A New Kind of Conscientious Luxury is On the Way
In the past year, Lexus has presented us with some very impressive proof that the modern luxury vehicle is anything but ordinary or
typical. Look no further than the latest models for 2006 to get a glimpse of the inner workings of some of Japan's finest creations. Toyota has officially sanctioned Lexus as global brand, to be recognized worldwide in its own merit. No longer will we be seeing Altezzas, Aristos and Harriers re-branded with L-badges. The world - even in its home market of Japan - now sees Lexus as Lexus.
Part of what makes Lexus so unique in a sea of luxury vehicles is the company's dedication to hybrid powertrain vehicles and environmentally friendly performance. Educated by parent company and global hybrid powertrain-maker Toyota, Lexus presented the world with the RX 400h, a remarkable hybrid sport utility vehicle which earned Lexus
a number of 'World Firsts' including the titles of world's first luxury hybrid vehicle, the world's first six cylinder vehicle and the world's first performance hybrid.
With such formidable success, Lexus will be spreading its hybrid know-how to the premium luxury car segment next year, fitted into the middle-of-the-range GS sedan. Already, the conventionally powered GS has been a sales hit. Considered to be the first true Lexus, or the first Lexus designed and built for global consumption, as well as the first vehicle to integrate the luxury marque's new L-Finesse design language in production trim, it's also a technological showcase, featuring, for the first time in a Lexus, AWD, VGRS variable steering, the highly advanced VVTi and D4-S-enhanced powerplants, and sporting a whole host of unexpected amenities and advanced technologies. Come early next year, the GS range, which currently includes the V6-powered 300 RWD, 300 AWD, and V8-poweerd 430, will be joined by the 450h hybrid.
In the past year, Lexus has presented us with some very impressive proof that the modern luxury vehicle is anything but ordinary or
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| Look no further than the latest models for 2006 to get a glimpse of the inner workings of some of Japan's finest creations. (Photo: Lexus Canada) |
Part of what makes Lexus so unique in a sea of luxury vehicles is the company's dedication to hybrid powertrain vehicles and environmentally friendly performance. Educated by parent company and global hybrid powertrain-maker Toyota, Lexus presented the world with the RX 400h, a remarkable hybrid sport utility vehicle which earned Lexus
 |
| With such formidable success, Lexus will be spreading its hybrid know-how to the premium luxury car segment next year, fitted into the middle-of-the-range GS sedan. (Photo: Lexus Canada) |
With such formidable success, Lexus will be spreading its hybrid know-how to the premium luxury car segment next year, fitted into the middle-of-the-range GS sedan. Already, the conventionally powered GS has been a sales hit. Considered to be the first true Lexus, or the first Lexus designed and built for global consumption, as well as the first vehicle to integrate the luxury marque's new L-Finesse design language in production trim, it's also a technological showcase, featuring, for the first time in a Lexus, AWD, VGRS variable steering, the highly advanced VVTi and D4-S-enhanced powerplants, and sporting a whole host of unexpected amenities and advanced technologies. Come early next year, the GS range, which currently includes the V6-powered 300 RWD, 300 AWD, and V8-poweerd 430, will be joined by the 450h hybrid.