As the 2010 model year vehicles have begun to become "old" by automotive industry standards, the 2011s are beginning to unveil themselves slowly but surely. Now, Lexus has stepped up to the plate.
2011 will be a big year for the brand as they overcome a 2010 rife with recalls and the destruction of consumer confidence. And it appears that the big "L" will experience some exciting changes, particularly with the IS.
With the IS, 2011 will bring some subtle refreshing in terms of the headlights, new front grille/bumper and new wheels. Additionally, for the first time, the IS350 will be available with all-wheel drive. Will this give BMW 335Xi owners a chance to explore something new?
Probably the coolest news about the IS will be the capability to option out the IS with F Sport modifications. 00R recently had the opportunity to drive an F Sport modified IS and will be divulging his experience soon. 2011 IS' equipped with the F Sport equipment can expect new 18'' wheels, suspension modifications, front/rear spoilers and microfiber seats.
**For the full details and pricing, take a look below for a mini spreadsheet highlighting all of the 2011 changes
Lexus' press release follows:
TORRANCE, Calif. (July 16, 2010) – Lexus today announced Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) on its 2011 models ranging from the luxury IS sport sedan to the flagship luxury hybrid sedan LS 600h L. The new Lexus vehicles will arrive at dealerships later this summer and early fall. The MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875.
All 2011 Lexus gas models will receive a standard new brake override system as an additional measure of consumer confidence. The braking system enhancement will automatically reduce engine power when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are applied simultaneously under certain driving conditions.
For 2011, the popular IS 350 luxury sport sedan line is adding a 306-horsepower all-wheel drive (AWD) model. IS enthusiasts will now have the traction and grip of all-wheel drive with the IS 350’s higher performance capability. New HID headlamps with LED daytime running lamps are standard on the IS 350 and available for the IS 250. In addition, a new front grille and bumper highlight the IS sedans, while at the rear, it sports a new taillamp cover and revised tailpipe design. The IS models will also feature newly designed 17-inch and optional 18-inch wheels, along with revised exterior choices.
A new F Sport Package for the IS 250/350 rear-wheel drive (RWD) models will have special suspension tuning and 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark super-chrome finish. The F Sport package also includes a front lip spoiler and rear deck spoiler, a matching dark chrome front grille insert, F Sport badging, and the addition of Ultrasonic Blue Mica to the exterior colors. For the interior, unique front seats feature a special microfiber insert and leather side bolsters to provide grip for the driver and passenger during cornering and F Sport badging to the steering wheel.
The LS 460 flagship luxury sedan has changes to its suspension for all-wheel drive models including the discontinuation of Truffle Mica exterior color. The LS 460 AWD models will have standard coil suspension for comfortable everyday driving and available air suspension to allow drivers to adjust for their current driving situation.
Owners of the ES 350 will reap the benefits of reduced cost of ownership as the new fuel recommendation changes from 91-octane to 87-octane. ES 350 customers will continue to enjoy a smooth and quiet ride. The ES 350 will receive an EPA fuel economy estimate of 19 miles per gallon in the city and 27 on the highway. A new exterior color, Deep Sea Mica, replaces Black Sapphire Pearl.
Model | 2011 MSRP | MSRP Increase | Percentage Increase | On-Sale Timing |
IS 250 6MT | $32,145 | $0 | 0.0% | Late Summer |
IS 250 | $33,315 | $0 | 0.0% | Late Summer |
IS 250 AWD | $35,775 | $0 | 0.0% | Late Summer |
IS 350 | $38,570 | $975 | 2.6% | Late Summer |
IS 350 AWD | $41,030 | - | - | Late Summer |
IS 250C 6MT | $39,890 | $450 | 1.1% | Late Summer |
IS 250C | $41,060 | $450 | 1.1% | Late Summer |
IS 350C | $45,340 | $450 | 1.0% | Late Summer |
IS F | $59,010 | $550 | 0.9% | Late Summer |
HS 250h Standard | $35,100 | $450 | 1.3% | Fall |
HS 250h Premium | $37,870 | $450 | 1.2% | Fall |
ES 350 | $35,525 | $350 | 1.0% | Early Fall |
GS 350 RWD | $46,000 | $400 | 0.9% | Summer |
GS 350 AWD | $47,950 | $400 | 0.8% | Summer |
GS 460 | $54,470 | $400 | 0.7% | Summer |
GS 450h | $57,950 | $500 | 0.9% | Summer |
LS 460 RWD | $65,380 | $0 | 0.0% | Fall |
LS 460 AWD | $67,685 | ($1,220) | (1.8%) | Fall |
LS 460 L RWD | $70,925 | $0 | 0.0% | Fall |
LS 460 L AWD | $73,230 | ($1,220) | (1.6%) | Fall |
LS 600h L | $110,000 | $1,200 | 1.1% | Fall |
RX 350 FWD | $37,975 | $350 | 0.9% | Early Fall |
RX 350 AWD | $39,375 | $350 | 0.9% | Early Fall |
RX 450h FWD | $43,235 | $550 | 1.3% | Early Fall |
RX 450h AWD | $44,825 | $550 | 1.2% | Early Fall |
GX 460 Base | $52,345 | $375 | 0.7% | Late Summer |
GX 460 Premium | $57,140 | $375 | 0.7% | Late Summer |
LX 570 | $77,755 | $850 | 1.1% | Late Summer |
[Source: Lexus]
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