AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Toyota recalling 87k 2010 Prius, Lexus HS 250h models for brake issue]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/05/toyota-recalling-87k-2010-prius-lexus-hs-250h-models-for-brake/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/05/toyota-recalling-87k-2010-prius-lexus-hs-250h-models-for-brake/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/05/toyota-recalling-87k-2010-prius-lexus-hs-250h-models-for-brake/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is no stranger to recalls. Earlier this year, over half a million of the popular hybrids were called back for steering shaft issues (after another steering issue back in 2011). And the Prius V was the subject of a service campaign for exhaust issues a year ago. Today, Toyota announced the latest Prius-related recall, this one connected to the brakes.

The new voluntary recall involves 87,000 vehicles, an unspecified mix of 2010 Prius vehicles as well as Lexus HS 250h hybrids. Toyota says the problem lies in the brake pressure accumulator, which "may develop a fatigue crack on an internal part due to vibration." Toyota says it has not received any reports of accidents or injuries due to the issue, but it will now notify affected vehicle owners via mail.

Scroll down for Toyota's official statement.

Continue reading Toyota recalling 87k 2010 Prius, Lexus HS 250h models for brake issue

Toyota recalling 87k 2010 Prius, Lexus HS 250h models for brake issue originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 05 Jun 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lexuslexus hs 250hrecalltoyotatoyota priustoyota recallWed, 05 Jun 2013 09:45:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20599727/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20599727/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/05/toyota-recalling-87k-2010-prius-lexus-hs-250h-models-for-brake/20599727/article-detail.xml 20599727 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/042010toyotaprius_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/042010toyotaprius.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota hybrids get more popular in diesel-loving Europe]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/16/toyota-hybrids-get-more-popular-in-diesel-loving-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/16/toyota-hybrids-get-more-popular-in-diesel-loving-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/16/toyota-hybrids-get-more-popular-in-diesel-loving-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Toyota Prius

Together, Toyota and its Lexus luxury arm broke the 100,000-unit barrier for hybrid vehicle sales in Europe last year, Automotive News Europe reports.

Long known for their diesel-buying preferences as a way to boost fuel economy, Europeans upped their Toyota and Lexus hybrid purchases by a whopping 29 percent in 2012. While the Toyota brand accounted for more than three-quarters of the approximately 109,000 units sold, about 90 percent of Lexus vehicles sold in western Europe last year were hybrids.

While the 29 percent jump is impressive, it pales in comparison to the gains Toyota made in the US last year. The Japanese automaker boosted US alt-fuel sales by 83 percent in 2012 to more than 327,000 units and accounted for about 60 percent of all the hybrids sold Stateside. Lexus accounted for about 38,000 of the hybrids Toyota sold in the US in 2012.

Toyota hybrids get more popular in diesel-loving Europe originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 16 Feb 2013 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europehybridhybrid saleslexussalestoyotaSat, 16 Feb 2013 17:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20460750/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20460750/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/16/toyota-hybrids-get-more-popular-in-diesel-loving-europe/20460750/article-detail.xml 20460750 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/08-2011-toyota-prius_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/08-2011-toyota-prius.jpg <![CDATA[Canadian governments will invest $34m upgrading Toyota plant for Lexus hybrid]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/26/canadian-governments-will-invest-34m-upgrading-toyota-plant-for/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/26/canadian-governments-will-invest-34m-upgrading-toyota-plant-for/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/26/canadian-governments-will-invest-34m-upgrading-toyota-plant-for/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lexus hybrid SUV

Many Americans - Michael Moore excluded, of course - regard our neighbors to the north as friendly. But we imagine Toyota must be feeling even more warm and fuzzy that we do right about now. We imagine this because of the fact that Canadian government entities will kick in as much as $34 million to speed up and help pay for upgrades that will allow for an Ontario Toyota factory to expand production and to start making Lexus hybrid SUVs, Reuters says.

The factory, which is located in Cambridge, Ontario (about 65 miles southwest of Toronto and about 60 miles northwest of Buffalo), will be able to triple annual Lexus production to 104,000 vehicles a year, including 15,000 Lexus RX450h hybrids, once the upgrades are complete next year. Those SUVs will be the first hybrids to be produced in Canada.

The Canadian federal government and the Ontario provincial government will split the $34 million, though only the federal government is obligating Toyota to repay the money (how's that for warm and fuzzy?). The upgrades and expansion are expected to create 400 jobs. Last summer, Toyota announced plans to invest about $100 million in the Cambridge upgrades.

Canadian governments will invest $34m upgrading Toyota plant for Lexus hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 26 Jan 2013 08:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cambridgecanadagovernmenthybridlexusontariorx450htoyotaSat, 26 Jan 2013 08:42:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20437320/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20437320/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/26/canadian-governments-will-invest-34m-upgrading-toyota-plant-for/20437320/article-detail.xml 20437320 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/lexus_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/lexus.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus IS 300h teases American audience in Detroit]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/lexus-is-300h-teases-american-audience-in-detroit/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/lexus-is-300h-teases-american-audience-in-detroit/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/lexus-is-300h-teases-american-audience-in-detroit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

lexus is 300h hybrid

Here's the key line from today's announcement about the 2014 Lexus IS300h, the hybrid version of the new IS: it will "be available in Europe, Japan,and select international markets." In other words, you can see it at the Detroit Auto Show, but you won't be able to buy it here.

William Kwong, public relations specialist for Lexus, told AutoblogGreen that it just wouldn't make sense to sell the IS300h to American. "Because the IS300h is an entry-level luxury hybrid and we already have two - the CT200h, a sporty type vehicle, and the ES300h, the entry level luxury - we kind of have that covered," he said. Since not all markets offer all models, there is still room for the IS300h - the first IS to have the Lexus Hybrid Drive - in some places.

Thanks in part to stricter CO2 regulations in Europe and Japan, Kwong said that when there is a hybrid and non-hybrid version of a Lexus model in those markets, the hybrid makes up around 80 percent of the sales. In the US, it's more like 15 percent. "The ES, RX and GS, it's usually 15 percent or less, so it didn't make good business sense to bring in a third entry-level hybrid, because it's almost in the CT territory," he said.

The IS300h will use a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and is expected to go on sale in the middle of 2013. In some places, anyway.

Continue reading Lexus IS 300h teases American audience in Detroit

Lexus IS 300h teases American audience in Detroit originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 18:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300hdetroit 2013detroit auto showhybridisis 300his300hlexusTue, 15 Jan 2013 18:11:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20429943/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20429943/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/15/lexus-is-300h-teases-american-audience-in-detroit/20429943/article-detail.xml 20429943 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2014-lexus-is-300h-detroit-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2014-lexus-is-300h-detroit-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota may integrate carbon fiber after Lexus LFA shut-down]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/toyota-may-integrate-carbon-fiber-after-lexus-lfa-shut-down/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/toyota-may-integrate-carbon-fiber-after-lexus-lfa-shut-down/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/toyota-may-integrate-carbon-fiber-after-lexus-lfa-shut-down/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lexus LFA

Toyota could integrate carbon-fiber components into some of its future models after shutting down production of its Lexus LFA supercar last month, Automotive News reports.

Carbon fiber is both stronger and lighter than traditional vehicle-body materials. It makes sense for Toyota to take advantage of the carbon-fiber production facility, especially now that the company's become an expert of sorts in how the material can be used in cars. Still, using carbon fiber remains cost-prohibitive because it remains in limited production and molding process is labor intensive.

Toyota produced its 500th and final $375,000 Lexus LFA in December, about two years after opening its carbon fiber factory. Ferrari, Bentley and Lamborghini are among other automakers that use carbon fiber. In 2011, BMW partnered with SGL Group to open a carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) plant in Washington State.

Toyota may integrate carbon fiber after Lexus LFA shut-down originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon fiberfactorylexuslfatoyotaThu, 10 Jan 2013 15:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20423930/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20423930/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/10/toyota-may-integrate-carbon-fiber-after-lexus-lfa-shut-down/20423930/article-detail.xml 20423930 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/lexuslfa_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/lexuslfa.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus saves Christmas with its Flying Luxury Cruiser]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/24/lexus-saves-christmas-for-kids-with-its-flying-luxury-cruiser/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/24/lexus-saves-christmas-for-kids-with-its-flying-luxury-cruiser/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/24/lexus-saves-christmas-for-kids-with-its-flying-luxury-cruiser/#commentsFiled under: , ,

lexus flying luxury cruiser lflc

Lexus just announced a previously unheard of - and unthinkable - achievement by an automaker, or any other company for that matter: saving Christmas from being ruined for all the good boys and girls!

According to Lexus, Santa's reindeers bailed out on him to vacation in Hawaii through a last-minute travel deal. Santa contacted Lexus for help through his perception that the luxury carmaker delivers the best customer experience in the industry.

It was such a huge opportunity for Lexus that the company sprang into action. "We couldn't bear the thought of leaving the big guy high and dry. Our elves and engineers are proud to introduce the 'Lexus Flying Luxury Cruiser,' or LFLC for short," said Lexus General Manager Mark Templin in a company press release.

The Lexus Flying Luxury Cruiser has been tricked out with a few sweet features: advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive that gets 800 reindeerpower and creates fewer emissions than even a single reindeer; the safest sleigh ever with Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Advanced Pre-Collision System that keeps grandma from getting run over; Lexus Navigation System with e-Destination to make the trip time efficient to deliver gifts to all the nice children; and a Lexus Enform with a Pandora playlist with all of Santa's favorite tunes.

I have some questions for Santa, which may be answered through the Lexus media representatives or sent to Santa's post office box at the North Pole...
  • How did you choose Lexus over its direct competitors - Mercedes Benz, BMW, Infiniti and Acura? I've heard a few good stories from customers of these brands getting top-of-the-line customer service. Was there a special Santa promotional incentive mailed to the North Pole by Lexus?
  • Are you going to keep the Lexus Flying Luxury Cruiser for next year, in place of the sleigh and reindeer? You don't need reindeers to pull your Lexus, and it could be a violation of the reindeers' union contract and North Pole labor laws.
  • What fuels the Flying Cruiser? Gasoline or diesel? Jet fuel? Eggnog?
  • Lexus claims to offer you a lifetime warranty and 24-Hour Roofside Assistance. Do you and Mrs. Claus buy into that? It seems a bit lofty.
I will be looking out my window this Christmas eve. This, I gotta see!

Continue reading Lexus saves Christmas with its Flying Luxury Cruiser

Lexus saves Christmas with its Flying Luxury Cruiser originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 24 Dec 2012 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasflying luxury cruiserholiday seasonlexusluxury carsreindeersantasleighMon, 24 Dec 2012 16:41:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20408585/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20408585/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/24/lexus-saves-christmas-for-kids-with-its-flying-luxury-cruiser/20408585/article-detail.xml 20408585 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/lexus-flying-cruiser_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/lexus-flying-cruiser.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus wants to double North American hybrid sales]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/lexus-wants-to-double-north-american-hybrid-sales/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/lexus-wants-to-double-north-american-hybrid-sales/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/lexus-wants-to-double-north-american-hybrid-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lexus ES 300h

They say you can't have it all, but Toyota isn't listening.

The Japanese automaker may be by far the biggest seller of hybrids in the US, but it still wants to increase hybrid sales from its Lexus luxury badge.

Lexus, whose hybrids account for about 10 percent of its US sales, is looking to move that number closer to its global average - about 20 percent - Automotive News reports, citing Lexus executive Kazuo Ohara. The path to increased hybrid sales might be paved with the introduction and updates of models such as the ES 300h sedan. As it is, through September, Lexus increased its US hybrid sales by 36 percent compared to 2011 numbers, to almost 26,000 vehicles.

Lexus has priced the ES 300h hybrid with just a $2,750 price premium over the conventional version. The hybrid gets a fuel-economy rating of 40 miles per gallon combined.

Lexus wants to double North American hybrid sales originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 15:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hybridhybrid saleslexuslexus es 300h hybridlexus hybridtoyotaWed, 24 Oct 2012 15:48:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20358396/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20358396/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/24/lexus-wants-to-double-north-american-hybrid-sales/20358396/article-detail.xml 20358396 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/lexushybrid-1351030314_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/lexushybrid-1351030314.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus reveals more details of LF-LC 2+2 hybrid in Australia]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/19/lexus-reveals-more-details-of-lf-lc-2-2-hybrid-in-australia/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/19/lexus-reveals-more-details-of-lf-lc-2-2-hybrid-in-australia/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/19/lexus-reveals-more-details-of-lf-lc-2-2-hybrid-in-australia/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lexus LF-LC concept hybrid

Now that Lexus has revealed more details of its LF-LC hybrid down under, we can conclude that the car's power is over the top. Lexus, which first unveiled a concept version of the 2+2 hybrid at the Detroit Auto Show in January, showed a second version of the car - this one decked out in blue, giving it the creative name of LF-LC Blue - at the Australian International Motor Show.

The Toyota luxury badge touted the car's carbon-fiber body as well as its wrap-around windows, sculpted air intakes, and two 12-inch LCD screens allowing for touch-screen interior controls. More impressively, Lexus said the car's hybrid powertrain delivers 500 horsepower.

We've got a fresh press release and, more importantly, Lexus's two-minute video of the car below.

Continue reading Lexus reveals more details of LF-LC 2+2 hybrid in Australia

Lexus reveals more details of LF-LC 2+2 hybrid in Australia originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australian international motor showAustralian Motor Showhybridlexuslf-lcFri, 19 Oct 2012 16:04:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20354173/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20354173/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/19/lexus-reveals-more-details-of-lf-lc-2-2-hybrid-in-australia/20354173/article-detail.xml 20354173 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/lexus4-1350594661_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/lexus4-1350594661.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus Eco Challenge entices teens with $500,000 in grants, scholarships]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/29/lexus-eco-challenge-teens-500000-grants-scholarships/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/29/lexus-eco-challenge-teens-500000-grants-scholarships/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/29/lexus-eco-challenge-teens-500000-grants-scholarships/#commentsFiled under: , ,

one towel wonders lexus eco challenge

The sixth annual Lexus Eco Challenge has launched, giving young students a shot at winning part of $500,000 in grants and scholarships. More than 22,000 middle school and high school students have been included in past programs, where more than $3.5 million has been awarded to students, teachers and schools. Last year, for example, Lexington, KY's "One-Towel Wonders" team was a grand prize winner by showing how big an impact using just one towel per person per week could have on the environment.

Part of the program is based on providing teachers with standards-based supplementary educational materials to teach students about the environment. The second part, which we suspect students can get more excited about, is a competition that rewards action through environmental team challenges. Each of the challenges will have 16 winning teams - eight middle school and eight high school teams. The winning teams will each receive $10,000 in scholarships and grants to be shared among the students, teacher and school.

For each of the challenges, teams define an environmental issue that is important to them, develop an action plan to address the issue, implement the plan, and report the results. Submission deadlines for Challenge #1 (land/water) is October 29, 2012 and, for Challenge #2 (air/climate), December 17, 2012.

What do Lexus and parent company Toyota get out of it? The Lexus Eco Challenge is part of The Lexus Pursuit of Potential, a philanthropic initiative that generates up to $3 million in donations each year for organizations that help build, shape and improve children's lives, the company says. Marketing low-emission hybrid vehicles to GenY doesn't hurt, either. Lexus has been right behind Toyota in making and marketing hybrids, and has five of these models in its product lineup.

Continue reading Lexus Eco Challenge entices teens with $500,000 in grants, scholarships

Lexus Eco Challenge entices teens with $500,000 in grants, scholarships originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 29 Sep 2012 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genyhybridslexuslexus eco challengeone towel wondersscholarshipsstudentssustainabilitySat, 29 Sep 2012 16:27:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20335319/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20335319/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/29/lexus-eco-challenge-teens-500000-grants-scholarships/20335319/article-detail.xml 20335319 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/one-towel-wonders_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/one-towel-wonders.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus will unveil hybrid sports coupe Down Under]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/31/lexus-will-unveil-hybrid-sports-coupe-down-under/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/31/lexus-will-unveil-hybrid-sports-coupe-down-under/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/31/lexus-will-unveil-hybrid-sports-coupe-down-under/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Add another model to the list of hybrids with north of 400 horsepower.

The Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) has announced that Lexus will unveil a hybrid supercoupe at the show in October, as Toyota's luxury badge joins the list of automakers looking to make more high-powered hybrid vehicles.

AIMS didn't reveal much about the model, though it notes that the coupe will display "a striking balance of new and traditional designs." Green Car Reports adds that the model will be all-wheel-drive and will have about 500 horsepower.

Lexus showed off its LF-LC 2+2 coupe concept at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Continue reading Lexus will unveil hybrid sports coupe Down Under

Lexus will unveil hybrid sports coupe Down Under originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australian international motor showconceptcoupehybridlexuslexus hybridFri, 31 Aug 2012 10:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20310274/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20310274/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/31/lexus-will-unveil-hybrid-sports-coupe-down-under/20310274/article-detail.xml 20310274 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lexteaser_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lexteaser.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus working on sub-RX crossover, more hybrids?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/15/lexus-working-on-sub-rx-crossover-more-hybrids/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/15/lexus-working-on-sub-rx-crossover-more-hybrids/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/15/lexus-working-on-sub-rx-crossover-more-hybrids/#commentsFiled under: ,

Lexus RX450h

Yes, we know saying, "Lexus is considering more hybrids," is about as obvious as predicting the company's next model will have wheels, but TheDetroitBureau.com reports the automaker expects to offer buyers a total of eight hybrid models by 2015.

Mark Templin, Lexus general manager, recently took the time to detail some of the more interesting projects looming in the automaker's future, and while specifics on the next batch of hybrid vehicles are still missing, Templin did say Lexus has its heart set on going after the CUV segment more aggressively. That means we will likely see the Toyota luxury arm crank out a new model to slot below the current RX.

When will that happen, exactly? No time soon, from the sound of things. Templin underscored the fact that the RX is currently the best-selling luxury CUV on the market. Lexus sees no need to rock the boat with a newcomer just yet.

Lexus is also mulling the possibility of adding another supercar to its mix, based loosely on the LFC. Templin said the LF-LC Concept received a warm welcome by show goers in Detroit, and with the LFA all but sold out, decision makers are currently weighing the necessity of bringing about a successor. Cross your fingers.

Lexus working on sub-RX crossover, more hybrids? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 07:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossovercuvlexuslexus cuvlexus hybridrxsub-rxWed, 15 Aug 2012 07:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20300599/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20300599/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/15/lexus-working-on-sub-rx-crossover-more-hybrids/20300599/article-detail.xml 20300599 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lexus-rx450h_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lexus-rx450h.jpg <![CDATA[Google adding Lexus RX450h to driverless fleet, but what's in it for them?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/google-lexus-rx450h-driverless-fleet/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/google-lexus-rx450h-driverless-fleet/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/google-lexus-rx450h-driverless-fleet/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As driverless cars make their way to Nevada and Florida, and possibly California, in state-sanctioned test programs, Google continues to play a big part in collecting the data. It's self-diving Toyota Prius vehicles have clocked in more than 300,000 miles of testing. Google has added another car to its test program - the 2012 Lexus RX450h luxury crossover SUV.

Google plans on testing driverless cars in snow-covered roadways, temporary construction signals and other tricky situations that might come up for drivers, the company said. The RX450h has an optional electric all-wheel drive, which makes it a good choice for testing such road conditions.

Google dominates the search engine business, and has a few profitable side businesses like the Android phone software and cloud computing services. The question is: What is Google getting out of investing in driverless cars? And what about all the other non-search services it offers? You can use Google on your phone and find lots of useful content - driving directions with real-time traffic data, a directory of electric vehicle charging stations closest to you and an arial view of your neighborhood.

Perhaps it's necessary to stay on the edge of leading technologies - too keep your users loyal and your employees on board. Rolf Schreiber, technical program manager of electric transportation initiatives at Google, spoke on a panel last month at Plug-in 2012 in San Antonio, TX. He said that, at that time, Google had installed 387 Level 1 and 2 electric vehicle chargers on campus for Google employees, and has a few fast chargers in the business plan. The main reason for this investment? In order to get talented, hard-working technology specialists to come and work for you in a competitive marketplace like Silicon Valley, charging stations are an attractive perk to offer them.

Perhaps Google sees an important role to play in wireless communications, telematics and the future of transportation? Driverless cars might represent where automobiles are going, and it would be good for business to provide technologies connected to dashboards and smartphones. It also has to do with the company's sense of corporate responsibility. As a recent posting on the Google blog said, "Technology is at its best when it makes people's lives better, and that's precisely what we're going for with our self-driving car project. We're using advanced computer science to try and make driving safer and more enjoyable."

Google adding Lexus RX450h to driverless fleet, but what's in it for them? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 17:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driverless carGooglehybridluxury carMon, 13 Aug 2012 17:49:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20299535/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20299535/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/13/google-lexus-rx450h-driverless-fleet/20299535/article-detail.xml 20299535 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lexusr450h_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lexusr450h.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus to get own version of Toyota Prius C?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/lexus-to-get-own-version-of-toyota-prius-c/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/lexus-to-get-own-version-of-toyota-prius-c/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/lexus-to-get-own-version-of-toyota-prius-c/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Toyota Prius C - front three-quarter view - orange

The CT 200h proved that Lexus could make up for the sins against excitement committed by the company's short-lived HS 250h. Its bold styling and greatly improved handling combined with a fuel-efficient drivetrain suggests a brighter future for the compact luxury hybrid segment.

Word is, though, that Lexus is working on a sub-CT hybrid entrant. According to Malaysian automotive outlet Paultan, the diminutive luxury fuel-sipper will be based on the Toyota Prius C. The website has tentatively dubbed the model AS150, but it is here where we must advise that you take some of the report's details with grains of salt in varying sizes. If history provides us with context, any Lexus hybrid would include an "h" in the name, for example.

More believable, though is the speculation that the powerplant would be a variation of the 1.5-liter Hybrid Synergy Drive module that powers the Prius C. Another alternative floated by Paultan is that an even smaller 1.2-liter turbocharged unit featuring direct injection could find its way into the subcompact's engine bay.

Lexus to get own version of Toyota Prius C? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>as150fuel efficienthybridlexuslexus hybridmpgprius csubcompacttoyota prius cMon, 30 Jul 2012 15:53:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20289256/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20289256/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/30/lexus-to-get-own-version-of-toyota-prius-c/20289256/article-detail.xml 20289256 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2012-toyota-prius-c-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2012-toyota-prius-c-628.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus RX450h to be made in Canada]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/lexus-rx450h-to-be-made-in-canada/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/lexus-rx450h-to-be-made-in-canada/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/lexus-rx450h-to-be-made-in-canada/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Sales are about to take off, eh? Toyota Motor Co. is counting on meeting what it says is "rising demand" for the Lexus RX450h by moving production of the crossover SUV hybrid north of the border.

The Japanese automaker plans to build about 15,000 units of the model annually at its factory in Cambridge, Ontario, starting in early 2014 (read this for a review of the 2010 model). Toyota will increase annual production at the factory that's about 50 miles southwest of Toronto by about 40 percent to 104,000 units, spread across Toyota and Lexus models. In all, Toyota will invest $100 million in the plant's expansion and hire about 400 more workers there.

Toyota's luxury badge has boosted hybrid sales this year, but not as much as models like the Prius. Still, Toyota, which doesn't break out Lexus hybrid sales by particular model, said it has boosted Lexus hybrid sales through June by 52 percent from a year earlier to 15,868 units in the U.S.

Continue reading Lexus RX450h to be made in Canada

Lexus RX450h to be made in Canada originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cambridgecanadacrossoverfactoryhybridlexuslexus 4x450hontarioplantrx450htorontoThu, 26 Jul 2012 14:04:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20286328/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20286328/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/26/lexus-rx450h-to-be-made-in-canada/20286328/article-detail.xml 20286328 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/lexusr450h_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/lexusr450h.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus challenges passengers to control their heart rates... in a hybrid]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/20/lexus-challenges-passengers-to-control-their-heart-rates-in-a/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/20/lexus-challenges-passengers-to-control-their-heart-rates-in-a/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/20/lexus-challenges-passengers-to-control-their-heart-rates-in-a/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lexus GS Hybrid heart rate

Picture the scene: You're in a quiet place; a forest. The grass is green, the sky a perfect shade of blue. It's sunny; the temperature is hovering somewhere near perfect and a gentle breeze wafts by. You look at the pretty flowers - bend down to reach one... then, BAM!

No, we're not talking about Bambi versus Godzilla - though we do offer Marv Newland a healthy round of applause. What's we're talking about is the Lexus GS Hybrid. Or, more specifically, the car's Italian advertising campaign as seen in the video below.

Lexus claims its 2013 GS 450h can accelerate from 0 to 60 in just 5.6 seconds, courtesy of its 3.5-liter V6 engine and electric motor hybrid powertrain that puts out a combined 338 horsepower. Combine that level of thrust with rear-wheel drive and a professional driver and you've got yourself some fun at the race track.

Lexus decided to put this combination together, mixing in a blend of new-car shoppers to see what effect its hybrid sedan had on the heart. Scroll down below to watch it all unfold.

Continue reading Lexus challenges passengers to control their heart rates... in a hybrid

Lexus challenges passengers to control their heart rates... in a hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 20 Jul 2012 07:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 lexus gs 450hgsgs 450hheart ratehybridlexuslexus gslexus gs 450hFri, 20 Jul 2012 07:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20282234/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20282234/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/20/lexus-challenges-passengers-to-control-their-heart-rates-in-a/20282234/article-detail.xml 20282234 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/lexus-gs-hybrid-heart-rate_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/lexus-gs-hybrid-heart-rate.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus prices 2013 ES 300h at $38,850]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/17/lexus-prices-2013-es-300h-at-38-850/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/17/lexus-prices-2013-es-300h-at-38-850/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/17/lexus-prices-2013-es-300h-at-38-850/#commentsFiled under: ,

2013 Lexus ES 350

Lexus has officially slapped a window sticker on its 2013 ES 350 sedan and ES 300h hybrid. Unlike most new car and truck refreshes, this one comes with a bit of a pricing shocker: the 2013 Lexus ES 350 has been priced at $36,100* - a decrease of 1.7 percent compared to the 2012 ES sedan. (Add delivery charges of $895 to all listed prices.)

That asking price will net the driver a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine (248 pound-feet of torque) and a six-speed automatic sending power to the front wheels. The EPA estimates that combo is good for 21 miles per gallon city, 31 highway and 24 combined.

Want something a little more... electric? Checking the box for the ES 300h and its 2.5-liter engine/electric motor hybrid combination will run you $2,750 over the base ES, the lowest hybrid price premium Lexus has. Those $38,850 bring fuel mileage figures of 40 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 40 mpg combined courtesy of its 200 total horses. Drivers can also engage an EV mode that keeps the gas-powered engine off at low speeds for short distances.

Want to know more about the 2013 ES? Click here for our detailed First Drive report, then scroll down for the official pricing press release.

Continue reading Lexus prices 2013 ES 300h at $38,850

Lexus prices 2013 ES 300h at $38,850 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 lexus es 300h2013 lexus es 350eses 300hes 350lexuslexus hybridlexus hybrid priceTue, 17 Jul 2012 09:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20279708/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20279708/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/17/lexus-prices-2013-es-300h-at-38-850/20279708/article-detail.xml 20279708 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013-lexus-es-350-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013-lexus-es-350-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus predicts ES 300h hybrid will sell 15,000 a year in U.S.]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/lexus-predicts-es-300h-hybrid-will-sell-15-000-a-year-in-u-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/lexus-predicts-es-300h-hybrid-will-sell-15-000-a-year-in-u-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/lexus-predicts-es-300h-hybrid-will-sell-15-000-a-year-in-u-s/#commentsFiled under: ,



Just how popular is Lexus expecting the ES 300h hybrid to be? Popular enough to move 15,000 units a year once the sedan is debuts for the 2013 model year, Wards Auto reports. Toyota's Luxury badge says the hybrid version will account for about a quarter of the ES 300 sedans sold, largely because its mark-up will be less than those for Lexus's GS and RX hybrids, the later which sells for a $6,600 premium compared to the gas-powered version.

Lexus unveiled the new version of the 300h at the New York Auto Show in April. The car will have 200 horsepower and will have an EPA rating of about 40 miles per gallon combined. Lexus is expected to set a price for the car in August.

Through May, Lexus hybrid sales were up 38 percent from a year earlier to 13,197 units. Last year, Lexus sold 28,334 hybrids in the U.S., about half of which were CT 200h compacts.

Lexus predicts ES 300h hybrid will sell 15,000 a year in U.S. originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300hes 300es 300hhybridlexuslexus es 300hlexus hybridtoyotaMon, 18 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20259756/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20259756/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/18/lexus-predicts-es-300h-hybrid-will-sell-15-000-a-year-in-u-s/20259756/article-detail.xml 20259756 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/lexus300_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/lexus300.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus working on more efficient GS 300h]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/13/lexus-working-on-more-efficient-gs-300h/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/13/lexus-working-on-more-efficient-gs-300h/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/13/lexus-working-on-more-efficient-gs-300h/#commentsFiled under: ,

2013 Lexus GS 450h

Lexus is looking to expand its hybrid range with the addition of a second gasoline-electric GS model, according to Auto Express. Currently, Lexus offers the GS 450h, powered by a 3.5-liter hybrid V6 that produces a combined 338 horsepower.

The new model, likely to be called GS 300h, will use the smaller 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powerplant found in the Toyota Camry Hybrid and newly introduced Lexus ES 300h. In the ES, the hybrid system puts out a combined 200 horsepower and is estimated to return a combined 40 miles per gallon.

Of course, the 2.5-liter mill could be tuned differently for use in the modestly sportier, rear-wheel-drive GS. But with the possibility of 40 mpg on tap, Lexus would surely have a fighter for the upcoming Audi A6 3.0 TDI.

Lexus working on more efficient GS 300h originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gsgs 300hgs 450hhybridlexusWed, 13 Jun 2012 09:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20257423/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20257423/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/13/lexus-working-on-more-efficient-gs-300h/20257423/article-detail.xml 20257423 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/03-2013-lexus-gs-45h-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/03-2013-lexus-gs-45h-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus kills off slow-selling HS 250h]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/lexus-kills-off-slow-selling-hs-250h/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/lexus-kills-off-slow-selling-hs-250h/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/lexus-kills-off-slow-selling-hs-250h/#commentsFiled under: ,

Lexus HS 250h

Are you one of the few people looking to put a brand-new Lexus HS 250h in your driveway? Better act fast. Inside Line reports that Toyota's luxury division has killed off its slow-selling HS model:

"Production of the HS 250h ceased in January, 2012. Lexus continues to monitor sales for each product and we make adjustments to make sure that we meet market demand, and the discontinuation of HS was part of that adjustment. The ES 300h is not replacing HS in our lineup. It's merely part of the hybridization of many of our existing vehicles in the Toyota and Lexus lineups."

We can't say we're surprised. Reports first surfaced in November of 2011 indicating that the HS 250h's days were numbered. After selling 10,663 units in 2010, which was already well shy of projections, HS sales dropped a whopping 73 percent to just 2,864 in 2011.

It's interesting that Lexus says the HS Hybrid is not a replacement for the HS, but we'd be a bit surprised if another standalone hybrid model made it into Lexus showrooms to replace the canceled HS - it seems to us that the current CT 200h hatchback and ES 300h ought to satisfy the needs of Lexus hybrid shoppers.

Lexus kills off slow-selling HS 250h originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 lexus hs 250hhs250 hlexusThu, 17 May 2012 15:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20240122/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20240122/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/17/lexus-kills-off-slow-selling-hs-250h/20240122/article-detail.xml 20240122 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/lexus-hs-250h_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/lexus-hs-250h.jpg <![CDATA[Google adds hybrid Lexus RX450h to autonomous fleet]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/21/google-adds-hybrid-lexus-rx450h-to-autonomous-fleet/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/21/google-adds-hybrid-lexus-rx450h-to-autonomous-fleet/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/21/google-adds-hybrid-lexus-rx450h-to-autonomous-fleet/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Google Autonomous Lexus RX450h

The Google self-driving-vehicle fleet has grown by one. According to Wired, the tech giant has added a black Lexus RX450h to its autonomous stable. The hybrid SUV was spotted out on the road for testing wearing a new roof-mounted sensor array that's significantly more streamlined than the gear found on the company's autonomous Toyota Prius models. Google says it is constantly testing its driving algorithms on a wide range of vehicles in order to refine the technology, and that the RX450h is merely the latest step in that process.

Google first began unleashing its driverless cars onto public streets in 2010 using a fleet comprised of six Prius hybrids and one Audi TT. The company's work has spurred the California legislature to draft a bill requiring the California Highway Patrol to outline safety standards for autonomous vehicles. Wired reports the legislation passed the state's Senate Transportation Committee with an 8-0 vote and is now headed to the Senate Rules Committee. Nevada has already passed a similar law.

Google adds hybrid Lexus RX450h to autonomous fleet originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousautonomous vehicledriverlessgooglegoogle autonomous vehicleslexuslexus rx450hrx450hSat, 21 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20218397/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20218397/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/21/google-adds-hybrid-lexus-rx450h-to-autonomous-fleet/20218397/article-detail.xml 20218397 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/google-autonomous-lexus-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/google-autonomous-lexus-628.jpg -1 2