2012 Lexus GS

The Lexus GS is a series of mid-size luxury sports sedans / executive cars sold by Lexus since 1993. Designed to fill the gap between the ES and LS, and to provide Lexus with a performance sedan to compete in the mid-luxury class, three generations of the GS have been produced to date. The first incarnation of the GS was introduced in 1993 in the United States, Europe and selected markets in Asia. The second generation model premiered in 1998, using a new platform and adding a V8 version for the first time outside Japan. The current third generation GS, which premiered globally for the 2006 model year, comes in both V6, V8, and hybrid versions, later known as the GS 450h performance hybrid. The third generation GS is also the first model to feature Lexus' own L-finesse styling upon its introduction.

White Elegant Lexus GS Wallpaper

All About Lexus GS

Black Lexus GS on parking Area

Silver Lexus GS Front View

Lexus GS with Orange Edition

Silver Lexus GS Performance

2012 lexus GsLf - Gh Concept

2011 Lexus IS250 AWD - First Drive

2011 Lexus IS250 AWD

When the IS came out in 1998, tuners and ricers were all over it. It was the ideal tuner sedan that most people have been looking for from Lexus. Then in 2005, the IS went through a makeover. It wasn't as ricey or tuney as it used to be. It became a true luxury sports sedan with increased power and prestigious presence. It even posed as a threat to the BMW 3-series. Now, in 2011, the IS is back with more luxury and more curves than ever before and I got a first-hand look into it to see if it's tick.

Side View

I drove the IS250 AWD model with a 2.5-liter V6 engine producing only 204 horsepower. 0 to 60 is done in 8.3 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 131 MPH. Gas mileage stands at an average 22 MPG with a certified Ultra-Low Emissions Rating. This all might not sound like much, but let's not forget that this is the redesigned IS. Lexus probably incorporated some tweaks to make this car stand out.

Interior View

And they have. The new IS features an updated interior with stuff that you'll find in a Range Rover or an Aston Martin. For example, heated and ventilated seats are now available on all IS models including the one I drove in Edison. Other features include a 6-speed paddle-operated gearbox, an electronic parking brake, an updated media console, a push-button start, and other new features including an interesting HDD Navigation System. Say you're stuck in a jam and have no idea where the nearest Wendy's is. There is an exciting new feature in which you can call Lexus directly from the car, ask them where the nearest Wendy's is, and update the information into your Nav screen. Combine this with XM NavTraffic and XM NavWeather, and you'll always know where you're going.

Face-to-Face

Ok, let's leave features aside and get on to the driving. Normally, most Lexus's have very, very loose steering. For example, I once drove the old Lexus GX470. It felt like driving a car using shoelaces. With the IS, though, it's like driving a car with a stiff rubber band. The steering is tight and sharp. If you want to go left, the car will take you left. If you want to go right, the car will go right. Mix this with All-Wheel Drive and you've got yourself one hell of a grip car. I tested the steering in Edison and found out that it will it is very useful when doing some high-speed maneuvering through heavy traffic. Though I don't encourage this at all, if you are a Transporter or a James Bond, you may want to look into this car. The IS is also perfect when you want to get out of the city and on to the country road. These roads make it perfect for sport mode, which tightens everything up (gearbox, suspension, steering) giving you more punch and more handling in the corners.

Perfect Transporter Color

With prices starting at $32,645, the IS seems more valuable than the 3-series. But, let's not forget the 3 features more stuff standard than the IS and has a more powerful engine. But, let's give the car credit. It did give the 3 a run for its money.

Wow! What a day!

2011 Lexus IS250 AWD F-Sport

Some exciting things happened today while behind the wheel of some worthy luxury sports cars. I wish I could tell you more, but I'm currently busy writing up their reviews. First up, I took a spin in Lexus' new IS250, a car you shouldn't really leave out since it could give the 3-series a run for its money. Next, the BMW 335i X-drive Coupe, a teenagers equivalent to an M3. And to bring it all home, I had a go at the new Jaguar XF, of which I will see more of tomorrow at NYIAS (New York International Auto Show). I can't reveal to you the details at the moment, but I will say this: that Cat can run! Check out all the stuff tomorrow along with a heap of NYIAS photos.

The Future of Luxury and Green

2012 Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid Concept

Lexus is always up to something futuristic. This time, they've decided to introduce to the world the future of luxury and efficiency. This is what they've come up with, the LF-Gh Hybrid Concept. Looks like an LS600h, doesn't it? They might incorporate some features from this concept car to future luxurious hybrids in their line. The name LF-Gh stands for Lexus Future Grand Touring Hybrid and is supposed to represent where Lexus will be going with their Hybrid Technology. Not much info on the performance since this is merely a concept car, but Lexus does say that this car will help produce less emissions while providing exquisite luxury. As design goes, this car looks rather nice. Those small LED Headlamps are similar to those on the LS600h. If you go around the back, you can see that the taillamps have been designed to emphasize that "Lexussy" feel, hence the lights resemble small L's. The car itself rides on 20-inch rims and front grille looks rather aggressive. Kengo Matsumoto, the general manager of Toyota's Lexus Design Division, had this to say about the LF-Gh:

"For this concept, Lexus designers studied characteristics that are often considered contradictory and difficult to execute together. The captivating design of the LF-Gh concept examines the possibility of balancing what are normally opposing qualities, such as style and functionality." - Kango Matsumoto

So, there you are: the future of Lexus as we know it. The car will make its official debut in New York at the International Auto Show, and I will be there to check the car out personally.

Shift 2 Unleashed Car Profiles: Lexus LFA

2011 Lexus LFA

This is by far one of the best cars you will drive in this game. It's the most expensive Japanese production car ever created with a base price of $375,000 ($250,000 in the game). It's the fastest production car out of Japan with a top speed 202 MPH. Most importantly, it's a Toyota. Ever since it was unveiled, the Lexus LFA has proven to be all that and more. I've only driven the car in real life and in Gran Turismo 5 and both test drives were very good. So, because of Shift's unmanageable handling, of course you would think that this car would be terrible in this game. Hah! Think again!

'Ring Thrashing

I gave this car a proper thrashing at the Nürburgring and found it quite surprising how it handles corners so gracefully. It's looks you don't even have to think about it. You do have to be precise though, or else it will eat you alive. But, because the car was mainly built from lightweight Carbon Fiber and Aluminum, it's quite dainty (3263 lb.) and stable for an FR (front-engine rear drive) car. In a straight line, with the Launch Control engaged, it will do 0 to 60 in just 3.5 seconds and hit 202 MPH. The brakes on this car are phenomenal. After just thrashing it around the 'Ring, I wasn't really getting tired at all. They are that good.

Highway Speeding

After I had fun on the 'Ring, I took it home to Tokyo to have more fun. I also entered it in a few races. No one, not even the those Turbocharged ricers could keep up with me. Now I have to compare it to the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, since I have driven it and it is the LFA's closest rival. Both cars have the same amount of horsepower, the same top speed, the same number of cylinders, and the same number of car reviewer praises. The only thing that makes the LFA much better than the Gallardo is that it's more exciting. The Gallardo has the grip, the power, and the goods, but after driving it for a while, you'll get bored. As for the LFA, you can drive it for 11 hours and you'll never get tired. And, since it's a rear wheel drive car, you can pull some insane drift angles with it. It just goes to show; rear-wheel drive is more fun.

Sexy, isn't it?

The LFA is a well-rounded supercar with a passion for perfection. If it wasn't so ridiculously expensive, it would've been the supercar of the century. But, since Lexus put in 10 good years perfecting this car, they call it their masterpiece, and only want the true and fortunate driving around in one of these. So if you're true and fortunate, and have about $400,000 to spare, you can hurry up and get a real one. Or, you can just buy Shift 2 Unleashed for $60.00, get this car, and start having fun in it in no time. Your choice.

P.S: I'd go for the second one ;-)

Shift 2 Unleashed: Review

2010 BMW 135i Coupe

So, once again, Need For Speed has decided to get under Gran Turismo's nose with their own realistic sim game. This time, they say it's the most realistic racing game ever created. You will be able to feel the tension as a you drive at 200 MPH through a narrow straight. You will feel the terror as you navigate your way through the dark while racing against other aggressive drivers. You'll sit at the edge of your seat as you battle for first place against another racer. These are just the many descriptions people have told me about the game, so, of course, I had to experience this for myself. And guess what? I did, and more!

2010 Audi R8 4.2 FSI Quattro

I played the first Shift when it came out about two years ago and I didn't really like it as much as I thought I would. The handling was no where close to realistic and the physics were a bit deformed. But, a majority of NFS fans loved it, so they brought it back. And, I'm happy to report that this game has greatly improved. The handling is still slightly drifty, but you'll be able to find grip through corners. The physics have greatly improved as well. The cars are more stable at high speeds and you'll be able to control them more. The damage models are more refined for each car which makes them better to look at. For the first time ever, wheels and bumpers will fall off instead of having your car smushed up into a cube. They've even put in the automatic features that were absent in the last game. At long last, you can see the hydraulic spoiler rise up off your Bugatti Veyron at 200 MPH. You'll be able to the airbrake flaps rise as you brake into a corner in your Pagani Huayra. I don't know about you, but that looks absolutely awesome!

2011 Lamborghini Reventon Interceptor

As for gameplay, this game is much more exciting than the old Shift. For once, you'll stand at the edge of your seat as you race for first place. The eerie journey music from 30 Seconds to Mars and Switchfoot that have been accompanied with the game also provide another level of excitement. The drivers you race against aren't your boring Gran Turismo AI that just find the racing line and drive fast. These drivers are aggressive. If they find an opening, they will take it. If you block them, they'll fight you until they leave you in the dust. You're gonna need skill, aggression, and speed if you're gonna stay in first. Speaking of speed, there are 140 cars in this game that each will deliver enough speed for every event in the game, from the beginner's level all the way to the Works Championship, and even the FIA GT1 Championship. Each car has been styled almost flawlessly by the guys at Slightly Mad Studios, from the Alfa Romeo 8C to the VW Golf Mk. I GTI. They've even included some hot pursuit cars like this Lamborghini Reventon Cop Car, the Pagani Zonda Cinque HP Roadster, and, get this, the Porsche 918 Spyder Concept Study. You can even customize the 918 to look like an open top GT car. In fact, you can convert almost every car into a Works GT car if you have enough money and enough parts. You can customize everything in the car, including engine swapping your car's engine with a much more powerful car. For example, I was customizing my Audi R8 and I found out that I can swap my 420 horsepower 4.2-liter FSI V8 engine with a 500 horsepower 5.2-liter FSI V10 engine from the Audi R8 LMS. That's pretty sick, but Forza ricers have been doing this for years now.

Bugatti vs. Gumpert: a Race of the Hypers

As for online play, I am pleased to report that Autolog has been brought back for more online fun. Autolog helped make Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit one of the best online games of last year, so, of course you would expect NFS to make it better for Shift 2, and they did. Since you can tune your cars in this game, this will be key when trying to beat your friends time records or drift scores. Then again, it's all in the fingers and wrists so make sure you drive well. As far as sharing goes, you can now share screenshots taken from the game. You can even share iconic replays of one of your best races. You can also compare profiles to see who has more badges. I mean, there's nothing in this game that you can't share with friends. Sharing is caring, right?

Lexus LFA Race

When I review racing games, I try to compare them to driving in real life. I always ask myself this question: will this game help me become a better driver? My answer: yes, somewhat. There is a lot of realism to go with this game that will help you realize how dangerous racing can be if you're not careful. As far as driving goes, this game can help you become a better driver, that is if you don't mess around with it. In some ways it can't though. The handling is still too drifty and on some long curves where you're supposed to grip the racing line, you instead slide the whole way, which can get quite irritating. But, nevertheless, there is more grip in this game than in its predecessor which makes it very good.

LFA vs. Gallardo: V10 Supercar Duel

So, comparing this to Gran Turismo 5 or Forza Motorsport 3, I think Shift still has a lot of ground to cover if it wants to compete with them. But, this game has shown some potential and it definitely has taken some sips of reality. So, I'm giving this game 4.5 stars out of 5 because it's real, it's exciting, and it's much better than the last one. Well done, NFS!

BAJA-Madness!

JTGrey Racing Lexus LX570

Imagine this car being your day-to-day wheels. You'll be able to take shortcuts through forests or even cross deserts with ease while enjoying Lexus' patent-pended drinks-globe luxury. Unfortunately, Lexus never plan to do that, so this vehicle is meant strictly for racing. But, honestly, this is the coolest Lexus LX570 I've ever seen in my life. The Toyota Racing Development team along with JTGrey Racing helped turn this luxury SUV into a dirt-track screamer. The engine is the 5.7-liter V8 that you'll find in the standard LX570, but it's been upgraded with more power. The car itself has been lifted with all of the flotsam and jetsam removed from the cabin and 37-inch wheels and tires for more ruggedness. This truck has secured many victories in the SCORE Stock Full Championship Series. With Team Racer Joe Bacal behind the wheel, this rugged Lexus has taken victories in the Las Vegas 300, the San Felipe 250, and many Baja 1000 Races. So, there you are. The best Lexus LX570 ever. Period.

Shifting to the Next Level

2011 Lexus LFA (Shift 2: Unleashed)

Need For Speed never fails to disappoint. Just recently, they unveiled a few of the 120 cars that you will be able to drive in their newest installment Shift 2: Unleashed. It's already just spectacular, not just because they've brought this Lexus LFA in. Everything about the game seems so real, but NFS still wants you to have fun with it. Anyway, some stats about the car: 552 horsepower 4.8-liter V10 engine, top speed = 202 MPH, 0 to 60 = 3.6 seconds. This car was deemed an exclusive to real world eyes due to its price of $375,000, but NFS wants you to try the car out for yourself. And since they've implied real world physics in the game, you'll be able to feel how Toyota carefully built this car. And, as always, NFS will allow you to customize this ridiculously-priced exotic car. Because, hey! Who wouldn't want their LFA to look like this?

2011 Lexus LFA GT (Shift 2: Unleashed)

Probably Paris Hilton, who by the way has one in real life. No, it's not pink. It's yellow. That's a good color. But anyway, no matter what color you choose, this is still an excellent racing machine. Prepare to enter the driver's seat as Shift 2 launches in three weeks from today.

Ring-Leader

2012 Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package

It's been a while since we've heard of this limited edition package. It was when the LFA first came out that Toyota said they'd be building a hardcore version of this. They even showed us a picture of it. Now, a year later, Lexus is ready to release this hardcore package to the public. Only 50 will be made, each costing $70,000 more than its original price of $375,000. So, what does this package entail? For starters, Lexus added 10 more horses to the engine to counteract the drag of the massive rear wing, front splitter, and rear diffuser allowing this car to stay planted on the road. Second, it won't just be available in orange. There's glossy white, glossy black, and the popular matte black, but that's a $20,000 option. Third, you can customize the interior colors in all black, black and red, black and purple, or, if your Prince, black and orange. Only the Europeans will have the option of having their interiors all carbon fiber. Fourth, buyers will have the option of getting some lessons from a 'Ring master, or 'Ring mistress (Sabine Schmitz), on how to navigate the 'Ring. Fifth, how's about a year's free pass to go crazy round the 'Ring anytime you want? Sounds good doesn't it? All you need is a check of $445,000 made out to Lexus and they'll do all of this for you. If your a matte black fan, you'll be paying $465,000.

Lexus LFA Complete Overview and Specifications

The Lexus LFA is a two-seat exotic sports coupe produced by Lexus as a concept car, "halo" vehicle, racing prototype, and production model. It is the second model in the F marque line of performance vehicles from Lexus, following the IS F. Three concept versions have been shown, each debuting at the North American International Auto Show with the LF-A designation as part of the LF Series concept line. The first LF-A concept premiered in 2005, followed in 2007 by a second LF-A with a more completely furnished interior and exterior. The third version of the LF-A, a roadster model, premiered in 2008. The production model, trademarked LFA, was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2009. The production Lexus LFA features a new V10 engine and a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) body. CFRP materials account for 65 percent of the LFA's body composition by mass. The LFA is scheduled to go into production in late 2010, with a projected run of 500 vehicles at the base price of US$375,000.A circuit-tuned variant is scheduled for 2012.The production Lexus LFA has an overall length of 177.4 inches (4,510 mm), while its wheelbase measures 102.6 inches (2,610 mm), with a height of 48 inches (1,200 mm) and width of 74.6 in (1,895 mm). Compared to the prior 2007–2008 concepts, the production model is nearly 2 inches (51 mm) longer, with identical width, height, and nearly same wheelbase dimensions. The exterior design of the LF-A concepts and the final production model was the work of car stylists led by Lexus Design general manager Kengo Matsumoto. The overall design ethos was based on the principle of form follows function, with aesthetics secondary to aerodynamics and operation.

The LFA body features sharp edges and cutoffs for improved aerodynamic performance, made possible by the carbon fiber body. body was designed with an emphasis on downforce. There are air scoops located over the rear fenders which feed the aft-mounted radiators and help cool the brakes. A horizontal hood gap also feeds air to the engine. Two small aft vents expel air that is collected by an underbody air scoop and used to cool the titanium exhaust pipes. Dual hood ducts serve to move hot air away from the exhaust manifold.

The LFA's speed-sensitive rear wing incorporates a Gurney flap and deploys at speeds over 50 mph. With the wing retracted the LFA's body has a drag coefficient of C_d 0.31. The LFA body is offered with a choice of 28 standard exterior colors, along with 3 wheel colors and a matte black option. Additional "special colors" are available to order. The front and rear fenders, doors, roof rails, and rocker panels are made out of blast fiber reinforced sheet panels, while the tail lamps are light-emitting diode (LED) lights.

Lexus LFA
Lexus LFA Side view
Lexus LFA 2010
Lexus LFA Front view
The LFA interior incorporates carbon fiber, leather, alcantara, and metallic surfaces. There are two bucket seats, and Lexus' Remote Touch controller interface. The interior design uses bespoke materials and colors.The instrument display is a digital thin-film transistor (TFT) speedometer with color-changing background, size-changing numbers, and side-appearing submenus
In operation the TFT display shows small digits in automatic mode; larger and bolder numbers in normal mode; inverted colors, moved redline, and stark numbers in sport mode, along with a programmable redline warning color change. The tachometer display also features an electric movable metal ring with layer acrylic plastic to create a 3D effect. The LFA further features a new driver and passenger seat-belt airbag design increases similar to the S-Class ESF safety concept car. The steering wheel features a right-mounted start button and alloy paddle-shifters. To activate the vehicle the driver must insert the key beside the steering wheel then press the start button. Two octaves of engine sound are channeled into the cabin via twin ducts which connect the firewall with intake manifold, with the sound tuned in the manner of an Ovation guitar. A 12-speaker Mark Levinson sound system with compact lightweight components was also developed for the interior.The Lexus LFA is powered by a 72° 4.8-liter V10 engine equipped with dual VVT-i carrying the 1LR-GUE designation with a maximum output of 560 PS (412 kW) delivered at 8,700 rpm. Its maximum torque output of 354 lb·ft (480 N·m) arrives at 6,800 rpm, 90 percent of which is available from 3,700 rpm. The engine redlines at 9,000 rpm, but with a fuel cutoff set at 9,500 rpm, and is constructed using forged aluminum pistons, forged titanium connecting rods, and solid titanium valves. Dry sump lubrication prevents engine oil starvation through high speed corners and lowers the engine's center of mass. Air is fed directly from beneath the hood through a visible slit passing into a dual stage variable intake manifold and then into ten individual throttle bodies before finally exiting from a dual stage titanium muffler.
The LFA's engineers selected a V10 engine over an equivalent displacement V8 engine for its higher revs, and over a V12 for its lower reciprocating mass,allowing for more rapid engine response. Lexus claims their engine can rev from idle to its redline in 0.6 seconds and an analog tachometer needle could not accurately track the LFA's changes in engine speeds. This necessitated the use of digital tachometer which can instantly display engine speed. The engine reportedly weighs less than the manufacturer's own 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 engine. Engineers attempted to make the engine sound like that of a Formula One car with high revs, while at the same time maintaining reliability and vibration control. Along with other manufacturers such as Ferrari, Toyota had produced their own F1 engines and chassis designs. The exhaust note was meant to sound like the "roar of an angel", and a US television spot later used the engine sound to shatter a champagne glass via resonance frequency
Lexus LFA Inside view