The very best Lexus models of all time

Lexus has defied the early naysayers to turn out to be a single of the world’s top luxury brands. Motoring journalist Rob Griffin picks out 6 of the ideal.

When Toyota announced back in the 1980s that it was launching a luxury automobile, it is fair to say that the news was treated with a degree of scepticism. However, cynics have been largely proved wrong, as the brand has been responsible for some wonderful machines. In spite of there getting a relatively limited number of vehicles to choose from, there have nevertheless been a great number of impressive or innovative automobiles that have borne the Lexus badge.

Lexus LS 400

It’s tough to think that 25 years have passed considering that the LS 400 produced its debut. Obtaining spent 5 years in development, it was seen as a decent rival to the well-established luxury automobile marques that had been dominating the market. The influence it made was instant with reviewers praising the ride, handling and comfort. Prime Gear’s Chris Goffey, for instance, described it as “petrifyingly good” and “wonderful worth for funds” soon after taking it for a road test.

Lexus GS 450h

Remember when so-referred to as green cars have been viewed as sluggish and dull? Well, if any of those perceptions still exist then cars like the Lexus GS 450h will definitely challenge them. Not only is it fashionable, but its eco-credentials are also up to date. Performance comes from what is known as the Lexus Hybrid Drive. This consists of a 3.5 litre V6 direct-injection petrol engine combined with a higher-output electric motor. The finish outcome is -62mph in 5.9 seconds, with rates upwards of £45,000.

Lexus IS-F

Confirmation could have only lately filtered via that the IS-F has reached the end of its production run, but it can undoubtedly lay claim to obtaining been one of the more impressive machines to have carried the Lexus badge. It was branded a “brilliant car” by Top Gear, which insisted it was the greatest-handling Lexus ever produced and deserved its spot among the super saloons. Its arrival also helped adjust the perception of Lexus from getting a provider of executive rather than sporty machines.

Lexus RCF

In its broadest terms, this is the replacement for the IS-F. While retaining the instantaneously recognisable difficult styling, the RCF boasts the most effective Lexus V8 road car engine ever produced – a hand-built 5. litre lump. This 2+2 sports automobile feels extremely effectively-crafted inside the cockpit with stunning seats and a dizzying array of gadgets. With a price tag tag of about £60,000 it is clear that Lexus sees the main competitors for this beast as the likes of the BMW M4.

Lexus LF-LC

It made a quite favourable impression after appearing as a idea vehicle at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show and now Lexus has confirmed the LF-LC will be going into production. You can anticipate it to be rolling out of factories in 2016. Although particulars are thin on the ground at present, the LF-LC is anticipated to be a hybrid 2+2 coupé and is noticed as a rival to the likes of the Maserati GranTurismo with its potent combination of power, overall performance and eye-catching good appears.

Lexus LF-C2 Notion

Now for a appear into the future. This stunning machine not too long ago made its debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show and offers a superb insight into the path that Lexus’s designers are looking to take the brand. The radical departure, which was unveiled as a 2+2 machine, is entirely roofless and sported what was referred to as an “experimental” version of the brand’s spindle grille. All we can do is hope that it at some point finds its way into production.

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The very best Lexus models of all time