
Lingzhi and are the same brand, with Lingzhi being the earlier transliteration. Here is some relevant information: 1. Lexus is a luxury car series launched by Toyota Motor Corporation in the 1980s. Since its introduction to the automotive market in 1989, LEXUS has been striving to create uniquely styled and refined cars. Of course, behind this rigorous demand lies high creativity, superior technology, and stable, reliable performance as a foundation. 2. Lexus's unique Japanese culture has played a significant role in brand building. The appeal of the products and user reputation require time to appreciate, but service can solve problems instantly. Recognizing this, Lexus established over 80 dealerships across the United States at its inception, exclusively selling Lexus brand models and not alongside Toyota brand vehicles.

Actually, Lingzhi was the former name of . In the early years when this brand first entered the Chinese market, it was called Lingzhi, which sounded quite oriental. Later, around 2004, Toyota changed the name to Lexus to unify the global brand name. Despite the name change, the classic L-shaped logo on the front of the car remained unchanged. I've noticed that many veteran car enthusiasts still prefer to call it Lingzhi, especially those who have driven early classics like the LS400, always saying 'Lingzhi quality is just different.' However, the official name is now Lexus, and even the dealership signs and advertisements have all been unified under this name.

My old car's user manual still has 'Lexus' printed on it, and my son always teases me for being outdated. Actually, it's just the same brand with different names over time! 'Lexus' is a direct transliteration of the English 'Lexus,' which feels more youthful. Last year, when I accompanied a friend for a test drive, the guy mentioned that even the car keys now only have 'LEXUS' engraved on them. In terms of quality, I think the new hybrid technology is more impressive, but I still miss the comfort of those sofa-like seats in the old Lexus. I can't help but take a second look when I see an old LS430 on the road.

I remember back in 2003 when the boss bought a LS430, the whole company rushed to touch that rising dashboard. Later, the brand suddenly changed its name to Lexus, and everyone wondered if it was a knockoff. It wasn't until we asked an old-timer at the dealership that we learned the name change was to align with the global branding. Don't let the name fool you—the car-making philosophy never changed. The noise insulation is truly impressive! Once, I took the new ES on the highway, and the tire noise was half of what I experience in my German car. Now, their interior design has gotten younger, and the touchpad operation is quite trendy.

The parts are actually interchangeable before and after the name change. Last week, I helped my neighbor find shock absorbers for a Lexus GS300, and the parts supplier directly shipped them to me according to the Lexus model. The mechanic mentioned that the chassis codes all follow formats like GSJ10, and experienced technicians can identify the corresponding newer model just by checking the VIN. However, it's important to remind everyone that when buying older Lexus models, special attention should be paid to aging rubber components, especially the sunroof seals. The newer models currently hold their value quite well, with the CT hybrid's used prices remaining strong.

My habit of collecting car magazines can prove it's the same brand. Flipping through the 2000 issue of 'Car and Driver', every page was filled with ads. By the 2005 reprint, it had changed to Lexus. After the name change, the model naming also evolved: previously called Lexus RX300, now the Lexus RX350 uses displacement naming which is more accurate. But here's an interesting detail - Hong Kong still calls it Lexus to this day. Every time I hear 'my Lexus' in Hong Kong dramas, it feels nostalgic. Recently tried the new RZ electric model, its yoke steering wheel design is truly avant-garde, completely unlike the conservative Lexus in my memory.


