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<title><![CDATA[Lexus IS F]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Five of the Best - The IS F is Lexus's first attempt at a serious sporting car, and it's got the credentials to challenge the best.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2008 23:30:53 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[New Lexus IS F]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - The IS F is the first car to come from Lexus's sporty new 'F' brand and it is aimed squarely at Merc's C 63 AMG, as well as the BMW M3.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2008 09:48:21 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus decapitates LF-A concept]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - Japanese luxury car maker teases Detroit with its LF-A Roadster concept.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:32:46 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus IS Range : LESS IS MORE]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - The Lexus IS range was always a contender but the current model presents a very serious challenge to the best of the rest. Andy Enright reportsThe passage of time does strange things to our perception of cars. On occasion, Ill jump behind the wheel of a model Id raved over a couple of years back, drive it for a week and then wonder what on earth Id been so enthusiastic about. The flipside of this is a car that at first seems merely adequate but with subsequent reacquaintance appears better than ever. Such a car was Lexus first generation IS series. Now, with the latest generation version, the onus is on the little Lexus to go one step further and impress right from the word go.The significance of this model cannot be overstressed. The IS was the car that transformed the Lexus franchise from a low volume luxury operation to the kind of dealership youd put on your shortlist alongside Saab, Jaguar, Volvo and the premium German marques of BMW, Mercedes and Audi. If only the model range had been a little wider, Lexus could have been competing on genuinely level terms. After all, it was difficult to pitch it as a credible rival to the BMW 3 Series when there was, for the first two years of its life, only one engine a rather humble 2. 0-litre petrol and one body style. A more powerful 3.0-litre unit was subsequently introduced as well as a SportCross lifestyle estate version, but without a diesel variant or a flagship sports model, the IS series of cars was rather hobbled. They remain great to drive and a thoroughly satisfying ownership experience, but public perception that the original IS was a rather underpowered wannabe 3 series was tricky to overcome. The current model, priced from £23,972, has rectified some of those shortcomings. The big news of course is the presence of a diesel engine in the line-up. That and the fact that this IS has to be one of the most photogenic cars ever seen in the compact executive class."The IS contrives to make the opposition look somewhat clumsy"Much of this is attributed to what Lexus calls its L-Finesse design philosophy. Car designers have justly developed a reputation for taking themselves rather seriously and its not hard to see why when L-Finesse is described as being composed of three fundamental elements, Incisive Simplicity, Intriguing Elegance and Seamless Anticipation. Translated from PR speak, L-Finesse is a way of clothing the car in sheet metal that looks as if it has been shrink wrapped onto the cars frame. The end result is a very taut, muscular looking car with origami-sharp swage lines and very painstakingly finished detailing. Bigger than its predecessor by 90mm in length and 75mm in width, the latest IS looks sportier and unapologetically Japanese. Try imagining this car wearing an Audi or Saab badge. Its quite impossible. One of the key design elements of the old IS the chronograph style instruments has been been dropped in favour of a more conventional fascia. This means that although the quality and ergonomic excellence of the Iatest IS interior is virtually beyond reproach, theres now no longer a signature styling point to really catch the eye. The side air vents at first seem a little oddly positioned, but Lexus attribute this to the principle of Hazushi to shift out of phase. This expresses the notion of something that is part of the whole but, at the same time, retaining its independence. A strong and independent air vent must be a happy air vent. One complaint levelled at the old IS was the rather tight rear quarters and the addition of another 60mm to the new cars wheelbase has done much to solve this problem. Consult the specification sheet and it becomes apparent that in one fell swoop, the IS has gone from being one of the meanest in terms of rear knee room to the top of the class. One area that was rarely questioned was equipment provision and the latest car nails home its advantage yet further. You could be listening to CDs on four speakers in your BMW, or six if youre feeling a little flush when it comes to ticking the options boxes. The IS features 13 speakers as standard and a six CD autochanger that will handle MP3 and WMA files. Hows that for a crushing advantage? Two engines are offered, Lexus learning their lesson from the original IS launch. The petrol engine is a beefy 2.5-litre V6 which combines a stoichiometric direct injection system with dual VVT-i valve timing. This means that torque and power are spread widely across the rev range. Youll get 202bhp out of this engine and a torque figure of 184lb/ft at 3,800rpm. Mated to either a six-speed manual box or a six-speed auto that features paddle shift control, this engine is more powerful than direct equivalents from any of its rivals. Even more impressive is the 2. 2-litre common rail diesel engine. Some carped that the IS needed a six cylinder diesel but with 175bhp on tap, the dissenters should pipe down. No less than 295lb/ft of torque is served up from as little as 2,000rpm, making this engine more muscular than the V8 unit which powers a Ferrari 360 Modena. It also features the only catalyst in the world that simultaneously reduces nitrous oxide and particulate matter simultaneously, making this one of the cleanest diesels ever produced. This may not be the first compact executive car you think of, but its the one in the real world that we think most people would end up rather owning. If only they would try one.FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: Lexus IS range PRICES: £23,972-£28,722 on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 12-14 CO2 EMISSIONS: 168-231g/km PERFORMANCE: [IS250] 0-60mph 8.1s / Max Speed 144mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [IS250] (urban) 20.9mpg / (extra urban) 36.7mpg / (combined) 28.8mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and curtain airbags / ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4575/1800/1425]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 21 Dec 2007 21:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus RX400H (2005 - To Date) : SHES ELECTRIC]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Models Covered: 3.3 6cy 4x4 [standard, SE, SR, SE-L]BY ANDY ENRIGHTThe response of a petrol engine with the economy of a diesel? Sounds too good to be true but the Lexus RX400h offers just that. Used examples hold their value very well indicating that the Japanese company is onto a winner with this technology. A nearly new example looks a decent bet. Ask most people to picture a hybrid car and theyll draw a mental picture of a gently humming city car. Lexus has shown with the RX400h amongst others that hybrid technology neednt be reserved for mere econoboxes. A petrol SUV with the fuel economy of a family hatch is a tempting proposition and the Lexus RX400h lives up to the hype. Used examples are beginning to appear but dont expect to snap up any bargains.The styling is a good deal sportier than before, Lexus perhaps figuring that if customers werent overly concerned with off roading, then nor did they need the internal dimensions of a pantechnicon. That said, the shape cleverly disguises the fact that this model is bigger and roomier than most of its rivals. This RX is also a full 155mm longer than the MK1 version and 25mm wider with a 100mm stretch in the wheelbase for additional passenger room. Ignore the hi-tech trickery under the skin and the RX400h shares all of the normal RX attributes. As well as the usual set of twin front and side airbags, it features curtain shield bags at the sides and knee airbags for the driver. These bags help to reduce injury caused by contact with the unyielding steering column, but tests have shown an additional benefit. Knee bags also reduce head and chest injuries. How? In a usual front end collision, the legs come into contact with the lower dashboard and steering column. Rarely contacting square on, this causes the pelvis to cant forward and begins a twist in the drivers body that can prevent the airbag in the steering wheel doing its job to optimum effect. Knee bags nip this in the bud, making for a safer car.A reflection on the success of the RX400h is the demand in used models. A 2005 05 plated SE model changes hands at £30,000. By contrast, a similar vintage Mercedes ML350, which was priced similarly from new is now worth £18,750. Insurance is Group 16 which isnt too bad for a vehicle of this price with this level of performance. Couple that with the fact that the RX400h will spend a good deal of its time in the city, where scrapes are statistically more likely, and premiums are relatively modest.Repeat after me: the Lexus RX400h is not an off-road vehicle. Subject one of these to anything more arduous than a gravel track and you will damage it. Owners have reported the four-wheel drive system to be quite smart on road but rather hopeless when asked to cope with mud or even snow. Check the underside of the vehicle for damage to the exhaust, suspension and front and rear valances. Otherwise theres very little to look for. The hybrid unit should indicate that its generating charge under heavy braking and the petrol engine shouldnt fire up every time you key the ignition with the air con switched off.(Based on a 2005 RX400h) A new exhaust, excluding the catalytic converter will be just over £850. Brake pads are roughly £60 each and a headlamp is around £175.The fuel economy and range of the RX400h means that itll average around 450 miles on a single fill up. On unfamiliar roads or in freezing weather, that sort of convenience is a real bonus. Lexus quote a combined fuel economy figure of 34.9mpg, by far the best of any petrol-powered luxury 4x4 and although most cars cant get near their quoted combined consumption figures, I was able to get within 1mpg of that claim over mixed routes quite easily. The RX400h generates a healthy 272bhp which results in a top speed of 124mph and sprinting capability that can shame some hot hatches. In fact, this heavy 4x4 has jet heels, getting to 60mph in just 7.4 seconds. By contrast, a UK specification RX350 will stop the clock at 7. 8 seconds, so youre buying a quicker vehicle, but how does this hybrid technology work? The 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine under the bonnet isnt anything ground breaking, but Lexus has also engineered a pair of high-torque electric motors positioned front and rear that can either assist the petrol engine during acceleration or replace it altogether at start up or low to mid-range speeds. Moreover, during deceleration and under braking, the engine switches off and both the electric motors act as high-output generators, driven by all four wheels. This regenerative braking system optimises energy management by recovering kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat as electrical energy for storage in the high performance battery. The battery power level is constantly maintained by the engine-driven generator, which means there is no need for the system to be recharged from an external power source. The batteries themselves are zero maintenance items guaranteed for 100,000 miles and are a lot more compact than youd imagine. This sort of drive system is similar to that pioneered in Toyotas Prius but Lexus have finessed certain elements to suit the character of a luxury 4x4. Electrical power enhancements to the new Hybrid Synergy Drive include the use of a boost converter to increase generating capacity. A new, high speed front motor operates at twice the speed and delivers more than double the power of the one used in the Prius. The addition of a rear motor facilitates four-wheel drive and a new high power nickel-metal hydride battery is used. The rearmost motor can deliver a 68bhp boost to the rear wheels when you need maximum acceleration or when the computers detect front wheel slippage. At all speeds, the Hybrid Synergy Drive system monitors itself for optimum performance and fuel efficiency with minimum emissions and adapts accordingly to run the electric motors in isolation, the engine in isolation, or a combination of both. The driver can see which power sources are being used by means of an instrument readout which replaces the usual rev counter. In versions with satellite navigation, power flow and battery status are shown on a seven-inch colour monitor.If youre going to buy a vehicle packed with complicated technology, you lessen your chances of failure quite significantly by ensuring theres a Lexus badge on it. The RX400h is currently right in its golden period as a used car where buyers can make decent savings on new with a low mileage car but without coming across hordes of tired or abused examples. It remains to be seen how the RX400h will shape up ten years hence but right now it looks a very sharp used buy.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Aug 2007 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus RX350 Limited Edition : 3 UNLIMITED]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - A generous slug of standard equipment is a given if youre shopping for a Lexus but the RX350 Limited Edition really excels itself. Andy Enright reportsIn the bid to garner column inches, the Lexus RX seems to have been rather unfairly overlooked. Yes, the clever hybrid model is the darling of moneyed environmentalists but what of the rest of the range? It seems to have been swamped by new and predominantly German rivals. Lexus isnt taking this laying down and strikes back with the RX350 Limited Edition. It battles on a familiar Japanese tack. If in doubt, throw lots of kit at it.Customers in this section of the market expect a certain amount of pampering and, by and large, they get it. Whats worth bearing in mind, however, is that the RX350 is the entry-level RX model and goes head to head with entry-level BMW X5s, Mercedes M-Classes and Porsche Cayennes. These are all cars where the badge is more important than the bum warmers and but equipped with both kit and cachet, this Lexus Limited Edition can score serious showroom points. If youre buying a luxury 4x4 of this type, you probably want things like electrically-powered and heated leather seats, big 18-inch alloy wheels and metallic paint, none of which come with the entry-level RX350. For these things, you have to opt for the SE version (at £36,185) or even the SE-L variant (at £42,650). Paying this kind of cash puts rather a dent into one of the reasons that buyers choose this Lexus in the first place: namely that it offers much better value than its European competitors. Hence the need for the RX350 Limited Edition model featured here. At £34,597, it costs only around £2,500 more than the most basic RX350, yet includes £3,500-worth of extra kit including the aforementioned leather, heated and electrically-powered seats, metallic paint and 18-inc alloys. Moreover, you can specify the clever Lexus Navigator satellite navigation system as a £2,245 option, something impossible to do with the base RX. This system features convenient voice recognition control, Electronic Traffic Avoidance (which automatically provides an alternative route if delays are detected on the road ahead) and Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free use of compatible mobile telephones. The package also includes Lexuss Parking Assist Monitor, which relays images from a rear-mounted miniature camera to aid safe and simple reverse parking manoeuvres."Exactly the blend of virtues and specification that most buyers of this car will be looking for "Also available (for £2,200 more) is an In-Car Entertainment package, comprising a DVD player with twin monitors mounted neatly in the back of the front seat head restraints. Rear seat passengers can enjoy movies on the move, CDs, music from MP3 files, or, with the benefit of additional connectors (not supplied by Lexus), computer games. Infra red headsets are provided which allow passengers in the front to continue listening to the RX 300s audio system undisturbed. The Limited Edition models extra spec (and various options) come in addition of course to the standard variants pretty comprehensive kit quotient. This runs to cruise control, an eight-speaker sound system with in-dash six-disc CD autochanger, five-speed automatic transmission, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, High Intensity Discharge headlights, rear and side privacy glass, climate control air-conditioning and speed-sensitive power steering. Enough of the specification tweaks, whats this car really like? Well, for a start, its a big step forward from the original RX300. This time round theres a bigger engine, better economy and a keener value proposition. The powerplant in question stumps up with 272bhp which is enough to endow the RX350 with a reasonable turn of pace, getting it to 60mph in 7. 8 seconds and on to a top speed of 124mph. A combined fuel economy figure of 25.2mpg is a reasonable return for such a quick, heavy vehicle, the old RX300 managing a figure of 23.2mpg. These figures make the Lexus the quickest and most economical sports utility in its class, eclipsing the likes of the Mercedes ML350, the BMW X5 3.0 auto and the Porsche Cayenne 3.2 on both counts. The RX350s engine is beautifully refined at typical motorway speeds, although the big door mirrors create a reasonable amount of wind noise. When extended, the V6 engine responds with a rather tuneless turbine-like thrum thats rarely intrusive. The automatic gearbox slurs between ratios smoothly although it can be found wanting for drive when accelerating out of tight turns. In this instance, youll probably prefer to knock the stick over into a tiptronic-style mode and change gear yourself between the five ratios. The steering has been revised to offer better feel at higher speed and more assistance at low speed but the helm is still probably the RXs least impressive feature. For a model that prides itself on its on-road handling and performance, the steering is not hugely confidence inspiring. Styling is one of the main reasons that RX350 owners cite for their purchase inside as well as out. In the interior, perhaps the most noticeable feature is the two brushed metal dash inlays that border the LCD information system and ventilation controls. The instruments are housed in a conventional three pod cluster, Lexus choosing not to extend the old IS series chronometer look here. The RX350 Limited Edition offers exactly the blend of virtues and specification that most buyers of this car will be looking for. In fact, it would make much more sense for the importers to make this the standard entry-level model. Buy in sufficient numbers and they probably will.FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: Lexus RX350 Limited Edition PRICE: £34,597 on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 16 PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 7.8s / Max Speed 124mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (Combined) 24.5mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side, curtain and drivers knee airbags, ABS with brake assist, traction control WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4735/1840/1675mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Aug 2007 17:21:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus RX400H : HIGH-BRED HYBRID]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Heres the perfect solution for those who want a big 4x4 but still retain an environmental conscience. Andy Enright takes a look at Lexus RX400hRoad testing cars does confer certain benefits. The ability to receive a vehicle brim full of fuel and return it a week later running on fumes is one and this tends to engender a rather detached view when it comes to fuel economy and emissions. What it doesnt divorce us from is the disapproving looks from many drivers when a big, luxury 4x4 hoves into view. The Lexus RX has long been one of the less overblown luxury 4x4s and when fitted with a hybrid engine, its a truck with an environmental conscience. Of course there are some who feel no guilt about depleting the fossil fuel reserve but even these peoples interest could well be piqued by a few of the other fringe benefits of the RX400h. After all, even lazy, selfish people dont want to spend their time queuing in fuel stations. The fuel economy and range of the RX400h means that itll average around 450 miles on a single fill up. On unfamiliar roads or in freezing weather, that sort of convenience is a real bonus. Lexus quote a combined fuel economy figure of 34.9mpg, by far the best of any petrol-powered luxury 4x4. Prices start at £36,415, with plusher SR, SE and SE-L variants offered respectively at £37,500, £40,310 and £45,280. Thats a premium of just under £4,500 over a standard petrol-powered RX350. This price difference can be explained to a certain extent by the fact that the RX400h is more powerful than its petrol counterparts, generating a healthy 272bhp. This results in a top speed of 124mph and sprinting capability that can shame some hot hatches. In fact, this heavy 4x4 has jet heels, getting to 60mph in just 7.4 seconds. By contrast, a UK specification RX350 will stop the clock at 7.8 seconds, so youre buying a markedly quicker vehicle, but how does this hybrid technology work? "A lean, green, thrilling machine? Almost." The 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine under the bonnet isnt anything ground breaking, but Lexus has also engineered a pair of high-torque electric motors positioned front and rear that can either assist the petrol engine during acceleration or replace it altogether at start up or low to mid-range speeds. Moreover, during deceleration and under braking, the engine switches off and both the electric motors act as high-output generators, driven by all four wheels. This regenerative braking system optimises energy management by recovering kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat as electrical energy for storage in the high performance battery. The battery power level is constantly maintained by the engine-driven generator, which means there is no need for the system to be recharged from an external power source. The batteries themselves are zero maintenance items guaranteed for 100,000 miles and are a lot more compact than youd imagine. This sort of drive system is similar to that pioneered in Toyotas Prius but Lexus have finessed certain elements to suit the character of a luxury 4x4. Electrical power enhancements to the new Hybrid Synergy Drive include the use of a boost converter to increase generating capacity. A new, high speed front motor operates at twice the speed and delivers more than double the power of the one used in the Prius. The addition of a rear motor facilitates four-wheel drive and a new high power nickel-metal hydride battery is used. The rearmost motor can deliver a 68bhp boost to the rear wheels when you need maximum acceleration or when the computers detect front wheel slippage. The RX has never been much of a mud plugger but on snowy roads and wet grass it should be more than adequate. At all speeds, the Hybrid Synergy Drive system monitors itself for optimum performance and fuel efficiency with minimum emissions and adapts accordingly to run the electric motors in isolation, the engine in isolation, or a combination of both. The driver can see which power sources are being used by means of an instrument readout which replaces the usual rev counter. In versions with satellite navigation, power flow and battery status are shown on a seven-inch colour monitor."This is the first time that hybrid technology has been applied to a premium segment car," said Stuart McCullough, Director of Lexus Europe, "and we believe it will surprise many people in terms of what this technology holds for cars of the future, and particularly for Lexus. Hybrid technology represents precisely the type of driving characteristics that are the hallmark of Lexus engineering. Our powertrain is incredibly smooth, powerful and refined, yet gives a highly engaging and rewarding driving experience. And this is only the start of our involvement with hybrid solutions. Lexus is placing an enormous significance on the future of this drivetrain technology."Ignore the hi-tech trickery under the skin and the RX400h shares all of the normal RX attributes. As well as the usual set of twin front and side airbags, it features curtain shield bags at the sides and knee airbags for the driver. These bags help to reduce injury caused by contact with the unyielding steering column, but tests have shown an additional benefit. Knee bags also reduce head and chest injuries. How? In a usual front end collision, the legs come into contact with the lower dashboard and steering column. Rarely contacting square on, this causes the pelvis to cant forward and begins a twist in the drivers body that can prevent the airbag in the steering wheel doing its job to optimum effect. Knee bags nip this in the bud, making for a safer car. Quicker, more economical, cleaner and more convenient than the RX300, much will hinge on how Lexus price the RX400h. If its competitive, its a no-brainer and the lack of a diesel engine in the RX line up will no longer be an issue. This technology is maturing fast and will soon be in mainstream cars. The future isnt looking so bad after all.FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: Lexus RX400h PRICES: £36,415-£45,280 on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 16E-17E PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 7.6s / Max Speed 124mph CO2 EMISSIONS: 192g/km FUEL CONSUMPTION: (Urban) 37.2mpg / (Extra Urban) 31.0mpg / (Combined) 34.9mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side, curtain and drivers knee airbags, ABS with brake assist, traction control WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4750/1845/1720mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Aug 2007 17:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus RX350 : RX HITS THE SPOT]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - The RX350 has the capacity To bring Lexus big 4x4 to a wider audience. Andy Enright reportsProgression. Its a word which must haunt automotive engineers the world over. Theres vast pressure for each subsequent generation of cars to be faster, smarter, safer and, increasingly, cleaner and meaner on fuel too. All of which means that as cars grow ever heavier and more powerful, engineers must pull the equivalent of a rabbit out of their hat and improve efficiency too. Such is the case with the latest Lexus RX350. The Japanese company have eked a reputation for working smarter rather than harder and the latest in their line of luxury 4x4s is evidence of this trend.Weve already seen the RX400h, a petrol electric hybrid model that offers the performance of a sports coupe with the fuel economy of a mid range saloon. The only problem was that it left the entry-level RX300 looking a bit like the class dunce. As Mercedes, BMW and Audi introduced plusher, more powerful 4x4s, the RX300 was, as James Brown once said, like a dull knife, not cutting. The RX series hadnt always enjoyed the most savvy marketing. It was on sale in Japan as the Toyota Harrier for a couple of years before the penny dropped that it would sell in this country. For a couple of months it was the hot ticket before being thoroughly eclipsed by the introduction of the BMW X5. The UK isnt totally representative of the world market. The Lexus outsells its German rivals 3 to 1 in the USA, making it comfortably the worlds biggest selling luxury 4x4. Now you can see why the RX is crucially important to Lexus bottom line. The second generation models, of which the RX350 is one, freshened the appeal considerably and also positioned the RX as a mid-priced luxury 4x4, not attempting to duke it out with top end fare like Porsche Cayennes and Range Rovers."The RX350s engine is beautifully refined at typical motorway speeds"Its a clever move because this is where much of the volume is. Take a look at the badges on the back of BMW X5 and Mercedes M Class models you see on the road and theyll likely be entry-level variants. These are the models Lexus is targeting with the RX350, a derivative that replaces the old RX300 with a bigger engine, better economy and a keener value proposition. The powerplant in question stumps up with 272bhp which is enough to endow the RX350 with a reasonable turn of pace, getting it to 60mph in 7. 8 seconds and on to a top speed of 124mph. A combined fuel economy figure of 25.2mpg is a reasonable return for such a quick, heavy vehicle, the old RX300 managing a figure of 23.2mpg. These figures make the Lexus the quickest and most economical sports utility in its class, eclipsing the likes of the Mercedes ML350, the BMW X5 3.0 auto and the Porsche Cayenne 3.2 on both counts. The RX350s engine is beautifully refined at typical motorway speeds although the big door mirrors create a reasonable amount of wind noise. When extended, the V6 engine responds with a rather tuneless turbine-like thrum thats rarely intrusive. The automatic gearbox slurs between ratios smoothly although it can be found wanting for drive when accelerating out of tight turns. In this instance, youll probably prefer to knock the stick over into a tiptronic-style mode and change gear yourself between the five ratios. The steering has been revised to offer better feel at higher speed and more assistance at low speed but the helm is still probably the RXs least impressive feature. For a model that prides itself on its on-road handling and performance, the steering is not hugely confidence inspiring. Its a rare albeit noticeable blip in an otherwise very capable car. The brakes are well up to the task and the cabin quality can only be described as brilliant. Even the entry level model never leaves you feeling shortchanged with features like electric seats, multi-zone air conditioning, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels and photochromic mirrors. This model opens proceedings at £32,035, but Lexus expects a good percentage of RX350 customers to opt for the SE model, priced at £36,185. This adds features such as electric seats with memory function and heating, leather trim, automatic lighting, electric rake and reach adjustment for the steering column, an electric sunroof, adaptive front lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels and the option of the Lexus Navigator satellite guidance system. The range-topping SE-L version is priced at £42,650 and has had most of the options list crowbarred in. Best of all is the Mark Levinson 11-speaker stereo that includes a six-disc DVD autochanger although the beautifully composed air suspension system runs it pretty close. The optional wood pack that slathers lumber on the dash and doors is probably best avoided. Lexus reliability and after sales service we can take for granted but perhaps the RXs impressive safety credentials are occasionally overlooked. All models get twin front multi-stage airbags, curtain and front side bags as well as a drivers knee airbag. Anti-lock brakes with brakeforce distribution and brake assist are teamed with traction control and vehicle stability control to prevent a shunt in the first instance. Should the worst come to the worst, you not only have all that airbaggery but you also have seat belts with pretensioners, a retractable steering column and a collapsible pedal assembly. Impressive stuff. Other safety features standard on all variants include high intensity discharge headlights, LED tail lights, water repellent front door glass and front seats designed to combat the threat of whiplash. Is it enough to punt the RX350 to the head of the class? On paper, yes. The trouble is, we rarely buy cars on a purely objective basis. As a nation, were wedded to the premium German marques and will likely remain so for some time despite the best efforts of Lexus. If you can rise above vulgar badge snobbery, youll find the RX350 has plenty to offer the independent thinker.FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: Lexus RX350 PRICES: £32,035 - £42,650 on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 16-17 PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 7.8s / Max Speed 124mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (Combined) 24.5mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side, curtain and drivers knee airbags, ABS with brake assist, traction control WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4735/1840/1675mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Aug 2007 17:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus RX400H Travel Story : GREEN CREDENTIALS]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Lexus RX400h aims to offer the perfect solution for those who want a big 4x4 but still retain an environmental conscience. Jonathan Crouch and family put it to the test on a holiday trip to DartmouthPerhaps in the motor industry as a whole, the jury is still out on the whole question of hybrid cars but the concept has certainly seemed to work for Toyota and its luxury car division Lexus. Since 2000, the company has sold 15,506 Prius hybrids in the UK and a further 6,556 Lexus hybrids, most of them the car that I recently chose for a West Country family holiday, the Lexus RX400h.When we first tested the car within these pages, we called it a 4x4 with an environmental conscience, two things that may sound contradictory at first glance. Nevertheless, its difficult to know how else to describe this car. What other petrol-powered luxury 4x4 can you name that averages 35mpg and returns CO2 emissions of under 200g/km? What diesel luxury 4x4 can match these figures come to that? Of course there are some who feel no guilt about depleting the fossil fuel reserve but even these peoples interest could well be piqued by a few of the other fringe benefits of the RX400h. After all, even lazy, selfish people dont want to spend their time queuing in fuel stations. The fuel economy and range of the RX400h means that itll average around 450 miles on a single fill up. On unfamiliar roads or in freezing weather, that sort of convenience is a real bonus. Or so I reasoned when choosing this car for the annual family holiday to Dartmouth, a trip of around four hours from where I live in Surrey. Enough of a distance in other words for the kids to get frazzled and the car to guzzle a couple of tankfuls. It helped that my test car was a fully-specced SE-L variant, which meant that it came with DVD screen built into the back of the front headrests. Cue three quiet kids. They even moaned about getting out when we got there, so you cant ask for much more than that."A 4x4 with an environmental conscience ."The RX400h isnt cheap of course, but then you never expected it would be did you? Prices start at £36,415, with plusher SR, SE and SE-L variants offered respectively at £37,500, £40,310 and £45,280. Thats a premium of just under £4,500 over a standard petrol-powered RX350. This price difference can be explained to a certain extent by the fact that the RX400h is more powerful than its petrol counterparts, generating a healthy 272bhp. This results in a top speed of 124mph and sprinting capability that can shame some hot hatches. In fact, this heavy 4x4 has jet heels, getting to 60mph in just 7.4 seconds. By contrast, a UK specification RX350 will stop the clock at 7.8 seconds, so youre buying a markedly quicker vehicle, but how does this hybrid technology work? The 3. 3-litre V6 petrol engine under the bonnet isnt anything ground breaking, but Lexus has also engineered a pair of high-torque electric motors positioned front and rear that can either assist the petrol engine during acceleration or replace it altogether at start up or low to mid-range speeds. Moreover, during deceleration and under braking, the engine switches off and both the electric motors act as high-output generators, driven by all four wheels. This regenerative braking system optimises energy management by recovering kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat as electrical energy for storage in the high performance battery. The battery power level is constantly maintained by the engine-driven generator, which means there is no need for the system to be recharged from an external power source. The batteries themselves are zero maintenance items guaranteed for 100,000 miles and are a lot more compact than youd imagine. This sort of drive system is similar to that pioneered in Toyotas Prius but Lexus have finessed certain elements to suit the character of a luxury 4x4. Electrical power enhancements to the new Hybrid Synergy Drive include the use of a boost converter to increase generating capacity. A new, high speed front motor operates at twice the speed and delivers more than double the power of the one used in the Prius. The addition of a rear motor facilitates four-wheel drive and a new high power nickel-metal hydride battery is used. The rearmost motor can deliver a 68bhp boost to the rear wheels when you need maximum acceleration or when the computers detect front wheel slippage. The RX has never been much of a mud plugger but on the twisty little roads around Dartmouth, it proved to be more than adequate. At all speeds, the Hybrid Synergy Drive system monitors itself for optimum performance and fuel efficiency with minimum emissions and adapts accordingly to run the electric motors in isolation, the engine in isolation, or a combination of both. The driver can see which power sources are being used by means of an instrument readout which replaces the usual rev counter. In versions with satellite navigation, power flow and battery status are shown on a seven-inch colour monitor. This is just as well because when you twist the ignition key, the hybrid mechanism is so quiet that you think nothing is happening. As for the trip, well Dartmouth and the surrounding villages proved to be as idyllic as ever. We stayed across the River Dart in neighbouring Kingswear and commuted across on the ferry whenever we felt the need. Particularly worth doing is the Riverlink trip (see www.riverlink.co. uk) which enables you to take the steam train from Kingswear to Paignton, board an open-topped bus there, travel to nearby Totnes, then take the ferry that runs from there back to Dartmouth. An eco-friendly trip made possible by an eco-friendly car. And in a luxury 4x4! Holidays dont get much more satisfying than that.FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: Lexus RX400h PRICES: £36,415-£45,280 on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 16E-17E PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 7.6s / Max Speed 124mph CO2 EMISSIONS: 192g/km FUEL CONSUMPTION: (Urban) 37.2mpg / (Extra Urban) 31.0mpg / Combined) 34.9mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side, curtain and drivers knee airbags, ABS with brake assist, traction control WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4750/1845/1720mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Aug 2007 17:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus LS600h : HIGH-BORN HYBRID]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Most 2.4 tonne, 450bhp cars appear only marginally more environmentally friendly than the Exxon Valdez. Heres one thats very different. Andy Enright runs the rule over the Lexus LS600hGiven that perception is often more important than actuality, perhaps few need question the green credentials of the Lexus LS600h. It makes a brilliant statement for company chairmen and politicians who dont want to give up the luxuries but need to wear their environmental badge conspicuously. Salving the conscience has never been so cosseting.Lexus has some form here. Dont forget that the company is the luxury arm of Toyota, manufacturer of the astoundingly successful Prius hybrid vehicle, and that Lexus has, in true Japanese tradition, never really bought into the concept of big diesel engines. Given that big petrol engines are becoming about as socially acceptable in some parts as a mink stole, the company had to act and developing a range of petrol/electric hybrid models was the obvious course of action. The RX400h 4x4 came first, followed by the GS450h executive saloon and now the biggest of the bunch, the LS600h, wafts into view. With a 5.0-litre V8 under the bonnet, this doesnt seem the obvious candidate for the moneyed tree hugger but if youve ever driven either the RX400h or the GS450h, youll know that these petrol/electric hybrids can genuinely live up to what seem like implausible claims. Although this may be a hybrid, its a luxury car first and foremost and one of the key requirements for a car of this ilk is plenty of power to put the proletariat in its place. The LS600h certainly doesnt disappoint in this regard. Theres a total of 439bhp on tap, courtesy of a 388bhp 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine and a 221bhp electric motor which part combine to devastating effect. Drive the Lexus LS600h as if you stole it and it will accelerate to 60mph in 6.0 seconds and run on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. "Although this may be a hybrid, its a luxury car first and foremost"Unlike the LS460 petrol model, the hybrid gets a clever variable transmission thats mated to a Torsen differential that divides the engines power between the front and rear wheels. Yes, you read that right. This car is a four-wheel drive. As youd expect from Lexus, the LS600h majors on refinement and the silent wafting around town on just the electric motor will require vigilance as pedestrians wont hear it coming. Dont expect a sports car, as the 2,355kg kerb weight means this is a hefty piece of automotive real estate, but the LS600h can corner with some tenacity when pushed. The latest Lexus LS series as a whole is a refreshing change to that which has gone before. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and as such, perhaps Mercedes has long been blushing coyly as the first two generations of LS models shamelessly aped the Mercedes S-Class in many details and functions. Having matured as a company, Lexus is now in a position to express its own design language and its own philosophy on how a luxury car should operate. The LS could be nothing other than Japanese and although it is now very different in execution to the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes, its no less effective. Although the fascia could never be described as pretty, being illuminated like Shinjuku at night, its easy to access all the major functions of which there are a lot. Build quality is excellent, space in the front and back of the standard wheelbase car is excellent while the long wheelbase car offers enough room to really stretch out and warrants the employment of a chauffeur. The only minor grumble is the relatively mean 330 litre boot, the capacity of which is impinged upon by the hybrid battery packs. The big issue that most prospective buyers will have to hurdle is the price. Whichever way you slice or dice it, the £85,000 that many owners will budget for the LS600h is a serious amount of money to pay for any sort of vehicle, let alone one with a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine that attempts to underline green credentials. Running an LS460 for around £25,000 less and contributing to a carbon offset programme may be greener and more cost effective in the eyes of some. Still, the LS600h is an astonishing technical showcase that many will be intrigued by. As you would expect from Lexus, equipment levels are dizzying. The swivelling LED headlights give the car a distinctive front end. The cabin is just dripping in electronic gizmos from adaptive cruise control to lane departure warning systems, cameras that monitor your head position and warn you if the car thinks youre nodding off at the wheel, a 19-speaker stereo system, full colour satellite navigation, reversing camera, optional massaging Ottoman chairs, you name it, and it seems Lexus can offer it. Most of us associate environmental awareness with a certain element of self sacrifice. Lexus clearly hasnt bought into that school of thought. So we move onto the big question what sort of economy do you get from the Lexus LS600h and how clean is it? Lexus claims a 30.4mpg combined fuel consumption figure (around 5mpg better than the LS460) which is incredible for a car of this size and weight. Our experience with Lexus hybrids suggests that if most of your motoring is high speed motorway work, you will see very little fuel economy benefit over a standard petrol-engined car. If, on the other hand, youre set for a fair amount of stop and start city traffic, then the fuel economy savings really do start to stack up. Emissions of 219g/km (as opposed to the LS460s 261g/km) are about on a par with a 2.5-litre Ford Mondeo. The issue of depreciation may not be quite so rose-tinted. Many engineers view petrol-electric hybrid vehicles as an inelegant and rather temporary solution to reducing carbon emissions and the whole life costs of these cars from producing the batteries to disposing of them is high. Will used buyers be willing to take on a product of such overwhelming complexity? Thats a question that will certainly affect take up and impact pence per mile running figures. The Lexus LS600h is a fascinating technical showpiece, a piece of engineering of estimable quality and a statement underlining environmental responsibility thats impossible to ignore, none of which addresses the question of whether you should buy one. As an ownership proposition, its quite hard to make a case for. Most typical buyers will use this as a high mileage motorway cruiser and wont ever recoup the savings in fuel bills over the LS460, a car thats quicker and starts at around £25,000 cheaper. Thats 156,000 miles of free fuel in the bank. The LS600h therefore makes more sense as a statement than it does as an economic proposition. Your chief executive officer may well plump for one to demonstrate his commitment to environmental concerns whilst at the same time expecting you to ditch your 3 Series and get a Prius instead. As laudable as its aims are, there are aspects of the LS600h that just dont add up.FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: Lexus LS600h PRICES: £81,400-£83,645 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 20 CO2 EMISSIONS: 219g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 6.0s / Max Speed 155mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 30.4mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side, curtain, knee airbags, ABS, VSC, VDIM, PreCrash, Advanced Obstacle Detection, Lane-Keeping Assist WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: (length/width/height) 5030/1875/1465mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 05 Jul 2007 12:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus IS250 : GOT MUNICHS MEASURE?]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 14 Feb 2007 14:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus LS430 (2000 to 2006) : WALKS QUIETLY, CARRIES BIG STICK]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus LS460 : LEXUS STEPS OUT OF THE SHADOWS]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jan 2007 19:52:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus GS300 LE : THE SCIENCE OF SILENCE]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:31:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus RX350 : SMARTENING UP THE ROUGH]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 10 May 2006 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus RX300 (2000 - 2003) : RX HITS THE SPOT]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 10 May 2006 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus SC430 : THE LEXICON OF LUX]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 04 May 2006 12:39:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus IS 220d : FLEET SERVICES]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 04 May 2006 12:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus IS 220d Sport : THE ECONOMYS LOOKING GOOD]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 04 May 2006 12:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus GS450h : GS ELECTRIC]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 04 May 2006 12:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus GS430 : LEX IS MORE]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 04 May 2006 11:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus GS300 : EXECUTIVE EXPRESS]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 04 May 2006 11:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus GS300 : LEXECUTIVE]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 04 May 2006 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus IS : LEX APPEAL]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/lexus-is-176.html</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 04 May 2006 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus IS200 (1999 - 2005) : THE SINCEREST FORM OF FLATTERY]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/lexus-is200-2002207.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/lexus-is200-2002207.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 03 Apr 2006 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lexus SC430 (2001 To Date) : OPEN TOPPED BUT NOT COPPER BOTTOMED]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/lexus-sc430-2003110.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/lexus-sc430-2003110.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Lexus IS300 (2001 - 2005) : LEX GO ROUND AGAIN]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/lexus-is300-2005034.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/lexus-is300-2005034.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Lexus Sportcross (2001 - 2005) : HOT CROSS FUN]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/lexus-sportcross-2005035.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/lexus-sportcross-2005035.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Oct 2005 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Lexus GS Series (1998 - 2005) : QUIETLY DOES IT]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/lexus-gs-series-2002192.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/lexus-gs-series-2002192.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Oct 2005 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Lexus RX300 (2003 To Date) : A DESIGN FOR LIFE]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/lexus-rx300-2004690.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/lexus-rx300-2004690.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Oct 2005 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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