Lexus officially coming in the Philippines!

[Jun aka Pekto]

Reminds me.... What was the replacement for the Lexus SC400? I don't recall it having had a proper replacement.

Not sure if this is the one. But our family doctor drives an SC430:
From familycar.com:

[AG4]

Reminds me.... What was the replacement for the Lexus SC400? I don't recall it having had a proper replacement.

Not sure if this is the one. But our family doctor drives an SC430:
From familycar.com:

Yes, the replacement of the SC400 is the SC430... The current SC is only available as a 2+2 convertible coupe(folding hardtop).
Its really more of a 2 seater because its "+2" rear seats are probably one of the smallest in existence.


The current SC430 received a mild facelift for the 2006MY, this also includes sportier standard whels. The current SC is near the end of its model cycle.

The SC430 is still powered by a 288hp 4.3 liter V8.
Updated SC430

I think there are no plans to officially bring this in.

For some strange reason the SC wasn't blessed with the more powerful V8 engines of its sedan siblings.
The outgoing GS430 has a 300hp 4.3 liter V8, for 2008 it gets replaced by a 342hp 4.6 liter V8(facelifted model is called GS460), the new LS460 is powered by a 380hp direct injection version of the 4.6 liter V8 engine.

About the RP spec LS460: chances are we will get the version with the GS460's weaker non-direct injection engine like the ones sold in the UAE and China.

PS: bruno787, see previous page for my reply(RP market to get IS300 instead of the gasoline direct injection IS250 and IS350).

[bruno787]

hmm...a bit OT: how does a Direct Injection differ over the standard EFI? what are its advantages?

why dont they market Di engines in Asia and Middle East?

[AG4]

hmm...a bit OT: how does a Direct Injection differ over the standard EFI? what are its advantages?

why dont they market Di engines in Asia and Middle East?

Gasoline Direct injection or GDi is a variant of fuel injection employed in modern two- and four- stroke petrol engines. The gasoline is highly pressurised, and injected via a common rail fuel line directly into the combustion chamber of each cylinder, as opposed to conventional multi-point fuel injection that happens in the intake tract, or cylinder port. GDi enables stratified charge (ultra lean burn) combustion for improved fuel efficiency and emission levels at low load.

Gasoline Direct injection engines exist cars are marketed in other Asian countries, we just happen to be one of the few not to get them, according to another thread, they said our fuel isn't clean enough.
I guess that means the high pressure injectors could get clogged?
Looks like some car companies just want to be safe to protect their image.

For a while RP market Audis distributed by PGA cars were equipped with non-gasoline direct injection engines but the newer Audi models introduced here also have gasoline direct injection engines.

PS: VW/Audi calls theirs gasoline direct injection system FSI which means "Fuel Stratified Injection"

[jpdm]

Great news. At least there will be an option for luxury car buyers. And perhaps convinced some corrupt politicians who patronize illegally imported luxury vehicles or smuggled luxury vehicles-vehicles recently confiscated by the government (allegedly one politician, a mayor owns 3 vehicles.These are the real economic saboteurs, feeding the smugglers )-- to buy legit vehicles.

[wilcats]

That could be a possibility, but for now it looks like Toyota is the only one serious in making a true global Japanese Luxury brand.

Currently these are the only Acura specific models(the others are rebadged JDM Honda models)
Acura TL (made in Marysville, Ohio, USA)


Acura RDX (made in Marysville, Ohio, USA)


all-new 2nd gen Acura MDX (made in Alliston, Ontario, Canada)

what about the TSX?

[blitzmage_89]

overkill ang pricetag nito pagabot dito , bibili na lang ako sa gray market ng lexus mas mura pa ata haha.

Dapat ginawa na lang nila is dinala yung bagong Toyota Crown dito from Japan. Nasa lexus level na ang performace/luxury ng crown at mas affordable. Mas maganda pa ay rear wheel drive cya!

[mazdamazda]

Yep... it's *official*:

source: http://www.bigbigcar.com/NewsArticle.aspx?id=34

Lexus to open first Philippine dealership in Q4 2008
19 December 2007

Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation announced the commencement of their preparations for the Lexus Brand during the Ground Breaking Ceremony held December 15 at the future dealer facility site in Fort Bonifacio Global City. Globally, Lexus has revolutionized the luxury motoring experience through its passionate commitment to the finest products and the most satisfying automobile experience. This marks the entry of the Lexus brand in the Philippine luxury market.

Toyota executives announced that the construction of the facility will start early next year, in time for the brand introduction targeted fourth quarter of 2008. In his statement, TMP Vice Chairman Alfred expressed, “Lexus, together with Toyota, is committed to be a partner in nation-building. Lexus is also committed to spur growth in the automotive industry by offering the market its new line-up of luxury vehicles and first class services. ”

The Lexus Flagship dealer facility setting foot on the 4,500 square meter property will be the first locator in the North Bonifacio development plan. Its new Design Concept of quality, exclusivity and warmth with the use of natural materials, is the first in Toyota’s history and the first in Asia for Lexus, entirely different from Lexus concepts in USA, Japan and even the most recently launched Lexus dealership in Thailand. The exterior’s unique architecture is patterned after the “Dynamic Form” design of the Lexus Vehicle, with the design concept of L-Finesse and contemporary luxury.

The 3-level dealership facility covering over 10,500 square meters in floor area, features a first class dealership, which will have one of the best-designed vehicle showrooms in the country. For ease and utmost convenience, exceptional after-sales service shall await customers as soon as they enter the air-conditioned vehicle service reception stalls, while the state-of-the-art service workshop facility will ensure that their vehicles are handled with the highest standards.

Established in the early 1980s and launched in 1989, the Lexus marque soon became associated with quality, luxury and superior customer satisfaction. The brand reputation grew quickly, proven by the receipt of various product technology, facility quality and customer satisfaction international awards including the prestigious JD Power Surveys. Lexus belongs to the global Toyota family. With 11 models in its luxury line, sold in 57 countries all over the world, the Lexus brand became synonymous with innovative engineering and meticulous quality.

Lexus has been known to value each customer as an important individual, always exceeding expectations. The Toyota Group in the Philippines is confident that Lexus will play a significant role for Toyota particularly in enhancing their position in the local luxury car market. In a statement, TMP President Hiroshi Ito expressed, “The automotive market in the Philippines has been on an upward trend and we hope it will continually grow in the coming years. It is therefore timely that we introduce Lexus to the Philippines with a wide range of models.”

“We would like to enter the luxury car market by providing our affluent customers with great products and exceptional service. Lexus is distinguished by having outstanding products, superior quality and service, personal attention and a contemporary luxury that’s about experiencing and sharing meaningful time and moments. It’s about time that the Lexus experience be made available to the most discerning Filipino customers,” added Daniel Isla, TMP First Vice President for Marketing.

I wonder how the upscale market reacts to this.

[jpdm]

Ok na sana but when the article said that Lexus and Toyota, with the opening the Lexus dealership, will participate in nation-building...

How can a dealership of CBU--an all-imported vehicle without local component can help in nation-building?Luxury segment pa yan...a very very miniscule market in a debt-ridden -poverty-stricken country of ours.

mabuti pa nga ang Ford Philippines kahit niloko ang FMC nag-a-assemble dito.

[AG4]

what about the TSX?

The TSX is manufactured at Honda's Saitama plant in Japan, its a rebadegd JDM/Euro Accord.

Acura TSX


JDM Honda Accord