS 450h remains the same, coming from the responsive 340-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine and hybrid drive combination. Fuel economy still clocks in at 22 mpg in town and 25 mpg on the highway for a combined rating of 23 mpg, though the GS 450h does require pricier premium fuel. That much power is good for 5.2-second 0-60 mph times and an electronically limited top speed of 131 mph. [Lexus] Read More

 

With winter rapidly approaching, the 2010 model year cars that haven't already been released are quickly breaking cover. The 2010 Lexus GS sedan range gets a new technology treatment and the hybrid GS 450h gets a new look, but otherwise they carry over much of what made the 2009 models so good.

Both the 2010 Lexus GS 350 and GS 460 get new iPod and USB connectivity with Bluetooth streaming audio and active front headrests, plus an integrated XM satellite radio receiver with the standard Lexus Premium Sound System. The navigation system has been updated with casual-language voice control and can also now grab your phone's phonebook via...

  With winter rapidly approaching, the 2010 model year cars that haven't already been released are quickly breaking cover. The 2010 Lexus GS sedan range gets a new technology treatment and the hybrid GS 450h gets a new look, but otherwise they carry over much of what made the 2009 models so good. Both the 2010 Lexus GS 350 and GS 460 get new iPod and USB connectivity with Bluetooth streaming audio and active front headrests, plus an integrated XM satellite radio receiver with the standard Lexus Premium Sound System. The navigation system has been updated with casual-language voice control and can also now grab your phone's phonebook via Bluetooth. Standard XM NavTraffic/Weather capability is also built in, though it only comes with a 90-day subscription. Safety Connect is also standard on non-navigation equipped vehicles, while the Enform telematics system is added when navigation is equipped. Deep Sea Mica takes the place of Black Sapphire Pearl and satin Cashmere metallic supplants Golden Almond Metallic, while inside the cars get Parchment leather in place of Cashmere tones. The Hybrid GS 450h gets all that plus a few more updates, including new 18-inch alloy wheels, a revised grille and clear taillight covers. Blue-colored hybrid badging like other Lexus hybrids also features prominently, making it clear the GS 450h isn't a normal gas-powered luxury sedan. Power for the standard GS sedans carries forward the 303-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 in the GS 350 and the 4.6-liter, 342-horsepower V-8 of the GS 460. The GS 450h nearly matches the V-8's output at 340 horsepower from its combination of electric drive and a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, and though it's a hybrid, it actually out-accelerates the V-8 GS 460 by 0.2 seconds to 60 mph (5.2 seconds vs 5.4 seconds). For more details on the Lexus GS gasoline and hybrid sedans, read the full reviews at TheCarConnection. Read More

The RX line of SUVs has been Lexus' best-selling luxury utility vehicle since its launch in 1998, and the new generation takes the vehicle into a larger, more powerful realm, while at the same time adding new efficiency-enhancing measures in the hybrid model. Currently, the RX SUV range is manufactured in Japan but it’s been speculated recently that Lexus is considering building the RX 450h petrol-electric hybrid in Canada.

During a press event, a Lexus executive Paul Williamsen said the first hybrid built outside of Japan will go into production this summer in Ontario, Canada, reports Automotive News. Williamsen is the national... The RX line of SUVs has been Lexus' best-selling luxury utility vehicle since its launch in 1998, and the new generation takes the vehicle into a larger, more powerful realm, while at the same time adding new efficiency-enhancing measures in the hybrid model. Currently, the RX SUV range is manufactured in Japan but it’s been speculated recently that Lexus is considering building the RX 450h petrol-electric hybrid in Canada. During a press event, a Lexus executive Paul Williamsen said the first hybrid built outside of Japan will go into production this summer in Ontario, Canada, reports Automotive News. Williamsen is the national manager of Lexus College. He creates dealer courses on such topics as Lexus product knowledge and customer satisfaction. However, Toyota spokesman Curt McAllister denied the claims, stating that “Lexus does not have any plans to build the RX hybrid in Canada”. Other details suggested by Williamsen was that Lexus originally planned to produce hybrid powertrain components in North America for the RX and other Toyota and Lexus hybrids but the plans were put on indefinite hold because of Toyota's record losses as well as the cancelation of plans to produce the Toyota Prius in Tupelo, Mississippi.2010 Lexus RX Read More

Anyone in the market for the new 2010 Lexus RX can rest assure they are buying one of the safest crossovers available as the vehicle has just earned the highest safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Along with the 2009 Toyota Venza, the new RX receives the agency’s Top Safety Pick award in the latest round of testing because of the vehicle's ‘Good’ results in the frontal offset and side impact tests. Furthermore, the seats of both models pass the agency’s rear protection test with flying colors and another Good rating.

In order to be named a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must come with... Anyone in the market for the new 2010 Lexus RX can rest assure they are buying one of the safest crossovers available as the vehicle has just earned the highest safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Along with the 2009 Toyota Venza, the new RX receives the agency’s Top Safety Pick award in the latest round of testing because of the vehicle's ‘Good’ results in the frontal offset and side impact tests. Furthermore, the seats of both models pass the agency’s rear protection test with flying colors and another Good rating. In order to be named a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must come with electronic stability control and earn Good ratings in all front, side, and rear tests. Criteria to win are tough because the award is intended to drive continued safety improvements such as top crash test ratings and the rapid addition of electronic safety aids. Other elements that saw the Lexus RX gain top marks include the fitment of thorax side-impact bags for front and rear occupants, along with knee airbags for those in front, side-curtain bags, and anti-lock brakes – all as standard. A Pre-Collision System (PCS) is optional with the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. For more on oth the RX, read our first drive impressions here. "Recognizing vehicles at the head of the class for safety helps consumers distinguish the best overall choices without having to sort through multiple test results," said IIHS president Adrian Lund with today's release of the results. Via: TheCarConnection2010 Lexus RX2010 Lexus RX first drive Read More

The RX line of SUVs has been Lexus' best-selling luxury utility vehicle since its launch in 1998, and the new generation takes the vehicle into a larger, more powerful realm, while at the same time adding new efficiency-enhancing measures in the hybrid model. Launched in Los Angeles at last year's show, the RX today received its first price tag.

The RX 350, the combustion-engine-only variant of the new RX line, will start at $36,800 in base FWD form. Upgrading to AWD raises the price to $38,200. This puts the new RX 350 very close to Audi's Q5 SUV, which was revealed today to start at $37,200. Pricing for the RX 450h hasn't yet been... The RX line of SUVs has been Lexus' best-selling luxury utility vehicle since its launch in 1998, and the new generation takes the vehicle into a larger, more powerful realm, while at the same time adding new efficiency-enhancing measures in the hybrid model. Launched in Los Angeles at last year's show, the RX today received its first price tag. The RX 350, the combustion-engine-only variant of the new RX line, will start at $36,800 in base FWD form. Upgrading to AWD raises the price to $38,200. This puts the new RX 350 very close to Audi's Q5 SUV, which was revealed today to start at $37,200. Pricing for the RX 450h hasn't yet been announced. MSRP does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $825. The 450h, available in both AWD and FWD configurations, features two new technologies to boost fuel economy and reduce emissions. The first is an exhaust heat recovery system that reduces engine warm-up time, enabling the engine to shut off sooner, more frequently and for longer periods, reducing its use in daily driving, cutting fuel consumption and emissions. The second new feature is the electronic AWD system. Unlike mechanical AWD systems, the electric-powered rear-mounted motor/generator allows all four wheels to perform regenerative braking and obviates the power-sapping inefficiencies of transfer cases and the weight of extra driveshafts. Rated at 295hp (220kW), the Atkinson-cycle 3.5L V6 gasoline engine in the RX450h picks up 27hp (20kW) over the 2008 model, but still has the same 3,500lb towing capacity, and still manages to secure a SULEV emissions rating. The RX350 uses a similarly-sized V6 engine rated at 275hp (205kW), a gain of 5hp (3kW) over the 2009 model. Though the RX had been speculated to grow to accommodate seven passengers, the new vehicle is still billed as a five-seater despite the larger overall dimensions. The cockpit has grown to include a dual-zone layout, featuring the 'display zone' and the 'operation zone'. The 'display zone' centers around an eight-inch navigation and information display set back into the dash for visibility, while a white OLED adds multi-function information on a separate screen. The 'operation zone' features access and control of a large range of information via the 'Remote Touch' navigation controller and steering-wheel mounted switchgear. On the outside, the new RX features a more muscular design and an aggressive stance. To complement the bigger look, the RX also gets standard 18" alloy wheels with 19" alloys optionally available. Despite the large size and typical SUV profile, however, the RX's coefficient of drag is just 0.32. For more on both the RX 350 and RX 450h, read our first drive impressions here.2010 Lexus RX Read More

Launching a new vehicle - especially a luxury vehicle - is a difficult thing to do at any time. Doing it during the worst economic downturn of the past several decades is all the more challenging. And when that ill-timed luxury vehicle happens to be a de facto member of the much-hyped but ultimately smaller-than-expected crossover segment, things are downright tough.

Which is a roundabout way of saying that while flying down to San Antonio to get a taste of the new 2010 Lexus RX 350 and 450h, I wasn’t expecting to be bowled over. Sure it's the segment-defining mid-size luxury crossover, but it’s not precisely exciting when hung against a...

Launching a new vehicle - especially a luxury vehicle - is a difficult thing to do at any time. Doing it during the worst economic downturn of the past several decades is all the more challenging. And when that ill-timed luxury vehicle happens to be a de facto member of the much-hyped but ultimately smaller-than-expected crossover segment, things are downright tough. Which is a roundabout way of saying that while flying down to San Antonio to get a taste of the new 2010 Lexus RX 350 and 450h, I wasn’t expecting to be bowled over. Sure it's the segment-defining mid-size luxury crossover, but it’s not precisely exciting when hung against a backdrop of fuel-gulping V8s or even super-high-tech plug-in hybrids. So color me surprised when I actually found some really interesting new features in the RX - most notably a new control interface for a new navigation and information system, called Remote Touch. This is the real highlight of the new RX, and will soon be found in other Lexus vehicles, including the all-new HS 250h. Design and Materials Effectively combining the functionality of a mouse and a trackball, the Remote Touch system allows comfortable and intuitive use of the relocated navigation (on equipped models) or audio/entertainment display. The move away from a touchscreen format allows the panel to be placed closer to the driver’s line of sight, which is a welcome change, while the easy-access control unit keeps the driver’s hand close to - though not on - the wheel. The best feature of the new Remote Touch unit is its haptic response system. Instead of having to pay close visual attention to the buttons and on-screen items, the system recognizes these features and provides resistance through the Remote Touch unit itself, giving a tactile sense of where the cursor is on the screen. With minimal familiarization, one can then operate the system without even looking at the screen for certain routine tasks. When the Lexus Enform telematics system becomes integrated with the navigation system of the first vehicles in the second half of this year, the control interface will have even more uses and benefits, though it's not yet clear which models will get the Enform system first. For those unwilling even to use hands to control the system, Lexus has included a speech recognition system, based around VoiceBox Technology’s Conversational Voice Search that more easily interprets casual phrases - meaning users aren’t locked into a fixed menu of verbal commands, but can speak freely, allowing the system to cue on key words. For instance, instead of saying “Weather,” and waiting for a sub-menu, you can say “What’s the weather like in Wichita Falls?” and the system will start the weather-searching process. Handy, and hands-free. The cabin of the 2010 RX applies what Lexus calls its “L-Finesse” (not to be confused with ‘elfinesque’, though the coincidence is uncanny) design philosophy. Separating the center stack into two clear regions via sweeping curves and contrasting colors, the new theme gives a decidedly modern but not obtrusive style to the interior. The instrument panel directly in front of the driver also gets some high-tech treatment in the form of an Organic LED (OLED) display panel beside the speedometer. In addition to being thinner and lighter than typical LED panels, OLED displays are also brighter and easier to read - a key element of a display likely to be washed out by bright sunlight. The OLED panel does an admirable job of remaining readable even in the harsh sunlight of south Texas. Materials still feel a bit lacking in the RX, but it’s a complaint common to all Lexus vehicles. The leather is nice, but it feels overly processed and chemical-laden, rather than the luxurious and pampered feel one finds in German or Italian leather. Similarly, door panels, dashboard elements and headliners feel somewhat cheaper, emitting hollow sounds when thumped. Mercedes and BMW, though still not perfect in their implementations, have risen above this level of construction in recent models. Fuel Economy Perhaps the most surprising deficiency of the new RX is its fuel economy. The new vehicle uses a 3.5L V6 engine for both the 350 and 450h models, with the hybrid adding a 50hp (37kW) electric drive system to spin the rear wheels. Despite the power-boosting hybrid pack, the 350 is only 20hp behind the 450h, due to the hybrid 3.5L’s use of a modified Atkinson cycle. Neither variant uses direct injection, however - another surprise, given the availability of the technology in similar engines throughout the Lexus lineup. Lexus officials at the event said that the efficiency and power gain simply didn’t justify the cost in this particular application. That’s an odd outcome, especially given the rather weak performance of both cars on a two-hour jaunt through the Texas hill country. The RX 350, piloted by a trio of journalists, managed just 20-22mpg in none-too-spirited driving at constant 60-70mph speeds. The RX450h only fared marginally better, at 22-23mpg in identical conditions. The hybrid’s strength admittedly lies in city, rather than highway, driving, but even in our limited time in town, the crossover’s efficiency rating never climbed above 26mpg. Performance Neither vehicle is geared, in presentation or demeanor, toward vicious performance, and both live up to that reserved image. Stately comfort - check; easy driving - check; fairly quick acceleration - check; corner-hugging grip - wait, what? A fair amount of body roll - standard fare for the segment, but outright disconcerting if your daily driver is a sports car - is to be encountered on moderately quick turns, or under sudden maneuvers. It’s not an unsafe amount of body roll, however, and once accustomed to it, it’s even a bit reassuring - you know you’re cornering by the angle of the horizon as much as by lateral g-forces. The 275hp to 295hp (205-220kW) engines provide enough pep to make passing easy, and the smooth-shifting transmissions are good enough to prevent you from even noticing their operation, but don’t expect the RX to be your black-horse stoplight king. From a stop, the RX prefers smoothness over speed, and under braking it is stable, but never sudden. Overall first impression Not exactly parsimonious with fuel, but highly advanced in certain technological aspects, the RX is a vehicle that rightfully sits at the top of its segment. So far few true contenders to its position have emerged, though the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK are arguably gathering their strength. Having experienced both the RX and the new 2010 Cadillac SRX - though not on the road with the latter, lamentably - within a 10-day period, I’d put the new Caddy crossover at the front of the list of Lexus’ true competitors. Until any challenger proves its merits to be greater than those of the RX, however, it remains the undisputed king. 2010 Lexus RX 2010 Lexus RX first drive Read More