Lexus Enthusiast

A Motor Trend editor spotted a mystery prototype in Southern California, and noting its similarity to the Lexus HS 250h, believes it to be an early version of a CT 200h sedan — let’s start with some photo comparisons to get it out of the way:

Nothing about this prototype reminds me of the CT, though it does bring to mind the hydrogen HS mule that was spotted last year:

The overall shape seems dated, and not really in line with the design direction of Lexus (or even Toyota) — have to think it makes more sense if this prototype is testing a new powertrain configuration.

See more photos of the mystery prototype

For the sixth year in a row, the Lexus LS was named the best overall vehicle in the 2013 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, with only 59 problems per 100 vehicles sold. The industry averages 113 problems per 100 vehicles sold.

The study, which looks at problems experienced in the first 90 days of vehicle ownership, was redesigned in 2013 to better reflect issues related to new technologies and features. As a result, Lexus fell to third overall behind Porsche & GMC after being first for the past two years — here’s a snapshot of the results:

In related news, the Yoshiwara (TABC) plant in Japan, which produces the Lexus LX and Toyota Land Cruiser, received a Gold Plant Assembly Line Quality Award.

Read more about the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

For the latest edition of Lexus Magazine, I was asked to write about the legacy of the LFA:

Development of the Lexus LFA started as a challenge, much as with the original LS 400 that launched the Lexus brand. Could Lexus engineers create a legitimate supercar that competes with the world’s best?

By the time production ended in December 2012, the LFA’s legacy was firmly established: the supercar had brought about a seismic shift within the Lexus brand, and its influence can be seen throughout the Lexus lineup.

Along with a new video, the article also includes two recent LFA photos that I’ve taken — here they are in desktop wallpaper size:

2560 x 1440 | 1920×1080 | 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768

2560 x 1440 | 1920×1080 | 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768

(These photos would not have been possible without serious help — special thanks to Ron Cooney & the Lexus USA Eastern office for arranging the LFA & IS photoshoot, and to Neph Trejo for everything during the Los Angeles road trip.)

Read my article on the legacy of the LFA