Dead: Lexus HS 250h

Here's the bottom line: No one wants to pay $37,000 for a luxury Toyota Corolla.  It is honestly amazing that Lexus released this vehicle in the first place. It is even more amazing that they tried to sell it for $37,000.  Why would Lexus sticker the HS at $8,000 more than the similarly packaged hatchback-hybrid CT?  When getting his Lexus serviced, my dad received the HS as a loaner a few times and it was far from impressive.  It is no surprise that Lexus only sold 2,864 units in all of 2011.  Consumers are demanding more fuel efficient vehicles, primarily to save cost.  When the vehicle is priced at such a ridiculous price, consumers are smart enough to see that there are no savings with such a hybrid vehicle.  See Autoblog's post on THIS.

Oh Toyota, who would have guessed?

So what is the best way for Toyota to compete with Hyundai?  Evidently it is to mimic their design.  

Take a look at the front end on the new Avalon.

Now take a look at the front end of the Sonata Hybrid.

 

What a crazy turn of events.  It was Hyundai who was playing catch up, mimicking design from the big hitters.  I guess we have come full circle.  

p.s. Use less chrome and I like the Avalon front design better. 

Acura RLX

I honestly did not intend on becoming an "Anti-Honda" blog but if I don't stop posting on the topic soon, it will sure look like that to my readers. With that said, here is another validation of my comments on the new Acura RLX concept from the New York auto show.  Below is a screenshot from a Auto show opinion wrap-up post by Cars.com.