Reviews

Edmunds Inside Line recently put the Lexus GX 460 to a full test, seeking to determine whether the mid-size luxury utility vehicle successfully combines off-roading prowess and multi-purpose convenience—first off, here’s their video feature:

Much of the test is devoted to the GX 460’s technological and performance features, including:

The GX 460’s optional Crawl Control program does eliminate the need to think in some situations. It is to off-roading what the Lexus Advanced Parking Guidance system is to parallel parking.

Just look at that hill coming up. It’s steep. It’s dirt. There are ruts in it. If we lose traction in the middle of it, we just might have to push the Lexus Enform system’s Safety Connect button and call for help because there’s a drop-off on either side.

So we shift the GX 460 into its low range, engage crawl control, remove feet from brake and gas, and wait. Sure enough, the GX begins to climb at a steady rate, as Crawl Control modulates the SUV’s ABS, traction control (A-TRAC) and electronic throttle. We can hear the clatter of solenoids and hydraulic actuators under the hood. All we have to do is steer and adjust the speed via a toggle switch. It works just as magically going back down — Crawl Control is hill descent control that has evolved into adaptive off-road cruise control.

The review notes that the GX 460’s body-on-frame architecture and new V8 engine offer advantages, ranging from a 6,500-pound towing capacity to a “respectable” 7.9 second 0-60 time.  The ride quality and handling were found to be an improvement over the prior GX 470, while the flatter second row seat (with folding capability) and small third row were critiqued.  Overall, the GX 460 was found to be an “image” vehicle, capable for wilderness or suburban adventures.

[Source: Inside Line]

Autoblog recently published a review of the Lexus GS 450h, detailing their impressions of the performance hybrid sedan.  Along with favorable mentions for the silent electric mode capability and interior design, the review raved about the 340 hp V6 hybrid’s performance:

The GS 450h is the world’s first performance luxury hybrid, and we loved its performance. That’s right, love. Why? Because batteries rock. They make things happen right now, and anytime we dabble in acceleration our preferred phrase to begin the proceedings with is “right now.” Acceleration from a stop isn’t cheetah fast – cheetahs take time to get up to speed. This is gazelle fast. When you’re being chased by something with teeth that’s already running 60 mph, you don’t have time to meander up to speed. The GS 450h accelerates like it doesn’t want to be eaten. Instant torque, party of one, your stoplight is ready. And this is in any gear, at any speed.

The review further found the Active Power Stabiilzer Suspension System (APSSS) as rendering corner-carving flat and stable, regarded the steering as fine, and observed that brake feel was surprisingly better after extended use.  Ultimately, Autoblog called the GS 450h the Lexus they would choose if their “budget was limited to $200,000” - with a caveat, namely the IS-F.  (Further details after the jump).

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Road & Track has posted their driving impressions of the LS 460 Sport, which features a sport-tuned air suspension, Brembo brakes, and the Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission from the IS-F, all intended to give the Lexus flagship a more performance-oriented demeanor:

Seemingly small changes add up to big differences out on the road—especially if that road is curvy. Setting the suspension to Sport (the stiffest of its three modes) does away with the squish associated with the regular LS. It takes a firm set entering turns, with minimal body roll and negligible understeer, ..The Brembo brakes bring a high level of confidence, allowing you to brake later entering turns, while the 380-bhp 4.6-liter V-8 makes exiting turns fun, with easily controlled power-on oversteer available—who knew the LS chassis was so competent?

The LS 460 Sport also gains a unique interior with exclusive features like brown ash burl wood trim and a unique-to-the-Sport Package heated leather steering wheel.  The SPDS transmission is also programmed for smoother shifting in the LS Sport than in the IS-F.

(Lexus also offers an Appearance Package which replicates the LS Sport’s exterior appearance for the standard LS 460.)

[Source: Road & Track]

For 2010, the Lexus IS-F gained a Torsen Limited Slip Differential (LSD), and EVO magazine has put the revised model to a road test.  The Torsen LSD helped shave 2 seconds off the IS-F’s track times at Fuji Speedway, and on UK roads, EVO seemed impressed with the results.  Here’s how they described it:

In a word, even better. The electronic diff in the previous IS-F was just a part of its stability system, braking a spinning inside wheel, but not doing much to help traction. You’d come out of a corner and sense the car holding back slightly, before snapping straight as the brake released and firing forwards down the next straight, 5.0-litre V8 snarling away. It was a neat party trick in its own right and we loved the way it drove, but it didn’t flow nearly as well as this version.

What strikes you first is not only how much earlier you can get on the power, but how much harder. The rear end stays faithful for a long time and when the lateral forces do finally overcome the diff’s tenacious hold, the IS-F slides very progressively. OK, if you give it a bootful in second gear you’ll need to be quick with the lock, but on a cross-country strop it feels playful and well balanced, feeding the power in smoothly and consistently.

The latest IS-F continues to receive an enthusiastic response, with EVO awarding it their full five-star rating.  The Torsen LSD on the new IS-F replaces the previous electric LSD function, which was part of the car’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) stability control system. Reviewer Ollie Marriage hopes that the new IS-F will find favorable buyer reception in a “post Lexus LFA world”, and adds that it compares well with its BMW and Mercedes-Benz rivals.  Also of note, like other Lexus Europe models, the navigation no longer has a motion lockout. 

[Source: EVO]

Couldn’t help but notice how great the Starfire Pearl Lexus GX 460 looks in these photos that were part of a (uniquely written) review in The Gulf News:

While I’m partial to Starfire Pearl on almost every vehicle in the lineup, it really gives the GX some extra definition, especially in the side profile. Don’t even mind that front air intake as much, which surprises me since it’s much more pronounced with the contrasting white.

(The GX is now available in the Middle East for the first time, where it joins its close cousin, the Toyota Prado.)

[Source: The Gulf News]

We saw the video portion of Chris Harris’ Lexus LFA review for EVO Magazine, and now we have the written instalment as shared by Edmunds:

The only engine as free-revving and responsive as this that we’ve ever experienced has been the Porsche Carrera GT’s 612-hp 5.7-liter V10. The resemblance is uncanny, from the heavy, lash-free action of the throttle pedal to the rabid way the engine accumulates revs.

The LFA’s ride is busy but not jarring, and the refinement is pretty good given that the subframes that locate the suspension are hung from a stiff carbon-fiber tub that is bound to transmit vibration…overall the 2011 Lexus LFA feels about as relaxed on the pavement as a Ferrari 599 GTB, which makes it entirely happy as we trundle away.

Flawlessly made carbon-fiber trim pushes up against exotic metals, while the hand-stitched leather is supple and expensive. As a place to enjoy, be comfortable and operate a machine, this might be our favorite supercar cabin of them all. Never thought we’d hear ourselves say that.

This is the very first review of the LFA that takes place entirely on public roads rather than a race track, and as a result, there’s a much clearer sense that the Lexus supercar is equal parts performance & luxury.

For only having four hours of seat-time, Chris Harris turns in a review filled with plenty of insight. Recommended reading.

[Source: Edmunds]