Lexus RX 400h Ad Banned For Misleading Low-Emissions Implications!

Our friendly British advertising watchdog has done it again by banning a Lexus magazine advert for the RX 400h on the grounds of false claims! For those of you with a hefty memory, the British Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) had banned Ford’s "Focus Zetec Climate" TV ad last year due to complaints from two viewers who said that it was misleading.

The magazine ad for the Lexus RX 400h was headlined "HIGH PERFORMANCE. LOW EMISSIONS. ZERO GUILT". Following the picture of the SUV, there was a text stating "RX 400h. The world's first high performance hybrid SUV ... category-leading low CO2 emissions. A combination without equal. Or compromise". In the small print, Lexus stated that the RX 400h’s carbon dioxide emissions figure was 192g/km CO2. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

ASA received 10 complainants stating that Lexus’ advert was misleading as it falsely implied that the SUV caused little or no harm to the environment. Lexus argued that the CO2 emissions of the RX 400h were very low compared to those of core competitors within its category and that the prominence of the illustration of the vehicle in the ad clarified the type of car the headline claims referred to and also the class of vehicle to which they applied.

The British advertising watchdog wasn’t convinced. In their release, they scold Lexus not to imply in future that a car caused little or no harm to the environment and had low CO2 emissions in comparison with all cars if that was not the case. Ouch…

ASA PRESS RELEASE

Ad

A magazine ad, for a Lexus RX 400h car, was headlined "HIGH PERFORMANCE. LOW EMISSIONS. ZERO GUILT". Accompanying an illustration of the product, text stated "RX 400h. The world's first high performance hybrid SUV ... category-leading low CO2 emissions. A combination without equal. Or compromise". Text at the foot of the ad stated "... CO2 emissions 192g/km

Issue

Ten complainants believed the claims "LOW EMISSIONS" and "ZERO GUILT" misleadingly implied the car caused little or no harm to the environment and gave a misleading impression of the car's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in comparison with other vehicles. They argued that the "192g/km" emissions figure was high when compared to the emissions of all cars.

Response

Lexus said they had sought approval from the CAP Copy Advice team before launching the ad and explained that, at 192g/km, the CO2 emissions of the RX 400h were very low compared to those of core competitors within its category. They submitted a chart, which compared the fuel emissions of the RX 400h with other vehicles they said were in the same class and showed that the emissions figure of 192g/km was the lowest of all those cars.

Lexus argued that the prominence of the illustration of the vehicle in the ad clarified the type of car the headline claims referred to and also the class of vehicle to which they applied. They believed readers of the ad would understand that the claims were made in relation to sports utility vehicles (SUV) only.

Assessment

Upheld

The ASA acknowledged that, based on the evidence submitted, the CO2 emissions rate for the RX 400h was low compared to other cars in its class. We considered, however, that the headline claim "HIGH PERFORMANCE. LOW EMISSIONS. ZERO GUILT" implied the vehicle's emission rate was low regardless of category and readers were likely to understand from it that the car caused little or no harm to the environment, which was not the case, and had low emissions in comparison with all cars, which was also not the case. We noted the body text, which stated " ... category-leading low CO2 emissions ...", clarified that the low emissions claim was made in the context of the cars category only, but considered that that was not prominent enough or linked to the headline claim. Because of that, and because the words "ZERO GUILT" implied the car was environmentally friendly, we concluded that the headline claim was likely to mislead.

The ad breached CAP Code clauses 7.1 (Truthfulness), 19.1 (Other comparisons) and 49.1 (Environmental claims)..

Action

We told Lexus not to imply in future that a car caused little or no harm to the environment and had low CO2 emissions in comparison with all cars if that was not the case.

Wacky Lexus RX400h dressed in wood by Carrozzeria Castagna Milano

Since you seemed to like the elegantly pimped (…), one-off Toyota Prius we posted up a few days ago we thought you’d certainly dig this. Snapped by our Italian friends at Autoblog.it parked somewhere in Milan, this is one special RX400h. See, unlike your usual tuning-locos who'd either go to an aftermarket specialist or Lexus, the owner of this hybrid SUV thought of something a… tad more drastic; he summoned upon Italian design house, Carrozzeria Castagno Milano to pimp his ride! -Continued after the jump

Obviously a sucker for wood, the "rich and tasteless" owner got his RX400h dressed with exterior wood panels on the bumpers and side mouldings. The exterior package also consists of a white mask, brown colour plastic mouldings and a…Kevlar look-alike roof spoiler. Mods inside include hand stitched, light-brown colour leathering and of course, plenty of wood inserts!... What a woody-wood-pecker!








Via: Autoblog.it

Technorati: Lexus+RX400h, Tuning, Castagno+Milano, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

Fabulous (...) Lexus LS460

First of all let’s get this straight; we may find this supped-up LS460 impressive, but under no circumstances fabulous. That’s just the name of the Japanese tuner who offers this bodykit consisting of front and rear spoilers and a subtle rear wing. And oh yeah, just to spice things up Fabulous also threw in massive 22’’ alloys in 245/30 tires up front and… 295/22 on the rear axle. -More images after the jump (click “Read More”)

Via: Autoblog.nl

Technorati: Lexus+LS460, Tires, Tuning, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

NY Preview: 2008 Lexus LX 570

Isn’t it funny how manufactures manage to talk their way into convincing you that even if they present a bucket on four wheels, that bucket beholds all the amenities and style you’d expect from the maker? Undoubtedly, the all-new 381Hp 5.7 V8 powered LX 570 looks so much better than the current LX 470, but I laugh when Lexus uses the terms “L-Finesse”, fuel-economic and minimal-emissions. Really, what happened to the eco-friendly, hybrid loving car-company this time... -Click “Read More…” below to see a high-res image gallery & the official press release

PRESS RELEASE

All-New 2008 Lexus LX 570 Full-Size Luxury Utility Vehicle Makes World Debut At 2007 New York International Auto Show

April 4, 2007 – New York - Lexus unveiled the all-new 2008 LX 570 full-size luxury utility vehicle at a press conference today at the 2007 New York International Auto Show. The all-new third-generation LX will feature more technological advancements to provide added power, luxury, safety, roominess and both on- and off-road capability over the award-winning LX 470 it replaces.

"The all-new LX 570 is packed with the luxury appointments and seamless technology our buyers expect of a Lexus vehicle," said Bob Carter, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. "Equally important, the new LX 570 sets a high-water mark for Lexus by providing more on- and off-highway prowess than ever before, while at the same time providing the amount of interior space, comfort, luxury and ride quality our customers demand."

Improved Power Performance
The LX 570 will be equipped with a powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine that will produce 381 horsepower, over 110 more than the vehicle it replaces and over 400 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine will be mated to a new six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission designed and built for large tasks. Both the engine and transmission are controlled and linked by sophisticated electronic management systems that help ensure optimal performance and fuel economy, with minimal emissions at all times. The new LX is expected to be certified as ULEV II.

With its upgraded powertrain mated to a new chassis and suspension system, the LX 570 will have a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, an improvement of 2,000 pounds over the previous model.

Innovative Suspension and Technologies
Significant upgrades to the suspension and full-time four-wheel-drive system raise the LX to new levels of driving comfort and performance, on- and off-road. A Four-Wheel Electro-Hydraulic Suspension with Active Height Control (AHC) and Adaptive Variable Suspension is quicker and allows for a greater range of adjustment than the system it replaces. The new cross-linked system allows each wheel to react to the driving surface it is in contact with and also react to the actions of the opposing wheels. Using a valve at each corner and a center or master valve, the cross-linked suspension system detects the extension or deflection of each of the LX 570's 20-inch wheels and counters that with appropriate response at the opposite wheels.

The intelligence built into the LX 570's new suspension senses chassis roll and helps reduce that roll by more than 30 percent. The system also controls ride height quickly, lowering the chassis by an average of two inches for entry and exit and returning automatically to its normal height when the vehicle begins acceleration.

For improved aerodynamics, the new AHC system lowers the vehicle by nearly one inch in front and by a little more than a half inch in the rear at highway speeds. Finally, when the transfer case is shifted into low range, the AHC system raises the vehicle by approximately three inches to provide additional ride height in driving situations where chassis clearance is at a premium.

The LX 570 will also include a new Crawl Control feature for increased throttle control when maneuvering over rough or difficult surfaces. When in low range, Crawl Control helps maintain appropriate low speeds allowing the driver to concentrate on steering the LX 570 on the desired path. Similar to cruise control in maintaining vehicle speed, Crawl Control also actuates a set of virtual locking differentials to minimize tire slippage and maximize chassis behavior. Because chassis control is significantly improved, the likelihood of bottoming the LX 570 on the driving surface is significantly reduced.

While Crawl Control can be compared in some ways to cruise control, the driver constantly maintains control over the vehicle. Without cancelling the Crawl Control mode, the driver can reduce vehicle speed by braking, or alter the speed higher or lower by adjusting a speed selector switch.

The new LX 570 will also feature a multi-terrain ABS braking system. This new technology is designed to help reduce stopping distances on slippery surfaces such as sand or gravel.
Among its many advanced technologies the LX 570 will also offer a new blind corner monitor feature designed for use in urban settings such as exiting a parking garage. With cameras located within the grille and under the passenger side-view mirror, the driver can easily check hard-to-view areas by simply pressing a button on the dashboard and viewing the camera images on the navigation screen.

Lexus Styling
The luxury styling of the new LX 570 emphasizes the Lexus identity by combining the muscular strength and sense of security expected in a four-wheel-drive utility vehicle with the simplistic originality of the Lexus L-finesse design theme, making it much more refined and dynamic than its predecessor. The bold theme of the new LX carries over from front to rear with a wide stance and brawny cabin proportions that are accented with subtle character lines and luxury touches such as chrome-plated door handles and moldings.

The wide front grille and arrowhead design on the corners reflect a Lexus styling cue. Distinctive character lines in the hood convey a feeling of power. The character lines are integrated into the bumper and lower intake to convey an aggressive stance. The large projector headlights are restyled to add a dose of sophistication to the beefy front end.

The cut-line above the front fenders adds to the performance image of the new LX while the wheel arches add an element of ruggedness to its clean profile. The running boards are fitted closer to the body to provide a more integrated appearance.

In the rear, the LX features a sculpted rear door for a more dynamic look and wide combination lights that emphasize its large size. The combination lights and license plate are accentuated with tasteful chrome accents. A six-spoke 20-inch alloy wheel design creates a two-dimensional appearance that is sporty yet elegant.
The styling is complemented with features that include Adaptive Front Headlights, a power back door, puddle lamps, headlight washers and a front wiper de-icer.

Spacious Interior Comfort
The overall wheelbase of the new LX 570 is unchanged from its predecessor, helping to maintain its impressive maneuverability. However, interior and exterior length have increased by at least four inches and width by nearly an inch, creating a more inviting and comfortable space for up to eight passengers and their cargo.

Inside, the LX cabin is modern, civilized and characteristically quiet. It will also be equipped with an array of luxury amenities including four-zone independent climate control complete with numerous air vents, a power-sliding second-row seat with a 40/20/40 split, a power third-row seat, navigation with Bluetooth® capability, a nine-speaker premium audio system, XM Satellite Radio with XM NavTraffic, a real time traffic information service that provides driver alerts regarding accidents, road closings and traffic, front seat power bottom cushion extenders, and much more.

Advanced Active Safety Technologies
For enhanced safety, the new LX will feature a segment-leading 10 standard airbags including driver- and front-passenger knee airbags, second-row seat-mounted side airbags and third-row curtains. Among the many safety features on the new LX are Active Front Headrests, a first for a Lexus utility vehicle, second-row seat belt pretensioners, and a direct tire pressure monitor system.

Luxury Amenities
In addition to its numerous standard features and advanced technologies,
the LX 570 will also be available with a number of optional amenities including climate controlled front seats and heated rear seats, a 19-speaker Mark Levinson® audio system with Reference Surround Sound and a hard disc drive capable of storing up to 2,000 songs, a rear seat entertainment system with a nine-inch screen, the Lexus Intuitive Park Assist, a first-in-its-class Pre-Collision System with Adaptive Cruise Control and Lexus Link.

Luxury packages will also be offered on the new LX that will include features such as semi-aniline leather interior trim, a cool box in the front center console, illuminated scuff plates, unique wheel finish, a Smart Card key, and Bubinga wood trim, a wood used to craft fine furniture, instruments and to decorate private jets.

The all-new LX 570 will reach Lexus dealer showrooms in early 2008.

2008 Lexus LX 570: First image shows up online

I know its only a matter of hours before we get our hands on the full press kit but I thought I’d share with you the first image of Lexus’s larger than life SUV. Making its premiere in New York, the all-new LX 570 is powered by the Toyota Tundra’s 5.7-liter V8 381Hp. While it looks much better than current google-eyed version we certainty won’t fall in love with it.

Technorati: Lexus+LX570, New+York+International+Auto+Show, NYAIS, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

New York Show: Lexus announces all-new LX 570

Out goes Geneva here comes New York. Following yesterday’s Hyundai announcement for the Genesis Concept, Lexus unveiled its plans to debut the all-new, super-sized LX 570. As you’ve might have guessed, the third generation luxury SUV will get a serious upgrade in terms of power. Although Lexus didn’t give out any details, we suspect that the new LX 570 will get rid of the current LX 470’s (photo) 4.7 V8 motor that develops 268Hp & 328 lb.-ft. of torque and replace it with Toyota Tundra’s 5.7 V8 delivering 381Hp & 401 lb.-ft. of torque. So much for Toyota/Lexus’s environmental-friendly commitment... -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release

Press Release: Lexus to Reveal All-New LX 570 at 2007 New York International Auto Show

March 13, 2007 – Torrance, Calif. - Lexus will stage the world debut of the all-new LX 570 luxury utility vehicle at a press conference during the 2007 New York International Auto Show. The third-generation LX 570 will reach new heights in performance via a powerful new V8 engine while achieving elevated levels of comfort, style and safety. The Lexus LX 570 press conference is scheduled for April 4 at 1:55 p.m. EDT in the Special Events Hall at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. It will be simulcast in the Lexus display area on the show floor.

Technorati: Lexus, Lexus+LX+570, New+York+international+Auto+Show, NYIAS, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Detroit Auto Show: Lexus IS-F

And the moment we’ve all been waiting for: Lexus finally joins in on the super-fast luxury compact sedan craze that began with the German trio (BMW M3, Audi RS4 and Mercedes C-Class AMG) followed by the American loner, the Cadillac CTS-V. Dubbed IS-F, Lexus’s sport sedan wears a 400 Hp+ 5.0-litre V8 engine with power transmitted to the rear wheels via an eight-speed “direct sport-shift transmission”. Lexus claims that the IS-F can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.9 seconds. Not bad at all. If only its designers had avoided those “Pimp my Ride” exterior elements like the side air-vents and the "hunchback" styled hood…-Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release and a high-res gallery

PRESS RELEASE: Much of the development of the new IS-F took place at Fuji Speedway and the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Japan. The IS-F is based on the proven rear-wheel-drive Lexus IS, which is equipped with a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. As well as the IS performs, Lexus engineers demanded much more of the all-new IS-F. The result is a performance tuned 5.0-liter V8 engine, topped with specially engineered heads fed by a two-stage intake system, that produces 400-plus horsepower and more than 350 ft.-lbs. of torque. The all-new IS-F is equipped with engine-oil and transmission-fluid coolers for high-speed performance and a cylinder head-scavenging oil pump for high g-force driving.

The IS-F engine is mated to the world's first eight-speed direct sport-shift transmission. A new torque-converter lock-up control was developed that allows for a direct, crisp gear change through the constant lock-up of the torque converter in second through eighth gears. In Drive mode, the IS-F transmission performs with great smoothness, and the torque converter allows for great launch ability for fast standing-start acceleration that will register a zero-to-60 time in less than 4.9 seconds.

This unique transmission also features an advanced Manual mode. A pair of paddles located within a fingertip's reach behind the steering wheel enables the driver to make ultra-fast up-shift gear changes within a tenth of a second. Downshifts are accompanied by automated and incredibly precise throttle blips to match engine RPM to vehicle speed. The impressive acceleration achieved by the IS-F requires it be equipped with heavy-duty Brembo brakes designed to the specifications of the Lexus engineering team. Huge, 14.2-inch cross-drilled front discs are gripped by rigid, powerful six-piston aluminum calipers, while 13.6-inch rear cross-drilled discs feature two-piston calipers. High-friction brake pads are equipped on all four wheels. The brakes are finished with the Lexus name displayed on the calipers, a first for a Lexus production vehicle.

The IS-F features custom-designed 19-inch forged alloy wheels as standard. The wheels were built to Lexus specifications by BBS and are surrounded by high-performance sport tires. The attention to performance also extends to a modified suspension that lowers the entire car by more than a half-inch when compared to the base IS, and one full inch when compared to IS models equipped with 18-inch wheels. This specially modified suspension allows for an exciting and energetic drive, whether on a race track or the streets.

The IS-F features an all-new three-mode version of Lexus' Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. In addition to the Normal mode, the new VDIM features a Sport mode that allows the driver to push the car even further before its braking-, throttle- and steering-control systems kick in. The third VDIM system mode is Off, which allows the driver to push the IS-F to its ultimate level of handling performance.

The attention to performance is complemented by modified styling cues that differentiate the IS-F from the standard IS. Lexus engineers provided the IS-F with a dual-exhaust system and quad-tail pipes, wider front fenders, and a larger grille and rear spoiler. Both the hood and lower intake were enlarged to accommodate and cool the V8 engine.

Like the exterior, the interior of the IS-F receives unique styling with aluminized composite trim and special surface treatments. The instrument panel includes an oil-temperature gauge and shift indicator-lights, while the "F" logo is showcased on the steering wheel and rear-center console. In addition to the usual Lexus standards of comfort and convenience, the interior of the IS-F features specially shaped and trimmed seats, which hold the driver comfortably and securely in place. The special sport seats are available in black or a unique high-contrast white and black trim.

Lexus IS-F Preliminary Specifications

• Powertrain
• Engine: 5.0 Liter V8
• Estimated Horsepower: More than 400
• Estimated Torque: More than 350 lb.-ft.
• Transmission: Eight-speed direct paddle sport shift gear box
• Brakes
• Large diameter cross-drilled discs
• Front/Rear: 14.2 inches/13.6 inches
• Opposed aluminum calipers
• Front/Rear: Six piston/two piston
• Wheels
• Forged aluminum wheels
• Front: 225/40R19 (19 x8)
• Rear: 255/35R19 (19 x 9)
• Performance
• 0-60 MPH Acceleration: Under 4.9 seconds
• Dimensions (inches)
• Overall Length: 183.5
• Overall Width: 71.5
• Overall Height: 55.5
• Wheelbase: 107.5

Technorati: Lexus+IS-F, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images, Detroit+Auto+Show, NAIAS