Celebrating 35 years in the luxury car game

Lexus is known for being a luxury car brand with stunning designs and exceptional craftsmanship but there’s a few fascinating facts about Lexus that many may not know.

To mark 35 years, here are ten things you didn’t know about Lexus.

1. Lexus was born out a secret project

In 1983, Toyota President Eiji Toyoda asked his team to create a car “better than the best in the world”.

This top-secret project, codenamed “Circle F”, involved 60 designs, 1,400 engineers and 2,300 technicians.

450 test vehicles and 973 prototypes of the 4.0-litre quad-cam V8 engine were trialled with 4.4 million kilometres of testing.

The result? Lexus’ first vehicle, the LS 400 launching in 1989.

It was a car that launched Lexus and redefined the luxury market.

2. The LS 400 was the world’s quietest car

When the LS 400 debuted in 1989, and 1990 in Australia, it was evidently quiet.

This was a part of the brand’s strategy and they went to great lengths to ensure that the car offered a peaceful driving experience.

From using soundproof glass to testing every part of the vehicle to reduce noise. The result was a car that set a new benchmark.

This was the future of Lexus, a car with innovative features like sounds-dampening engineering, luxurious interior and was extremely reliable.

3. Lexus is a hybrid pioneer

Lexus didn’t follow the hybrid trend, they were actually the first brand to launch hybrid luxury vehicles.

In 2006, they introduced the GS 450h, a hybrid luxury sedan, then they launched the RX 400h, a hybrid SUV.

35 Years of Lexus Showcase Thirty-five years ago, Lexus set out to disrupt the automotive status quo with the promise of creating the world’s most refined luxury car, together with an unrivalled customer experience that would redefine luxury ownership. Picture: Supplied

MORE:15 yrs later: Aussie fave’s ‘ludicrous’ return

4. The Lexus “F” performance line has racing roots

The letter “F” has become synonymous with Lexus performance but it wasn’t always part of their strategy.

The “F” badge which first appeared on the IS F Sedan in 2007 is inspired by Fuji Speedway, where Lexus’s high-performance vehicles are developed.

The “F” logo also represents the track’s challenging turn one.

5. Lexus debuted in Japan nearly 16 years after its launch

Although Lexus was founded in 1989, the Japanese car brand wasn’t sold in Japan until 2005.

Why? Because the Japanese market was dominated by German and Italian car brands and Lexus was not seen as a luxury car brand at that time.

6. Lexus has its own “Takumi”

Lexus’ commitment to quality craftsmanship is reflected in the concept of “Takumi”.

“Takumi” is the term used for the master artisans who spend decades perfecting their skill.

From handcrafted leather stitching to wooden inlays, Lexus ensured that every vehicle meets the brand’s standards.

Lexus confirms production of the LFA supercar in 2009. Eight examples are allocated to Australia. LFA on display to celebrate 35 years of Lexus. Picture: Supplied

MORE:Catch: Buy a ‘Lambo’ for 20pc of the price

7. The LFA is a true supercar collector item

In 2009 Lexus began production on the LFA, which is one of the most talked about and exclusive models in automotive history.

With only 500 units produced worldwide, this masterpiece features an impressive 4.8L V10 engine co-developed by Yamaha, this beast produces 412kW and 480Nm with a staggering 9,000rpm.

Limited to just 500 units globally with eight allocated to Australia, the LFA quickly became a collectors item, with some now valued at more than $1 million, well above its original price.

8. The Lexus SC 430 was the last vehicle to feature a cassette player

The Lexus SC 430, introduced in 2001, was the last Lexus model to feature a cassette player.

It’s funny to think that the cassette player was once deemed a luxury item.

9. Lexus offers a unique customer experience with Lexus Encore

The Lexus Encore program, which started in Australia, is a unique and exclusive offering to Lexus customers.

Customers receive exclusive services such as vehicle pick-up for servicing, valet parking, private dinners and access to the most unique events.

It’s a personalised approach to ownership that ensures Lexus owners feel that they’re not just buying a car but a lifestyle.

10. Lexus built a luxury yacht

In 2017, Lexus ventured beyond automotive and unveiled its Lexus Sport Yacht concept.

The yacht was built using carbon-fibre reinforced plastic, making it lighter (1000kg), stronger and more fuel efficient.

The 42-foot vessel was powered by 5.0L V8 engines and features a sleek design.

Originally published as Celebrating 35 years in the luxury car game