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.

Recall Alert: 2006-08 Lexus IS, GS and LS

Lexus has issued a recall for 214,500 GS, IS and LS vehicles from model years 2006-08, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall is due to corrosion in fuel pipes that can lead to a leak.

Lexus has found that certain ethanol fuels with low moisture content can cause the pipes to rust. This may cause the dashboard indicator lamp to signal a malfunction, but that won't happen in every case, which is why it’s important to have your vehicle checked out. Lexus has contacted owners by email and will replace the affected parts free of charge at its dealerships.

For more information, you can contact Lexus at 800-255-3987 or the NHTSA hotline at 888-327-4236.

She Said, She Said: Lexus LS 460

Who said we don’t share the wealth around the Cars.com offices? This time out Amanda and Beth took on Lexus’ flagship sedan, the LS 460L. There could be worse ways to spend a week of commuting. With a sticker price near $80,000, it is by far the most expensive car the two have tested and they seemed to like it despite its overall size.

Beth: There was something very poetic about driving Lexus’ flagship sedan over Thanksgiving weekend. That’s because the only thing I can think of that’s more indulgent than sitting down to a perfectly roasted turkey, surrounded by heaps of rich, carb-loaded side dishes, is driving the LS 460. This is a car so indulgent it’s not content with trivialities like a heated steering wheel or auto-closing trunk, it ups the ante all the way to a brake-hold button that rids drivers of the indignity of keeping their foot on the brake at stoplights. Why don’t you just throw an extra jar of corn syrup and some crème fraiche into the pecan pie while you’re at it?

Lexus Prices AWD LS, Other 2009 Models

We talked about Lexus adding all-wheel drive to its flagship LS sedan the other day. Today, Lexus announced pricing for its entire 2009 lineup, including the LS. The rear-wheel-drive version gets a 1.2% price increase, to $63,675, with the LS 460L coming in at $73,585. The AWD versions of those two are $67,200 and $77,110.

The other big changes to the Lexus lineup — and “big” is subjective — revolve around the IS sport sedan, which gets revised suspension and steering, which we’re interested to check out. Prices change only slightly, up $300 each, to $31,155 for the IS 250 manual, $32,325 for the IS 250 automatic and $34,785 for the IS 250 AWD. The IS 350 will start at $36,605. More pricing is below.

Lexus LS 460 Gets AWD for 2009

The 2009 Lexus LS 460 and 460 L will both offer all-wheel drive for 2009 for the first time. Buyers can opt for either the standard rear-wheel-drive setup or all-wheel drive starting in October.

Pricing has not yet been announced for the 2009 models, but the 2008 rear-wheel-drive LS 460 and LS 460 L went for $62,900 and $72,900, respectively. Expect those base prices to be somewhat higher for 2009 and the AWD versions to be at least $2,000 more than that, if they follow Lexus’ pricing of other AWD models.

The AWD models might cost significantly more than that, though, because they come with more standard features, like an adaptive air suspension, 18-inch wheels, all-season tires and a heated steering wheel. 

Besides the addition of AWD, there are no other significant changes for the 2009 LS.

Honda Still on Top in U.S., Says Consumer Reports

For the second year in a row, Consumer Reports has named Honda the automaker selling the best vehicles in the U.S., based on factors ranging from reliability to vehicle comfort.

Toyota and Subaru ranked second and third, followed by BMW, Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen. No domestic nameplate appeared on the list.

Cars.com Reviews the Lexus LS 460

We’ve tested the new LS 460’s automated parking system before, but now Mike Hanley gives a full report on the latest luxury cruiser from Lexus. Does it retain the “cloud on wheels” designation of its predecessor? Is it worth the extra ducats over the past model? We’re not going to tell you here; check out Mike’s full review.

2007 Lexus LS 460 Review

Lexus Parallel Parking Ads Generate Buzz

Few posts on KickingTires have inspired such debate as Joe Wiesenfelder’s walkthrough of the new Lexus LS 460’s automated parallel parking system. Our readers weighed in with their thoughts, mostly seeing the technology as either an insult to drivers or a step closer to full car automation.

What was overlooked was the fact that Lexus chose to focus on this one feature out of the many in the new LS 460 during the vehicle’s launch and initial ad blitz. The parking feature is only an option, while standout attributes like an eight-speed transmission and 380-hp V-8 are standard. Maybe Lexus chose that route because even if the LS 460 turns out to be the best-driving, best-handling car ever made, people have seen all those ads before. They’re inundated with commercials of cars driving on picturesque roads with a voiceover telling them how great Car A is versus Car B. Would they care if Car A is a luxury sedan that can hit 60 mph in 5.4 seconds? Maybe.

But Car A parking itself? They’ve never seen that before.

2007 Lexus LS 460 Prices Announced: Bigger, Better, More Expensive

We’ve covered the all-new Lexus LS460’s automated parking option, and at one point we even guessed that the new Lexus flagship would be significantly more expensive than the outgoing model. Today, Lexus confirmed that the new sedan, with its 380-hp V-8 and eight-speed automatic transmission, will start at $61,000 — compared to $56,525 for the 2006 version. 

That’s actually not so bad when you consider the 2007 is redesigned inside and out, has 100+ more horsepower and offers a ton of technological gadgets, 18-inch wheels and a 10-speaker sound system. The LS may look big and slow, but it hits 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds and gets impressive mileage of 19/27 mpg city/highway. A longer LS 460 L will also join the lineup, starting at $71,000, for those who want a limousine-sized backseat. Both go on sale Oct. 20.