Lexus Shows Off New Models, Signature Styling At Fort Lauderdale International Auto Show

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexus' luxury sedans and SUVs are showing off new, bolder personalities at the Fort Lauderdale International Auto Show this week.

Following up on the success of the GS sport sedan, Lexus is improving the handling across its entire lineup to deliver an entertaining and engaging driving experience. F SPORT variants of most models take Lexus driving dynamics to a whole new level, bringing passion, excitement and driver involvement to the brand along with comfort, quiet and durability.

With a dramatic change in design, a whole new Lexus is emerging. In less than two years, Lexus will have changed the face of every vehicle in its lineup with its iconic "spindle" grille, putting a bold new face on the brand.

The Lexus display in Fort Lauderdale will highlight some of the luxury manufacturer's latest vehicles, including the new GS, ES and LS sedans and RX and LX sport utility vehicles.

To create the ideal driving feel and enhance cornering performance, the Lexus GS sport sedan has a widened track and updated suspension. The available navigation system features a 12.3-inch split-screen, high resolution multi-media display large enough to support simultaneous, split-screen viewing of a large map display, plus audio, climate or other vehicle information.

Both gas and hybrid ES models feature Drive Mode Select, which tailors the throttle response and engine power output for a customized driving experience. The ES sedan's innovative approach to safety includes a class-leading 10-airbag system and an available Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which alerts the driver to traffic when backing out of a parking spot.

Lexus' premium lineup of luxury LS flagship sedans includes the LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600h L hybrid and the first-ever LS 460 F SPORT. The 460 models are available in rear-wheel or all-weather drive. The LS hybrid has full-time all-weather-drive.

The 386-horsepower LS 460 sedan features a 4.6-liter V8 and a 19 combined MPG rating. Available safety features on the LS include the industry's most advanced Pre-Collision Safety system with Collision Avoidance Assist. The system is designed to assist the driver in avoiding or mitigating collisions with vehicles and pedestrians under a wide range of city and highway speeds. At speeds under 24 mph, this technology can automatically bring the LS to a full stop.

The LS interior was redesigned with enhanced sound insulation for an even quieter cabin and a new instrument panel with a high-resolution 12.3-inch navigation screen. Shimamoku espresso wood trim is available.

As the industry's first luxury crossover, the Lexus RX invented a language of its own. For 2013, Lexus continues to evolve the RX, adding the RX 350 F SPORT. The vehicle features a 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, paddle shifters, F SPORT-tuned suspension, unique sport front bumper and mesh grille and 19-inch split five-spoke wheels in a Dark Graphite finish.

The spacious cabin of the eight-passenger Lexus LX 570 sport utility vehicle delivers world-class refinement with mahogany wood trim and standard HD Radio™, Lexus Enform with App Suite and new technology that offers the power and convenience of drivers' favorite mobile apps. Behind the new spindle grille sits a 5.7-liter V8, which delivers 7,000-lb towing capacity. The LX comes standard with full-time four-wheel drive and Crawl Control.

Lexus has already earned multiple awards in 2013, including top honors in the Luxury Brand category of Kelley Blue Book's 2013 5-Year Cost to Own Awards. Key models contributing to Lexus' strong performance include the CT 200h, ES and IS models. In addition to capturing the luxury brand award, the 2013 GS 350 sport sedan took top honors in the Luxury Car category.

Lexus also garnered top honors in two categories of U.S. News & World Report's 2013 Best Cars for the Money awards for its outstanding value. The RX 350 luxury utility vehicle received the Best Luxury 2-Row Midsize SUV for the Money, while the RX 450h hybrid luxury utility vehicle won the Best Hybrid SUV for the Money. This is the fifth year in a row that the RX 350 has won this award, while the RX 450h has received the top honor in its category for the past two years.

About Lexus

Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service from its 232 dealers. Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader, offering five hybrids that provide the best in innovative technology and first-class luxury. When it began, Lexus offered two models of vehicles. Now, more than 20 years later, Lexus offers variations of 10 vehicles, from the sporty CT 200h hybrid to the V10 supercar, the LFA.

SOURCE Lexus