Ultimate Drag Race

Have you ever wondered what would happen if someone pitted a drag race between a BMW 1-Series M, a Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca, a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, a Chevy Corvette Z06, a Ferrari 458 Italia, a Nissan GT-R, an Audi R8 GT, a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, a Lexus LFA, a Porsche Cayman R, and a Lotus Evora S? Of course you have. And so apparently has Motor Trend because they actually had the pull to make it happen.

All 11 vehicles are definitely among the best of the best in terms of performance vehicles that are currently made. With that said, they all excel at different things. For instance, there’s no question that the 1-series M is going to lose to the 458 Italia. So, why bother doing it? Because each one of us has a 5 year old boy in us that’s why. Without giving too much away, it’s clear that Motor Trend arranged the obvious front runners to be in the middle of the starting line and then worked backwards. The result is a spectacular flying ‘V’ made up of American, Japanese and European brilliance. The symphonic notes coming from each of the exhausts comes together exquisitely.

Click the above video to see it all unfold.

[Youtube]

Oh Hi: 2013 Lexus GS 350

Say hello to the 2013 GS 350. With new iterations of the BMW 5-series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6 and Infiniti M, you knew it was only a matter of time before Lexus decided to fully reveal its new mid-size sport sedan.

The new GS 350 gets a 3.5 litre V6 making 306 horsepower and 277 pound feet of torque mated to a six speed sequential automatic. Lexus says the new GS will make the sprint to 100 in 5.7 seconds and it will only use up 3 seconds from 48 km/h to 80 km/h. The drivetrain remains rear wheel drive with a 50/50 power split all-wheel drive system being optional.

The new front facia is, according to Lexus, called a “spindle grille” and the design will find itself on all new Lexus models down the line in the next few years. The rear design is a bit more tame while the side profile emmulates Lexus’s flagship, the LS. Looks like Lexus is trying hard to keep brand identification to the forefront like BMW and Audi.

What do you think of the new GS? Do you think it will take a bite out of BMW, Benz, and Audi sales?

Hit the jump for a few more pics.

[Lexus]

Read the rest of this entry »

Lexus to Build Compact SUV Hybrid

This is not entirely shocking but interesting nonetheless.

Lexus is reportedly planning on making a smaller version of the RX SUV (pictured above) to compete with the likes of the BMW X3 and Audi Q3. But just like the CT 200h, which is meant to take on the BMW 1-series and Audi A3, it will be hybrid only. It’s an interesting move considering the offerings from both BMW and Audi in both segments are largely more performance oriented. This would seem to suggest that Lexus wishes to compete in the same segment, yet with something completely unique.

The new baby Lexus ‘ute, to be called the CX 300h, will be based on the Toyota RAV4 and is likely to use the same hybrid set up that the Toyota Camry Hybrid uses which is a 2.4 four litre with output rated at 187 horses.

Details beyond that are a bit scarce at the moment but expect the CX 300h to take a more luxurious route rather than a more sporting route like the offerings from BMW and Audi.

I came away quite impressed with my recent test of the X1 and would wager that it could be hard to beat, even value-wise, but we’ll see what Lexus can come up with.

One issue I can forsee being a problem is there being canabalization of CT 200h sales. The CT 200h and the CX 300h are expected to be around the same size, both with fuel efficiency in mind. The “300″ nomencalture of the CX would suggest it will be more powerful, but that raised ride height would likely mean better handling from the CT 200h.

This begs the question: which would you choose? A CT 200h or a small SUV version?

[Auto 123]

Audi Uses Supply Woes to Jab Its Competition

If you haven’t heard, Audi is taken a bit of heat for not being able to build and supply vehicles to meet demand. Basically customers are asked to wait anywhere from six to eight months if they choose to order rather than buy an Audi off the lot. With that said, Audi is fully aware of the problem and has even gone to some pretty generous lengths to keep customers satisfied and from canceling orders.

However, Audi being Audi, they couldn’t resist taking the opportunity to use their slight misfortune to playfully jab the competition. In a new commercial we see an owner of a BMW 3-series spot a truck full of brand spanking new Audis. Seemingly, said owner has already ordered an Audi and was patiently waiting for it arrive for months until he saw the truck and decided to take things into his own hands.

In addition, Audi then ends the commercial stating that more and more BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus drivers are jumping to Audi than ever before.

This commercial is just the latest in a long lasting friendly feud between Audi and BMW, and to a lesser extent Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. Click here to check it out.

What do you think of Audi’s commercial?

[You Tube]

Lexus to Produce Hotter Version of CT200h?

The CT200h is Lexus’ first shot into the compact luxury market aimed at taking sales away from the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz B-Class and Volvo C30. It certainly looks the part, but under the hood is a different story. The hybrid set up produces a mere 134 horsepower. Granted its main advantage over the competition is efficiency, but I’m sure the Audi A3 TDI would have something to say about that.

So, Lexus is now toying with the idea of bringing in a hotter version dubbed the CT300h. There are no specific details yet other than the both the gas and electic motors will make much more juice.

 Also Lexus plans on introducing two new models into their lineup. A small CUV is expected along with a seven passenger SUV.

 Lexus hopes that expanding the lineup will generate more traffic (excuse the pun) to its showroom and hopes to lure BMW and Audi loyalists to the brand. One of the first steps in doing that is offering new colour choices, refreshed interiors along with a very competitive option list.

[The Age]

Still On Top: Mercedes-Benz S-Class Outsells Competitors Last Month

Despite the fact that it’s now a six year old design, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is still outselling its rivals in Canada – at least according to February 2011 sales.

Audi is probably none too pleased that its recent jab at the S-Class is apparently not working to boost the newly redesigned A8′s sales.

Meanwhile, BMW doesn’t have a whole lot to be upset about as the 7-series was the second best selling full-sized luxury car last month in Canada and was the best selling unit in its class in the United States last month.

Hyundai’s venture into this very competitive market also turned out to be decent, but decent is relative. They only sold eight Equus sedans, but that’s double of what they sold the month before.

Here are the number of units sold in Canada in February 2011:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (includes CL sales): 38

BMW 7-series: 21

Audi A8: 13

Jaguar XJ: 11

Lexus LS: 10

Hyundai Equus: 8

[Auto News Data Center]

Want Another Reason to Hate Paris Hilton?

Well here it is. Paris Hilton is now an owner of a Lexus LF-A.

Yeah.

I’ll give you a minute to deal with the rage and jealousy you’re undoubtedly feeling right now before I continue.

Feeling better yet? No? Need another few seconds? Sure.

Okay, are you good now? Cool. So Paris actually got the LF-A as a birthday present from her boyfriend. And that is the actual LF-A pictured above. The upside is, it doesn’t look great in yellow, so um, take that Paris!

Also, is giving a supercar to a person who is known for having a DUI, multiple speeding tickets and accidents really a good idea?

Lexus CT 200h Will Start At $30,950

Lexus actually names the Audi A3, the Mercedes-Benz B-Series, the Volvo C30 and the BMW 1-series as the CT 200h’s main competitors. In my opinion, the only one on that list is actually comparable is the Audi A3 and even then only with the TDI engine. They’re both 5 door premium hatchbacks built for efficiency.

And now it has even less in common with those players as the price is significantly cheaper than all of them and on par with the C30. It will start at $30,950.

So since the A3 TDI is the most comparable vehicle, let’s see how they stack up.

The A3 TDI starts at around $35,000 so it’s about 4 grand more. But it gets better efficiency on the highway than the CT 200h, 4.6 L/100 kms and 4.8 L/100 kms respectively. But the CT 200h beats the A3 TDI with its city rating at 4.5 L/100 kms. The A3 gets a still respectable 6.7 in the city.

How the CT 200h drives remains to be seen, but the A3 sets the bar quite high as it is, even though it suffers from under steer as I found out in a test drive.

Which would you take?

[Lexus Canada]

Toyota Canada Issues Stop Sale On Lexus HS 250h

Toyota isn’t effing around anymore, are they?

Toyota Canada has quickly issued a stop sale on the Lexus HS 250h due to fire risk concerns. Apparently if a rear collision is severe enough, excessive amounts of fuel can spill out causing a risk of fire, or even an explosion.

Toyota said in a press release:

“As part of its annual compliance testing program, the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently conducted a test of the
2010 model year HS 250h. The test involved striking the vehicle with a
deformable barrier from the rear at approximately 80 km/h. The vehicle
is struck by a moving deformable barrier with a 70 per cent overlap. As
part of the test, the vehicle was then rotated on its longitudinal axis
incrementally to each successive increment of 90 degrees. During the
rotation, the vehicle exhibited fuel spillage that exceeded the
requirement in the standard.”

That’s all fine and good, but what is the solution Toyota? They have no idea. Until they can think of something, no new 2010 HS 250h’s will be delivered or sold to the public.

Better get on a solution soon, Toyota.

[Toyota Canada]

BREAKING: Toyota’s Chief Test Driver Dies During LFA Testing*

Autoblog is reporting that Toyota’s chief test driver has died in a head on collision near the Nurburgring.

Although there has been no name released, Toyota’s chief test driver is Hiromu Naruse. Naruse also serves as Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda’s personal driver.

Naruse was out testing the Lexus LFA – Nurburgring Edition when he apparently veered into an oncoming BMW. There were two people in the BMW, both test drivers themselves. One has sustained life-threatening injuries and the other is in critical condition.

Condolences to the families of those involved in the crash.

*UPDATE: Toyota has released a statement regarding this incedent. Read it after the jump.

[Autoblog]

Read the rest of this entry »

Audi Plays the Stereotype Game With…Everyone

Audi and BMW have long been German rivals as they have both taken pretty funny shots and jabs at each other from time to time. This time, Audi has decided to take a few additional shots at two other rivals: Mercedes-Benz and Lexus.

The 3 minute spot is called “Meet the Beckers” and although it’s an oldie, it’s a goodie. The whole point of the spot is that Audi is for normal people and its rivals are for walking stereotypes.

First Audi naturally takes aim at BMW. We see a blue E46 M3 convertible speeding down the road. It is driven by a stereotypical (in Audi’s mind anyway) BMW driver which is a douchebag wearing a blutooth headset, blasting European techno music with a rather dim witted female in the passenger seat. Driving very aggressively, they catch up to a slow moving Toyota Prius which angers the BMW driver so he lays on the horn, passes on the right, cuts off the Prius without signalling all while giving the Prius driver the middle finger. Basically Audi is showcasing the stereotype that BMW drivers are inconsiderate, aggressive driving pricks who show off to girls and blast loud questionable European techno.

Then Audi picks on Mercedes owners where we see an old man who is obviously not with the times and seemingly has lots of money. He has a gold digging wife much younger than he and has trouble operating all the gadgets and gizmos in the Benz as he leaves his parking spot with the wipers on and the right turn signal on…as he turns left. We also see them splash puddle water into a homeless man begging for money as they make a turn. So basically Audi’s stereotype in this case is that all Mercedes-Benz owners are old rich white guys who have young trophy wives and don’t know how to operate their cars (insinuating they only have a Benz for the badge).

Then Audi turns its eye to Lexus owners as we see a preppy family who seemingly is happy, normal and wholesome, but really they are a bunch of freaks. The daughters aren’t quite what you’d call normal with a gothic heavy metal tendency. Meanwhile the father is clearly a neurotic nerd who may or may not be a hypochondriac. So basically Audi sees Lexus owners as boring, nerdy people who are freaks deep down inside.

Of course, Audi sees their drivers as completely normal level headed people.

Do you think all the stereotypes are accurate? Check out the video above and sound off in the comments.

Lexus LS 460 & LS 600h On Stop Sale Probation

Yup, another Toyota recall.

This time the automaker’s luxury flagship is causing the headaches. The LS 460 and the LS 600h have been issued a stop sale from Toyota due to electric steering problems.

Apparently when making a turn in the LS, the wheel does not return to its original position quickly enough after the turn is made. Obviously this could cause a few problems.

Toyota has already addressed the issue for all new LS’s rolling off the assembly line in Japan, but existing LS’s unsold on dealer lots are not to be sold until the repair needed to fix the problem is completed.

The LS joins the HS 250h and the GX 460 for brand’s latest recalled vehicles.

Shocker: Lexus GX Recalled

Obviously it was going to happen, it was just a question of when. We predicted very soon and we were right. Just five days after Consumer Reports declared the Lexus GX as being unsafe and recommending not buying it, Toyota has officially made the call. The re-call that is.

Seriously though, 9,400 GX 460′s have been recalled and we’re shocked that Toyota even sold that many. This is a relief for current GX owners who will now have a brand new stability control system installed to ensure no over steer or rollovers.

Toyota Admits Worrying Problem With The Lexus GX 460

We reported a few posts down that the slow selling Lexus GX 460 will be doing even more poorly in sales, as in no sales at all, due to an immediate stop sale from Toyota. This was because Consumer Reports found an extremely dangerous problem with the GX’s traction control system.

In aggressive or emergency driving situations, it seems the traction control doesn’t really kick in when it’s supposed to and as a result the GX suffers from tremendous over steer. In fact, due to this issue, if the GX over steered into a curb, or a gavel shoulder, it’s very likely that the GX would roll over. Consumer Reports gave the GX 460 a very rare “Don’t Buy” rating for this very reason.

Three days later, Toyota has admitted that there is a problem with the GX 460.

Lexus Spokesman Bill Kwong told the New York Times that “they duplicated Consumer Reports’ results on the GX 460 and they are currently evaluating potential remedies, but at this point there are no details of what the remedy is”.

Obviously a complete overhaul of the stability control is what the remedy is. Get to it Toyota, you’ve already endangered too many lives with your screw ups.

Still no official recall on the GX 460 from the recall-proned automaker, but expect that to happen soon.

FML: Lexus GX 460 Edition

Toyota can’t seem to keep out of the headlines. The number one automaker in the world is in some serious dog doo as they have experienced a stop sale of most of their lineup, millions of models recalled, lawsuits galore, investigations by American, Canadian and Japanese governments, and loss of accolades. The latter is biting at Toyota’s heals yet again.

Consumer reports has branded the Lexus GX 460 with a very unflattering “Don’t Buy” designation. The reason is due to the GX’s apparent inability to stay sure footed in aggressive or emergency driving situations.  The GX can be prone to rolling over a little too easily as the traction control doesn’t quite do an decent job.

Check out CR’s explanation in the video above.

Interestingly enough, the Toyota 4Runner on which the Lexus GX 460 is based, is not a part of the ‘Don’t Buy’ recommendation. A bit of good news for Toyota then? Nope. As a result of Consumer Reports, Toyota has issued at ‘stop sale’ on the GX, temporarily.