The history of the Lexus car dates back to 1983 in a country where people value comfort - in Japan. At that time, such brands as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar were in demand. The Japanese manufacturer Toyota was not in the least afraid of the appearance of these car brands. On the contrary, I decided to take a competitive path. Those who managed to develop worldwide famous cars Toyota also worked on the creation of the Lexus. At that time, the team consisted of about 1450 workers, among them were progressive engineers and talented designers. The design and manufacture of the car took over five years. Developers managed to compete with their rivals in 1988 with the appearance of the posh, luxurious and prestigious Lexus LS400. Moreover, he attracted the attention of society not only by his appearance, but also the ideal motor characteristics. Since its inception, it has won the hearts of many luxury car enthusiasts.
Lexus in America
However, Japan wasn't the only country that produced Lexus. After a rapid increase in demand for cars of this brand in the United States, a plant was built, which also began to be engaged in the production of Lexus. True, it differs in many ways from the Japanese version. Lexus production in Japan was aimed at maintaining ergonomics and at the lowest cost, while in the USA the emphasis was on power, size and comfort.
The first successful car
Country of origin Lexus LS400 - Japan. It was the absolute opposite. Designers created it based on American production. They believed in a bright future, that one day the brand should conquer not only Europe and neighboring countries, but all world markets.
The development of the Lexus LS400 was the most daring step in the history of the Japanese automobile industry since the launch of the Toyota brand. It was recognized in 1990 as the best-selling and best car brought to America. The Lexus SC400 is equipped with an eight-cylinder engine that includes 32 valves. Its volume is 4 liters, and the power is 294 horsepower. It also has five-speed gearbox gear.
Further development
The next move by the manufacturer was the Lexus GS-300 - its beautiful streamlined body and stylish design immediately attracted a lot of interested buyers. The American theme in the production of powerful cars pushed Toyota to develop a sports sedan GS 300 3T with a forced engine from Motosport.
Country-producers of Lexus GS-300 - Japan, USA. It was introduced to America in 1991 along with the Toyota Camry and premiered to the world in 1993. It was a sedan-type car, the engine of which has a capacity of 221 hp. with. with a volume of 3 liters, which corresponded to the American standard. It was followed by the all-wheel drive Lexus LX 450 SUV, which entered the American market in 1996. Its production was based on Toyota models Land cruiser 200. Both models were similar and not much different.
Also in 1991, the Lexus SC 400 was introduced, which borrowed the design from the export version of the Toyota Soarer. And in 1998, the first show of a car from Toyota Motor took place, which included a preview of the IS model. This is how the first improved and modified Lexus - IS 200 appeared in 1999, which was widely supplied to European and American markets.
New generation
Then, in 2000, other novelties were added to this range: LS430, IS300. They replaced the outdated SC 300 and 400 coupes. In 2001, the first Lexus SC430 convertible was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. It is distinguished by its beautiful, sporty, unsurpassed design, which attracts all pedestrians and motorists who meet it on their way. It is characterized by a wide and low shape. Gives the driver a perfect driving comfort. The car looks gorgeous with both open and closed roof views.
Lexus SC430 has rear drive and is equipped with a 4.3-liter V-8 engine, which develops power up to 282 liters. with., and a five-speed automatic adaptive transmission. The car accelerates to "hundreds" in just 6.4 seconds.
Perfect car
Next car, which is popular to this day - Lexus RX 300. This completely new SUV was unveiled at the 2001 North American Auto Show in Detroit. The car has impressive dimensions. After the successful launch, the manufacturers decided to update it and dubbed the updated version of the Lexus RX 330. The changes were to increase the length and width of the car, as well as to equip the model with a 3.3-liter V-six engine with a capacity of 230 horsepower.
Later, in 2009, the Lexus RX 350 model appeared. This SUV has a capacity of 271 horse power with a volume of 3.7 liters, as well as 188 liters. with. at 2.4 liters. This model was soon converted to the RX 450 h, adding a sporty look and a 300 hp engine. with. Crossover enthusiasts were impressed by its creative design and powerful engine, and the six-speed gearbox was not overlooked either.
Types of models
The manufacturing country of this prestigious brand has produced four generations of the car. They include the following range of models:
- compact - IS HS;
- medium size - GS;
- crossovers - LX, SUV, LX:
- coupe - LFA, SC
In 2018, the LEXUS manufacturer presented a new generation sedan car - LEXUS ES 2019, Lexus UX -2018 crossover, Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept. Japan is the home country of Lexus. Its headquarters are located at Toyota.
"Lexus" is the brainchild of the "Toyota" concern, that is, the country of origin in this case is Japan. However, Lexus has, and not the characteristic letter "T", consisting of two ovals. The fact is that when Toyota developed a line expensive cars, local experts conducted a survey and found out that the brand evokes in people associations with affordable products. For a premium car, this perception is tantamount to failure even before it hits the market. Therefore, the company launched a new label and began to actively promote it, not too advertising its affiliation with an already well-known brand.
At first they wanted to call the car "Alexis", but this would suggest the character of the American telenovela popular at that time, and as a result of the naming the word was transformed into "Lexus".
The Japanese managed to show their new car just in time - expensive cars began to gain popularity in the States. Later, the brand was sold all over the world, and the company opened a branch in Canada in order to assemble cars on another continent and not overstate their cost, which is already not small.
"Lexus" of the Japanese assembly
There are several large Toyota Motors factories in Japan where Lexus cars are assembled:
- Models GS300 / 400/430 LS430 are produced from production facilities located in Aichi province.
- The Lexus ES300 model leaves the assembly line of the plant located in the city of Toyota (it is quite symbolic that the city and the concern where Toyota cars are assembled bear the same name).
- Models RX330 and ES300 are manufactured in our workshops in Osaka.
Lexus Japanese assembly may have other names (this is due to the reasons described above - the creation of a separate brand for the American public), which causes considerable confusion among consumers:
- IS 200/300 - Toyota Alteza;
- GS 300/400 - Toyota Aristo;
- LS 400 - Toyota Celsior;
- LX 470 - Toyota Zignus;
- RX 300 - Toyota Harrier;
- SC 300/400 - Toyota Soarer;
- ES 300 - Toyota Windom.
Japanese factories are focused primarily on the domestic market, as well as Asia, Russia and Europe. The peculiarities of manufacturing and assembly depend on the different countries where the cars are exported. In addition, there are modifications with left-hand drive or right-hand drive - depending on the rules adopted in a particular country.
"Lexus" for warm countries of Asia and the Middle East
This modification does not have a seat heating function, automatic transmission The gear is equipped with a lever for manual shifting.
Car mirrors can be folded, there is no protection against freezing and condensation at low temperatures. made of breathable material.
The built-in radio tape recorder supports different carriers, as well as a radio that does not catch Russian and most European radio stations, since it is aimed at a different frequency range. There is no anti-theft system.
Lexus for Europe and the cold countries of Asia
Heated seats, glasses and even wipers are provided here. The anti-theft system works, the gearbox is adjusted in such a way that you can start driving from the second speed, bypassing the first (this is convenient in the cold season).
The suspension system can be adjusted at your discretion, depending on the characteristics of the road.
Almost all models for sale in the North American continent are assembled in Canada, except for the Lexus HX 200.
"Lexus" of the Canadian assembly
They are manufactured by a plant in Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) in Ontario, which has been a permanent subsidiary for many years. made in Japan and whose experience in assembling machines is beyond question to the parent company.
In Russia, the Canadian assembly is often criticized and the Japanese assembly is praised, but in fact they are carried out according to the same standards, it is just that the North American modifications are focused on local conditions.
Canadian Lexus models do not have wing direction indicator lights. There is also no parking radar to help you maneuver better when you need to park your car within the clear boundaries of the designated area.
The rear view mirrors cannot be folded. The box is fully automatic: it is possible to configure the start mode from the second speed in it, but it will not work to control the process manually. The speedometer shows the speed in miles per hour, but there is also a kilometer scale.
Radio also does not catch Russian radio stations.
"Lexus" for the Russian consumer
In our country there are no factories for the production of Lexus cars, only car dealerships where you can buy ready-made, as well as car markets where used options are presented. Thus, for Russia, the cost of transportation is added to the cost of Lexus.
And if official dealers can recommend you a model of a suitable assembly and configuration, then private sellers can only offer what they have, and this is fraught with unpleasant surprises. Before buying, you need to carefully inspect the car and check all its functions, or even better - first drive it to the service station and find out the opinion of a professional.
Several years ago, Russia also wanted to open the production of Lexus, but then a law was passed that controls the premium-class officials and officials. And since Lexus belongs to this category and is in demand among wealthy people, the volume of its sales turned out to be too small in order to open assembly shops.
Manufacturer country: Japan
Lexus(Lexus) - Japanese car company specializing in the release 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 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, special performance Toyota Camry for the American market.
In January 1993, the premiere of the Lexus GS 300 took place.
The Lexus family of cars also has its own luxurious four-wheel drive Lexus LX 450 jeep, combining the style of a luxury executive car with the merits of an SUV. Toyota Land Cruiser HDJ 80. The LX 470, a large executive four-wheel drive SUV, a luxury version of the Toyota Land Cruiser 100, replaced the Lexus LX 450 in 1998.
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 the lineup Lexus has added 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 braking forces on wheels depending on the condition of the brakes and braking conditions.
Updated version Lexus unveiled its RX 300 SUV at the recently concluded North American Auto Show in Detroit. The updated model was named Lexus RX 330, and has big sizes 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.
Lexus is the luxury car division of Toyota Motor Corporation. Introduced in 1989 in the United States, Lexus is currently available in over 70 countries worldwide and has become Japan's best-selling premium brand. Lexus is headquartered in Nagoya, Japan. The entire Lexus range.
History
According to the creators, the sound and spelling of the brand doesn't make much sense and just denotes a luxury car.
Lexus arose out of a secret Toyota corporation project that emerged six years before the Lexus LS. Subsequently, the Lexus line was expanded with a sedan, coupe, convertible and SUV. In the beginning, Lexus cars were manufactured in Japan. Production of the first Lexus RX 330 built outside the country at a plant in Ontario (Canada) began in 2003.
The 2000s were marked by the expansion of the brand to other markets, in addition to the traditional ones, for Japanese and North American. It debuts in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Europe and other export regions. The Lexus lineup has been expanded taking into account regional characteristics.
Running
It took a team of hundreds of professionals six years and nearly a billion dollars to successfully launch the brand's sales. On its debut, the LS 400 received a lot of positive feedback. Buyers appreciated the quietness in the cabin, the ergonomic interior, the characteristics of the new four-liter V8 gasoline engine, aerodynamics, economy and an acceptable price tag of $ 38,000 in the United States. Despite the fact that the Lexus brand appeared as if "out of nowhere", he almost immediately got a lot of loyal admirers.
Production growth
In the first year of the next decade, Lexus sold 63,594 units of LS 400 models and ES 250 sedans in the US. In the same year, the company began exporting its products to the UK, Switzerland, Canada and Australia. 1991 - Lexus began selling its first sports coupe, the SC 400, and at the end of that year became the best-selling imported premium car in the United States.
Three years later, production of the midsize GS 300 sports sedan, based on the Toyota "S" platform, began. Already in 1994, the next generation of the flagship LS 400 was presented.
1996 saw the debut of the first SUV, the LX 450, followed by the third generation ES 300 sedan. Two years later, Lexus added the first luxury crossover, the RX 300, and the second generation GS 300 and GS 400 sedans to its line. country of South America when sales in Brazil started.
Reorganization
Since 2000, the company has annually delighted consumers with new products: this year, the IS line is presented, a new entry-level series sports sedans... And later, with an interval of a year, were shown: the first convertible - the SC 430, the revised ES 300 and the third generation LS 430.
The next year brought with it medium SUV The GX 470 and a year later the second generation RX 330. The following year, Lexus recorded its two millionth vehicle sales and launched the first 400h RX luxury hybrid SUV.
In 2005, the organizational separation with the parent company Toyota was completed, Lexus received independent engineering, design departments and production centers. This work coincided with the launch of Lexus at domestic market Japan and the expansion of the brand's global sales in major global markets such as China.
F models and hybrids
The second half of the 2000s began with sales of the 450h GS hybrid sedan. And since early 2007, Lexus has announced a new line of F models, which will consist of powerful cars styled as sports cars. The first of this line was the IS F, which debuted at the 2007 North American International Auto Show.
In connection with the economic crisis of 2008, the sales of the company fell noticeably. Despite this, the HS 250h, a hybrid sedan destined for North America and Japan, and the 450h RX, the second generation of a hybrid SUV, were launched in 2009 and the exotic coupe was launched in the same year.
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 others Japanese companies begin 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, he himself was presented new brand with your 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 It was not possible to avoid - it was necessary to recall about 8 thousand already sold cars 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.
