Lexus’ Stunning LF-LC Wins Prestigious EyesOn Design Award
Lexus showed us a glimpse of the future at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan with the unveiling of the LF-LC concept. The team behind the futuristic looks of the vehicle is none other than Lexus’ Calty design studio in Newport Beach, California. As a formula, the LF-LC Concept is a hybrid 2+2 coupe that aims to provide driving dynamics as cutting-edge and sharp as its headlights — if it were to be built.
More importantly, however, is the design of the vehicle, as it points toward what we can expect from Lexus in the coming years. The bold LF-LC shows off the brand’s new spindle grill look, while the lights the front headlamps are in shapes so original they cannot be mistaken for anything else.
What we do similarities with, however, is the beloved LF-A supercar in the LF-LC’s overall profile. If Lexus were to make an LF-A that seats four, chances are it will be pretty close to looking like this. The interior is very well appointed with rich leather and suede, futuristic seating, intricate stitching, and about half a tree’s worth of wood, with a massive center stack bringing the entire cabin together. It’s so big in fact, that Lexus’ designers were able to fit a touch-sensitive 12.3-inch LCD screen that handles all infotainment, climate control, and navigation responsibilities.
Hopefully this rakish coupe will find a way to showrooms in the not-too-distant future. If it does, Lexus claims that the LF-LC will ”remain within reach for premium buyers.” If the LF-LC were to enter production tomorrow, chances are it would match up somewhere with the BMW 6 Series, or perhaps even the Maserati GranTurismo.
Lexus Continues Bold New Styling Direction At The 2012 NAIAS
In the past year, Lexus has shown glimpses of its bolder, more confident brand direction with new vehicles such as the CT 200h hybrid, LFA supercar and all-new GS sedan. This year’s exhibit at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) will exude excitement as the display highlights Lexus’ latest product offerings, including a breath-taking concept vehicle that is already garnering significant media attention.
Utilizing 14,300 square feet of floor space, the exhibit is divided into distinctive zones, including performance, hybrid and luxury. Overhead sail-like canopies mark the threshold of the exhibit, ushering guests into the “GS Gallery.” The all-new GS has become synonymous with the brand’s redefined image and new evocative styling.
“The 2013 GS has become symbolic of Lexus’ dynamic future,” said Paul Rohovsky, National Manager – Lexus Engagement Marketing. “The GS 350, along with its hybrid variant, the GS 450h, and optional F Sport package, play a vital role in conveying the boldness that customers can expect to see from Lexus moving forward.”
Further proof of the brand’s evolving design direction will be found in the LF-LC sport coupe, a concept vehicle making its worldwide debut on Jan. 9 at NAIAS. Crafted by Toyota’s Calty design studio in Newport Beach, Calif., the LF-LC’s clean lines emphasize motion, creating a distinctive look for this futuristic vehicle. Within the exhibit, a special pavilion, featuring an immersive theatre experience, has been created specifically for the LF-LC.
Lexus’ 552-horsepower LFA will be located at the heart of the exhibit, spearheading the performance zone. The LFA is a platform that demonstrates Lexus innovation and use of advanced materials and processes that are challenging conventional thinking in every detail of automotive design and production.
Another vehicle making its worldwide debut in Detroit is the updated 2013 Lexus LX full-size sport utility vehicle, due out later this year. The LX has earned the distinction of being amongst the best vehicles in its class since its introduction more than 15 years ago. This venerable vehicle will be flanked by other popular SUVs in the Lexus lineup, the RX and GX.
Interactivity was instrumental in the creation of this year’s exhibit as evidenced by an area dubbed “Engineering Amazing.” This gallery has several interactive displays that illustrate Lexus’ endless pursuit of perfection though engineering expertise and craftsmanship.
Toyota, Lexus, and Scion Vehicles Earned Top Safety Pick Awards for 2012
Is the safety of a vehicle a major consideration in your next purchase? Then you will be happy to know that fifteen Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick awards. The 15 models chosen between Toyota, Lexus, and Scion, are more than any other automaker!
Commenting on today’s announcement, Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., said, “Safety is a core value that dates back to the foundation of our company. IIHS’ awards further recognize our commitment to helping protect drivers and passengers.
The 2012 model year winners are
For Toyota: Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Prius, Prius v, Sienna, Tundra Crew Cab, Venza, and Yaris
For Lexus: CT 200h and RX
For Scion: tC, xB, and xD
According to the IIHS, Top Safety Pick awards recognize vehicles that do the best job of protecting
people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on ratings in IIHS tests.
The IIHS Top Safety Pick award is the private sector’s counterpart to the government’s own five star rating systems for vehicle safety conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Over recent years it has been difficult for automakers to ace both tests. Today’s announcement shows they are improving safety.
First Look At The All New 2013 Lexus GS
When Lexus first brought the GS to market it was targeted as the “sporty sedan” where the LS was the “luxury sedan”, but somewhere along road, the GS became soft, and the idea of it be comparable to a BMW 5 Series was tossed aside. With the latest iteration of the GS, Lexus are looking to change that conversation.
Right off the bat, Lexus are saying that they had the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class directly in their crosshairs as they developed the new GS. A part of going after the Germans with the GS is the debut of the new Lexus design language in the front end. Like it, love it, or hate it, get used to it, because this IS the new face of Lexus.
Part of philosophy with the new GS was set forth by Akio Toyoda himself when he said this car must have emotion in the styling, and emotion in the driving. He wanted the car to be able to stand out, and stand on it’s own, not just blend into the background. It is this point of view which Lexus believe that they will be able to achieve a 50% conquest rate with new buyers to the Lexus GS.
There will be three distinct versions of the GS, a Luxury, a Hybrid, and the F-Sport. We will focus on the Hybrid first. The idea with the Hybrid was more a focus on “Performance Hybrid” rather than “Economy Hybrid”. Think of the Hybrid as a V8 replacement, rather than say the CT200h which is focused on economy. The Hybrid is also the only GS model that will have LED headlamps available.
The Luxury level is firmly targeted at the E-Class Mercedes. The ride is tuned a little softer, there will be a special leather used, a three zone climate control system (two front, one back), 18 way power adjust seats and the driving dynamics are focused on a well controlled ride, rather than a “plush” ride.
The F-Sport is exactly what you’d think it would be. It is going after the 5 Series BMW and M-Sport trimmed 5 Series (not M5) with is multi level suspension settings, active rear steering, and electronic engine and steering controls that greatly sharpen everything when you go into Sport and Sport+ modes.
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Join LAcarGUY At The AltCar Expo Friday And Saturday
Join LAcarGUY at the 6th Annual AltCar Expo & Conference Friday September 30th and Saturday October 1st from 10am until 5pm at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.
This event provides one of the most extensive presentations of Alternative technology vehicles and transportation, infrastructure, renewable energies, energy efficiency and urban planning found worldwide.
There will also be world renowned experts speaking to consumers and professionals about what is possible in todays world and the differences we all can make.
LAcarGUY will be out in force, we will have Volkswagen Santa Monica bringing the Golf TDI, Touareg TDI and the all new 2012 Passat TDI, Lexus Santa Monica will be bringing the Lexus HS 250h and the CT 200h, Toyota Santa Monica is bringing two Prius Hybrid and 5 Prius plug-ins for the ride and drive as well as the 2012 Camry and 2012 Rav 4 and Rav EV on Display. Fisker Santa Monica will have a booth with the Karma on display.
Admission is free, we hope to see you there.
LAcarGUY Shows Its Support of Sustainable Works in More Ways Than One
LAcarGUY has shows its support of Sustainable Works is through participation in the annual fundraising event. For the past two years, Lexus Santa Monica has been a title sponsor for this event. For the event this year, we are donating the use of the gorgeous Lexus Showroom. Tickets are on sale now! General: $75 in Advance, $90 at the Door, Member: $60 in Advance, $75 at the Door and Students: $30 in Advance, $45 at the Door. At the silent auction, participants can bid on experiential items such as Marina Del Rey parasailing, Segway LA rentals, and Trapeze School New York training.
The event will also feature Toyota and Lexus’ current line up of 5 hybrid vehicles including the new sporty 2012 Lexus CT 200h. We also encourage you to be part of our Driving Green program. Purchase a hybrid from our LAcarGUY.com/green/driving-green sight and we will donate $100 to a local charity selected by you.
As part of LAcarGUY’s continued commitment to the environment, Lexus Santa Monica recently completed Sustainable Work’s recognized Business Greening Program. The goal of the program was the increase the dealership’s resource efficiency, reduce waste and improve the “green” bottom line.
Working together with Sustainable Works, who provided on-site assessment, substantial resources, and employee education over a 2-month period, Lexus Santa Monica was able to achieve the following significant results:
*Eco-procurement increase 100%
*Energy reduction 8%
*Waste reduction 50%
*Toxic chemical cleaning reduction 56%
The steps taken to complete the Business Greening Program included simple strategies like eliminating Styrofoam cups and plates in the staff room, to the more complex like reducing the number of toxic chemicals used in cleaning products from nine to four. Other measures included:
*Purchased 100% Post Consumer Recycled paper and notepads
*Switched to FSC certified paper towels
*Added a new Energy Star dishwasher to the employee break room
*Increase the number and variety of recycling bins throughout the dealership to separate cans, glass, mixed paper, plastic and cardboard
*Provided separate containers for batteries, CFLs, and other electronics containing hazardous materials
*Implemented the use of “Certified Green” hand soaps, glass cleaner, and multi-purpose cleaners
LAcarGUY strongly believes that these initiatives go farther beyond simply greening a business. The hope is to increase awareness that even small changes can improve the health of employees, the community, and the planet.
Stop by Lexus Santa Monica on Thursday, October 6th between 6-11pm and support a great cause.
Lexus Santa Monica Joins In For “Truth Be Told-Stories of Hope, Healing & Courage”
Tickets are now on sale at www.truthbetold2011.org for “Truth Be Told-Stories of Hope, Healing & Courage” — the first fundraising event of its kind benefiting the Premiere Oncology Foundation.
The evening begins with a silent auction with more than 60 items, cocktail reception featuring Justin Timberlake’s 901 Tequila and catering by Citron, art and jewelry boutique. The show, hosted by Emmy Award winner Bradley Whitford of West Wing and The Mentalist fame, will include more than a dozen compelling and inspirational stories told by current patients, survivors, caregivers and health care providers. Musical, theatrical and comedic performances will also be woven throughout the evening. The vignettes will be uplifting, funny and moving. A sampling of those planning to share their stories include cancer survivor and Emmy award-winning comedy writer and comedian Monica Piper, Julie Carruthers, cancer survivor, motivational speaker and one-legged surfer; and performance artist and three-time cancer survivor Jonna Tamases. The evening’s performances also include a wide range of inspirational music from soul, to opera, jazz and even a knockout gospel choir.
Located in Santa Monica, the Premiere Oncology Foundation is a research and treatment center founded in 2004 by Dr. Lee Rosen, a world-renowned researcher and medical oncologist. Rosen sees this as “a poignant way to honor those who have fought and continue to fight with such courage” and notes “I am often asked how I cope daily with the lives and treatment of cancer patients and I feel the answer lies in these inspiring stories. It’s now time to share them.”
The gala will begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17th at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica, located at 1310 11th Street. Parking is free.
The silent auction will feature one-of-a-kind items including a brand new Lexus from Lexus of Santa Monica, tickets to the 2012 Masters Final Round, a taping of 2 ½ Men on the Warner Brothers lot, Fighter Pilot For A Day, Astronaut For A Day, fun vacation getaways as local as Santa Monica and as far as New York and New Orleans, Indy Car Driver for A Day, golf at Pebble Beach, dinner for two at many of the best Santa Monica and West LA eateries and much more.
General Admission tickets cost $150 and reserved seating is $300. Proceeds from this event will make a difference in the lives of cancer patients through supportive services, integrative medicine, education and oncology research. To purchase tickets and get additional information, visit www.truthbetold2011.org or call 800-595-4849 to purchase your tickets by phone. For more information about the Premiere Oncology Foundation visit http://www.premiereoncology.com.
Lexus Santa Monica Unveils All-New Lexus CT 200h
More than 300 exclusive guests attended the launch of the all-new Lexus CT 200h premium compact Hybrid yesterday at Lexus Santa Monica—the first dedicated Hybrid vehicle in the premium compact segment and the most affordable of the Lexus Hybrid fleet.
Drivers had the opportunity to step behind the wheel of the new sporty, cleanest luxury model, while noshing on tray passed hors d’oeuvres, a make-your-own chinese chicken salad and taco station, and beverages courtesy of HOPE Wine, VeeV Acai Liquer and O.N.E. Coconut Water. Ninety percent of the waste from the sustainable event was diverted from the landfill with the help of composting and recycling stations. All service wares and utensils were plant-based and composted after use, with Sustainable Works on hand to educate guests on reducing their waste. Exhale Spa at the Fairmont Miramar also treated ladies to complimentary manicures at their pop-up salon, with live music by DJ Mateo.
To wrap up the evening, Lexus representatives presented Lexus Santa Monica with the coveted Hybrid Sales Leadership award, which recognizes the number one Hybrid dealer in the country. This is the second consecutive year the dealership has been honored with the award. In 2010 alone, Lexus Santa Monica sold more than 560 hybrids helping push Los Angeles toward cleaner fuels.
Lexus HS250h Reception with Mike Sullivan
The Cultural Diplomat interviews Mike Sullivan on the Lexus HS250h at Lexus Santa Monica.
Visit us at http://www.lexussantamonica.com
Lexus Santa Monica named #1 Lexus Hybrid dealer in the nation
We are very proud to announced that our Lexus Santa Monica sold more hybrids then any other dealer in the country in 2009. 1 out of every 5 cars we sold was a hybrid!
To celebrate this accomplishment, Lexus’ corporate staff catered a lunch for the entire sales staff in our beautiful showroom. They even did shots with us… Wheat grass shots that is. Before the award presentation from Steve Hearne, Mike Sullivan thanked his team and talked about the importance of continuing to be the leader in green sales and internal green initiatives.
Here are quotes from Steve Hearne and Mike:
“Lexus is proud to recognize Lexus Santa Monica as the world’s top Hybrid sales dealership in 2009. Lexus Santa Monica and the LAcarGUY organization lead the automobile industry by not only increasing the hybrid footprint on the road but also through their business choices motivated by their commitment to the environment. Partnering with organizations focused on sustainability, recycling, and reducing waste, the team at Lexus Santa Monica supports a long lasting positive impact on the world. Lexus appreciates the leadership, impact and social responsibility of Lexus Santa Monica.”
LAcarGUY owner, Mike Sullivan, on being the Hybrid leader, “We are pleased, and proud of our leadership position. Being engaged in helping the environment is a full, very real commitment. Whether it is training my team of employees, solar paneling my home, or active involvement with various local environmental groups we work with(I’d remove these blue words), we try to genuinely walk the walk. Being the hybrid and clean diesel leader, is a nice reward.”
Pictures and video are below. Be sure to check out our line of sexy hybrids and find out why we are #1 in the country.
Mike Sullivan discusses being on cutting edge of green technologies and the importance of being a good corporate citizen
Event Photos
