Car and Driver is planning to re-launch its site. This new and improved site promises to be much more interactive and user-friendly. With increased functionality, it will be even easier to navigate. There is much more information and links on the new homepage, allowing for quicker, more efficient search.

In addition, one of the best features of the new site is the increased functionality of the buyer’s guide, which allows you to more easily search for vehicles specifically tailored to your needs. For example, if you choose a make such as Lexus, the new site instantly provides you with several links to the latest reviews, comparison tests, news, and advice on different models.

Then, selecting a model, such as the IS allows you to view all of its top competitors in that class. With the ability to drill down on specifications and view tons of interior and exterior images, the new Car and Driver site is definitely more interactive and user-friendly, and will enhance your Lexus shopping experience. Check out a screen-shot of this below, and feel free to email any feedback to caranddriver@hfnm.com.

2009 Lexus LX570

Toyota’s largest premium SUV, the 2009 Lexus LX570, comes loaded with high-tech features under the hood. The LX570 upgrades to a massive 5.7L V8 cranking 381Hp – about 110Hp more than its previous version. The V8 teams up with a six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission and a four wheel Electro Hydraulic Suspension with Active Height Control to further boost performance.

A strong chassis and improved aerodynamics increase the towing capacity of the LX570 by about 2000 lb, reaching a 8500 lb max. The new Crawl Control system and multi-terrain ABS help you drive safely on rugged terrain as well as slippery surfaces.

The 2009 LX570 is well-equipped for urban settings. It features a new blind spot monitor that integrates the automatic navigation system with the rear-view cameras and side view mirrors. You can fold up the rear seats as your hauling needs increase.

In addition to power packed performance, the 2009 Lexus LX570 offers an enjoyable ride with a four-zone automatic climate control, a 9-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound audio system, and a rear seat entertainment system.

Alas, the big truck comes with an equally big price tag – a cool $74,700 for the base trim.

Rear View

Driver’s seat

Wide dash view

Rear seat

Cargo area

Folded rear seats

2009 Lexus LS600hL

With an array of advanced technological features and superb styling, the 2009 Lexus LS600hL Pebble Beach Edition is ready to rival its V12 powered European counterparts.

Powered by a 5.0L 389Hp V8 and dual electric drive motors, the LS600hL’s full hybrid system produce a whopping 438Hp. The full-size Lexus sedan manages 0-60mph acceleration in just 6 seconds, delivering a respectable 21mpg combined fuel economy. Green car enthusiasts will be happy to know this Lexus is a Super Ultra Low-Emission Vehicle (SULEV).

Don’t be fooled, the high-performance Lexus LS600hL is far from the typical monotony of a hybrid car. An impressive leather trimmed interior with fine wood trim and gorgeous Lexus instrument panel exudes opulence. The sleek exterior featuring LED projector headlamps and Lexus’ signature grilled front fascia is equally appealing.

The long list of standard luxury features in the 2009 LS600hL Pebble Beach Edition includes cooled and power reclining rear seats, an automated parallel parking system, four-zone climate control, and a rear seat entertainment with massage capability! Wow…

Inside the 2009 Lexus LS600hL

Image: Thecarconnection and Leftlanenews

2009 Lexus GS450H Hybrid Sports Sedan

The Lexus GS enters its third generation with the 2009 Lexus GS450H, an exclusive mid-size luxury sedan boasting a sophisticated hybrid powertrain. The new GS450H combines the Lexus Hybrid Drive system with its current 3.5L V6 to deliver high performance and high fuel efficiency.

You’ll find the 2009 GS450H exceptionally quick, taking only 5 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60mph. The hybrid sports sedan not only achieves a satisfactory 23mpg combined EPA rating, its classified as a Super-Low-Emissions Vehicle (SULEV).

In addition to performance and efficiency, a stylish exterior and an impressive interior with an abundance of standard luxury features make the 2009 Lexus GS450H an irresistible driving option.

Take a peek inside the car:

Steering and Dash

Electronics Navigation

Front seat

Rear seat

Image courtesy: Consumerguideauto

Is the 2009 Lexus IS350 really worth $2000 more than the totally competent Lexus IS250? Let’s take a look.

The 2009 Lexus IS350 appeals to those who prefer luxury sedans that blend comfort, style, utility and power. The IS350 provides more cabin and cargo space than usual compact sports sedans. Though both the IS250 and IS350 share the same V6 power-train, the RWD IS350 is way ahead in producing thrust.

The 3.5L V6 in the Lexus IS350 cranks out 306 Hp and 277 lb-ft of torque compared to 204Hp and 185 lb-ft for the Lexus IS250. Like a dedicated sports car, IS350 takes only 5.6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60.

In addition to a topnotch interior and beautiful exterior styling, the 2009 Lexus IS350 offers a wide range of comfort and safety features ensuring an economical (20 mpg average) and emission free ride.

To answer our original question, the $2000 premium is money well spent.

Image: About.com

The 2009 Lexus IS250 received a few upgrades – newly added features include heated seats, a voice activated DVD navigation system, rear view camera, Bluetooth and an amazing Mark Levinson surround sound system.

The 2009 IS250 sports a readjusted suspension, speed sensitive steering and new improved shock absorbers. Despite a 2.5L V6 powertrain, the IS250 offers a quiet and comfortable ride. If you’re looking to add a bit of romance to your driving, the IS250 Luxury edition comes with a tilted moon-roof.

In addition to standard safety features like active traction control, four-sensor antilock brakes and electronic stability control, the 2009 IS250 also adds a new Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system and Pre-collision system.

The 2009 IS250 gets a respectable 21/29 mpg EPA rating. Prices start at $31,305.

Take a peek inside the car:

Front Seat

Rear Seat

Dashboard

Navigation system

Image courtesy: Edmunds.com

The impressively designed and aerodynamically tuned 2009 Lexus GS is a delight to drive. This mid-size luxury sedan comes in three trims – GS350 AWD, GS350 RWD and GS460 RWD with prices starting at $44,850.

The GS steps up the 3.5L V6 in the 350 AWD with a 4.6L V8. To further increase performance, Lexus has incorporated an exposed dual exhaust system. The GS includes Lexus’s signature comfort and safety features as well as electro-chromic mirrors, water-repellent glass, HID headlights and LED tail lights.

Take a peek inside the Lexus GS450h:

Image: Myride.com

2010 HS 250h:

Lexus has unveiled the world’s first luxury hybrid car – the 2010 HS 250h. The all-new HS 250h sedan gets a redefined exhaust recovery system to ensure up to 30% better fuel efficiency with minimal engine warm-up time. Inside is the sophisticated Eco Plastics “cockpit of the future”,reinforcing Lexus’s commitment to luxury, comfort, and environment-friendly motoring.

Let’s take a closer look:

2010 HS 250h Interior:

Front View:

Rear View:

Images: CARandDRIVER

Powered by a 272-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, the 2009 ES 350 sports a 6 speed automatic transmission, producing 272-hp is produced at 6,200 rpm and 254 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm. This is a major upgrade from the 218-hp of the previous ES models.

The 2009 Lexus ES 350 also shows some serious improvements in safety. The front-wheel drive is accented with standard stability control and traction. Other safety features include brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, an antiskid system, and airbags in the front, rear, side, and knee locations.

The ES 350 premium package ads leather trimmed interior, a memory system, and a repositioned steering wheel that links the wheel to the keyless remote.

The Premium Plus package has all the features of the regular premium package, but also adds a power cushion extender for the driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats and rain-sensing windshield wipers. It also boasts a voice-activated DVD based navigation system, Bluetooth technology, a back-up camera and a 14 speaker Mark-Levinson sound system.

The Ultra-Luxury package features all the advantages of the Premium Plus package, also adding a higher-grade leather interior, rear-seat side airbags, power rear sunshade, a wood and leather trimmed shift knob/steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof. Additionally, the Ultra-Luxury ES 350 sports an Adaptive Front Lighting System, High-Intensity Discharge lamps, and graphite polished alloy wheels.

What Auto Critics Are Saying

“If what you are looking for is the ultimate in affordable motorized road-rage suppression, it would be hard to do any better…” – CARandDRIVER.com

“The old car packed only 218 hp, so the ES350’s new, more potent engine addresses a genuine weakness.” —Automobile

“Fit and finish is impressive, and the car is very quiet.” —Consumer Reports

“Strong yet quiet performance, more luxury than ever before, excellent crash test scores.” —Edmunds.com

“The ride is smooth, the engine is smooth, the transmission operation is flawless, and everything is quiet.” —New Car Test Drive

The Lexus IS F Concept was first unveiled in 2006. The performance-oriented Lexus IS F has since undergone a complete makeover with all new looks and features. The modified 2009 Lexus IS F was unveiled at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. Here’s what we know…

IS F has grown more powerful with two turbochargers bolted to its 5.0-liter V-8 engine and additional JE pistons. Equipped with Crower connecting rods, a new radiator, a redesigned computer, and performance exhaust – the Lexus IS F is expected to top 600hp.

The IS F also sports a redesigned body with additional color choices. Sleek colors ranging from bright sunset orange to cool electric blue nicely complement the superbly styled exterior. Given what we’ve seen, the IS F can’t make it into production fast enough.

Image courtesy: caranddriver.com