Lexus Announces 2011 IS 350C F Sport Special Edition

Lexus has unwrapped the limited run 2011 IS 350C F Sport Special Edition convertible, which is set to go on sale in the U.S. later this month. Only 175 units will be built, each carrying a $55,120 (not including $875 destination) sticker and some styling and performance upgrades over the standard model.

The limited run hardtop convertible comes in a choice of two new colors (Starfire Pearl or Obsidian), and features bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, special exterior badging and 19-inch alloys in a dark graphite finish, wrapped around in 225/35 Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Heated and ventilated black-red leather sport seats with red stitching plus a new wood trim spice up the cabin.

Lexus is also offering a comprehensive standard equipment package, which includes navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, rear back-up camera, voice command, Lexus Enform telematics system with Safety Connect and various XM services.

To improve handling, the Japanese brand's engineers fitted the F Sport model with new Bilstein shock absorbers, shorter springs and a sway bar.

“The F Sport Special Edition builds on the IS 350C and takes the fun of the convertible up another notch,” said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. “The racing inspired F Sport accessories on this car were precision engineered specifically for this vehicle, allowing us to provide performance without compromise.”

Lexus Announces 2011 IS 350C F Sport Special Edition

Lexus has unwrapped the limited run 2011 IS 350C F Sport Special Edition convertible, which is set to go on sale in the U.S. later this month. Only 175 units will be built, each carrying a $55,120 (not including $875 destination) sticker and some styling and performance upgrades over the standard model.

The limited run hardtop convertible comes in a choice of two new colors (Starfire Pearl or Obsidian), and features bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, special exterior badging and 19-inch alloys in a dark graphite finish, wrapped around in 225/35 Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Heated and ventilated black-red leather sport seats with red stitching plus a new wood trim spice up the cabin.

Lexus is also offering a comprehensive standard equipment package, which includes navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, rear back-up camera, voice command, Lexus Enform telematics system with Safety Connect and various XM services.

To improve handling, the Japanese brand's engineers fitted the F Sport model with new Bilstein shock absorbers, shorter springs and a sway bar.

“The F Sport Special Edition builds on the IS 350C and takes the fun of the convertible up another notch,” said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. “The racing inspired F Sport accessories on this car were precision engineered specifically for this vehicle, allowing us to provide performance without compromise.”

New Toyota Recall, this time for Toyota Avalon and Highlander, and Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350

Toyota has announced a voluntary recall of some 740,000 vehicles in the United States to address a potential leak problem with a seal in the brake master cylinder. The models that are being recalled in the U.S. are the 2005-2006MY Toyota Avalon, 2004-2006MY Highlander (non Hybrid) and Lexus RX330, and 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350. Another 600,898 vehicles were recalled in Japan and approximately 200,000 in China for the same issue.

According to the company, there's a possibility that a small amount of the brake fluid could slowly leak from the brake master cylinder, resulting in illumination of the brake warning lamp.

"If the brake warning lamp has illuminated and the vehicle continues to be operated without refilling the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir, the driver will begin to notice a spongy or soft brake pedal feel and braking performance may gradually decline," said the automaker.

Toyota said it will begin notifying owners of the involved vehicles through mail beginning in early November 2010. As with all recalls, Toyota and Lexus dealers will replace the brake master cylinder cup with a newly designed free of charge.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

New Toyota Recall, this time for Toyota Avalon and Highlander, and Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350

Toyota has announced a voluntary recall of some 740,000 vehicles in the United States to address a potential leak problem with a seal in the brake master cylinder. The models that are being recalled in the U.S. are the 2005-2006MY Toyota Avalon, 2004-2006MY Highlander (non Hybrid) and Lexus RX330, and 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350. Another 600,898 vehicles were recalled in Japan and approximately 200,000 in China for the same issue.

According to the company, there's a possibility that a small amount of the brake fluid could slowly leak from the brake master cylinder, resulting in illumination of the brake warning lamp.

"If the brake warning lamp has illuminated and the vehicle continues to be operated without refilling the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir, the driver will begin to notice a spongy or soft brake pedal feel and braking performance may gradually decline," said the automaker.

Toyota said it will begin notifying owners of the involved vehicles through mail beginning in early November 2010. As with all recalls, Toyota and Lexus dealers will replace the brake master cylinder cup with a newly designed free of charge.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

5th Gear Tests The Lexus IS220d And Compares It To BMW’s 320d

In this episode, 5th Gear’s Tom Ford took the new Lexus IS220d to Rome to test it out. Fitted with a 2.2-liter, 4cylinder turbo-diesel engine that pumps out 177Hp /130kw, the IS200d can go from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 8,9 sec while it reaches a top speed of 218 km/h (135mph). Its avg. consumption is just 5.4 liters/100km or 44 mpg. It’s sexy and it’s cheaper than the BMW 320d. But does all this make it a car good enough to rival BMW’s ultimate sport salon? Check the video to find out what 5th Gear thinks. Via: thepassionatepursuit

Technorati: Lexus, Lexus+IS220d, Carscoop, blogs, automotive, vehicles

Lexus IS Coupe-Cabrio: The Missing Link?

All kinky and wet? Too bad, cause the Lexus IS CC you’re looking at above is nothing more and nothing less than a CGI (Computer Generated Image), scanned from Japanese car magazine, “Car-Top”, and based on pure speculations. Bummer. Before we start sinking in our chair in shame, we’ll happily accept your props for the worst possible way to start an article concerning a scoop. Still haven’t scrolled down to our next post or even worse… to another blog? Guess then we should give you a reason for the article’s existence. Ok, here goes; speculations or not, we believe that the IS CC would be the perfect addition in Lexus’ line-up. Not only sales-wise but also image-wise.

Look at Lexus’ current range: IS, GS, LS, ES, SC, RX, LX and the GX. SC apart, it’s all about family sedans and SUV’s. Now, check out the competition. With the exception of Cadillac, every serious luxury car manufacturer has a mid-sized, 4seater coupe or/and a cabriolet in their line-up: BMW 3-Series Coupe & CC, Audi A5 Coupe, Mercedes CLK Coupe & Cabriolet and Infiniti G35 Coupe. Heck, even Volvo has one, the C70.

Agreed; the upcoming IS-F can boost Lexus’ sporty image -potentially cause don’t forget what happened to Volvo’s "R" range. Why not have a back-up plan with a mid-size coupe-cabriolet? Not only will it appeal to a wider audience than the IS-F, but also it can seriously help Lexus in its European conquest. Even if you look at it from a marketing point, take out the mid-sized, 4seater coupes and soft-tops and here’s what’s left: 3-Series Convertible & C70. Moreover, from those two, only the bimmer is considered to be sporty. It’s a win-win situation if you ask us. Picture via: Nihon

Technorati: Lexus+IS, cars, Carscoop, blogs, automotive, vehicles