Lexus States "Our Company Does Everything One Toe In The Water" - Is That What You Want From A True Leader?

German luxury brands have been bullish on turbochargers for years, but Toyota's Lexus division has been reluctant to follow — at least until now. An all-new turbocharged four-cylinder in the NX 200t serves as the base engine in the brand's newest SUV. If you believe Brian Bolain, Lexus' corporate marketing manager, it's just the tip of the turbo iceberg.

Lexus has come a long way since its 1989 inception: Sixty dealerships have grown to more than 230, and the brand held the U.S. luxury-brand sales title throughout the 2000s. But it lost the crown to Mercedes-Benz in 2011 when a March earthquake and tsunami in Japan left U.S. inventory below BMW and Mercedes levels for six of the nine months that followed. Mercedes has kept the sales title ever since.

222max - 10/29/2014 5:28:23 PM

+4 Boost

It's ok with me when they make sure they do it right instead of a half-hearted rush job (which is pretty much what they actually said). Too many other companies already do that.

ParadoX - 10/29/2014 6:19:06 PM

+3 Boost

Lexus is the most reliable brand out there. I am glad that they think things through rather than turn out products that fall apart. Turbo's have not always been as reliable as they are now, Lexus waited until the technology matured.

Not the most inspiring brand in the world, but they make a quality product.

Benzes1 - 10/29/2014 6:35:23 PM

-3 Boost

Which translated means that they let the Germans do the innovation and hard work and then they come out with the same tech. Not inspiring at all, but they are quality products, that is so true of Lexus.

Benzes1 - 10/29/2014 6:10:19 PM

-1 Boost

The article is full of errors and misinformation.

MDarringer - 10/29/2014 8:06:37 PM

+4 Boost

Cautious is good. I'd rather drive a Lexus (toe in the water) than a Tesla (underwater and heading for a drowning).

Dexter1 - 10/29/2014 9:41:06 PM

+1 Boost

One toe in the water? More like heads up their ass when it comes to their horrific styling.

MDarringer - 10/29/2014 10:27:33 PM

+1 Boost

more on...that later

Dexter1 - 10/29/2014 9:41:06 PM

0 Boost

One toe in the water? More like heads up their ass when it comes to their horrific styling.

Dr550 - 10/30/2014 12:55:32 AM

+2 Boost

The Toyota GR V6 engine has been produced since 2002. No wonder it is so reliable. Lets not change a thing. This is the same engine Lexus uses across the brand. Just like Lexus CT uses the Prius motor/battery setup. It is what it is. But enough with this "big toe" Sargent Hulka BS. Toyota foot, Lexus big toe.

leej - 10/30/2014 9:25:19 AM

+3 Boost

No one can match Lexus reliability hands-down. Say what you will about their styling and even the performance of their vehicles, but I think they thumb their noses at the European brands and make themselves distinctive in their own right. I do not think they ever set out to replace BMW/Mercedes/Audi. Instead, I think they have offered up alternatives to those brands which are completely viable and competitive. If you don't like Lexus, then just don't buy one. You just cannot deny that they are a force to be reckoned with and it just pisses European fanboys off to no end. I find this very entertaining, indeed.

Benzes1 - 10/30/2014 11:55:37 AM

-4 Boost

You're so lost it isn't even funny. Lexus is a joke outside of the U.S. and the Germans still dismiss them.

JDMUSMuscle - 10/30/2014 3:15:54 PM

+1 Boost

Benzes. Please try defending Mercedes when you can actually afford at least a new S class. A used C class does not cut it.

Benzes1 - 10/30/2014 6:27:10 PM

+1 Boost

You're such a dumb arse, I own 2 Mercedes' and 2 BMWs, all above the C and 3-Series. What you got stupid?

JDMUSMuscle - 10/30/2014 3:17:26 PM

+2 Boost

I am a fan of Nissan/Infiniti in general, but Toyota/Lexus is simply just amazing to say the least.

the new Lexus RC-F and Lexus LFA. Toyota and Lexus simply are the best.

Benzes1 - 10/31/2014 6:18:14 PM

+1 Boost

Oh please. They're outdated and ugly looking and get their arse handed to them by the Germans in everything but reliability.