The Fast Lane Car

Review: The 2013 Lexus GS350 & GS450h is now more fun & luxurious to drive

LAS VEGAS—Lexus is out to change its image with sportier models such as the new GS350 gas-engine sedan, which goes on sale in February as a 2013 model, and the new GS450h gas-electric hybrid sedan that follows shortly.

The two models represent, as Lexus puts it, a “new signature design philosophy.” Lexus is well known for its posh, comfortable, upscale cars, but they aren’t much fun. There’s a trend toward sportier luxury autos that provide more driving kicks.

Hence, Lexus says it’s developed the GS to compete with such autos as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz  E350. Lexus hopes to annually sell 20,000 to 25,000 of the new GS models.

Video: 2012 Lexus LFA race track test ride

Lexus plans to only build 500 LFA supercars, and of those 500 less than 200 will end up in American garages.

At the Las Vegas Motor Speedway we recently had a chance to go for a ride in a shiny black 2012 LFA to sort of see just how fast and nimble Toyota's newest super car is when put to the test.

At over $350,000, the LFA is by no means inexpensive but when compared to other supercars like the $650,000 Ferrari Enzo, some people believe the the LFA is a crazy fast and crazy cool bargain.

However when compared to, for instance, the Nissan GT-R other people would argue that it is just too expensive for what you get.

We can start by telling you that the car's engine note is pure joy.

Check it out in this 2012 Lexus LFA race track test ride video below.

Video review: the 2013 Lexus GS 450h is no longer the dragster of the hybrid car world

The new 2013 Lexus GS 450h Hybrid is no longer the speedy dragster of the hybrid world. Instead the newest Lexus hybrid is all grown up and ready for a serious job like taking you and your family to work or play.

The newest and most fuel efficient GS now gets a combined 31 MPG. But is that enough to take on the German competition like the diesel version of the BMW 5 series Mercedes-Benz E class and the Audi A6.

We recently had a chance to take the green GS for a first drive spin around the Las Vegas desert to find out if the new 2012 Lexus GS 450h Hybrid is ready to take on  the German competition.

Check out the first drive video review below.

2011 Lexus RX 350 update: a luxury Crossover leader in need of a nip and tuck

There is no doubt that the 2011 Lexus RX 350 is one of the most popular cars in the luxury crossover segment.

When Lexus introduced the car a couple of years ago we reviewed it and took it on a snow covered Colorado dirt road (see video below) to see how it would handle the rough stuff.

OK, 'rough stuff' might not be the best words to use, but the Lexus RX 350 took everything that we threw at it in the video review with elegance and ease.

After a week in the 2011 model we still continue to be very impressed by the quality, fit and finish of the Lexus RX 350. We can confidently say that it is the perfect blend of new school crossover all-wheel-drive prowess with the old school luxury.

Review: The 2011 Lexus CT200h will easily scare any tree-hugging, Birkenstock-wearing, REM-loving passenger

“Its got the Prius engine… it CAN’T be sporty!”

Whaa-whaa-whaa… babies.

I’m sick of people, including reviewers; slapping good handling cars around if they happen to be hybrids. Yes, it’s sluggish off the line compared to many regular sporty cars – but it’s quicker than you think.

Let me explain:  The Lexus CT200h has the same 1.8-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine that produces 98 horsepower. Add to that an 80-hp electric motor and you get a combined output of 134 horsepower. It’s not scintillating, especially when you think of how fast other approximately 1 ½ ton vehicles can go. The best 0 to 60 mph times were around 10.5 seconds at about 5,200 feet elevation.

BUT -

Old versus new Luxury video review: 2011 Cadillac Escalade vs. the Lexus CT200h mashup review

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV Premium is one of the biggest cars you can buy in America.

It certainly represents old school luxury with 22 inch wheel, 5 TV screens and two remote controls not to mention heated and cooled seats and cup holders.

The new 2011 Lexus CT200h is small, frugal and luxurious.

It gets great gas mileage and represents new luxury with a Lexus hybrid drive that combines both a gas engine and an electric motor.

So which one of these cars is the future of luxury transportation? Check out the video below and find out.

First drive CT 200h: Lexus gives birth to a European hatchback, and its a hybrid

Are you a 30 to 40-year-old guy?

Do you care about sports luxury, economy, and the environment?

If so, Lexus has a new car for you.

It's called the Lexus CT 200h, and you might consider this newest and least expensive Lexus an entry level baby Lexus for generation Y and Z and eventually Z.

Reviewed 2010 Lexus GX460: not your typical namby pamby crossover

Yeah, I knew in advance that the GX460 would be big. Maybe it had been a while since I’d been in a large SUV. And I know you’re probably tired of me stating the obvious, so I’ll move along to a review where I no longer discuss how big the GX is.

The GX460 looks pretty sharp, but in an understated, Lexus sort of way. Which is to say that the design will look good for years because it’s not overly dramatic. So I like that. It looks like a vehicle designed to do some work, but not get too messy. Like someone who doesn’t have fake nails, but gets manicures. Like someone who has nice work boots, but keeps them pretty clean most of the time.

Video technology review: Can the 2010 Lexus HS 250h really drive itself?

The newest hybrid Lexus is a technological tour de force. The HS 250h not only drives-by-wire, but can almost drive itself.

Seriously, the driver no longer really drives the car, but instead just makes suggestions using the steering wheel, accelerator, and brake pedal, and the car's computers interpret those suggestions into actions.

Click HERE to see reviews of many of the newest hybrid and electric cars that you can buy now or will be able to buy very soon.

Video review: 2010 Lexus RX 350 gets cold, muddy, and dirty in Colorado's high country

Give us four minutes and we'll give you the scoop.

A 100 years ago living in the Wild West of Colorado's gold mining towns was only for the tough, or the crazy who sought to make their money by mining by striking it rich.

Today all you need is a little bit of time and a Lexus RX 350 to visit some of Colorado's best kept secret gold mining towns.

Lexus GS 350 video review: Is the Lexus sporty or posh?

Give us four minutes and we'll give you the scoop.

Is the Lexus GS 350 a sports sedan or a luxury sedan?

In other words, was Lexus able to combine oil and water or (in automotive terms) sports and luxury?

Review 2010 Lexus RX 450h: It's hard not to like once the sticker shock subsides

When it debuted in 2006, it could have easily been considered an oxymoron — a luxury, hybrid sport utility vehicle? But with its series of upgrades, the newly named Lexus RX 450h has become mainstream in its short tenure.

The RX 450h no longer attracts a "wow-factor" response because it initiated a new vehicle segment. Instead, it garners attention for the same reasons as its siblings — class. In short, it deserves the manufacturer's luxury brand high praise reputation.

Review Lexus GS 450h hybrid: Finally, a fast hybrid!

Finally, a fast hybrid!

The GS 450h is not a new vehicle by any means and it creates an interesting stumbling block for someone who never equated hybrids with performance (like me). You see, this huge machine is super fast. Hit the gas at 0 mph and get to 60 mph in less than 5 ½ seconds. That’s damn quick. Switch the Adaptive Variable Suspension system to “Sport” and scare smug teenagers in their lowered Hondas.

Lexus GS 450h hybrid review: Is this the fastest hybrid in the world?

Really when you think about it you can use an electric motor in a car to make it more fuel efficient, or you can use the extra power to make it faster.

Lexus chose faster over fuel efficient when it built the 340 HP GS 450h hybrid.

0-60 in under six seconds in a car that's as quiet as a church mouse when putting around town.

Lexus RX 450h video review: The King is dead, long live the King

Give us three minutes and we'll give you the scoop.

Today we test drive the Lexus RX 450h hybrid to find out if the newest Lexus lives up to the brand's luxury reputation.

Is the best-selling Lexus SUV worth almost $57,000. and your child's college savings?