The Lexus LF-A Goes Topless At Detroit
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Concept Cars, Convertibles, Lexus, Supercars
Tags: Detroit, Japanese, LF-A, Roadster
For the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, the engineers and designers at Lexus continued to use their groundbreaking LF-A premium sports car concept as a medium for expressing their ideas about what a high-performance sporting vehicle not only could be, but should be. In this latest expression of the LF-A, they have removed the car’s top to create a high-performance roadster.The LF-A Roadster is based on the sturdy yet lightweight carbon-fiber and aluminum body used for the LF-A coupe, which helps maintain the structure’s strength and rigidity even without a top.
Like its coupe counterpart, the LF-A Roadster is powered by a high-revving V10 engine that approaches 5.0 liters in displacement. The V10, capable of more than 500 horsepower and test-track speeds greater than 200 mph, is mounted in front of the passenger compartment but behind the front-axle centerline in what the LF-A’s engineers refer to as a “front-mid” configuration.
The engine is connected via a torque tube and propeller shaft to a transaxle that is controlled by paddle shifters. The torque tube is a structural member that adds rigidity to the drivetrain and chassis while also reducing vibration.
Styling is rooted in the Lexus L-Finesse design philosophy, conferring the LF-A Roadster’s front end with a compact, low-profile, aerodynamic shape. Like its coupe counterpart, the LF-A Roadster stands just 48 inches tall, but the Roadster configuration adds a speed adaptive rear wing.
The rear is marked by a pair of wrap-around, arrowhead-shaped taillights that bracket a pair of large grilles. These grilles vent the heated air from the car’s two rear-mounted radiators into the LF-A Roadster’s aerodynamic wake. The radiators are fed cool air by two large intake ducts mounted just above the rear wheel wells. This aft radiator positioning not only allowed the designers to keep the car’s front profile low and tight but also aided the LF-A’s chassis engineers in their search for optimal weight distribution.
Helping to provide balance and scale to the design, which features an overall length of 175.6 inches and a wheelbase of 102.6 inches, are high-performance tires on turbine-styled alloy wheels. The front tires are 265/35R20s, while the rears are 305/30R20s. Like the LF-A coupe, the brakes consist of 14.2-inch cross-drilled, vented discs up front, and 13.6-inch cross-drilled, vented discs at the rear. The front brake calipers are six-piston units and the rear calipers use four pistons each.
An “F” logo, located on each front fender of the Roadster, indicates the vehicle’s status as a part of the new “F” marque. The name is derived from the original “F” designation for the first Lexus LS prototype. That vehicle was internally coded “Circle-F,” with the “F” standing for “flagship.” The Circle-F designation further evolved into the code name Flagship One, or F1, and the first F1 concept developed into Lexus’ first vehicle, the LS. Since then, the “F” code has come to signify a special vehicle program within Lexus that falls outside the normal engineering and development process. In addition, Fuji Speedway is the IS F’s home circuit, and the shape of the F-logo was inspired by many of the track’s turns.
Video Debut Of The 2008 Lexus LX570
Filed under: Auto Show Videos, Lexus, New York International Auto Show, SUVs
Lexus chose the 2007 New York International Auto Show to debut the new, sporty member of their family, the 2008 Lexus LX570. The LX570 is here to replace the LX470. The LX is powered by a new ULEV II-certified engine, a 5.7L V8 which produces 381 horsepower. This engine is paired with a new 6-speed, sequentially shifted transmission. Check out the video for the unveiling!
Video: 2008 Lexus LX570
Lexus Shows Its 2008 LX 570 At The NYIAS
Filed under: Lexus, New York International Auto Show, SUVs
Lexus unveiled the newest member to the family at the New York International Auto Show. The 2008 Lexus LX 570, newest luxury vehicle, is to replace the successful LX 470.
It’s packed with the luxury appointments and innovative and seamless technology that our buyers expect of a Lexus. What is equally important, though, is that this new LX 570 sets a high-water mark with Lexus’ ability to provide a vehicle that supplies more on-and off-highway prowess than ever before, while at the same time providing the amount of interior space, comfort, luxury and ride quality that the Lexus customers demand.
The LX is powered by a new ULEV II-certified engine, a 5.7L V8 that provides a significant performance advantage not only over the vehicle it replaces but also makes it one of the most owerful among its competitors. THe LX 570’s engine produces 381 horsepower, that’s 111 more than the vehicle it is replaceing. To ensure that the new LX exhibits torque from low speeds and power through the high-speed range, it produces 90 percent of its more than 400 ft-lbs. of torque at the low-speed range of 2,200 RPM.
The engine is mated to a new 6-speed, sequentially shifted transmission designed and built especially for the kinds of heavy-duty usage that the LX series has always been ready, willing and able to take on. Thanks to an upgraded chassis and suspension system, the towing capacity is a full 8,500 pounds, which makes it perfectly capable for towing a boat, horse, or car trailer.
The new LX 570 comes with significant upgrades in its for-wheel-drive system. New to the LX, the four-wheel electro-hydraulic suspension with Active Height Control is faster and allows for a greater range of adjustment that the system it replaces. This is a new cross-lined system that allows each wheel to not only react to the driving surface that it’s in contact with but also to react to what the opposite wheels are doing. Because of the intelligence built into it, the LX 570’s new suspension senses chassis roll and reduces that roll by more than 30 percent.
The all-new LX features a multi-terrain ABS braking system. This innovative system helps to reduce stopping distances on sand or gravel by managing the braking system for these slippery conditions.
Inside the new LX you will find a push-button start, first-in-class four-zone independent climate control, a first-in-segment power-sliding second-row seat with great legroom and a new 40/20/40 split configuration, a power third-row seat, front seat cushion extenders, touch-screen navigation with VGA resolution and Bluetooth, XM satellite radio with real time traffic and much more. Outside, you’ll find standards such as 20-inch wheels, Adaptive Front Headlights and a power back door.
Additional options:
*climate-controlled front seats with heated rear seats.
*19-Speaker Mark Levinson hard disk drive audio system with reference surround sound and a hard disk drive that has the ability to store up to 2,000 songs.
*rear seat entertainment system featuring a large, 9-inch screen
*sonar park assist
*Pre-Collision System with Adaptive Cruise Control and Lexus Link
The LX will also offer a luxury package with upscale amenities such as a semi-aniline leather, a cool box up front in the center console and a Smart Card key. In addition, the luxury package features something no other Lexus has offered, wood trim made from Bubinga trees. This rich-looking, exotic wood is used to create exceptional musical instruments like harps and pianos, as well as the cabins of private jets.
Photo Gallery: 2008 Lexus LX 570 Photos
Video: 2008 Lexus IS-F from NAIAS
Filed under: Auto Show Videos, Detroit Auto Show, Lexus, Sports Sedans
Lexus really got people’s attention when they unveiled the new IS-F performance sedan in Detroit. With a 5.0-liter V8 pumping out 400-plus horsepower, the new IS-F can go from 0-60 in 4.9 Secs. However, the IS-F’s power wasn’t the only thing turning heads. With many unique interior and exterior features, the new Lexus IS-F is a sight to behold; have a look for yourself.
Video debut of the new 2008 Lexus IS-F
Video: Lexus Supercar, the Lexus LF-A Concept Car refined for NAIAS 2007
Filed under: Auto Show Videos, Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Lexus, Sports Coupes, Supercars
Lexus has been showing versions of their LF-A Supercar for about a year. This current rendition is much closer to what the production car may look like. With it’s 500HP V10 the car has been seen testing at the Nurburgring in Germany and reports tell us the car is very fast!
Enjoy the video of the Lexus LF-A unveiling live from the Detroit Auto Show.
Lexus LF-A Sports-Car Concept Reappears At NAIAS
Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Lexus
The LF-A sports-car concept was originally shown at the 2005 NAIAS to express a bold new direction in styling for the Lexus brand. The goals for the new LF-A are no different than they were with the original concept: To build a supercar with world-class performance that is uniquely Lexus.
As with all new Lexus vehicles, the styling of the LF-A is rooted in a design direction called L-finesse. The concept of L-finesse was used to shape and detail the original LF-A, and it was used to reshape, redetail and redefine this latest version. Lexus has further refined the styling of the new LF-A to enhance its exotic nature with a greater use of curved surfaces and interesting details.
The running gear of the LF-A is just as it was with the original, powered by a high-revving 500-plus horsepower V10 engine. Its front mid-engine placement, along with a rear-mounted transaxle and rear-mounted radiators, allows for excellent weight distribution. The horsepower, superior aerodynamics, and revised styling makes a top speed of 200 mph not only possible but probable.
An “F” logo, indicating the vehicle’s status as a part of the new “F” marque, is located on each front fender.
“The first LF-A was a pure concept, but one that we went so far as to conduct engineering analysis on,” said Bob Carter, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. “This latest concept is much closer to a vehicle that we would bring to market, and one in which we will be gauging consumer interest.”
Lexus IS-F Performance Sedan, New and Improved at NAIAS
Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Lexus, Sports Sedans
Much of the development of the new IS-F took place at Fuji Speedway and the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Japan. The IS-F is based on the proven rear-wheel-drive Lexus IS, which is equipped with a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. As well as the IS performs, Lexus engineers demanded much more of the all-new IS-F. The result is a performance tuned 5.0-liter V8 engine, topped with specially engineered heads fed by a two-stage intake system, that produces 400-plus horsepower and more than 350 ft.-lbs. of torque. The all-new IS-F is equipped with engine-oil and transmission-fluid coolers for high-speed performance and a cylinder head-scavenging oil pump for high g-force driving.
The IS-F engine is mated to the world’s first eight-speed direct sport-shift transmission. A new torque-converter lock-up control was developed that allows for a direct, crisp gear change through the constant lock-up of the torque converter in second through eighth gears. In Drive mode, the IS-F transmission performs with great smoothness, and the torque converter allows for great launch ability for fast standing-start acceleration that will register a zero-to-60 time in less than 4.9 seconds.
This unique transmission also features an advanced Manual mode. A pair of paddles located within a fingertip’s reach behind the steering wheel enables the driver to make ultra-fast up-shift gear changes within a tenth of a second. Downshifts are accompanied by automated and incredibly precise throttle blips to match engine RPM to vehicle speed.
The impressive acceleration achieved by the IS-F requires it be equipped with heavy-duty Brembo brakes designed to the specifications of the Lexus engineering team. Huge, 14.2-inch cross-drilled front discs are gripped by rigid, powerful six-piston aluminum calipers, while 13.6-inch rear cross-drilled discs feature two-piston calipers. High-friction brake pads are equipped on all four wheels. The brakes are finished with the Lexus name displayed on the calipers, a first for a Lexus production vehicle.
The IS-F features custom-designed 19-inch forged alloy wheels as standard. The wheels were built to Lexus specifications by BBS and are surrounded by high-performance sport tires.
The attention to performance also extends to a modified suspension that lowers the entire car by more than a half-inch when compared to the base IS, and one full inch when compared to IS models equipped with 18-inch wheels. This specially modified suspension allows for an exciting and energetic drive, whether on a race track or the streets.
The IS-F features an all-new three-mode version of Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. In addition to the Normal mode, the new VDIM features a Sport mode that allows the driver to push the car even further before its braking-, throttle- and steering-control systems kick in. The third VDIM system mode is Off, which allows the driver to push the IS-F to its ultimate level of handling performance.
The attention to performance is complemented by modified styling cues that differentiate the IS-F from the standard IS. Lexus engineers provided the IS-F with a dual-exhaust system and quad-tail pipes, wider front fenders, and a larger grille and rear spoiler. Both the hood and lower intake were enlarged to accommodate and cool the V8 engine.
Like the exterior, the interior of the IS-F receives unique styling with aluminized composite trim and special surface treatments. The instrument panel includes an oil-temperature gauge and shift indicator-lights, while the “F” logo is showcased on the steering wheel and rear-center console.
In addition to the usual Lexus standards of comfort and convenience, the interior of the IS-F features specially shaped and trimmed seats, which hold the driver comfortably and securely in place. The special sport seats are available in black or a unique high-contrast white and black trim.
“The intent of creating the IS-F was not to be a competitor to other performance-sport sedans,” said Bob Carter, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. “Rather, the goal was to create a true performance sedan in a uniquely Lexus way-one that is totally authentic with a unique interpretation of raw driving thrill at all speeds and provides a whole new definition of ‘usable power.’”
The IS-F will arrive at Lexus dealerships in early 2008.
Lexus LS 600h L
Filed under: Green Hybrids/Alternative Fuels, Lexus, New York International Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons
Day one of the New York International Auto Show’s press preview days kicked off-far as our hung-over correspondent could tell-with a Lexus event. On the stand was the all-new uber-Lexus-the LS 600h L.
This top-of-the-line Toyota boasts a 430-horsepower V8 hybrid powertrain-hereafter dubbed “Lexus Hybrid Drive.” The motor displaces five liters, qualifies for SULEV clean-car status, and “best in V8 class” fuel economy. (That means they’re not releasing the actual figures yet-don’t count on Prius-like frugality.
As you’d figure, the flagship of a flagship brand comes loaded with hi-tech gizmos and gadgets. One of the most intriguing is the Parallel Park Assist dealie, which will supposedly park your land yacht for you-once you’ve found a space. Simply pull up next to the opening, press the button, and the system does the rest.
Further contributing to this car’s having the promised “highest level of comfort and convenience” are motorized headrests and sunshades in the rear passenger compartment, and a right rear seat that reclines 45 degrees, massages your aching back, and even comes complete with footrest.
Lexus also bragged about the build process for this long-wheelbase car, which includes two rounds of hand-sanding the paint, which itself is probably infused with 24-karat gold or something. Point is, this is an amazing car; a technological tour de force. Oh, right-it also comes with leather and wood.
