Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Lexus tops J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey!

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Check out this latest announcement courtesy of USA Today:

 

Despite being caught in the undertow of Toyota's recall and safety issues last year, Lexus tops J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Study (IQS) as the best brand in the survey being released today. Even better, Lexus' flagship LS sedan had the fewest problems of any vehicle in the first 90 days of ownership.

 

Great news!  Read the full story here

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Engineering Amazing

Check out some of the new Lexus videos that highlight Lexus’ strides toward innovation and ingenuity.

 

The best thing about this commercials is the insight they’ll provide to the general consumer — namely that hybrid technology isn’t dependant on fossil fuels. It can be paired with any number of engines, and can be looked at instead as a complimentary power source with its use of the car’s actual kinetic energy.

This commercial series continues to refine Lexus’ marketing message and its focus on innovation & invention — I liked this press release quote from Lexus USA vice president of Marketing Dave Nordstrom:

“This isn’t just a campaign, it’s a statement that, for Lexus, the best is yet to come,” says Dave Nordstrom, vice president of marketing for Lexus. “It’s not about simply making incremental strides and improvements, but about taking giant leaps in innovation.”

Check out the full article and full list of videos courtesy of The Lexus Enthusiast

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Lexus Driver Simulator

Your brain is the most sophisticated computer operating in every Lexus vehicle.  That’s why Lexus engineers have recently built a huge driver simulator instillation to better understand car/driver reactions and  relationships. 

 

What's the most advanced computer in a modern car? The ECU controlling your car's fuelling, ignition, throttle and more? Or perhaps it's the in-car infotainment systems with satellite navigation and downloadable apps?


None of the above, says Lexus. The most advanced computer in the modern car is you, the driver.
You're the computer Lexus knows least about, but also the one that can process more information than any other and with more ultimate safety outcome than any of the other in-car systems.


That's why Lexus has built a hugely expensive and, well, just huge driving simulator, to monitor the behavior of drivers behind the wheel.

By studying drivers Lexus hopes to understand how they can tailor in-car systems to best work with the occasionally flawed organisms that control them...

 

Check out the entire article and some thrilling footage at allcartech.com

 

Thursday, June 16, 2011

What To Get the Car-Loving Dad For Father’s Day

father

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 19th!  Haven’t gotten him a present yet?  Check out these neat car-related gift ideas courtesy of CarCare.org:

Whether your dad is a do-it-yourselfer (DIY) or a Do-It-For-Me type (DIFM), consider an automotive gift for dad this Father's Day.

There are two types of fathers, those who work on their cars and those who don't. Whether your dad is a do-it-yourselfer (DIY) or a Do-It-For-Me type (DIFM), consider an automotive gift for dad this Father's Day.

Sixty-nine percent of male drivers work on their car, truck, mini van or SUV, according to the Car Care Council. Whether it's light maintenance, like changing the oil and replacing the wiper blades, or heavier projects, such as replacing brake shoes, most dads enjoy taking care of their vehicles. Automotive accessories, tools, parts and products make ideal Father's Day gifts.

"If Dad's a do-it-yourselfer, a gift certificate from the local auto parts store would be appropriate," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "If he’s a do-it-for me, think about a gift certificate for an oil change or other service at his favorite repair shop."

Everyone loves a clean car, so offer to clean and polish Dad's vehicle yourself. Remember to use automotive washes and waxes, not dishwashing detergent from under the kitchen sink. This can harm the vehicle's finish.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Lexus Wants to Know: How Much Do You Love Golf?

golflexus

To what lengths have you gone to improve your golf game or to get more tee time?   Lexus wants to know!  Right now and until the U.S. Open you can take a daily golf quiz at the Official Lexus Facebook Fan Site.    Find out how much you really love golf by comparing your answers to those of other Lexus aficionados.   

 

Calling all golf fans: Lexus wants to hear from you. What would you rather have, the perfect golf game or the perfect marriage? Are you willing to give up a full head of hair, a vacation, even celebrating an anniversary, for that perfect swing? Will Phil Mickelson, Jason Day or Nick Watney perfect their game in time to win the 2011 U.S. Open Championship?

In celebration of the automaker's fifth year as the exclusive automotive partner of the USGA, Lexus is asking golf fans how far they will go in their pursuit of the perfect golf game. In the weeks leading up to the U.S. Open Championship, Lexus will launch an online golf survey on the Lexus Facebook page (http://on.fb.me/LexUSGA) where golf fans can vote on the sometimes outrageous things they have done, all in the name of golf.

In addition to the online golf poll, Lexus will be enhancing the onsite experience for U.S. Open attendees. A Full Swing Golf simulator located inside the Lexus Performance Drive Pavilion will encourage golf enthusiasts to take their best shot on a virtual Congressional course for the chance to win an all-new CT Hybrid. Other activities in the Pavilion include a photo with the U.S. Open Championship Trophy that can be shared on Facebook and Twitter, autograph signings with golf pros and the opportunity to create a personalized flipbook using golf props. The LFA supercar will be available for golf fans to explore.

To participate in the survey or for more information about Lexus at the U.S. Open, please visit http://on.fb.me/LexUSGA.

The 2011 U.S. Open Championship takes place June 16 - 19th at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland.

Check out the complete article here courtesy of WorldGolf.com

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Fast Times at Lexus High

supercar

Are you ready to put yourself to the test?  The Lexus LFA, the new V10 supercar, is so powerful that  Lexus has set up a Diver Development school in California to teach new owners how to pilot and control their supercharged vehicles.  Check out this article courtesy of The Lexus Enthusiast:

Wicked Driver’s Ed

FROM ITS VERY concept right through to production, the Lexus LFA has been almost completely unlike other cars—and this holds true even when it comes to driver training. Where most vehicles can be sent home with an owner’s manual in the glovebox, Lexus decided to create a special Driver Development program as a way to teach new owners about the LFA’s full capabilities.

While no LFA owner myself, I did get the opportunity to attend this full-day driving school at the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California—which would explain how I found myself strapped into an LFA prototype on an overcast Monday in March, set to see just what speed I could hit in a quarter mile before it was time to apply maximum brake pressure.

Fortunately, my instructor for the day, Tim Moser, sits beside me, ready to tell me exactly when to upshift and when to slam on those carbon ceramic brakes. Blasting off the line, it’s not just the speed that hits me—mashing that accelerator pedal to the ground brings this sonic wave of pure unseen force, a wall of noise and gravity that has to be similar to sitting inside a jet turbine.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Can the clothes you wear dull your car’s interior?

 

interior

Did you know that the dye from your own clothes might be negatively impacting the upholstery of your car.  But don’t worry!  Lexus is working to keep your car looking factory fresh.  Check out the whole article here courtesy of allcartech.com!

 

Jeans Staining Your Car Seats? Lexus, Chrysler Fight Stains

You might not think your jeans have the capacity for causing much damage unless you're one of the unlucky souls to have once caught part of their anatomy in the zipper, but they can actually be responsible for undue wear to your car seats.
A light-colored leather interior can look absolutely fantastic and really lifts the ambience of a nice car, but luxury carmaker Lexus reckons that customers tend to shy away from lighter colors as they can begin to look grubby quite quickly.
One of the prime suspects is denim jeans. The evergreen fashion item is colored using indigo dye, and over repeated sliding in and out of light leather seats the dye can wear off, staining the seats.
The automakers are fighting back though. Lexus has developed a stain-resistant leather for its interiors...


The Lexus leather doesn't simply use a coating. Paul Williamsen at the Lexus College research facility explains, "It's actually part of our tanning process for the leather."

Monday, June 6, 2011

Get a Lexus Upgrade to Your Vacations

resort

 

Attention travelers!  Did you know you can get free travel perks courtesy of Lexus?  Lexus just added yet another benefit to the growing list of special deals for our Lexus drivers:  Lexus gives you free room upgrades, spa passes and other benefits at their recommended resorts.  Find out how: 

 

You need to get out of town.

Go. Vamoose. Hit the bricks. Escape.

You’ve earned it. Lexus knows you work hard—after all, there’s a reason there’s a Lexus in your driveway. We also know you appreciate the art of a premium escape (which is precisely why Lexus magazine brings you an annual list of top, Lexus-recommended resorts).

So, it’s with all this in mind that Lexus recently partnered with Andrew Harper travel services to add another perk to the list of special deals you get simply for being a Lexus driver: a complimentary one-year Premier Online membership to Andrew Harper travel services…

Mr. Harper, who’s been reviewing the world’s luxury spots for about 30 years, delivers his reviews via a monthly Hideaway Report, which you’ve now got access to for 12 months, as well as other Premier Online membership benefits, such as room upgrades, complimentary breakfasts, and spa certificates at more than 550 premium hotels, resorts, and villas worldwide.

If you’re planning a getaway soon, just activate the complimentary membership by logging into the Lexus Drivers site, and make sure to pay a visit to AndrewHarper.com—as a Premier Online member, you’ve got access to the club’s complete listing of recommended properties, as well as the ability to book hotels via the club’s in-house travel agency.

Check out the whole article here

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Lexus on the Top 10 List for Newlyweds

 

lexuswedding

June is the most popular month for weddings.  Forbes Magazine recently released a list of the top ten cars for newlyweds.  Guess who made the list?  The Lexus CT 200h!  Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but nothing says “I love you” like a Lexus.  Get the whole story here.

 

Top 10 New Cars for Newlyweds

It’s wedding season once again, that time of year when bride and groom become one and, if they’re lucky, drive off happily together in a brand new car. Whether you’ll be the one gifting the fortunate couple or you’re just getting married yourself and will be applying some of the wedding bounty toward a down payment, we’ve identified a diverse assortment of autos that are ideal for newlyweds…

Trendy young couples who want to own a hybrid, but find the usual suspects too sedate for their tastes should consider the CT 200h. This compact four-door hatchback hybrid comes wrapped in attractively sleek bodywork and rides on a sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension that rewards enthusiastic drivers with playful handling abilities. A 1.8-liter gasoline engine teams with an electric motor-generator and a self-charging battery pack to deliver a sufficient 138 horsepower with fuel economy that’s EPA-rated at a frugal 43-city/40-highway mpg. Selectable driving modes can accentuate either more economical or sportier driving characteristics as desired. Myriad safety equipment and luxury features are standard, and there’s enough cargo room with the rear seats folded flat accommodate a major Ikea or Costco shopping excursion.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Some Juicy Gossip about the Lexus LFA

 

zoom

Is Lexus already trying to rev up the Lexus LFA supercar?  Not a lot of details yet, but if the rumors are right, it’s bound to be impressive:

 

Autoblog writes:

Even amidst the disastrous situation on their island nation, the Japanese are showing no signs of slowing down. At least, not when it comes to its supercars. Honda was recently reported to be forging ahead with on-again, off-again plans to resurrect its NSX supercar, Nissan is hard at work on the new GT-R and now Toyota is said to be working on a new version of the Lexus LFA.


While the handle being used in the interim might suggest a completely new successor, rumor has it that an LFA II is being developed as a variant of the existing model. Following in the footsteps of the above-pictured Nürburgring package, Japan's Best Car says that the so-called LFA II is expected to push the performance envelope even further. Just what that will entail – or for that matter, if it will come to fruition at all – remains to be seen, but if there's any truth to the reports, we certainly applaud the company's spirit.