Lexus GS 350

For this concept, Lexus designers studied characteristics that are often considered contradictory and difficult to execute together,” said Kengo Matsumoto, general manager, Lexus Design Division, Toyota Motor Corporation. “The captivating design of the LF-Gh concept examines the possibility of balancing what are normally opposing qualities, such as style and functionality.”
The Lexus LF-Gh concept takes the company’s L-Finesse design philosophy one step forward and combines style, performance, efficiency, and environmental compatibility with advanced, new technologies. And, as with many other new concepts, the LF-Gh is also a hybrid vehicle.

Just when you thought Toyota had gotten over their 2010 recall catastrophe, their sister brand, Lexus, is starting the year of by catching the proverbial ‘bug’.There really is no rest for the weary, is there.?The Japanese automaker is issuing a voluntary safety recall involving 245,000 vehicles of the GS and IS models over what appears to be a potential defect that could cause fuel leakage.

According to Lexus, the problem is caused by a problem with the connection between the vehicle’s fuel pressure sensor and a fuel line that could loosen over time. This, in turn, could lead to a possible fuel leak.

Cadillac Ciel Concept

The Cadillac Ciel Concept - pronounced "C-L," the French translation for sky - is a four-seat convertible that opens a new chapter in Cadillac's design and product ascent, pushing the brand's Art & Science philosophy into a new stratum. Ciel is a new expression of Cadillac's historical grandeur, as well as a celebration of open-air motoring.
"Large, expressive luxury is innate to Cadillac and the Ciel recalls that heritage, while suggesting where the brand can go in the future," said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac. "Authentic luxury is driven by experiences, not just products, and Ciel is about the experience of the journey."
The spacious and elegant Cadillac Ciel Concept is a grand gesture that explores themes driving Cadillac's explorations into range-topping flagship luxury. It is powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter Direct Injection V-6 engine, paired with a hybrid system using lithium-ion battery technology.
Coastal inspiration

Driving California's Highway 1 in an open car while the sun sets, from Big Sur north to Monterey, is the type of journey the Ciel team envisioned during its design.
"The Ciel is about the romance of the drive," said Dean. "It emulates the great touring cars seen on the greens at Pebble Beach, but with a modern flair that projects Cadillac's vision for the future."

The four-door Cadillac Ciel Concept embraces the social aspects of a recreational journey, with generous room for two couples. It evokes the spirit of the classics with a long, low proportion. The doors are French-style, with the rear doors hinged at the rear - there is no B-pillar - to reveal a sweeping view of the dramatic interior. Distinguishing fender lines run from nose to tail, and nickel-plated bright work accents the body lines, enhancing the visual length of the car and honoring Cadillac touring cars of the past.

Lexus Adds Optional F-Sport Package to CT 200h 2012

Lexus’ fifth hybrid vehicle and second dedicated hybrid after the HS sedan, the CT 200h, is cruising into its second model year with a few minor updates, the most important of which is the U.S. introduction of the optional F-Sport Package.
Unveiled for the first time at the 2010 Sydney Motor Show in Australia before making its North American debut at last year's SEMA gathering, the F-Sport Package for the CT 200h adds a limited number of visual and performance goods.
These include a sportier tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels and front grille with a mesh pattern. Inside, the package adds metal front scuff plates, perforated leather steering wheel, leather shift knob, aluminum sport pedals and metallic trim on the dash panel. Buyers can further enhance the cabin with Black NuLuxe trimmed seats or perforated black leather-trimmed seats.
In addition to the sport kit, the 2012 model year CT 200h gains a new Vehicle Proximity Notification System that helps alert pedestrians and cyclists of an oncoming vehicle under certain conditions by emitting a low audible warning sound, while Nebula Gray Pearl replaces Smoky Granite Mica finish.
Otherwise, there are no differences with the 2011MY CT 200h with the compact-sized hatchback powered by a hybrid powertrain that includes a 94HP 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and an electric motor producing a combined system output of 134HP and allowing the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 9.8 seconds.
Lexus has not yet released any photos of the 2012 CT 200h with the F-Sport Package. The images you see below are of the Australian market version (blue colored model) and the SEMA show car (white finish). 

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Use Powerful Forklift Parts In Your Truck

by: John Anthony

Forklifts are powered industrial trucks used in a number of industrial and warehousing applications. Forklifts are used in lifting and transporting huge loads and cargo. Important forklift truck accessories include rotators, roll clamps and carton clamps as standard attachments. Rotators help in handling skids and other speciality materials. Roll clamps are of two types: mechanical or hydraulic. These forklift truck attachments are used for handling barrels or paper rolls.

Today forklift truck attachments are available separately to meet the varying needs of a single user. The user can use these forklift truck accessories on a standard forklift by simply attaching the desired attachment on it. Forktruck attachments are available for lifting heavy loads and moving them in areas that are difficult to reach. Quick-tach truss boom is one such attachment that yields greater manoeuvrability during construction works. Hoppers and self dump buckets are used in cleaning the debris and unwanted materials from work sites. Carton clamps are another type of attachments that enable the lift operator to open and close the clamp around the load allowing it to pick it up smoothly.

Forklifts are hazardous machines, so they should be handled with care. Finding the right forklift truck accessories is therefore important. Before attaching any forklift truck attachments on the equipment, you should ensure that they meet the OSHA guidelines and are matching the specifications of the forklifts in use. It is dangerous to overload the forklifts. The allowable weight is labelled on every machine, so it is advised that you strictly follow those instructions. Overloading will result in skidding and overturning. This may bring huge damage to people and property, so care should be taken to avoid such mishaps. By using the best quality forklift truck accessories you can avoid accidents.

Selecting the right accessories and forklift truck attachments helps you save hugely on the cost of operation. If you are equipped with the right forklift, you can get the work done in an efficient manner. Forklifts are available in a variety of sizes and specifications. If you are buying forklift truck accessories, you must ensure that they suit the machine and are able to carry out the work effectively. Never overestimate the power of forklift parts and its accessories. All parts and accessories of the forklifts have to be maintained regularly so that they perform efficiently ensuring safety and satisfaction to workers.

If you are planning to buy or hire a forklift truck, go for good quality trucks from famous brands like Linde Material Handling, Raymond, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Hyster and Atlet. They are the leading manufacturers of http://www.tradepub.com/free-offer/global-finance/gf?sr=hicat&_t=hicat:1057  forklift trucks, so you can rely on their products confidently. Identify the authorised dealers of these companies and get the best quality product that suits your budget. If your budget is low, you may opt for used forklifts and fork truck attachments which are also available as fully functional. You may procure these attachments from the same dealers who also deal with sale/purchase of old forklifts and accessories. Buying a used forklift will be a great deal for those who cannot afford for new ones.

2013 Lexus GS

Precisely two weeks remain for the official presentation of the all-new 2013 Lexus GS 350on Thursday, August 18th at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and the Japanese automaker decided it's time to enter the teaser photo game with the release of a single, partially blacked out image of the mid-size luxury sedan.
There's not much to say about the Lexus sedan from the photo other than that it looks a lot like the LF-Gh Hybrid concept we saw at this year's New York Auto Show.
For those of you that would like to see a bit more of the new GS than what Lexus has to offer, hit the break to watch the first test drive videos of the car by U.S. magazines Motor Trend and Road & Track.

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2013 Lexus GS 350

Lexus will announce the concept of the 2013 Lexus GS 350 at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18. Luxury sedan teaser images have revealed a front-end design of all-new model. Image manipulated to bring out the fine grill lines, and intricate details of the design of the bumper and hood.
2013 Lexus GS 350 will feature a brand new design philosophy, with a hint of new styles like the distinctive front grille, which will soon be seen on all future Lexus vehicles. The new GS will also lead the rest of the Lexus lineup in an entirely new direction of the driving dynamics.  Possible 2013 Lexus GS 350 will be powered by a 3.5-liter V6 is well known.

“Today, buyers in mid-size luxury segment want a more exciting driving experience, a style that makes statements, and a roomier interior package,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager.
“With all the new GS, we are giving them what they asked for, and much more.” She finished.

Citroën DS3 R3

In addition to Citroën Racing's official participation in WRC, where it has won five FIA World Championship Constructors' titles, Citroën Racing has always offered products designed for customers. The champion team has now furthered this rich tradition with Citroën DS3 R3, a model set to make its rallying debut at the end of 2010. Versatile, high performance and yet affordably-priced, Citroën DS3 R3 is set to become the new leader in its category.

Based on the FIA's new Group R3T regulations, Citroën DS3 R3 features the same structural design and appearance as the production model, with the production steel body shell reinforced by a welded, multi-point roll cage, improving the resilience of the chassis and safety for the driver pairing.
Under the bonnet lies a four-cylinder 1.6-litre THP (high pressure turbo) engine, which has been developed using the PSA production engine. Specific racing parts (air box, camshaft, pistons, connecting rods, exhaust and turbo systems, electronic unit, etc.) have been deployed to boost the car's power to 210bhp. In addition to its overall power, special attention has been given to increasing the engine's torque to improve traction, one of the key factors in delivering efficient driving performance. With 350Nm, the Citroën DS3 R3 engine offers unrivalled flexibility on the road.

Citroën DS3 R3 has benefitted from the extensive expertise acquired by Citroën Racing through its involvement in the World Rally Championship. As with the C4 WRC, the six-speed gearbox features semi-automatic sequential control, enabling gear changes to be made twice as quickly as with a manual gearbox, whilst also improving the reliability of the car's powertrain.

Mercedes-Benz Tops Secret Shopper Study of U.S. Dealers

Mercedes-Benz dealers were number one for customer treatment in the US according to an independent study by survey company Pied Piper. The California-based company hired 3,524 “secret shoppers” and sent them to US dealerships in order to determine how their salesmen were performing in anything from explaining a car’s features to closing a deal.

This is the third year in a row that Mercedes-Benz, which looks set to top the sales charts this year in the luxury segment, has topped Pied Piper’s study.

The German firm was followed by Jaguar and Lexus dealers, who tied in second place. According to the survey, Toyota and Chrysler’s Ram sales representatives were ranked the best among mass-market carmakers, while Mitsubishi and Suzuki finished at the bottom, as did Lincoln in the luxury segment.

According to CEO of Pied Piper, Fran O’Hagen, in general the brands that scored the poorest were those with the worst sales per dealership. O’Hagen added that’s easy to explain, as these brands cannot retain competent salesmen for a long time.

He also commented that reduced staff has had a negative impact in customer satisfaction now that sales are on the rise again and dealers don’t have the necessary staff to cover their needs.

However, as O’Hagen pointed out, the secret of success in this particular business is not really a secret at all. Good dealerships focus on a customer’s needs, get to know them and ask a few questions about their driving habits – and that takes skill and time.

The “secret”, according to O'Hagen, is to "think not like a salesman, but as a customer".

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Lexus Loses Top Spot in US After a Decade

Lexus has been the top-selling luxury brand in the US for the last 11 years. But in 2011 the luxury division of Toyota looks bound to lose the top spot to both BMW and Mercedes-Benz and be relegated to third place.

The earthquake and Tsunami that hit Japan in March and disrupted production is one of the reasons, as Lexus manufactures all bar one of its models (the RX) in its homeland. However, the production problems aren’t the sole reason for Lexus’ declining sales.

Last year’s recalls and the publicity they received had a negative effect on the brand. Moreover, arch-rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW are expanding their US line-up and offering bigger incentives – plus let’s not forget, the Germans also manufacture some of their cars locally in the US.

In an interview with the Dallas Morning News, Mark Templin, general manager of Lexus, commented that the media is giving too much attention to market leaders:

“In the 11 years Lexus was number one, we ‘ve never once bragged about it. When we had to reduce production, it pretty much guaranteed that we would be challenged to remain number one in sales”.

He also dismissed all the talk about luxury car ranking: “All that doesn’t matter. All we care about us being number one in quality”.

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Land Rover Range Rover Black

"The Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography Black represents the very best Range Rover has to offer and is a fitting tribute to a vehicle which has consistently set the highest standards for all-terrain performance, luxury and design for the last 40 years." Phil Popham, Land Rover Managing Director
The ultimate incarnation of the Range Rover, the Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography Black 40th Anniversary Limited Edition, is quite simply the last word in bespoke vehicles.

With a unique finish in Barolo Black, the exterior also features 20-inch alloy wheels, Diamond Turned, a unique front grille with Titan grille mesh, a bright chrome grille 'U' edge and black grille surround. Side vents have a new mesh set off by bright chrome bars and a black vent surround. There are body coloured door handles and of course, the tailgate badge, 'Autobiography Black'.
Inside, there's a choice of the standard colourway in Jet, or two colourways unique to the Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography Black - Jet and Ivory, or Jet and Pimento. The Autobiography Black logo is discretely repeated throughout the interior where it is embossed on the rear seat armrest and appears on the four unique, Grand Black door veneers. Front door sill tread plates are illuminated with the words 'Range Rover' and there's a half wood Grand Black steering wheel. Petrol models also offer gearknob veneers.
"At the top of the Range, the new Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography Black 40th Anniversary Limited Edition offers customers the option of complete exclusivity with unique colourway combinations as well as striking interior and exterior design features. Around 700 will be made, emphasising the exclusivity of this limited edition." Design Director, Gerry McGovern
No detail has been overlooked in ensuring this is the most special Range Rover in the marque's 40 year history. Even the key fob and driver's handbook carry the Autobiography Black logo.

Land Rover Freelander 2

The 2011 Land Rover Freelander 2 model range, on sale in the UK from the end of September 2010, benefits from a new 2.2-litre diesel engine available with either 150PS or 190PS outputs, a new look exterior plus interior alterations including new instrument dials and a new Premium Pack option.
Land Rover's new turbo diesel engine is available in the 4WD TD4 150PS model featuring a manual transmission and intelligent Stop/Start technology as standard (an automatic gearbox without Stop/Start is available as a cost option), or the new SD4 model delivering 190PS (available in automatic transmission only).

This new engine is quieter, more efficient and both derivatives have 20Nm more torque than the outgoing engine. This means the 2011 Freelander 2 offers improved engine response and more mid-range strength for towing. CO2 emissions have been significantly reduced to 165g/km and 185g/km respectively with corresponding fuel economy benefits.
However, despite reductions in consumption and emissions, there has been no compromise in performance. The flagship 190PS Land Rover Freelander SD4 accelerates from rest to 60mph in 8.7 seconds with an increased top speed of 118mph. The Land Rover Freelander 150PS TD4 manual and automatic versions match the performance of their predecessors.
As well as being upgraded from EU4 to EU5, both versions have a new variable geometry turbocharger and have been extensively re-calibrated to deliver new levels of power, meet emissions regulations and reduce CO2 emissions. They are fitted with a catalysed diesel particulate filter as standard and are now compatible with 10 per cent biodiesel rather than 5 per cent.

As an addition to the Land Rover Freelander 2 range, Land Rover will also offer customers a 2WD derivative, available in the UK from January 2011. This will be called the Land Rover Freelander 2 eD4 and it will be the most efficient Land Rover ever produced, with fuel consumption of 47.2mpg combined, and CO2 emissions of just 158g/km.
"The new Land Rover Freelander 2 eD4 moves Land Rover into the hugely popular and fiercely contested two wheel-drive SUV market," said Land Rover managing director Phil Popham. "The European market for two-wheel drive SUVs represents 23 percent of the segment and we intend to compete strongly here.
"A 2WD option is just one way in which we are developing our vehicles' efficiency whilst adding to the Land Rover range and expanding our appeal to a broader group of customers. We will continue to make the 'world's finest all-terrain vehicles' for those customers who require 4WD but will also now offer an alternative."
This groundbreaking Land Rover Freelander 2 eD4 is powered by the new 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, delivering 150PS. It is only available with a six-speed manual transmission featuring Stop/Start technology as standard.
The exterior of the latest Land Rover Freelander 2 gets a new look for 2011. Marked out by a new front bumper assembly incorporating new front fog lap bezels, a new front grille finish, improved headlights and tail lamps, new full width tailgate appliqué and new 18- or 19-inch alloy wheel styles. There are three new colour schemes for 2011 Kosrae Green, Baltic Blue and Fuji White.
Inside the cabin, Land Rover's design team have revised the instrument dials, and there are four new seat styles with the option of a Premium Pack that includes Windsor Leather upholstery, an 8/6 way electric seat, plus premium carpet mats and covered centre stowage.

Lexus Calls UK Buyers to Enjoy the Summer with IS 250C

While Britain may not be the ideal place to enjoy an open top model, Lexus is calling UK buyers to take a look at its new limited edition version of the IS 250C coupe-convertible. Exclusivity for the IS 250C Limited Edition comes in the form of a distinctive black and red semi-aniline leather interior along with a numbered badge fixed inside the glove-box.
The special edition model is based on the regular SE-L and as such comes fitted as standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, electric one-touch easy access to the rear seats, eight-way electrically adjustable front seats with built-in ventilation and heating plus climate control that automatically adjusts temperature settings when the roof is down.
Available for order now, the IS 250C Limited Edition is priced in the UK at £39,990 on the road.

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VIDEO: Lexus LFA By Translogic

Bradley Hasemeyer has driven sοme unique vehicles. We have seen him take the helm οf a Tangο EV, the dolphin-shaped Seabreacher and the electric Z-Kart.

Nοw, Hasemeyer gets behind the wheel οf a vehicle that hits a little closer tο our Autοblog hearts, the Lexus LFA.

Dο not expect a smοky, sideways review of the car – after all, this is Translοgic, and the gist is tο dive into the technolοgy behind the machine.

What yοu can expect, though, is a well-made videο filled with great informatiοn... and that's exactly what is waiting fοr yοu

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2011 Lexus LS 460 Touring Edition

Lexus has aimed its 2011 LS 460 Touring Editiοn at a less frumpy crοwd, giving the ride new 19-inch wheels and a sportier bοdy kit. The Touring Edition gοes οn sale later this month with a sticker price οf $73,000 before destinatiοn charges.

Tο keep things looking fresh, Lexus is adding a special mica paint jοb tο the limited-productiοn sedan.

The Touring Edition package alsο features spοrt seats, matte-finish wood paneling and black leather uphοlstery with saddle leather accents.

Lexus says this thing will be built in limited numbers, but dοes not say hοw limited. Want οne? Get in line nοw.

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VIDEO: Lexus LFA Wows the Crowds at Tokyo Drift

A bespoke sports car priced over than $370,000 and of which only 500 will be produced worldwide, isn’t something you normally expect to see at a drift event. But in the Land of the Rising Sun, everything goes when it comes to burning tires and wowing crowds.
Making its appearance on the sidelines of the 2011 D1 Grand Prix Tokyo drift was this stock Lexus LFA, which you can enjoy in action in the video that follows after the break.

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