October 2008 | Lexus Enthusiast

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Video of Artisan’s Twin Turbo Lexus IS-F

We’ve seen the official photo and technical breakdown of the Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance Lexus IS-F that’s debuting at SEMA next week, and now here’s the twin turbo kicking it on a dyno: It’s a good thing this thing is strapped to the dyno, because I don’t imagine it would be easy to video otherwise.

Kevin · October 31st, 2008

2010 Lexus RX Brochure Leaked!

The 2010 redesign of the Lexus RX has finally been leaked onto the web, and it’s a beauty! I really think Lexus has done something special with this new generation, The LX design cues are obvious and handsomely applied, resulting in great blend of model continuity and design. The most startling aspect of the new …

Kevin · October 30th, 2008

SEMA 2008: ICON’s Lexus LX 570

The fact that I’m only now getting around to posting about the details of ICON’s custom Lexus LX 570 is probably the biggest indication to just how overwhelming yesterday was in terms of Lexus news! Regardless, here’s the official image of the SEMA-bound LX, plus the full breakdown of the modifications: Click the image for …

Kevin · October 30th, 2008

SEMA 2008: Lexus IS-F by Fox Marketing

Lexus’ official car guide for SEMA 2008 was released today, and showcases six newly modified Lexus vehicles — and here’s the Fox Marketing IS-F: Click the image for a desktop wallpaper edition Fox Marketing and Artisan Performance teamed to create this subtle yet aggressive makeover of the already aggressive IS F. The subtle part involves …

Kevin · October 29th, 2008

SEMA 2008: Lexus IS-F by Import Tuner Magazine/TEIN

Lexus’ official car guide for SEMA 2008 was released today, and showcases six newly modified Lexus vehicles — and here’s the Import Tuner Magazine/TEIN IS-F: Click the image for a desktop wallpaper edition Import Tuner Magazine and TEIN suspension company put their collective heads and expertise together to create an IS F that’s focused on …

Kevin · October 29th, 2008

SEMA 2008: Motorworld Hype’s Lexus IS-F

Lexus’ official car guide for SEMA 2008 was released today, and showcases six newly modified Lexus vehicles — and here’s Motorworld Hype’s IS-F: Click the image for a desktop wallpaper edition MotorworldHype has taken another path that is a bit less aggressive, yet more easily accessible for the average consumer. Lots of carbon to reduce …

Kevin · October 29th, 2008

SEMA 2008: 0-60 Magazine’s Lexus IS-F

Lexus’ official car guide for SEMA 2008 was released today, and showcases six newly modified Lexus vehicles — and rather than post them all up in a lump, I’m going to take it one at a time, starting with 0-60 Magazine’s Modifed IS-F: Click the image for a desktop wallpaper edition With track performance a …

Kevin · October 29th, 2008

Lexus GS Body Kit by Job Design

The super-dropped angled-wheel look notwithstanding, this Lexus GS bodykit from Job Design ranks right up there as one of the best looking body kits in a while. The GS body-style really benefits from this type of attention, and every component of this kit looks to be top-notch, though I prefer the rear spoiler to the …

Kevin · October 28th, 2008

Lexus IS-F Wins Big in AJAC Test Fest

When the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) gathered together for their annual event to name the best vehicles for 2009, they brought in two Lexus’ to compete: The IS-F in the Best New Sports/Performance Car over $50k, and the LX 570 in the Best New SUV/CUV over $60k. The LX 570 ended up being …

Kevin · October 27th, 2008

2010 Lexus RX 350 to Debut at LA Auto Show, In Dealerships in February 2009

According to The Car Connection, the next-generation Lexus RX will be making its debut at next month’s Los Angeles Auto Show. When you consider this alongside the Lexus SEMA lineup, November’s looking to be a big month for Lexus. Also, after confirming it with three separate sources, I can now able to say with certainty …

Kevin · October 24th, 2008

Matte Black Lexus LF-Xh Promotional Photos (Plus a Video)

At the request of TPP commenter WorldofLuxury, here is the full set of matte black Lexus LF-Xh photos from the Paris promotional kit suitable for use as background images. Also for your viewing pleasure is this short commercial-like footage of the LF-Xh:

Kevin · October 23rd, 2008

ICON’s Custom Lexus LX 570 Revealed!

When Lexus announced their SEMA lineup, I was especially interested in what ICON’s modified LX 570 would look like, especially given that it was described as the “anti-bling” version, subdued and super functional. Well, the cat’s out of the bag, I stumbled onto Icon’s project page at CarDomain and all the secrets were revealed. Here’s …

Kevin · October 23rd, 2008

2010 Lexus RX 350 Optional Equipment

Continuing in on the breakdown of the 2010 Lexus RX 350, here’s a list of newly available optional equipment: Bi-Xenon HID Headlamps Automatic High Beam Feature Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror with Integrated Backup Camera Wallet-Size Card Key 12-Speaker Premium Audio System USB Audio Input 15-Speaker Mark Levinson Audio System Voice-activated HDD Navigation System XM Real-Time Traffic …

Kevin · October 22nd, 2008

2010 Lexus RX 350 Standard Equipment

As I mentioned in the previous post, due to a forwarded dealership document, I have the full breakdown of the next-generation 2010 Lexus RX 350. In that first post, I covered the specification side of things, and now here’s a list of the new standard equipment, along with the standard equipment no longer offered: New …

Kevin · October 22nd, 2008

Full 2010 Lexus RX 350 Specs!

Early this morning, I was sent a dealership document outlining the full details of the North American Canadian 2010 Lexus RX 350, right down to the available packages (still no production model photos though, the pic above is the LF-Xh concept). I’m going to break up the information over a series of posts today, starting …

Kevin · October 22nd, 2008

HKS Release Lexus IS-F Speed Delimiter

In other IS-F modification news, Japanese performance company HKS has released a speed delimiter that allows the IS-F to pass its computer imposed speed limit of 170mph (273km/h). Dubbed the Velocity Advanced Computer, or the VAC, this tiny black box is wired into the IS-F’s ECU and will let speed-crazy drivers test the upper limits …

Kevin · October 21st, 2008

Prussian Blue Body Kit for the Lexus IS-F

It’s unfortunate that Japanese bodykit manufacturer Prussian Blue’s new front/rear lip underspoiler combo for the IS-F is overshadowed by what may be the strangest set of rims I’ve seen in a while. But let’s put them behind us and focus on the two spoilers: Not bad, I’m not all that impressed with the front end, …

Kevin · October 21st, 2008

Lexus Confirms Compact Model

In an interview with German newspaper WirtschaftsWoche, Lexus Europe Managing Director Tadashi Arashima confirmed that Lexus will indeed be launching a compact entry-level model. From Motor Authority: “We will offer a Lexus in the compact class,” he told reporters, explaining that the company needs “smaller and more efficient vehicles” to meet Europe’s CO2 emissions regulations. …

Kevin · October 20th, 2008

Classic Lexus SC Prototype Photos

During their visit to Toyota’s Automobile Museum in Torrance, California, Urban Racer took some photos of a Lexus prototype that would eventually become the first generation SC: While the basic shape remained the same, it’s a very good thing that rear light cluster was dropped, nevermind those rims. (But are they really much worse than …

Kevin · October 17th, 2008

Five Axis GS 460 Confirmed for SEMA (Plus More!)

Lexus & Five Axis will be making another big splash at next month’s SEMA — last year, the Project IS-F was the result of their collaboration, and this year, Five Axis is turning their attention to the Lexus GS 460 (click for a larger version): I know it’s a sketch and everything, but this is …

Kevin · October 16th, 2008

Lexus to Move to Hybrid-Only?

When I read Toyota Managing Officer Toshio Furutani’s comments in the Nikkei Business News last week that “in the medium to long term, Toyota was considering making the Lexus lineup hybrid-only”, it barely registered. Now, after seeing it reported over and over, I’ve come to release it might be an idea to post here — …

Kevin · October 15th, 2008

Custom Lexus IS-F Greddy Supercharger & Exhaust in Action

Last time we checked in on the 0-60 Magazine’s SEMA-bound IS-F, they had just started working on their modified entry. Fast forward until now, one week away from their deadline, and this video of the custom Greddy supercharger and exhaust system shows just how far things have come: Seriously, look at this thing: The 0-60 …

Kevin · October 15th, 2008

Lexus IS-F Australian Pricing Announced

Good things come to those who wait! Australia will finally be able to purchase the Lexus IS-F in late October, and even better, the super sedan’s pricing significantly undercuts the competition. Retailing for $129,000 AUD (approx. $89,700 USD), the IS-F will be $15,365 AUD less than the Mercedes C63 and as much as $33,901 AUD …

Kevin · October 14th, 2008

Lexus LX 570 Contending for Motor Trend SUV of the Year

The Lexus LX 570 is up for the Motor Trend SUV of the year: Since last year’s contest, a lot has changed with regard to the SUV market. Most manufacturers are going for the smaller, more fuel-efficient, and in some cases car based vehicles, the 2009 Lexus LX 570 is none of those, and it’s …

Kevin · October 14th, 2008

WedsSport Reveals Lexus IS Drift Racer

WedsSport, a Japanese performance tuner, has revealed its Lexus IS 350 drift car, which is destined to compete in the D1 Grand Prix, the preeminent professional drifting series. NZ Performance Car has some details: …the company has been slowly developing this new car which is, not surprisingly, powered by a Supra derived 2JZ-GTE motor. The …

Kevin · October 13th, 2008

Lexus LS 600hL Commercial: Kite

What begins as a headscratcher ends up being a very effective commercial for some exclusive Lexus technology: My first time watching the commercial, I immediately though of one particularly weird commercial from a while back, but in actuality it was a very convincing application of the driver monitoring system. [Via: Steadywinds]

Kevin · October 13th, 2008

Fox Marketing Lexus IS-F in Dallas this weekend

The orange modded Lexus IS-F by Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance will be making an appearance at the Hot Import Night in Dallas this Saturday. Here’s a brand new photo of the car along with some other details: [Brian Fox will] have the car at the Dallas HIN on Saturday, and from there he plans to take …

Kevin · October 10th, 2008

Lexus IS 250C Showing at Australia International Auto Show

Fresh from its debut at the Paris Auto Show, the Lexus IS 250C is now making an appearance at the Australia International Auto Show. When asked about the new convertible, Lexus Australia GM John Roca had this to say: “For the first time in Lexus history we can now claim we have an IS range…[it] …

Kevin · October 9th, 2008

2001 Lexus IS 300 Commercial: Sufficiently Radical

With all the economic doom & gloom, let’s indulge in some stress of an entirely different sort: Joe’s a little too risky, if you ask me. His little move has backfire written all over it.

Kevin · October 8th, 2008

Lexus Global Sales Slipping

Responding to a report that Toyota may be unable to achieve its projected global sales target, Senior Managing Director Yoichiro Ichimaru shared some details about the current state of Lexus sales worldwide. According to Market Watch: …[Toyota] will open a showroom in Tokyo for its upscale Lexus brand vehicles that is designed to draw in …

Kevin · October 8th, 2008

Europa Press Interviews Lexus Europe Vice-President

Some interesting facts came out of a Europa Press interview with Lexus Europe vice-president Andy Pfeiffenberger — from the translated text: …the vice president of the European subsidiary of Toyota said his company expected its sales this year on the European continent will be reduced by about 11%, to about 48,000 units, due to economic …

Kevin · October 7th, 2008

Lexus Canada September 2008 Sales Report

Lexus Canada saw sales soar 37.6% in September, bucking the direction of country’s softening auto market and marking the ninth straight record month. Overall, the brand sold 1,351 units, and although Lexus Canada doesn’t publish it’s full model-by-model breakdown, there were a few choice tidbits in the press release: Lexus IS sales jumped 51.9% The …

Kevin · October 6th, 2008

Collection of Live Lexus IS 250C Video Clips

I thought it would be good to post up all the different video segments of the Lexus IS 250C I’ve come across since the convertible’s introduction last week: Update: More videos: Have you seen any others? Post it in the comments and I’ll update the page.

Kevin · October 6th, 2008

Lexus IS 350C confirmed for North America

According to both the Lexus USA press release and a post on Toyota’s Open Road Blog, there will be an IS 350C (at least in North America): Powered by the same powertrain as the IS sedans, the IS 250C features a2.5-liter, 204-hp V6 mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatictransmission; the IS 350C contains …

Kevin · October 5th, 2008

Lexus confirms Prius-based Hybrid (Plus a Second Hybrid Bonus!)

Details are sparse, but there’s news today regarding the upcoming Lexus hybrids. Yes, that’s correct, there’s two hybrids in the works! Of course, this has been rumored for some time, but now we have something more in the way of facts: Fact #1: The first Lexus dedicated hybrid will be based on the new Toyota …

Kevin · October 3rd, 2008

Lexus IS 250C Convertible Details

With the video and the photos out of the way, let’s get into the details of the new Lexus IS 250C: Scheduled for a late-spring 2009 release in the US, summer 2009 in Europe Features an aluminum three-panel roof that opens in just 21 seconds (currently the world’s fastest three-panel roof) Shares hood, headlamps, door …

Kevin · October 2nd, 2008

Video of the Lexus IS 250C Convertible Roof

I’ve dug up the video that’s currently being displayed with the IS 250C at the Paris Auto Show, which shows the new Lexus IS 250C’s roof in action! What’s more, it’s a substantial 15 minutes in length, more than enough to satisfy even the most diehard retractible roof fans (my apologies with the autostarting video, …

Kevin · October 2nd, 2008

Lexus IS 250C Photo Gallery

Well, that will teach me to get sick! The Lexus IS 250C was unveiled early this morning at the Paris Motor Show, and with it came plenty of interesting information. First thing’s first, there’s a ton of official photos, more details in my next post:

Kevin · October 2nd, 2008

Lexus USA September 2008 Sales Report

With a 27% decrease overall, September was the worst month-to-month percentage drop in US automotive sales since 1991. Lexus certainly wasn’t exempt from the ill effects, with sales down 33.4%. Here’s the model-by-model breakdown: 2008 2007 % Change IS250/350/F 3,044 3,757 -15.6 ES350 4,042 6,491 -35.1 GS350/460/450h 977 1,668 -39.0 SC430 129 297 -54.8 LS460/600h …

Kevin · October 1st, 2008

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