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  1. Lexus enjoyed a record-breaking 2023 with its new car sales volume increasing by almost 50 per cent on the previous year’s total. The strong performance confirms it as one of the fastest-growing brands in a premium car market that overall grew by a more modest 13.6 per cent. The calendar year saw Lexus deliver 15,963 new vehicle sales, compared to 10,675 in 2022, establishing a new record for the company’s sales volume and premium market share. Electrified vehicles – hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and battery-electric – accounted for 99.5 per cent of the total in a product line-up that welcomed significant new and revised models. These included the new generation RX and all-electric RZ 450e luxury SUVs and the all-new LM “luxury mover” people-carrier. This year will see the arrival of the all-new LBX compact crossover, which promises to be game-changing vehicle for the brand. Chris Hayes, Director of Lexus in the UK, commented: “With the challenges all car makers have faced in their supply chains now being somewhat eased, and with the introduction of exciting new models and electrified powertrains, we have been fortunate to build a healthy sales momentum. In the coming year, we expect to see this accelerate further with our entry into a new and valuable market for our brand with the all-new LBX. As well as building our sales further, we hope that the LBX will increase awareness and interest in our brand and our growing product range.”
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  2. Lexus’s “no compromise” approach to creating the all-new LBX compact crossover applies just as much to the car’s advanced, electrified powertrain as it does to its new-direction styling and luxury features. It’s equipped with a brand-new self-charging hybrid electric system that benefits from latest-generation technologies that raise the bar in all aspects of performance, from fuel and emissions efficiency through to driving pleasure. As the long-established leader in electrification in the premium car market, Lexus has applied its unmatched know-how and experience to reimagine Lexus Hybrid Drive, saving weight and reducing the size of components wherever possible and analysing every element to see where fuel economy and emissions can be improved. At the same time, performance is more rewarding than ever with response, feedback and handling that combine to deliver the Lexus Driving Signature – comfort, control and confidence at all time. A small engine with big ideas The three-cylinder engine may be small in size, but it boasts impressive technical features that maximise both performance and efficiency. Some of these have their origins in the cutting-edge world of Formula 1 motor racing, such as an ultra-lightweight piston design. Although the unit has a modest 1.5-litre capacity, it is perfectly suited to powering the LBX as part of the self-charging hybrid electric powertrain. It meets all Lexus’s stringent requirements for long-lasting reliability and being naturally aspirated, is not subject to the operating stresses of turbocharging. Customer peace of mind when it comes to quality and durability is guaranteed with Lexus’s market-leading warranty of up to 10 years/100,000 miles. Maximum output from the full system is 134bhp/100kW with peak torque of 185Nm. This is expected to enable 0-62mph acceleration in 9.2 seconds, while permitting confident towing of loads up to 750kg. The engine operates with exceptional thermal efficiency, which means more of the energy in every drop of fuel is converted into drive power. This is achieved through high-speed combustion and minimising losses from friction throughout the drivetrain. A variable cooling system helps the engine warm up quickly, adjusting automatically to its running conditions and the external temperature. Using electronic variable valve-timing – VVT-iE – also supports efficiency and response, even at low engine speeds. Smaller, lighter better The focus on designing a system that’s smaller, lighter and ideally suited to the LBX – the most compact Lexus model yet – has brought about significant changes in the hybrid set-up. A new power control unit (PCU) ensures the increased hybrid battery output can be optimally managed; being relocated above the transaxle means it takes up less space, too. The compact packaging also sees the system’s two electric motor-generators positioned side-by-side on separate shafts. The same principles apply to the hybrid battery. This is a new bi-polar nickel-metal hydride unit that, while being smaller and lighter, produces more energy, thus able to play a greater role in the car’s performance. The new hybrid system lets you drive at higher speeds and for longer distances in all-electric EV mode. Feeling good Close attention has been paid to delivering the hybrid system’s power in a way that’s pleasing and reassuring. The driver will appreciate how the powertrain is tuned for enjoyable performance and faithful handling, in particular with a smooth, linear acceleration feel that closely matches their use of the accelerator pedal. On higher grade models, a sequential Shiftmatic system provides paddle controls to engage the shift range through six steps, giving the feel of using a manual transmission. E-Four offers more Lexus’s E-Four all-wheel drive system is available as an option on certain LBX models. Adding an additional electric motor on the rear axle automatically provides extra grip and stability when required on slippery surfaces and when pulling away and cornering, increasing driver confidence. Optimal noise reduction The LBX is engineered to minimise transmission of engine noise and vibration, including the use of a balancer shaft on the power unit itself and widespread use of noise-absorbing materials at strategic points throughout the vehicle. The new hybrid battery has an impact as well: with more power supplied by the battery, the engine is able to run at up to 20 per cent lower revs. In addition to being good for fuel economy, this means the engine sound is more closely aligned to the pressure the driver applies to the throttle.
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  3. In 2012, Lexus caused a sensation with the unveiling of its LF-LC concept at the Detroit motor show, its vision for a radical new flagship coupe. Four years later, the concept became reality with an almost unchanged design for the production-ready LC. Now that model’s award-winning history reaches its pinnacle with the new LC 500 Ultimate Edition This special version of the LC 500 Coupe and Convertible will be available in strictly limited numbers worldwide – each model’s status recorded on an individually numbered plaque mounted on the centre console. The stand-out feature of the Ultimate Edition is its dedicated Hakugin White paintwork, which has an elegant matt finish. This strikes a sharp contrast with black detailing around the muscular bodywork, including the grille, door mirrors headlamp surrounds and exhaust baffle, and the 21-inch, five-spoked forged alloy wheels. This strong look draws heritage parallels with Lexus’s past coupe master, the LFA supercar. The interior also has an exclusive finish with upholstery in a deep Kachi-Blue. Luxurious semi-aniline leather is featured in the Coupe and a combination of suede-like Alcantara and leather in the Convertible. The Ultimate Edition’s special qualities are not limited to styling. The car’s aerodynamic performance has been honed with the world-first integration of airflow-controlling canard fins in the front bumper moulding. On the Coupe, the aero management package includes an auto-deploying black carbon rear wing. The wing’s shape was defined with input from the world of competition flying through Lexus’s support of aerobatic and race pilot Yoshihide Muroya and his team. Lexus’s Takumi master technicians were recruited to tune the V8 engine for smoother rotation and the rear differential for even sharper acceleration response. Both LC 500 Coupe and Convertible use a 457bhp powerplant, with a 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. The Ultimate Edition’s equipment specification matches the top LC Sport Pack+ with the addition of a colour head-up display, Panoramic View Monitor and 13-speaker Mark Levinson Reference Audio system, plus “Limited Edition” Lexus scuff plates. Production of the Ultimate Edition will commence in September. For UK customers, fewer than 10 examples will be available, priced £116,000 for the Coupe and £122,000 for the Convertible.
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  4. It is with great sadness that Toyota announces the death today of Toyota Motor Corporation Honorary Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda at the age of 97 Dr Toyoda, who was the son of the company’s founder Kiichiro Toyoda, began his career with Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) in 1952, having earlier graduated from Nagoya University with a degree in engineering. He later earned an engineering doctorate, writing his thesis on the subject of fuel injection. Dr Toyoda served in many posts during his long career, in which automotive technology, quality control were primary emphases. He became managing director in 1961 and following promotions to senior managing director in 1967 and executive vice president in 1972, he was named president of Toyota’s sales organisation in 1981. Following the merger of the sales and production organisations in 1982 he became president of the newly integrated TMC, serving later as chairman of the board between 1992 and 1999. Dr Toyoda served on the board for 57 years and assumed the position of honorary chairman in 2009 until his death. Dr Toyoda is the father of the current president and CEO, Akio Toyoda, his eldest son. The funeral service will be for close family members only. Toyota Motor Corporation will hold a farewell gathering at a later date.
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