In the Russian market, these are modifications with a 2.7-liter gasoline engine. Already in itself, the concept of “premium crossover” is somehow doubtfully linked to the atmospheric “four”. Not only is this motor frankly not enough for a two-ton car - the driver has to constantly “twist” it in order to achieve proper acceleration, but the image also suffers. Imagine when, at a party or some kind of get-together, the owner of the RX 270 is inadvertently asked what engine is under the hood of his pet - an awkward situation cannot be avoided in this case.
In addition, the 2.7-liter modification comes exclusively with front-wheel drive. And this is nonsense - a large crossover with a four-cylinder engine and a single axle drive. All the absurdity of the situation is given in a brief quote from the review of the Lexus RX: “The reason for the idea to change the car is the lack of all-wheel drive. It's still ok in summer. But the heavy RX is buried even in the yard, where janitors-guest workers easily pass on bicycles. Right, it becomes embarrassing for himself and for the car. And when starting uphill, the front-wheel drive Lexus barely crawls, gloomily chattering with the traction control system. While the domestic classic bypasses me as a stand-up. It's embarrassing, beyond words."
The other extreme is a crossover, the power plant of which consists of a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 (249 hp) and two electric motors with a total capacity of 50 forces, one of which rotates the rear wheels. With the number of leading axles, this modification seems to be all right. However, in some situations, the electric Lexus RX behaves unpredictably due to the fact that the thrust between the axles is distributed unevenly. After all, the rear wheels are driven by only one 25-horsepower servomotor. Therefore, the behavior of the electric crossover on the road is not much different from the mono-drive version of the RX. Moreover, in emergency cases, the control of the machine becomes even more unpredictable due to the increased torque on the front axle, which is turned by the electric one. But that's not all. Such a Lexus is unreasonably expensive - for an eight-year-old copy they ask for almost one and a half million. For this money, you can buy a new German or Japanese crossover, albeit a lower class.
It turns out that the best option is a crossover with a 3.5-liter V6 equipped with a 4x4 transmission, where an electronically controlled clutch connects the rear wheels when the front wheels slip. But not everything is so simple here either. With driving performance and handling, he seems to be all right. However, on the market, this version costs a little less than the hybrid Lexus, but at the same time it has a rather high gas mileage. There is one more point regarding all modifications of the RX.
Customers who rely on comfort specific to cars in this segment complain about the abundance in the cabin, which, in general, also applies to other modifications of the crossover. Particularly annoying "insect colony" becomes in winter. Moreover, their habitat extends around the entire perimeter of the cabin - from the interior upholstery of doors and dashboard to the luggage rack and even the steering column. In truth, a real "insect disco" from the order of orthoptera. Dealers are not only aware of this problem, but also offer their services to install additional noise insulation. The list of services is extensive: from the banal protection of wheel arches for 15,000-20,000 rubles to a complete Shumkov package for almost a hundred square meters.
Surprisingly, it is a fact that a large crossover turned out to be inconvenient for people over 190 cm tall. Even with the chair lowered all the way down, they have to sit behind the wheel, literally resting their heads on the ceiling. Similar problems on purebred German classmates are not in sight.
It is also worth mentioning that the used in the decoration of the chairs leaves much to be desired. It is not only easily damaged by any hard or sharp object, but also wears out quickly. So don't be surprised if the leather seats on a fairly recent RX look like they're on a 15-year-old car. Again, this is by no means comme il faut.
What then is the strength of the Japanese crossover? Fans of the brand and model will surely say, in. Well, let's check.
With engines, the Lexus RX really has no particular problems. The gas distribution mechanism of both motors uses a durable chain with a proprietary VVT-i phase control system. The valves are adjusted by the selection of washers every 40,000 km, but in reality this operation is required three times less often. After "weaving" on the engines, the drive belt should be changed along with the rollers and tensioner. At the same time, it is useful to check the condition of the crankshaft pulley damper (from 26,500 rubles) - by this time it usually wears out. By 150,000 km, it will be time to change the clutches of the VVT-i system (there are two of them in the "four", and four on the V6) at 18,500 rubles for each and individual ignition coils (2,600 rubles each).
The motors are combined with a 6-speed Aisin U660E automatic transmission. The automatic transmission is quite reliable, but its service life directly depends on the driving style. Already by the “hundred” of thousands of kilometers, the friction clutches wear out and, as a result, the channels of the valve body of the “automatic” become clogged with wear products. Repair pulls at least 120,000 ₽ Therefore, it is advisable to change the gear oil in the box more often - preferably every 60,000 km.
Country-manufacturer "Lexus" - Japan (city of Toyota). The Lexus division is part of the Japanese concern Toyota Motors Corporation, and is mainly engaged in the production of luxury cars for the US and European markets, and Toyota cars are mainly sold in Japan. The main direction of the company is the creation of elite expensive cars with leading comfort characteristics for the driver and passenger, reliable engines, transmissions, and innovative smooth running systems.
Brand creation
Japan, as a Lexus manufacturing country, is famous for its unique technologies and innovations in the field of mechanical engineering. She had before and now has all the resources to create the best cars in the world. That is why in 1983, at a secret meeting of Toyota directors, the idea was proposed to create a new brand, under which the best cars in the world would be produced. So that the consumer would not have associations with Toyota, a new brand, Lexus, was invented.
Plans and positioning
1400 best engineers and designers were invited to create the first car. They faced a rather difficult task - to create a really good luxury car that would outperform the competition and cost less. For this, a survey group was even created to find out what exactly they want to buy in the United States. And although Japan is a manufacturing country, Lexuses were primarily aimed at the American consumer, since at that time the Japanese market already almost completely belonged to Toyota.
First car
The very first machine was created in 1985. It was the Lexus LS400 model, which was tested in Germany in 1986, and appeared on the US market in 1989. Since September of this year, sales of the car began. Outwardly, he had nothing to do with Japanese cars and looked like a typical "American". The designers did their best, as this model was well received by the American public. Even then, consumers began to wonder what kind of manufacturing country it was and whose brand was Lexus.
Subsequent models
The second car was "painted" by Giorgetto Giugiaro. We are talking about the model Lexus GS300 with a streamlined body. The most successful was the modification of the Lexus GS300 3T with a forced motor, created by the Cologne branch of Motosport, owned by Toyota.
A year after entering the US market, the American press called the Lexus LS400 sedan the best imported car. However, there is nothing particularly surprising here, since the car, with its high power, had low fuel consumption due to successful aerodynamics.
In May 1991, a new car appeared on the market - the Lexus SC400 Coupe. It very much resembled the Toyota Soarer, not only in appearance, but also in performance. However, after 1998, the differences between these machines disappeared during restyling.
In 1993, the five-seater Lexus ES300 sedan was also shown, which was a kind of analogue of the Toyota Camry in the US market.
Also in the family of cars from Lexus is a chic jeep with all-wheel drive LX450. It incorporated the comfort of an executive car and the advantages of the Toyota Land Cruiser HDJ 80 SUV, popular in Japan. A little later, an improved version of the all-wheel drive jeep appeared - the Lexus LX470.
1998 in the history of the company will be remembered for showing the first car with the IS index. In the spring of next year, the first IS200 model from Lexus appeared on the American market. The shape of the body and the technical characteristics of the car made it possible to make a racing model out of it.
In the manufacturing country, Lexus developed quite quickly due to the high consumer demand for these cars in the United States. In early 2000, as expected, updates appeared. First, the IS300 was shown in Los Angeles, and then in Detroit everyone saw a successful reincarnation of the LS400 - LS430. In fact, this is the flagship among the cars, which had the most innovative technologies, a navigation system, an expensive leather interior, as well as a powerful V8 engine with a capacity of 280 horsepower. It could accelerate to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds. With all this, he had a minimum coefficient of drag.
In the same year in New York, the Lexus company announced the appearance of the SC430 model, and also shared its plans for 2003. It was assumed that in 3 years the Lexus RX300 cars would be produced at the Toyota plant in Canada. It should be noted that before that, only Japan was considered the country-manufacturer of Lexus cars.
peak sales
In June, the IS300 went on sale; in August, Lexus becomes the first luxury import brand in the US to sell over 20,000 vehicles in a month. At the same time, the improvement of existing brands is in full swing - the GS400 is being replaced by the improved GS430, which has successfully entered the series. The results for 2000 showed that for the fifth year in a row, Lexus increased its sales, easily outperforming other luxury brands in the US. At this time, American consumers already know perfectly well who produces Lexus, the manufacturing country as a whole is trusted, and even other brands of Japanese cars are well received by the buyer.
In 2001, Toyota announces that the suspension and motors for the RX300 will be built at its Buffalo facility. Shortly thereafter, the IS300 SportCross (with steering wheel shift button), IS300 Manual Transmission (with manual transmission) are shown at the Detroit Auto Show, and production of the new SC430 is gearing up for launch. In March, the car was ready, but by the time sales started, orders for this car had already been scheduled.
Coming to other countries
By 2002, this brand was respected all over the world and understood whose country is the manufacturer of Lexus. The first official dealer in Russia appeared in 2002. They became the company "Lexus-Business Car". A year later, there were two dealers.
In 2003, the famous RX300 and the more dynamic RX330 were introduced in Detroit. The latter had luxury options and innovative technological solutions. On the roads of Russia and Europe, this car can be seen quite often. In its class, the RX300 overtook all competitors. In the same year, the assembly of machines began at a plant in Canada and Germany. And although Lexus cars are being developed in the manufacturing country of Japan, they are manufactured and assembled in different parts of the world, including Russia.
Future plans
The company said it plans to expand its lineup with diesel vehicles for Europe, where diesel power plants are more popular due to less environmentally harmful exhaust. There are also plans to develop hybrid cars for the US market, where hybrids are gaining popularity. However, such cars already exist even today.
Toyota, whose Lexus brand is not very popular in the manufacturing country of Japan, also plans to take a large part of its home market. However, this is not surprising, because Lexus was primarily focused on other countries, since Japan already bought Toyota cars with might and main. A new brand was not needed at all for this.
Conclusion
The once unknown brand has become very popular, and today everyone knows where Lexuses are made. Thanks to this brand (and not only it), the country of origin has created an excellent reputation as a reliable car manufacturer. However, it should be understood that most of the merit of the brand's success belongs to Toyota, because Lexuses were not created from scratch, but on the basis of existing and advanced technologies at that time. So you need to remember who produces Lexuses in the manufacturing country. This is the Japanese concern "Toyota" - a giant of the automotive industry, which today is one of the industry leaders not only in Japan, but throughout the world.
Lexus is the luxury car division of Toyota Motor Corporation. Introduced in 1989 in the US, Lexus is now available in more than 70 countries around the world and the brand has become the best-selling premium brand in Japan. Lexus is headquartered in Nagoya, Japan. Whole Lexus lineup.
Story
According to the creators, the sound and spelling of the brand doesn't make much sense and just stands for a luxury car.
Lexus originated from a secret project of the Toyota Corporation, which appeared six years before the introduction of the Lexus LS. Subsequently, the Lexus line was expanded with a sedan, coupe, convertible and SUV. At the beginning, Lexus cars were made in Japan. The release of the first Lexus RX 330, built outside the country, at a plant in Ontario (Canada), began in 2003.
The 2000s were marked by the expansion of the brand into markets other than the traditional Japanese and North American markets. It will debut in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Europe and other export regions. The Lexus model range has been expanded taking into account regional characteristics.
launch
It took a team of hundreds of specialists six years and about a billion dollars to successfully launch the brand. On its debut, the LS 400 generated a lot of positive feedback. Buyers appreciated the quietness in the cabin, the ergonomic interior, the performance of the new four-liter V8 petrol engine, the aerodynamics, the economy and the affordable price of $38,000 in the US. Despite the fact that the Lexus brand appeared out of nowhere, it almost immediately gained a lot of devoted admirers.
Production growth
In the first year of the next decade, Lexus sold 63,594 units of the LS 400 and ES 250 sedans in the US. In the same year, the company began exporting its products to the UK, Switzerland, Canada and Australia. 1991 - Lexus began selling its first SC 400 sports coupe, and at the end of the same year became the top-selling imported premium car in the US.
Three years later, production of the GS 300 midsize sports sedan began, based on the Toyota "S" platform. Already in 1994, the next generation of the flagship LS 400 was introduced.
1996 saw the debut of the first LX 450 SUV, followed by the third-generation ES 300 sedan. Two years later, Lexus added the first RX 300 luxury crossover and the second generation of the GS 300 and GS 400 sedans to its line. country of South America when sales were launched in Brazil.
Reorganization
Since 2000, the company has delighted consumers with new products every year: this year, the IS line is introduced, a new entry-level series of sports sedans. And later, with an interval of a year, the first convertible was shown - the SC 430, the redesigned ES 300 and the third generation LS 430.
The following year brought with it the GX 470 midsize SUV and a year later the second generation RX 330. The following year, Lexus recorded its two millionth car sold and launched the first 400h RX luxury hybrid SUV.
In 2005, the organizational separation with the parent company Toyota was completed, Lexus received independent design, design departments and production centers. This work coincided with the launch of Lexus in the Japanese domestic market and the expansion of the brand's global sales in the world's largest markets, such as China.
F models and hybrids
The second half of the 2000s began with sales of the 450h GS hybrid sedan. And since the beginning of 2007, Lexus has announced a new line of F models, which will consist of powerful cars, stylized as sports cars. The first of this line was the IS F, which debuted at the 2007 North American International Auto Show.
In connection with the economic crisis of 2008, the company's sales dropped noticeably. Despite this, 2009 saw the launch of the HS 250h, a hybrid sedan destined for North America and Japan, and the 450h RX, the second generation of the hybrid SUV, and the exotic coupe launched the same year.
Since the mass appearance of cars, we have become accustomed to comparing them. Since each car includes advantages and disadvantages, any comparison is subjective. Is it worth comparing two car brands belonging to the same concern, where Lexus is a more expensive version of Toyota? Is there a difference in quality other than price? Although the Lexus lineup is completely based on the platform of its brother, these premium cars are head and shoulders above in terms of reliability and build quality. This opinion has existed among motorists since the early 2000s. Is it really so? Let's turn to history, to the time of the emergence of a new brand called Lexus.
Lexus is a car that positions itself as an improved and expensive version of Toyota, such as can be found in the VAG concern, where the three models are technically the same, but their market value and quality differ from each other. The point of creating a new brand from Toyota was to create a new strong competitor in the premium class between BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.
History of creation
The realization that movable products and equipment were of extremely poor quality occurred in Japan at the end of World War II. The only pride of Japan is naval equipment, which is distinguished by reliability and quality. Compared to the military equipment of the USSR, Europe or America, Japanese equipment called "tanks" was a completely incomprehensible "miracle" of engineering. However, in the 1940s, Japan won the war in the Asia-Pacific region. The question becomes: how it was possible to do this, having terrible military equipment. In fact, in the Asian countries that fought with Japan, the concept of a "tank" practically did not exist. Therefore, Japan could feel its power before meeting with US troops.
In the middle of the last century, any company wishing to supply weapons and ammunition to the American armed forces were required to pass quality control to obtain a special certificate issued by the University of Berkeley (California). Edward Deming is a professor who invented a statistical method for testing a product. Taking his methodology as a basis, the institute selected the best among the proposed equipment and ammunition, after which an agreement was drawn up between the company and the state, and they began to supply army products. The Shewhart cycle, which he promoted among the heads of the largest Japanese corporations in 1946 after the surrender of Japan, brought the professor worldwide fame. This served as a powerful impetus, so that thanks to new quality standards, the industry, including the automotive industry, began to gain momentum.
The meaning of the cycle was that everything should begin with the head of the company, where the head gives instructions and advice to the subordinate. The professor recommended focusing on top managers. If they take the Shewhart cycle as a basis, then in 10 years Japan will be several steps ahead in the development of all industries around the world.
One company that followed Deming's philosophy was Toyota. In a short period of time, Toyota has become a world famous brand. Since then, Edward Deming has been the father of Toyota quality.
Honda also followed the cycle, but was only successful in sales of motorcycles of the same name and two models of passenger cars (Civic and Accord). After the maximum implementation of the acquired knowledge, Honda decided to conquer the high-end automotive market, and created a brand - Acura, the meaning of which is to become a competitor for advanced German cars.
The first 3 years, Acura was successful in the number of car sales, but even now it is not a rare car in the world. This is the clearest example of how Honda has become a premium car brand by creating a luxury brand that Deming promoted.
Toyota, noticing the undoubted success of its competitors, decided to follow in its footsteps, creating an alternative to the premium Acura car - Lexus. This happened in 1989. It is noteworthy that before the release of the brand, there were long disputes about its name: "Lexis" or "Lexus". As you can see, the vypor fell on the second name. Lexus, like Acura, began to step on the tail of the most popular German "trinity": Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Marketers took a sly step when choosing a name for a new brand. The fact is that the goal of the company was to create competition for Mercedes, and since the letter “L” is earlier than “M”, respectively, Lexus cars in print publications and catalogs will be ahead of the competitor, which will make a potential buyer at least interested new Japanese brand.
Nissan completely copied Toyota's way of thinking when creating the name of a new premium brand - Infiniti.
Lexus Development
Japanese engineers decided to take the most difficult path, where they risked a fiasco by creating their own individual car base, not copying a single element from German brands, motivating themselves to release a car 3 heads higher than future competitors.
The development of new cars was carried out for the German autobahns, where the potential of Lexus could be unleashed. Also, the main motivation in the years when quality was higher than the quantity of profit was the first place in the J.D. Power, where cars are measured by quality and reliability.
The success of Lexus was helped by a chance: against the background of the global crisis, Mercedes decided to transfer a license to other companies to assemble electronic components, which greatly helped to stabilize the cost of the car. But this move affected the decline in the quality of German cars: most brand owners began to complain about the incorrect operation of electronics and electrics. This helped Lexus to take the top of the list of premium cars, occupying the first positions in the J.D. rating for more than 16 years. power.
Difference between Toyota and Lexus
Before disclosing the issue, it is worth noting that the two companies equally follow the philosophy of quality and reliability, creating products according to strict standards, while maintaining their name. At least Lexus is not worse than Toyota. Most Lexus models are based on the "big brother" platform. Despite the fact that Lexus is a premium segment, the ES “twin” model, for some reason, is not as popular as Camry, although only the interior and exterior distinguish them. The difference between the rest of the "twin" models is only in the amount of expensive equipment and options, which Lexus offers more. Does it make sense to take a Lexus on a Toyota platform? Most convince that there is no point in this, and you will most likely simply overpay for the brand. It makes sense to purchase a Lexus on its own base, which will be several times superior to Toyota in all respects.
Outcome
Toyota and Lexus in 90% of the lineup are twins. Companies are equally guided by the precepts of Professor Edward Deming. Today we are witnessing the undoubted success of two companies around the world, which proves to us the undoubted expediency of the legendary Shewhart cycle.
