New Sport Car Special Edition of Lexus IS 350C F

Lexus IS 350C F Sport Special Edition which will arrive at dealerships across the U.S. towards the end of February.Only a total of 175 exemplars will be produced, each of them featuring special elements like 19 inch dark graphite alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires, shock absorbers from Bilstein, lowered suspension springs, a sway bar that helps reduce body roll and Bi-Xenon High Intensity Headlamps with incorporated LEDs.

The limited run hardtop convertible comes in a choice of two new colors (Starfire Pearl or Obsidian), and features bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, special exterior badging and 19-inch alloys in a dark graphite finish, wrapped around in 225/35 Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Heated and ventilated black-red leather sport seats with red stitching plus a new wood trim spice up the cabin.

The interior is padded with black and red leather surfaces, and both heated and cooled seats are standard. Navigation is also part of the Special Edition package, encompassing things like a rearview camera, Lexus Enform and the full host of XM infotainment features. Hit the jump for the official press blast.

READ MORE - New Sport Car Special Edition of Lexus IS 350C F

2011 Geneva Preview: Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package

Lexus just releases new photos and details for the Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package ,which will debut at the Geneva auto show next week.The package celebrates Lexus’ class victories at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring last May. Lexus isn’t actually adding to LFA production; instead, the automaker says that 50 of the 500 cars set to be built will be equipped with the package. Available in Matte Black,

READ MORE - 2011 Geneva Preview: Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package

2011 Lexus IS-F

The IS-F is the first bone fide attempt by Lexus to enter the intensely competitive arena of small high performance sedans. With ample doses of their hallmark precision and refinement in craft and performance, Lexus has produced a sedan that is a viable competitor to such über marques as Audi, Mercedes and BMW.

FAST FACTS

1. The IS-F is powered by a 5.0L V8 with 416-hp and 371 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that allows for manual shifting with paddles.2. While based on the IS sedan, the IS-F only has room for four. 3. Since 2010 the IS-F has included a torsen limited slip differential and new 19-inch BBS wheels. 4. For 2011 all IS-F models get an updated suspension, improved power steering and LED daytime running lights.

While the casual observer may described the IS-F as a second generation IS on steroids, after driving a new 2011 model for several hundred miles, it is clear that there was a comprehensive high performance engineering philosophy that went into building the car. It is that very engineering that sets it apart from its siblings.
The IS-F debuted at several major autoshows in 2007 and the first cars were available for sale as 2008 models. Although it was not originally slated to be the debut of Lexus’ F-Line machines (that was supposed to have been the LF-A), the IS-F has taken on that mantle with success, and wears the ‘F’ badge on its widened front fenders proudly for good reason.
The IS-F was designed to be a performance machine first and foremost. To that end, there is room in the sleek rear wheel drive four-door for only four, as the rear seating area has shunned the bench seat in favor of two very comfortable and supportive buckets. The front buckets are equally backside-friendly, and the driving position is as close to perfect as any car that we’ve ever driven.

COMFORTABLE CABIN

The ergonomics are simply excellent and well thought out in the IS-F, as everything that needs to be is within easy sight and reach. The brightly illuminated gauges and digital displays provide all the information required, while the feel of textured surfaces and the action of buttons is satisfying and proper.
The paddle-actuated shifter is a model of precise movement and feel with flicks of the right paddle resulting in lightening quick upshifts and left paddle pulls produce rev matched downshifts of almost perfect accuracy. Attention to detail, ergonomic efficiency and overall feel of precision in the cabin combine to give every occupant the sense that they are sitting in a fine Swiss watch rather than a 4 door automobile.  It just so happens that this watch might run a little fast.

POWER, SOUND AND THE LOOKS TO MATCH

With a 5.0-liter V8 that grunts out 416-hp and a stump pulling 371 lb-ft of torque, the F is by far the most powerful street IS ever produced, and matched with the absolutely exceptional 8-speed automatic, acceleration is there exactly when you want it. STIs and Evos become mere dots in the IS-F’s rearview mirrors in very short order. Throttle response is linear and smooth, and once the tach moves past 4k, all hell breaks loose with a menacing bark from under the hood and out the dual exhaust.
Sound is not the only menacing quality to the machine, however, as almost every angle of the IS-F gives those on the outside an idea of the car’s capabilities. Sure, the garish stacked exhaust tips are a little over the top and too boy-racer for our tastes, but the muscular fenders, bulging hood, and smattering of scoops and vents all suggest serious business.
Add to the stunning red sheet metal art of our test car the newly styled 19-inch BBS wheels in a smoked finish and what you have folks is the Intimidator. To say that the IS-F sits low and wide is like saying that Mike Tyson looks like a tough dude.

THE FULL PACKAGE

The ‘F” goes good and looks good. Those facts we can glean from looking at the machine and examining the performance figures. A pretty car that is fast isn’t necessarily the whole package though, and it is the rest of the engineering that gives us that all-important visceral feel.
After a few quick laps on a short circuit, some of those immeasurable (unless a big ole grin is a measurement tool) performance qualities in the IS-F came to life. The double wishbone front and multi link rear suspension system, all comprised of ‘F’ spec components, worked in perfect concert with the torsen limited-slip diff and the beefy 225/40/19 front and 255/35/19 rear Michelin meat. It all felt really good.
There is still more though, as perhaps the best engineering quality of the car is the response to the Brembo six-piston front and two-piston rear aluminum calipers that clamp down on 14.2-inch and 13.6-inch rotors respectively. To throw a set of big brakes at a car is one thing, but to truly engineer a car that can capably shed energy is something next level. From the driver’s seat, any competent pilot can feel the difference, and it is obvious from the first time that you ask the binders to do their work in the IS-F with any urgency at all that you know that this a properly engineered machine. Braking is confidence inspiring, minimally destabilizing to the solid feeling chassis and shockingly effective at slowing the car.      
When the entire combination comes together; seating, ergonomics, power, gearbox, suspension, and exhaust, it is something that simply must be felt and experienced to truly appreciate. And appreciate it we did, again and again and again.

A 400-HP DAY-TO-DAY CAR?

Amidst of all the great performance attributes of the IS-F, perhaps the best quality of the Lexus is its docile nature and practicality. While brutal performance can be unleashed at the driver’s whim, it is its compliance and comfort that make it such a viable and downright enjoyable everyday use car. Running typical daily chores in the car based on these performance numbers seems almost obscene, but sitting behind the wheel, it’s entirely practical. It even returns 16-mpg city, 23-mpg highway, and has been certified as an ultra low emissions vehicle. Fast, comfortable, practical and potentially green. Sounds like another great combination to us.

THE COMPETITION

Compared to other offerings in the highly competitive class of smaller high performance sedans, the IS-F looks like a mighty fine buy and a solid alternative to the class standard, the six speed 414-hp BMW M3 sedan. The IS-F’s 58k MSRP (our test car with options weighed in at 64k) is a bit more than the Bimmer’s 55k tag, but at this level, seriously, who’s counting a 10 percent increase in base prices? The IS-F also looks good, in more ways than one, sitting next to Audi’s less expensive but less powerful S4, and is a good match for the Mercedes C63 AMG.

THE VERDICT

We dig this car and the fact that it represents everything that is good about Toyota and Lexus at a time when, frankly, they could use a little good PR. There will always be a bigger and better, it is after all the nature of the automotive world, but the way we see it, the IS-F gets it done, gets it done right, and bears the weight of being the first true Lexus ‘F’ badged car for sale with capable confidence.

READ MORE - 2011 Lexus IS-F

First Drive: 2011 Lexus GS450h Review

Behaving like a caveman coming upon an iPad for the first time, my initial experience with the 2011 Lexus GS450h was as much disorienting as it was awe-inspiring. As I pushed the Start button, watching the telescoping wheel rise up (like Phoenix from the ashes?) and the dashboard illuminate, I waited for something to happen (hello?–earth to engine?). Nothing. Another try. Nada. After my 4th attempt the light bulb finally went on and I realized that this car, a hybrid variant of the strong-willed GS, actually starts silently (and I mean silently). It’s even absolutely quiet in reverse and at low speed cruising forward. But lest you now assume that the driving experience itself is a snoozefest of epic proportion, I can assure you that it is anything but…

In reality, the more svelte rear-wheel drive V8-powered GS460 must bow to the GS450h in the performance category, giving up 2/10ths of a second to the hybrid (which sprints from 0-60 mph in just 5.2 seconds). Fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, so we’re not talking about a car that will encourage you to cancel your BP gas card anytime soon. No, sir. This is a car that uses its electrical prowess to supplement its gasoline counterpart and in the process delivers an unexpected and downright thrilling performance.

The Look

The GS450h has a simple and elegant design that is simultaneously aggressive and understated. Its sharp, clean lines give it a uniformly sculpted look from front to back. Toyota invested significant time and resources for the aerodynamic tweaks to streamline the GS and was rewarded with a drag coefficient of only .27 and a subtle hint of athleticism. (This may well be the last year for this body since the fourth-generation version is most likely right around the corner.)

  

A mid-cycle refresh delivers an updated front fascia (flatter bumper, revised lower air intakes and chrome grill), high-intensity discharge headlights, turn signal indicators mounted in the side mirrors and some predictable color palette revisions. Criticism of the styling usually focuses on the disparity between the sleek front and the chunky back. But for my taste, I felt pretty damn good cruising the streets of Los Angeles in the GS450h even with the never-ending parade of luxury contenders in our midst.

The Guts

The interior is both subdued and luxurious in keeping with the automaker’s theme of function over flash for this baby. There appears to be the perfect mix of buttons and controls working in tandem to direct the 7-inch infotainment system. Many vehicles in this class have cockpits which resemble that of the Space Shuttle Discovery but Lexus, fortunately, bucked the trend. The only possible spot for some confusion is the drop-down compartment mounted below the dash (left of the steering wheel) which contains a massive collection of buttons to handle things such as mirror collapse controls, trip meters, interior light brightness settings, parking assist on/off, automatic rear shade, etc.

Our model sports dark wood grain covering the center stack, door handle trim, steering wheel handles and other minor trim pieces. But the remainder of the interior, much to the delight of my aesthetic sensibilities which favor minimalism, is totally blacked out. The gauges are bright and appealing and the brushed aluminum dials are a cool touch. Trunk space is surprisingly limited but still adequate. The pass-through we see on the other GS models is absent in this hybrid due to the placement of the battery pack behind the rear seats; but a tool kit and first aid kit make up for the omission (sort of...).

Technobabble

Lexus has always been a front-runner for car tech and the GS benefits from this fervor. The GS450h comes standard with heated and ventilated seats, Smart Access keyless entry and push button start/stop, one touch moon-roof with pinch protection (no more beheadings for drunken revelers), dual heated outside mirrors, automatic climate control with a smog sensor and air filter, and power tilt and telescoping steering wheel. Other niceties include the auto-on headlamps, daytime running lights, variable intermittent rain-sensing wipers, headlamp washers and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The Lexus Premium Audio System comes with a 6-disc CD changer, Bluetooth, USB/Aux plugs and XM Satellite radio. Our model stepped things up to the Mark Levinson Surround Audio System ($1780), about which no less than 3 people asked me if it was aftermarket. The system bumps like there’s no tomorrow and creates an amazing sound stage. Our model also has the optional navigation system ($1665) which provides a backup camera, voice commands, XM NavTraffic, XM Navweather and XM Sports & Stocks. One peculiar, though not terribly important, issue is that the song information display is somehow cut off at 16 character even though there is room for tons of additional letters and numbers.

Now that you feel as though you’ve just read the pricing sheet, let's talk a bit more about ease of use. The Bluetooth phone sync is flawless and handles both pairing and connecting without hiccup. Bluetooth Audio follows suit but still only provides Play & Pause which is disappointing. A little more two-way communication to add in some album cover art and the ability to scroll songs would be greatly appreciated, although we've yet to see a manufacturer offer this feature. The parking assist alerts the driver of obstacles both front and rear and does a good job of accurately firing under normal driving conditions. The backup camera, in conjunction with the side mirrors, which automatically turn down when in reverse, allow for some overly confident rear maneuvering with the almost surreal sense of visibility provided.

Performance

When the Lexus GS450h first dropped in 2007, it was billed as "the world's first luxury performance hybrid sedan." When you associate the words 'hybrid', 'Toyota' and 'performance' you may be hit with severe cognitive dissonance. But the GS450h is remarkably fast (and I don’t mean with some kind of heavy handicap for its hybrid status). Gunning the engine from a start causes it to pause for a millisecond and ask you a simple question "Are we doin this?." And when you drop the hammer and say "Hell yeah!" the GS450h says “Word!" and gets you on your way with an urgency you’ll not soon forget. 0-60 mph comes quickly at just 5.2 seconds. But where the GS450h really shines is at higher speeds, especially on the highway where passing and carving through traffic with an effortless agility is truly awe-inspiring.

One of the coolest and yet most inconsequential details on this car is the electrical KW gauge left of the speedometer. I'm still not exactly sure what it all means besides the obvious but I nevertheless tried to get it as close to the 250 KW limit as possible whenever possible.

With all this talk about the juice, it's easy to forget that the GS450h is outfitted with a peppy 3.5-liter V6, a solid contender in its own right. But paired with the battery power, this setup outputs a combined 340 hp and 267 ft-lb of on-demand torque while simultaneously allowing you to whip the chunky 4,132 pound GS around as though it were a Bolshoi ballerina.

The hybrid part of the GS uses two motor-generators. They each have their own set of duties but can operate either as a motor or a generator. The first is used as a starter motor, providing no propulsion but charging the battery pack and/or boosting the power of the second motor. Part of the additional weight in the GS comes from the 288-volt DC Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack. The long and the short of it is that power from the gas engine and the second electric motor is delivered to the rear wheels using an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT). Because specific gear ratios are no longer needed, the car accelerates with no discernible gear changes.

Sliding back the central armrest reveals two important control switches. One rocker switch supervises driving modes and allows you to alternate between ‘Power’, ‘Normal’ and ‘Snow’ to change the shift points and electronic controls. ‘Power’ is where you want to be as it sharpens accelerated response, unless, of course, you’re in inclement conditions where a softer response is warranted. The other switch is for adjusting the adaptive variable suspension which we found to be particularly useful as it stiffens up the ride considerably and is awesome for canyon carving. In fact, the GS stays perfectly neutral even when traversing uneven pavement. The same praise cannot be lathered on the transmission which never quite seems to find the right gear to make serious moves. After road tests with the IS350 F Sport and IS F, I yearned for paddle shifters and was met with a reversed automatic shift knob (upshifts are up instead of down).

Steering is speed sensitive but seems especially hard at low velocity compared to other vehicles in its class. That said, it is responsive if not precise and there is absolutely no issue with identifying wheel placement. Traction control is set for safety first and enjoyment second and jumps in like an overprotective auntie. You almost feel like you’re wearing one of those silly child harnesses when you’re just trying to have a little fun and it's surprisingly easy to get yanked back or, in the case of the GS, have power cut, brakes applied and some flashing lights to force you back in line. Turning the DSC to the ‘off’ position allows you to experience thrills not thought possible, including getting in a little fish-tail action if done just right.

Braking in the GS450h is phenomenal-- plain and simple. The feel of the pedal is sublime, neither too soft nor too hard. And, in fact, when the brakes are warm they function even sharper, engaging sooner and allowing more control, but without any sensation of abrupt grabbing.

In Case of Emergency

The 2011 Lexus GS450h comes with dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags and driver and front passenger knee airbags. It's like driving around inside a pool of balloons. Of course, the usual supplemental restraint system, pretensioners and force limiters are in full effect along with active front headrests. To keep you from having to rely on any of these, the GS450h is also outfitted with an integrated system that handles stability control, ABS, brake assist and traction control. If you really get into trouble, the Safety Connect system provides automatic collision notification to send help if requested or unresponsive. And if someone happens to jack your ride, Lexus offers stolen vehicle location.

Brain Dump

  

The 2011 Lexus GS450h is a true sleeper that will make you want to stuff batteries into any car you drive thereafter. The base sticker price of $57,950 puts it right in the line of fire with the Mercedes-Benz E550, BMW 550i and Infinity M56, with prices starting at $57,175, $60,575 and $58,450 respectively. All of these cars are close performance wise but balloon $10k the second you start adding option packages. Our fully equipped test vehicle is listed at $62,470.

So, it comes down to personal biases and, of course, ego. The 2011 Lexus GS450h is relatively pricey but not by comparison and offers V8 performance in an eco-friendly package. You can creep out late at night without alerting your significant other (if that’s your thing….just sayin’) and later pull up alongside a Mustang on the highway, stand on the gas, and sound like a proper sports car as you zoom by.

Okay, so maybe the analogy of the cavemen and the iPad was over the top, but when it comes to the Lexus GS450h, maybe not…..

READ MORE - First Drive: 2011 Lexus GS450h Review

CEC Unleashes Tuner Edition Lexus LFA

For 20-plus years, Claus Ettensberger Corporation, better known as CEC, has been bringing some of the world's best modification programs to the US including the likes of Brabus, AC Schnitzer, Tech-Art and Novitec-Rosso. They also have their own line of high-end wheels and offer everything from styling tweaks to full race-bred customizations. A new partnership with Lexus North America has this Los Angeles-based tuner set to deliver 3 limited edition LFAs, with each supercar tailored to the whims of the individual customer. In fact, Sherif Yassa, Vice President of CEC went so far as to say, "We believe these three CEC Tuner Edition LFAs will be the most expensive and rarest of all the LFA supercars that Lexus will manufacturer and sell worldwide."

In order to live up to this lofty goal, CEC is starting out their customization by using the Nurburgring Edition as a base. Out of the LFA's total production run of just 500 vehicles, only 50 will be available with this package which provides additional aerodynamic enhancements and downforce by way of a fixed rear wing, enlarged front spoiler, canards and fin-type side spoilers all crafted from carbon fiber. In addition, the suspension has been retuned, gearbox changes accelerated to just .15 seconds and an additional 10 horsepower squeezed out of the 4.8-liter V10 engine for a grand total of 570hp. The car tops out at 202 mph and can sprint from 0-60 mph in just under 3.7 seconds.

 

Thanks to all the engineering wizardry that went into creating this car, CEC's upgrades will mostly be limited to aesthetic mods. "We looked at the LFA and what Lexus engineers had done, and knew it would be crazy to try and improve it from a performance or engineering standpoint," said Claus Ettensberger, founder of CEC. We still don't know what the 3 limited edition LFAs will look like but at a recent press event, CEC had on hand a Nurburgring Edition showcasing their lightweight forged wheels, with one style represented on each side. Split five-spoke C882 rims in silver were mounted on the right while thin five-spoke C884 rims finished in black were set on the left. Each 21-inch wheel also weighed in at a scant 21 pounds and was wrapped in Michelin's most technically advanced rubber to date, Pilot Super Sport tires.

There is no word yet on what the prices will be for the CEC Tuner Edition Lexus LFA. Customers can order the car in any trim they desire and the addition of the Nurburgring Package and CEC's carbon-fiber mods and wheel selection will naturally add to the $375,000 base price. As we're in the area, hopefully we can provide updates as the 3 custom LFAs get rolled out...

READ MORE - CEC Unleashes Tuner Edition Lexus LFA

Chicago Preshow: Lexus CT 200h Concept Tune by Five Axis

Lexus will be showing off a wilder CT 200h prepared by parent company Toyota's tuning partner Five-Axis at the upcoming 2011 Chicago Auto Show, which runs for the public from February 11 to 20. The highly-modified Five Axis Project CT will be dressed in a custom made wide body kit with hybrid's bad-boy appearance further enhanced by the JDSU “Dark Passage” paint, the lowered ride height (thanks to a TEIN Flex coilover suspension system), and custom 19-inch FIVE:AD forged alloy wheels.

No word on any powertrain improvements, but the CT 200h concept study will get a bespoke interior treatment and a Stoptech High Performance Big Brake Kit on the front.

The Five Axis Project CT will be joined by numerous Lexus models including vehicles from last year’s SEMA Show such as a customized LS600h L by VIP Auto Salon and a revamped RX 450h courtesy of tuner Paul Tolson, EST Styling, plus the full range of production models like the 2012 LFA sports car.

READ MORE - Chicago Preshow: Lexus CT 200h Concept Tune by Five Axis

Tokyo Auto Salon '11: Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder & Lexus IS-F Club Performance Accessory

The Tokyo Auto Show present to the World Community a set of car surprises. For example, this exotic Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. It's necessary to notice that car is tuned so, what to define, what motor-car manufacturer presented one of the brightest cars of autoshow — is actually unreal. The cowl form gives to the car similarity as at Nissan 350Z, the back part casts thoughts on Infiniti G35 Coupe.

Japanese Tuning Releases

The car body is coloured into golden colour (by Paint Star), besides it, on exterior of a car has been used a aerography sketch that gave to the car very bright and unique kind. The car ground clearance has been reduced at the expense of use of low bumpers. In addition to everything, the magnificent interior fitted by a white skin — gives to the car true uniqueness.

TRD (Toyota Racing Department) especially for the Tokyo Auto Salon finished special version of Lexus IS-F. The car which has received a tuning package, has been named as IS-F Club Performance Accessory. Tuning a Car certainly underwent the most courageous innovations.

Lexus IS-F Club Performance Accessory has been equipped carbon cowl, a front both rear spoiler and the rear choke tube. Besides, has been modernised the car interior. TLD cover a surface by carbon fibre, and sports seats has covered into orange skin. The car received sports suspender, strong brake and an exhaust system, and also new cooling system.

READ MORE - Tokyo Auto Salon '11: Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder & Lexus IS-F Club Performance Accessory

Chicago Preshow: Lexus CT 200h Concept Tune by Five Axis

Lexus will be showing off a wilder CT 200h prepared by parent company Toyota's tuning partner Five-Axis at the upcoming 2011 Chicago Auto Show, which runs for the public from February 11 to 20. The highly-modified Five Axis Project CT will be dressed in a custom made wide body kit with hybrid's bad-boy appearance further enhanced by the JDSU “Dark Passage” paint, the lowered ride height (thanks to a TEIN Flex coilover suspension system), and custom 19-inch FIVE:AD forged alloy wheels.

No word on any powertrain improvements, but the CT 200h concept study will get a bespoke interior treatment and a Stoptech High Performance Big Brake Kit on the front.

The Five Axis Project CT will be joined by numerous Lexus models including vehicles from last year’s SEMA Show such as a customized LS600h L by VIP Auto Salon and a revamped RX 450h courtesy of tuner Paul Tolson, EST Styling, plus the full range of production models like the 2012 LFA sports car.

READ MORE - Chicago Preshow: Lexus CT 200h Concept Tune by Five Axis

Chicago Preshow: Lexus CT 200h Concept Tune by Five Axis

Lexus will be showing off a wilder CT 200h prepared by parent company Toyota's tuning partner Five-Axis at the upcoming 2011 Chicago Auto Show, which runs for the public from February 11 to 20. The highly-modified Five Axis Project CT will be dressed in a custom made wide body kit with hybrid's bad-boy appearance further enhanced by the JDSU “Dark Passage” paint, the lowered ride height (thanks to a TEIN Flex coilover suspension system), and custom 19-inch FIVE:AD forged alloy wheels.

No word on any powertrain improvements, but the CT 200h concept study will get a bespoke interior treatment and a Stoptech High Performance Big Brake Kit on the front.

The Five Axis Project CT will be joined by numerous Lexus models including vehicles from last year’s SEMA Show such as a customized LS600h L by VIP Auto Salon and a revamped RX 450h courtesy of tuner Paul Tolson, EST Styling, plus the full range of production models like the 2012 LFA sports car.

READ MORE - Chicago Preshow: Lexus CT 200h Concept Tune by Five Axis

Lexus Issues Voluntary Recall on 245,000 GS and IS Models in the U.S.

Lexus has issued a voluntary safety recall involving some 245,000 cars in the U.S. because of a potential defect that may cause fuel leakage. The models affected by the recall include the GS300 and GS350 from the 2006-2007MY, the IS 250 from the 2006-2009MY, and the IS 350 from the 2006-2008MY.

The company said that due to insufficient tightening, the connection between the fuel pressure sensor and a certain fuel line could loosen over time, resulting in a possible fuel leak. No accidents related to the problem have been reported to date.

According to statement from Lexus' parent company Toyota, the firm's dealers will inspect the vehicles and if no leakage is found, will tighten the sensor with the proper torque. In case of a confirmed fuel leak, the gasket between the fuel sensor and the delivery pipe will be replaced and the sensor tightened. As expected, all operations will be conducted free of charge.

READ MORE - Lexus Issues Voluntary Recall on 245,000 GS and IS Models in the U.S.

Lexus Issues Voluntary Recall on 245,000 GS and IS Models in the U.S.

Lexus has issued a voluntary safety recall involving some 245,000 cars in the U.S. because of a potential defect that may cause fuel leakage. The models affected by the recall include the GS300 and GS350 from the 2006-2007MY, the IS 250 from the 2006-2009MY, and the IS 350 from the 2006-2008MY.

The company said that due to insufficient tightening, the connection between the fuel pressure sensor and a certain fuel line could loosen over time, resulting in a possible fuel leak. No accidents related to the problem have been reported to date.

According to statement from Lexus' parent company Toyota, the firm's dealers will inspect the vehicles and if no leakage is found, will tighten the sensor with the proper torque. In case of a confirmed fuel leak, the gasket between the fuel sensor and the delivery pipe will be replaced and the sensor tightened. As expected, all operations will be conducted free of charge.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

READ MORE - Lexus Issues Voluntary Recall on 245,000 GS and IS Models in the U.S.