Here’s a video demonstrating the steering issue that made the current Lexus LS recall necessary:
All in all, this LS steering issue looks to be relatively non-critical — something that should be fixed and deserving of a recall, to be sure, but of minor importance to anyone outside of the affected owners.
Still, good on Lexus to treat this as it would a more serious issue (issuing multiple press releases, freezing current inventory affected by the recall) — it should be a great relief to all Lexus owners to see the company responding in such a strong way
http://lexusenthusiast.com/2010/05/27/lexus-ls-recall-video-demonstration/
Friday, May 28, 2010
Something Different but Still Fast for You
As the father with 4 Girls in the family this racing new sparked my interest and since the whole family rides( we know little Isabella will too before we know it!).
Check out this article about Elena Myers 16, the youngest girl to win a Pro Race in the AMA. Just like I always say to my girls, you can do anything boys do. Let me know what you think
Elena Myers, 16, becomes first female to win in AMA Pro Racing`
By Curtis Pashelka
Posted: 05/15/2010 09:38:35 PM PDT
SONOMA — Discovery Bay's Elena Myers made American professional motorcycle racing history Saturday afternoon.
It just didn't happen quite the way she had envisioned.
Myers, who at 16 is the youngest rider competing in this weekend's West Coast Moto Jam, became the first female to win an AMA Pro Racing event in the circuit's 77-year history as she captured a shortened Pro SuperSport race at Infineon Raceway.
"It hasn't sunk in yet," said an emotional Myers, who was too young to practice at the Sonoma County road course last year at this time. "I'm in another world right now."
Myers was leading Joey Pascarella during the ninth lap of the 18-lap race when Pascarella lost control of his bike and flipped going into Turn 10.
Myers came around and crossed the finish line first as the race's second red flag was brought out to halt the event. After a five-minute delay, Myers was declared the winner, as AMA officials concluded that cleaning up the track and continuing the race would have put the afternoon's program too far behind schedule.
A jubilant Myers then wheeled her bike into the winner's circle, surrounded by friends and family, and was given a loud ovation when she was brought up to the stage and handed the first-place trophy.
"I don't know what to say. It's an amazing moment," said Matt Myers, Elena's dad. "I'm just happy some luck went our way this time. It feels good."
Elena Myers had been suffering from pain in her left foot earlier this week but received shots of lidocaine and cortisone Saturday morning into the nerve that was bothering her to get ready for the race.
She qualified eighth but moved to fifth on the first lap. She held that position until the seventh lap when Jake Gagne slid off the track and went down on Turn 9 to bring out a red flag.
Myers started fourth when the race resumed and moved up to third after the first two turns. She passed Tyler O'Hara for second on Turn 8 of the eighth lap and held that position as she began the ninth lap. She fought off a challenge from Cameron Beaubier for second and then passed Pascarella entering Turn 7 on the ninth lap.
Myers had envisioned that her first AMA win would entail taking the checkered flag after a wire-to-wire performance. But history had other ideas.
"I just kept (Beaubier) behind me and kept pushing, and I thought I could catch up to Joey," said Myers, who officially won by .338 seconds over Beaubier. "I passed him (Pascarella), and I thought, 'I'm in the lead now.' It was the craziest thing."
This is Myers' first season in the Pro SuperSport class, which is designed for riders between ages16 and 21. Riders need to be at least 16 to practice or compete at Infineon, so Myers had previously taken only a few laps before this month at what she considers her home course.
"I think it's huge for the sport," said Petaluma's O'Hara, who finished third. "I think Elena just broke the barrier as far as a woman on a motorcycle at the top level. I'm proud of her."
Check out this article about Elena Myers 16, the youngest girl to win a Pro Race in the AMA. Just like I always say to my girls, you can do anything boys do. Let me know what you think
Elena Myers, 16, becomes first female to win in AMA Pro Racing`
By Curtis Pashelka
Posted: 05/15/2010 09:38:35 PM PDT
SONOMA — Discovery Bay's Elena Myers made American professional motorcycle racing history Saturday afternoon.
It just didn't happen quite the way she had envisioned.
Myers, who at 16 is the youngest rider competing in this weekend's West Coast Moto Jam, became the first female to win an AMA Pro Racing event in the circuit's 77-year history as she captured a shortened Pro SuperSport race at Infineon Raceway.
"It hasn't sunk in yet," said an emotional Myers, who was too young to practice at the Sonoma County road course last year at this time. "I'm in another world right now."
Myers was leading Joey Pascarella during the ninth lap of the 18-lap race when Pascarella lost control of his bike and flipped going into Turn 10.
Myers came around and crossed the finish line first as the race's second red flag was brought out to halt the event. After a five-minute delay, Myers was declared the winner, as AMA officials concluded that cleaning up the track and continuing the race would have put the afternoon's program too far behind schedule.
A jubilant Myers then wheeled her bike into the winner's circle, surrounded by friends and family, and was given a loud ovation when she was brought up to the stage and handed the first-place trophy.
"I don't know what to say. It's an amazing moment," said Matt Myers, Elena's dad. "I'm just happy some luck went our way this time. It feels good."
Elena Myers had been suffering from pain in her left foot earlier this week but received shots of lidocaine and cortisone Saturday morning into the nerve that was bothering her to get ready for the race.
She qualified eighth but moved to fifth on the first lap. She held that position until the seventh lap when Jake Gagne slid off the track and went down on Turn 9 to bring out a red flag.
Myers started fourth when the race resumed and moved up to third after the first two turns. She passed Tyler O'Hara for second on Turn 8 of the eighth lap and held that position as she began the ninth lap. She fought off a challenge from Cameron Beaubier for second and then passed Pascarella entering Turn 7 on the ninth lap.
Myers had envisioned that her first AMA win would entail taking the checkered flag after a wire-to-wire performance. But history had other ideas.
"I just kept (Beaubier) behind me and kept pushing, and I thought I could catch up to Joey," said Myers, who officially won by .338 seconds over Beaubier. "I passed him (Pascarella), and I thought, 'I'm in the lead now.' It was the craziest thing."
This is Myers' first season in the Pro SuperSport class, which is designed for riders between ages16 and 21. Riders need to be at least 16 to practice or compete at Infineon, so Myers had previously taken only a few laps before this month at what she considers her home course.
"I think it's huge for the sport," said Petaluma's O'Hara, who finished third. "I think Elena just broke the barrier as far as a woman on a motorcycle at the top level. I'm proud of her."
Thursday, May 27, 2010
MotorTrend hits over 200MPH on Road Test with LFA
MotorTrend.com 200 MPH in a Lexus LFA
Besides that did I say drag racing a GT-R
Following the popularity of the Lexus LFA vs. Nissan GT-R story and video, MotorTrend.com posted the video footage of the Lexus LFA on the dyno.
Quotes from the story:
Two Mondays ago we dropped our Lexus LFA vs Nissan GT-R story and video, the first Lexus LFA comparison of any kind in the world, and you guys apparently loved it. Your furious clicking, hot-linking, tweeting, Facebooking and YouTubing made the write up one of the most popular stories at motortrend.com this month, while the drag race video is the fastest accelerator in Motor Trend's YouTube channel history -- pun intended.
What else do we think? Well, here are some of my notes from the passenger seat (the ones that I could read), just after that 200-mph pull:
o ... 207mph on the dash right as Dave lifted, but the Superflow backed that down to 200.3. Impressive.
o Interesting too that the Lexus speedo is so accurate -- like a German car, but sounds Italian, only smoother. So smooth near the finish.
o Felt like it could have kept pulling. Shockingly impressive engine.
o Engine note just before Dave lifted was beyond sportbike (V-10 Hayabusa?). People are going to crap when they hear this. Can't put my finger what it sounds like over 200 mph. Oh wait -- Lexus LFA."
http://www.motortrend.com/features/performance/1005_200_mph_in_a_lexus_lfa/index.html
Besides that did I say drag racing a GT-R
Following the popularity of the Lexus LFA vs. Nissan GT-R story and video, MotorTrend.com posted the video footage of the Lexus LFA on the dyno.
Quotes from the story:
Two Mondays ago we dropped our Lexus LFA vs Nissan GT-R story and video, the first Lexus LFA comparison of any kind in the world, and you guys apparently loved it. Your furious clicking, hot-linking, tweeting, Facebooking and YouTubing made the write up one of the most popular stories at motortrend.com this month, while the drag race video is the fastest accelerator in Motor Trend's YouTube channel history -- pun intended.
What else do we think? Well, here are some of my notes from the passenger seat (the ones that I could read), just after that 200-mph pull:
o ... 207mph on the dash right as Dave lifted, but the Superflow backed that down to 200.3. Impressive.
o Interesting too that the Lexus speedo is so accurate -- like a German car, but sounds Italian, only smoother. So smooth near the finish.
o Felt like it could have kept pulling. Shockingly impressive engine.
o Engine note just before Dave lifted was beyond sportbike (V-10 Hayabusa?). People are going to crap when they hear this. Can't put my finger what it sounds like over 200 mph. Oh wait -- Lexus LFA."
http://www.motortrend.com/features/performance/1005_200_mph_in_a_lexus_lfa/index.html
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Road and Track LFA Road Test....
Lexus is also using the LFA as a safety excercise in that it is the worlds first applications of seat belt mounted air bags(?)....What will Lexus think of next?
Check it out, very cool
Check it out, very cool
Lexus Creates a Performance Registry
Lexus Performance Registry
Major news today! Next month, Lexus USA will be launching a worldwide Performance Registry on their website — but it’s been opened early for Lexus Enthusiast readers!
The registry will be an online resource that will let enthusiasts share information on their Lexus vehicles and connect with other owners — making it easy to tap into the collective knowledge that’s invaluable when you’re looking to customize your Lexus.
Once you sign up, you will be able to upload a photo and list the current mods on your Lexus, which is then “pinned” on a map so all other members can see your ride and get an idea of where you’re located. Registration is open to Lexus owners worldwide, and one other cool thing — although the focus is F-Sport models and accessories, any Lexus model is eligible.
From there, there’s all sorts of filtering available, including the ability to sort by club affiliation — which includes this website as an option! This means that any readers signing here will become part of the TLE club, and will be identified on the registry as a member. Other groups will include Club Lexus & My.IS. Very cool!
http://lexusenthusiast.com/2010/05/24/lexus-performance-registry/
Major news today! Next month, Lexus USA will be launching a worldwide Performance Registry on their website — but it’s been opened early for Lexus Enthusiast readers!
The registry will be an online resource that will let enthusiasts share information on their Lexus vehicles and connect with other owners — making it easy to tap into the collective knowledge that’s invaluable when you’re looking to customize your Lexus.
Once you sign up, you will be able to upload a photo and list the current mods on your Lexus, which is then “pinned” on a map so all other members can see your ride and get an idea of where you’re located. Registration is open to Lexus owners worldwide, and one other cool thing — although the focus is F-Sport models and accessories, any Lexus model is eligible.
From there, there’s all sorts of filtering available, including the ability to sort by club affiliation — which includes this website as an option! This means that any readers signing here will become part of the TLE club, and will be identified on the registry as a member. Other groups will include Club Lexus & My.IS. Very cool!
http://lexusenthusiast.com/2010/05/24/lexus-performance-registry/
Monday, May 24, 2010
Lexus Draws the Line on Disparaging Remarks
Lexus Update: Our Response to the Los Angeles Times on Lexus ES 300/330 Drivetrain Issue
Lexus objects to the Los Angeles Times’ portrayal of how the company responded to customer concerns regarding a drivetrain issue in the 2002-2006 Lexus ES300/330 (“Toyota Kept Lexus Issue from Buyers” May 23, 2010).
The Times mischaracterizes a service process that is common throughout the auto industry to address rare performance issues. Transmission hesitation and momentary surge in the Lexus ES 300/330 was not a safety or unintended acceleration issue but a customer satisfaction and drivability issue about which only a limited number of customers raised concerns. We did not keep this issue from ES owners but, instead, proactively addressed the needs of those customers who were dissatisfied with the feel and performance of their vehicle’s drivetrain.
Overall, 98% of all customers were satisfied with their vehicle’s performance, as evidenced by the numerous quality and customer satisfaction awards and recognition the Lexus ES has received, including best-in-class in J.D. Power and Associates’ Initial Quality Study (IQS) in three of the first five years after it was introduced:
May 2003 – Lexus ES 300 is the highest ranked entry luxury car in the 2003 J.D Power and Associates IQS.
May 2005 – The Lexus ES 330 is the highest ranked mid-luxury car in the J.D. Power and Associates IQS.
June 2006 – Lexus ES 330 earns J.D. Power and Associates IQS award in the Mid-size Premium Car segment.
July 2003 – ES 300 ranks first in the entry luxury sedan class in the 2003 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).
On the manufacturing side, J.D. Power and Associates awarded the ES 300 manufacturing facility, the Tsutsumi Plant in Japan, the Bronze Plant Award.
What’s more, our own research shows that owner loyalty for the fourth- and fifth-generation ES sedan was at or near the top for the entry-luxury segment.
The technical service bulletins (TSB) issued to address this drivetrain issue in the Lexus ES300/330 were efforts to achieve greater customer satisfaction with smoother shifting between gears in the automatic transmission.
Once a TSB was available to address this condition, we proactively reached out to the small segment of Lexus customers who had previously contacted us about this issue to ensure they were aware the TSB was available, that their concerns were properly addressed and that they were satisfied with their vehicle’s performance. This TSB is still available to all other customers who may experience the same issue.
Transmission shifting is often a matter of customer preference, and the vast majority of owners were either not affected by or did not have a concern about this drivability issue. More specifically, some like quick, firm shifts, while others prefer slower, gentler shifting. In addressing drivetrain performance, Lexus strived to satisfy the widest range of customer expectations and preferences.
The term “surge” has been used across the industry for many years to describe a condition where there is a very slight slow-down and speed-up perception (typically two miles per hour or less) while holding steady throttle at low to moderate speeds. This issue was in no way related to any kind of sustained acceleration. Drivability concerns related to momentary surges or throttle hesitation are not unique to Lexus or Toyota, and nearly every major auto manufacturer has published technical service bulletins to address this type of issue in their vehicles.
In the last ten years, nearly 80 service bulletins related to this issue with corresponding repairs and/or program updates have been released across the industry. Issuing a TSB is commonplace for addressing issues such as this, and there are numerous similar circumstances where other manufacturers have also done so, versus direct notification to customers.
Toyota and Lexus make all available TSBs accessible to the public through the internet by subscribing to our Technical Information System. Toyota also submits copies of TSBs monthly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and most are summarized on the NHTSA website for anyone to review.
Lexus strives to achieve the highest standards of product quality and customer satisfaction, and we made every effort to make the shifting characteristics of the ES truly best in-class before and after production began. Given the concerns raised by some customers about this drivability issue, we did not meet the very high customer satisfaction standards we set for ourselves. However, we fully stand behind the engineering and production quality of the vehicle, as well as our after-sale customer service and technical support.
www.toyotanewsroom.com
Lexus objects to the Los Angeles Times’ portrayal of how the company responded to customer concerns regarding a drivetrain issue in the 2002-2006 Lexus ES300/330 (“Toyota Kept Lexus Issue from Buyers” May 23, 2010).
The Times mischaracterizes a service process that is common throughout the auto industry to address rare performance issues. Transmission hesitation and momentary surge in the Lexus ES 300/330 was not a safety or unintended acceleration issue but a customer satisfaction and drivability issue about which only a limited number of customers raised concerns. We did not keep this issue from ES owners but, instead, proactively addressed the needs of those customers who were dissatisfied with the feel and performance of their vehicle’s drivetrain.
Overall, 98% of all customers were satisfied with their vehicle’s performance, as evidenced by the numerous quality and customer satisfaction awards and recognition the Lexus ES has received, including best-in-class in J.D. Power and Associates’ Initial Quality Study (IQS) in three of the first five years after it was introduced:
May 2003 – Lexus ES 300 is the highest ranked entry luxury car in the 2003 J.D Power and Associates IQS.
May 2005 – The Lexus ES 330 is the highest ranked mid-luxury car in the J.D. Power and Associates IQS.
June 2006 – Lexus ES 330 earns J.D. Power and Associates IQS award in the Mid-size Premium Car segment.
July 2003 – ES 300 ranks first in the entry luxury sedan class in the 2003 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).
On the manufacturing side, J.D. Power and Associates awarded the ES 300 manufacturing facility, the Tsutsumi Plant in Japan, the Bronze Plant Award.
What’s more, our own research shows that owner loyalty for the fourth- and fifth-generation ES sedan was at or near the top for the entry-luxury segment.
The technical service bulletins (TSB) issued to address this drivetrain issue in the Lexus ES300/330 were efforts to achieve greater customer satisfaction with smoother shifting between gears in the automatic transmission.
Once a TSB was available to address this condition, we proactively reached out to the small segment of Lexus customers who had previously contacted us about this issue to ensure they were aware the TSB was available, that their concerns were properly addressed and that they were satisfied with their vehicle’s performance. This TSB is still available to all other customers who may experience the same issue.
Transmission shifting is often a matter of customer preference, and the vast majority of owners were either not affected by or did not have a concern about this drivability issue. More specifically, some like quick, firm shifts, while others prefer slower, gentler shifting. In addressing drivetrain performance, Lexus strived to satisfy the widest range of customer expectations and preferences.
The term “surge” has been used across the industry for many years to describe a condition where there is a very slight slow-down and speed-up perception (typically two miles per hour or less) while holding steady throttle at low to moderate speeds. This issue was in no way related to any kind of sustained acceleration. Drivability concerns related to momentary surges or throttle hesitation are not unique to Lexus or Toyota, and nearly every major auto manufacturer has published technical service bulletins to address this type of issue in their vehicles.
In the last ten years, nearly 80 service bulletins related to this issue with corresponding repairs and/or program updates have been released across the industry. Issuing a TSB is commonplace for addressing issues such as this, and there are numerous similar circumstances where other manufacturers have also done so, versus direct notification to customers.
Toyota and Lexus make all available TSBs accessible to the public through the internet by subscribing to our Technical Information System. Toyota also submits copies of TSBs monthly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and most are summarized on the NHTSA website for anyone to review.
Lexus strives to achieve the highest standards of product quality and customer satisfaction, and we made every effort to make the shifting characteristics of the ES truly best in-class before and after production began. Given the concerns raised by some customers about this drivability issue, we did not meet the very high customer satisfaction standards we set for ourselves. However, we fully stand behind the engineering and production quality of the vehicle, as well as our after-sale customer service and technical support.
www.toyotanewsroom.com
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The Coolest Non-Recall GX460 Photo
Now this is why they build this car!!!!!! I hope they never stop letting cars be fun!!
Check out the rest of the article and how well the car performed against Land Rover LR4 and the Mercedes GL450
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