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133-761: The LMDh ruleset was created jointly by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO). The cars serve as the successor to the Daytona Prototype International class, utilising regulations that were planned to become the next-generation Daytona Prototype International ruleset, converged with the Le Mans Hypercar ruleset. The FIA World Motor Sport Council had allowed LMDh cars to participate in

266-461: A heart bypass surgery , forcing him to rethink his priorities. He began to realise that the Camel GT series was in danger of becoming oriented toward the factory-backed teams and less to the privateers as Bishop originally intended. Rules were modified to accommodate the factory teams, which wanted to get into the series, despite Bishop's belief that such changes would be unfavorable to the series in

399-719: A hybrid version of the RX crossover debuted and additional hybrid models later joined the division's lineup. Lexus launched its own F marque performance division in 2007 with the debut of the IS F sport sedan, followed by the LFA supercar in 2009. Lexus vehicles are largely produced in Japan, with manufacturing centered in the Chūbu and Kyūshū regions, and in particular at Toyota's Tahara , Aichi , Chūbu and Miyata , Fukuoka , Kyūshū plants. Assembly of

532-603: A smart key entry and startup system, and multimedia features. Beginning with the 2010 RX and HS models, the Remote Touch system, featuring a computer mouse -like controller with haptic feedback , was introduced; other models have featured touchscreen controls (through the 2009 model year) as a navigation screen interface. 2014 saw the introduction of the next version of Lexus' remote-touch innovations—the Remote Touch Interface Touchpad in

665-699: A software update , one week after Consumer Reports issued a recommendation not to buy the SUV, citing a possible rollover risk following the slow stability control response to a high-speed emergency turn. Although the publication knew of no reported incidents, the GX 460 received updated stability control software. In late 2010 and early 2011, Lexus began sales of the CT 200h , a compact four-door hybrid hatchback designed for Europe, in multiple markets. Sales of lower-displacement regional models were also expanded, beginning with

798-703: A DPi programme. On 24 January 2020, ahead of the 2020 24 Hours of Daytona , a joint ACO and IMSA press conference was held at the Daytona International Speedway , where ACO and IMSA announced the new Le Mans Daytona h (LMDh) ruleset. It would supersede the Daytona Prototype International, and was converged with the Le Mans Hypercar regulations. It was planned to first be introduced in Europe starting from September 2021, before having its North American debut in 2022 at

931-436: A Lincoln or Cadillac. In December 1989, Lexus initiated a voluntary recall of all 8,000 LS 400s based upon two customer complaints over defective wiring and an overheated brake light . A 20-day operation to replace the parts on affected vehicles included technicians to pick up, repair and return cars to customers free of charge, and also flying personnel and renting garage space for owners in remote locations. This response

1064-711: A Silver or Bronze categorization from the FIA . The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama is a one-make series dedicated to the Porsche 911 GT3 , similar in concept to the Porsche Carrera Cup , held since 2005. Drivers are allowed to race in two different classes, Platinum and Gold. The entries were allowed in the American Le Mans Series starting in 2009 , in the GTC Class. The series became

1197-574: A V8 version putting out 467 horsepower. The LC 500h, a V6 hybrid variant, could potentially become available in late 2017 or early 2018. In April 2019, Lexus announced that a rebadged limousine version of the third-generation Toyota Alphard would be sold as the Lexus LM . It was also announced that Lexus would finally enter the market in Mexico in 2021 with some of the vehicles in their lineup. In October 2019, Lexus announced that it will be launching

1330-464: A brand, but as a distribution channel". As a result of Toyoda's organizational changes, Lexus senior managers report directly to the chairman for the first time in the marque's history. In January 2012, the marque began sales of the fourth generation GS line, including GS 350 and GS 450h variants, as well as a lower-displacement GS 250 model for select markets. In April 2012, the sixth generation ES line, including ES 350 and ES 300h variants, debuted at

1463-553: A corporate project to develop a new premium sedan, code-named F1, which began in 1983 and culminated in the launch of the Lexus LS in 1989. Subsequently, the division added sedan , coupé , convertible and SUV models. Lexus did not exist as a brand in its home market until 2005, and all vehicles marketed internationally as Lexus from 1989 to 2005 were released in Japan under the Toyota marque and an equivalent model name. In 2005,

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1596-543: A designated, third party regional distributor ; for example, in the United Arab Emirates, sales operations are managed by Al-Futtaim Motors LLC, and in Costa Rica, Lexus vehicles are sold via regional distributor Purdy Motors S.A. Other officially sanctioned regional distributors have sold Lexus models prior to the launch of, or in absence of, a dedicated dealership network. The Lexus brand launched in

1729-404: A factor of one hundred (e.g. 350 for a 3.5 L engine), except in the case of turbocharged and hybrid vehicles, for which the digits correspond to the displacement of a naturally aspirated engine with equivalent output (on hybrids, the three digits refer to the combined gasoline-electric output). A space is used between the letters and numbers. The same letter may be used differently depending on

1862-527: A home in Laguna Beach, California , to observe the lifestyles and tastes of American upper class consumers. Meanwhile, F1 engineering teams conducted prototype testing on locations ranging from the German autobahn to U.S. roads. Toyota's market research concluded that a separate brand and sales channel were needed to present its new sedan, and plans were made to develop a new network of dealerships in

1995-473: A hybrid-only marque in Europe. By the end of the decade, Lexus ranked as the fourth-largest premium car make in the world by volume, and was the number one selling premium car marque in the U.S. for 10 consecutive years. In 2010, Lexus underwent a gradual sales recovery in North America and Asia as the marque focused on adding hybrids and new model derivatives. Sales in the U.S. held steady despite

2128-483: A less-developed dealership network. In European markets, the Lexus LS has ranked behind BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Jaguar in flagship luxury car sales. Automotive analysts have suggested a possible rationale for the sales disparity, in that European buyers place less emphasis on vehicle reliability and have more brand loyalty to established domestic marques. In contrast, the Lexus LS has ranked second in sales to

2261-479: A management position on the SCCA Contest Board, which Bishop quickly accepted. Bishop moved to Westport, Connecticut shortly thereafter. Bishop's duties consisted of defining technical rules and general administration of SCCA competition, as well as providing artwork for many of the club's magazines and event programmes. He became well known in the motorsport scene and enjoyed a good relationship with

2394-567: A new prototype-only series for both LMP3 Gen 1 and Gen 2 cars called the IMSA HSR Prototype Challenge. A minimum 20-car grid was announced as the requirement for standalone races to be held, if not incorporated into races with other prototypes. The six-event calendar will follow HSR's usual events, including the Classic 24 Hour at Daytona and the Classic 12 Hour at Sebring. These are the series that were formerly run by

2527-519: A pair of Jean Rondeau -built Inaltera 's to compete as "special prototypes". They became the foundation of the newly formed Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) category in 1981 , with separate rules similar to Group C (Bishop was unhappy with the fuel consumption formula of the latter). In 1984 , Fédération Internationale du Sport Automobile (FISA), the organizers of the World Endurance Championship (WEC), attempted to unite

2660-475: A price premium compared with their discontinued Toyota counterparts. Sales for the first half-year were slower than expected, affected by the contraction of the domestic auto market and price increases, but improved in subsequent months with an expanded lineup. Through the mid-2000s, Lexus experienced sales successes in South Korea and Taiwan, becoming the top-selling import make in both markets in 2005;

2793-552: A race car. The series entered a sanctioning agreement with IMSA beginning with the 2021 season. In July 27, 2023, Ford and IMSA announced that the 7th Generation Mustang would have its own spec-racing series called Mustang Challenge, IMSA will sanction the championship with the organization of Ford themselves via the Ford Performance Racing School. On October 24, 2023, it was announced that HSR (owned by IMSA since January 2022) and IMSA were forming

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2926-719: A total of 518,000. Sales decreased in subsequent years due to the effects of the 2008 recession and the Japanese tsunami of 2011. Following this, sales recovered and reached a new high of 523,000 in 2013. In 2014, the Lexus brand set a new global sales record after selling 582,000 vehicles. This made Lexus the fourth best selling luxury brand in the world, trailing BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Global sales of Lexus vehicles increased by 12 percent in 2015 to reach another annual sales record with 652,000 units sold worldwide. Global cumulative sales of Lexus brand hybrid electric cars reached

3059-736: A variant of the RC coupe. Lexus produces its highest-performance models under its F marque division. The name refers to Flagship and Fuji Speedway in Japan, whose first corner, 27R, inspired the shape of the " F " emblem. F marque models are developed by the Lexus Vehicle Performance Development Division. The first F marque model, the IS F, went on sale in 2007, followed by the LFA in 2009. A related F-Sport performance trim level and factory-sanctioned accessory line

3192-400: A vast amount of experience and began to show his qualities as a manager. Rush would later depart due to his disagreement with the club as it moved to promote professional motor sports. Bishop took his place as executive director and was now responsible for both amateur and professional programs. To ensure a more serious level of competition, he was tasked with rewriting the technical rules for

3325-801: Is a grand touring and touring car racing series run by the International Motor Sports Association. The Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge was the support series for GRAND-AM's premier offering, the Rolex Sports Car Series . In 2014 it became the support series for the United SportsCar Championship series upon the merger of the Rolex Series and the American Le Mans Series . The series branded as

3458-479: Is available for standard Lexus models such as the IS 250 and IS 350. The F-Sport trim level commonly includes cosmetic upgrades to the exterior and interior, and in some vehicles, mechanical upgrades such as an adaptive variable suspension. F-Sport succeeded an earlier in-house tuning effort, the TRD -based L-Tuned, which had offered performance packages on the IS and GS sedans in the early 2000s (decade). Additions to

3591-600: Is marketed in more than 90 countries and territories worldwide and is Japan's largest-selling make of premium cars. It has ranked among the 10 largest Japanese global brands in market value. Lexus is headquartered in Nagoya , Japan. Operational centers are located in Brussels , Belgium, and Plano, Texas , United States. Created at around the same time as Japanese rivals Honda and Nissan created their Acura and Infiniti luxury divisions respectively, Lexus originated from

3724-508: Is the sanctioning body of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship , the premier series resulting from the merger of Grand-Am Road Racing and the American Le Mans Series . IMSA is owned by NASCAR, as a division of the company. John Bishop, a Sikorsky employee, first became involved in motorsport in the 1950s when he met Dave Allen, a Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) staff member. Allen offered Bishop

3857-490: Is used in the development process. Each vehicle is designed according to approximately 500 specific product standards, known as "Lexus Musts", on criteria such as leather seat stitching. Design elements from the marque's concept vehicle line, the LF series (including the 2003 LF-S and 2004 LF-C ), have been incorporated in production models. Vehicle cabins have incorporated electroluminescent Optitron gauges, SmartAccess,

3990-455: The 2009–2010 Toyota vehicle recalls , several of which included Lexus models. The ES 350 and certain IS models were affected by a recall for potentially jamming floor mats , while parent company Toyota bore the brunt of negative publicity amid investigations over its series of product recalls and problem rates per-vehicle. The redesigned GX 460 was also voluntarily recalled in April 2010 for

4123-477: The 510 and 200SX . Many drivers would cut their teeth in this series such as Don Devendorf, of Electramotive fame, Jim Downing , of Kudzu, and Bobby Rahal . The final season was run in 1984 before it was replaced by the IMSA Showroom Stock class the following year, while retaining its sponsor until 1988. As with most now-defunct racing classes, there are revival races run for this category and

LMDh - Misplaced Pages Continue

4256-617: The Baby Grand Series , in 1971. Originally sponsored by B.F. Goodrich (therefore known as Goodrich Radial Challenge ) until they dropped sponsorship midway through 1975 (or 1976) and then by Goodyear (becoming the Goodyear Radial Challenge ), and later as Champion Spark Plug Challenge . The initial race held was in 1969 at Talladega Superspeedway Road Course. Gaston Andrey was first overall in an Alfa Romeo Giulia Super sedan. The Series' first year

4389-582: The Grand American Road Racing Association was created with full support of NASCAR's France family and other motorsports notables and had its inaugural season in 2000 . Grand-Am struggled early on, but proved to be a formidable competitor to the ALMS in later years with a different philosophy based on lower-tech cars, most notably its prototype category Daytona Prototype , giving larger fields and closer competition. Much like

4522-754: The IMSA Prototype Challenge series. Races in this series are usually run in support of events for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Events consist of two 45-minute sprint races with no pit stops or driver changes. Unlike its predecessor series, the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge features multi-class racing with prototypes and GTs on track at the same time. As the series is a development series for higher tier series among IMSA's championships, drivers are required to hold either

4655-613: The Infiniti Q45 , which it launched in 1990. Mazda began selling the Luce as the Mazda 929 in North America in 1988 and later began plans to develop an upscale marque to be called Amati , but its plans did not come to fruition. Toyota researchers visited the U.S. in May 1985 to conduct focus groups and market research on luxury consumers. During that time, several F1 designers rented

4788-546: The New York International Auto Show . In April 2014, Lexus unveiled the five-seater NX crossover. The vehicle features a very first for a Lexus vehicle: a turbocharger. Its nomenclature is denoted as the 200t. In August 2014, Toyota announced it would be cutting its Lexus spare parts prices in China by up to 35 percent. The company admitted the move was in response to a probe foreshadowed earlier in

4921-558: The North American International Auto Show in Detroit and official sales of the vehicle began the following September at a network of 81 new Lexus dealerships in the U.S. The LS 400 was sold along with the smaller ES 250 , a rebadged version of the Japanese market Toyota Camry Prominent/Toyota Vista . The launch of Lexus was accompanied by a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign. The LS 400

5054-619: The Porsche Carrera Cup North America beginning in the 2021 season. The Ferrari Challenge is a one-make series dedicated currently to the Ferrari 488 , which was previously sanctioned by Grand-Am prior to the merger. The Lamborghini Super Trofeo is a one-make series dedicated currently to multi-class racing, showcasing both the new Huracán LP 620-2 Super Trofeo and the Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo that

5187-553: The RC and the LC . Former convertibles include the SC and IS C models. Sport-utility vehicles range in size from the subcompact UX , compact NX and mid-size RX crossovers, to the full-size GX and LX , the discontinued HS and GS , and variants of the IS, ES, LS, RC, LC, LBX, UX, NX, RX, TX and LM. The F marque line formerly produced a variant of the IS, GS and the LFA and currently produces

5320-480: The SCCA sanctions events for mostly-stock and all-stock cars. The American Challenge (in full, Kelly American Challenge ), otherwise abbreviated as AAC was a category for US-built cars and throughout the series, it was always run as a support race to the premier GT series. Starting in 1977, the series ran until 1989. In 1992, the premier GTO category was renamed to GTS due to sponsor reasons, and rather than leaving

5453-744: The 2022 Rolex 24 at Daytona. Despite initial plans to allow manufacturers to build their own hybrid systems, this was scrapped in the draft LMDh regulations released in May, in favour of a spec 50kW hybrid system. The draft regulations stated that a car weight of 1030 kg, 500 kW peak of combined power from engine and hybrid system, a single bodywork package, a single tyre supplier, alongside a global Balance of Performance system to balance out LMDh and LMH cars. The gearbox hybrid system will be supplied by Xtrac with an integrated motor generator unit supplied by Bosch and batteries from Williams Advanced Engineering . The chassis suppliers will be Dallara , Ligier , Multimatic and Oreca . IMSA has said it will refer to

LMDh - Misplaced Pages Continue

5586-586: The 2022 WEC season on a race-by-race basis, "to ensure the seamless introduction" in 2023; however, no LMDh cars would end up participating at any of the 2022 season races, and they would instead make their debut in the 2023 season. Following the FIA World Endurance Championship's transition to a winter calendar in 2018, IMSA announced in January 2018, that it would extend the homologation periods for LMP2, DPi and GTE-spec machinery in

5719-618: The 500,000 mark in November 2012. The 1 million sales milestone was achieved in March 2016. The Lexus RX 400h/RX 450h ranks as the top selling Lexus hybrid with 335,000 units delivered worldwide as of March 2016 , followed by the Lexus CT 200h with 267,000 units. Lexus has not sold as well in Europe as it has in the rest of the world where it is marketed. This is allegedly due to suffering from smaller brand recognition, image, and

5852-653: The American Le Mans Series. Don Panoz renamed the sanctioning organization back to the International Motor Sports Association and was the official sanctioning body of the ALMS, as well as its support series, the Prototype Lites , the Star Mazda series, GT3 Cup Challenge and the Panoz GT Pro series. IMSA became part of Panoz Motorsports Group, which included the ALMS, Elan Motorsports Technology and Mosport, Sebring and Road Atlanta race tracks. Scott Atherton

5985-464: The British manufacturer, calling for steep reduction in costs. Ford and Porsche expressed similar sentiments, calling for convergence between LMH and DPi. On 15 January 2020, Toyota Racing Development president and general manager David Wilson expressed support for convergence between both platforms, stating that convergence of the two platforms would serve as a compelling reason for Lexus to launch

6118-482: The Crown not slated for export after a restyle in 1982. The F1 designers targeted their new sedan at international markets and began development on a new V8 engine. Japanese manufacturers exported more expensive models in the 1980s due to voluntary export restraints negotiated by the Japanese government and U.S. trade representatives that restricted mainstream car sales. In 1986, Honda launched its Acura marque in

6251-560: The DPi platform and regulations for the 2022 season, then-IMSA President Scott Atherton announced that IMSA was looking at other options beyond a further extension to the life of the DPi platform. On May 6, 2019, IMSA announced that the next generation DPi ruleset, known as DPi 2.0 would be an evolution based on the current LMP2-based platform, featuring hybrid technology from a single supplier, with supply voltage being unconfirmed. A few days later, IMSA's VP of Competition Simon Hodgson stated that

6384-601: The ES 240 in China followed by the RX 270; Japan, Russia, and Taiwan were among markets which received model variants intended for reduced emissions or import taxes. In March 2011, the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami caused severe disruption to Lexus' Japan-based production lines, hindering the marque's near-term sales prospects. Lexus' U.S. executives stated that due to vehicle shortages amidst close competition from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi ,

6517-523: The FIA World Endurance Championship's top class, on the condition it would not hinder the Japanese manufacturer from displaying its hybrid technology. Shortly after the release of the LMH Technical regulations, McLaren announced it would not be considering a LMH programme, and instead called for DPi to be brought into the WEC, with McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown stating that a LMH programme was unviable for

6650-534: The GTO category redundant, the title was reallocated to the former American Challenge cars. As a result, they would be run alongside GTS cars. This series started the careers of Irv Hoerr , Kenny Irwin Jr. , Patty Moise , Clay Young , Lyn St. James and Paul Gentilozzi . Lexus Lexus ( レクサス , Rekusasu ) is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation . The Lexus brand

6783-511: The IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, with Continental Tire having been title sponsor since the 2010 season until 2018. In 2019 Michelin replaced Continental Tire as supplier and title sponsor. This series uses TCR Touring Cars and GT4 cars. The IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge is a development series featuring LMP3 and GT4 cars. The series was introduced in 2023 as a replacement for

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6916-640: The IMSA organization. The International Sedan Series was short-lived and the genesis of the Radial Sedan Series . It is unclear if the 1969 inaugural IMSA Sedan race held at the Talladega Superspeedway Road Course was designated International Sedan Series or not . That being the only race held in 1969 details are sketchy , but over the winter of 1969–70 rules were officially promulgated for this Series. It

7049-461: The IMSA organization. The WeatherTech SportsCar Championship was created in 2014 through the merger of Grand-Am Road Racing and the American Le Mans Series . It debuted under the name Tudor United SportsCar Championship on January 25–26, 2014 at Daytona International Speedway . For the 2016 season title sponsorship changed from Tudor to WeatherTech. This series currently features LMDh , LMP2 , and GT3 cars. The IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge

7182-516: The Indian market in 2017, with the models RX450h , LX450d , LX570 , ES300h , NX , LS . Dealerships in Mumbai , Delhi , Gurgaon , and Bangalore became operational in March 2017, when the brand began sales in India with a second set of dealerships opening in Chandigarh , Kochi , and Chennai toward the end of 2017. This made Lexus the fifth luxury brand to be launched in India, after Mercedes-Benz, Porsche , BMW, and Audi. Global sales of Lexus vehicles reached an all-time high in 2007, with

7315-403: The LS 400's base price had risen 18 percent. In 1993, Lexus launched the mid-size GS 300 sports sedan, based on the Toyota Aristo using the Toyota "S" platform from the Toyota Crown , which had sold for two years prior in Japan. The GS 300 was priced below the LS 400 in the marque's lineup. That same year, Lexus became one of the first marques to debut a certified pre-owned program, with

7448-435: The LX's off-road capability. It was particularly successful, eventually becoming the marque's top-selling model ahead of the ES sedan. The same year, Lexus made its debut in South America's most populous country when it launched sales in Brazil. In 1999, the IS was introduced, an entry-level sport sedan. Lexus also recorded its 1 millionth vehicle sold in the U.S. market, being ranked as the top-selling premium car maker in

7581-427: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class (and ahead of rivals from BMW, Audi, and Jaguar) in markets outside Europe, such as South Africa. Currently all of Lexus's models for the US market are imported from Japan, with the exception of the RX and NX, which are also produced in Cambridge, Ontario , for North America, and the ES, which is also produced in Georgetown, Kentucky . The RX midsized crossover is Lexus's best selling model in

7714-425: The Philippines in 2009. In 2006, Lexus began sales of the GS 450h , a V6 hybrid performance sedan, and launched the fourth generation LS line , comprising both standard- and long- wheelbase V8 (LS 460 and LS 460 L) and hybrid (LS 600h and LS 600h L) versions. The fifth generation ES 350 also debuted in the same year. The LS 600h L subsequently went on sale as the most expensive sedan ever produced in Japan. By

7847-528: The SC 430, ending domestic sales of Toyota-branded models under the Celsior, Altezza, Windom, Aristo, Harrier, and Soarer nameplates, respectively. The Altezza and Aristo were previously exclusive to Japanese Toyota retail sales channels called Toyota Vista Store , the Windom was exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store, the Celsior and Harrier were exclusive to Toyopet Store, and the Soarer was previously available at both Toyota Store and Toyopet Store locations. Lexus models sold in Japan featured higher specifications and

7980-409: The Supra and Mark II were rear-wheel drive cars with a powerful 7M-GE or 7M-GTE inline-six engine. The largest sedan Toyota built at the time was the limited-production, 1960s-vintage Toyota Century , a domestic, hand-built limousine, and V8-powered model, followed by the inline-six-engined Toyota Crown premium sedan. The Century was conservatively styled for the Japanese market and along with

8113-452: The Top 100 Global Brands for the first time, with an estimated brand value of approximately $ 3 billion annually. In 2009, Interbrand ranked Lexus as Japan's seventh largest brand, between Panasonic and Nissan, based on revenue, earnings, and market value. The global Lexus lineup features sedans of different size classes, including the compact IS model, mid-size ES models, and the full-size LS . The 2-door coupe range consists of

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8246-461: The U.S. and Europe where deliveries fell by 21 percent and 27.5 percent, respectively. In 2009, the marque launched the HS 250h , a dedicated hybrid sedan for North America and Japan, the RX 450h , the second generation hybrid SUV replacing the earlier RX 400h, and later that year debuted the US$ 375,000 production LFA exotic coupe. In late 2009, citing higher sales of hybrid models over their petrol counterparts, Lexus announced plans to become

8379-483: The U.S. for the first time with the IS F, and announced its F-Sport performance trim level and factory-sanctioned accessory line. Increased emphasis on sporty models was an effort to target rivals from Mercedes-Benz's AMG and BMW's M divisions. Models such as the SC 400 and GS 400 had received favorable reactions from sport luxury buyers, most Lexus models had been characterized as favoring comfort over sporty road feel and handling, compared with European rivals. By

8512-432: The U.S. market, so it was more profitable for Japanese automakers to export more expensive cars to the U.S. In 1983, Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda issued a challenge to build the world's best car. The project, code-named F1 ("Flagship One") developed the Lexus LS 400 to expand Toyota's product line in the premium segment. The F1 project followed the Toyota Supra sports car and the premium Toyota Mark II models. Both

8645-422: The U.S. market. In 1986, Toyota's longtime advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi formed a specialized unit, Team One , to handle marketing for the new brand. Image consulting firm Lippincott & Margulies was hired to develop a list of 219 prospective names; Vectre, Verone, Chaparel, Calibre and Alexis were chosen as top candidates. While Alexis quickly became the front runner, concerns were raised that

8778-426: The U.S. overall. In July 2000, Lexus introduced the IS 300 in North America, following global launch in 1999 (as the IS 200) and the third generation LS 430. In 2001, the first convertible was introduced, as well as the SC 430 and a redesigned ES 300. The GX 470 mid-size SUV debuted in 2002, followed by the second generation RX 330 in 2003. The following year, Lexus recorded its 2 millionth U.S. vehicle sale, and

8911-445: The U.S." According to Team One interviews, the brand name has no specific meaning and simply evokes a luxurious and technological image. Prior to the release of the first vehicles, database service LexisNexis obtained a temporary injunction forbidding the name Lexus from being used because it might cause product confusion. The injunction threatened to delay the division's launch and marketing efforts. The U.S. appeals court lifted

9044-420: The U.S., influencing Toyota's plans for a luxury division. The initial Acura model was an export version of the Honda Legend , called the Acura Legend , itself launched in Japan in 1985 as a rival to the Toyota Crown , Nissan Cedric / Gloria and Mazda Luce . In 1987, Nissan unveiled its plans for a premium brand, Infiniti , and revised its Nissan President sedan in standard wheelbase form for export as

9177-791: The United States, while the ES mid-sized car is the most popular sedan in the line-up. Financial data of Lexus operations are not disclosed publicly. However, automotive analysts estimate that the Lexus division contributes a disproportionate share of Toyota's profits, relative to its limited production and sales volume. Interviews with retired division officials indicate that depending on sales volume, vehicle product development cycles, and exchange rates , Lexus sales have accounted for as much as half of Toyota's annual U.S. profit in certain years. Division executives have employed pricing strategies aimed at sustaining profit margins rather than sales volume, with historically fewer price incentives than rival brands. In 2006, Lexus entered Interbrand's list of

9310-404: The United States. When this initially failed, as a result Don Panoz and Barber departed to affiliate themselves with PSCR. In the spring of 1998, Don Panoz created a partnership with the Automobile Club de L'Ouest (ACO), the organizers of the 24 Hours of Le Mans , to begin a 10-hour race in the spirit of Le Mans, dubbed the Petit Le Mans to be held at Panoz's Road Atlanta facility. After

9443-428: The WeatherTech SportsCar Championship by an additional year. This would delay the homologation periods in the championship by roughly six months, which necessitated the homologation extension from IMSA. As such, the DPi and LMP2 cars, which were originally confirmed for a four-year period through 2020, would now be eligible for competition until at least the end of the 2021 season. Despite calls from manufacturers to retain

9576-552: The addition of a sports coupe along with a redesigned ES sedan. In 1990, during its first full year of sales, Lexus sold 63,594 LS 400 and ES 250 sedans in the U.S., the majority being the LS model. That year, Lexus also began limited exports to the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada and Australia. In 1991, Lexus launched its first sports coupe, the SC 400 , which shared the LS 400s V8 engine and rear-wheel drive design. This

9709-466: The aim of improving trade-in model values. The marque introduced the second generation LS 400 in 1994. In May 1995, sales were threatened by the U.S. government's proposal of 100 percent tariffs on upscale Japanese cars in response to the widening U.S.-Japan trade deficit . SUVs were exempt from the proposed sanctions. Normal sales operations resumed by late 1995 when the Japanese auto manufacturers collectively agreed to greater American investments and

9842-455: The brand in markets such as China. Executives aimed to increase Lexus sales outside of its largest market in the U.S. To accompany this expansion, next generation Lexus vehicles were redesigned as "global models" for international release. In the European market, where Lexus had long faced struggling sales owing to low brand recognition, few dedicated dealerships, and 1990s import quotas ,

9975-693: The brand's Japan Sales and Marketing and global Product and Marketing Planning divisions. While organizationally separate from its parent company, Lexus International reports directly to Toyota chief executive officer Akio Toyoda. In the U.S., brand operations are managed by the U.S. Lexus division, which is headquartered in Plano, Texas . In Europe, Lexus operations are managed by Lexus Europe, located in Brussels. Companion design facilities are located in Southern California and central Japan, with

10108-575: The brand's first all-battery electric vehicle in 2020, which is the UX 300e . In June 2023, Lexus introduced its first vehicle in the B-segment, the LBX , which went on sale in Europe, Japan, Australia and Southeast Asia. Lexus International coordinates the worldwide operations of Toyota's luxury division from the brand's global headquarters, located in Nagoya , Aichi. Corporate entities further include

10241-401: The circuit management and asked them to block IMSA from racing there. The event was held, although IMSA had to pay an additional $ 10,000 in rental fees. The race had an attendance of 328 spectators. The organization soldiered on despite the small crowds, and another ten races were planned. Bill France, suffering from financial setbacks, brought on new investors to take over part of his stake in

10374-621: The class as GTP, in reference to the 1980s category . International Motor Sports Association The International Motor Sports Association ( IMSA ) is a North American sports car racing sanctioning body based in Daytona Beach, Florida , under the jurisdiction of the ACCUS arm of the FIA . It was started by John Bishop, a former executive director of SCCA (Sports Car Club of America), and his wife Peggy in 1969 with help from Bill France Sr. of NASCAR . Beginning in 2014, IMSA

10507-415: The dispute by announcing that turbochargers and fuel restrictions would be phased out by 1989 (excepting naturally aspirated engines below 3.5 liters). This attempt failed, as did another in 1991, in which with chassis ballast penalties for turbocharged cars rendered them uncompetitive, except at Le Mans. IMSA continued to have success with its own Camel GT series. In 1987, John Bishop had to undergo

10640-574: The end of 2006, Lexus' annual sales had reached 475,000 vehicles worldwide. In January 2007, Lexus announced a new F marque performance division, which would produce racing-inspired versions of its performance models. The IS F, made its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show , accompanied by a concept car, the LF-A . In October 2007, Lexus entered the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in

10773-478: The end of 2007, Lexus annual worldwide sales had surpassed 500,000 vehicles, and the marque ranked as the top-selling premium import in China for the first time. The largest sales markets in order of size for 2007 were the U.S., Japan, the UK, China, Canada, and Russia. In 2008, amidst the late-2000s recession and a weakened world car market, global sales fell 16 percent to 435,000, with declines in markets such as

10906-445: The exhaust systems and shock absorbers were free. Later rules regarding headlights, seats, upholstery, window cranks, original springs, and other stock elements were loosened up somewhat. From the beginning, engine modifications similar to Sports Car Club of America B Sedan were permitted, with the main difference being that over-boring cylinders was not allowed, and stock carburetors being required, but modifications allowed. The series

11039-698: The field, with their protruding wheels rubbing Racey's "immaculate" Alfa Romeo . Infuriated, Feezell quit and never ran another IMSA RS race after that. The idea was to attract racers who did not have the budgets that were required in the GT category as well as an emphasis on compact sedans such as the AMC Gremlin and the Opel Manta . There were two classes from 1970 through 1973: Class A for under two liters and under 1.6 liters with overhead cam and Class B for over 1.6 L with overhead cam and over two liters up to

11172-549: The first Japanese premium car marque to launch in its country of origin . The brand has since debuted in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Europe and other regions, and has introduced hybrid vehicles in many markets. The Lexus brand was created around the same time as Japanese rivals Nissan and Honda developed their Infiniti and Acura premium brands. The Japanese government imposed voluntary export restraints for

11305-593: The first Lexus produced outside the country, the Canadian-built RX 330, began in 2003. Following a corporate reorganization from 2001 to 2005, Lexus began operating its own design , engineering and manufacturing centers. Since the 2000s, Lexus has increased sales outside its largest market, the United States. The division inaugurated dealerships in the Japanese domestic market in 2005, becoming

11438-464: The first luxury-branded production hybrid SUV, the RX 400h . This vehicle used Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system that combined gasoline and electric motors. In 2005, Lexus completed an organizational separation from parent company Toyota, with dedicated design, engineering, training, and manufacturing centers working exclusively for the division. This effort coincided with Lexus' launch in its home market of Japan and an expanded global launch of

11571-476: The head design studio devoted entirely to Lexus models in Toyota City, Aichi. Lexus sales operations vary in structure by region. In many markets, such as the U.S., the dealership network is a distinct organization from corporate headquarters, with separately owned and operated Lexus showrooms . By contrast, in Japan all 143 dealerships in the country are owned and operated by Lexus. Several markets have

11704-413: The incorporation of hybrid technology in the next-generation DPi ruleset, with manufacturers on the DPi 2.0 steering committee divided over the level electrification in the hybrid systems. Electrification concepts proposed included high and low-voltage systems of varying costs. A further meeting held in late June saw a 400-volt system, providing in the range of 70-90 kW (90-120 hp) of electric power emerge as

11837-440: The injunction, deciding that there was little likelihood of confusion between the two products. The original Lexus slogan, developed after Team One representatives visited Lexus designers in Japan and noted an obsessive attention to detail, became "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection." Three firms were involved in the final phase of logo development: Saatchi & Saatchi, Molly Designs and Hunter/Korobkin, Inc. The finished logo

11970-465: The largest permitted engine being the 232 cubic inches (3.80 L) AMC Gremlin. In 1974 all cars were placed in one class, with the only parity for the smaller engines being free carburetion for under 1.6 liters. Limited preparation was permitted, and since the entrants were meant to be street-driven race cars, the original rules required the retention of headlights, seats, upholstery, window cranks, stock brakes and original springs and radial tires. Only

12103-574: The leading electrification option. However, despite 400-volt systems having emerged as the leading option in June, it was revealed in September that discussions had yet to reach any form of consensus, although it was agreed that manufacturers could build their own hybrid systems. Following the 2019 "Super Sebring" weekend which saw the 2019 12 Hours of Sebring held on the same weekend as the inaugural 1000 Miles of Sebring , WEC CEO Gerard Neveu revealed

12236-709: The long run, especially if they failed to meet their objectives. In January 1989, the Bishops sold the company to Mike Cone and Jeff Parker, owners of the IMSA Grand Prix of St. Petersburg . Bishop shortly stepped down as the organisation's president in favor of Mark Raffauf, his deputy president and the organisation's representative on the ACCUS (Automobile Competition Committee for the United States), an FIA recognised sporting body. Cone and Parker in turn sold

12369-614: The marque also sold well in the Middle East, where it ranked first or second among rivals in multiple countries, and in Australia, where Lexus reached third in luxury car sales in 2006. Division executives in 2006 announced an expansion goal from 68 countries to 76 worldwide by 2010. By the end of the decade, this expansion resulted in official launches in Malaysia and South Africa in 2006, Indonesia in 2007, Chile in 2008, and

12502-460: The marque announced plans to introduce hybrid and diesel powertrains, increase the number of Lexus dealerships, and expand operations in emerging markets such as Russia. Lexus' arrival in the Japanese market in July 2005 marked the first introduction of a Japanese premium car marque in the domestic market. New generation LS, IS, ES, GS, and RX models subsequently became available in Japan along with

12635-406: The marque would not remain the country's top-selling premium car brand. Cumulative sales results for 2011 indicated a 14 percent sales drop in the U.S. market, along with sales increases of 40 percent and 27 percent in Europe and Japan respectively, for a global sales total of 410,000 units. Lexus' streak of 11 consecutive years as the best-selling luxury marque in the U.S. ended that year, with

12768-459: The model; 'S' can refer to 'sedan' or 'sport' (e.g. in LS and SC), while 'X' refers to ' luxury utility vehicle ' or SUV. For certain models, a lower case letter placed after the alphanumeric designation indicates powerplant type ('h' for hybrid, 'd' for diesel, 't' for turbocharged), while capital letter (s) placed at the end indicates a class subtype (e.g. 'L' for long-wheelbase, 'C' for coupe, 'AWD' for all-wheel drive ). On F marque models,

12901-482: The month by China's National Development and Reform Commission of Lexus spare parts policies, as part of an industry-wide investigation into what the Chinese regulator considers exorbitantly high prices being charged by automakers for spare parts and after-sales servicing. In March 2016, Lexus announced that it will be producing a new flagship vehicle: the two-door LC 500. The vehicle will be produced for late 2017 in

13034-493: The name applied to people more than cars (being associated with the Alexis Carrington character on the popular 1980s prime time drama Dynasty ). As a result, the first letter was removed and the "i" replaced with a "u" to morph the name to Lexus. Theories of the etymology of the Lexus name have suggested it is the combination of the words "luxury" and "elegance", and that it is an acronym for "luxury exports to

13167-408: The new RC Coupe . In 1989, Lexus became among the first premium car marques to equip models with premium audio systems, in partnership with stereo firm Nakamichi . Since 2001, optional surround sound systems are offered via high-end audio purveyor Mark Levinson . For reduced cabin noise, the first LS 400 introduced sandwich steel plating, and later models added acoustic glass . In 2006,

13300-618: The new series, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of NASCAR. On September 19, 2019, Scott Atherton announced retirement from his position as the President of the International Motor Sports Association at the end of 2019. He had held that role since the merger of IMSA's American Le Mans Series with the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series in 2014. One month following that announcement, then-director of Mazda 's motorsports program in North America, John Doonan,

13433-412: The new series, so he tried to ensure that the rules were not biased in their favor. He was in favor of looking after privateer teams and helping them to become competitive. As European cars began to dominate, a new series was formed in 1975 called All American Grand Touring (AAGT) to give equal latitude to foreign cars. Turbocharged cars were permitted in 1977 . In the same year, Bishop invited

13566-574: The new sponsor of the GT series and the sedan series became known as the B.F. Goodrich Radial Challenge. In 1973 , the 12 Hours of Sebring joined the IMSA GT Championship's schedule. Later that year, the organization gained recognition from the ACCUS and the FIA. IMSA was scheduled to sanction the 1974 24 Hours of Daytona , but the race was cancelled because of the oil crisis. Bishop did not believe that factory teams would stick with

13699-687: The newly formed Pro Racing program. The SCCA had now taken the big step up to professional racing. By 1962, the SCCA was tasked with managing major World Championship for Makes rounds, particularly at Daytona , Sebring , Bridgehampton and Watkins Glen . The club was also involved in the US Grand Prix . Bishop helped to create the USRRC ( United States Road Racing Championship ) series for Group 7 sports cars to recover races that had been taken by rival United States Automobile Club (USAC). Bishop

13832-437: The next-generation DPi regulations would be expected to feature increased styling measures, by opening up more areas where manufacturers were able to add styling cues. Hodgson also indicated that the enlarged scope for styling cues may also come alongside regulations that dictated minimum level of styling required from each manufacturer. On June 24, 2019, it was revealed that IMSA had held discussions with manufacturers regarding

13965-506: The organization to businessman Charles Slater by the early 1990s. In 1996 Slater sold the organization with previously accumulated debt to Roberto Muller (ex-CEO of Reebok ) and Wall Street based portfolio manager for Bill Gates , Andy Evans , who also was an IndyCar owner and owner/driver of the Scandia World Sports Car team. These changes would lead to the departure of many of the executive board members. Evans

14098-456: The organization's president and Kimberly-Clark heir, James H. Kimberly. In 1958, things changed for Bishop as the SCCA experienced internal changes. A new executive director position was created, to which each regional executive reported. This position was taken by Hugo Rush, who later became instrumental in Allen's departure. Although Bishop's relationship with Rush was not good, Bishop gained

14231-521: The performance F Sport marque include the Lexus RC F Sport and Lexus GS F Sport and Lexus LS F Sport. Lexus production models are named alphanumerically using two-letter designations followed by three digits. The first letter indicates relative status in the Lexus model range ( ranking ), and the second letter refers to car body style or type (e.g. LS for 'luxury sedan'). The three digits commonly indicate engine displacement in liters multiplied by

14364-635: The possibility of DPi becoming included as part of the "Hypercar" regulations, with the integration of DPis depending on the performance levels of both platforms. On July 31, 2019, FIA World Endurance Championship CEO Gerard Neveu revealed that an active effort was underway between the ACO and IMSA technical departments to seek similar performance targets between Hypercar and DPi 2.0, which would allow for both platforms to eventually crossover and compete head to head. On November 11, 2019, WEC's sole LMP1 manufacturer Toyota stated it would be open for DPi integration into

14497-479: The series. At the end of the 1970 season, Bishop helped to establish the foundations of the FIA ( Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile ) "J appendix" for World Championship for Makes sports cars. For the end of the 1970 season, he advertised a new championship for Group 2 and Group 4 cars with equity between competitors. The 1971 Grand Touring (GT) season introduced international endurance racing to North America . In 1972 , Camel Cigarettes became

14630-707: The split between Champ Car and the IRL , this split was seen by many as being detrimental to the sport as a whole. In 2012, Don Panoz sold the Braselton, Georgia-based ALMS to Grand-Am Road Racing , in turn owned directly by NASCAR and helped organize a merger between the ALMS and the Rolex Sports Car Series . In 2013 the unified series was announced as the Tudor United SportsCar Championship (now IMSA SportsCar Championship ). The announcement also confirmed that IMSA will manage and sanction

14763-609: The success of the inaugural Petit Le Mans as a part of the 1998 Professional SportsCar Racing Championship season , Panoz announced a new full season championship for 1999 , to be known as the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) which adopted the ACO's rulebook under PSCR sanction. The new series replaced the Professional Sports Car Racing championship as PSCR's headline series. Under tremendous pressure from team owners and management, Evans sold Professional Sports Car Racing to Don Panoz in 2001, to solidify

14896-536: The tariffs were not enacted. In 1996, Lexus debuted its first sport utility vehicle, the LX 450 , followed by the third generation ES 300 sedan, and the second generation GS 300 and GS 400 sedans in 1997. The marque's plans for developing an SUV model had accelerated during the U.S.-Japan tariff discussions of 1995. Lexus added the first luxury-branded crossover SUV , the RX 300 in 1998. The RX crossover targeted suburban buyers who desired an upmarket SUV but did not need

15029-513: The title going to BMW followed by Mercedes-Benz. While 45 percent of Lexus sales in the U.S. in 2011 relied upon the RX luxury crossover SUV, rival Mercedes-Benz's best-selling offering was the E-Class mid-luxury sedan, which commands considerably higher prices. Subsequently, Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda vowed to restore passion to the marque and further increase its organizational independence, admitting that "...back then we did not regard Lexus as

15162-418: The two organizations by scrapping the existing formula and adopting IMSA rules. This did not please Porsche , which was spending vast sums of money on engine development at the time. Porsche responded by boycotting the 24 Hours of Le Mans of that year . FISA responded by abandoning the rule change for the time being. In 1987 , FISA president Jean-Marie Balestre almost made a successful attempt to settle

15295-401: The two-letter designation and the letter 'F' are used with no numbers or hyphens (e.g. IS F). Lexus design has traditionally placed an emphasis on targeting specific vehicle development standards. Since the marque's inception, design targets have ranged from aerodynamics and ride quality to interior ergonomics. The backronym "IDEAL" ("Impressive, Dynamic, Elegant, Advanced, and Lasting")

15428-494: Was a combination of two firms' final designs: the Lexus logo typeface came from Saatchi & Saatchi and the "L" was Hunter/Korobkin, Inc.'s design. According to Toyota, the automaker made some refinements so the logo would be easier to manufacture, rendering it using a mathematical formula. The first teaser ads featuring the Lexus name and logo appeared at the Chicago, Los Angeles and New York auto shows in 1988. The F1 project

15561-529: Was actually 1970 with only two races, the inaugural race was at the newly constructed Summit Point Motorsports Park on Memorial Day weekend; Rasey Feezell was first overall in an Alfa Romeo Giulia TI Super sedan; the second race was held at the Montgomery Speedway , Alabama, Red Farmer won in a specially prepared Datsun 510 . Feezell didn't fare too well having to drive against the local four-cylinder "beater class" cars brought in to fill out

15694-535: Was also instrumental in founding the SCCA Trans-Am series and the SCCA/ CASC Can-Am series. In 1969, the tension and in-fighting caused Bishop to resign. Bill France Sr. was instrumental in the creation of the International Motor Sports Association. France founded NASCAR as a professional oval track series and wanted to do the same for road racing. After discussions with Bishop, IMSA

15827-411: Was appointed President of Panoz Motorsports Group and he appointed Tim Mayer to manage IMSA. IMSA's main series, the ALMS focused on manufacturer entries along with top privateers with the worldwide prestige of championship greatly increasing. After the 1999 USRRC season was cancelled halfway through its schedule due to a lack of competitors, a second attempt at a new sports car sanction body known as

15960-557: Was born and Bishop was given the sole control of the organization (like NASCAR, there was no board of directors). France financed the majority of the organization and owned 75% of the stock; Bishop owned the remaining 25%. The articles of incorporation were filed in Connecticut on June 23, 1969. The first race to be organized by IMSA was a Formula Vee and Formula Ford event at Pocono Raceway in October 1969. The SCCA threatened

16093-402: Was completed in 1989, involving 60 designers, 24 engineering teams, 1,400 engineers, 2,300 technicians, 220 support workers, approximately 450 prototypes and more than $ 1 billion in costs. The resulting car, the Lexus LS 400, had a design that shared no major elements with previous Toyota vehicles, with a new 4.0 L V8 gasoline engine and rear-wheel drive . The car debuted in January 1989 at

16226-402: Was confirmed to be Atherton's replacement. Ed Bennett, longtime NASCAR executive, was also President and CEO of Grand-Am Road Racing from August 2011 to December 2013 during the merger period and has continued as CEO of the modern era IMSA since January 2014. At the 2021 Daytona 24 Hours, IMSA and the ACO announced the historic alignment of the technical regulations for sportscar racing, which

16359-410: Was covered in media publications and helped establish the marque's early reputation for customer service . By the end of 1989, a total of 16,392 LS 400 and ES 250 sedans were sold in the four months following the U.S. launch. Although sales had begun at a slower pace than expected, the final tally matched the division's target of 16,000 units for that year. Following initial models, plans called for

16492-561: Was followed by the second generation ES 300 sedan, which succeeded the ES 250 and became Lexus' top seller. At the conclusion of 1991, Lexus had become the top-selling premium car import in the U.S., with sales reaching 71,206 vehicles. That year, Lexus ranked highest in J.D. Power and Associates ' studies on initial vehicle quality, customer satisfaction and sales satisfaction for the first time. The marque also began increasing U.S. model prices past those of comparable American premium makes, but still below high-end European models. By 1992,

16625-454: Was for Sedans under 2 L., except for overhead cam engines which were limited to 1.6 L. Class B was for larger engines up to whatever IMSA decided appropriate for the Class which was the AMC Gremlin 's 232 c.i. for the duration of the 'original' RS Series. As an aside, the "Baby Grand" moniker frequently applied to these IMSA Series was just that, a nickname. Around this same time a series that

16758-495: Was further detailed in June of that year, which brought about the convergence of all sportscar regulations between the FIA, IMSA and the ACO. In January 2022, IMSA bought Historic Sportscar Racing , whose events include the Classic 24 Hours of Daytona, the Classic 12 Hours of Sebring and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion . These are the series that are currently sanctioned and managed by

16891-605: Was initially to be known as the International 100 Series as it was intended for sedans up to 100 c.i or 1600 cc., however was revised prior to the start of the 1970 season to include larger engines and presumably the name change to International Sedan Series . The next year, 1971, the Series was revamped and became the Radial Sedan Series with the revolutionary innovation of requiring DOT radial tires. New rules allowed for cars over 1.6 L divided between two classes. Class A

17024-400: Was loosely based on rival SCCA Trans-Am 's Two-Five Challenge rules. The series became dominated mostly by Mazda 's rotary-powered RX-2 and RX-3 prompting IMSA to specify heavier weights than piston-engined cars and prohibited any modifications to the rotors and more importantly to intake and exhaust ports. Datsun also had a fair share of success within the series with cars such as

17157-505: Was officially designated Baby Grand (better and later known as the Goody's Dash Series ) was sanctioned by NASCAR and consisted of 4-cylinder cars purpose-built to run NASCAR ovals. A few RS regulars are known to have run both Series with the same car making minimal changes to accommodate the difference in rules. Carson Baird, driving a Dodge Colt , was one of these 'crossover' competitors. The IMSA RS Series (for radial sedan ) began as

17290-411: Was praised for its quietness, well-appointed and ergonomic interior, engine performance, build quality , aerodynamics , fuel economy and value. However, it was criticized by some automobile columnists for derivative styling and a suspension regarded as too compromising of handling for ride comfort. In some markets it was priced against mid-size, six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz and BMW models. It

17423-605: Was rated by Car and Driver magazine as better than the higher-priced Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL and BMW 735i in terms of ride, handling and performance. The LS 400 also won motoring awards from automotive publications including Automobile Magazine and Wheels Magazine . Lexus quickly established customer loyalty and its debut was generally regarded as a shock to existing luxury marques. BMW's and Mercedes-Benz's U.S. sales figures dropped 29 percent and 19 percent, respectively, with BMW executives accusing Lexus of dumping in that market, while 35 percent of Lexus buyers traded in

17556-600: Was responsible for the name change to Professional Sports Car Racing (PSCR). In 1998 the United States Road Racing Championship was revived as an alternative to Professional Sports Car Racing, involving the Sports Car Club of America and headed by a group of competitors and ex-IMSA personnel, including John Bishop, Bill France Jr. , Rob Dyson , Roger Penske , Skip Barber , and Ralph Sanchez. They wanted to keep rules within

17689-638: Was the exclusive car for the first two seasons of the North America championship in 2013 and 2014. The series debuted in North America under IMSA sanction in 2013. The Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires is the signature spec series for the Mazda Road to 24. The MX-5 Cup race cars start as complete MX-5 road cars from the Mazda Hiroshima, Japan factory before being transported to engineering development partner Flis Performance in Daytona Beach, Florida , where they are transformed into

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