7 Historic Milestones of the Lexus Brand
Lexus is a legendary brand that broke much ground throughout the years. Here are some of the milestones that built the legacy of the brand.
1. 1989 - The Launch
In 1989, Lexus launched its first two models: The LS 400 and the ES 250. The Lexus brand was developed to expand upwards into a premium segment above even the nicest Toyota then made. The initial model development and launch of Lexus cost over $1-Billion, and the LS immediately started winning global awards. Shortly thereafter, sales for Mercedes-Benz and BMW in America dropped by 29% and 19%, respectively. The LS 400 featured a V8 4.0-Liter engine, which developed 250-bhp. The ES 250 came with a 152.8 cubic-inch engine, which developed 156-horsepower.
2. 1991 - Expanding the lineup
In 1991, Lexus introduced the all-new ES 300 and the SC 400 coupe. The newest models were received extremely well in the market, and Lexus officially became the best-selling luxury import brand in the USA, selling more than Mercedes and BMW. The 1991 Lexus ES 300 featured a 3.0-liter engine that developed 185 horsepower. The SC 400 developed 250-horsepower, thanks to the same smooth 4.0-liter V8 engine used in the LS, but here wrapped in a sexier two door body style.
3. 1995 - Lexus builds an SUV
In 1995, the trade war ended between Japan and the United States, after the government threatened to impose 100% tariffs on some Japanese vehicle imports. Shortly after this settlement, Lexus debuted the LX 450 full sized SUV. The LX 450 was equipped with a six-cylinder 4.5-Liter engine, which produced 212-horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. Based on the already premium Toyota Land Cruiser, this model featured heated seats for both the front and the rear, and everything else you expect in a Lexus, plus real off-road abilities.
4. 1998 - The RX crossover
In 1998, Lexus created the luxury crossover market, when they introduced the RX 300 mode, which helped the young brand sell more vehicles per month than any other luxury competitor on the market. In the same year, the LX 470 debuted, offering further refinement and power in their full sized SUV. The RX 300 debuted with a 3.0-liter V6 engine that produced 220-horsepower in front, as well as all-wheel drive. As per its model name, the LX 470 was equipped with a 4.7-liter V8 engine, which developed 230-horsepower, and went 0 to 60 mph in 9.9 seconds, which was impressive for a 5,400 pound vehicle.
5. 2005 - The hybrid crossover
After selling their millionth Lexus in 1999, after just 10 years on the market, Lexus became the first company to offer a luxury hybrid vehicle in 2005 when they introduced the RX 400h. This model combine a V6 gasoline engine with an electric motor generator, and battery pack, which allowed the hybrid to produce 286 peak horsepower. In this very year, the company also started selling Lexus-badged cars in Japan for the very first time.
6. 2008 - The F Sport line
In 2008, Lexus introduced a vehicle that was quite different from their typical quietly competent luxury offerings: the Lexus IS-F. The IS-F was Lexus' way of reaching into the exciting performance sport sedan market segment. After being in the luxury segment since their launch, Lexus put a powerful 5.0-liter V8 under the hood of the compact rear wheel drive IS-F sedan, which produced 416-horsepower. This car allowing Lexus to be a contender, and equal to the BMW M and Mercedes AMG compact sedans.
7. 2011 - The supercar
In 2011, Lexus announced they would be making 500 LFA super cars, using technology they developed in premier international racing competition. This super car was introduced to show that Lexus wanted to be considered the equal of the exotics like Ferrari and Lamborghini, as well as to explore new technologies like the use of carbon-fiber. Under its hood was a 4.8-liter V-10 engine which produced 553-horsepower, and sounded like a Formula One car. The carbon fiber body structure played a huge role in making the super car lightweight, and the styling looked like nothing else on the road.
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