2012 Lexus Lineup Gets Minor Price Changes

When Lexus’ 2012 lineup hits dealerships later this summer through the fall, nearly half will have the same price as the outgoing 2011 versions. Price increases for other model and trims are minimal, ranging from $200 to $700.

Most of the 2012 lineup remains pretty much unchanged compared with 2011, too. There’s no GS sedan for 2012, but an all-new 2013 Lexus GS 350 was just unveiled and will go on sale in early 2012; pricing hasn’t been announced.

The 2012 Lexus CT 200h gets a standard virtual engine sound — similar systems are found on the Infiniti M35h and Nissan Leaf. A new F Sport Package is available on the CT 200h as a factory option on Premium trims only. Pricing isn’t known.

The 2012 Lexus HS 250h makes use of more eco-friendly bioplastic materials upholstery and carpeting in the cabin. The 2012 GX 460 now has bodyside moldings and high-gloss-finished 18-inch wheels standard.

The 2012 Lexus IS F gets new 19-inch wheel designs, wider rear tires and new shock absorbers, all of which will improve handling, Lexus says. The IS F comes with red leather upholstery for 2012, replacing the two-toned orange/black setup.

Destination fees for all models are set at $875, the same as last year. Continue reading below for more pricing details.

The Worst Hybrids for the Money

Every year, we determine which hybrids are the best for the money, based on body style. This year, we also take a look at the worst hybrids for the money.

What we mean by worst is this: hybrids that end up with a very low score after you divide the car’s combined EPA mileage estimate by its MSRP and multiply that number by 1,000. Our best finisher was the Honda Insight. Who was at the other end?

To be fair, many of the cars on this list are luxury cars, and you’re paying for that as much as you’re paying for the hybrid drivetrain. And some of these perform, percentage-wise, far better than their gas counterparts. (Take the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, for example.) And some shoppers, of course, want and/or need a large SUV but would like to make some kind of statement. Still, my 2003 Honda Pilot scores better (0.58) than all the cars on this list, and it’s not even a hybrid.

Here’s the bottom 10:

Recall Alert: 138,874 Lexus Cars

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.

Toyota Considers Lexus Recall Over Stalling Engines

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)

Toyota Halts Sales of Lexus LS

Toyota has stopped sales of its flagship LS sedan for approximately the next three weeks while it waits on the parts for the steering fix from last week’s recall.

The new computer chips should reach dealers and not affect LS sales too badly since it’s a low-volume luxury product, according to the Associated Press. But the stop sale comes amidst other troubles for Toyota and its luxury brand. At this point, there’s likely little need to remind you of Toyota’s recall woes this year, and Lexus just got through another dustup with Consumer Reports’ “Don’t Buy” recommendation for the GX 460.

The halt to sales stems from the 3,800 vehicle recall of the LS 460 and LS 600h L to fix a problem in which the steering wheel fails to return to its original position during a sharp turn.

Recall Alert: 3,800 2009-10 Lexus Vehicles

As we reported earlier, Toyota will now officially recall 3,800 2009-10 Lexus LS 460 and LS 600h L vehicles. The recall affects vehicles equipped with variable gear-ratio steering.

During certain driving maneuvers, the steering wheel may become off center. It occurs after “driving away quickly from a very tight turn” when the steering wheel is at full lock position, Toyota says. A driver might notice the steering wheel moving slowly to the center position while the system corrects itself.

It’s unlikely drivers will notice the difference during normal driving, like changing lanes or making a regular turn. So far, no accidents have been reported because of this defect.

As soon as the necessary parts are available, Lexus will notify owners of affected vehicles by mail. Lexus dealers will then replace the steering control computer with a new one for free. Owners may contact Lexus at 800-255-3987 or visit www.lexus.com/recall.

Lexus Planning Recall of Flagship Sedan

Bloomberg News is reporting that Lexus will recall 3,800 LS models in the U.S., including the LS 460, LS 460 L, LS 600h and LS 600h L, for an unspecified steering issue. The report says that the wheels don’t return to the original position fast enough after making a turn, but we’re not sure what that involves. The recall will affect an additional 7,700 Lexus sedans outside the U.S.
 
A Lexus spokesperson in Japan said it was both a mechanical and software problem. There was also no mention of model years or build dates for the recalled vehicles. Lexus has sold 3,967 LS models for the year through April. We’ll update this post as soon as we learn more.

Toyota Prepares to Recall 11,500 Lexus Cars Globally (Bloomberg)
 

Lexus Sponsoring In-Flight WiFi

When flying to cover auto shows or test drive the latest new car, I really love getting to use the in-flight WiFi. I tried it out about a year ago on a Southwest flight (pictured above) and was geeked to watch Hulu check my work email at 30,000 feet up.
 
The fact that it was free made me happy. Now, Lexus is hoping that by sponsoring in-flight WiFi on select American Airlines flights, fellow happy travelers will think better of the luxury brand. It likely could work, but their promotion is only part of a weeklong test program from Nov. 1 to Nov. 6.
 
Lexus is using the program to promote its 2010 LS sedan which gets some mild updates. When you go to www.aa.com/wifi from your laptop or smart phone you have to enter this promo code: 2010LEXUSLS.
 
While free is free, we’d like to see sponsors pick up the tab for in-flight WiFi permanently. Like when we’re flying out to the L.A. Auto Show in December. You listening, Lexus?

2010 Lexus LS, GS Pricing Announced

Today, Lexus announced the pricing for its GS and LS sedan lineups. The GS prices are identical to the 2009 model year. The flagship LS 460 rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models see prices rise $855, while the larger, more expensive LS 460 L models actually see a price drop of $3,510.
 
We detailed many of the changes to the new LS yesterday. The GS sees no significant changes for 2010.
 
The two go on sale later this month. A full pricing breakdown is below.

2010 Lexus LS Gets Sports Package

Lexus has been mildly — one could even say tepidly — updating many of its 2010 models with slight design revisions and new content to keep them fresh. The LS flagship gets some of these same tweaks, the most significant of which is a new Sports Package for rear-wheel-drive models that includes an upgraded suspension, 19-inch wheels and a unique body kit. The body kit can also be had in an optional Appearance Package and is shown above.

All other LS models get a slightly revised grille, headlights and taillights; surprisingly, the tailpipes are better integrated into the rear bumper, as well.

On the inside, some new technology is added as optional, including a pedestrian avoidance system, which applies the brakes if you’re approaching a passer-by too quickly, and a driver alertness warning system that monitors a driver’s face for signs of sleepiness.

Pricing and on sale date will be announced tomorrow. For now check out more photos below.