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.

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.

Through Ian's Lens: 2008 Lexus LS600hL

What can be said about the most expensive hybrid on the market today? The 2008 Lexus LS600hL is a luxury hybrid that let’s people know that you have $105,000 to spend on a environmentally responsible car.

I personally could care less about how the electric motor works in synergy with the gasoline-powered V-8 because the most striking thing about this extended LS model is its cavernous and ultra-luxurious interior. The seats and dashboard are covered in a supple leather that is finely stitched together with precision. Tasteful uses of wood, metal and metallic-colored plastic can be found on the dash and the backseat’s armrest. And did I mention that this car parks itself?

Tell me what you think of the photos in the comments section. A full set of photos is below.

Friday Fleet Notes: 1.25.07

Friday Fleet Notes is back, and even in its absence our staff has been diligently recording thoughts on the latest cars to come into the Cars.com offices. The new Smart elicited the most comments we’ve gotten in a long time, but a Lexus hybrid and Lincoln SUV made an impression too.

Smart ForTwo Passion (original expert review w/video)

• Niche cars like the Smart ForTwo will sell no matter what, but in case you’re wondering whether you need to envy your neighbor who bought one and can now park wherever he feels like it, the answer is no.
  
  It’s not that you’ll feel cramped inside; there’s plenty of space in the driver’s seat, and until you look over your shoulder you may even forget you’re driving a car straight out of Munchkinland. The problem with this little car is that it’s miserable to drive. The automatic transmission is awful, especially at low speeds, the brakes are jerky, a gust of wind makes you feel as if you’re about to tip over, and every bump and crack in the road feels like railroad tracks.

  There’s an auto-manual mode that helps a lot with the jerkiness, but it’s a pain to use paddle shifters at low speeds. The paddles turn with the steering wheel, so midway through a left turn, as the tachometer quickly approaches the redline, you’ll be left to reach frantically for an ever-moving target. Why this car doesn’t have a plain-old manual transmission is beyond me.

  The ergonomics inside aren’t bad, though the seat adjustments aren’t very smooth. My biggest gripe here was that the cargo shelf behind the front seats is inaccessible without moving the seat forward, and that handle is on the inside of the driver’s seat. That means that if you need to toss anything back there (like, you know, a purse), be prepared to reach across the seat and get smacked by the seatback before you can do so. — Beth Palmer, copy editor

Highfalutin Hybrid: Lexus Breaks $100K Mark

Lexus’ much anticipated new LS 600h L hybrid just got a price tag, but it isn’t for the faint-hearted. The all-wheel-drive sedan features the first V-8 hybrid engine producing more than 430 hp, but all that comes at a steep price, $104,000. And that’s just to start. 

There is usually a considerable premium on a hybrid model, but the gasoline-powered version of the LS, the LS 460 L, starts at $71,000. That paltry sum gets you a V-8 engine that produces 380-hp, but with the regular emissions associated with gasoline engines.

Lexus hasn’t announced what mileage will be, but it should be better than the LS 460’s 18/27 mpg city/highway. The LS 600h L goes on sale in June, but dealers have been taking reservations for some time now.