Lexus: What's coming in 2010 - - and beyond

ES 350:(photo)The ES gets updated front and rear styling, new wheels, and a handful of new colors. Inside we find updated trim, a new instrument panel and a bunch of new features, including memory for the power seat, mirrors and steering wheel, rear seat side airbags, rain-sensing wipers, a larger center console storage bin, and an updated navigation system. The premium sound system now comes with an iPod-compatible USB port, and the cassette deck has finally been eliminated.

GS 350/GS 460: The GS loses its cassette deck, but gains active front headrests, an upgraded navigation system, an iPod-compatible USB port for the (optional) premium stereo, and a couple of new colors.

GS 450h: The hybrid version of the GS gets a new grille and wheels, clear taillights, and an optional power-operated rear sunshade.

HS 250h: (photo)Lexus is touting the 2010 HS 250 as the first dedicated luxury hybrid vehicle. Although the HS 250h shares many mechanical bits with the also-new-for-2010 Prius, the HS features a unique sedan body in place of the Prius' wind-cheating hatchback shape, although the styling looks more like a Toyota than a Lexus. The HS 250h features a 2.4 liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine that combines with the hybrid drive system to produce 187 horsepower. Techno-gadgets abound, including a windshield that reduces infrared rays, decreasing cabin temperature and the need to run the air conditioner, and an electric power steering system that helps keep the driver from allowing the car to drift out of its lane. The HS250h will also be the first vehicle to offer Lexus Enform, essentially Toyota/Lexus' version of GM's OnStar system.

IS 250/IS 350: The IS gets an upgraded navigation system with Lexus Enform and XM traffic, weather, sports and stock prices. The premium sound system now has an iPod-compatible USB port. IS250 AWD models with the Luxury Package get ventilated front seats lined in semi-aniline leather.

IS C: (photo) The hardtop convertible version of the IS makes its long-awaited debut this year. Like the sedan, the convertible is available with a choice of 2.5 or 3.5 liter V6 engines

·       2010 Lexus IS 250C test drive

·       2010 Lexus IS 250C photo gallery

IS F: The hot-rod IS gets the same electronics upgrades as the regular IS sedan, along with new wheels, a Torsen limited-slip differential, and foldable rear headrests.

LS 460/LS 460L: (photo)The 2010 LS gets a mid-cycle refresh, with a new front fascia, taillights, side mirrors and wheels. The rear-drive LS 460 offers a new Sport Package which includes an "Aero" body kit, unique interior trim, and a sport-tuned air suspension. (The body kit is also available as a stand-alone option.) The LS' collision-avoidance system has been improved to detect pedestrians. It works in conjunction with the new Driver Monitor System, which monitors the position of the driver's head. If the system detects that the driver is not looking ahead and there is an object in the car's path, it first sounds an alarm, then applies the brakes and alters the steering ratio to help the driver swerve.

LS 600hL: The hybrid version of the LS gets styling updates similar to those of the LS 460, an updated navigation system, and a smaller traction battery pack, which frees up an extra two cubic feet of much-needed trunk space.

LX 570: Lexus' version of the Land Cruiser gets an improved display for the rear-seat entertainment system, updated navigation system, and an iPod-compatible USB port for the optional premium stereo.

RX 350/RX 450h: (photo)Lexus' venerable RX crossover SUV is all-new for 2010. Improvements include updated styling, a new iDrive-like "Remote Touch" controller for stereo, climate and navigation systems, and, for the V6-powered RX 350, a six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid returns in the form of the RX 450h, with an improved hybrid drive system that delivers more power and achieves better fuel economy than its predecessor, the RX 400h.

SC 430: The SC retractable hardtop soldiers on for another year, now with an updated navigation system and (optional) premium stereo, new wheels, two new colors, and puddle lamps mounted in the side-view mirrors.

BEYOND 2010:

LFA: (photo)Lexus' two-seat supercar features a 552 horsepower 4.8 liter V10 engine, lightweight carbon-fiber construction, and a price anticipated to be upwards of $350,000. Other features include a 6-speed automated sequential gearbox, carbon-fiber brakes, and a top speed of 2010 MPG. Lexus will hand-build just 500 LFAs over a 24-month period beginning in December 2010.

RUMORED:

IS F: A lightweight version of the IS-F sports sedan is rumored to be in the works. Along with a weight reduction of around 300 lbs, the car will feature an improved suspension and braking system, with the same 416 hp engine as the current IS F.

Sponsored Links

Online Car AuctionEasy to Purchase your Car! Only $30 deposit needed.www.b-spex.com/signup/

United PathenaiseQuality Cattle dna. Strict Controls Pure Quality Bulls and Heiferswww.unitedparthenaise.co.uk

Full Scale Crash TestingInnovative and High Quality Five Decades of Experiencewww.calspan.com