Updates From Lexus

LS and RX Ranked #1 in 2008 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

At a press conference in Detroit on June 4, 2008, the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) cited Lexus quality once again as two Lexus models lead their respective segments for 2008. The LS 460 and LS 600h L ranked first among this year in the Large Premium Car segment, and the RX 350 and RX 400h took top spot in the Premium Multi Activity Vehicle segment.

In the Assembly Plant Quality Award recipients, the Tahara plant was awarded with bronze for the lowest number of defects per 100 vehicles in plants across North America and Asia. The Tahara plant is located in Japan and builds several Lexus models such as GS 350, GS 460, GS 450h, GX 470, IS Series, LS 460 and LS 600h.

Lexus Returns to Targa Newfoundland with Hybrid Power

Team Lexus proved its hybrid technology is up to extreme road rallying in the 2,200-kilometre Targa Newfoundland 2007, placing 18th overall, 6th in the modern division, and winning praise from other teams and motorsports enthusiasts at every stage of the week-long event. This year, Team Lexus is back and taking on the competition in the Sirius Satellite Radio President’s Challenge for Manufacturers. The performance-oriented Lexus GS 450h, powered by the fuel-efficient and environmentally-aware Lexus Hybrid Drive, returns to The Rock for this year’s event, which runs September 13th to 20th.

Marc Lachapelle returns to the driver’s seat for a second year. Marc is a seasoned automotive journalist who contributes to Autonet, Le Guide de l’auto, MSN Autos US, and more. An avid motor sports enthusiast, he has raced cars for many years. Marc’s co-driver, 26-year-old Alan Ockwell, won his first navigational rally at age nine and has notched four overall victories and 19 podium finishes, including placing 2nd overall in the Grand Touring division at Targa Newfoundland 2006.

Targa Newfoundland 2008 is a six-day competition over 2200-kilometres of challenging roads through the central and eastern portions of the Island, starting and ending in the provincial capital of St. John’s

Please help support our Team Lexus entry by visiting our daily blog for exciting updates on our Targa Experience.

New IS Convertibles Unveiled At Paris Motor Show

Expected to arrive in Canada in late spring 2009, the widely anticipated IS 250C and IS 350C retractable hard-top convertibles made their world debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October. The sporty new four-seat IS convertibles feature a seamlessly integrated three-panel roof that fully retracts in approximately 21 seconds and folds away tightly to provide compact packaging and convenient luggage space.

Lexus engineers have also made innovative modifications to the IS body structure and suspension to ensure exceptional top-down handling and ride comfort, as well as minimal noise and vibration when the top is up. The IS 250C and the IS 350C offer the same powertrains as their IS sedan counterparts, with all the style and fun of open air cruising.

2008 Lexus IS F Voted Best New Sports/Performance Car Over $50k

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) has declared the 2008 Lexus IS F the winner in the Best New Sports/Performance Car Over $50k category following its 2009 Canadian Car of the Year TestFest. The powerful IS F features a high performance 5.0-litre 416-hp V8 engine, the world’s first 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission, and variable driver-selected handling dynamics.

Every fall, more than 70 AJAC members put hundreds of vehicles through four days of thorough “real world” testing and evaluation at the annual TestFest. This year’s 14 category winners were announced in October following member voting. AJAC will announce its choice for 2009 Canadian Car of the Year from the category winners at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.

2008 SEMA Show: Lexus makes its official second appearance with a bevy of new Project cars

With several unique new project cars on display, Lexus has a powerful presence at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. The annual industry-only SEMA show is the premier event for custom aftermarket parts and project cars. The show runs from November 4th to 7th in Las Vegas.

Headlining this year’s project cars is a highly anticipated take on the Lexus GS 460 by Five Axis . Last year, the Five Axis team unveiled its eye popping Project IS F, and it’s back with a bulked up version featuring a heavily modified V8 engine that’s been bored and stroked to 5.75-litres. Designer, Troy Sumitomo, will be on hand on November 4th to discuss his Project GS 460 and his latest IS F.

The Lexus exhibit also features four more unique IS F project cars from four other independent builders: Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance; Import Tuner Magazine/TEIN Suspension; 0-60 Magazine; and MotorworldHype. A special Lexus LX 570 created by ICON 4x4 Design will also be on display. Also this year, a small test track next to the Lexus booth gives attendees a rare chance to put the 2009 IS F and an F-Sport-equipped IS 350 through their paces.

All-new 2010 RX 350 and RX 450h Unveiled in Los Angeles

The next generation RX 350 and RX 450h hybrid made their world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November and will go sale in Canada early next year. Completely redesigned inside and out, the all-new 2010 RX series features enhanced powertrains, new suspensions and advanced Lexus-first technology to set new benchmarks for performance, style, utility and comfort.

The third generation RX 350, built in Cambridge, Ontario, is driven by a 275-horsepower V6 engine mated to an electronically controlled, sequential-shift six- speed transaxle. The new
all-wheel-drive RX 350 features an Active Torque Control AWD system that responds to changing driving conditions by optimizing torque for improved performance and efficiency.

The new RX 450h, the only luxury hybrid crossover in its class, features an enhanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system that delivers advanced power and performance as well as outstanding efficiency. The
RX 450h's innovative hybrid technology combines an efficient 3.5-litre V6 gas engine with a powerful electric motor, producing 295 net horsepower### and up to 70% fewer smog forming emissions.**

All 2010 RX models offer several new Lexus interior and safety features, like the available Heads-up Display, intuitive Remote Touch and navigation system, and standard class-leading 10 airbag system. The all-new 2010 RX 350 arrives at Canadian Lexus dealerships in February 2009, and the
2010 RX 450h next spring.

### View site disclaimers
** Zero emissions when HV battery charge and the engine temperature are at sufficient levels.

The Price of Luxury in Canada has Just Gone Down

Continuing its commitment to deliver exceptional value to Canadian customers, Lexus in Canada has made price adjustments on most of its 2008 models, as well as the 2009 RX 350. These latest reductions consolidate other adjustments and incentives made in late 2007. The entire Lexus lineup is now more affordable than ever.

Click here for more information.

WHY A MADE-FOR-CANADA LEXUS IS MORE THAN JUST A GREAT VEHICLE

Rapid changes in the value of the Canadian dollar mean that consumers are experiencing market conditions that are almost unprecedented in Canadian history. This uncertainty also impacts Canadian manufacturers and retailers - and those in the auto industry are no exception.

Lexus in Canada is addressing this issue in a responsible manner - one we believe will continue to provide real value to our new and current guests and the Canadians we employ both directly and indirectly.

As we make adjustments to meet current market conditions, we continue to return to a basic tenet: Value. Each vehicle made for sale in Canada is specifically equipped for the Canadian marketplace. We carefully select certain options and features, on a model-by-model basis, that we believe are best suited for Canada's challenging climate and driving conditions and the tastes of our guests. These may differ from equipment and options selected for vehicles distributed and sold in the U.S. market. Guests might believe that the only real difference between Canadian and U.S. vehicles relates to vehicle gauges (which are in kilometres on vehicles made for Canada and in miles on those destined for the United States). Depending on the model, however, Made-for-Canada Lexus vehicles may include any of the following features:

• Heavy-duty heaters, batteries, and alternators;
• High capacity window washer fluid reservoirs;
• More robust weather stripping and seals;
• Added paint chip protection;
• Mudguards;
• Block heaters;
• All-season tires;
• An outside temperature gauge;
• Heated mirrors;
• Towing packages (for SUVs).

Flexible, open and valuable incentives

Lexus in Canada is also committed to providing flexible, open and valuable incentives to Canadian drivers. What's more, we have structured our current programs and incentives on a wide variety of vehicles to provide as much value as possible to everyone who purchases, leases or finances any qualifying vehicle through their local Lexus Dealer - not just those few who can buy a vehicle outright.

Price respositioning

Pricing on the 2008 Lexus GS-series has been carefully repositioned by a combination of the introduction of lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail pricing (MSRP) and/or the addition of upgraded value in the form of new standard features and specifications as compared to comparable 2007 models. For instance, Lexus guests benefit from the introduction of a lower MSRP and the inclusion of a host of upgraded new standard features and equipment valued at over $8,700 on the base model GS 350 AWD as compared to the comparable 2007 model.

Additional incentives

In addition to price repositioning, Lexus in Canada is offering our guests great cash credit incentives on many of our most popular 2007 and 2008 Made-for-Canada Lexus vehicles. Please visit our promotions page for a current list of incentives available in Canada or see your local Lexus dealer for details.

All Made-for-Canada Lexus vehicles are also automatically covered by the Lexus enhanced Alternate Transportation Program.

A streamlined financing or leasing process

Beyond this, Made-for-Canada vehicles are eligible for available new vehicle promotions, programs, and incentives offered by Lexus Financial Services in Canada. Lexus Financial Services has committed to offering very aggressive leasing and financing rate reductions on popular Lexus vehicles - not only current 2008 models, but also many from the 2007 model year. Lexus Financial Services has also waived the security deposits on all 2007 and 2008 models leased in December.

Add it up

Best of all, these incentives - the price repositioning, programs, and attractive finance and lease rates - are designed to provide our cash, lease and finance guests with as much value as possible. We feel it's unfair to ask Canadians to choose between incentives and low rates, so many of our vehicles are available with both. In this way, Canadians realize genuine value when purchasing, leasing or financing a new Made-for-Canada Lexus vehicle.

Tax/government considerations

But there's more: New Made-for-Canada Lexus vehicles may be eligible for certain incentives provided by the Canadian Federal and/or certain provincial governments. These include:

• Provincial sales tax breaks and rebates for hybrid vehicles.

Vehicles purchased in the U.S. will not qualify for the Federal ecoAUTO rebate, although some provincial rebates still apply. However, once imported into this country, a vehicle may still be subject to the following:

• The Green Levy (an Excise Tax) on fuel-inefficient vehicles;
• GST and provincial sales tax;
• Import duties of 6.1% on vehicles built outside North America;
• Any cost to modify or retrofit a vehicle to ensure it complies with Canadian regulations. These may include the installation of daytime running lights, seat belt anchorages, child restraint tether anchorages and modifications to comply with unique bumper requirements;
• As of September 1, 2007 a new Federal government regulation was introduced requiring every vehicle in Canada to include a robust vehicle immobilization system. All Made-for-Canada Lexus vehicles manufactured after September 1, 2007 are equipped with the Canada-specific immobilizer system.

Warranty/servicing benefits

Made-for-Canada Lexus vehicles may enjoy certain warranty and servicing benefits not necessarily available for vehicles intended for other markets. These include:

• Special warranty policy adjustments and extensions from Lexus in Canada that are specific to Made-for-Canada Lexus vehicles. These may include no-cost or reduced-cost replacements of components to ensure owner satisfaction;
• A streamlined warranty process: When a Canadian Dealer works on a vehicle covered by a U.S. warranty, it may take longer to confirm coverage, secure approvals and process the repairs.
• Access to Replacement Part and Components: Lexus in Canada stocks replacement parts and components for Canadian-specified vehicles so that repairs can be completed in a timely manner. Lexus vehicles distributed in the U.S. may have equipment or components unique to the U.S. market, which may require additional lead time to secure replacement parts. This may result in additional time to carry out any necessary repairs or servicing.
• Lexus in Canada offers optional extended coverage for servicing and repairs (ECP - Extra Care Protection). This coverage is only available for Made-for-Canada vehicles.
• Special Service Campaigns: Owners of Lexus vehicles purchased in the United States may not receive timely notification of safety-related service campaigns. In addition, where a safety recall is specific to a U.S. vehicle, a Canadian dealer may not be able to carry out any necessary repairs quickly if replacement parts are not readily available in Canada. Securing replacement parts from U.S. sources may require additional lead-time, resulting in delays in carrying out any necessary repairs or servicing.

A trusted relationship

Lexus has been a part of Canadians' lives for almost two decades and in that time we've experienced economic swings. Through all of this, Lexus' presence in Canada has steadily grown. Lexus in Canada now supports more than 30 independently owned Lexus Dealers who serve our guests from coast to coast.

Buying or leasing a Made-for-Canada Lexus establishes a trusted relationship that will last throughout the ownership experience:

• Guests gain access to Canadian Lexus Dealers' expertise on Made-for-Canada vehicle specifications;
• Guests benefit from Canadian Lexus Dealers' knowledge of Canadian support and service programs.
• Guests are automatically enrolled in Club Lexus for online tracking of a vehicle's service history, participation in Dealer and Nationally sponsored events, guest financial information and warranty information.

Lexus' investment in Canada

Lexus in Canada has also expanded in this country beyond sales and service by building Canadian-based operations responsible for vehicle parts and distribution, employee and Lexus Dealer staff training, warranty and guest service, wholesale and retail vehicle financing and vehicle and part manufacturing.

• In Cambridge, Ontario, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) employs some 4,600 Canadians directly to produce some of the most popular vehicles in Canada and the United States, including the Lexus RX 350.
• In addition to direct employment, Lexus's operations indirectly generate thousands of jobs for Canadians working at components suppliers, logistics companies, and other partners.

GS 450h Hybrid Gears Up For TARGA Newfoundland Road Rally

Lexus is welcoming the opportunity to showcase the full out performance capabilities of the GS 450h in the 2007 TARGA Newfoundland Road Rally. For the first time, this world-renowned six-day, 2200 km event will feature a competitive class for gas-electric hybrids, and the GS 450h will be more than ready for the challenge.

The Lexus entry will be driven by Marc Lachapelle, motor enthusiast and editor for Sympatico/MSN Autos, along with co-driver, Jean-François Drolet, two-time winner of the event's Grand Touring Class. The GS 450h will be decorated to highlight the Children's Wish Foundation who Lexus has partnered with and supported since early 2007. The TARGA Newfoundland Road Rally takes place September 8th to 15th, starting and ending in St. John's.

For in-depth coverage and daily updates during the rally, click here.

Lexus Forges Partnership With The Canadian Junior Golf Association

Lexus has put its support firmly behind young Canadian golfers by becoming a National Founding Partner of the Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA). The multi-year partnership will help increase grassroots learning opportunities for Canada's junior golfers by enabling the CJGA to create new development programs across the country.

The company is pleased to extend its longstanding involvement with golf in Canada to include developing the skills of aspiring young players. And those skills will be on display at the new Lexus CJGA Skills Competitions held at each of the more than 80 CJGA tournaments. The partnership also makes Lexus the Official Vehicle Supplier to the CJGA.

2008 RX 350: Updated to provide more special moments

After careful consideration, the class-leading Lexus RX 350 has been given a minor facelift for the 2008 model year. Notable changes include chromed exterior door handles, an updated 18 inch wheel for the premium and ultra-premium models, and a VSC cut-off switch to further enhance driver control. Powered by a 3.5-litre, 270 hp V6 engine, and outfitted with all of the luxurious appointments you have come to expect in a Lexus, the 2008 RX is sure to meet your luxury 4-wheel-drive needs.

All New High Performance IS F Debuts in Detroit

Lexus stepped into the high performance spotlight with the highly anticipated unveiling of the powerful new 2008 IS F sport sedan at the North American International Auto Show in January. The IS F features a 5.0-litre, 400+ hp, V8 engine, an 8-speed paddle shift automatic transmission and a new three-setting VDIM system. The fun starts in early 2008.

LS 460 and 460L Now At Dealers

The all-new and much anticipated 2007 LS 460 and long wheelbase LS 460L are now in Lexus dealer showrooms across Canada. Combining new levels of performance, luxury and contemporary styling, the 2007 LS prestige luxury sedans set unprecedented standards for design and engineering. Nothing less would be expected of the Lexus flagship.

New 2007 GS 350 Now In Dealer Showrooms

With its 3.5-litre, 303-hp, V6 DOHC engine, the powerful new GS 350 puts performance up front while offering all the expected Lexus luxury and style. Available in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the GS 350 is a true performance luxury sedan that delivers quick acceleration, precision handling, advanced technology, and beautifully finished interiors.

Lexus Debuts All New 2008 LS 600h L Hybrid Luxury Sedan

Continuing to expand its high performance hybrid lineup, Lexus unveiled the new 2008 LS 600h L all-wheel drive, long wheelbase sedan at the 2006 New York International Auto Show – virtually establishing a new class of luxury hybrid vehicle.

The LS 600h L is driven by a Lexus hybrid powertrain that combines a 5.0-litre V8 engine, high output electric motors, and a new large capacity battery pack to produce more than 430 horsepower. In addition to delivering power equivalent to current 12-cylinder engines and best-in-class fuel efficiency, emissions are approximately 80% lower than a conventional 5.0-litre V8, which will earn a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) rating.

Beyond performance and practicality, the LS 600h L features beautiful styling, an array of advanced luxury amenities, remarkable ride quality, and responsive handling that put it in a category of one. The 2008 LS 600h L will be available in Fall 2007.

2007 SC 430 Pebble Beach Limited Edition

The striking colour combination of the 2007 SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition evokes the era of classic convertibles. The pearlescent Starfire Pearl exterior is beautifully offset by a Pimento Red Leather interior with black bird's-eye maple trim, and aggressive 18" G-Spider alloy wheels. Detailing includes unique exterior and interior badging, and black, carpeted floor mats with the Pebble Beach logo. The 2007 SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition also comes with a complimentary Pebble Beach cabin bag and garment bag. With only 43 available, "instant classic" immediately comes to mind.

All New 2007 RX 350

For 2007, the best-selling RX Sport Luxury SUV gets a significant power boost with a new 3.5-litre, 270 horsepower V6 engine, while retaining exceptional fuel efficiency and ultra low emissions. In addition to the expected style, luxury and comfort, the RX 350 also features new sound dampening technology to bring a whole new level of tranquility to the already quiet ride.

2007 ES 350 Available in May

Highlighted by exclusive Lexus L-finesse design and significantly more power, the all-new 2007 ES 350 will be in dealerships across Canada this spring. With its focus on balance, the latest generation ES features a perfect combination of luxury, style, performance and handling.

The front-wheel drive ES 350 is driven by a 272 horsepower, 3.5-litre, 6-cylinder engine with dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i). The new and more powerful engine is coupled with a 6-speed Super ECT transmission featuring sequential multi-mode shifting, to deliver quick, smooth and quiet acceleration.

2007 GS 450h Hybrid Sport Sedan

Another Lexus first, a groundbreaking hybrid version of the new GS Sport Sedan will be available in May 2006. Unveiled at the New York Auto Show in March 2005, the 2007 GS 450h is the world's first full hybrid luxury sedan, adding another powerful dimension to the new GS lineup.

Distinguished by dynamic L-Finesse styling, the rear-wheel drive GS 450h is powered by a completely new Lexus hybrid powertrain. Together, the 3.5-litre V6 engine and a high-torque electric drive motor-generator produce more than 300 horsepower, 0-60 acceleration in under six seconds, and significantly reduced emissions.

2006 Lexus Lifestyle Collection

The 2006 Lexus Lifestyle Collection offers a new line of brand name golf products, casual wear, accessories and gifts.

The Lexus Lifestyle Collection has something for everyone.

Lexus Longest Drive Challenge

As title sponsor of the Omnium de Montréal/Montreal Open, a premier Canadian Professional Tour event, Lexus will be hosting the Lexus Longest Drive Challenge as part of the Omnium de Golf's Jouez au golf tour.

To promote the Omnium de Montréal, the Tour will stop at 43 golf courses in Québec between May 14th and July 31st. Each stop will feature friendly competitions, lessons, demonstrations and promotions, as well as the Lexus Longest Drive Challenge. At each of the 43 Tour stops, the male and female Lexus Longest Drive Challenge winners will receive two VIP tickets to the Omnium de Montréal and entry into the Lexus Challenge Longest Drive Grand Finale. The Grand Finale will take place during the Omnium de Montreal week of August 1st to 7th. The top two men and top two women will win entry into the Omnium de Montréal Pro-Am Tournament.

It should be a great summer of golf in Québec.

2005 Summer Jazz Festivals

For the second year running, Lexus will sponsor top-flight summer Jazz Festivals across Canada. From June 16th to July 24th, Jazz fans in and around Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax will be treated to inspired performances by some of today's finest musicians. Venues and lineups for each city will be announced through local and regional radio stations and newspapers as the date approaches.

Practical New Club Lexus Features

For added online convenience, Club Lexus members can now track their service history, view the status of their factory warranty or Extra-Care Protection coverage, and access current information regarding their Lexus Financial Services loan or lease. In addition, all purchasers of a pre-owned Lexus can see when the previous owner last had the vehicle serviced at a Lexus dealership, including the odometer reading at the time.

To ensure total financial privacy, a personal security code is available from Lexus Financial Services. This will provide Club Lexus members with secure access to their detailed loan or lease information. Members can request their security code directly from the Club Lexus section of this web site.

More power for 2005 GX 470

When it was introduced in Canada last year, the GX 470 was immediately recognized as a category standout for its on-road and off-road performance capabilities.

Those capabilities are extended even further for 2005 with significant engine enhancements. New VVT-i technology combined with a two-stage Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) deliver a serious boost in both horsepower, from 235 to 275, and torque, from 320 to 330 lb/ft. Along with improved power, performance and towing capacity comes greater efficiency and lower emissions, allowing the 2005 GX to meet stringent Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) standards.

Pre-Collision System

Lexus has added a breakthrough Pre-Collision System to the 2005 LS Ultra Premium option package to further enhance the vehicle's exceptional safety and reduce potential injuries from a collision.

Click here to find out more about the Pre-Collision System.

2005 SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition

Adding a bold new twist to a winning design, Lexus has launched a new SC 430 Pebble Beach limited edition for 2005. Available in a limited quantity of 35, the Pebble Beach edition features Black Diamond Metallic black exterior, hand-stitched Pimento Red leather interior, chrome and graphite-finished wheels, and black birds-eye maple wood trim. And in keeping with the theme, each one comes with a distinctive Pebble Beach/SC 430 golf bag from Callaway. Beautiful.

2005 ES 330: New Styling and Value

With the launch of the 2005 ES 330 Lexus is again combining true luxury and real value in an exquisite package. Along with exterior style enhancements and added comfort features comes a new Special Edition with an inviting MSRP of just $39,900.

To further enhance the ES 330 driving experience, four option packages are also available, including the Appearance Package, Luxury Package, Premium Luxury Package and the Premium Luxury Package with Navigation. Regardless of which package you choose, the 2005 ES 330 offers exceptional refinement at an attractive price.

Lexus Experience Now Available

Sign-up today for the Lexus Experience. Our email updates will keep you up-to-date on interesting new developments and deliver first-to-know announcements of new vehicles and details on their features and specifications.

To join the Lexus Experience, click here.

RX 330 Now Proudly Built in Canada

The first Lexus ever built outside of Japan rolled off the line at our manufacturing plant in Cambridge, Ontario on September 26. The debut of the Canadian-built RX 330 involved more than three years of intensive preparation and collaboration between the Canadian and Japanese Lexus teams.

Canada is the logical choice to meet Lexus standards of luxury and quality. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC) has a stellar record of uncompromising excellence and has received seven plant quality awards, including four gold, from J.D. Power and Associates. TMMC invested $650 million in upgrades and new construction at the Cambridge plant for dedicated Lexus production.

New Mobility Program

We are pleased to announce the introduction of the Lexus Mobility Program.

Under this new program, physically-challenged customers who purchase or lease a new Lexus vehicle may be eligible to receive up to a $1,000 allowance from Lexus Division to assist with the cost of acquiring and installing adaptive driving aids on their vehicle. This allowance is in addition to any consumer incentives that may be available from Lexus at the time of delivery.