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2009 Vehicle Model Guide

2009 LEXUS NEW CAR MODEL GUIDE

LexusLexus, elite upshot brand from Toyota of Japan, promotes luxurious high-performance machines cast as elegant sedans, sporty coupes and rugged yet refined sport utility wagons. For 2009, Lexus rolls out a new generational design for the full-size Lexus SUV under the badge of LX 570. Also, there's a souped-up performance sedan labeled IS-F. And Lexus extends the LS 600h L, the world's first super-luxury sedan that's also a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) equipped with a gas-electric powertrain.

2009 Lexus LSLS Series
The full-size Lexus flagship bears the badge of LS 460 in recognition of a 4.6-liter V8 engine, which produces 380 hp and mates to an automatic transmission with eight speeds. Further, Lexus has a long-wheelbase version riding on a platform with 121.7-inch wheelbase. That's the realm of limousine comfort for backseat passengers. The stretched LS 460L offers reclining rear seats with retracting footrests, along with individual DVD-based video screens. And for preventive safety the options include a Pre-Collision System packaged with Emergency Steering Assist and Lane-Keeping Assist.

2009 Lexus LS HybridLS Hybrid
The LS 600h L HEV is a most complex and sophisticated yet utterly luxurious automobile. Its Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) controls all energy produced by gas/electric engines and applies it to all wheels through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT). There's a 389-hp 5.0-liter V8 gas-powered engine with three high-voltage electric motors. Safety gear includes VSC (vehicle stability control), ETC (electronic traction control), and VDIM (vehicle dynamics integrated management). A camera on the steering column even monitors the driver's face and can figure out if you're nodding off or not watching the road.

2009 Lexus ESES Series
The elegant ES mid-size sedan from Lexus is the only Lexus sedan in front-wheel-drive (FWD) format. Its name — ES 350 — reflects the engine displacement from a 3.5-liter aluminum V6 which reaches 272 hp through a six-speed automatic transaxle. Body styling is sleek with a low-sloping hood crowned by oversized projector-beam headlamp clusters and a severely raked windshield leading to an arching canopy over the cabin. The luxurious five-place passenger compartment is trimmed in fine fabrics or soft leather hides, glossy walnut hardwoods and gleaming metals. Matador Red Mica is a new paint shade for 2009.

2009 Lexus GSGS Series
Two high-performance rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sports sedans stuffed with high-tech mechanical hardware divide into editions based on engine size. GS 430 gets a 4.3-liter V8 with VVT-i (variable valve timing with intelligence) to make 290 hp. GS 350 totes a direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 with VVT-i for 303 hp. The V8 uses an eight-speed automatic with sequential manual shifter. But GS 350 adds optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction for Snow Belt states. An adaptive variable suspension is aboard and more computerized controls than most other production cars.

2009 Lexus GS HybridGS Hybrid
Lexus installs HSD equipment in the GS 450h sports sedan. It's a hybrid (gas/electric powertrain) high-performance sports sedan, and one quick Lexus — capable of running from a stand-still start to the mark of 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. The GS 450h promises fuel economy scores as frugal as a small four-cylinder engine. Yet the sum of this car's gas-powered V6 engine and on-board electric motors tallies to 340 hp. This one's strictly high-tech in equipment, but luxurious, too.

2009 Lexus SCSC Series
This two-seat sports car converts from hardtop coupe to daring convertible with push-button ease. With roof raised, it carries an arching profile that looks retro with a roly-poly rump. With the hardtop in the trunk, it seems fluid and fast like a racy roadster. A six-speed sequential-shift automatic links to the aluminum 4.3-liter V8, which nets 288 hp. Lexus lines the car with gear for safety and performance, as well as electronic displays and lavish appointments. A new Pebble Beach edition wears a tail spoiler with cockpit trimmings of black bird's-eye maple wood and ecru-tinged leather seats.

2009 Lexus ISIS Series
These compact-class sports sedans resemble high-strung rally cars and act like road-hugging touring sedans. V6 engines define models. A 2.5-liter V6 netting 204 hp goes to IS 250, with options for RWD or AWD traction. The 3.5-liter V6 works on IS 350 for 306 hp. IS 250 brings a six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed sequential-shift automatic with paddle-shifters. VDIM equipment now applies to IS 250 as well as IS 350. Both cars show a revamped front grille and rear bumper, plus a new design for the cockpit instrument panel.

2009 Lexus IS-FIS-F Series
Lexus builds a high-performance sport sedan off the IS compact-class platform and stocks it with the most powerful engine ever for Lexus. The IS-F employs a 5.0-liter direct injection V8 rated at 416 hp plus huge torque. The plant works with the world's first eight-speed direct sport-shift transmission (DST) with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Expect 0-to-60 times below the five-second mark. The vehicle rides an inch lower than conventional IS sedans and uses cross-drilled front disc brakes and 19-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels.

2009 Lexus LXLX Series
The full-size Lexus SUV gets a generational upgrade with a big boost in power and a high-tech electro-hydraulic suspension. The engine comes from Toyota's Tundra pickup. It's a 5.7-liter V8 which soars to 383 hp — a gain of more than 100 hp over the previous LX plant. The engine ties to a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift and uses a full-time 4WD traction system. Towing capacity reaches to 8500 pounds. The luxurious cabin has three rows of seats, four zones for climate controls and an optional cool box to chill beverages.

2009 Lexus GXGX Series
A mid-size Lexus SUV also packs a big V8 worth 263 hp through a five-speed automatic. The leather-lined cabin provides three tiers of seats for seven. A permanently-engaged 4WD system on GS 470 includes a center differential with limited-slip capacity. Lexus innovations extend to active traction control (ATC), adaptable variable suspension (AVS) and downhill assist control (DAC). Options encompass a Mark Levinson DVD audio and backseat video entertainment kit, while the Sport edition has smoked bezel headlamps and dark graphite finish for 17-inch alloy wheels with a variable suspension labeled Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.

2009 Lexus RXRX Series
The Lexus CUV (crossover utility vehicle) uses the FWD platform of a car. It provides a luxurious five-seat passenger compartment and a rear cargo bay. Safety systems are in place, including curtain-style air bags tucked above front and rear side windows. The cabin piles on premium gear like power seats, mirrors and windows. RX 350 stocks a 3.5-liter VVT-i V6 for 270 hp through an electronic automatic transaxle. Options list leather upholstery, a navigation system with Bluetooth and voice activation, Mark Levinson DVD audio and backseat video system. Latest paint shade is Classic Silver Metallic.

2009 Lexus RX HybridRX Hybrid
The Lexus hybrid CUV promises the zippy performance of a V8-powered vehicle but miserly fuel economy scores. Its HSD powertrain teams a 3.3-liter V6 gas engine with two electric motors — one to turn the front wheels and another working accessories and recharging batteries. The HSD controls all energy produced by these plants and applies it through an ECVT. Total combined power output reaches to 268 hp. For optional AWD, a third electric motor drives rear wheels as the HSD varies torque front and rear depending on traction conditions. Premium and Premium Plus packages are available.

Detailed Lexus pricing and ownership information.

For more information, visit Lexus.