Lexus: What's New for 2012

What's New for 2012: All Makes

2012 Lexus CT 200h: An all-new model in 2011, the Lexus CT 200h receives only minor changes for 2012. There are now two F Sport packages available on the premium model. The standard package includes a retuned suspension, 17-inch wheels, a mesh front grille and the all-important larger spoiler, in addition to interior upgrades like aluminum sport pedals, metallic dash trim, a leather-trimmed F Sport steering wheel, unique seat trim and a black headliner. The F Sport Special Edition packages adds its own special 17-inch wheel design, blue-trimmed seats, F Sport floor mats and, get this, a matching Tumi duffel bag. Nice. On the color front, Nebula Gray Pearl replaces Smokey Granite Mica on standard models. The base F Sport package is available in Matador Red Mica, Nebula Gray Pearl, Obsidian Tungsten Pearl, Starfire Pearl and Ultrasonic Blue. The Special Edition F Sport package is only available with Nebula Gray Pearl, Starfire Pearl or Tungsten Pearl.

2012 Lexus ES 350: Unless you consider the addition of a Touring edition big news, there's not much going on with the 2012 Lexus ES 350. The new option package only comes in either Starfire Pearl or Stargazer Black and includes 17-inch wheels; brown walnut trim; saddle tan leather on the seats, center console and armrests; a navigation system; heating and ventilation for the front seats and special trim on the steering wheel and shift knob. If you don't opt for the Touring edition, take note that Nebula Gray Pearl replaces Smoky Granite Mica, and Peridot Mica has been discontinued entirely.

2012 Lexus GS 350/460: There's an all-new Lexus GS 350, but it's officially a 2013 model. That means absolutely nothing has changed with the 2012 GS lineup while it finishes its short run before the redesigned model arrives in early 2012.

2012 Lexus GS 450h: Nothing new here either, as the next-generation 2013 GS 450h won't arrive until early 2012.

2012 Lexus GX 460: Now into its third year on the market, the 2012 Lexus GX 460 gets only minor changes. And when we say minor, it's no exaggeration. We're talking things like an additional light for the change drawer by the shift lever, some extra body molding for base models and a new rearview mirror with illuminated HomeLink buttons. Other momentous additions include an outside temperature gauge, high-gloss wheels on Premium models and a new color — Fire Agate Pearl. It replaces Peridot Mica on the color palette. Also worthy of note is a new restriction on a few package combinations. You can no longer order the pre-collision system with either the Crawl Control System or the wide-view front and side monitors. Crawl Control and the wide-view monitors are also no longer available as a package.

2012 Lexus HS 250h: Not much changes on the 2012 HS 250h. Thankfully, there's more eco-plastic in the seat fabrics, carpeting and package tray. There's also a new warning tone that warns you if the car is in neutral and the gas is applied. Other non-noteworthy additions include illuminated HomeLink buttons and Nebula Gray Pearl paint in place of Smoky Granite Mica. And finally, for some reason you can't get LED headlights unless you also order the navigation system.

2012 Lexus IS 250/350: There are only minor changes to the IS sedan this year. If you really like the idea of a factory coin holder, you might want to start looking elsewhere, as it's been discontinued. Left-handed drivers finally score a small victory, as the stability control switch has been moved to the left side of the dashboard. Illuminated HomeLink buttons and the addition of Nebula Gray Pearl and Fire Agate Pearl to the color palette are the only remaining changes. Smokey Graphite Mica and Glacier Frost Mica are no longer available.

2012 Lexus IS 250/350 C: The convertible IS 250 gets all the same changes as the sedan. So no more coin holder, no more Smokey Granite Mica and no more VSC switch on the right side of the dash. There are a few coupe-specific changes, however, including a switch to black trunk carpet in place of ivory, no more optional run-flat tires and a new optional 18-inch five-spoke wheel with a liquid graphite finish.

2012 Lexus IS F: After a minor retune last year, the 2012 IS F only gets a few minor changes. The 19-inch forged wheels are now half an inch wider all around, while the rear tires now measure 265/35YR19. The orange/black color combination for the seats has been replaced by a red monotone color scheme. The rest of the changes mimic those made to the standard IS sedans, so no more coin holder, a new location for the VSC switch and illuminated HomeLink buttons. Lastly, Nebula Gray Pearl replaces Smoky Granite Mica on the paint chart.

2012 Lexus LFA: Although it seems as if it's been around for awhile already, 2012 is the first official model year for this ultra-exotic supercar from Lexus. Built mostly out of carbon fiber and limited to just 500 units worldwide, the $475,000 LFA is the very definition of a halo car. It features a 552-horsepower V10, paddle-shifted six-speed transmission and an ultra-sophisticated suspension. A special Nurburgring Edition was added later in the build cycle that adds $70,000 to the price and 10 hp to the output, in addition to a revised suspension and a fixed rear wing.

2012 Lexus LS 460/LS 460L: A new LS Sport Authentic Special Edition is the only major addition to the 2012 LS. Available only on the short-wheelbase, rear-wheel-drive model, the package adds unique 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes and various trim pieces that are no doubt sporty in nature. The interior gets sport seats, dark burl wood trim, a two-tone dashboard and a slew of electronic upgrades like automatic door closers and a navigation system. Only 250 will be available and all will wear Black Obsidian paint. On standard models, Nebula Gray Pearl replaces Smoky Granite Mica.

2012 Lexus LS 600h L: The only change to the 2012 LS 600h is confined to the paint color palette. Nebula Gray Pearl replaces Smoky Granite Mica. That is all.

2012 Lexus LX 570: There are no changes to the 2012 Lexus LX 570.

2012 Lexus RX 350: A new appearance package is the biggest news for the 2012 RX 350. It includes dark headlight surrounds and 19-inch wheels with a Superchrome finish that is way shinier than standard chrome. All models now run just fine on 87 octane, and a new warning light will tell you when the multimode automatic transaxle is acting up. Whew. And finally, as with so many other Lexus models this year, Smoky Granite Mica is no longer available, replaced by Nebula Gray Pearl.

2012 Lexus RX 450h: Like the standard RX, the 2012 RX 450h gets a new warning light for its transmission and a new color — Nebula Gray Pearl. That's it.