History of the Lexus LS part 3

A second-generation, 1995 LS 400 went on sale in November 15, 1994 with no increase in price. The engine was redesigned to produce more power and torque with better fuel efficiency. The suspension was refined along with the steering, producing a more driver-oriented vehicle. The exterior and interior were also completely redesigned to create more legroom.

Accompanied by the national advertising theme "Imagine Driving It,"the all-new 2001 LS 430, the third generation of the LS sedan, went on sale on October 12, 2000. The change in name referred to theLS’snew 290 horsepower, 4.3-liter V8 engine. New luxury features included: a Mark Levinson premium audio system; a DVD-based navigation system; Intuitive Parking Assist; Climate Control Seats with heating and cooling along with power-heated rear seats with memory and massage; and a beverage cooler.

On January 8, 2006 at the North American International Auto Show, Lexus announced the fourth-generation of its flagship sedan. The 2007 LS 460 goes on sale in the fall of 2006. The all-new sedan features a 4.6-liter 380 horsepower, V8 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission capable of going from zero-to-sixty in less then 5.5 seconds. The styling of the LS 460 reflects the brand’s new design philosophy, L-Finesse, which conveys simplicity and elegance with more emotional appeal.

New luxury features on the LS 460 include a heated steering wheel, and power closing rear doors and trunk. Active safety features likeElectronically Controlled Brake (ECB) system, Electronic Power Steering (EPS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Antilock BrakingSystem (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) are coordinated by a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system.

For the first time in the 2007 model year, the LS line will expand to include long whelbase version, LS 460L, which adds 4.8 inches to the wheelbase and overall length. A hybrid version of the LS 460 will debut in early 2007.e

The LS has been one of the most lauded of all Toyota/Lexus models. It has won major awards for design, engineering, affordability, quality, and customer satisfaction every year since its introduction in 1989. Some of the highlights are:

•"Best Imported Car of the Year," Motoring Press Association, February 1990

•"Best Luxury Car,"MotorWeek’sDriver’s Choice Awards, March 1990

•Most problem-free vehicle, J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS), May 1992

•"Best of What’s New," Popular Science, December 1994

•Most Appealing Luxury Car, J.D. Power and Associates APEAL Study, September 1998

•"2001 Design and Engineering Award," Popular Mechanics, September 2000

•"2002 Prestige Luxury Car," R.L. Polk & Co. Automotive Awards. January 2003

•"Best Overall Value"in Luxury Car Segment,IntelliChoice, February 2003
Article via Toyota.com

The ToyoPet Part 1

Toyopet

Going on sale in July of 1958, the Toyopet was the first Toyota vehicle sold in America. Chrome-laden with a distinct American look, the modified 1959 Toyopet was praised for its ruggedness, durability, and small size. However, it was overpriced, underpowered, forthe U.S. market, and lacked the “creature comforts”of other vehicles. After stumbling in sales the first two yearsToyota halted passenger car exports to the US altogether in December 1960, until a new car, better suited to America, could be designed. In 1965 Toyota introduced the completely redesigned Toyopet Crown, renamed the Corona.

•

In September 1957 the first two ToyotaToyopetswere unloaded at the port of Los Angeles, representing some of the first Japanese passenger cars ever to be exported to America.

•

Confident in their product, Toyota extended the warranties against defective parts and workmanship for 1959Toyopetsto six months or 6000 miles compared to customary automotive warrantiesat the time of 4000 miles or four months.

•

Testing Phase

When road testing the Toyopet engineers discovered that it did not have enough horsepower to pull the vehicle over the hills near Los Angeles. Under these mountainous conditions, the engine overheated, power plummeted and loud, threatening noises radiated from under the hood.

It was quickly realized that the Toyopet was not engineered for American roads or American drivers. Used as taxis in Tokyo, the Toyopet was ideal for duty on the rough and bumpy roads of post World War II Japan, but unsuited for high speeds and easy steering, weighing over 3,000 lbs and powered by a mere 58 horsepower engine.

As one American executive later observed, the Toyopet was "underpowered, overpriced ($700 more than the number one import Volkswagen) andbuilt like a tank." Additionally, it was plain, uncomfortable and had seriousmechanical shortcomings.

American Sales Administrator James F. McGraw, hired by Toyota for their US division, had issues with the name “Toyopet.”He claimed that the name was all wrong, stating that “Toy”sounded like a toy, and toys break, and “pet”sounded like a dog. Other American executives concurred.