The one percent is doing just fine in the Midwest. At least that’s what you’d be lead to believe if you dropped by the Lexus stand at the Chicago Auto Show.

There you’ll find a stunning display of not one, not two, not three, but four Lexus LFA supercars. Priced at an exorbitant $375,000 (each), you’re looking at $1.5 million dollars in total. Is that a ton of cash? You bet! But if you look at it another way, it’s also 40 cylinders, generating 2,208 hp.

For more on the Chicago Auto Show, see our complete coverage page here.

GALLERY: Lexus LFA Collection

Lexus is hoping for the latter, and is aiming to correct that issue with a multi-pronged advertising campaign to help support the launch of the all-new 2013 GS (read our review here). The campaign will see the Lexus GS showing up in several media spots.

The new GS, which will arrive at dealerships this week, is showing off a different side of Lexus. The car is supposed to have a whole new approach to performance, technology, design and luxury.

The first commercial aired during the Super Bowl and three more are planned to circulate on national television.

In addition to the television ads, Lexus will be engaging viewers of TV shows using the Shazam mobile App. During certain episodes of popular TV shows “The Soup” “Psych” and “Being Human” the audience can use the Shazam app to get extra content of the show, and extra media on the Lexus GS. Users can even win a contest for a custom trip “Upgraded in GS fashion.”

This campaign doesn’t just stop at television though. In co-operation with Wired magazine, readers will have access to extra content using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology in smart phones.

Lexus is also going heavy on digital with their approach to advertising. A Lexus promoted radio station will be available on Pandora Internet Radio, showcasing artists, songs and albums which have revolutionized the music industry. Other websites including YouTube will also feature the new GS.

Easily the most beautiful piece of sheetmetal unveiled at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, the Lexus LF-LC Concept stunned crowds with its technology, style and mystery – hinting at a future super coupe that’s still a few years off.

Created by the brand’s Calty design studio in Southern California, one can’t help but wonder how a vehicle like this moves from concept to reality. To answer that question the Toyota luxury division has commissioned short film that entitled “Resonance of Passion” that is, in and of itself, is a work of art.

GALLERY: Lexus LF-LC Concept

Watch the Lexus LF-LC Concept Inception video below”:

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If you’re a Facebook user, you may be dreading your profile’s eventual move to the new “Timeline” look. Not so with Lexus – the automaker is proving itself a social media trendsetter by offering a Timeline-inspired Facebook app.

The Points of No Return app was designed to allow Lexus to connect with its fans on a more personal level, as well as highlighting the all-new 2013 Lexus GS and showcasing big moments in social media, technology and design history. Lexus is the first brand to offer a Timeline-inspired application and one of the first to incorporate Facebook’s new Gestures platform.

The Points of No Return app will be an easy way for fans around the world to connect and engage with the brand. It utilizes Facebook’s new custom Open Graph and it features “I Want This,” “I Own This,” and “I Remember This” buttons on each item in the timeline. Once you click on a button, your response will be shared as a story on your personal Facebook Timeline.

Check out the Points of No Return app on Facebook. And while you’re there, don’t forget to like AutoGuide!

Not to be left out of the fun, Lexus is joining the Super Bowl action with an ad of its own.

The first time the company is running an ad during the big game, this 30-second spot will star the 2013 GS. Titled “The Beast,” the commercial features the GS breaking free of a silver metal box, proving that “change cannot be contained.” At the end of the commercial, you can see four additional containers in the background – according to Lexus, these represent new models that will be revealed later this year.

“The Beast” will air during the end of the first quarter, but just watch it after the jump if you can’t wait a few more days to see it.

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Lexus clearly has a winner on its hands with their new 2013 GS – read our review here – and it appears that they didn’t want to stop the customizing options with just the F Sport model. Toyota Racing Development (TRD) has come up with a lineup even more special parts and accessories for the performance variant.

Since the GS F Sport already comes with a different aero kit, 19-inch wheels and tuned suspension, it almost seems redundant that TRD would produce parts for the sportier sedan model. But surprisingly the additions are great, adding a lip kit for the front bumper, add-ons for the side skirts, a larger trunk spoiler, a rear apron and quad exhaust tips with a blue outline.

Performance upgrades are limited to a sportier suspension kit and an exhaust system for the F Sport model while TRD also offers a set of mesh-style, 19-inch wheels in a gunmetallic finish. No pricing was announced from TRD Japan and we’ll also assume that these parts will work on the U.S. model.

GALLERY: 2013 TRD Lexus GS F Sport

Efficiency is important these days. The government is cracking down on gas guzzlers and imposing strict regulations that force automakers into saving more fuel than ever before.

That’s why it might come as a surprise that Audi of America is opting not to offer their most efficient diesel engine in the upcoming 2013 Q5. That’s right, the German luxury brand sees fit to package the same diesel 3.0-liter V6 that they currently offer American consumers in the Q7.

Why, you might ask? The answer is simple, though less than logical. Audi is afraid of selling a 2.0 turbo diesel Q5 because it gets better milage than the hybrid-electric powertrain they are offering in the same vehicle.

In other words, the diesel engine is too efficient for the discerning U.S. palette. Now, there may be some merit to the theory, considering diesel fuel is more expensive than gasoline. People can be quick to judge at the pump and diesels still carry a somewhat sordid name among American consumers, even today.

On the other hand Hybrids evoke green imagery and environmentally friendly thoughts, which is even funnier when you realize that Europeans have been driving diesels to save fuel for decades.

Regardless of the reasoning, Audi is doing a good job of pandering to consumer egos, saying they chose to offer a more performance oriented diesel and an efficient hybrid.

Speaking of performance-oriented diesels, the company will also be offering Americans the same engine in the A8 later this year. The same logic that spoiled the chances for a 2.0-liter diesel Q5 is also keeping the hybrid A8 out of reach.

“Our current A8 with the 4.2L gasoline V-8 gets the same fuel economy as hybrids from BMW, Lexus and Mercedes” due to its emphasis on weight-saving aluminum construction, Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen said to Ward’s Auto. “Imagine now what happens when you put a diesel in the car. You have all the driveability and driving enjoyment with even better fuel economy.”

In fact, 41% of Q7 and 55% of A3 sales in the U.S. were diesel models, though the fact that Audi still ships from Germany probably restricted supply, so it makes sense that they would be rolling more models out with the oil-burning option.

GALLERY: Audi Q5 Hybrid

[Source: Wards Auto]

Lexus debuted its LF-LC concept at this year’s Detroit International Auto Show and in doing so snagged the spotlight and our attention.

We got our first look at it there and were impressed to say the least. The LF-LC concept introduces bold styling choices that force the car apart from the crowd both inside and out.

Smooth, swooping lines and rich leather mix with tastefully placed touch screens to deliver an organic feel that exudes luxury. Lexus us still mum on specific details behind the drivetrain aside from admitting that it will be a hybrid capable of offering both performance and efficiency.

Three days ago the company posted a video that gives an in-depth look at the car coming as close as possible to touching it without actually being there. While we have actually had that privilege, you probably haven’t.

Even still, there were a few facts to be gleaned from the video. For example, technical details on how the window controls work, but why not just watch the video below and see for yourself.

GALLERY: Lexus LF-LC concept

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Infinti is pointing their cross hairs squarely at the Japanese luxury crossover market, hoping that their new JX will be a hot seller capable of boosting the brand, but there could be an arduous road ahead.

Their biggest competition: the Acura MDX and Lexus RX crossovers are their brand`s top sellers, meaning Infiniti will have to pick a few pockets to put the JX in their aspired sales bracket.

“It will become our second-best-seller this year, right behind [the] G [lineup],” Infiniti’s North American vice president Ben Poore said to WardsAuto in an interview.

Despite their high sales ambitions, Infiniti isn’t undercutting the competition, at least not completely. Poore said they plan to start the JX at $41,400 including the destination fee. That means it starts off cheaper than the Acura MDX’s $43,815 tag and pricier than the Lexus RX for $39,950.

As far as specifics for those ambitions are concerned, Poore didn’t name any exact sales targets. Despite that, we know the company’s best-selling G coupe and sedan sold 58,246 total units last year.

That could be a tall order given that the brands current runner-up, the QX SUV, only sold 13,428 units last year. Maybe that’s why Poore is playing coy about actual figures. His statement could suggest a relatively low sales target or a tough push against the competition.

Given that last year Lexus and Acura sold 82,595 and 123,299 RXs  and MDXs respectively, it would seem to be in Infiniti’s best interests not to irk the juggernauts, but instead to siphon off a sliver of tired customers from each when it goes on sale as a 2013 model this March.

GALLERY: 2013 Infiniti JX

[Source: Ward's Auto via Motor Trend]

It’s anything but a secret: more gears mean better gas mileage. Mercedes-Benz packs a seven-speed automatic into many of its cars, Lexus uses an eight-speed transmission in its LS sedans, but these amply geared boxes are generally the things of luxury cars— until now.

We were the first to report that Hyundai had a 10-speed transmission in the works, having announced it at a tech briefing in Michigan. Hyundai has now confirmed that the transmission is under development, and will be in production as soon as possible, though details are still murky about which vehicles will get the technology. Given how aggressively automakers are pushing for better mileage year over year, it might make sense that the new gearbox would fall into Elantras or Accents rather than or alongside the luxurious Genesis and Equus. No doubt the transmission is being designed with the CAFE fuel economy regulations in mind that will come into effect fully in 2025 and expect a 54.4 mpg average rating.

We’ll keep you up to date as more emerges.

Toyota motorsports partner Gazoo Racing is known for its Super GT teams and Nurburgring race cars. How do they stack up when it comes to the sport art of drifting? Not too well, judging from this video.

As part of a demonstration event held at the Tokyo Auto Salon each year, automakers, tuners and racing teams get the chance to display the power of their vehicles on a small course set up outside the venue. One of the vehicles this year was a Lexus IS-F prepped by Gazoo.

We don’t want to ruin it for you, but let’s just say, perhaps there’s a reason pylons are made of plastic.

Watch the video below:

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Lexus refreshed their LX 570 for the 2013 model year, and today they announced pricing for the luxury utility vehicle raising it 1.9-percent compared to last year’s model to $80,930.

The new LX 570 features new, bold styling, interior upgrades, cutting-edge technology and remarkable off-road capabilities all wrapped in the luxurious package you’d expect from a Lexus.

Under the hood, the LX 570 is powered by a 5.7L V8 engine featuring four cams and four valves per cylinder with Lexus’s dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). It pushes out 383-hp and 403 lb-ft of torque, offering plenty of power for the utility vehicle.

An optional Luxury Package was also announced for the 2013 LX 570 priced at $1,510 and will include a cool box for beverages, semi-aniline leather-trimmed upholstery with contrast stitching, heated steering wheel, new mahogany wood-trimmed door switch plates, a rear-center armrest cover, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats and Smart Access card key.

Additional entertainment can also be had for $2,005, adding dual screen rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headphones and three-prong electrical outlet. The two video sources can play different content at the same time, so no fighting amongst the kids on which Disney movie to watch.

The announced MSRP of $80,930 does not include delivery, processing and handling fee of $875.

GALLERY: 2013 Lexus LX 570