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Posts Tagged ‘2009 Lexus’

The LS 600h, the full hybrid Lexus flagship, gains a range of technological and styling improvements for the 2010 model year, changes that have been unveiled for the first time at the Frankfurt motor show. With redesigned seating, updated equipment, a new ECO driving mode and new brakes, the LS 600h and the long wheelbase LS 600h L achieve advances in comfort and driving dynamics.

The full hybrid Lexus Hybrid Drive system that powers the LS 600h has a new ECO mode, which modifies the throttle action and performance of the air conditioning system to support fuel-efficient driving.

The relationship between movement of the accelerator pedal and system output is automatically controlled, reducing response to aggressive inputs to improve fuel economy and promote smoother driving. The load on the engine is also reduced under acceleration, which also helps improve fuel efficiency.

When the outside temperature is 20°C or higher, the air conditioning system automatically selects its air recirculation mode to reduce power consumption. The blower airflow is reduced when set to ‘high’ and operation of the supplementary electrical heating system (the PTcompact heater) is stopped, further cutting the amount of power used. Also, the system will not signal for an increase in engine speed to boost power when the vehicle is at idle.

The LS 600h is newly equipped with larger, 380mm ventilated front disc brakes with six-piston callipers, rotors and pads developed jointly with specialist manufacturer Brembo. The pads are designed for quieter performance with less vibration and give fade-free high-speed stopping power.

The revised model is distinguished visually by a new four-bar grille and front bumper with redesigned air intakes and foglamps. The headlamps have a new running light design and are finished in Lexus hybrid blue, giving the car a distinctive appearance befitting its flagship status.

In profile, the car has a new one-piece rocker moulding and new door mirrors that incorporate twin LED turn signals and puddle lamps, with chrome highlights.

Further new details include a lower bumper design with vertical fins to smooth the airflow from beneath the car. The range of exterior colours has been increased, with Mesa Red, Vanilla Mist, Richmond Green and Atlantic Blue newly available, together with the hybrid-exclusive Crystal Sapphire. The paint has a new Self-restoring Coat treatment that helps maintain a superb finish over the vehicle’s lifetime.

The premium seat arrangement has a 40:20:40 design with an upper seatback reclining mechanism, fully retractable leg and footrest and lower back massage function, all operated using a remote controller. It also offers different levels of massage using an array of eight pneumatic chambers built into the seatback, and lumbar and shoulder areas.

The horizontal suspension position of the rear seat has been moved forwards 45mm to improve fit around the hips and the shape of the seat surface over the outer edges has been plumped up by around 10mm for better support.

The LS 600h is adopting a new hard disc drive (HDD) navigation system with the 40GB capacity, giving Europe-wide coverage with traffic information data capture in each country. The 19-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System fitted as standard in the LS 600h gives 7.1-channel surround sound on selected CDs and DVDs. It is now DAB ready (DAB audio will be available as a centre-fitted accessory) and provides USB and audio jack plug connection for fully controlled use of portable music players, and Bluetooth with an audio streaming function.

The revised LS 600h features a new, automatic high beam system. A camera sensor in the rear view mirror detects oncoming traffic, street lamps and vehicles travelling ahead and automatically switches the headlamp high beam on and off according to driving conditions.

The 2009 Lexus SC 430 continues with no major changes. This 2-door convertible has a power-retractable hardtop. The sole powertrain teams a 288-hp 4.3-liter V8 engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and front knee airbags. Among the Lexus SC 430′s standard features are a leather and wood interior trim, navigation system, and steering-linked headlamps. Run-flat tires are optional. The Pebble Beach Special Edition Package includes the run-flats and specific trim.

The LS 600h L’s distinctive L-finesse styling is complemented by a unique exterior/interior color combination exclusive to the Pebble Beach Edition with a Truffle Mica exterior paint combined with an exclusive two-tone Alabaster and Black leather trim interior with Dark Grey Bird’s-eye maple wood trim. Additional styling cues include 19-inch, five-spoke wheels with a unique finish, Pebble Beach interior badging, premium black floor mats with stainless steel badging, and blue illuminated scuff plates. The Pebble Beach LS hybrid comes standard with the Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS) which incorporates the world’s first system designed to help detect pedestrians in the vehicle’s path, as well as world’s first Driver Monitor System that helps warn drivers if it senses an obstacle ahead of the car and that the driver’s head is not facing forward. The APCS system helps prepare the car for evasive action or collision by triggering appropriate sensors in the car and retracting the front seatbelts. Furthermore, the Pebble Beach Edition LS 600h L is equipped with the Advanced Parking Guidance System, Rear-Seat Entertainment System (RSES), power rear-door sunshades and rear-seat side airbags.

The 2009 Lexus RX 350 is largely unchanged. This midsize crossover SUV has a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Continuing as a 2008 model, the gas/electric-hybrid RX 400h teams a 3.3-liter V6 with battery-powered electric motors for a total of 268 hp. It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Like other Lexus and Toyota hybrids, the RX 400h can run on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands.

It requires no plug-in charging. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb. Available safety equipment includes ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, a driver knee airbag, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Options include leather upholstery, power tilt and telescopic steering column, adaptive cruise control, navigation system with rearview camera, heated front seats, and DVD entertainment.

Options exclusive to the 350 include a multipanel sunroof and a load-leveling height-adjustable suspension. A Pebble Beach Edition package includes unique trim and chrome alloy wheels.

The 2009 Lexus LX 570 is largely unchanged following its model-year 2008 introduction. This premium large SUV shares its basic design with the Toyota Land Cruiser. Both have three-row seating for up to eight passengers. A 383-hp 5.7-liter V8 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission is the sole powertrain. Maximum towing capacity is 8500 lb. All-wheel drive with low-range gearing is standard. So is a height-adjustable suspension and self-adjusting shock absorbers.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, front side airbags, and rear side airbags. Driver and front passenger knee airbags are also included. Optional equipment includes Lexus’s Pre-Collision Safety System, and remote engine starting. A standard CRAWL control limits speed in low range to settings of 1, 2, or 3 mph.

Also standard are a 60/40 split power-sliding 2nd-row seat, 50/50 power-fold 3rd-row seat, power liftgate, four-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry and pushbutton engine start, and 20-inch wheels. An included navigation system with rearview camera is available with front and side-view cameras.

The 2009 Lexus LS makes news by expanding the availability of all-wheel drive to the entire model lineup. Three versions of Lexus’ flagship sedan are offered. There is the regular-length 460, and the 460 L and gas/electric hybrid 600h L that add about 5 inches of wheelbase and overall length. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the 460 and 460 L. AWD is standard on the 600h and newly available on the 460 and 460 L. All 460 models have a 4.6-liter V8 and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear-drive versions have 380 hp, and AWD models have 357.

The 600h pairs a 5.0-liter gas V8 with an electric motor for 438 hp total. The hybrid uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, rear side airbags, curtain airbags, and front knee airbags. Air suspension with driver-selectable firmness is standard on all AWD LS models and available on the rear-drive 460 L. A keyless entry and starting system with a pocket transmitter and steering-linked headlights are standard.

Option groups include the 460′s Comfort Package with heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, and rear power sunshade. The heated steering wheel and power sunshade are standard on AWD 460s. The 460′s Comfort Plus Package adds power rear seats and rear side airbags. Available for 460 L is a Rear Seat Upgrade Package that includes a cooled rear console and four-zone climate control that reacts to occupants’ body temperature. Also offered on 460 L and 600h is an Executive Class Seating Package that changes the seating configuration to four passengers and adds a retractable table, DVD entertainment, and a reclining, massaging right-rear seat.

Optional on 460, and standard on 460 L and 600h is a navigation system with a rearview camera and a wireless cell phone link. Available on all LS models is Lexus’ Pre-Collision Safety System. Packaged with adaptive cruise control, it automatically tightens the seatbelts and readies full braking power when sensors detect an imminent collision. Also available is Lexus’ Advanced Parking Guidance System, which provides hands-free parallel parking.

The 2009 Lexus GX 470 is largely unchanged. GX 470 is a midsize SUV that uses traditional truck-type construction. It has a 263-hp 4.7-liter V8 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 6500 lb. All-wheel drive is standard and includes a low-range gear for off-roading.

A 3rd-row split-folding seat is available for up to eight-passenger capacity. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Hill ascent and descent control are standard. The suspension is self-leveling and adjustable for height. The GX has automatic shock absorber control with four driver-selectable modes.

Optional is Lexus’ Kinetic Dynamic Suspension, which can temporarily “release” the anti-roll bars as needed to improve off-road suspension travel. Among other options are DVD entertainment and a navigation system with rearview camera.