Following a teaser released mid-January, Lexus has released its ‘The Beast’ commercial prior to its Super Bowl XLVI debut – it is also Lexus’ first-ever Super Bowl commercial.

The commercial shows the 2013 Lexus GS breaking free from being contained and shows how Lexus will be taking its vehicles towards a new direction.

Click here for more news on the Lexus GS.

“The all-new Lexus GS is showcased in this ad because it’s the first model to feature the new look of Lexus and it’s also the first of nine new or updated models we’ll launch this year,” said Brian Smith, Lexus vice president of marketing. “This spot looks very different than anything Lexus has done before and demonstrates to the 50-million-strong Super Bowl audience that 2012 will be a breakthrough year for Lexus.”

Hit the jump for the video.

Refresher: Power for the 2013 Lexus GS 350 comes from a 3.5 liter V6 engine making 306-hp at 6,400 rpm and a maximum torque of 277 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed sequential-shift transmission allowing it to go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 142 mph. 30 to 50 mph takes just 3 seconds. The Lexus GS also comes with the Lexus Drive Mode selector allowing for four driving modes including ECO, Normal, Sport S and available Sport S+. Prices start at $46,900.

- By: Omar Rana

The National Association of Automobile Dealers survey was released today, revealing that Subaru, Lexus and Hyundai have the most satisfied dealers.

Twelve bits of data have been complied over three categories that include automaker policy decisions that affect the dealership, franchise value, and automaker field staff who visit the dealership. The resulting information gauges how satisfied new-car dealers are with each of their automakers.

Hyundai has been holding the top spot for the third consecutive survey period, and Subaru made the top three five consecutive periods, with Lexus holding the number three slot, dropping form second place on the previous survey.

The top 10 include Volkswagen, Porsche, Audi, Toyota, and Mercedes-Benz, and Honda and Cadillac are together in the number 10 spot.

Lexus scored highest on the section of the survey that indicates how dealers feel towards their manufacturers’ policy and the effect they have on their franchises. Toyota and Hyundai followed in this category.

Dealers who feel their automakers value them more start with Hyundai, then Kia, with Lexus being third.

Some dealers feel that their automakers don’t value their input on decisions that impact their stores, with Suzuki, BMW and Mini scoring the lowest here, and Toyota, Lexus and Subaru doing the best. All of these positions remain the same from this time last year.

As for how dealers feel about the field representatives from their manufacturers, Infiniti showed the greatest improvement in this category from winter 2011, up from sixth place, with Acura and Toyota following. The fourth spot in the segment is also held by a Japanese automaker.

In total, 14,700 dealer franchises were surveyed throughout the U.S., with just over half responding.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoNews

The Lexus LF-LC 2+2 Hybrid Coupe Concept made its debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show earlier this month. While there is not word of the concept being produced, Lexus says that the LF-LC hints at the future design language of the brand.

Lexus has just released a video giving us an inside look at the LF-LC Concept.

Check out our original post on the Lexus LF-LC Concept.

Check out the video after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

“With all of the enhanced features, the LX 570 offers perhaps the most exciting combination of luxury, on-road smoothness and off-road performance of any vehicle in its segment,” said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division.

Power for the 2013 Lexus LX 570 still comes from a 5.7 liter V8 making 383-hp and a maximum torque of 403 lb-ft.

Besides a new design, for 2013, the Lexus LX 570 received an updated Crawl Control feature, new Turn Assist system, a Multi-terrain Select system and the company’s new Lexus Enform infotainment system.

Buyers can also opt for the Luxury Package ($1,510), which includes a cool box for beverages, semi-aniline leather-trimmed upholstery with new contrast stitching, a heated steering wheel, new mahogany wood-trimmed door switch plates, a rear-center armrest cover, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seat and Smart Access card key. On top of that, buyers can add a rear-seat entertainment package priced at $2,005.

- By: Omar Rana

Lexus is working hard to regain some of their lost market share after a not so successful 2011 model year—at least when compared to the other luxury competition.

As a result, Lexus will be debuting its first ever Super Bowl commercial spot at the final game next February.

“This is a big year for Lexus as we introduce nine new or updated models, and the Super Bowl provides us with an equally big opportunity to reach a highly engaged audience of 50 million people,” said Brian Smith, Lexus vice president of marketing. “The star of our commercial is the all-new 2013 GS which launches in February and kicks off a pivotal era for the Lexus brand. The spot also will convey that even more products are waiting in the wings and are anxious to hit the road.”

Teased over the Internet and Facebook, Lexus provided a preview of their Super Bowl Spot. Check it out after the jump.

- By: Chris Chin

Throughout the year 2011, we saw one of the world’s most prominent luxury automobile manufacturers’ take a dive in sales, only to be beat by counterparts Audi and BMW.

And to make up for their losses, Lexus is apparently planning to expand their lineup in hopes to make up for the 21% loss in sales to the competition. This comes after Lexus’s parent company, Toyota, supposedly announced that they want to completely overhaul Lexus’s lineup.

Lexus’s course of action: nine new or updated products. As part of these steps, even a car-based seven-seat people carrier and variants to the entry-level hybrid-powered CT are in the mix with the rumors. And from the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, the Lexus LF-LC Hybrid Concept is one of these potential steps. Additionally, word is moving down the pipeline that an SC430 successor could be part of these plans as well.

Lexus’s decline in sales was a result of the unfortunate events from last year’s earthquake that crippled the nation of Japan in March.

“We will grow more than any other luxury brand this year,” said Mark Templin in an interview, Lexus’s general manager. “Our base plan is 240,000. But we think we can exceed that by a pretty good margin.”

During the same interview, Templin pointed out that they are making some big changes to get Lexus back in the game of competing for US luxury sales. But Lexus is making sure not to extend their offerings down-market into smaller segments, which is already the point of Toyota. Not to mention, Lexus doesn’t need to go below segments smaller than the CT 200h because they’re already capable of meeting the government’s CAFE standards, thanks to the Toyota brand.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoNews

“The concept we’re showing here in Detroit continues the Lexus design revolution started with the CT and GS,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The concept hybrid 2+2 liberates the idea of a sport coupe and pushes the boundaries of performance, style and technology.”

Due to the lack of details, it is tricky to gauge what this car might compete against: Jag XK perhaps? That might be a too sporty though. Either way, this at some level is a successor to the Lexus SC coupe; even if the LF-LC is sold without an engine or wheels, I am sure it will be better.

I may be biased towards the color, and the copious LED letter “LS” on the front and back lights may be a bit over the top, but this is a stunning piece.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Lexus introduced a new update for their most Spartan SUV ever: the all-new 2013 glorified-up Land Cruiser Lexus LX 570.

Other than some aesthetic changes such as a revised grille, front fascia, headlamps, taillamps and both front and rear bumpers, the 2013 LX 570’s 5.7L Tundra 3UR-FE V8 carries over unchanged for the 2013 update. So that means the LX 570 is still good for 383hp and 403 lb-ft of torque through six gear ratios.

Considering the LX 570’s Toyota Land Cruiser roots, that means this puppy is as much of a luxo-off-roader as the Range Rover. As a result, for the 2013 year, the LX 570’s “Crawl Control” has been updated to help its owners navigate parking lots and hop curbs with even more ease than ever so as to avoid spilling the extra-large latte sitting in the cup holder—and to keep the baby(ies) from being awoken.

Lexus has yet to announce when the updated LX 570 will be available and whether there’s a change in price or not. But I’m sure we could expect that information to pop up within the next couple months.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By: Chris Chin

Created at the company’s Calty design studio in Newport Beach, Calif., the Lexus LF-LC will hint at the new design direction for the company, which is obviously expected to be quite aggressive.

Lexus says that the LF-LC is is envisioned as offering Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive to deliver both driving performance and fuel efficiency.

- By: Omar Rana

Lexus has finally revealed the pricing details on the 2013 GS 350 sedan, which hits dealerships in early February with a new dynamic design, better handling and innovative technology (according to Lexus at least).

“With all of the enhancements to the all-new GS, the base price remains the same at $46,900 (not including a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875),” said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. “We expect the GS will suit the needs of many drivers and compete well in the segment.”

The all-wheel-drive version of the Lexus GS 350 will carry a starting MSRP of $49,450.

Click here for more news on the Lexus GS.

The two models are available as F Sport models or can be equipped with the available Premium or Luxury packages.

Power for the 2013 Lexus GS 350 comes from a 3.5 liter V6 engine making 306-hp at 6,400 rpm and a maximum torque of 277 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed sequential-shift transmission allowing it to go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 142 mph. 30 to 50 mph takes just 3 seconds. The Lexus GS also comes with the Lexus Drive Mode selector allowing for four driving modes including ECO, Normal, Sport S and available Sport S+.

2013 Lexus GS 350 Packages:

• Premium Package $1,400: Rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated front seats and power rear sunshade.
• Luxury Package $5,700: Includes Premium Package plus Adaptive Variable Suspension; an Adaptive Front Lighting System; unique high gloss linear espresso wood ornamentation; semi-aniline leather, 18-way power front driver and passenger seats with articulated back, side bolster and thigh support controls; four-way lumbar; butterfly headrests; driver and passenger seat memory; rear HVAC and audio controls; rear manual side sunshades; 18-inch alloy wheels; and wood and leather steering wheel.
• Lexus GS F Sport Package $5,690: Outfitted with a sport bumper, and rear lower valence, rear lip spoiler, unique mesh grille inserts and F SPORT badging. F SPORT 19-inch wheels, and F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension. Rear-wheel drive models will be equipped with 19-inch staggered width wheels, Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and new larger front brakes with high friction pads. The GS F SPORT interior features a new 16-way power driver’s sport seat and interior design treatment. F SPORT Sport S+ mode engages handling enhancements via a sport setting of the adaptive variable suspension, steering system, and vehicle stability control (VSC) together with the powertrain enhancements.
• Navigation $1,735: 12.3-inch, split-screen, high-resolution multi-media display. Also allows option of Lexus Enform Application Suite.

- By: Omar Rana

Following a major leak last night, Lexus today officially released a full body teaser of its LF-LC 2+2 sports coupe concept that will debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show next month on Jan. 9.

“Crafted from a clean sheet of paper at the request of Lexus headquarters in Japan, the LF-LC blends both high technology and organic shapes to connect the driver to the machine,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The clean lines of the vehicle emphasize motion, creating a distinctive look for this futuristic sport coupe.”

Again, Lexus says that the LF-LC will explore the future design theme of the brand and was created at the company’s Calty design studio in Newport Beach, Calif.

- By: Omar Rana

A picture of the upcoming Lexus LF-LC Concept, which is scheduled to make its world debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show next month, has been leaked via Road&Track in a short video on YouTube.

The Lexus LF-LC seems to take the LFA design to a completely new direction. The company says that the LF-LC Concept will provide a strong hint as to where the design for Lexus is headed.

We’ll have more details for you from Detroit next month.

Stay tuned.

Check out the video responsible for the leak after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

While no name of the new Lexus design concept has been revealed, the company did release another teaser showing the interior of the new design study. A teaser of the front headlight was revealed last week.

“The interior of this Lexus design concept hints at the new contemporary, upscale and uniquely Lexus design direction,” Lexus said in a statement.

The unnamed Lexus concept will debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show next month.

- By: Omar Rana

The current Toyota Land Cruiser based Lexus LX has been around since the 2008 model year and thankfully, a Lexus spokesperson has confirmed that an updated model will debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show next month.

Speaking with AutoBlog, Bill Kwong, Lexus Communications Specialist, said that the changes to the LX will be mostly cosmetic with a slight change in sheet metal. The interior and the 5.7 liter V8 will likely go unchanged.

Lexus sold a total of 3,983 units of the LX in 2010, while Cadillac sold 26,875 Escalades. They definitely have some catching up to do.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoBlog

As the world watches the Volkswagen shift its focus to mainstream/beige Corolla and Camry fighters, Akio Toyoda, the company’s chief officer asked Tokuo Fukuichi to head Toyota’s design group.

Fukuichi has been responsible for vehicles such as the ‘89 Previa MPV and has returned to make some changes, for example, he suggests that he wants to “…establish an image of eco and fun, not just eco. [For Toyota hybrids]” Fukuichi also hinted that he had been asked to produce “cool cars” for Lexus and Toyota.

The message is not just coming from the ‘yota’s Japanese end: “We’ve been vanilla long enough. If some buyers don’t like the new [Lexus] GS’s design, that means we’re doing the right thing.” These are the word’s coming from Andy Pfeifferhorn, Vice President of Lexus Europe.

Rumor has it that the new Lexus GS 350 is one of the tangible examples of Fukuichi’s work. In conclusion, it almost seems that as VW tries for 10 million cars per year, Toyota is interested in a little piece of Europe/VW’s former turf as suggested by Fukuichi: “We have a problem in that many of our cars have good proportions but they are not memorable. Too much time is spent on refinement. It is good for quality, but it does not make for character.”

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Source: AutoCar

Lexus said that it will be transferring its global marketing functions from Japan to a new decision-making center in California. The move is seen as a step to move Lexus’ head office out of Japan.

The new Lexus center at Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc.’s campus in Torrance, California will handle creative marketing and some brand communications worldwide said Karl Schlicht, head of Lexus global product and marketing planning division.

Executive Vice President Yukitoshi Funo said that Lexus is attempting to remake itself as a ‘transnational brand’ rather than a Japanese one.

Schlicht said Lexus is also considering moving its global headquarters outside of Japan, but nothing has been decided for sure as of yet.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

The study consist of an analysis of a new-vehicle purchase experience and measures customer satisfaction with the dealer.

Lexus ranked the highest among luxury brands in satisfaction with the new-car buying process Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz followed coming in at second and third, respectively. Porsche and Land Rover rounded out the top five.

Mini ranked the highest in mass market brands for the second consecutive year. Buick, GMC, Volkswagen and Chevrolet closed off the top five in that order.

- By: Omar Rana

Toyota Motor Corp. has released prices on some 2012 model year vehicles including the 2012 Corolla, Matrix, Tundra, Venza and Highlander. Select models for the 2012 Toyota and Lexus models will see an increase in price.

For the Toyota brand, those models include the FJ Cruiser, Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, and Tundra Double Cab and CrewMax models. 2012 Lexus models that see a price bump include LS 460 and LS 600h L models and CT 200h.

2012 Toyota Corolla: Prices for the 2012 Corolla will range from $16,130 for the L grade with a 5-speed manual transmission to $18, 820 for the S grade with a 4-speed automatic. The price reflect increases ranging from $220 to $310 or 1.2 to 1.8 percent. The prices for the 2012 Corolla take effect with the start of production on December 5, 2011.

2012 Toyota Tundra: The base prices will range from $24,435 for the 4.0- liter V6 with a 5-speed automatic to $29,960 for the long bed 5.7-liter V8 with a 6-speed automatic, an increase of $720, or a percentage increase ranging from 2.4 to 3.0 percent. Prices will take effect December 19.

2012 Toyota Venza: Venza LE models will range in price from $27,425 for the four-cylinder front- wheel-drive to $29,775 for the V6 all-wheel-drive, an increase of $240 on a comparably- equipped basis, or 0.8 percent.

2012 Toyota Highlander / FJ Cruiser: The price increases on Toyota models range from $125 for the FJ Cruiser to $400 for the Highlander Hybrid. The model-by-model adjustments reflect individual percentage increases ranging from 0.40 to 1.1 percent.

2012 Toyota Matrix: Matrix pricing carries over unchanged from 2011. The base MSRP will continue to range from $18,845 for the L grade with a five- speed manual transmission to $21,715 for the S grade with all-wheel-drive and a four- speed automatic.

2012 Lexus CT 200h, LS 460, LS 600h L: Price increase of $500. The new prices will become effective for vehicles with December 2011 production.

- By: Omar Rana