Lexus Issues Voluntary Recall on 245,000 GS and IS Models in the U.S.

Lexus has issued a voluntary safety recall involving some 245,000 cars in the U.S. because of a potential defect that may cause fuel leakage. The models affected by the recall include the GS300 and GS350 from the 2006-2007MY, the IS 250 from the 2006-2009MY, and the IS 350 from the 2006-2008MY.

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VIDEO: Lexus Sets the Bar High, Chains Four Cars on LS in New TV Ad

In another sign that luxury automakers in the U.S. are raising the stakes -or so to speak- with their latest commercials, following Audi's recent A8 ad, Lexus has released a new TV spot as part of an advertising campaign to demonstrate how far the company goes to achieve perfection.

This particular broadcast ad is titled “Chain” and it shows a crane slowly lifting the front end of a LS, which is attached to four more Lexus models (RX, GS, ES and IS) using nothing more than cables and stretch bars. At the end of the spot, a $375,000 LFA comes into the shot and parks directly below the chain of vehicles weighing a total 21,000 pounds.

The key point here is that the commercial is real and that no special effects were used for its creation as Lexus proves in the 'Behind the Scenes" video.

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Lexus bringing Five Customized Hybrids Plus CT 200h F-Sport to SEMA Show

Hitting the SEMA Show floors next week will be an array of customized Lexus hybrid models. The Japanese firm's lineup in Las Vegas will include the RX 450h SUV tuned by Paul Tolson, a race-spec GS 450h sedan, the VIP Auto Salon-prepped HS 250h sedan and two modified LS 600h L limos.

Lexus will also show off the CT 200h F-Sport concept fitted with 18-inch wheels shod in Pirelli P-Zero Nero 225/40 tires, a big brake kit with cross drilled rotors and an adjustable sport suspension. Full details and pictures after the break.

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New Toyota Recall, this time for Toyota Avalon and Highlander, and Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350

Toyota has announced a voluntary recall of some 740,000 vehicles in the United States to address a potential leak problem with a seal in the brake master cylinder. The models that are being recalled in the U.S. are the 2005-2006MY Toyota Avalon, 2004-2006MY Highlander (non Hybrid) and Lexus RX330, and 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350. Another 600,898 vehicles were recalled in Japan and approximately 200,000 in China for the same issue.

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Lexus Prices U.S. Spec 2010 GS and GS450h Hybrid Facelift Models

Unveiled for the first time at last month's Frankfurt Motor Show, the Lexus GS 450h hybrid has received a minor cosmetic facelift as well some added features for 2010 while it's gasoline-only siblings, the GS 350 and GS460 that are powered by a 303HP 3.5-liter V6 and a 342HP 4.6-liter V8 respectively, get new colors and technology enhancements for the new model year. Despite the upgrades, Lexus has not increased prices over the 2009MY GS models.

The 2010 GS 450h benefits from a few exterior enhancements that were made to distinguish it from the gas-only models, including a revised front grille, clear tail lamp covers and unique 18-inch alloy wheels. The rear-wheel drive hybrid model combines a 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine with a compact electric motor that collectively produce an output of 340 horsepower.

For 2010, the GS 350 and GS 460 receive two new exterior colors, Deep Sea Mica and Satin Cashmere Metallic, while Black Sapphire Pearl, Verdigris Mica, and Golden Almond Metallic are discontinued. Furthermore, the Parchment-colored interior replaces Cashmere.

The standard Lexus Premium Sound System on both the gas-only and hybrid GS models has been enhanced for 2010 with the addition of iPod/USB connectivity, streaming audio via Bluetooth and an integrated satellite radio receiver. Moreover, the optional Lexus Navigation system has been updated to a new hard disk drive based system with Voice Command casual-language voice recognition and Bluetooth phonebook download capability.

Prices for the 2010 GS range from $45,875 for the GS 350 to $57,425 for the GS 450h (both including a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875). Lexus said that the 2010 GS sedans will arrive at U.S. dealerships later in October.

2010 LEXUS GS450h

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2010 LEXUS GS

Lexus GS 450h Hybrid Freshened Up with Styling Tweaks and Upgraded Features

The 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show saw Lexus swiping the covers off the 2010 GS 450h hybrid that has received a gentle facelift with miniscule exterior and interior styling changes, new available colors and revisions to the Pre-Crash Safety system, navigation and audio packages. On the outside, the 2010 model year GS 450h gains a more distinct front grille with horizontal bars, tweaked rear lamp clusters larger, transparent outer lenses and newly styled 18-inch alloy wheels along with three new exterior shades - Vanilla Mist, Richmond Green and Atlantic Blue.

In the cabin, the GS 450h gets a new leather interior and wood trim while Lexus also added a new hybrid-blue backlit stop/start button and upgraded the audio packages as well as the navigation system that gets a 40GB hard disk.

Furthermore, the firm's Pre-Crash Safety system in the GS 450h has been revised to support the pre-crash seatbelt and brake assist functions with pre-crash brake technology while both front seats are fitted with new, inflator-operated active headrests that are activated in the event of a rear-end impact.

Frankfurt Motor Show Debut for Revised 2010 Lexus GS Range

European buyers will get their first look at the subtly revised 2010 model year Lexus GS sedan when it makes its world premiere in about two weeks time from now at the Frankfurt Motor Show. According to Lexus, the entire GS range benefits from enhanced safety features, new exterior and interior colors as well as from upgraded audio and navigation systems. Furthermore, the GS 450h hybrid model gains several bespoke styling cues to set it apart from its conventionally-powered siblings.

From what we can tell by looking at the single press shot of the 2010 GS 450h, the hybrid model gets a new front grille with a highlighted 'Lexus' logo and new exterior mirrors with integrated turning signals.

Aside from the 2010 GS, Lexus will also stage the world debut of the LF-Ch premium compact hatchback prototype and the updated 2010 LS range