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Lexus LFA AD-X Prototype Model Sighted

Published on May 24th, 2013 by in Lexus Concepts

Appearing in October 2012 at the Nürburgring race track, the Lexus LFA AD-X is the third prototype that’s show up based off of the Lexus LFA supercar. The latest prototype has Lexus Logo
surfaced again at the end of April making a few more laps around the tracks. With all these sightings of LFA prototypes (the AD-X was preceded by the AD-A and AD-B), many are wondering whether Lexus is planning a special edition or new version of the LFA. Lexus says they aren’t, but then what is the purpose of these mysterious supercars?

Lexus Says No to LFA Special Edition

Most likely because of the rampant speculation about the supercar prototypes, Lexus has made an official statement that resolves some questions while introducing new ones. According to Etienne Plas, who is the senior manager for production communications at Lexus Europe, these prototypes were created through the TMC technical division.

Their purpose is not for a special edition of the current LFA—this makes sense the LFA is limited to only 500 models—but for “technical purposes only” as one-off vehicles. Umm, what? If it’s not for a special edition, what could these cars be for? Our guess is Lexus is starting work on a future version of the LFA or another supercar to replace it. While the cars all look like the LFA, apart from the prototype labels, there might be some secret engine component under the hood we don’t know about.

LFA Prototype Timeline

  • June 2012: The LFA AD-A makes its first appearance. It’s blue and has a few noticeable changes like an exhaust system overhaul and front-lip spoiler.
  • July 2012: Emerging shortly after the AD-A, the AD-B was lime green and had many of the same modifications, but without the new exhaust system.
  • October 2012: Lexus brings out the white AD-X. Again, very similar to the first models, but people are left wondering what happened to AD-C through AD-W.
  • April 2013: The same white AD-X makes another appearance.

Purchase the 2013 Lexus LFA Through McGrath Lexus

While we don’t know what the true purpose of these prototypes models is yet, we’ll have more information as it becomes available. If you’re at all interested in the Lexus LFA supercar, then please contact McGrath Lexus. We can give you more information about availability and ordering.

 
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Price of the Redesigned 2014 IS Sedan Officially Announced

Published on May 23rd, 2013 by in 2014 Lexus Vehicles

McGrath Lexus has been anticipating the release of the new Lexus IS, which is expected to be arrive at our Westmont luxury car dealer this summer. The 2014 Lexus IS will be Lexus Logocompletely redesigned with a new look, new performance, and new features. Lexus has just announced the full list of pricing for the vehicle.

Lexus IS 250 and 350 Pricing

The base Lexus IS 250 will carry a price tag starting at $35,950 (it jumps up to $38,485 if you want all-wheel drive). This model is well equipped and comes standard with a 2.5L V6 capable of 204 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. Drivers who want more luxury can jump to the 2014 IS 350, which comes with an improved 3.5L V6 capable of 306 hp. This is priced starting at $39, 465 for rear-wheel drive. The IS 350 is actually priced 2.1% lower than the 2013 model and the gap between the 250 and 350 has decreased by 33%.

$1400 of Optional Equipment Have Been Made Standard

Besides the lowered costs, drivers will also be gaining $1400 worth of standard equipment that was previously optional. Features include a 4.2-inch color touchscreen display, 10 airbags, paddle shifters, and HID headlamps. There’s also a new feature this year that’s a first for the luxury car industry. Lexus offers a multimedia system that can provide drivers with weather and traffic information in real time. Unlike other similar services, there is no subscription fee required.

Optional Package Pricing

Additionally, Lexus has also released pricing for the optional packages and other optional features. Here’s a little of what to expect:

  • Premium Package: Offers LED headlamps and heated front seats for $1050.
  • Luxury Package: Offers the Premium Package with rain-sensing wipers, rear cross traffic alerts, leather interior trim, and a whole lot more for $3665.
  • F SPORT Package: This package makes the IS more sports oriented with a tighter suspension and sporty trim pieces like a full-mesh grille. It’s available starting at $3115.

Test Drive the 2014 Lexus IS This Summer at McGrath Lexus

You’ll be able to get behind the wheel of the redesigned Lexus LS this summer at McGrath Lexus of Westmont. In the meantime, feel free to contact our Lexus dealership for more information about the vehicle and pricing.

 
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McGrath Lexus Previews the 2013 Lexus LS 600 Hybrid

Published on May 22nd, 2013 by in 2013 Lexus Vehicles

The 2013 Lexus LS 600 Hybrid is not your average hybrid vehicle. While the vehicle has an incredibly fuel efficient engine, it’s better to think of it as the epitome of comfort; Lexus PI-VR GmbH vred 5.54has taken luxury to a new level with this ultra-plush car. As this is the ultimate comfort machine, it’s not going to be for everyone, and starts just below $120,000. Let’s check out some of the changes and features available this year.

Powerful Hybrid Performance

You might have heard hybrids are slow before, but that’s because you haven’t been properly acquainted with the LS 600. It features a powerful 5.0L V8 engine that produces 380 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. The gas engine is coupled with two electric motors that combine for a total of 438 hp. Each model is all-wheel drive and comes with a CVT transmission. Rather than being focused solely on efficiency, this Lexus uses its hybrid system to boost performance; it can accelerate to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. In terms of fuel economy, the vehicle gets 19 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.

Comfort Features

The interior of the vehicle is engineered to be the most comfortable ride imaginable. Lexus built the cabin to block out nearly all sound and loaded it with features. Besides  leather seats, Bluetooth, and a heated steering wheel, Lexus really took their hybrid to the next level. Seats can recline and massage you. There are rear sunshades and a refrigerator in the rear seat. The navigation system is voice activated and there’s a 19-speaker sound system.

If that’s not enough luxury for you, there’s the Executive package. This amazing luxury option gives you even more features like a Blur-ray entertainment system, more massage options and a power ottoman, and infrared cabin temperature sensors.

Test Drive the 2013 Lexus LS 600 at McGrath Lexus

Are you ready to experience the ultimate luxury vehicle? McGrath Lexus in Westmont, Illinois has the 2013 Lexus LS 600 Hybrid in stock. Come to our dealership and take it out for a test drive. Please contact McGrath Lexus if you have any questions about this model or any other Lexus cars at our dealership.

 
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Lexus Named Best Luxury Brand

Published on April 26th, 2013 by in Accomplishments, Lexus News

At McGrath Lexus, we like to think our new Lexus vehicles offer the luxury our customers are looking for, but that they also offer tremendous value. While this has been confirmed by Lexus Logoour customers, we are also pleased the world is recognizing the quality of the Lexus brand as well. Lexus was currently named the Best Luxury Brand by Vincentric Best Value Awards. It is quite an honor.

Who is Vincentric?

If you’ve never heard of Vincentric before, it’s quite understandable; however, you have likely used information supplied by Vincentric while researching your next vehicle purchase and didn’t  know. Vincentric, which is centrally located in Bingham Farms, Michigan, is an organization that analyzes and compiles data specifically for the automotive industry. The knowledge they gather is used by lots of car informational resources like cars.com, NADA Guides, and Yahoo! Autos.

The Best Luxury Brand Award

As much of their data is related to the value of vehicles, the Vincentric Awards are Best Value awards. Vincentric awards vehicles in different segments and categories, with Lexus winning the prestigious Best Luxury Brand Award for the value of their vehicles.  According to President of Vincentric, David Wurster, there are more auto manufacturers than ever being eligible for the award. This translates as good news for consumers because manufacturers are building more reliable vehicles. It’s a competitive market in this economy and manufacturers are responding by making better vehicles.

How Vincentric Determines the Winners

The first thing Vincentric does to determine the value of vehicle is by recognizing eight separate factors. These include fuel costs, costs to insure, average repair bills, the amount of depreciation, cost of financing, and opportunity cost. They then put all the facts into a statistical model then analyze the vehicles by pulling ownership data from cars in all 50 states and in Washington D.C., rather than just favoring a specific, and possibly skewed, region.

What Vincentric is looking for are companies who vehicle’s have lower ownership costs than others in their field; these are the brands that become winners. According to Vincentric, Lexus has a lower cost of ownership—“better value”—than any other luxury brand in the United States.

 
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Lexus IS Fuel Economy Takes On Diesel

Published on April 24th, 2013 by in Hybrids

The diesel market is a hard market for cars to break into: it takes a unique buyer to want a loud vehicle with expensive gasoline. However, diesel vehicles are loved by those who want a vehicle that not only burns cleaner, but with a highly efficient engine with great fuel economy. However, the Lexus IS hybrid is looking to break the diesel vehicles grip on the Lexus Logoefficiency market by offering the best fuel economy possible.

What Does the Lexus IS Have Over Its Diesel Competitors?

Plenty. For example, it’s a lot cheaper than diesel models and a lot quieter, which is a huge bonus for those that can’t stand the rattle of a diesel. However, the IS also offers a cost of ownership that is much lower than any 2.0L diesel vehicle due to having an extremely low cost of maintenance. It also offers less extreme running costs and nearly instant tax benefits that come with buying a hybrid.

The Lexus IS also has diesel vehicles beat when it comes to fuel efficiency and emissions. They may not have the most powerful engine in the world, but its efficiency rating tops out at 65.7 mpg with emissions that dip below 99g/km CO2. These ratings are simply impossible to get on a diesel, which generally tops off at about 42 to 46 mpg.

One of the main benefits the diesel engine has possessed for years over gasoline engines is the relatively low cost of repairs. Diesel engines are simpler than gasoline engines and have less moving parts to break. However, the hybrid drivetrain of the Lexus IS is even simpler with no clutch and with a starter motor and alternator integrated right into the hybrid system. It also utilizes a timing chain which is less prone to breaking when compared to a belt.

What Other Benefits Does the Lexus IS Possess Over Diesel Vehicles?

How about less wear and tear on brakes and tires? The IS has a regenerative braking system which minimizes brake degradation by more equally distributing braking power on the brake pads and discs. The IS also has 20% higher tire pressure which keeps the tires from wear and tear for much longer while its balanced weight distribution  avoids excessive wear on the front tires.

 
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Lexus US Hybrid Sales Top 2 Million

Published on April 23rd, 2013 by in Accomplishments, Car Sales

People looking for a Lexus for sale in Westmont have found that Lexus tends to lead the way in the world of hybrid vehicles. For example, they were one of the first companies (along Lexus Logowith Toyota) to start mass producing hybrid vehicles. The quality of their hybrid vehicles became clear when it was announced that Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles have sold about two million models in the US, nearly half of the global sales of five million.

Wow! How Did This Happen?

There are many reasons this huge jump in hybrid ownership occurred in America, the foremost being the price of gasoline. With gas near or over four dollars a gallon across the country, hybrids undoubtedly seemed worth the extra price (up to $8,000 or more depending on the model). The Global Warming movement is another reason people may be turning to hybrids; going greener is something all Americans are thinking about today. This is to say nothing of the inherent quality and efficiency of Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

How Much Could a Few Vehicles Have Helped the Environment?

Much more than you’d expect, in all honesty. Toyota and Lexus have around 20 hybrid vehicles in their global fleet. The growing sales of hybrids has contributed to an incredible downturn in CO2 emissions. Toyota estimates that all their hybrid vehicles have emitted 34 million tons of CO2 less than gasoline powered vehicles. Think about that for a minute: 34 million tons less. They also estimate that hybrid vehicles have saved more than three billion gallons of gasoline.

How Big is the Toyota and Lexus Hybrid Market Share?

Toyota and Lexus posses 70% of the hybrid vehicle market. These sales make up 16% of their total sales. This percentage continues to increase as the world grows more and more fond of hybrid vehicles. The first successful hybrid model was the Prius which sold  5,562 models in its first six months, eventually becoming the highest selling hybrid vehicle on the market. It was the vehicle that helped Toyota and Lexus grab onto such a large hybrid market.

 
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Lexus Releases Mysterious New Teaser

Published on April 19th, 2013 by in Lexus News

At our Westmont Lexus dealership, we’re always paying close attention to the latest Lexus news. This time, we’re not really sure what the news is exactly, as Lexus has just released a Lexus Logomysterious, 15-second new video entitled “Coming May 2013, Lexus is bringing motion to life. Get ready.” Huh?

The Video

This new video starts with a shot of a city. It then segues to brief glimpses of what is some sort of puppet or robot. By the end of the clip—set to some ambient electronic music—the thing seems to be running. There’s not a car in sight in the entirety of the video, so what could this possibly mean or indicate?

Is Lexus Building a Robot?

The only tangible thing in the video to latch onto is that puppet thing. Has Lexus built their own robot? This isn’t the first time a company associated with cars has constructed a robot. Honda has been producing various versions of ASIMO since the 1980s. If you’re not familiar, ASIMO looks like a Lego-spaceman with a backpack and can walk or run.

Granted, it’s possible Lexus is getting into robotics, but it doesn’t seem very likely. We’re thinking the moving puppet is simply a representation of motion. This doesn’t get us much closer to an answer, though.

Self-Driving Cars

Another theory is this video might be a teaser for a big announcement about autonomous cars. Most of the news about self-driving cars has been coming from Google the past few years, who have been testing out the technology. Lexus has also been working on their self-driving car.

The vehicle, currently dubbed the Advanced Safety Research Vehicle, has been seen out and about and a prototype was shown at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show held this past January. While we doubt a production model is actually ready, there could still be a big announcement about the technology coming.

A New Lexus

A final theory is the video is simply signaling the release of a brand-new Lexus vehicle, probably with some sort of new design language involving the concept of motion. Probably a more likely option than a robot, but it certainly would be cool to see a car driven by a robot or something like that.

 
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The Lexus LF-LC is Approved for Production

Published on April 17th, 2013 by in Lexus Models, Lexus News

While promoting the new 2014 Lexus IS, Lexus Vice President of Marketing Brian Smith let it slip that the popular concept car, the Lexus LF-LC, would be making its way to Lexus LF-LC Conceptproduction. As you may recall, the Lexus LF-LC is a sports coupe hybrid with a sweeping glass roof, low front, and shortened back. Smith didn’t reveal any other details about when it might be showing up or what changes might be made, which has led to rampant speculation from all corners of the auto world.

Consumer Reach of the LF-LC Concept

Before getting into some of the theories, the point of the concept was to take Lexus design language to the next level. The concept was created by a team of Newport Beach Toyota designers. Their goal was to create a vehicle still in reach of most premium buyers. Of course, the concept itself was much more advanced than anything on the market today and would have to cost more than the average Lexus in today’s market.

GT Channel’s Theory

In addition to posting the production model news story, GT Channel went on to do all sorts of speculation about the vehicle. They believe the LF-LC production model will have a price tag above $100,000. It will either have a 4.2L V8 or borrow the hybrid powertrain from the LS 600h. They also believe it will also be called LC 550. Their theory also speculates Lexus will add a new sports coupe below the LF-LC that will take the place of the SC 430.

Lexus Enthusiast Strikes Back

After GT Channel’s report, Lexus Enthusiast went on refute their speculation as having no actual factual basis. They don’t seem to think Lexus would switch up their naming scheme by calling a sports coupe with a 4.2L V8 a LC 550. Lexus Enthusiast also helpfully pointed out that Lexus just trademarked the “RC” name, so that’s the more likely candidate for a name.

At this point, we really don’t know anything, but there’s no harm in speculating what may be come. Our dealership is just happy the Lexus LF-LC is going to production and will come to our Westmont dealership sometime in the future.

 
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Lexus May Be Planning Two New Crossover SUVs

Published on April 15th, 2013 by in Lexus Models, Lexus News

If you’ve been keeping tabs on the auto industry, traditional SUVs are going by the wayside, being replaced with crossover SUVs, which have more carlike unibody platforms rather

2013 Lexus RX

than truck-based ones. This provides a smoother ride and better fuel efficiency, while still giving drivers plenty of space and power. Currently, Lexus only has one crossover in its lineup: the 2013 Lexus RX. That may be about to change.

Small Compact CUVs Are Increasingly Popular

Lately, Lexus marketing VP Brian Smith has been sharing all sorts of news. Recently he revealed that the premium sports coupe LF-LS concept, which debuted at last year’s Detroit Auto Show, will be heading for production. Now he’s shared a few tidbits about how the Lexus SUV lineup might be shifting.

As we mentioned, right now there is only the midsize RX in the Lexus lineup. According to many automakers, the largest point of growth right now is small crossover SUVs. Smith acknowledged the growing popularity of the segment and how there might be room for a compact Lexus SUV in the future. This has been rumored for a long time. Lexus even trademarked the “NX” name to possibly be used for it.

Lexus Might Make a Three-Row CUV

More interesting news from Brian Smith was that Lexus is considering switching either the GX or LX to a unibody platform, and they’re also interested in making a three-row luxury CUV. This makes a whole lot of sense. Currently, Lexus is the only luxury manufacturing carrying all lines of vehicles to offer two off-road SUVs. They’re also the only ones lacking a large, three-row crossover.

The question then is what makes the most sense for Lexus? Well, the RX is already the same size as the GX, and the LX is already full-size. If Lexus moves ahead with a three-row CUV, then the LX seems to be the likely vehicle to switch platforms. Drivers who want a luxury off-road vehicle who are actually planning on off-roading will probably prefer the smaller GX. After all, it’s rather difficult to navigate tough terrain in a full-size SUV. We’ll see what happens, but in the meantime you can come to McGrath Lexus if you’re interested in test driving the 2013 RX crossover.

 
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Kelley Blue Book Names Lexus Most Trusted Luxury Brand

Published on April 13th, 2013 by in Accomplishments

McGrath Lexus is very happy to announce Kelley Blue Book has awarded Lexus the Most Trusted Luxury Brand award as part of their 2013 Brand Image Awards. The website Lexus Logohighlighted Lexus’ years of dependability and reliability as the key reasons for winning the award. We certainly agree; all you have to do to see why Lexus should be the most trusted luxury brand is to look at the new Lexus models at our Westmont dealership.

The Brand Image Awards

The 2013 Brand Image Awards mark the sixth annual return of the web award series, which covers both luxury brands and car makers like Toyota. Unlike many other car awards, they are decided upon by actual car buyers. For the awards, Kelley Blue Book utilizes their Brand Watch division.

Brand Watch looks at the thousands of visitors who come to Kelley Blue Book’s website to do their car research and provides them with an online study about many aspects of the car buying and ownership experience. While many car websites and publications base their awards on a quick test drive, these awards come straight from the opinions of Americans. People genuinely care about the Lexus brand and that makes us proud to be a Lexus dealer.

A Brief History of Kelley Blue Book

These days, Kelley Blue Book is an excellent resource people turn to in order to learn about the value of their car. The site is great for people looking to sell or trade in their cars and for people looking to buy new or used vehicles. Kelley Blue Book has deep roots, beginning with the Los Angeles-based Kelley Kar Company. Les Kelley started his dealership with a few pre-owned Model T cars and one employee: his kid brother.

Kelley began creating a list of cars and how much he would pay for them, in order to grow the dealership inventory. This eventually led to the first Kelley Blue Book in 1926, a guide for used cars. After WWII, the Blue Book became a national commodity thanks to the returning veterans. It’s grown and grown and amazingly remained with the family until 1980. Today, Kelley Blue Book is owned by autotrader.com and continues to help thousands of Americans each year.

 
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