Archive for the ‘Lexus IS’ Category

Ch-Ch-Changes: 2011 Lexus IS 250, IS 250, IS-F

Friday, July 16th, 2010
2011lexusis350

Lexus has made minor modifications to its IS lineup of sport sedans for 2011. The IS 250, IS 350 and IS-F all retain the same engines, transmissions and overall look, but they get one big change: LED daytime running lights.



OK, so they’re not the biggest changes in the world, but since Audi started putting LEDs on all its cars, they seem to be a prerequisite now for every luxury automaker as well as that annoying teenager down the street and his ’96 Civic. The sedans also get new front and rear bumper treatments and new headlights and taillights.

 

The LEDs are optional on the IS 250 and standard on the IS 350 and IS-F. They’re also optional on the convertibles, but the retractable hardtop models do not get any other exterior modifications like the sedans.



The sedans also get new 17-inch wheels standard and new optional 18s. The interior trim has been changed to black metallic. The IS 350 also adds an all-wheel-drive model, while the high-performance IS-F gets a tweaked suspension for a less-harsh ride. The IS-F also gets minor changes to its fabric colors and new gauges.



The 2011s go on sale later this summer. More photos are below.

2011 IS 350 with F Sport Package

Posted in Lexus, Lexus IS, Lexus IS 350 | Comments Off

Recall Alert: 138,874 Lexus Cars

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010
2007LexusLS460

Lexus has formally submitted its recall for an engine issue we reported last week. The recall involves a number of different models, including:

  • 2007-2008 Lexus GS 350 and GS 350h
  • 2008 Lexus GS 460
  • 2006-2008 Lexus IS 350
  • 2007-2008 Lexus LS 460, LS 460 L
  • 2008 Lexus LS 600h L
The problem stems from a valve spring that could degrade and break, leading to the engine stalling while in motion. Lexus says the likelihood of this happening is 0.2%; however, the recall still compounds Toyota’s continuing quality issues.

 

The company will begin notifying owners via mail this month and will replace all valve springs for free. Owners can contact Lexus at 800-255-3987 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 888-327-4236.

Posted in Lexus, Lexus GS, Lexus IS, Lexus IS 350, Lexus LS, Recalls, Toyota, Toyota Recall | Comments Off

Toyota Considers Lexus Recall Over Stalling Engines

Thursday, July 1st, 2010
Lexus

Another day, another major issue for Toyota. The embattled automaker may issue a recall for nearly 270,000 Toyota and Lexus vehicles worldwide over stalling engines.

The issue stems from the valve springs in Toyota’s 4.6-liter V-8 and 3.6 3.5-liter V-6 engines that can cause idling problems. This could cause the engine to stall while the vehicle is moving. According to Japanese officials, there haven’t been any accidents linked to the stalling engines.

According to a Toyota spokeswoman, the models affected by this engine problem include: 

  • Lexus GS 350
  • Lexus GS 450h
  • Lexus GS 460
  • Lexus IS 350 
  • Lexus LS 460
  • Lexus LS 600h
  • Toyota Crown, which is sold in Japan and Asia

Of the 270,000 vehicles with the affected engines, 90,000 were sold in Japan.

At the moment a U.S. recall is tentative, but an official recall in Japan will begin on Monday. According to Reuters, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hasn’t been made aware of any new Lexus recalls.

Update: Lexus has officially announced that 137,000 vehicles in America are affected by this issue. The U.S. models affected include the Lexus IS 350, Lexus GS 350, Lexus GS 460, Lexus GS 450h, Lexus LS 460 and Lexus LS 600hL.

Toyota Considering Another Recall; Engines May Stall (Reuters)

Posted in Lexus, Lexus GS, Lexus IS, Lexus LS, Recalls, Toyota | Comments Off

Lexus Introduces Accessorized IS 350C

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
Is350c_f_sport

The $375,000 Lexus LFA isn’t the only rare Lexus being released soon. OK, so it’s not nearly as exotic as the LFA, but the 2010 IS 350C F-Sport Special Edition will have a limited run of 100 examples and feature a slew of Lexus performance accessory parts.



The F-Sport starts with the hardtop convertible IS 350C and adds 19-inch wheels, upgraded brakes and suspension goodies. The F-Sport sits on a suspension that’s been dropped an inch, featuring Bilstein performance shocks and upgraded sway bars. Capping off the package is a unique grille, badges on the outside and a numbered badge on the inside to show off its uniqueness.



Besides the added accessories, you’ll find heated and ventilated front seats, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a navigation system with hard drive and a backup camera.



F-Sport models of the IS 350C start at $57,500, not including an $875 destination charge, and they will arrive at dealerships later this month.

Pictured is an IS 350C wearing F-Sport accessories. Lexus will have images of the F-Sport Special Edition soon, though we don’t expect it to look drastically different than what you see here.

Posted in Lexus, Lexus IS, Lexus IS 350 | Comments Off

Two Toyota Recalls Explained

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

After last night’s news that Toyota is adding another 1.1 million vehicles to an October 2009 recall involving floormats getting stuck under accelerators, we think it's a good time to explain the two recalls and the vehicles included in each one.  In all, 13 models are included in both recalls, totaling nearly 6 million cars, and 1.7 million of those are involved in both recalls.

Last week, Toyota announced a recall of 2.3 million vehicles because of a faulty accelerator pedal that could become stuck and lead to unintended acceleration. This recall is for a completely separate issue than the floormat-related recall. However, both lead to the same end result — unintended acceleration. The vehicles in the accelerator pedal recall include:

  • 2009-10 RAV4
  • 2009-10 Corolla
  • 2009-10 Matrix
  • 2005-10 Avalon
  • Certain 2007-10 Camry models
  • 2010 Highlander
  • 2007-10 Tundra
  • 2008-10 Sequoia
  • 2009-10 Pontiac Vibe
According to CTS Automotive Products, the supplier of the faulty part, there have been no accidents or injuries due to the faulty pedal. No Camry Hybrid models are included in this recall, and some of the model year Camrys actually have a different pedal installed than the one affected by the recall; only a qualified technician will be able to tell the difference between the two pedals. All sales of these recalled models have been halted. New parts are on their way to assembly plants, but there has been no word on a fix for current owners.



The earlier floormat recall was announced after a fatal accident involving a Lexus sedan. This is a wider ranging recall involving more models and brands, including Lexus; it was just expanded by 1.1 million vehicles to 5.3 million vehicles. The vehicles in the floormat recall include:

  • 2007-10 Camry
  • 2005-10 Avalon
  • 2004-09 Prius
  • 2005-10 Tacoma
  • 2007-10 Tundra
  • 2008-10 Highlander
  • 2009-10 Corolla
  • 2009-10 Venza
  • 2009-10 Matrix
  • 2009-10 Pontiac Vibe
  • 2007-10 Lexus ES 350
  • 2006-10 Lexus IS 250 and IS 350
A series of steps have been developed to fix the problem involving the floormats, including shortening the gas pedal. In some cars, a brake-override system will be installed to allow drivers of runaway vehicles to stop the car.



You can follow all of our coverage of the recall by using this link.

Posted in Lexus, Lexus ES 350, Lexus IS, Lexus IS 350, Pontiac, Pontiac Vibe, Recalls, Safety, Toyota, Toyota Avalon, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Prius, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Recall, Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Venza | Comments Off

Two Toyota Recalls Explained

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

After last night’s news that Toyota is adding another 1.1 million vehicles to an October 2009 recall involving floormats getting stuck under accelerators, we think it's a good time to explain the two recalls and the vehicles included in each one.  In all, 13 models are included in both recalls, totaling nearly 6 million cars, and 1.7 million of those are involved in both recalls.

Last week, Toyota announced a recall of 2.3 million vehicles because of a faulty accelerator pedal that could become stuck and lead to unintended acceleration. This recall is for a completely separate issue than the floormat-related recall. However, both lead to the same end result — unintended acceleration. The vehicles in the accelerator pedal recall include:

  • 2009-10 RAV4
  • 2009-10 Corolla
  • 2009-10 Matrix
  • 2005-10 Avalon
  • Certain 2007-10 Camry models
  • 2010 Highlander
  • 2007-10 Tundra
  • 2008-10 Sequoia
  • 2009-10 Pontiac Vibe
According to CTS Automotive Products, the supplier of the faulty part, there have been no accidents or injuries due to the faulty pedal. No Camry Hybrid models are included in this recall, and some of the model year Camrys actually have a different pedal installed than the one affected by the recall; only a qualified technician will be able to tell the difference between the two pedals. All sales of these recalled models have been halted. New parts are on their way to assembly plants, but there has been no word on a fix for current owners.



The earlier floormat recall was announced after a fatal accident involving a Lexus sedan. This is a wider ranging recall involving more models and brands, including Lexus; it was just expanded by 1.1 million vehicles to 5.9 million vehicles. The vehicles in the floormat recall include:

  • 2007-10 Camry
  • 2005-10 Avalon
  • 2004-09 Prius
  • 2005-10 Tacoma
  • 2007-10 Tundra
  • 2008-10 Highlander
  • 2009-10 Corolla
  • 2009-10 Venza
  • 2009-10 Matrix
  • 2009-10 Pontiac Vibe
  • 2007-10 Lexus ES 350
  • 2006-10 Lexus IS 250 and IS 350
A series of steps have been developed to fix the problem involving the floormats, including shortening the gas pedal. In some cars, a brake-override system will be installed to allow drivers of runaway vehicles to stop the car.



You can follow all of our coverage of the recall by using this link.

Posted in Lexus, Lexus ES 350, Lexus IS, Lexus IS 350, Pontiac, Pontiac Vibe, Recalls, Safety, Toyota, Toyota Avalon, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Prius, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Recall, Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Venza | Comments Off