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Made By: Toyota
Started Business: 1989
Corporate Official site: N/A
Dealer Official site: N/A
Toyota launched its Lexus luxury division in 1989
with the introduction of the LS 400 and ES 250
The Japan-based automaker's new division sold more than 60,000 vehicles in its first year
and by 1991 became the number-one luxury import line
In 1993 Lexus introduced the first certified pre-owned vehicle program in the industry
and in 1999 the division sold its one-millionth vehicle in the U.S.—
the year of its tenth anniversary in America
With record-breaking 2003 sales
Lexus kept its crown as the nation's
No. 1 selling luxury brand for the fourth consecutive year
Lexus ES 350
Like last year's ES 330, the ES 350 is, for all intents and purposes, basically a dressed-up Toyota Camry. But that's not a bad thing. With a silky new 272-hp 3.5-liter V6 delivering power through a six-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels.
The ES 350 promises rapid acceleration to go with the smooth ride and spacious interior seating. Although more chiseled and sportier looking than the innocuous 2006 model it replaces, the ES 350 is still heavily weighted toward luxury.
A panoramic glass roof is a new option to soak in the sun.
Lexus GS 450h
Though the GS 450h doesn't have a 4.5-liter engine — as denoted by the "450" in its name — this high-power hybrid does have the performance of one.
A 3.5-liter V6 is paired with a version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive with two electric motors that together make a serious 339 hp.
All said, the GS 450h can do zero to 60 mph in only 5.2 seconds — better than many sports cars — yet it has EPA fuel-economy ratings of 28 mpg city/27 mpg highway. This sexy-looking Lexus is both fast and efficient.
Lexus LS 460
Lexus' all-new flagship sedan piles on high-tech features and promises to be more of a threat than ever to Mercedes-Benz's S-Class champ.
Set to come out fall 2006, the LS 460 offers a 19-speaker, 450-watt, hard-disk-based Mark Levinson audio system with a hard drive to store digital music files; sensors that measure occupants' surface body temperatures; and reclining rear seats with footrests and massage function.
The new 380-hp 4.6-liter V8 is matched with an industry-first eight-speed automatic transmission and can launch the big sedan to 60 mph in only 5.5 seconds.
What it may lack in dazzling looks the new LS more than compensates for in amazing content.
2008 Lexus LS 600h L
Rather than developing a 12-cylinder version of its top luxury sedan to compete with Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Lexus opted for a gas/electric hybrid powertrain and invented the world's first full-hybrid V8.
It matches a 5.0-liter engine with two electric motors.
Collectively, the V8 and electric motors deliver about 430 hp to all four wheels.
The hybrid will only be sold in a long-wheelbase version and is loaded with top tech features found on its conventionally powered sibling, the LS 460, such as an Advanced Pre-Collision System and LED headlamps.
Expect a waiting list and a steep premium for this cutting-edge flagship sedan.
Lexus LS Hybrid sedan
Base Price: Not Yet Available
This soon-to-be-released Lexus hybrid--a version of the company's $61,000 flagship LS sedan--is the ultimate L.A. vehicle: trendy, upscale and green. The Lexus badge will beget you credibility, and the gas/electric hybrid
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