Will Lexus Reclaim Its Luxury Sales Crown in 2012?

WATERTOWN, MASS. (01/19/2012)(readMedia)-- Natural disasters may have disrupted production of Lexus vehicles in 2011, but the fresh faces arriving in its lineup this year have the brand prepped to recapture its U.S. luxury sales crown. Lexus already has nine new or updated models scheduled for release in 2012, beginning with the all-new 2013 Lexus GS 350 headed to Lexus dealerships in February.

First revealed this past summer at the Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach, California, the fourth-generation Lexus GS 350 luxury sedan will be the first Lexus to bring the brand's new design philosophy to the public with a new aggressive spindle grille. The 2013 GS 350 will also include the next generation of the Lexus Enform multimedia system, which allows drivers to search for driving destinations, make dinner reservations, buy movie tickets and complete a variety of other hands-free tasks without leaving the car's cabin.

"The next generation of Enform will allow the user to easily search for a place to eat, read reviews on the restaurant, get directions there, and even check in using Facebook Places once they arrived," said Vincent Liuzzi, general manager of Greater Boston Lexus dealer Lexus of Watertown. "While we expect the bolder styling of Lexus' new vehicles to be the initial attraction for new buyers, innovative features like Enform will help seal the deal."

The upgraded Enform system will also be found in the new 2013 Lexus GS 450h hybrid, expected to arrive this spring, as well as in the updated 2013 Lexus LX 570 SUV, tentatively scheduled to go on sale in February. Each vehicle will incorporate the new Lexus design theme as well, featuring the same signature grille found on the GS 350 while highlighting sharper curves and other sporty design elements.

Lexus' more aggressive design philosophy was especially evident in the LF-LC concept sport coupe that was featured alongside the refreshed LX 570 at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show earlier this month. Thanks to its dynamic and sweeping lines, its low and aggressive silhouette and its leather- and suede-filled interior, the LF-LC concept emerged from Detroit with a 2012 EyesOn Design Award.

Each year, judges of the EyesOn Design Awards recognize both the best production vehicle and best concept vehicle unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show. The LF-LC, designed from scratch at Lexus' Calty design studio in California, was named Best Concept Vehicle, winning over judges with its ambitious take on the new family grille.

"Lexus' new design language has already resonated with auto-industry experts, and we're confident that it'll inspire the same reaction at our dealership," added Liuzzi. "Though the LF-LC is only a concept, it features a lot of design elements that we expect to see in future Lexus vehicles. That means that it'll be at least partially responsible for a lot more awards and vehicles sales down the line."

About Lexus of Watertown:

Lexus of Watertown is a recipient of multiple Elite of Lexus awards, given annually to dealerships that showcase overall excellence. They have a huge selection of new and certified pre-owned Lexus models, in addition to an exemplary service department that keeps customers coming back. Easily accessible from MetroWest, the North Shore and the South Shore, Lexus of Watertown is just minutes off the Mass Pike between Route 128 and Route 93. For more information, visit them online at www.lexusofwatertown.com, call them at 888-227-9560, become their fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LexusWatertown, or stop by their showroom at 330 Arsenal Street in Watertown, MA.