Happy New (Model) Year | Lexus Monterey Peninsula

09/26/2014—Here on the Lexus Drivers site, much time has been spent making sure you’re well-prepped for potential test drives in the new Lexus models hitting dealerships in the coming weeks, the Lexus RC F, Lexus RC, and Lexus NX.

But, as always, all Lexus vehicles are graced with updates for the new model year; here’s what’s changing from 2014 to 2015 for other vehicles—just in case you’re picturing a new Lexus in your driveway:

2015 CT 200h UPDATES:
First up, the CT: for 2015, the vehicle gets thebrilliant new Lexus Enform Remote system*, which allows you to, among other tasks, start, locate, and lock/unlock your Lexus via smartphone. Other tech updates include a HomeLink system that’s now smaller and lighter with two-way communication and easier programming, plus Lexus Siri Eyes Free Mode* has been added with Lexus Display Audio or Navigation. The vehicle’s turn signals now adopt the 3-flash system similar to the GS and LS, and other tweaks include a redesigned Remote Touch Interface (RTI) knob for models equipped with navigation, as well as a new exterior white color-tone option.
> Full specs and features

2015 IS 350/IS 250 UPDATES:
Like the CT, the IS now comes with Lexus’ Enform remote system and Siri Eyes Free Mode (with Lexus Display Audio or Navigation), plus veteran IS owners will notice some interior changes. The model’s Light Gray interior has been replaced by a new Stratus Gray, and last year’s metallic-painted trim has been made brighter to enhance the metal-like appearance—you’ll see this with the clock, door trim, steering wheel, shift knob, and other areas. Also, last year’s Matte Black center console trim has been replaced with a new grayish metallic color, and the trim on the switch plates and above the glove box are now an Illustrious Piano Black.

Lexus also added side padding on the base model’s center console, and additional updates include an optional heated steering wheel for AWD models, dynamic gridlines on the backup monitor,* a Lane Departure Alert* added to the display screen (if model is equipped with this feature), and LED foglamps on the base model. Bonus: there’s now a Lexus IS F SPORT special edition in the new The Crafted Line by Lexus, an enhanced, limited-production line of five Lexus models.
> Full specs and features

2015 ES 350/ES 300h UPDATES:
For the 2015 ES and ES Hybrid, Lexus has added its next-generation multimedia control systems, called 13CY, to the display screen, and has made the Display Audio feature a standard feature. And like the IS and CT, both ES models now come with the Lexus Enform Remote system, plus interior changes include standard perforated NuLuxe seating material, a redesigned RTI knob with the Navigation system (a new comfortable concave surface), and a new Atomic Silver exterior color option. ES fans also have a special edition option, as the ES 350 is part of the limited-edition Crafted Line.
> Full specs and features

2015 GS 350/GS 450h UPDATES:
GS fans: when you take your dealer up on a 2015 GS or GS Hybrid test drive in the coming weeks, take a close look at the wheels—2015 models now come with 18-inch split five-spoke wheels.* The vehicles also receive the Lexus Enform Remote system, the newly sculpted RTI knob with the Navigation system, a new Atomic Silver exterior color option, and 13CY graphics on the display screen. The GS Hybrid now offers an F SPORT package, and the GS 350 F SPORT is part of the enhanced Crafted Line by Lexus special editions.
> Full specs and features

2015 LS 460/LS 460 L/LS 600h UPDATES:
First of all, if you haven’t seen the new limited-production, black-and-white LS F SPORT Crafted Line edition, check it out—it’s a good look for the flagship. For 2015, engineers also adjusted the LS 460 and 460 L coil suspension, and they adjusted the turning radius for LS 460/460 L vehicles equipped with 18-inch wheels. The LS and LS Hybrid models also sport some shared interior updates for 2015, such as LED dome-lamp bulbs, dynamic gridlines on the backup monitor, the next generation 13CY display screen graphics, and the Lexus Enform Remote system. The 2015 LS Hybrid has also been a given a little more cargo space.
> Full specs and features

2015 RX 350/RX 450h UPDATES:
Both the hybrid and conventionally powered RX models will now get LED foglamps with their optional headlamp systems (both the HID and LED headlamps with dynamic auto-leveling). The wheels on both models will now be 19-inch triple-split 5-spoke wheels* with a machined and Light Gray finish, and their turn signals adopt the three-flash system found on the ES.

Interior updates include a few design adjustments—the Lexus logo on the audio faceplate is now an elegant platinum finish, and the RTI knob (with Navigation) sports Lexus’ new concave shape, as well as standard Display Audio. Engineers also updated the front seatback design to be the same as the heated/ventilated seat.

The RX 350 also comes with a few of it own 2015 updates: the F SPORT version offers a Crafted Line special edition, and the regular RX 350 F SPORT model includes standard LED foglamps and a Cabernet leather trim.
> Full specs and features

2015 GX 460 and 2015 LX 570 UPDATES:
This year, these two award-winning Lexus SUVs get some light additions to their existing array of technological, comfort, and performance wonders. Both the 2015 GX and LX now come with Siri Eyes Free Mode (with Lexus Display Audio or Navigation), and the GX has two new colors: Silver Lining Metallic and Nebula Gray Pearl.
> GX full specs and features
> LX full specs and features

Eight ways to gauge whether you’re born to drive the Lexus RC | Lexus Monterey Peninsula

Defining a coupe these days isn’t an easy task.

Once upon a time, it meant a sleek, two-door vehicle that implied a few things about its driver, namely success, style, and—if the owner happened to be a family man—an appreciation of a second car to contrast the family sedan or wagon.

Over the years, automakers have marketed all kinds of coupe derivatives: the business coupe (two doors and two seats, made for traveling sales people), the four-door coupe (four doors but coupe proportions), and even the opera coupe, designed with a high roof to allow theater-goers to travel in style without the need to remove any hats.

Lexus has its own dramatic definition for a coupe, however, and you’re looking at it.
The new RC is a respectful nod to the “purity” of the coupe tradition—and what that tradition says about the person who gets behind the wheel.

This then begs the question: Who exactly is that driver these days? What sort of person should be looking closely at the Lexus RC, a prestige performance car that’s designed to deliver, in the words of Chief Engineer Junichi Furuyama, “an extra” driving response?

We say that driver is you—especially if you agree with any of the following:

Image matters: How you carry yourself is important, you say, which is, in many ways, what the Lexus RC is all about. Its dimensions are sleek, pure, with hints of aggression—a trait distinctly apparent in the RC’s Lexus-signature spindle grille.

So do the details: If you agree with this one, know this: Lexus engineers gave the RC genuine shimamoku wood highlights, which are the result of an intense, layered wood production technique refined by Lexus. The vehicle also sports small but significant accoutrements such as aluminum door trim and scuff plates.

Leaders don’t shy away from power: Furuyama decided to give the vehicle a 3.5-liter engine that produces a maximum 306 horsepower. His team also outfitted the coupe with an eight-speed, Sport Direct Shift transmission, which is purposefully adapted from the Lexus IS F.

Advanced tech is put on this Earth to be adopted: The Lexus RC offers a touch-sensitive Lexus Remote Touch Interface for audio and navigation systems. It’s also the first Lexus to adopt the enhanced Blind Spot Monitor system, which is designed to detect vehicles that are approaching at a higher speed and from a greater distance than the current system.

First impressions are vital: An RC coming your way shows off triangular headlamps that evoke the sporty characteristics of the LF-LC concept’s styling, while concept-vehicle inspiration is evident in the unique three-lamp LED design. At low beam, the lamps adopt an L-shaped pattern as an expression of the Lexus identity.

The act of driving should be a good time: Remember that Sport Direct Shift transmission? The RC comes with Formula One-style paddle shifters, and in manual driving mode, a torque converter lock up from second to eighth gears allows for quick down shifts.

Hospitality is a gentlemanly quality: “We developed RC to deliver extra response that exhilarates rather than overwhelms drivers, in keeping with the true spirit of Japanese hospitality, or omotenashi,” explains Furuyama, referring not just to your experience in the coupe but that of your guests and passengers.

One needs to stay in touch with their inner supercar: And finally, when you sit down for your test drive next year, take a close look at the Lexus RC’s gauges—they’re inspired by none other than those in the Lexus LFA.