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.
Santa Is Coming To LAcarGUY And He Want’s To Have Breakfast With You!
You know the holiday season is here when Santa schedules his visits to the LAcarGUY Family of dealerships. Just like last year Santa will be stopping in to many of the LAcarGUY stores and the question as always is, who has more fun getting their pictures will Jolly St. Nick, the kids, or the adults!
Santa will be stopping in from 9AM until noon, and we will have breakfast for everyone too!
Dates:
Pacific Volkswagen December 10th
Pacific Audi December 10th
Volkswagen Santa Monica December 17th
Lexus Santa Monica December 17th
Toyota Santa Monica December 17th
Toyota of Hollywood December 17th
Mike Sullivan Explains Why Fisker Santa Monica Is His Recycled Dealership
Rather than build an entire new building for our new Fisker Santa Monica store, we took an existing building that was our former Lexus Santa Monica store, remodeled it to be as green as we can be, and will be selling the first truly Eco-conscious luxury car, the Fisker Karma.
Let’s let Mike Sullivan tell you all about it.
The Frankfurt Motor Show Introduces the All-New 2013 Lexus GS 450h
As a leader in hybrid technology, Lexus reinforces its commitment to furthering the technology with the all-new 2013 GS 450h. When it was first introduced in 2007, the GS 450h was the first hybrid-powered luxury sport sedan to hit the market. Today, it is the world’s first premium performance sedan to be equipped with a V6 Atkinson cycle gas engine and two-motor hybrid system, in a front engine-rear wheel drive vehicle.
Equipped with a second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system, GS 450h engineers have aimed for reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, while providing exhilarating performance. As with all Lexus hybrid vehicles, the new GS 450h is a full hybrid capable of operating the gas-only or electric-only modes, as well as a combination of both.
“The all-new GS 450h will provide our customers with an exciting blend of performance and precision in a new hybrid package,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager in the U.S. “With its dynamic exterior styling, roomy interior and advanced technology features, the GS 450h further demonstrates Lexus’ mastery of the luxury hybrid.”
With total system output of 338 hp, acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds is effortless. Conversely, fuel consumption is expected to be improved by more than 30 percent. The GS 450h is targeting certification as a Super-Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (SULEV II). The new GS hybrid also features a Drive Mode selector. In addition to the Normal mode, the driver is able to customize the driving experience using Eco, Sport S, Sport S+ and EV modes.
A newly redesigned suspension system guides the 2013 GS through corners with precision. The standard 17-inch alloy wheels are paired with 225/50R7 tires while the optional 18-inch alloy wheels are equipped with 235/45R18 tires. The Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB) system characteristics have been modified to provide greater responsiveness from the first touch of the pedal. Improvements in driving dynamics are accomplished through such advanced technologies as Active Variable Suspension (AVS) and Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS). Other cutting-edge systems available on the GS 450h include the Lexus Dynamic Handling System which integrates AVS, DRS, variable gear-ratio steering and the latest iteration of Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management. Also offered are an advanced pre-crash safety system, Lane-Keep Assist (LKA), blind-spot monitor, Lexus’ Night View system and a head-up display.
On the outside, the 2013 GS expresses a new generation of Lexus’ design philosophy with its precisely sculpted exterior and will lead the rest of the lineup in an entirely new direction. Exclusive to the hybrid model is a unique three-lamp design that aligns the turn signal and Lexus-first high and low beam LED lamps in a single horizontal row. In addition, the rear bumper covers the exhaust pipe apertures. The GS 450h can also be distinguished by Lexus’ signature blue hybrid badging.
On the inside, this hybrid will share the same luxuries and technologies as its gas counterpart, including next generation Remote Touch; analog clock with LED indicators, carved from an ingot; and a new energy-saving auto climate control system called S-Flow that focuses airflow only to the front area where passengers are actually seated. A few notable differences include a bamboo-finished steering wheel, which reinforces the sustainability of the GS 450h, and the hybrid monitor.
“There is no other mid-luxury hybrid like the new GS 450h,” said Templin. “The handling, acceleration, and design of this Lexus hybrid are impeccable. We can’t wait for customers to drive one.”
Make sure that you follow us on Facebook and Twitter so that you know when the all new GS arrives in our showroom!
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.
Silent Auction: In Support of the Premiere Oncology Foundation
On Saturday, September 17th starting at 7pm, Lexus Santa Monica is honored to be part of the silent auction to be held in benefit of the Premier Oncology Foundation. The spirit of the event is THE TRUTH BE TOLD – Stories of Hope, Healing & Courage Benefit for Cancer Research. The auction will feature a new 2011 Lexus and the entire event will be held at the Broad Stage, 1310 11th Street, Santa Monica, California, 90401. For tickets visit Premiereoncology.org or call (800) 595-4849 (4TIX).
The new Lexus will be offered on a “Special One-Pay lease Program” and the starting bid, which is to be announced, includes a donation to the auction. Any additional funds raised by the auction, which will be in incremental bids of $250, will also be redirected to Premier Oncology Research Foundation as a charitable donation by Lexus Santa Monica or the bidding winner. These figures are based on an Approved Tier One Credit Score of 720+, 24 months, and 15,000 miles per year. Final selection, terms, color, and equipment will be at the winner’s discretion.
The Premiere Oncology Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the care of patients and caregivers through psychosocial support, research, education, and integrative medicine. In additional to attending the event and participating in the silent auction, there are three ways to donate: online by visiting www.premiereoncology.org, by phone using your credit card at 310.570.1474 or by mail by sending a check to the Premier Oncology Foundation, 2020 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 600, Santa Monica, CA 90404.
Please contact Neal Greene of Lexus Santa Monica at 310.453.9900 if you have any further questions or would like more information.
LAcarGUY Sponsors the Santa Monica Pier Twilight Dance Series
For the ninth consecutive year, LAcarGUY will be sponsoring the Twilight Dance Series, a production of the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation, will again present ten free concerts on the deck of the Santa Monica Pier this year, beginning July 7, 2011. The concert will feature high-profile artists from all over the world, every Thursday night from 7 pm to 10 pm, bringing Southern California a treasured weekly live music experience.
Each Thursday night, this highly-attended concert series will showcase a different musical theme: The SaMo Mambo: Salsa, ‘80s Pop, Australia Rocks the Pier!, Reggae/Ska, La Monica Ballroom Then & Now, Making Waves: A Night of Surf Guitar, Tango on the Timbers, Americana, and New Orleans Funk and Blues. The Twilight Dance Series is co-produced by Los Angeles-based Rum & Humble, known for presenting both established and homegrown talent in venues such as the Hollywood Bowl and Greek Theatre.
LAcarGUY is a presenting sponsor so come by to see us on stage and visit our booth in the concert area. Teams from our various dealerships will be present on different days and each will be bringing a special vehicle for you to checkout.
Visit us for your chance to win an iPad.
July 14: Lexus Santa Monica
Come by and checkout one of our Lexus vehicles.
July 28: Volkswagen Santa Monica
Come by and checkout the 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
August 4: Toyota Santa Monica
Come by and checkout one of our hybrid vehicles.
August 11: Lexus of Santa Monica
Come by and checkout one of our Lexus vehicles.
September 1: LAcarGUY team and Volkswagen of Santa Monica
Come by to see us on stage and checkout the 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Contact us if you have any question and check out the event website for further details. See you then!
Toyota Opens First Pipeline-Fed Hydrogen Station in North America
Toyota achieved a milestone today with the opening of the first hydrogen fueling station in the U.S. fed directly from an active industrial hydrogen pipeline. The station is the result of lengthy collaboration between Toyota, Air Products, Shell, South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and the Department of Energy (DOE).
The station is located next to TMS sales and marketing headquarters and as landowners, Toyota leases the land to Shell for a nominal fee. As station owner/provider, Shell works directly with Air Products who provides onsite equipment and station management. The pipeline gas also is provided by Air Products from its plants in Wilmington and Carson, Calif. SCAQMD and DOE provided project funding assistance.
“This is the first time Shell has worked closely with a vehicle manufacturer to develop a demonstration station,” said Julian Evison, general manager of operations for Shell alternative energies. “The industry has made good technical progress, but cooperation is a necessity for hydrogen to achieve its commercial potential as a road transport fuel.”
The facility will provide hydrogen for the Toyota fuel cell hybrid demonstration program vehicles as well as other manufacturers’ fuel cell vehicle fleets in the Los Angeles area. “Building an extensive hydrogen re-fueling infrastructure is a critical step in the successful market launch of fuel cell vehicles,” said Chris Hostetter, group vice president, product and strategic planning, TMS. “We plan to bring a fuel cell vehicle to market in 2015, or sooner, and the infrastructure must be in place to support our customers’ needs.”
Air Products also worked in collaboration with Toyota and other fuel cell vehicle manufacturers to develop the Hydrogen Vehicle Authorization System (HVAS), which is another industry first and unique to the Torrance station. The HVAS wireless vehicle recognition system allows station-to-vehicle recognition to facilitate quick and convenient fueling for customers.
Toyota’s fuel cell hybrid vehicle fleet has logged several million miles since hitting the road in 2002. The first generation fuel cell hybrid vehicles (FCHV) estimated range was 130 miles. In 2009, the latest generation vehicle, Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle – Advanced (FSHV-adv), achieved an estimated range of 431 miles on a single fill of hydrogen. In addition to fuel cell stack efficiency and range improvements, durability and cold temperature performance have greatly improved along with significant reductions in manufacturing and materials costs. Toyota’s current FCHV-adv nationwide demonstration program is placing more than 100 vehicles with demonstration partners by 2013, providing one of the largest fleets of active fuel cell vehicles in the country. The primary goal of the demonstration program is to spur infrastructure development prior to fuel cell vehicle market introduction in 2015. Successful infrastructure development will require collaborative efforts between manufacturers, government regulators, and business, similar to the current partnerships formed to open the Torrence Shell hydrogen demo station.
