2009 Lexus: What's New for 2009

While it's firmly established itself after more than 20 years as the consumer's smart choice in luxury transportation, Lexus is still searching for an identity as a true luxury brand. As part of this effort, Lexus has undertaken a concerted effort to incorporate a more dramatic design language that it broadly describes as "L-Finesse." It's also attempted to seize leadership in environmentally friendly technology for the luxury market with the complex (and expensive) LS 600h L. Most important, Lexus now wants to be a performance brand, and the 416-hp IS-F is meant to lead the way.

2009 Lexus ES 350: This front-wheel-drive luxury sedan has reached its fifth generation in the Lexus lineup. Powered by a 272-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, it is unchanged for 2009 except for the addition of a new color choice, Matador Red Mica.

2009 Lexus GS 350: This sport sedan features a 303-hp 3.5-liter V6 and it's available as both a rear-wheel-drive model and as an all-wheel-drive model. There are no changes for 2009.

2009 Lexus GS 450: The rear-wheel-drive GS 460 is powered by a 342-hp 4.6-liter V8. Introduced as a 2006 model, it continues unchanged for 2009.

2009 Lexus GS 450h: The hybrid version of the GS sport sedan features a 292-hhp 3.6-liter V6, a 35-kilowatt electric motor and a pack of nickel-metal hydride batteries. It continues unchanged for 2009.

2009 Lexus GX 470: This body-on-frame sport-utility with dual-range all-wheel drive and a 263-hp 4.7-liter V8 continues unchanged for 2009.

2009 Lexus IS 250: The second-generation version of the Lexus compact sport sedan gets its first update in features and appearance since its 2006 introduction. Powered by a 204-hp 2.5-liter V6, the IS 250 is largely identical to the IS 350. It's available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. In addition, the rear-wheel-drive version is available with a six-speed manual transmission. The suspension has been retuned for more sporting control and response, and the steering has been quickened in the process. The IS 250 also now has the GS-style performance-oriented stability control as standard equipment. For the rear-wheel-drive model, all-season tires are now available for the optional 18-inch wheels.

The appearance of the IS has been changed with a new fascia both front and rear, featuring a new grille and new taillights. Both 17- and 18-inch wheels now have a different style as well. The color palette for the bodywork now includes Amber Pearl and Truffle Mica.

The interior of the IS features a number of detail changes. The center cluster of the instrument panel has been revised, the air registers are different, the moonroof switch has been changed, the control for the outside mirror is illuminated and the DC outlet and aux jack inside the console box have been changed. The seats now include foldable headrests. A number of changes have also been made to the appearance of the interior, including contrasting stitching for the leather upholstery on the door panels and seats, while the carpet color now matches the color of the upper instrument panel. Meanwhile the Ecru leather upholstery is paired with golden-brown wood trim, the light gray upholstery is matched by dark gray bird's eye maple and the black is complemented by dark gray bird's eye maple.

As with the IS 350, a new F-type equipment package is available for the IS 250.

2009 Lexus IS 350: The second-generation version of the Lexus compact sport sedan gets its first update in features and appearance since its introduction as a 2006 model. The rear-wheel-drive IS 350 continues to be powered by a 306-hp 3.5-liter V6. The suspension has been retuned for more sporting control and response, and the steering has been quickened in the process. All-season tires are now available for the optional 18-inch wheels.

The appearance of the IS has been changed with a new fascia both front and rear, featuring a new grille and new taillights. Both 17- and 18-inch wheels now have a different style as well. The color palette for the bodywork now includes Amber Pearl and Truffle Mica.

The interior of the IS features a number of detail changes. The center cluster of the instrument panel has been revised, the air registers are different, the moonroof switch has been changed, the control for the outside mirror is illuminated, and the DC outlet and aux jack inside the console box have been changed. The seats now include foldable headrests. A number of changes have also been made to the appearance of the interior, including contrasting stitching for the leather upholstery of the door panels and seats, while carpet color is now matched with the color of the upper instrument panel. Meanwhile the Ecru leather upholstery is paired with golden-brown wood trim, the light gray upholstery is matched by dark gray bird's-eye maple and the black is complemented by dark gray bird's eye maple.

Finally, a new F-type equipment package is available for the IS 350.

2009 Lexus IS-F: The IS-F joined the Lexus lineup as a 2008 model, a high-powered rear-wheel-drive sport sedan powered by a 416-hp 5.0-liter V8. For 2009, the design of the instrument panel's center cluster has been revised for clarity, while the control switch for the outside mirrors is illuminated. For vehicles equipped with the optional navigation system, the center control cluster has been trimmed in a piano-black finish. Finally, the interior is now available in a two-tone combination of Terra Cotta and black.

2009 Lexus LS 460/LS 460L: The luxury sedan continues much as before, only now an all-wheel-drive model is available in addition to the usual rear-wheel-drive models. The AWD model also features air suspension, variable-ratio power-assisted steering and a heated wood-rim steering wheel. In addition, the passenger-side seat now incorporates a memory function.

2009 Lexus LS 600h L: The LS 600h L continues as the fullest expression of the Lexus idea, a full-size all-wheel-drive luxury sedan with both the most complete array of comfort and convenience features in the Lexus line and a hybrid powertrain featuring a 389-hp 5.0-liter V8, a 165-kilowatt electric motor, and a pack of nickel-metal hydride batteries. The only change for 2009 is the incorporation of memory for the passenger-side seat. We can't believe it's been overlooked until now.

2009 Lexus LX 570: This third-generation version of the Lexus all-wheel-drive utility was introduced for 2008, so not much has changed for 2009. Privacy glass has been incorporated for the rear windows and Costa Azul Mica has been added to the color palette. There's a new optional luxury package that includes a cool box, smart-card remote key, unique finish for the wheels, semi-aniline leather upholstery and Bubinga wood interior trim.

2009 Lexus RX 350: The original luxury crossover continues unchanged in its second-generation form with a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6. New colors include Classic Silver Metallic, Golden Almond Metallic, Matador Red Mica, Obsidian and Smoky Granite Mica.

2009 Lexus RX 400h: The hybrid version of the Lexus RX utility continues unchanged for 2009 except for some new colors: Classic Silver Metallic, Golden Almond Metallic, Matador Red Mica, Obsidian and Smoky Granite Mica.

2009 Lexus SC 430: The exclusive Lexus hardtop convertible has slowly evolved since its introduction in 2002, but the changes have largely been cosmetic. For 2009 the turn signals have been incorporated into the outside mirrors and the color palette now includes Opaline Pearl. There's a Pebble Beach Special Edition that features a rear spoiler, special 18-inch wheels, seats in Ecru leather with contrasting black stitching plus an armrest, wood trim in black bird's-eye maple, lighted doorsill scuff plates, black floor mats with a Pebble Beach logo, and bodywork in Mercury metallic.