The History of Lexus - Esporte a Motor

The Lexus Story

Discover Lexus, the renowned Japanese brand that is gaining more and more ground in the automotive sector.

Adverts

Lexus is a renowned Japanese brand, linked to "competitor" Toyota because it was founded by the same family.

The origin of the brand goes back to the idea of Eiji Toyoda, then president of Toyota. He asked his most talented team to develop a car to cater for customers with more refined tastes, especially American consumers.

In response to this demand, researchers from the brand were sent to California to understand the tastes and styles of the American elite.

They concluded that it was necessary to create not just new models of the Toyota brand, but a completely new concept. From this vision, Lexus, a Japanese luxury car manufacturer, was born.

The inaugural Lexus project, the LS 400 model, was approved in 1987 after billionaire investments, the contribution of thousands of engineers, designers, technicians and the creation of several prototypes.

In January 1988, Lexus officially launched the LS 400, promoting it heavily with marketing that emphasised its luxury and sporting performance, combined with a competitive price.

The car became a sales success, initially in the United States and later all over the world.

Since then, Lexus has maintained its reputation for offering luxury and performance in a Japanese vehicle, combining quality and affordability to meet global expectations.

The "Ferrari" of the Japanese

The Lexus LFA represents the brand's foray into the world of sportiness, especially as evidenced by the LFA programme, the aim of which was to extract maximum performance from the brand. The LFA is a clear testament to this commitment.

Equipped with a 10-cylinder V-shaped aspirated engine, many motoring enthusiasts consider the sound produced by these 10 cylinders to be the most beautiful to hear.

You might be interested:

Nicknamed by some as the "Ferrari of the Japanese", the LFA was conceived as a genuine super sports car, with the highlight being the trio of exhausts that emit a phenomenal sound and its extraordinary performance. Driving the LFA is described by many as an unrivalled motoring experience.

Designed to compete with other supercar brands, the LFA leaves nothing to be desired. Capable of reaching 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 325 km/h, the car offers the ability to move between comfort and aggression in a matter of seconds, thanks to the height adjustment of the aerofoil.

With a sound reminiscent of Formula 1 engines, the LFA is priced at around 350,000 dollars in the USA and 2.9 million reais in Brazil. Blending sportiness and luxury, this model has contributed to further elevating Lexus' presence in the market.

Lexus and its competitors

Lexus, as a comprehensive Japanese brand, faces competition in several segments, presenting a wide range of cars that cater for different styles and needs.

In the luxury segment, the Lexus ES competes directly with renowned brands such as Mercedes, BMW and Audi. In particular, it competes with models such as the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class, both popular and widely sold in their respective ranges. The ES seeks to offer an affordable option within the luxury segment, even if it doesn't reach the more premium characteristics of the BMW M Series or the Mercedes AMG range.

On the other hand, the Lexus LC 500h faces competitors in the sports car market, competing with models such as the Porsche 911 and Jaguar F-TYPE.

Equipped with a 3.5-litre V-shaped six-cylinder engine that produces 354 horsepower, the LC 500h aims to match the performance offered by these notable competitors.

Although Toyota, as Lexus' sister company, also offers high-quality models, Lexus positions its cars in a more premium segment, with distinctive features and design that set it apart from the Toyota parent brand.

Both brands complement the company's offer, catering for a variety of consumer preferences and needs.

Luxury models

The Lexus LS 500h, one of the brand's most luxurious models, is designed to offer a premium driving experience, combining elegant design, advanced technology and exceptional comfort.

Designed especially to meet the needs of businessmen and executives, the LS 500h is a popular choice for those who value luxury and convenience.

The sophisticated design of the LS 500h reflects an air of luxury, with elegant lines and details that emphasise attention to detail.

The interior of the vehicle is designed to provide maximum comfort, especially for passengers in the rear seats. The spacious seats with massage and relaxation functions offer a favourable environment for rest and decompression.

In addition, the LS 500h incorporates high-quality audio technology, with impressive speakers distributed throughout the vehicle. This contributes to creating an engaging and immersive listening experience.

As far as performance is concerned, the LS 500h uses a hybrid system made up of a 3.5-litre six-cylinder V engine and two electric motors, resulting in a combined output of 359 horsepower. This configuration provides a balance between efficient performance and effective fuel consumption.

In short, the Lexus LS 500h is an elegant choice for those looking for a luxury vehicle that offers not only a smooth and efficient drive, but also a refined and relaxing experience, especially for the occupants of the rear seats.

Curiosities

Origin and Innovative Launch: Lexus was officially launched in 1989, and its first model, the LS 400, took the luxury market by storm. Lexus not only presented a high-quality vehicle, but also introduced a new standard of customer service, including services such as free replacement cars and luxury design workshops.

Silence as a Priority: Attention to smoothness and silence in the driving experience has been a notable obsession for Lexus. In developing the LS 400, the engineering team worked hard to minimise noise and vibrations inside the vehicle, seeking to create an exceptionally quiet driving experience.

Design Identity: Front Grille: The distinctive Lexus front grille, known as the "spindle grille," has become an integral part of the brand's design identity. The spindle grille is a striking feature that visually defines Lexus vehicles.

Hybrid technology: Lexus was one of the pioneers in luxury hybrid technology. The RX 400h, launched in 2004, was the world's first hybrid luxury SUV. Since then, the brand has expanded its range of hybrid vehicles, offering energy efficiency without compromising on performance.

Analogue watch Crafted by Takumi: Many Lexus models feature an analogue clock on the dashboard, meticulously designed by "Takumi," or Japanese master craftsmen. These watchmakers apply their traditional skills to create exclusive timepieces that reflect their commitment to craftsmanship.

High Manufacturing Standards: Takumi: Lexus production is notable for the presence of "Takumi," highly skilled craftsmen who spend decades refining their skills. These specialists are often responsible for checking and approving the finest details of each vehicle.

Luxury crossover: RX 300: The RX 300, launched in 1998, was one of the first luxury crossovers on the market. Its combination of elegant design, comfort and off-road capability contributed significantly to the popularisation of this segment of vehicles.

Focus on sustainability: Lexus has demonstrated a growing commitment to sustainability. In addition to hybrid vehicles, the company uses eco-friendly materials and processes, seeking to minimise the environmental impact throughout the life cycle of its vehicles.

These curiosities highlight the dedication of Lexus to quality, innovation and the luxury experience, combined with a growing commitment to sustainability. The brand continues to be recognised for its pursuit of perfection and attention to detail.

You may be interested:

Did you like this content? Share it with your loved ones and save it to your favourites for future reference.

Click on the buttons below to share:
Clara Fonseca
Clara Fonseca
Artigos: 43