The Aggressive Lexus RC 2015

Lexus is doing its best to appeal to a younger market segment with its new RC 2015 coupe that it will be debuting at the Tokyo Motor show. Junichi Furuyama, the lead engineer of Lexus admits that many of their vehicles don’t have the style factor that younger buyers are looking for. He believes that the RC 2015 will rectify this issue because it is being built from the ground up with style in mind the entire time.

An Aggressive Appearance

The first thing that Lexus did right with this car is the aggressive styling. It just looks angry, and it relies on the over-the-top features that were exhibited on the LF-LC model, but in a toned down way. The angular grille appears to be growling in anger when you look at it from the front, thanks to the way that the trapezoid cuts into itself. The swoosh sign LED lights are another feature that have been featured on Lexus prototypes in the past and they look good on the RC 2015.

Those same sharp angles are utilized on the rear of the RC 2015 as well. The rear bumper is cut down into an irregular trapezoid just like the front grille. This is possible thanks to two angular slices from the rear corners of the vehicle. It’s almost as if someone sheered the lower corners of the vehicle off, and threw in some air vents in their place, but it’s a good looking alteration.

Lexus doesn’t stop with those two features though, they go with the angular theme across the entire vehicle. All of the lines of the vehicle are sharp and at angles. The lower panels of the car have a very noticeable crease, that runs from a higher position down to a sharp point.

A Sporty Interior

The next thing that Lexus got right was the sporty interior. An interior that borrows foam technology used to produce racing seats, and some of the more modern features from the IS and the GS make the Lexus RC 2015 feel very modern and up-to-date.

Lexus continues the angular look and feel inside its cabin as well with the dash board and the different control displays. There is a major divider between the top display screen that shows radio and navigation information, and all of the bottom controls that you will use to modify that screen with. Between this visual segmentation, and the irregular shaped dashboard you get a futuristic looking vehicle that feels like a sports car when you sit down in the foam seats.

The Power Level is Uncertain

Although most experts speculate that the Lexus RC 2015 will probably take from the IS 350 as far as engine and power train is concerned, Toyota has refused to confirm or deny this. It looks like they are saving the power information for the Tokyo show and it’s one thing that most visitors are going to be paying close attention to. If Lexus gives the RC 2015 enough power they could have a pretty popular product on their hands. They got the look down, they just need to nail the handling and power as well, here’s to hoping that they do.

Lexus MPG By The Numbers VS. BMW

Lexus GS 350 VS BMW 535i

Mid-sized luxury vehicles are very enjoyable to drive around when you have a small family that you want to be able to transport comfortably. While these vehicles don't normally strive to get a great fuel economy, there is something to be said for a vehicle that is better on gas.

We'll take a look at the fuel economy numbers for the Lexus GS 350 and the BMW 535i over a five year period. Both of these vehicles have a 6-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission to keep the test as fair as possible.

GS 350 - 6 Cylinder (Automatic)

2009 - 19/26

2010 - 19/26

2011 - 19/26

2012 - 19/28

2013 - 19/28

The GS 350 doesn't improve its fuel economy in city driving conditions at all and stays at the same 19 mpg in 2013, that it has in 2009. As far as highway driving is concerned the car has improved by two points, from 26 in 2009 to 28 in 2013. This isn't a dramatic improvement, but it is certainly something that you would notice.

It is clear that Lexus hasn't put as much effort into improving the fuel economy of their GS 350 as they have some of their other vehicles such as the IS that has seen greater efficiency improvements, but at least they are making improvements, and they aren't moving in the opposite direction.

BMW 535i - 6 Cylinder (Automatic)

2009 - 17/26

2010 - 17/26

2011 - 19/28

2012 - 20/30

2013 - 20/30

Over the last five years BMW has improved the in-city economy of their 535i from 17 to 20 and their highway economy from 26 to 30. These are drastic improvements that give the car a slight edge over the Lexus GS 350.

It is clear that BMW has made a commitment to boost the efficiency of their 535i and future improvements should also be expected. 

If you are after a vehicle that has all of the latest tech gadgets then the GS 460 is probably the car for you, but the BMW 535i is being improved upon in the fuel efficiency department more for those who are interested in that.

Impressions Of The GX460

The Lexus GX 460 is an Impressive Vehicle

Anyone who is interested in a rugged off-road vehicle that has all the modern features that you would expect from a luxury vehicle should take a serious look at the Lexus GX 460. Not only does it have all of the power to handle off-roading, but it also has the benefit of being very comfortable and coming loaded with useful technology that makes driving it even more enjoyable.

The Power

The V-8 engine in this Lexus provides just over 301 horsepower to the vehicle which is more than enough to get it up the steepest hills that you can throw at it.

Off Road Handling

When you decide to take this Lexus off the road it has all the technology that you need to make sure you operate the vehicle safely. There are computer controlled mechanisms that will drive the vehicle for you, so that you aren’t pressing the gas or the brake too much while going up and down rough terrain.

While this is not as exciting as driving on your own, for anyone who is more worried about safety than excitement, these functions make driving in poor conditions much more enjoyable and relaxing.

The Technology

There is a whole slew of technology packed into the GX 460 which is good since it has a price tag of just over $50,000. It comes with a very nice 9-speaker surround sound radio that delivers great sound throughout the vehicle. It also has a backup camera to make getting out of the driveway, and parking the vehicle in tight conditions a little bit more manageable.

While you are driving down the highway the vehicle has cruise control sonar that functions very well. You can pick the speed that you want to travel at, and even if a vehicle in front of you is traveling at a slower speed you won't have to disengage the cruise control. Instead the vehicle will sense that there is a vehicle ahead and it will slow you down so that you don't hit them.

The interior of this SUV is very spacious for those in both the first and second rows. It also has a very modern appearance, and the soft suits are highly adjustable so that you can get them at exactly the position that is comfortable for you. The only complaint that we have is the third row seats don't provide much in the way of leg room, and it may not be suitable if adults or teenagers are going to have to ride in the third row on a regular basis.

Overall it is a very powerful SUV that is highly capable in all driving conditions, the extra bells and whistles don't hurt either.

Why More Women are Buying the Lexus RX 350

In the past there were very different values that men and women looked for in their vehicles. Now that those values have come closer together in terms of styling, and performance desires, many manufacturers have stopped spending as much time trying to tailor to both genders, and begun focusing on pleasing both sides of the equation at the same time.

That being said, there are still some things that women value in their vehicles above men, and that is why many more women will buy the Lexus RX 350 than men will.

What Women Want from Their Vehicles

When it comes to buying vehicles most women are more practical than men are. In other words when they buy a vehicle they are paying attention to the overall value of that vehicle. They want something that is going to be very reliable over the long term, because most women worry about breaking down more than men do.

They also strive for very stable driving vehicles that are going to handle well even on rugged terrain. It isn't that they are planning on going off-roading anytime soon they just like to be prepared for unexpected events, such as a freak snowstorm.

They also want something that is going to be affordable, and not just the sticker price of the vehicle either. They want a vehicle that can be maintained without spending a fortune. They want to feel like they are getting a good deal on their vehicle overall, while many men are more focused on styling, power, and utility, before the actual value of the vehicle is considered.

Of course women do think about styling and features in their vehicles as well, and they are more inclined to buy a less masculine styled vehicle than men are, but this plays a much smaller role in the buying process for them, than it does for men.

Why the RX 350 is an Excellent Option

The RX 350 is the only Lexus model that sells to women more than men and for good reason. These models are stylish, while still accommodating a family with several children in it.

One of the main reasons that women avoided SUVs in the past was because of how terrible they were on gas. The RX 350 is much better on gas than a traditional SUV being a crossover instead. This makes it a much more attractive prospect.

The luxurious interior is another feature that is sure to sway many prospective female buyers into making a decision to purchase. The quality leather and suede materials are luxurious while still being practical. They are relatively easy to keep clean, and they will live a long life.

Safety features are the final piece of the puzzle for many female buyers. The 5 star ratings that the 2013 Lexus RX has received on side impact tests, as well as the pole impact test set it apart from many other manufacturers. It has also been a consistent Top Safety Pick in the federal NCAP occupant protection tests.

The Lexus RX 350 has exactly what many women with children are looking for. Not only is it both stylish and luxurious, but it also is incredibly practical.

Safer In The Womb Of A Lexus

Lexus Makes Use of Latest Technology to Improve Safety

As technology levels increase in computers, and software efficiency increases it becomes possible to make cars safer than they have ever been before. There are several different driverless cars that have been produced already, and with the technology contained in these cars, standard cars can be made safer as well, and that is exactly what Lexus is doing.

There are several different systems that Lexus is employing to make their vehicles safer to drive, but one of the major systems hopes to reduce the number of rear end collisions that occur.

Using a set of sensors that can detect how fast the vehicle in front of you is going in relation to how fast you are moving, the Lexus LS can decide whether you are at risk of colliding with them or not. Not only will the vehicle let out a warning letting you know that you are going to run into the car in front of your, but it will also tighten up the seatbelt and prepare you for impact, or for a very fast slowdown.

The technology has been taken even farther since that initial system was released a year ago, and now the car can actually slow itself down if it looks like an impact is going to occur. The system is capable of slowing a car down by 25 miles an hour and it is going to be improved to a range of 37 miles an hour relatively soon.

Lowering the Cost

Systems using this technology were originally $2,500, but this year they have been lowered to a mere $500 on the Lexus IS, and on top of the millimeter wave radar collision warning, you will also get a system that dynamically controls the cruise control by making use of the same technology.

While cruise control is convenient, it can also be dangerous if the operator is not careful about how they use it. With a dynamic cruise setting, it would not be necessary to take the vehicle out of cruise every time that a car in front of you was going a little slower than you are.

On top of this basic radar system Lexus is making it possible to have night vision cameras mounted on the vehicle to help alert you of obstacles on the road in the middle of the night. They are also beginning the use of stereo cameras to pick out pedestrians before they get in the road and become dangerous to drivers and themselves.

As technology continues to improve and prices drop down to lower levels, the number of vehicles that have these new features are going to be increased, and the number of safety features are going to be expanded even further, making cars safer than they ever have before. With all of the devotion that Lexus has to safety technology, they are sure to be one of the leaders in adopting new, and more beneficial safety technology that will help reduce the number of casualties due to driving.  

Toyoda Strives to Breathe Life into Lexus

Akio Toyoda Strives to Breathe Life into the Lexus Brand

Even though Lexus is currently well-known for their top-of-the-line vehicles, they don't have the same level of history or devotion that BMW, or Porsche does, and that is in large part because they aren't nearly as old as the other brands out there.

To give you a quick comparison BMW was established in 1917, Porsche in 1932, and Lexus wasn't established until 1989. Looking at those dates there is no wonder that Lexus doesn't have the legacy that these two other car brands do.

While this doesn't mean that they can't produce cars on the same level as these other vehicle manufacturers, it does mean that they have a harder time inspiring devotion in their fans, because many are already attached to the history and character of other luxury brands.

The Reorganization of Toyota

Akio Toyoda decided to restructure Toyota into four different groups to help manage the company a little more effectively. One of these groups was Lexus. Three of the groups have appointed executive vice presidents to oversee them, and to make important decisions about them, while Lexus has Toyoda himself overlooking it.

While the other three groups have to update Toyoda on a regular basis and get his input occasionally, Lexus is going to receive most of their orders from Toyoda, and he will be giving his input on the products on a regular basis to help shape the company in his image which shows how much dedication that he has to Lexus.

Thinking Creatively

Akio Toyoda wants to differentiate Lexus from the rest of the brands out there and breathe life into the luxury cars by giving creative input on the vehicles. He states that there are plenty of financial experts and engineers focusing on the technical details of the vehicle, and that someone needs to just focus on the actual design, and performance of the vehicle. He wants to be that someone, and control what the end products look like with his vehicles.

A Skilled Driver but No Engineer

Toyoda isn't bringing his engineering prowess to the company, and instead is playing on his strengths as an excellent car driver and someone who knows what he wants out of a performance vehicle. It is his belief that too often the style and performance are being lost to the ideal specifications and by making the style and performance of the vehicle the number one priority he plans on changing things around for the better.

This is certainly a lofty goal that he has set for himself, but it could be just the thing the brand needs to really take off and ingrain itself in the luxury car world as a solidified brand.

What remains to be seen is if Lexus fans are going to like the design choices made by Akio Toyoda as much as he does. If they don't he not only risks the well-being of his company, but he also risks his reputation in the process.

Lexus RX350 F Sport Versus the Standard RX 350

Benefits of the 2013 Lexus RX350 F Sport Versus the Standard RX 350

When you are considering whether to get the 2013 Lexus RX 350 F Sport or the standard RX 350 it is important to know all of the differences that occur between the two models. With a good understanding of exactly what you are getting for your money, you can decide whether it makes sense to spend more on the upgraded model or not.

Looks

One of the first differences that you are going to notice between the two models is the appearance of the front of the vehicle. The front end of the F Sport has a much more aggressive stance that says it is ready to take on the roughest roads that you can throw at it.

This aggressive appearance is achieved thanks to a different grill. The larger spindle opening, the additional slant on the grill, and the overall stretch down toward the ground just makes the vehicle look mean.

When you get on the inside of the vehicle you will notice a few different changes that show it is geared toward performance more. The first thing that you will notice is the aluminum racing pedals on the floor. Dotted with black grippers these pedals look like they are built for speed, and they have a nice solid feel to them.

The paddle shifters inside the vehicle are another nice touch that just makes the RX 350 F Sport look like it was meant for driving fast. Overall the impression of the interior is that it is pretty similar to the standard version, but those additional touches help to differentiate the two and add a tinge of style as well.

Performance

As far as the actual performance of the vehicle is concerned you are getting relatively the same motors in both vehicles, but the F Sport is tuned for some additional speed. You will notice a quicker acceleration, when you step on the peddle as well as a sportier sound when you are really pressing the engine.

When driving on rough terrain the F Sport should handle better as it has a slightly more rugged suspension that is meant to take more abuse. This also results in you feeling more of the bumps on the road however, so that has to be taken into consideration as well when making the purchase.

Better Gas Mileage

Another nice perk of the F Sport model is the increased gas mileage that you are going to get. Instead of the standard 18/24 rated by the EPA the 350 F Sport gets 18/26 which amounts to a nice boost from 20 to 21 average miles per gallon while driving it around.

Although this doesn't seem like a very large fuel increase at first glance, that boost will save a considerable amount of gas throughout the year, and could be enough to justify the slight price increase on its own.

With all of the major differences between the two models fleshed out in front of you, it should be an easy decision to pick the model that you want to go with. Both of the RX 350 variants are reliable, and something that can be driven proudly, but the differences should be taken into account before a decision is made.