The company produces luxury cars under this brand. Toyota Motors Corporation... Initially, they focused on the US market, which is still the main focus. The idea of expanding the "luxury" market share originated from the management Toyota back in the early 80s. Work began in 1983. However, the Japanese were well aware that their cars are perceived in the West as extremely practical and reliable, but far from being the most prestigious. So creating a new brand was the most optimal solution.
In an atmosphere of the deepest secrecy, the so-called "Project F1" was launched (from the abbreviation "Flagship No. 1" – "Flagship No. 1"). Under it, an exceptionally prestigious rear-wheel drive car was developed, capable of competing in its class with American and European models.
The most original thing is that at that time other Japanese companies began to act in the same direction: Honda in 1986 launches Acura , Nissan was born in 1989 Infiniti... Tried to keep up with them and Mazda working on brands Amati for the USA and Xedos for Europe, which were supposed to be launched in 1993 (for a number of reasons, this did not happen).
The result of the efforts of engineers Toyota in July 1985, the Lexus LS 400 appeared. For several years it was “run-in” on the roads of Europe and America. Mistakes were an unacceptable luxury and the model passed the most rigorous tests, refined and improved. It was presented to the general public only a few years later - on January 2, 1988. At the same time, the new brand itself was presented with its own logo. It was promoted and developed by a famous agency Saatchi & Saatchi... According to common legend, the word "Lexus" Is a modified Latin word "Luxus" ("Luxury, splendor"). According to another, equally reliable information, the brand name was born from the combination of words "Luxury" and "Elegance"... Total, from the side Toyota several thousand people were involved and about a billion dollars was spent.
Lexus LS 400 sales began in September 1989. Outwardly, this car looked much more like its European or American counterparts than the "Japanese". It was originally developed like this, for obvious reasons. Initially, sales were disappointing. They walked quite sluggishly, and technical problems could not be avoided - about 8 thousand already sold cars had to be recalled due to defects in the wiring. But a bad start didn't kill the new brand. In 1989, 16 thousand cars were sold. This model "did not reach" the level of the same Mercedes, but it was more affordable and had excellent handling.
In the future, other models followed, more or less successful. Some of them have received quite prestigious awards. But the most important thing is that the brand has become respected and gained recognition. To date, the company's lineup is already represented by several models, including an SUV. Many half-jokingly, half-seriously call Lexus"Japanese Mercedes". These cars are sold almost everywhere. And since 2005 they have been available in the domestic Japanese market.
Having great success today. It is manufactured by Toyota, which creates luxury products. Few can afford them, but owning a car of this level is an indicator of the status and excellent taste of the owner.
The beginning of the way
Initially, the production of these cars was focused on sales in the United States of America. But the success was so great that the company expanded its sales to most countries in the world. More than 70 regions have appreciated the premium segment, which is characterized by high quality products.
The story began in 1983. Before that, the company was engaged in long-term market research and active design. Toyota specialists competed with already advanced companies like BMW. The best engineers and designers worked on the production of the first prototype "Project F1". The flagship was developed by Shoiji Jimbo and Ichiro Suzuki, who researched the preferences and demand of US residents for their model.
First confession
In May 1985, the project was ready to be shown. It bore the name Lexus LS400 and, having gone through many tests in Sweden and Germany, was introduced in eight variants in 1987. He praised Car and Driver magazine in every possible way as a combination of comfortable handling and thoughtful design. The meaning of the car emblem - the letter L inscribed in an oval - is defined as luxury, wealth.
After a short lull in 1991, Toyota introduced a new model - the SC400. This sporty solution had a 4-liter engine and an automatic transmission. The production of new items was aimed at improving the driver's safety and comfort of his trip. That is why in 1992 Lexus outstripped Mercedes-Benz and BMW in terms of the number of sales. 1993 saw the release of the GS300 sports sedan, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. He showed the car at the Frankfurt Motor Show. I remember this year as the time of my best grades.
New models and updating of existing ones
The success continued into 1995, but the US government planned to impose a state duty on Japanese vehicles, which was under pressure from domestic manufacturers. Fortunately, the highest ranks of Japan settled this issue. Exactly one year later, the LX450 brand can be seen in the company's model range. This is a premium car that had the qualities of an SUV. Popularity grew rapidly, leaving even the Range Rover behind. The car has been implemented with good sound insulation, a 4.5-liter engine and high-level cladding.
A period of deep renovation found Lexus in 1997. In January, the concept for the HPS model was presented. It was based on the GS300, which already had a good reputation. In February, the flagship SUV RX300, which received many additional functions, became a production novelty. In the same year, the company showed a new record of 100 thousand cars, which is 20% more than last year's sales. The RX300 has made it to the top spot in J.D. Power and Associates in 1998.
1999 saw the debut for the rear-wheel drive IS200. Its sales have doubled the company's performance, and the Lexus has become the most reliable car in the past five years. The data was derived based on the statistics of the company's support centers. In the same year, the millionth car was sold.
Great success and new segments
The beginning of the new millennium was a particular success for Lexus. The IS model was equipped with a 3-liter engine that had a capacity of 280 horsepower. Then the LS430 model was presented in excellent finishes using genuine leather and wood (walnut). After that, the offer was added by the SC430 model. More than 20 thousand vehicles have been successfully sold this year.
In early 2001, it was decided to move part of Lexus production to North America. At the same time, a plant was opened in Buffalo for suspensions and engines for the RX300 model. At the Detroit Auto Show, the brand unveiled the IS300 and SC430 cars. The SportCross lineup was equipped with a manual gearbox. In the same year, the ES300 model was added to the total number of sales, which took all the best from.
The company's success doesn't end there. Cars from Lexus even managed to take part in filming. So, in 2002, designers have developed a special flagship, which became the car of Tom Cruise in the film "Minority Report". In the same year, an update was released for the IS200, which included a SportCross steering wheel and a VVT-i engine. Its appearance was accompanied by the release of the GX470 luxury SUV, which has an adjustable suspension.
In 2003, the RX line was updated, in which it was decided to enlarge the body, as well as expand the possibilities of options. For the American version of this car, the engine was increased to 3.3 liters, and it was decided to leave 3 liters for European users. It took only a month for sales to skyrocket. Lexus did not pass by the exhibition in New York, it presented the flagship HPX, which combined the qualities of an SUV and a sports car. In the famous town of Cambridge, in September 2003, the LS430 sedan began to be produced at the company's plant.
Temporary difficulties
But not everything went smoothly. For example, in the next few years, Lexus experienced a general drop in sales in the United States. But production did not slow down, so new models saw the light again. Engines equipped with new hybrid and diesel technologies began to attract particular attention. Eco-friendly cars have just started to gain popularity. The company decided not to be satisfied with what has already been achieved, so it intended to conquer the "super deluxe" class. The first model of this line in 2009 was the LF-A car.
2009 was marked for the company by the mass production of hybrid vehicles. This model was the RX450, to which the h index was added. After some time, it was replaced by a more economical version, equipped with a 2.7-liter engine.
No one expected Lexus to launch the CT200h in 2011, which targeted the small luxury hatchback niche. The price was more affordable for the average consumer than the rest of the vehicle line.
In 2011, there was a large earthquake that affected the company's production facilities. Many elements of production were destroyed, so the management thought about moving the location of the factories to China.
The same year created big problems for car sales. The main decline was observed in the United States of America. The New York Times even wrote on this topic, where it was reported about the end of the company's leadership in the market and that it gave up its positions to competitors Mercedes-Benz and BMW. True, sales did not stay in such indicators for long - they improved by 40% in Japan and Europe.
Toyota representatives have officially announced that they will make every effort to restore buyer's interest in the company. Then there was a real revolution in the brand's marketing strategy, the company began to make efforts to work not on product sales, but on the quality of the offer.
Gather strength
Lexus has seriously decided to go into sales. They set themselves the goal of taking the company out of the crisis and making it a leader again. Especially for this, the production of GS class cars began in 2012. This range included the GS 450h, GS 250 and GS 350 models, which were quickly appreciated by fans of the brand.
The same year presented to the buyer a sedan of the LS line. Many noticed that this was only an improved model based on previous releases, but its quality deserved special attention. During this period of "rehabilitation" Lexus produces cars with a motor of increased power, multiplying the overall potential of the vehicle. For the first time in the company's history, this same sedan received the optional F Sport package. Then among the users there was a rumor about the resumption of the concern's project and the development of IS-F. Its release was considered one of the most important events in the automotive industry for the entire future period.
Brand highlights
One of the most memorable Lexus debuts in 2012 was the Sydney show. The LF-LC was not something completely new, but many innovations were implemented in it. This applies to the engineering part, where the weight of the car was reduced due to the use of carbon fiber. A week later, the SEMA show took place in Las Vegas, at which the GS 350 F Sport model was presented to the audience.
This whole year was characterized for the company as the time of new patents. So, there was a lot of rumors about the production of the NX 300h and NX 200t models. This year, an RC 350 car was specially prepared for Australia. The basis for its creation was the LF-CC model, which was successfully presented at the Paris Motor Show.
In 2013, the company actively announced innovations and additions to the existing lines. One of the stages in regaining the leadership position in the United States was the presence at the exhibition in Geneva, where the IS 300h was presented. This hybrid model and its counterparts immediately earned awards from J.D. Power and Associates. This signified the recognition of Lexus products as indicators of high quality and reliability in the luxury class. In the same period, the Lexus Ice Event took place, which presented the all-wheel drive Lexus GS AWD to everyone. This event was attended by only 24 guests.
April will be remembered for the last exhibition, at which the premiere of the GS 300h hybrid model took place. According to company representatives, the car is ideal for athletes and corporate buyers. This novelty was distinguished by its environmental friendliness, because it emitted a meager amount of CO 2 into the air. Lexus has been officially recognized as the Greenest Automotive Manufacturer. In 2013, Driver Power recognized the company as the best of its kind, according to a publication from Auto Express. The company received similar marks at the Made Fashion Week in New York.
During the presentation at the Geneva Motor Show in 2014, the company showed itself in full force, presenting the new RC F. This line was distinguished by great power, such as had never been seen in the production of Lexus. Of course, this year was not so rich in new items, but the company did not lose its sales. She once again proved that she is worthy of the title of the leader of the automotive industry. This confirms the first place according to the British publishing house What Car, which the brand has been holding for a long time.
Timeless growth
In 2015, the first new Lexus GS F 2016 was released. But its popularity is incomparable with the expected flagship RX, which should combine the best technological innovations and solutions of designers. During this period, the company begins to engage in secondary projects in order to expand the boundaries of its influence, namely security systems. They should be among the most efficient and affordable on the market. Also, an interesting offshoot of Toyota can be attributed to a flying magnetic board, the prototype for which was the model from the well-known movie "Back to the Future".
These days, the company has decided to lower prices for the popular ES and NX ranges to boost sales. She is also developing a project to convert the LF-FC sedan models to hydrogen. Lexus is not going to stop. After many years of active work, the best is yet to come. The appearance of the characteristic Lexus badge at popular auto shows is already a success.
Of course, today is not the best economic situation for active sales and creation of new models of the image class, but the brand has already shown that it is able to maintain its leadership position, no matter what the market situation is.
Lexus cars have always deserved special attention. They automatically enhance the image of their owner. Although the price of these cars may seem quite high, they will in the best way emphasize your taste and style.
Lexus Is a Japanese automotive company that is one of the leaders in the industry. Lexus Division (more often just Lexus) is an official division of Toyota Motors Corporation. The company specializes in the production of premium cars. The main market for the products is the USA.
Lexus history: the birth of a legend
The history of the Lexus brand dates back to 1983. At that time, the legendary Eiji Toyoda was the head of Toyota Corporation. He became the main initiator of a board meeting to discuss the creation of a competitive executive class model. The beginning of the 80s was marked by a slow but steady increase in demand for luxury cars in the world market, and Toyoda decided to use this to expand the concern. As a result of the meeting, a decision was made and the creation of a new brand.
It is worth noting that Eiji Toyoda's idea made the Japanese company one of the leaders in the automotive industry. This is undoubtedly the most important achievement of the legendary TMC executive.
The Japanese, attentive to the little things, began to think over all aspects of the future unit. One of the first to be resolved was the question of the brand name. Initially, the leaders of the corporation planned to sell new cars under the name "Toyota". But market research has shown that most Americans associate the name "Toyota" with budget pickups, and not with passenger cars, so it was decided to choose a new name - Lexus.
The first Lexus LS 400 was sold in 1989.In 1986, advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi, promoting a new premium brand, looked at over 200 titles and chose the one we know today. Therefore, it is probably more correct to start counting the history of Lexus precisely from 1986.
There are two versions of the origin of the name Lexus:
- It appeared as a result of the combination of the words "luxury" and "elegance", which literally translate as "luxury" and "elegance".
- The second theory is that it is an acronym for the phrase "luxury exports to the U.S."
The history of the Lexus brand is described in one of the books of the famous historiographer of the Japanese concern Jeffrey Laker.
History of Lexus models
Below is the basic information about Lexus car models.
Lexus CT
Is a hybrid compact car of the Japanese company, which is one of the youngest Lexus models since it was presented to the public in 2010. The main sales market is European countries. In 2013, the model underwent a major restyling, as a result of which it received new electronics and an upgraded suspension. The release continues in 2019.
Lexus hs
- a mid-size hybrid of the Japanese concern. The official presentation took place in 2009. Auto Lexus HS is very popular in the Japanese market, but in the USA it is not very popular. According to experts, this is due to the imperfection of the software, which is why in 2010 about 18 thousand units of cars were recalled. The release continues in 2019.
Lexus gs
Is the first hybrid business sedan in the history of the Lexus brand. The car has been sold in Europe since 2006. Acceleration time from zero to hundred - 5.9 seconds. Fuel consumption in mixed mode - 7.9 liters. The use of innovative developments in the field of environmental friendliness allowed Japanese developers to achieve the lowest CO2 emission level in the class at that time.
Lexus is
Is a business class sports car, the production of which started in 1998. Initially, the car was produced under the name Toyota Altezza, but after entering the European market in 1999, it was advertised as Lexus IS. The release continues in 2019.
Lexus rc
- a compact coupe, the production of which began in 2014. At the same time, the Japanese are releasing a sports version of the RC F. This Lexus model demonstrates strong sales figures and is considered one of the most technically strong in its segment.
Lexus es
- a business class car, the serial production of which started back in 1989. The history of the Lexus ES spans 7 generations and is rich in both successes and failures. For example, in 2009, Toyota withdrew part of the series cars from the market due to a defect in the carpet, which could become a potential cause of an accident. The release continues in 2019.
Lexus ls
- a full-size executive class sedan, another "old-timer" of the Japanese company. Produced since 1989. Until 2008, it was included in the list of the best-selling cars in the United States, but the global financial crisis has reduced the level of sales by 42%. Lexus LS production continues in 2019.
Lexus lx
- a full-size SUV, the design of which was based on the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 base. The car began to roll off the assembly line in 1996. This Lexus model is considered one of the safest in the J-segment. In 2015, the car underwent a deep restyling, which resulted in a new interior and an improved roof layout.
Lexus gx
Is a midsize premium SUV that is an important part of Lexus model history. The vehicle is based on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado platform. The first generation of cars was introduced in 2002. Lexus GX production continues in 2019.
Lexus nx
Is a compact premium crossover, the sales of which started in the fall of 2014. This Lexus model is considered one of the most powerful in its class and boasts a high level of safety. For fans of high-speed driving, the F Sport package is offered, which includes more streamlined body elements and upgraded shock absorbers.
Lexus rx
- a mid-size premium crossover, serial production of which started in 1998. In 2015, a third generation model was introduced. Since 2010, more than 800 thousand Lexus RX vehicles have been sold in the American market alone.
Lexus ux
- front-wheel drive crossover class K1. The first generation car was first shown to motorists in the spring of 2018. Lexus UX is the youngest Lexus model. The main task of the car is to impose a worthy competition on the European market for the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.
Text drive Lexus models: looking forward to the future
History of the Lexus brand continues and continues very successfully, which cannot but rejoice the loyal fans of the Japanese company. The Lexus division has long become a serious player in the global market, although initially few believed in this project, and most experts argued that the new product was unlikely to be in demand outside of Japan.
Have Lexus everything is still ahead and this is confirmed by numerous awards, first places in car ratings and positive reviews from motorists. Lexus models combine a high level of comfort, recognizable style and unsurpassed Japanese quality. When we add in our quality customer service, we have the perfect recipe for success. Lexus is a sponsor of many sports and environmental projects, and all this activity only strengthens its position in the global market.
The history of Lexus begins in Toyota, Japan. Toyota Motors Corporation creates its Lexus division which targets the US and European markets with luxury models. The whole history of the actomobile intersects with the word Lux, hence the name "Lexus". The main goal of the company was the development and production of expensive prestigious cars with leading characteristics of comfort, transmission, engine, handling and smooth running.
In August 1983, a secret meeting of the board of directors of the Toyota Motors Corporation was held, where Eiji Toyoda, the chairman of the board, proposed an idea in which the main idea was to create the best cars in the world. In order that people did not have any associations from Toyota, a brand called "Lexus" was invented.
To develop the first car, 1,400 top designers and engineers were recruited. The task before them was very difficult: to make a luxury car, the best in all characteristics, and cost less than its competitors. A special poll group was created, which had the task of finding out what US buyers still want.
In July 1985, the first Lexus LS 400 rolled off the pile. In May 1986, he underwent extensive test drives in Germany and only in January 1989 was shown at auto shows in Detroit and Los Angeles. Since September 1989, sales of this car began in the United States. Externally, the Lexus LS400 - the very first Lexus - had nothing to do with Japanese cars. It was done immediately, focusing on the Americans. This suggested that who had a hand in the bodywork?
Which of the famous Italian carrosserist designers. And over time, this was confirmed - the later Lexus GS300 with a streamlined body was created by Giorgetto Giugiaro. One of the company's most prestigious models is the GS 300 3T sports sedan with an uprated engine developed by Toyota's Motosport department in Cologne.
In February 1990, the American press named the Lexus LS 400 luxury sedan, which is both powerful and economical thanks to good aerodynamics, the best car imported in the United States.
In May 1991, the second Lexus went into production with the SC 400 (coupe) index, an export version of the Toyota Soarer for the North American market. After restyling in 1998, the external differences with the Toyota Soarer almost disappeared.
The five-seater Lexus ES 300 sedan was first shown in the summer of 1991, a special version of the Toyota Camry for the American market.
In January 1993, the premiere of the Lexus GS 300 took place.
The Lexus family also has its own luxurious SUV Lexus LX 450, combining the style of a luxury executive car with the merits of the Toyota Land Cruiser HDJ 80 SUV. The LX 470 model, a large executive SUV, a luxury version of the Toyota Land Cruiser 100, replaced the Lexus LX in 1998 450.
In the fall of 1998, the first show of the IS model made by the Japanese company Toyota Motor took place. In the spring of 1999, the first compact Lexus model, the IS 200, entered the European and American markets.
The beginning of 2000, as has already become customary, was marked by updates. In January in Los Angeles, Lexus demonstrates a variation on the rapidly popular IS200 - IS300, and in Detroit, the reincarnation of the company's legendary LS400 - LS430 is exhibited. The new flagship of the lineup was equipped with the latest technology and design: navigation system, DVD, leather and walnut in the cabin, 4300 cc V8 engine, 280 horsepower and 417 Nm of torque, acceleration to 100 km / h in 6.7 seconds, 5-speed automatic transmission. In addition, the LS430 had the lowest drag coefficient of any vehicle in its class. In April 2000, at the New York Auto Show, Lexus announced the imminent appearance of the SC430 model. In the same month, the company announced that by 2003 the RX300 would be produced at the Toyota car plant in Canada (before that Lexus had assembled its cars only in Japan). The IS300 goes on sale in June, Lexus becomes the first US imported luxury brand to sell over 20,000 units per month in August, and the GS430 replaces the GS400 in September. In October, he went into the LS430 series. The results of 2000 showed that this time (for the fifth year in a row) Lexus increased its sales, outstripping all other luxury brands in the US car market.
In January 2001, Toyota announced that the engines and suspension for the RX300 would be manufactured at its Buffalo plant. At the same time, at the Detroit Auto Show, models such as the IS300 SportCross, IS300 Manual Transmission and the soon-to-be-launched SC430 were shown. The IS300 SportCross was equipped with an option such as the gearshift buttons on the steering wheel, allowing manual, without resorting to the automatic transmission, to manipulate the gears. IS300 Manual Transmission, as the name implies, was equipped with a manual transmission instead of an automatic transmission. The SC430 started selling in March; by this time, orders for it had already been scheduled until the end of the year. The design of this hardtop, which can transform into an open coupe in 25 seconds without any effort on the part of the driver, was developed at the Lexus European Design and Development Center on the French Riviera. In August, the IS300 SportCross and IS300 Manual Transmission went on sale, and in October, the completely redesigned third generation ES300 will be on sale - more luxurious, more spacious, offering more comfort, style and driving pleasure.
In 2002, Lexus got its first official dealer in Russia - it became the company - "Lexus-Business Car" in Moscow (a year later there were two official dealers in Moscow). In June of the same year, another blockbuster from the famous master of this cinematic genre, Steven Spielberg, was released on the screens of the United States. The film was called (in the Russian box office - 'Minority Report'), and the car for the protagonist was developed by Lexus. The red fuel cell concept has become a prominent feature in the footage. In addition to this introduction into the field of cinema, Lexus continued to develop new modifications of its production models - the IS200 SportCross appeared at the Paris Motor Show, equipped with a 2-liter engine with VVT-i system. And in November 2002, a new model, the Lexus GX470, is on sale in the United States, characterized by the words 'rough luxury'. This SUV (sold in Japan by its counterpart - Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, the latest model in the back of the 120th series at the time of this writing) is equipped with a suspension that can change in height depending on the driving style (complete off-road or smooth Autobahn) for the most optimal handling car.
In the spring of 2003, in March, at the Detroit Auto Show, Lexus presented the successor to its well-known RX300 model - a more dynamic and modern RX330, equipped with an engine with an increased volume of 3300 cc, the latest technological advances, luxury options, with a body slightly larger than its predecessor. ... This model, as before, was intended for the US market. For Europe, a version with a 3-liter engine was envisaged, which was still called the RX300; sales of this new item on the European market began in May 2003, and in the first month in terms of the number of units sold, the RX300 overtook all competitors in its class. Then, in May, at the auto show in New York, Lexus premiered a concept car - HPX (High Performance Crossover). This concept, which combines the features of an SUV and a sedan, is a step towards an increasingly active crossover market. In September, assembly of Lexus vehicles began as planned at Toyota's plant in Cambridge, Canada. In addition, in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Lexus premiered an updated version of the flagship of its lineup - the LS430.
Lexus plans for the future such ideas as replenishment of its engine lineup with diesel models for the European market (where diesels are popular due to the more environmentally friendly exhaust composition) and hybrid models for the US market, where hybrids are gaining more and more popularity; the release in 2005 of the new generation GS430, on which a completely new team of designers and constructors is currently working; promotion in the same 2005 of his brand on the Japanese market, where it is actually little known. In 2006, the company plans to move to a new level - super-luxury, dominated by such giants as Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Maybach. These plans are evidenced by the information spread by the company that Lexus plans to release a limousine, which will replace the Toyota Century used in the imperial family.
In general, the history of Lexus continues, and continues very, very successfully, and not limited to the US market, for which its cars were originally intended. This is evidenced by the mass of awards from the press, and the first places in various ratings (this article does not list all the victories of Lexus, because the listing alone would take up a lot of space), and many laudatory reviews about cars of this brand. And they certainly deserve it, combining excellent comfort, recognizable style and unsurpassed Japanese quality in equal measure. Customer relationships have also played a significant role in Lexus' success, and customer service has been a focus of attention from the outset. In addition, Lexus has a long history of sponsoring a variety of sports, arts, environmental, and more events.
Manufacturer country: Japan
Lexus(Lexus) is a Japanese automobile company specializing in the production of passenger cars. It is a division of Toyota Motors Corporation Headquartered in Toyota.
The company specializes in the production of high quality vehicles, mainly for the US market. Lexus cars combine style, comfort and quality in equal measure. The Lexus models deliver excellent handling and a smooth ride thanks to quality engine and transmission performance and improved suspension mechanisms.
In July 1985, the first Lexus LS 400 rolled off the slipway. In May 1986, he underwent extensive test drives in Germany and only in January 1989 was shown at auto shows in Detroit and Los Angeles. Since September 1989, sales of this car began in the United States.
Externally "Lexus LS400" - the very first Lexus - had nothing to do with Japanese cars. It was done immediately, focusing on the Americans. This suggested that one of the famous Italian designers-carrosserists had a hand in the bodywork. And over time, this was confirmed - the later Lexus GS300 with a streamlined body was created by Giorgetto Giugiaro. One of the company's most prestigious models is the GS 300 3T sports sedan with an uprated engine developed by Toyota's Motosport Cologne division.
In February 1990, the American press named the Lexus LS 400 luxury sedan, which is both powerful and economical thanks to good aerodynamics, the best car imported in the United States.
In May 1991, the second Lexus went into production with the SC 400 (coupe) index, an export version of the Toyota Soarer for the North American market. After restyling in 1998, the external differences with the Toyota Soarer almost disappeared.
The five-seater Lexus ES 300 sedan was first shown in the summer of 1991, a special version of the Toyota Camry for the American market.
In January 1993, the premiere of the Lexus GS 300 took place.
The Lexus family also has its own luxurious SUV Lexus LX 450, combining the style of a luxury executive car with the merits of the Toyota Land Cruiser HDJ 80 SUV. The LX 470 model, a large executive SUV, a luxury version of the Toyota Land Cruiser 100, replaced the Lexus LX in 1998 450.
In the fall of 1998, the first show of the IS model made by the Japanese company Toyota Motor took place. In the spring of 1999, the first compact Lexus model, the IS 200, entered the European and American markets.
In 2000, a fairly extensive range of Lexus was supplemented with two new products: IS300 and LS430. The rest of the models have undergone minor changes. On the Lexus GS, LS and LX, the Brake Assist Safety System (BASS) appeared and became standard, which more accurately and evenly distributes the braking forces to the wheels, depending on the state of the brakes and braking conditions.
An updated version of its RX 300 SUV was unveiled by Lexus at the recently concluded North American Auto Show in Detroit. The updated model was named Lexus RX 330, and has large dimensions both in length and width of the body. Now the look of this SUV has become more dynamic and modern. The updated RX 330 is equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 engine producing 230 hp.
