FastMotoring Motor News In Speed

Today, Lexus Malaysia unveiled the new Lexus LS with 4 variants – LS460, LS460L, LS460 F Sport and LS600h L. The Lexus LS was first introduced in Malaysia since 2006 and now received a major facelift with 3,000 new parts. The Lexus LS is well-liked with its exclusivity and craftsmanship.

The new Lexus LS is feature with Lexus’s new design philosophy called the “L-finesse” as well as the signature spindle grille. The bold and dynamic design lines give the LS a sportier presence over its predecessor, effectively opening up the LS to an entirely new market for buyers that are looking for both luxurious and sporty to drive.

The interior of the new Lexus LS, it has been updated with a simplified and elegant dashboard for roomier interior. First introduced in the GS, the new dashboard is divided into two distinct zones; an upper display zone with the ultra-wide 12.3 inch LCD multi-display screen, the industry’s largest. And a lower operation zone, which allows access to system controls such as the second generation of Lexus’ award winning Remote Touch Interface (RTI).

During the launch, President of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, Datuk Ismet Suki said, “By combining perfect engineering and craftsmanship as well as a bold new design, the new LS has been tasked to lead our company’s charge towards a new era of exclusive designs and peerless in the art of building cars.”

Datuk Ismet also pointed out that the new LS is the first model to be made available in Sports trim, he said, “For the first time in the history of Lexus, the LS will be available in a Sports trim. Designed to balance the demands of a luxury sedan while providing its driver with the ultimate driving pleasure, the all new LS Sport features a more exclusive exterior, 19-inch wheels with 6 piston Brembo brakes and tops it off with an intake sound creator for a sportier engine note.”

The new Lexus LS features five different driving modes – ECO, NORMAL, COMFORT, SPORT S and SPORT S S+. These modes work with the Frequency Adaptive Damping (FAD) shock absorbers as well as the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) air suspension system to control pitch and bounce rates for an even flatter, road hugging ride or a suppler ride.

One of the highlights of the new LS is the availability of Shimamoku wood is an example of the very finest in traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Translated as ‘striped wood’, processing the Shimamoku wood involves a unique procedure which involves 67 manufacturing steps over the course of 38 days. The Shimamoku wood finishing is just one of a few different finishes that are available for the new LS.

According to Lexus, the new LS has also been hailed as the most quietest and most refined car in its class. The LS uses advanced sound deadening materials used in the front and rear wheel arch liners, around the floor of the car as well as the rear trunk. Wind noise is nearly non-existent thanks to a change of insulation material for the roof trim, and the addition of aero fins to the door mirror to reduce air turbulence.

The seats of the new Lexus LS have also been improved with a new design that minimises pressure points, improves body support and reduces fatigue when driving. The seats are now bigger with better cushioning and thigh support. Both front seats feature an integrated air-conditioning system as standard and work in unison with the Lexus Climate Concierge air conditioning system.

A first for any car in the world, the Climate Concierge utilises 13 sensors that are strategically placed around the cabin. These sensors detect your body heat and adjust the air-conditioning accordingly, if it detects your body temperature is rising, it will lower the temperature to cool you down via 20 individual outlets that distribute cool air throughout the cabin of the new LS.  Basically, all air-conditioning outlets can now have individual and separate temperature working with the blower.

The new Lexus LS available in 4 variants - LS460, LS460 L, LS460 F Sport, and LS600h L in Malaysia. The new LS price at RM 788,000, RM 878,000, RM 818,000 and RM 1,068,000 respectively On-The-Road without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia.

Photo Gallery: New 2013 Lexus LS Launch in Malaysia

With the introduction of the new Lexus CT200h last year in Malaysia, this segment got a new entrant which was the first full hybrid model in its class. As the entry model in the Lexus range locally, the CT 200h is introducing the Lexus’s unique synthesis of quality, sophistication and high technology.

Today, the CT200h gets a new variant in the form of the CT200h F SPORT in the Malaysian market. The F SPORT variants are more distinctive and sporty looking with styling enhancements from the F SPORT package line specially developed for each model.

The new CT200h F SPORT shares the features of the CT200h Luxury but has different bumper styling at the front and rear. The 16-inch lightweight alloy rims, comes with a dark metallic for the sporty variant. The exterior colour still comes in 5 different colour ranges with the Luxury grade having an exclusive colour which is the Fire Agate Mica Metallic.

Inside the CT200h F SPORT, an exclusive black colour theme is used to complement the sporty image of this variant. The layout and features are also similar to that found in the CT200h Luxury but more silver trim is used to provide a technical ambience. The CT200h SPORT’s steering wheel also offers a F SPORT perforated leather wrapping around it.

The CT200h F SPORT also has the unique front and rear lateral performance damping system which is fitted to the CT200h Luxury. Besides improving ride comfort, the system also gives the driver a more linear steering feel. The Lexus CT200h F SPORT retail price at RM 201,400.00 without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia. 

Besides the addition of the F SPORT variant, at the same time the CT200h Luxury and CT200 standard have also received some upgrades which add value to the radical and fun compact hybrid. Technically, there are no changes in the size, packaging, full hybrid technology and ultra-low emissions which have proven appealing to the environmentally-conscientious driver who also wants refinement and driving pleasure.

Summary Of Upgrades

- Power folding mirrors now fitted to CT200h

- 4-way power adjustment for driver‟s seat in CT200h Luxury/F SPORT

- Pushbutton pre-set for 3 personalized driver‟s seat positions in CT200h Luxury/F SPORT 

- Bluetooth functionality now linked to audio system for CT200h

- GPS navigation system (hard disk-based) with EMV available on CT200h Luxury/F SPORT

- DVD player with Lexus Premium 10-speaker Audio System for CT200h Luxury/F SPORT

Price List for Peninsular Malaysia

CT 200h F SPORT YMC’12 Price List (PM)

CT 200h YMC’12 Price List (PM)

Lexus will unveil the all-new hybrid coupe concept at the 2012 Paris International Motor Show, which points to future mid-size luxury vehicles to come from the luxury marque. This concept named as “LF-CC”, it draws inspiration and design elements from the award-winning LF-LC concept, which debuted at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show earlier this year.

The coupe design also draws influence from project LFA, with careful attention paid to aerodynamic design that combines form with function. It is powered by an all-new, highly efficient 2.5-litre hybrid drivetrain driving the rear wheels.

The 2.5-litre, 4 cylinder, Atkinson cycle hybrid powerplant will also feature D4-S injection (direct and port injection), which boosts power delivery and efficiency of the engine, while aiding in the delivery of a low CO₂ emissions, targeted below 100g/km. Combined, the hybrid drivetrain will achieve class-leading energy efficiency, with more than 1.47kW of power (2 hp) produced per gram of CO₂. The drivetrain is also set to become a feature of the Lexus line-up in the future, with Lexus confirming its intent to launch the powerplant to the lexus range in the near future.

Lexus will unveil the LF-CC at the Paris Motor Show on September 27 at 8:45am (Central European Summer Time) @ Hall 4, stand 120.

Photo Gallery: Lexus LF-CC Concept for 2012 Paris Motor Show

Begin on next month, Lexus will be showcasing the local Lexus’s car models at selected spots in Malaysia. According to Lexus Malaysia, the road shows are part of the outreach programme that aims to introduce the Lexus brand and models to more customers.

The road shows will take place at KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, from 1st – 5th September 2012, Sutera Mall, Johor Bharu, from the 21st – 23rd September 2012 and Gurney Plaza Mall, Penang, from 27th – 30th September 2012. It will showcase the historical perspective of Lexus as well as an insight into the brand’s success and model line-ups. In line with our commitment to superior customer service, these road shows will also incorporate some interesting activities to ensure that our guests and their family have a 360 degree experience that is informative yet enjoyable.

The philosophy of Lexus has always been centered on the pursuit to perfection where this single underlying factor has always been the driving force for everyone at Lexus. With a global presence in over 60 countries, Lexus belongs to the Toyota Group of motor vehicles. In Malaysia, Lexus was officially launched in 2007 and have been continuously raising the bar on not just the luxury and performance, but also striving to provide the best service that keeps up with the ideal set out in the Lexus Convenant of pursuit of perfection.

On display at all three hot-spots nationwide will be the all new Lexus GS, the luxury hybrid model Lexus CT 200h and the new facelift Lexus RX. These models are representations of the Lexus’ continuous “Pursuit of Perfection” and will raise the benchmark in terms of refinement in quality, detailing and styling in the luxury market.

These Lexus models feature the “spindle grille”, a new design philosophy which is now an identity of establishment and symbolises the future of Lexus. This bold, elegant and highly something is missing individual grille makes the new Lexus GS, the Lexus CT 200h and Lexus RX instantly recognisable as a Lexus at first glance. The grille is part of a new design trademark of Lexus called the ‘L-Finesse’, which will soon be adopted throughout the brand to strengthen the Lexus family identity between model ranges.

These models also mark the beginning of the next generation of Lexus vehicles that define the brand’s design direction, incorporating three elements of the L-finesse design philosophy. With the philosophy in mind, Lexus designers and engineers created Lexus models that are bold yet sensitive, cutting edge yet practical, luxurious yet understated and last but not least stylish yet dignified.

In this weekend 2012 Muscle Car Masters at Sydney Motorsport Park, Eastern Creek, Lexus will make its global motorsport debut with its Lexus’ GS 350 F Sport.

The GS 350 F Sport will feature as Sydney Motorsport Park’s permanent safety car, and will be on hand for all motorsport and driver training activities.

Lexus Australia chief executive Tony Cramb said that Lexus’ ongoing relationship with Sydney Motorsport Park made it the ideal platform to showcase Lexus’ performance credentials.

“Lexus is firmly committed to offering vehicles that are fun to drive, and F Sport vehicles take this up a notch by delivering visually and dynamically engaging vehicles,” said Mr Cramb.

“The GS 350 F Sport is the ideal vehicle for safety car duties, possessing all the power, handling and comfort requirements the team at Sydney Motorsport Park need.

“GS 350 F Sport is just one of 11 F Sport models we’ll offer in Australia by the end of the year,” said Mr Cramb.

Chief executive officer of Sydney Motorsport Park and the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club, Glenn Matthews, said they were pleased to have Lexus continue its support of the venue.

“There have been many changes here at Sydney Motorsport Park in the last year and we are pleased that Lexus has decided to maintain its long-standing relationship with us,” Mr Matthews said.

“The GS 350 not only looks fantastic, but the feedback I’ve had from the drivers is that it’s a really enjoyable vehicle to drive.

“We look forward to seeing the new safety car out on circuit this weekend for one of our premiere events – the 2012 Muscle Car Masters,” Mr Matthews said.

The GS 350 is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 producing 233 kilowatts, and is able to sprint from 0-100km/h in 6 seconds. F Sport GS models feature exclusive interior and exterior styling, along with an aggressive sports body treatment.

Under the skin F Sport models also receive the Lexus Dynamic Handling System (LDHS) which features Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS), Adaptive variable Suspension (AVS) and a larger two-piece front rotor and four piston calliper brake package.

The 2012 Muscle Car Masters will be held on September 1 and 2 at Sydney Motorsport Park – Eastern Creek. Tickets and further information are available from www.musclecarmasters.com.au.