Category: Lexus

Each year, as a new Lexus LS is rolled-out, there is always something that manages to rouse those who have come to love the feel and effortless overall experience the flagship Lexus model has provided since the sedan’s initial offering in 1989. With the announcement of a significantly updated 2013 Lexus LS model, Lexus enthusiasts in the DFW area are in for a big treat.

Jordan Case, president of Park Place Lexus in Plano and Grapevine, had little problem getting to the core of what he felt was in need most for Lexus’ most prime of products.

“The design for the 2013 LS is exciting,” he said. “We wanted a younger, fresher feel and style, and that’s certainly what we have here throughout the entire line of LS cars.”

The considered contours of the car’s exterior will have those who are loyal to other luxury brands giving the new LS a second and a third look as they park next to one or pull up to its side at stop light. The body lines flow seamlessly into the striking new front spindle grill, which gives the LS a new, even more attractive face.
Those who have driven the LS sedan for years expect and deserve the elements many would term as luxuries. The LS was the world’s first prestige luxury hybrid, so it shouldn’t come as a shock to know the intelligent 438-hp Lexus Hybrid Drive comes through in an efficient and reliably smooth manner. Adding to the grand, sustainable standards the LS hybrid has set for itself; the 2013 model boasts an environmentally friendly bamboo-trimmed steering wheel and interior which functions in ways well beyond the aesthetic value it provides.

A modern, forward-moving design, and responsibly progressive components certainly make for an enjoyable driving experience. Add to those fundamentals, the optional Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System, and this marvel of engineering isn’t only enjoyable, but downright remarkable. With 19 speakers and 450 watts of power, this concert-quality system will make Puccini more theatrical and shouting talk-show hosts far less shrill.

The better-than-most-home-stereos system only hints at the tech-savvy personality of the LS. In many cases, people help define themselves by the car they drive and the technology they use. The Lexus Enform App Suite takes wireless gadgetry to a level so new, it had to be custom-created by the folks at Lexus. Using a pristine 12.3-inch dashboard screen, one can enjoy their favorite Pandora station more easily than ever before. The same goes for many other popular apps such as OpenTable for making dining reservations for dinner in Plano, or MovieTickets.com to skip the line when you want to catch a show.

With so many one-of-a-kind features, the 2013 Lexus LS has proven that luxury standards, like technology, are always adapting and improving. Read more about the new LS in our 2013 Lexus LS model guide, or visit us at Park Place Lexus in Plano and Grapevine to see the new LS for yourself.

There are very few automobiles that can handle being tough and luxurious at the same time, but the Lexus GX has managed to pull this off as it has time and time again. The latest sports utility vehicle offers supreme talent in both avenues. The Lexus GX offers a smooth ride and the ability to power through a rugged trail.

The GX manages this complex ability thanks to capable hardware living beneath soft leather and polished wood. Not only are there stabilizer bars, but also an adaptive suspension for all kinds of terrain. Also, Crawl control endows the GX with additional control when heading off-road, automatically braking and throttling to create outstanding uphill and downhill performance.

For an all-purpose mover that can keep a family in tow off the main road, that is just as comfortable as a quick trip into the city, one cannot go wrong with the Lexus GX.

Housing seven passengers, the Lexus GX comes in the base and premium flavors. The standard features include an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-folding third row seats, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a sunroof, heated front seats with eight way adjustment, driver memory settings, a power lumbar support, heated side mirrors, 18 inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, running boards and wipers that can sense the rain. Other features include a camera for backing up safely and an audio speaker with an auxiliary audio jack, iPod connectivity, six CD changer, satellite radio, Bluetooth phone and audio and more across nine speakers.

The premium package allows drivers to add rear air conditioning, heated second row seats, a wood trimmed heated steering wheel, automatically dimming side view mirrors, adaptive xenon lights, adaptive variable suspension and better upholstery for the leather interior. Many of these can be added as options on the base model.

Other options that a user may pick up include power folding exterior mirrors, a lane departure warning system, a navigation system, front and rear parking sensors, surround sound audio and a rear seat entertainment system. Premium options include the crawl control and more.

As far as performance goes, a 4.6-liter V8 engine introduces 329 pound-feet of torque and 301 horsepower to the Lexus GX, and it sports a six speed automatic transmission that powers all four wheels through the dual range transfer case. With the right equipment, the GX is capable of towing upwards of 6,500 pounds. Testing shows it takes 7.2 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour. The Lexus GX achieves 15 miles per gallon in the city, 20 miles per gallon on the highway, and 17 miles per gallon when combined.

The standard safety features for the Lexus GX include front passenger knee airbags, front side airbags, rear side airbags, hill start assist, hill descent control, antilock brakes and traction and stability control. Brake testing shows the GX can screech to a halt from 60 miles per hour in 127 feet.

Interior

The level of precision in the Lexus GX is top notch. While the number of features available in the model means there are quite a few buttons, the buttons are positioned in an intuitive manner, allowing for ease of use. It is easy to read the gauges and the navigation system as well.

There are 92 cubic feet of cargo space with the lowered third-row seats, and the front row seats are very comfortable and convenient. Additionally, there is a swinging cargo door on the passenger side rather than the liftgate that is standard on other luxury SUVs, and it is easy to stow small packages with a flip up rear window.

Take a look at the outstanding 7-passenger Lexus GX at Park Place Lexus in Plano and Grapevine, or visit the Park Place Lexus website to see our current Lexus GX sales inventory.

Lexus Magazine recently took on the task of digging through the plethora of innovative features that Lexus has introduced over the years to rank the top ten “Coolest Lexus Features Of All Time”, and we believe they did an incredible job laying out these ground breaking features that have been found in Lexus vehicles over the years.

Here’s a list of the top ten, but you can find more information about each individual feature in the original article at the Lexus Magazine website.

Originally slated for a run of 500, the final Lexus LFA has completed production in the LFA workshop, and will be on it’s way soon to it’s new owner, proudly wearing the LFA 500 badge.

The LFA marked a major shift in direction for Lexus, but the end of production does not mean the end of innovation. 2013 has shown many brilliant updates to the Lexus model line, and you can expect them to keep coming. Take quick look at concepts like the LF-LC and the LF-CC, and anyone can see that the future of innovation in Lexus cars is going to continue at an exciting pace.

According to Lexus, “Future Lexus vehicles will reflect the technological skills gained during the development and production of the LFA—in particular manufacturing know-how for carbon fiber reinforced plastic parts—as well as a philosophy of car design for delivering exhilarating and stimulating driving performance.”

With its dynamic handling, bold new design and superior craftsmanship, the 2013 LS flagship models hail the future of the Lexus brand as it embarks on its third decade in the premium luxury category.

Overview

While retaining many of the qualities that have defined Lexus for more than 20 years, the LS reaches new heights with an exciting blend of beautiful design, modern refinement and advanced technology.

The 2013 LS line-up includes the LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600hL hybrid, and the first-ever LS 460 F SPORT. LS 460 and LS 460L are available in RWD and AWD. The LS Hybrid is available with a full-time AWD system.

The all-new LS 460 F SPORT combines a more aggressive exterior with a unique sport interior featuring F SPORT seats with larger bolsters, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters and genuine aluminum trim. With a sport tuned air suspension that has been lowered 0.4 inches, a Torsen® limited slip rear differential (RWD model), Brembo six-piston caliper brakes, and 19” forged wheels with summer or all-season tires, the LS F SPORT promises to be the most engaging LS ever.

The entire 2013 LS lineup is refined with dynamic, fresh styling that reflects the bold new face of Lexus. The aggressive spindle grille gives the new LS a greater road presence and stronger brand identity while heralding a significant improvement in driving dynamics, responsiveness and handling.

Increased body rigidity enhances stability, and allows for a more comfortable ride. Pitch and bounce control has been enhanced by adopting new frequency dependent shock absorbers, resulting in an even flatter, road-hugging ride. Revised steering offers improvements in accuracy and turn-in response. The braking system has been adjusted for more immediate power and greater pedal feel.

Available safety enhancements include the industry’s most advanced Pre-Collision Safety (A-PCS) system with Collision Avoidance Assist. This system is designed to assist the driver in avoiding or mitigating collisions with vehicles and pedestrians under a wide range of city and highway speeds. At speeds lower than 24 miles per hour, this technology helps the LS to avoid accidents by automatically bringing the LS to a full stop.

The driver-focused interior integrates modern refinement with intuitive technology. The Advanced Illumination System (AIS), an all-LED interior lighting system, illuminates to greet the approaching occupants and then fades in sequence with the vehicle starting procedure.

The new, available Lexus Climate Concierge offers maximum comfort for every LS occupant. The customizable system uses multiple sensors to automatically regulate not only the temperature of the cabin, but also the climate control seats and the heated steering wheel, quickly bringing each occupant to their preferred temperature.

The standard navigation system is displayed on a 12.3-inch, split-screen, high-resolution multi-media display which is large enough to support simultaneous viewing of a large map display and other vehicle functions.

A next-generation Remote Touch, with one-push confirmation, is standard on all models and enables smooth, intuitive control of many vehicle systems. The Remote Touch allows the user to operate the climate, audio, phone controls, navigation system and more. The screen menus are selected with a controller conveniently located within easy reach on the center console. A number of well-placed buttons on the steering wheel and instrument panel enable the direct control of frequently used functions (e.g. temperature setting, fan speed, preset audio stations, etc.)

Lexus Enform® with App Suite leverages the customers’ mobile phone technology to provide a new level of connectivity and information management. Users can conduct local searches through Bing™, utilize voice-enabled apps to make restaurant reservations through OpenTable®, get movie tickets via MovieTickets.com, tap into internet radio, including Pandora® or iHeartRadio, search business reviews on Yelp and check in on Facebook places. A one-year trial subscription is included for the App Suite.

Cnet.com writes, “With this generation of Lexus, the automaker has managed to inject the LS with quite a bit of style and technology, which adds quite a bit to this model’s (and this brand’s) desirability.” Furthermore, Time listed the Lexus LS 460 as one of the “Top New Cars of 2013.” Check out Lexus flagship’s revolutionary, bold-defining new design at Park Place Lexus Plano or Park Place Lexus Grapevine.

Interior

This is a sampling of some of the interior features you’ll find in the 2013 Lexus LS.

Interior colors: Colors vary based on trim. Available interior colors include Parchment Leather, Light Gray Leather, Flaxen Leather, Black Leather, Black / Saddle Tan Leather, Black with White Perforations.

Interior trim: Trim availability depends on model and options. Available trims include Dark Brown Walnut, Matte Bamboo, Shimamoku Espresso Wood, Matte Dark Brown Ash Burl, Genuine Aluminum.

Seating: Rear seats include four-zone climate control, power-adjustable outboard seats, power rear and rear-door sunshades, and wood-trimmed climate and audio controls.

Navigation system: The voice-activated Navigation System — recognizes over 100 voice commands — uses a hard drive to store maps and data. On its high-resolution 12.3-inch color display, the system can map over 8 million points of interest and display information in French and Spanish

Lexus Enform and Safety Connect: The available Lexus Enform and Safety Connect provide live, 24-hour navigation assistance that can be requested at the press of a button. With the new App Suite, you can make dinner reservations and order movie tickets from within the 2013 Lexus LS. The LS includes a one-year trial subscription of Lexus Enform App Suite with Bing, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable, Pandora, Yelp and Facebook Places.

Bluetooth: With a Bluetooth-compatible phone, you can access your address book contacts on the Navigation System display or by voice command.

Multimedia: Multimedia includes the Navigation System with a Remote Touch device, 12.3-inch multimedia center-console display with integrated backup camera and Enhanced Bluetooth technology. The sound system is a Lexus 10-speaker Premium Sound System with Digital Sound Processor, Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL), HD Radio with iTunes tagging and DVD/CD player. SiriusXM Satellite Radio is available with a subscription. A 90-day trial subscription is included. The available 19-speaker 450-watt Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System rivals the finest concert halls.

Exterior

This is sampling of some of the exterior features you’ll find in the 2013 Lexus LS.

Exterior colors: These are some of the colors available as they vary based on trims. Starfire Pearl, Liquid Platinum, Nebula Gray Pearl, Obsidian, Matador Red Mica, Satin Cashmere Metallic, Fire Agate Pearl, Deep Sea Mica, Ultra White.

High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps: High and low beams use HID technology lamps, standard in Lexus LS, to help the driver with perception, clarity and contrast when driving at night.

Adaptive Front Lighting System: Adaptive Front Lighting System turns the headlights in the direction you’re steering.

Acoustic glass windshield: The windshield isn’t just a window. It also contributes to providing the quiet ride, even at highway speeds.

Wheels: The Lexus LS has 18-inch cast alloy wheels precisely offset to fit flash with the flared fenders. 19-inch allow wheels are available. The 19-inch split 10-spoke forged wheel is standard in the LF SPORT.

Spindle grill: This styling presents a more aerodynamic, functional and distinctive look for the new Lexus LS.

Safety

This is sampling of some of the safety features in the 2013 Lexus LS.

LED Lamps: The new LS is the first Lexus to offer energy-efficient LEDs for all exterior lamps, including available headlamps, foglamps, rear combination lamps, and the puddle lamps under the side mirrors. They light up faster than conventional bulbs, making it easier for others to see your car when you hit the brakes.

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD): This computer-controlled system adapts the amount of pressure to the brakes to help enhance control during braking.

Smart Stop Technology: Smart Stop Technology automatically reduces engine power when the brake pedal is firmly applied, even if the accelerator pedal is fully pressed.

Intuitive Park Assist: For help with parking tasks like parallel parking, this uses sensors to detect surrounding objects and alert the driver of a detect object’s location and proximity.

Vehicle Stability Control: Detects sideslip of the wheels during cornering, and helps to control it using engine power modulation and selective application of individual brakes. It works with anti-lock braking and traction control to help improve driver control under certain conditions.

Brake Assist: Brake Assist senses a panic-stop scenario by analyzing how quickly and forcefully the driver hits the brake pedal. It automatically applies increased braking boost until the driver releases pedal pressure.

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: When you’re backing out of a parking spot, the available Rear Cross-Traffic Alert notifies you of approaching vehicles that might be out of camera view.

Performance

2013 Lexus LS 460. The direct-injected 4.6-liter, 386-hp ULEV II V8 engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This produces low emissions and Lexus-renowned smooth and quiet ride. The rear-wheel-drive model gets 367 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100.

2013 Lexus LS F SPORT. The direct-injected 4.6-liter, 386-hp V8 engine pairs with an eight-speed sequential-shift automatic and Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT-i). It also includes paddle shifters and downshift rev-matching for more precise shifting. The F SPORT features Brembo Front Brakes clamped down by six-piston front calipers.

On rear-wheel drive models, the F SPORT’s torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential distributes power to the right and left wheels to help improve traction and stability in corners without interrupting power output. The rear-wheel-drive F SPORT gets 367 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100.

2013 Lexus LS 600h Hybrid. The 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine is mated to hybrid technology to generate a total of 438 hp. The hybrid transmission is an Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) with two-speed reduction and Snow mode. Fuel economy is 19 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined.