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In this issue, we’ll be taking a look back at 2006 and giving you an exclusive glimpse at what you can expect in 2007 (hint: think hybrid). But first, here’s a recap of all the Lexus vehicles that have made their way into the showroom this year:
In April, we released the dramatically redesigned ES which offered an array of new features, such as an available panorama glass roof. Next was the long-awaited GS Hybrid, proving that high performance and fuel efficiency could indeed coexist. September brought us the SC Pebble Beach [1] Special Edition with its bold design and special badging. And then came the highly anticipated LS 460.
In April, we released the dramatically redesigned ES which offered an array of new features, such as an available panorama glass roof. Next was the long-awaited GS Hybrid, proving that high performance and fuel efficiency could indeed coexist. September brought us the SC Pebble Beach [1] Special Edition with its bold design and special badging. And then came the highly anticipated LS 460.
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Released in October 2006, the all-new LS is the first luxury sedan available with an Advanced Parking Guidance System, which allows the LS to take the wheel and virtually park itself [2]. Underneath its shapely hood lies a 4.6-liter, 380-horsepower [3] V8 engine controlled by the world’s first eight-speed automatic transmission. Together they can propel the LS from 0 to 60 in 5.4 seconds [3] [4]—without sacrificing fuel economy.
This new LS is also available in a long-wheelbase model, the LS 460 L, which provides additional room for such available luxuries as a four-zone automatic climate-control system. This system uses infrared sensors to calculate both rear passengers’ body temperatures. It then subtly adjusts the climate in each zone to better match each passenger’s preference.
Looking for a vehicle that offers even more? In 2007, you can look forward to the release of the LS 600h L, the world’s first true hybrid V8 luxury sedan. Equipped with a powerful five-liter gasoline engine and high-output electric-drive motor, the LS 600h L is expected to achieve a total output of over 430 horsepower [3], while still maintaining the combined fuel economy of a mid-size luxury sedan.
This new LS is also available in a long-wheelbase model, the LS 460 L, which provides additional room for such available luxuries as a four-zone automatic climate-control system. This system uses infrared sensors to calculate both rear passengers’ body temperatures. It then subtly adjusts the climate in each zone to better match each passenger’s preference.
Looking for a vehicle that offers even more? In 2007, you can look forward to the release of the LS 600h L, the world’s first true hybrid V8 luxury sedan. Equipped with a powerful five-liter gasoline engine and high-output electric-drive motor, the LS 600h L is expected to achieve a total output of over 430 horsepower [3], while still maintaining the combined fuel economy of a mid-size luxury sedan.
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No doubt, the LS 600h L will be a popular vehicle at next year’s Taste of Lexus event. People seemed to really enjoy themselves this year, dining on gourmet food and driving the latest Lexus models. This was also the second consecutive year Lexus was the official vehicle and sponsor of the U.S. Open tennis championship. And this December, we’ll be bringing you the Champions for Charity golf tournament, one of the longest running, most successful grassroots golf events in the country. For more than 17 years, amateur golfers have competed in local tournaments for the opportunity to play on the prestigious Pebble Beach® [1] course. This December, the tradition continues.
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Still, while we appreciate tradition, we’re always looking for new ways to bring the Lexus experience to you. Which is why we are pleased to announce our participation in Atari’s Test Drive® Unlimited game. Game players will be able to visit a virtual Lexus dealership, get information about the most popular models, then take each vehicle out for a test drive through 1,000 miles of realistic Hawaiian scenery. To learn more about this exhilarating driving simulation, click here.
As you can see, 2006 has been quite an extraordinary year for Lexus, and there are even more announcements to look forward to in 2007. Of course, that kind of news is privileged information: Lexus Pursuit subscribers only.
As you can see, 2006 has been quite an extraordinary year for Lexus, and there are even more announcements to look forward to in 2007. Of course, that kind of news is privileged information: Lexus Pursuit subscribers only.
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Since its inception, how much money has the Champions for Charity golf tournament raised?
a) $100,000
b) Over $95 million c) $150,365.21 d) $4 million
Find the answer here.
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[1] Pebble Beach®, Pebble Beach Resorts®, 17-Mile Drive®, The Lone Cypress®, The Heritage logo and their respective underlying distinctive images are trademarks, service marks, and trade dress of Pebble Beach Company. Used under license. Image: Pebble Beach Golf Links®, 7th hole, © Miller-Brown
[2] The Advanced Parking Guidance System requires driver brake control. Always look around outside the vehicle and use mirrors to confirm clearance.
[3] Ratings achieved using the required premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. If premium fuel is not used, performance will decrease.
[4] Performance figures are for comparison only and were obtained with prototype vehicles by professional drivers using special safety equipment and procedures. Do not attempt.
[7] Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is an electronic system designed to help the driver maintain vehicle control under adverse conditions. It is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Factors including speed, road conditions and driver steering input can all affect whether VDIM will be effective in preventing a loss of control. Please see your Owner’s Manual for further details.
[8] Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is an electronic system designed to help the driver maintain vehicle control under adverse conditions. It is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Factors including speed, road conditions and driver steering input can all affect whether VSC will be effective in preventing a loss of control. Please see your Owner’s Manual for further details.
[12] DAC is designed to help the driver maintain vehicle control and speed on steep downhill descents. It is not a substitute for safe driving judgment and practices. Factors including speed, grade, surface conditions and driver input can all affect whether DAC will be effective in preventing a loss of control. Please see your Owner’s Manual for further details.
©2006 Lexus.
[2] The Advanced Parking Guidance System requires driver brake control. Always look around outside the vehicle and use mirrors to confirm clearance.
[3] Ratings achieved using the required premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. If premium fuel is not used, performance will decrease.
[4] Performance figures are for comparison only and were obtained with prototype vehicles by professional drivers using special safety equipment and procedures. Do not attempt.
[7] Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is an electronic system designed to help the driver maintain vehicle control under adverse conditions. It is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Factors including speed, road conditions and driver steering input can all affect whether VDIM will be effective in preventing a loss of control. Please see your Owner’s Manual for further details.
[8] Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is an electronic system designed to help the driver maintain vehicle control under adverse conditions. It is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Factors including speed, road conditions and driver steering input can all affect whether VSC will be effective in preventing a loss of control. Please see your Owner’s Manual for further details.
[12] DAC is designed to help the driver maintain vehicle control and speed on steep downhill descents. It is not a substitute for safe driving judgment and practices. Factors including speed, grade, surface conditions and driver input can all affect whether DAC will be effective in preventing a loss of control. Please see your Owner’s Manual for further details.
©2006 Lexus.