Lexus headlamps

Lexus (レクサス, Rekusasu?) is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation. First introduced in 1989 in the United States, where Lexus has ranked as the highest-selling maker of luxury cars, as of 2006 Lexus vehicles are sold in 68 countries and territories worldwide. In 2005, the division launched in Japan, becoming the first Japanese luxury car marque to be introduced in its home market. The Lexus marque has since debuted in additional export markets as part of the division's ongoing global expansion.

Lexus originated from a clandestine flagship sedan project that began in 1983. This effort developed into the original Lexus LS, which was the first vehicle to wear the Lexus marque upon its launch in 1989. In following years, Lexus added sedan, coupe, convertible, and SUV models. In 2005, a hybrid version of the RX crossover debuted, and additional hybrid models were subsequently introduced to the Lexus lineup. In 2007, Lexus launched its F marque performance division with the arrival of the IS F sport sedan.

From the start of production, Lexus vehicles have been consistently produced in Japan, with manufacturing centered in the Chūbu and Kyūshū regions, and in particular at Toyota's Tahara, Aichi, Chūbu and Miyata, Fukuoka, Kyūshū plants. Assembly of the first Lexus built outside the country, the Ontario, Canada-produced RX 330, began in 2003. Following a corporate reorganization from 2001 to 2005, Lexus operates its own design, engineering, and manufacturing centers, solely responsible for the division's vehicles.

Since 1989, Lexus has developed a reputation for vehicle reliability and customer service, as measured by independent surveys. Consumer ratings firm J.D. Power and Associates has named Lexus the most reliable brand in the U.S. fourteen times, most recently in 2008,headlamps based on its Vehicle Dependability Survey of over 53,000 vehicle owners and problems experienced in the first three years of ownership.headlampsheadlamps Through 2008, Consumer Reports has also named Lexus among the top five most reliable brands in its Annual Car Reliability Surveys of over one million vehicles across the U.S.headlamps

The Lexus slogan is "The Pursuit of Perfection."

In 1983, Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda summoned a secret meeting of company executives, to whom he posed the question, “Can we create a luxury vehicle to challenge the world's best?”headlamps This question prompted Toyota to embark on a top-secret project, code-named F1 (“Flagship” + “No. 1 vehicle”).headlamps The F1 project, whose finished product was ultimately the Lexus LS 400, aimed to develop a luxury car that would expand Toyota’s product line, giving it a foothold in the premium segment and offering both longtime and new customers an upmarket product.headlamps The F1 project followed the success of the Toyota Supra sports car and the luxury Toyota Cressida models.headlamps Both the Supra and Cressida were rear-wheel drive cars with a powerful 7M-GE/7M-GTE engine. The U.S. launch of the Acura marque by Honda three years prior also influenced Toyota in its plans for a luxury division.headlamps Around this same time, Nissan would unveil plans to create its own luxury division, Infiniti, while Mazda also considered developing a luxury division, to be called Amati.headlamps

Toyota researchers visited the U.S. in May 1985 to conduct focus groups and market research on luxury consumers.headlamps That summer, several F1 designers rented a home in Laguna Beach, California to observe the lifestyles and tastes of American upper-class consumers.headlamps Toyota’s market research concluded that a separate brand and sales channel were needed to present its new luxury flagship, and plans were made to develop a new network of dealerships in the U.S. market.headlamps

In 1986, Toyota’s longtime advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi formed a specialized unit, Team One, to handle marketing for the new luxury brand.headlamps Image consulting firm Lippincott & Margulies was hired to develop a list of 219 prospective names; Vectre, Verone, Chaparel, Calibre, and Alexis were chosen as top candidates.headlamps While Alexis quickly became the front runner (also associated with the Alexis Carrington character on the popular 1980s primetime drama Dynasty) and later morphed to Lexus,headlamps the name has been attributed to the combination of the words "luxury" and "elegance,"headlamps and another theory claims it is an acronym for "luxury exports to the U.S."headlamps According to Team One interviews, the name has no specific meaning and simply denotes a luxurious and technological image.headlamps

Just prior to the release of the first vehicles, database service LexisNexis obtained a temporary injunction forbidding the name Lexus from being used as they stated it might cause confusion.headlamps The injunction threatened to delay the division's launch and marketing efforts.headlamps Upon reflection, a U.S. appeals court lifted the injunction, deciding that there was little likelihood of confusion between the two products.headlamps

The original Lexus slogan, developed after Team One representatives visited Lexus designers in Japan and noted their obsessive attention to detail, became "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection."headlamps The Lexus logo was developed by Molly Designs and Hunter Communications.headlamps The final design for the Lexus logo featured a stylized “L” within an oval, and according to Toyota, was rendered using a precise mathematical formula.headlamps The first teaser ads featuring the Lexus name and logo, designed by Team One, appeared at the Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York auto shows in 1988.headlamps

In 1989, after an extended development process involving 60 designers, 24 engineering teams, 1,400 engineers, 2,300 technicians, 220 support workers, around 450 prototypes, and over US$1-billion in costs, the F1 project was completed.headlamps The resulting flagship, the Lexus LS 400, had a unique design that shared no major elements with previous Toyota vehicles, with a new 4.0 L V8 gasoline engine and rear-wheel drive.headlampsheadlamps Testing locations for the LS 400 included the German autobahn.headlamps

The LS 400 debuted in January 1989 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.headlamps The following September, Lexus vehicles officially went on sale at a network of 81 new Lexus dealerships across the U.S.headlamps The LS 400 was sold along with a smaller sibling, the Toyota Camry-based ES 250.headlamps The launch of Lexus was heralded by a multimillion dollar advertising campaign in both television and print media.headlamps Lexus subsequently began exports to the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada, and Australia, starting in 1990.headlampsheadlamps

The LS 400 was widely praised for its quietness, well-appointed and ergonomic interior, engine performance, build quality, aerodynamics, fuel economy, and value,headlampsheadlamps although it was criticized by some automobile columnists for derivative styling and a suspension regarded as too compromising of handling for ride comfort.headlampsheadlamps The LS 400 debuted at US$38,000 in the U.S. (in some markets, it was priced against midsize six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz and BMW models)headlamps and was rated by Car and Driver magazine as better than both the US$63,000 Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL and the US$55,000 BMW 735i in terms of ride, handling, and performance.headlamps The LS 400 also won major motoring awards from publications including Automobile Magazine and Wheels Magazine.headlampsheadlamps Lexus' debut was generally regarded as a major shock to the European marques; BMW's and Mercedes-Benz's U.S. sales figures dropped 29% and 19%, respectively, with BMW executives accusing Lexus of dumping in that market.headlamps

In December 1989, Lexus initiated a voluntary recall of all 8,000 LS 400s sold to date, based upon two customer complaints over defective wiring and an overheated brake light.headlamps In a sweeping operation which replaced the affected parts on all vehicles over a period of 20 days, Lexus sent technicians to pick up, repair, and return cars to customers free of charge, and also flew in personnel and rented garage space for owners in remote locations.headlamps This response was lauded in media publications and helped establish the marque's early reputation for customer service.headlampsheadlamps In 1990, during its first full year of sales, Lexus sold 63,594 LS 400 and ES 250 sedans in the U.S.,headlamps the vast majority being the LS model.headlamps By 1991, sales had increased to 71,206 cars in the U.S. market,headlamps making Lexus the country's top-selling luxury import.headlampsheadlamps That same year, Lexus received first place in J.D. Power’s studies on initial vehicle quality, customer satisfaction, and sales satisfaction.headlamps

Lexus introduced two new models in June and September 1991, the SC 400 coupe and ES 300 sedan. The SC 400 shared the LS 400’s V8 engine and rear-wheel drive design, while the ES 300 replaced the ES 250 and became Lexus’ best-selling sedan.headlamps In 1993, the GS series came to America, based on the Toyota Aristo, which had sold for two years prior in Japan.headlamps That same year, Lexus also became one of the first marques to debut a certified pre-owned program, with the aim of improving trade-in model values.headlamps In 1994, the marque introduced the second generation LS 400, a complete redesign of its flagship model.headlamps In May 1995, sales were threatened by the U.S. government's proposal of 100 percent tariffs on Japanese luxury cars in response to the widening U.S.-Japan trade deficit.headlamps Normal sales operations resumed a month later when the Japanese auto manufacturers collectively agreed to greater American investments, and the tariffs were not enacted.headlamps

In 1996, Lexus added its first luxury sport utility vehicle, the LX 450.headlamps Two years later, Lexus debuted the first luxury crossover SUV, the RX 300; the second generation of the GS 300 and GS 400 sedans; and a new entry-level sedan, the IS 300. The RX quickly became the marque's best-selling model, displacing the ES, its previous best-seller.headlamps In 1999, Lexus recorded its one-millionth vehicle sold in the U.S. market,headlamps and was ranked the top-selling luxury automobile make in the U.S. overall.headlamps In 2001, Lexus introduced its first convertible, the SC 430, and the third generation LS 430.headlamps The second generation RX 330 debuted in 2003.headlamps

In 2005, Lexus debuted the first production hybrid luxury SUV, the RX 400h.headlamps The vehicle used a Lexus Hybrid Drive system which combined gasoline and electric motors for increased power, fuel efficiency, and lower emissions relative to gasoline-only equivalents.headlamps In 2006, Lexus unveiled the GS 450h, a V6 hybrid performance sedan.headlamps That same year, the marque premiered the fourth generation flagship LS series, comprising both standard- and long-wheelbase V8 (LS 460 and LS 460 L) and hybrid (LS 600h and LS 600h L) versions.headlamps The LS 600h L subsequently went on sale as the most expensive luxury vehicle ever produced in Japan, with a sticker price of approximately US$125,000.headlamps In 2006, Lexus sales reached 475,000 vehicles worldwide.headlamps
The F marque Lexus LF-A concept premiered in 2007.

In 2007, Lexus announced a new F marque performance division, which would produce racing-inspired versions of its performance models. The first of this line, the IS F, made its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show,headlamps accompanied by a supercar concept, the LF-A. By the end of 2007, Lexus' annual U.S. sales had risen to 329,177 vehicles,headlamps and total worldwide sales reached 500,000 vehicles.headlamps In 2008, amidst the late-2000s recession, sales dropped 21% in the U.S.,headlampsheadlamps with an annual total of 260,087,headlamps and global sales fell 14% to 430,000.headlamps In terms of volume, Lexus was the number-one-selling luxury car marque in the largest automotive market for the past eight years consecutivelyheadlampsheadlamps and the fourth-largest luxury car brand in the world by volume.headlamps

As of 2009, coordination of global Lexus Division product strategy involves Yasuhiko Ichihashi, chief officer, and Kiyotaka Ise, general manager, of the Lexus Development Center in Japan.headlampsheadlamps Ise, a managing officer in Toyota Motor Corporation's executive leadership, succeeded previous general manager Takeshi Yoshida, who was promoted to senior managing director on the Toyota board in June 2007.headlamps Other Lexus Japan executives include Yoichiro Ichimaru, senior managing director of Lexus Japan Sales and Marketing, and Toshio Furutani, managing officer at the Lexus Product and Marketing Planning Division.headlamps

In the U.S., Lexus operations are headed by Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager of the U.S. Lexus Division.headlamps In Europe, Lexus operations are headed by Andy Pfeiffenberger, vice president of Lexus Europe. Lexus Japan headquarters are located in Toyota, Aichi, Japan. Companion Lexus design facilities are located in Southern Californiaheadlamps and Toyota, Aichi.headlamps

Financial data of Lexus operations are not disclosed publicly.headlamps However, automotive analysts estimate that the Lexus Division contributes a disproportionate share of Toyota's profits, relative to its limited production and sales volume.headlamps Interviews with retired division officials indicate that depending on sales volume, vehicle product development cycles, and exchange rates, Lexus sales have accounted for as much as half of Toyota's annual U.S. profit in certain years.headlamps In 2006, Lexus entered Interbrand's list of the Top 100 Global Brands for the first time, with an estimated brand value of approximately US$3 billion annually.headlamps In 2009, responding to industry-wide sales declines, U.S. division executives opted against increasing price incentives to match those of rival brands, with the stated goal of maintaining profit margins rather than sales volume.headlamps

Lexus headlamps Vehicle lineup
Lexus – a division of Toyota Motor Corp. – road vehicle timeline
Type 1990s 2000s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Compact IS IS
IS F
HS
Mid-size ES ES ES ES ES
GS GS GS
GS Hybrid
Full-size LS LS LS LS
LS Hybrid
Crossover RX RX
RX Hybrid
SUV GX
LX LX LX
Coupe SC SC

Lexus production models are named alphanumerically using two-letter designations followed by three digits. The first letter indicates relative status in the Lexus model range (ranking),headlamps and the second letter refers to car body style or typeheadlamps (e.g. LS for 'luxury sedan'). The three digits indicate engine displacement in liters multiplied by a factor of one hundred (e.g. 350 for a 3.5 L engine).headlamps A space is used between the letters and numbers. The same letter may be used differently depending on the model; 'S' can refer to 'sedan'headlamps or 'sport'headlamps (e.g. in LS and SC), while 'X' refers to 'luxury utility vehicle' or SUV.headlampsheadlamps On hybrids, the three digits refer to the combined gas-electric output.headlamps For certain models, a lower case letter placed after the alphanumeric designation indicates powerplant type ('h' for hybrid, 'd' for diesel),headlamps while capital letter(s) placed at the end indicates a class subtype (e.g. 'L' for long-wheelbase,headlamps 'C' for coupe, 'AWD' for all-wheel drive). On F marque models, the two-letter designation and the letter 'F' are used with no numbers or hyphens (e.g. IS F).headlamps

Lexus design has traditionally placed an emphasis on targeting specific luxury vehicle standards.headlamps Since the marque's inception, design targets have ranged from aerodynamics and ride quality to interior ergonomics.headlampsheadlamps The acronym "IDEAL" ("Impressive, Dynamic, Elegant, Advanced, and Lasting") is used in the development process.headlamps Each vehicle is designed according to approximately 500 specific product standards, known as "Lexus Musts," on criteria such as leather seat stitching.headlampsheadlamps Design elements from the marque's concept vehicle line, the LF series (including the 2003 LF-S and 2004 LF-C), have been incorporated in production models.headlampsheadlamps

Vehicle cabins have incorporated touchscreen navigation system interfaces (through the 2009 model year),headlamps a smart key entry and startup system, SmartAccess,headlamps and electroluminescent Optitron gauges.headlamps In 1989, Lexus became among the first luxury marques to equip models with premium audio systems, in partnership with stereo firm Nakamichi.headlampsheadlamps Since 2001, optional surround sound systems are offered via high-end audio purveyor Mark Levinson.headlamps For reduced cabin noise, the first LS 400 introduced sandwich steel plating,headlamps and later models added acoustic glass.headlamps In 2006, the LS 460 debuted the first ceiling air diffusers and infrared body temperature sensors in a car.headlampsheadlamps For the 2010 RX and HS models, the Remote Touch system, featuring a computer mouse-like controller with haptic feedback, was introduced.headlamps
The eight-speed automatic transmission in the Lexus IS F.

In 2006, Lexus incorporated the first production eight-speed automatic transmission in an automobile with the LS 460,headlamps and the gearbox was later adapted for the GS 460 and IS F models. Continuously variable transmissions, regenerative braking, and electric motors have been used on all Lexus hybrid models.headlamps In 2007, Lexus executives signaled intentions to equip further models with hybrid powertrains,headlamps catering to demands for a decrease in both carbon pollution and oil reliance.headlamps Hybrid models have been differentiated by separate badging and lighting technology; in 2008, the LS 600h L became the first production vehicle to use LED headlamps.headlamps

Safety features on Lexus models range from stability systems (Vehicle Stability Control and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)headlamps to backup cameras, swivel headlamps, and sonar warning systems. The Lexus Pre-Collision System (PCS) integrates multiple safety systems.headlamps In 2007, Lexus introduced the first car safety systems with infrared and pedestrian detection capabilities, lane keep assist, a Driver Monitoring System with facial recognition monitoring of driver attentiveness, and rear pre-collision whiplash protection, as part of the LS 460 PCS.headlamps As a safety precaution, Lexus GPS navigation systems feature a motion lockout when the vehicle reaches a set speed; to prevent distraction, navigation inputs are limited, while voice input and certain buttons are still accessible. This safety feature has attracted criticism because passengers cannot use certain functions when the vehicle is in motion.headlamps Pre-2007 models came with a hidden manufacturer override option.headlamps
Lexus Hybrid Drive display at Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

New Lexus vehicles in development include convertibles, crossovers, and dedicated hybrids.headlampsheadlamps Lexus officials have indicated the marque's intentions to produce future production models using further dedicated platforms,headlamps as is the case for the LS flagship.headlamps The entry-level Lexus ES, in particular, had been chided for being too similar to the Toyota Camry, its shared platform cousin, in both styling and powertrain design.headlamps Lexus prototypes have been spotted testing at the Nürburgring test track in Germany.headlamps

Lexus introduced a new design language known as "L-finesse" with its LF series concepts and later with the 2006 Lexus GS.headlampsheadlamps L-finesse is represented by three Japanese kanji characters which translate as "Intriguing Elegance, Incisive Simplicity, and Seamless Anticipation".headlamps Design characteristics, including a fastback profile, lower-set grille,headlamps and the use of both convex and concave surfaces,headlamps are derived from Japanese cultural motifs (e.g. the phrase kirikaeshi in arrowhead shapes).headlamps While earlier Lexus models were criticized for reserved and derivative styling, and often mistaken for understated domestic market cars,headlamps automotive design analyses described L-finesse's debut as adding a distinctive nature and embrace of Japanese design identity.headlampsheadlamps Opinions varied for L-finesse's debut on the 2006 GS; Sports Car International's analysis praised the vehicle's in-person appearance;headlamps Automobile Magazine criticized the daring of its forward styling,headlamps and later suggested that the Jaguar XF was designed with similarities to the GS.headlamps L-finesse exhibitions were presented at the Milan Design Week from 2005 through 2009.headlamps