Now a few days removed from the Toronto Auto Show, I’ve been going through the virtual stack of photos that I took, and have compiled my first gallery — here’s the IS 350C in silver:

As I mentioned previously, convertibles just don’t do it for me (likely due to dealing with bitterly cold weather six months of every year). That said, I like the look of the IS-C’s hardtop roof, and was a touch disappointed not to see it in action.

Really, this vehicle is a puzzle, introduced very late in the IS design cycle. The thinking, and I’m going out on a limb here, is that the SC redesign is still a ways off, and there needs to be a semi-fresh convertible in the lineup or risk losing segment sales. The real deal will be happening when the IS gets its next redesign — which I would expect will come in 3-series assortments: coupe, convertible, sedan, super-sedan.

Pros:

• IS front fascia remains modern and well suited to the convertible
• Super wheel design suits the vehicle perfectly
• Necessary addition to the IS lineup

Cons:

• Bulky rear
• Trunk looks like a table
• Sales may suffer due to IS design age

Lexus has opened their first dealership in the Philippines, and it’s a exceptionally beautiful facility built in Manila at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig:

It was designed a collaboration between Japanese firm Nomura Co. Filipino architectural firm Recio + Casas. I’m absolutely floored, it’s gorgeous.

Lexus will be offering five models to start (six including the LS 460L), and they won’t be cheap. Here’s a full breakdown from Club Lexus:

(I suppose it won’t take long to recoup the cost of the building with this sort of markup. TPP commenter Pond brings up a good point, chances are the astronomic markup is the result of government taxes and tariffs, not the dealership.)

And lastly, during the opening of the facility, Akira Okabe, senior managing director of Toyota Motor Corp. and head of the Asia, Oceania and Middle East Operations Group gave some idea of how Lexus will develop the brand in the region:

Okabe said the era of mass production and mass consumption that characterized the huge US market is no longer the dominant strategy. He said Toyota is instead pursuing a strategy of “parallel operations,” with one based on the market in developed countries and another based on markets in the developing countries.

“We need new technology which is very different from what is for the West,” Okabe told The STAR. “The focus used to be the US and Japan. We make cars for that market and then just bring them over to Asia. But now we must develop (cars) in Asia, by Asians for Asia,” he stressed.

[Photos: Lexus Source: Philstar]

Lexus didn’t hold back with the HS 250h photos, there’s images from every conceivable angle:

Early reaction focuses on the HS’ resemblance to the Toyota Corolla, though I see a lot of the IS & ES in the design. Really though, with the vehicle’s focus on gas mileage, much of the design is predetermined. The Prius is a perfect example of function over form, and when the two hybrids are compared the HS is easily more attractive.

Another thing, and it could be the most important point: I think this car is aimed directly at Europe.

On the downside, Lexus needs to reconsider the colors used to promote their new vehicles. No matter how you slice it, silver is generic, and it makes the HS look dull. This in turn leads to all sorts of criticism, when the design is actually very appealing. Take a look at these detail shots:

To promote the launch of their Crystallized collection in Taiwan, Swarovski partnered up with Lexus and designer Zheng Zhiren to create this one-of-a-kind crystal SC430:

All told, there’s over 300,000 Swarovski crystals covering the SC, pushing its total value up to NT 10,000,000 ($306,045USD). Now that’s a lot of bedazzle!

[Source: YAM | Via: Born Rich]

Lexus has issued their press release with details on the new 2010 RX 350 & 450h, which backs up the specifications and options I posted last month. Here’s some selected passages from the press release:

Entering its second generation, the RX 450h will feature an enhanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system with a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine that runs on a highly efficient Atkinson cycle. Combined with a new, more efficient inverter, the total system output will be 295 horsepower, 27 more horsepower than the current generation RX hybrid.

Another step in the Lexus Hybrid Drive’s evolution is the addition of two new systems that improve its efficiency. The first is an exhaust-heat recovery system that reduces engine warm-up time allowing it to stop earlier, more often, and for longer periods. The result is an improvement in both fuel economy and emissions. The second is a cooled exhaust-gas recirculation system that reduces engine pumping losses, which also helps to improve economy.

The RX 450h features a front-wheel hybrid drive or an electronically driven, part-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid drive system, which supplies the rear wheels with the optimal amount of torque as conditions demand. Unlike mechanical AWD systems that reduce fuel efficiency via added weight and friction, the RX 450h’s rear-mounted electric motor-generator allows all four wheels to perform regenerative braking, charging the hybrid battery more effectively.

The third generation RX 350 will be powered by an improved 275-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an electrically controlled, sequential-shift six-speed transaxle. The all-wheel-drive version will feature an Active Torque Control AWD system that optimizes torque depending on driving conditions, resulting in improved efficiency and performance.

The all-new RX models possess a number of Lexus-first technologies that enhance the ownership experience. An available Hard Disk Drive (HDD) navigation system has an all-new “Remote Touch” controller that is both intuitive and ergonomic. Positioned on the center console, Remote Touch is as natural to the driver’s hand as a computer mouse. It can also be customized to the desired level of haptic feedback. While RX will feature voice recognition as standard, the new navigation system will also include a new casual language voice-recognition system that acknowledges conversational commands. Standard XM® satellite-radio capability (requires subscription) is joined by XM NavTraffic and new NavWeather features.

The “display zone” assists the driver via an eight-inch, navigation display that is set back in the dash for improved visibility. A white Organic LED multi-informational display ensures exceptional readability from a wide angle. An optional Heads-up Display reduces the need for excessive eye movement, and the use of high-intensity LEDs make the display bright enough to be read in direct sunlight.

All in all, I’m impressed with the progression, particularly with the extremely modern interior, though I share the common opinion that the exterior design wasn’t pushed far enough. One thing to keep in mind is the need for balance and continuity, after all, the RX is Lexus’ best selling model.

There’s a lot to absorb, a ton of pictures and information to go through, and I’m going to give it some thought before I make a final decision. I can say this, I’ve seen both the heads-up display and the Remote Touch controller in action, and it was the first time I ever really wanted an RX.

We’ve seen the 2010 Lexus RX 450h, and now here’s a set of images from Lexus of the upcoming RX 350 — details on the new models in my next post: