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4-seater Lexus LM350 MPV coming to Malaysia in 2021

Finally, the Lexus range gets a MPV after 31 years of existence. Unveiled at the Shanghai Motorshow in China last year, the new model is designated LM350, the ‘LM’ referring to ‘Luxury Mover’. It’s no secret that the LM350 is adapted from Toyota’s Alphard model, a practical move for the luxury brand. In earlier years, it had also adapted the Land Cruiser to become the LX SUV before it developed its own SUV, the RX.

The new LM350 has been progressively introduced in various Asian markets and will be launched in Malaysia in May 2021 (deliveries to commence in June 2021). Orders are now accepted by Lexus Malaysia with a deposit based on the price of RM1,148,000 (without insurance, Peninsular Malaysia registration).

“In true Lexus fashion, the engineers have crafted a vehicle that heralds a new level of dignity in luxury motoring. From the immense road presence of the vehicle to the finite details of each interior component, the all-new Lexus LM350 is crafted to exceed the desires of those who appreciate the highest level of style and comfort on the move,” said the President of Lexus Malaysia, Ravindran K.

There are two powertrains for the LM range and as the hybrid LM300h would be more expensive, Lexus Malaysia has decided to focus on the LM350 which is powered by a 3.5-litre quad-cam V6 petrol engine that delivers 296 bhp/361 Nm through a direct-shift 8-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels.

Biggest Lexus spindle grille
In adapting the Alphard, the LM350 gets Lexus styling elements on the exterior, notably the signature spindle grille with a chrome frame. Given the large frontal area, this is the largest version of the spindle grille in the Lexus range. Like the Alphard, it has ultra-compact 3-beam LED projector headlights on either side of the short bonnet.

Inside too, the Lexus treatment is evident with Omotenashi hospitality being the guiding philosophy. While the Alphard already offers a luxurious interior, the LM350 goes further to offer a mobile first-class lounge on wheels. If privacy is required, a standard glass partition can be raised or lowered at a touch of a button.

Only 2 seats at the back
To provide plenty of space in the cabin, there are just 2 VIP lounge seats for the passengers behind the front occupants. With the 5-metre body length and 3-metre wheelbase, this means that very generous legroom is available even when the Adaptipedic seats are fully reclined. The semi-aniline lounge seats are adjustable in numerous ways to achieve the most comfortable seating position and also have an Ottoman massage function with air-cooling within the seats.

2021 Lexus LM350 — *Lefthand drive version for Philippines shown above.*

The equipment and fittings installed ensure that every journey will be a pleasure with large cubicles on both sides of the cabin for stowing a handbag or even an attache case, as well as a mini fridge. A 26-inch full HD display panel is mounted ahead of the seats and the infotainment system has numerous functions and connectivity options.

On the dashboard in front is a 12.3-inch touchscreen with controls that be activated through a touchpad, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a 19-speaker Mark Levinson reference sound system for superlative sound quality.

Lexus Safety System +
Occupant protection is a high priority and the LM350 comes with advanced active and passive safety systems. These include the Lexus Safety System + with its integrated driver-assistance systems such as the Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert, Adaptive High-Beam System and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. There are 7 airbags around the cabin with 2 curtain airbags that will cover the side window areas and provide protection against injuries during side impacts.

Commenting on the new model, UMW Toyota Motor’s Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama, said: “Lexus has once again delivered on the promise of elevating executive-class travel on the road. Whether your journeys are for urban commutes or inter-state travels, the notion of being transported in sophisticated elegance, top-level comfort and advanced safety is not compromised. Few vehicles on the road today are able deliver you in such a capable and dignified manner as the LM350 does.

Why buy an official import?
Although some may say that they can get lower prices at independent dealerships, they may not realise that there are some important points which can affect their ownership experience. One is the technical specifications which may seem the same for every market but according to a Lexus engineer, specific tuning is necessary for each market. For the Malaysian market, the tuning takes into account the higher cruising speeds as well as higher air temperatures.

Then there is aftersales support which Lexus Malaysia is committed to provide as the authorised importer and distributor. This means not just maintenance but also warranty coverage which is 5 years (unlimited mileage) and the provision of genuine replacement parts. And should there be a recall to rectify an issue, only those who have officially imported units will be able to get the support as the ‘unofficial’ imports may actually be recorded by Lexus as being in another country.

100% financing packages to buy new Toyota or Lexus models

Lexus LC500 Convertible Debuts in Malaysia – Priced at RM1,350,000

Lexus Malaysia has introduced its latest model – the LC500 Convertible. The model is the Japanese luxury car maker’s first convertible model to be officially for sale in Malaysia and is now the flagship model of the entire Lexus line-up in Malaysia.

The LC500 Convertible with its dramatic presence remains true to the defining features of the LF-LC concept car (shown above) that inspired it. Despite that, it still offers the very same design elements that make it a true Lexus, such as the signature low, sharp front design, 3-beam LED projector headlights and the now iconic Spindle Grille.

In true Lexus spirit, the LC500 Convertible oozes sophistication and brilliant engineering. Take the soft top convertible roof for example, it folds away in just 15 seconds and takes 16 seconds to fold back in place. It is operational at speeds of up to 50km/h, so in case it pours, which it does a lot in Malaysia, you don’t need to clumsily look for a place to stop, you just need to slow down for 16 seconds.

The soft top is also constructed from a four-layered material that includes three layers of fabric and a NVH deadening material. And despite it being designed to look great, operate quickly and lower the NVH levels of the cabin, the soft top is extremely lightweight. In fact, the Convertible model with all of its hydraulic roof mechanism, weighs just 90kg more than its coupe sibling.

The LC500 Convertible does however share the same powertrain with the coupe – a massive 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine that puts out 470hp and 540Nm of torque. This impressive powertrain helps the LC500 Convertible see off the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.9 seconds while top speed is electronically limited to 270km/h.

You would think that such a massive engine would probably be a really thirsty one, as the two usually go hand in hand. But not with this car, Lexus claims that the LC500 Convertible returns a fuel efficiency level of 12.7 liters per 100km on the combined cycle. Lexus says that this is achieved in part by how the engine is supposedly designed, as well as the 10-speed Artificial Intelligence Shift Control transmission which studies your driving behavior and predicts which gear you should be in, hence creating a more efficient drivetrain that puts out power quicker with lesser effort.

And of course, being a Lexus, comfort is of top priority here, and the beautiful cabin features the very best of refinement and quality. The semi-aniline leather seats are beautifully crafted and hug you ever so gently and are easily among the most comfortable seats in their class.

In terms of creature comforts, there’s a 10.3-inch high-resolution split-screen display that is integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Just in the driver’s line of sight sits a 8-inch Digital Combination Meter as well as a Heads-Up display. The entertainment system is courtesy of a Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound System and sound is fed to the cabin through 13-speakers. And in true Lexus Omotenashi spirit, the system automatically adjusts the acoustic design based on the ambient sounds, and the sound remains crisp and consistent whether the roof is up or down.

The other engineering and design element that is supposed to keep the cabin serene is a unique transparent wind deflector located behind the rear seats (seen above) that helps reduce wind buffeting, keeping the cabin quiet at speeds of up to 60km/h.

The suspension of the LC500 Convertible too plays a huge role in creating a perfectly poised, comfortable ride quality. Called the Lexus Adaptive Variable Suspension, this is not just your regular suspension system but rather it offers 650 different levels of damping force. Which basically means it is ready for just about any type of road you can throw at it.

And of course it comes with all the safety systems you would expect of such a car. Called the Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+), the system comes with a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Lane Keep Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beams. It also offers six airbags and a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. All of this is offered as standard.

The Lexus LC500 Convertible can be yours for a cool RM1,350,000 after sales and service tax without insurance. Buy this car and you will enjoy a five-year unlimited mileage warranty plus free service throughout the five years or for the first 100,000km. As long as you continue to service your car at a authorised Lexus service centre. Buy it now and you will receive your LC500 Convertible by February 2021.

Fuel pump recall list for Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia expanded

Following a recall notice announced in March, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has expanded the list of affected Toyota and Lexus vehicles that require a fuel pump replacement. The expansion has been prompted by additional information received from Toyota Motor Corporation which has identified 9,500 new units of Toyota models and 850 new units of Lexus models. These were units officially distributed by UMWT between July 2017 and July 2019.

Models affected
The Toyota models affected are the Alphard, Vellfire, Camry, Corolla, Fortuner, Innova, C-HR and Harrier. Lexus models affected are the ES250, GS200t, GS350, IS200t, LC500, LS500, LX570, NX300, RX300 and RX350. Models not mentioned are not affected, UMWT stresses.

The issue with the defective fuel pump is a serious one as it may stop operating. If this were to occur, warning lights and messages may be displayed on the instrument panel, and engine power or hesitation may occur. Therefore it is very important that owners respond to this recall announcement and visit an authorised Toyota or Lexus service centre for the replacement.

*Models such as the Toyota Harrier (above) and Lexus LS 500 (below) imported from Japan by UMWT are among the vehicles being recalled under the Special Service Campaign.*

UMWT says it will officially notify affected vehicle owners to request them bring their vehicles in for the replacement of the fuel pump unit. There will be no charges for the parts and labour involved in this Special Service Campaign.

It is possible that some owners might not receive such a notification if they are not the original owner and their contact details are not registered with UMWT. If you own one of the vehicles listed (and distributed through the authorised Toyota and Lexus network) but do not receive any notification from UMWT, you can contact any authorised Toyota Service Centre or call the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682) for assistance. For Lexus owners, contact authorised Lexus Service Centres or call the Lexus Freephone at 1800-22-LEXUS (53987).

Lower maintenance costs with Toyota Service Savers packages

Lexus and Infiniti demonstrate off-road capabilities of their large SUVs in all-female rally

Although the Range Rover, launched in the mid-1970s, can lay claim to being the first premium SUV, large premium SUVs only appeared in the late 1990s. However, the two Japanese premium brands – Lexus and Infiniti – had developed their own versions of luxury SUVs based on existing 4×4 models of their parent brands, Toyota and Nissan, respectively.

As the volumes are relatively small, it has not been viable to develop their own models so up till today, the large SUVs are still adapted from the models of the other brands. Unlike the newer models, these two original ones retain the greater degree of ruggedness and capability for off-road driving. This year, both companies are using the Rebelle Rally to demonstrate this.

Lexus J201 Concept
Lexus, Toyota’s premium luxury brand, has a range of SUVs today but before the RX came out in 1997, its only SUV was the Land Cruiser-based LX. The model line continues up till today, offering a large premium SUV which is also pretty rugged.

The LX has gone through the usual evolutionary improvements over the years being launched in 1995 and to remind people how rugged it is, the company has developed the J201 Concept which uses the current LX570’s platform. The ‘J201’ designation is even derived from the internal Lexus chassis code of the LX470 – URJ201.

The inspiration for the J201 project came from seeing how a growing number of Lexus SUV owners are going off-road with their adventurous activities. The concept SUV, which has a supercharged 550-bhp engine, is for what Lexus calls the ‘Experiential Adventurer’ and has been built by overlanding experts, Expedition Overland.

The J201 Concept will demonstrate its capabilities in the 10-day Rebelle Rally, an all-female event covering over 2,000 kms of off-road terrain in the US states of California and Nevada. The crew will be defending Rebelle Rally champions, Rachelle Croft and Taylor Pawley of The X Elles.

Infiniti QX80 Rebelle
Infiniti, Nissan premium luxury brand, also has a big flagship SUV, the QX80 which has been around for the past 16 years and is based on Nissan’s Patrol model. Like Lexus, Infiniti has also prepared a special QX80 for the Rebelle Rally. The crew of the 5.6-litre 400-bhp SUV consists of Nicole Wakelin and Alice Chase (Team Wander Women).

Infiniti worked with off-road specialists CALMINI Products to prepare the QX80, installing off-road suspension components, custom front and rear bumpers suited for demanding approach and departure angles, heavy-duty control arms, thicker skid plates, and chunky all-terrain tyres.

The red QX80 also has Off-Road Monster 18-inch wheels, a PowerTank air-up tank and digital air-down kit, plus a unique and secure custom safety cage.

About the Rebelle Rally
The Rebelle Rally was started a few years ago by Emily Miller, 51, who is very active in adventure events. Apart from being only for women, the event is unique in that the participants cannot use modern devices – no smartphones, no GPS systems – and must find their way from point to point using maps and compasses… and maybe following the sun. Yes, the old-fashioned methods of navigation that adventurers used.

Lexus RC F Fuji Speedway Edition available for just 60 customers worldwide

Developed alongside the Lexus RC sports coupe, the RC F is one of the older models in the range, having been introduced 6 years ago. A more striking version of the RC, it has wider wheels and tyres, an active rear wing, air scoops, cooling ducts and customers can also choose a carbonfibre bodyshell.

Only 60 units for sale
Its age has not diminished its appeal and for the 2021 model year, Lexus has created the limited RC F Fuji Speedway Edition. Paying homage to the track where the F brand began, the RC F Fuji Speedway Edition will be limited to just 60 units.

This limited edition embodies decades of development on the iconic track. Already having the best power-to-weight ratio in its class, the RC F Fuji Speedway Edition shaves off some more weight. Installed in the car are Brembo Carbon Ceramic brakes, a titanium exhaust and extensive use of carbonfibre aerodynamic elements.

Besides its GT3-inspired looks and a naturally aspirated 5-litre V8 producing 472 bhp/535 Nm, there are upgrades that are said to push its performance to a new level. The sum of the detailed enhancements is claimed to make possible a time of 3.96 seconds from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Lexus engineers worked with the RC F GT3 racing team to create a unique aerodynamics strategy that increases downforce for better grip and control. Even the airflow inside the wheel wells was carefully calculated. Air exits through the fenders, allowing the suspension to perform without disruptive air pressure, simultaneously enhancing handling and stability. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres also have a specially developed compound to maximize grip.

Two colour choices
Only two exterior colour choices are available – Arctic Blast Satin or Cloudburst Gray. Arctic Blast Satin – a Lexus-first – is a unique white paint possessing a semi-matte finish. The paint expresses a beautiful satin lustre like that of a true matte finish, yet is durable enough go through an automatic car-wash.

Inside, the cockpit has exclusive highlighting with Circuit Red leather-trimmed seats and Alcantara accents as well as red carbonfibre ornamentation.

Exclusive MSTR watch by Meister
Each owner of the RC F Fuji Speedway Edition will receive a limited production MSTR automatic movement watch. The timepiece, by Meister, features RC F-inspired elements such as a gunmetal bezel, red stitching on its band, and Fuji Speedway and F logos.

*Opened in the early 1960s, the Fuji Speedway has hosted major motorsports events, including Formula 1. It has been owned by Toyota since 2000.*

New Lexus IS introduces ‘The Lexus Driving Signature’

2020 Lexus LX range joined by LX570 Sport

Lexus, like most carmakers, saw the SUV trend surging upwards in the 1990s and to quickly have a representative in the growing segment, it introduced the LX in 1995. Largely adapted from the Toyota Land Cruiser, a well-proven model, the LX had all the qualities of a Lexus, especially luxury, and also off-road capability.

Meanwhile, Lexus was also developing an entirely new SUV which, like the Toyota RAV4, would start a new segment almost overnight. It was the RX and it introduced the premium SUV and other premium manufacturers would quickly follow.

However, the LX remained as part of the Lexus range, continuously being improved and refined. Lexus has found there were still customers who wanted larger SUVs with up to three rows of seating, and the LX was an ideal product to offer.

“The Lexus LX 570 raises the level of sophistication of a very competent platform, ensuring that each journey you take, you remain ensconced in the pinnacle of automotive engineering. The Lexus logo on the characteristic spindle grille ensures you arrive in fashionable comfort and elegance,” said the Deputy Chairman of Lexus Malaysia, Akio Takeyama.

The third generation of the LX has been part of the Lexus SUV range in Malaysia since 2015, complementing the RX, NX and more recently, the UX. For 2020, the model has received updates and an additional variant – the LX 570 Sport – is also available. Prices are expected to start from RM1,225,883 (excluding insurance with sales tax exemption applicable until the end of 2020) and bookings for the new model are now being accepted at all 6 authorised Lexus Centres nationwide.

Cosmetic updates
The LX570 has a clear brand identification with its spindle grille, appropriately sized to match the traditional SUV form. Measuring 5 metres in length and almost 2 metres in width, it is obviously a large vehicle and the engineers have done whatever is possible for aerodynamic efficiency.

For 2020, the turn signals glancing the LED headlights now have sequential illumination, a feature usually found on premium models. When activated, the driver’s intentions are more clearly relayed rather than just flashing amber lights.

Customers have a choice of exterior colours that now include Terrane Khaki Mica Metallic. The interior colours of Garnet, Sun Flare Brown and Ocher are used according to the choice of exterior colour.

LX570 Sport
The LX570 Sport has sportier bumpers and the spindle grille gets a different L-shaped block mesh design. Its 21-inch forged rims are also exclusively styled with a more open pattern for a sportier look.

Inside, the Lexus LX 570 Sport also gets an exclusive illuminated scuff plate, aluminium sports pedals with rubber inserts and door courtesy lamps with logo projection.

Biggest Lexus engine
The 3UR-FE engine is similar for the LX 570 and LX570 Sport. At 5.7 litres, it is the largest engine in the Lexus range and has a V8 configuration with advanced Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i). At its peak output, the engine generates 362 bhp with 530 Nm of torque and can reach up to 210 km/h, it is claimed.

The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission which delivers power to all 4 wheels via a robust 4×4 system. The driver has a choice of up to 6 driving modes to suit personal preference or driving conditions.

With the LX 570 Sport, there is also a Front Performance Damper. This additional accessory enhances body rigidity for better handling and stability without sacrifice to the overall comfort of the vehicle. The Adaptive Variable Suspension adjusts the ride according to terrain and has four electronically-controlled off-road modes.

Lexus Safety System Plus
The LX 570 has Lexus Safety System Plus (LSS+) as standard and the active safety features now included as standard include Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert (LDA).

“The Lexus LX 570 is truly an understated SUV. It is impressive in every aspect of its capability, be it as a people-mover, rugged explorer, safe tourer or a luxurious city dweller. It performs remarkably well everywhere and does it with the true finesse of a Lexus product,” said the President of Lexus Malaysia, Ravindran K.

Click here for other news and articles about Lexus.

100% financing packages to buy new Toyota or Lexus models

It’s a good time to buying a new car in Malaysia this year as sales tax is being exempted. The exemption is being given as part of a huge initiative to help many sectors recover after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For those who are considering Toyota or Lexus models, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) is collaborating offering attractive financing packages of up to 100% financing for all Malaysian citizens aged between 18 to 65 years old.

*Toyota Rush – one of the models that can be purchased with the finance packages.*

Two financing options, no downpayment
The packages, offered in collaboration with Bank Rakyat, follow Islamic financing principles and consist of two types of financing options. They are An-Naqlu 1, which offers 90% financing follows the Shariah concept of Al Ijarah Thumma Al-Bai’ (AITAB) and An-Naqlu 2, which offers 100% financing follows the Shariah concept of Tawarruq. Customer can repay over a period of between 4 to 9 years under these schemes.

Customers aged between 18 to 60 years old do not have to make any downpayment (subject to terms and conditions) under AN NAQLU 2. There is also a special Graduate Scheme available with zero down payment to graduates aged 20 – 30 years old with a diploma and have been currently employed for at least 3 months. For those with less than 3 months of employment, a guarantor is required.

2020 Lexus UX — *The smallest Lexus model available in Malaysia is the UX,*

“We are always working with our business partners to provide affordable ownership solutions to our customers. Bank Rakyat offers this special scheme to help different customer groups to own brand-new Toyota and Lexus vehicle,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

For senior citizens
There is another financing scheme under AN NAQLU 1 (AITAB) exclusively for senior citizens. They should be below 65 years old at the end of the financing period and will need to transfer their pension to a Bank Rakyat savings account.

‘BR Malaysia 2.0’ has a special promotional rate for these financing schemes and is valid until September 30, 2020.

For more information, customers can visit any authorised Toyota or Lexus dealer or any Bank Rakyat Auto Financing Centre or branches. To locate an authorised Toyota showroom, visit the Toyota Malaysia website at www.toyota.com.my ; for authorised Lexus showrooms, visit www.lexus.com.my.

Lower maintenance costs with Toyota Service Savers packages

Lexus flagship gets updated with more advanced safety systems

Three years into its product cycle, the fifth generation of the LS, flagship of the Lexus range, has received its first update which, besides cosmetic changes, see the introduction of Lexus Teammate advanced driver assist technologies.

Towards autonomous motoring
Lexus Teammate is another step towards autonomous motoring and is based on the Mobility Teammate Concept. The technology has five characteristics: Perceptive, Intelligent, Interactive, Reliable, and Upgradable. It can seamlessly incorporate future software updates that allow functions to be continually added and performance to be continually enhanced to meet customer needs.

Advanced Drive performs peripheral recognition, estimates vehicle position, calculates vehicle lane and position, adjusts speed, and conducts other tasks on motor-vehicle-only roadways for safe driving support all the way to the roadway exit.

Advanced Park uses cameras and ultrasonic sensors to provides parking assist through driver operation of intuitive controls. It automatically controls acceleration, braking, and gear changes. It not only provides people with safety as a matter of course but also with a parking experience that gives them a sense of precision and security.

Through integrated cameras and ultrasonic sensors, the latest advanced parking assist technologies support the driver in recognition, judgment, and operation. Besides support of all operations – steering, acceleration, braking, and gear changes – the bird’s-eye view display also shows the ideal steering wheel positions for a safe and secure parking experience.

High-tech lighting
The new LS also features BladeScan AHS (Adaptive High-beam System), which debuted as a world’s first on the partially redesigned Lexus RX in 2019. In this system, LED-sourced light shines onto a blade mirror spinning at high speed and is transferred to a lens to illuminate the road ahead. While the light does not appear to be moving due to a residual image effect, BladeScan AHS precisely controls light distribution by synchronizing the rotation of the blade mirror and switching the LED headlamps on and off.

Because the effect of the high beam can be expanded in a more-natural manner, the system illuminates areas that might be difficult to see with conventional high-beam systems, such as the shoulder of the road. It also allows the driver to recognize pedestrians and road signs much earlier, without impeding the visibility of drivers of oncoming or preceding vehicles.

Other technical changes include increased battery assist during acceleration at often-used driving speeds with more quietness in the hybrid variant. The petrol engine of the LS500 has been retuned for improved initial engine torque at often-used driving speeds to offer greater acceleration response. Shift timing has also been recalibrated to enhance smoothness and provide a wider acceleration range for each gear so there are less frequent downshifts.

All variants of the new LS have undergone Active Noise Control and Engine Sound Enhancement tuning for improved quietness, a key aspect of Lexus since the first model was launched in 1989.

A newly developed Adaptive Variable Suspension solenoid reduces damping force, while the vertical spring rate (stiffness) of the run-flat tyres and the rigidity of the stabilizer bars provide optimized performance. Also, the orifice inside the engine mounts has been changed so as to alter damping characteristics, resulting in a reduction in vibrations transmitted into the cabin.

Interior changes
“Hospitality’ has been a feature of Lexus models right from the start and greatest efforts are made to provide occupants with the best comfort to enjoy each journey. For the latest LS, the interior presents various expressions amid the transition of time. Ornamentation is available for the first time in ‘Nishijin & Haku’ (with ‘haku’ being the Japanese word for ‘metal leaf’). By expressing the existence of a ‘path of moonlight on the sea’ formed by the sparkles of light on moonlit waves through the silver threads of Nishijin brocade and the sparkle of platinum leaf, Lexus has aimed to provide the comfortable and relaxing atmosphere that would be expected of a true brand flagship.

Besides a digital rearview mirror for the driver, the multimedia system features a new touch display and is compatible with SmartDeviceLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Convenience has been greatly enhanced by the ability to control the display screen and audio functions by using an iPhone and Android smartphone linked to the 12.3-inch touch-operated wide display.

The seat coverings feature deeper stitch points, and the underlying seat pads have low-resilience urethane. Vibration absorption and soft seating contribute to even more enhanced comfort.

New paint technology
Gin-ei Luster – a new paint technology and colour providing deep shadows and robust highlights is used on the bodywork of the LS. This comes from much effort spent in the development of silver paint finishes. The new colour is applied using the Sonic Method, which condenses the paint volume of paint containing radiant material (aluminium flakes). The new colour also employs the latest paint technology in which an aluminium evaporation coating is spread over surfaces in high density.

With a smooth, mirror-like texture that is all but absent of a granular touch, the most-notable characteristics of Gin-ei are the beautiful sparkles of light found in its highlights and the sense of depth created by its deep shadows. It reacts to the even slight amounts of surrounding light and that transforms in concert with the transition of time and with changes in the environment to display a variety of expressions.

Providing a safer mobility experience
“The LS, as a flagship, has constantly pursued innovation and has provided new technologies and value for its customers,” said Lexus International President, Koji Sato. “In developing the new LS, we furthered the evolution of the exceptional quietness and comfort that has been a steadfast constant since the model’s first generation, and, by employing the advanced driving assist technologies of Lexus Teammate, we aimed for a mobility experience that is much safer and more secured than before.”

The new model will go on sale in Japan towards the end of 2020, so sales in overseas markets like Malaysia would only start in 2021.

Revised Lexus pricelist with exemption of 5% Sales Tax

New Lexus IS introduces ‘The Lexus Driving Signature’

With the debut of the new Lexus IS sports sedan, the premium brand is introducing the ‘Lexus Driving Signature’ that will become the development standard for all future Lexus models. The company explains that the ‘Lexus Driving Signature’ is defined by linear vehicle operation that is faithful to a driver’s intentions, providing seamless transition from braking to steering and acceleration through a corner.

These Lexus dynamic values were achieved by utilising the country road test course at the company’s new technical centre in Shimoyama, Japan, which opened in 2019. The new test course is based on many years of Lexus experience of driving on the Nurburgring Nordschleife, famous for its gruelling driving conditions.

The new test course has been designed to take advantage of the local topography, featuring a change in elevation of about 75 metres, a wide range of curves and a variety of road surfaces. By repeatedly subjecting both vehicle and engineers to daily tests in this severe driving environment, Lexus was able to devise an ever-higher dimension of vehicle performance – with the new IS being the first product to be ‘born’ at the Shimoyama facility.

Toyota Shimoyama Test Course — *Part of Toyota’s new test course at Shimoyama in Japan.*

Reimagined sports sedan concept
The new IS reimagines the sports sedan concept with a low and wide stance, the sleek proportions of a four-door coupe, slimmer headlights and a lower, sharper side character line that combine to express a centre of gravity closer to the ground. This is further emphasised by single-blade rear combination lights sporting an ‘L’ motif and a sharper overall contour created by the character line around the bootlid.

According to Lexus International Chief Designer Kenichi Hirai, the aim for the new IS was to achieve an aggressive design that evokes a sense of driving. “To achieve a high degree of design, Lexus members in product planning, production technology, engineering, and styling combined their various insights and united behind development from an early stage,” he said.

The elaborate and dimensional forms unique to Lexus are made possible by the use of drawing die construction, the latest in high-precision stamping technology that adds a mechanism that slides in tandem with the movement of the stamping press.

Body rigidity is enhanced by reinforcing radiator side supports, increasing the number of front-side-member weld points and optimising structures from the rear-quarter pillars to the sides of the roof, among other areas.

Focus on driving dynamics
Developing the sports sedan, the focus of the engineers’ attention was on driving dynamics and they sought to improve elements such as responsiveness to driver input and the suppression of unnecessary movement in sprung mass. New swing-valve shock absorbers have been employed and are equipped with ultra-low-velocity valves that respond to even minor road irregularities, generating the most appropriate damping force.

The availability of new-design 19-inch tyres improves cornering performance. Hub bolts are used to fasten the wheels, resulting in tight handling and braking due to increased fastening strength and reduced mass. With optional 18-inch wheels (comparative to the previous IS F Sport), the car rides on a 45mm-wider front track and 50mm-wider rear track.

Three powertrains
Besides the IS 300h hybrid powertrain, there is also an advanced 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine available for the IS 300. This now features enhanced adaptive control for the 8-speed automatic transmission. An 8-speed automatic transmission also continues to be available in the 3.5-litre normally aspirated V6-powered IS 350 (powertrain shown below).

New interior themes
Within the new IS are key firsts which include a new form of Lexus decorative expression for part of the door trim. This features a graphic pattern of embossed intersecting lines, new accents in surface treatments and decorative ornamentation.

A 10.3-inch display screen features newly forward-mounted positioning, touch-display functionality and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for the first time in the model.

Lexus Safety System+ evolved
The Lexus Safety System+ suite has also been upgraded with newly added functions to create a safer on-road experience, including the addition or enhancement of Lane Trace Assist which has improved lane recognition performance that aids stability and comfort by automatically reducing vehicle speed to ensure constant g-forces while driving through curves.

The Pre-Collision Safety System has also been expanded to include intersection detection where, during right turns, the system responds to vehicles and to pedestrians crossing the street from the direction toward which the vehicle was travelling before it started to turn.

Ever since the debut of its first generation in 1999, the IS has pursued the fun of driving unique to compact rear-wheel-drive sports sedans. Approximately 1.09 million units of the sports sedan have been delivered over a span of more than 20 years.

To know more about Lexus models available in Malaysia, visit www.lexus.com.my.