Comparo: BMW 335d versus Lexus GS 450h

Story and photos by John LeBlanc In the pursuit of lower fuel consumption ratings and tailpipe emissions, efficient hybrids and diesels are starting to filter into mainstream passenger cars. Even in cars that have sporty or luxurious pretensions. Right now, though, there are only two luxury rear-wheel-drive sports sedans that also take saving fuel seriously: […]

Comparo: 2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 vs. Lexus ES 350

Story and photos by John LeBlanc Despite tough competition from new 2009 versions of the Mazda6 and Toyota Corolla, Hyundai’s Genesis luxury sedan grabbed the coveted Automobile Journalist Association of Canada’s 2009 Car of the Year Award. The Genesis can be had with a V8. But we think the 3.8 V6 model is an even […]

Comparo: Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG vs. Lexus IS-F

Story and photos by John LeBlanc Calabogie, Ont.–In its quarter-century-long war with rival German automaker BMW and its vaunted M3, Mercedes-Benz drew first blood in the battle of compact sports sedan V8s with the C 43 AMG in 1998. A decade later, eight cylinders are more common in this class than speeding tickets. Toyota is […]

Road Test: 2008 Lexus GS 450h

Story and photos by John LeBlanc Looking for a car that makes you feel like you’re saving the planet, but that also rewards your hard-earned successes in life? The Lexus GS 450h is a mid-size, five-passenger luxury sports sedan that is also a H-Y-B-R-I-D. As such, the automaker says it’s a synthesis of both the […]

First Drive: 2009 Lexus IS-F

Story, video and photo by John LeBlanc Calabogie, Ont.–Despite unquestionable success catering to the luxury classes, Lexus has never ventured into the factory hot rod part of the market, a segment autobahn-bred German makes have ruled for decades. But Toyota’s luxury brand says its new $64,400 IS F super sports sedan, its first “truly authentic” […]

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