Photos of the Lexus Booth at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show

The Frankfurt auto show may be over, but I had to post these photos of the Lexus booth at the event: These were taken by Lexus Europe and uploaded to Flickr—there’s a few more over there as well, so be sure to check them out.
Kevin · September 30th, 2009

2010 Lexus LS to Feature Self-Restoring Clear Coat

For 2010, the Lexus LS will be sporting an additional layer of clear coat paint that has the ability to heal itself: Unlike a conventional clear coat, TMC’s newly developed coat is not easily damaged and can even restore* itself even if it is deformed.  Moreover, it requires no special maintenance, prevents luster degradation caused …

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Kevin · September 29th, 2009

Lexus ES & IS to be Recalled over Floor Mats

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recommendation that 2007-2010 Lexus ES 350 & 2006-2010 Lexus IS 250/IS350 owners remove their drivers side floor mat, which may cause the accelerator to become stuck open under certain conditions: “This is an urgent matter,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “For everyone’s sake, we strongly …

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Kevin · September 29th, 2009

Fox Marketing Prepares Lexus IS 350c for SEMA

We first saw a rendering of the Fox Marketing Lexus IS 350c back in May—and it looks like that computer image was in very close proximity to the real thing: There’s also a buildlog photo set on Flickr, and for good measure, a video closeup: The IS-F front bumper and side vents look nicely done—I …

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Kevin · September 28th, 2009

Lexus USA Looking for LF-Ch Feedback

Although it was designed primarily with Europe in mind, the LF-Ch concept has generated plenty of buzz on the North American shores—and Lexus USA is looking to gauge just how interested American customers are in the hatchback concept. To that end, a short survey has been added to the concepts page on the Lexus USA …

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Kevin · September 28th, 2009

White Lexus LF-A on Nürburgring Video

Here’s another quick video of the Lexus LFA—this time taken on the track at Nürburgring and more importantly, completely undisguised: Here’s a quick screenshot of the full front-end: It’s impossible to make any real judgment from a 16 second video, except when it comes to the sound. What a roar! SAVAGE! (Thanks WorldofLuxury!)
Kevin · September 27th, 2009

Four Lexus HS 250h Print Ads

Along with its run of commercials, Lexus USA will also be promoting the HS 250h in four print ads (click for larger images): These print ads are similar in tone to both the 2010 RX & Power of H commercials, and the equal-parts emphasis on technology and eco-friendly works very well with the HS. (John …

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Kevin · September 25th, 2009

Five Lexus LF-Ch Videos

The Lexus LF-Ch has received plenty of video coverage, and rather than post them one by one, I thought it best to collect them into a single post. This first video, from WhatCar?, claims that the LF-Ch won’t see production until late 2011, and will cost £20,000: Next up is Which?: Then there’s the lone …

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Kevin · September 23rd, 2009

Lexus LF-A in Matte Black

Autocar has published a bunch of new Lexus LF-A spy shots, this time painted in matte black: Judging by the Recaro front seats, this is likely the rumored track-ready version of the Lexus supercar—there’s a few more images in the Autocar gallery, be sure to check them out. Between this and the white LFA seen …

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Kevin · September 22nd, 2009

Lexus LF-Ch Photo Gallery

Flickr user Lexusaddicted has taken some very nice shots of the Lexus LF-Ch concept car, including some detail photos like these: I find these up-close photos reveal the time and consideration that goes into creating a concept car, and how every element of the vehicle is envisioned from scratch. Case in point, it’s unlikely that …

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Kevin · September 21st, 2009

Great Lexus IS Convertible Billboard in Toronto

Check out this cool Lexus IS-C digital billboard in downtown Toronto: What’s interesting is that the position of the IS-C roof changes depending on the current weather, which is also displayed underneath the car. Very nicely executed! (Hopefully this is still in place the top is down when I’m in Toronto next week…) [Source: DSE]
Kevin · September 21st, 2009

2010 Lexus GS 450h Official Information

Also announced this week at the Frankfurt Auto Show was the revised 2010 Lexus GS 450h, which sports a new grille, among other small changes: The pre-crash collision system has been revised to include a pre-crash seatbelt and brake assist functions. The GSh navigation system has been upgraded to the Lexus 6th-gen system, which runs …

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Kevin · September 20th, 2009

Photo of the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL Interior

Among Leftlane News’ photos of the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL at the Frankfurt Auto Show was this shot of the interior—note the full LCD instrument panel (click for a larger image): The steering wheel stitching also looks different, and there’s now a patch of darker leather on the doors. Just loving this color combination. [Source: …

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Kevin · September 20th, 2009

2010 Lexus ES 350 Official Information

Full information and photos of the refreshed 2010 Lexus ES 350 have been released—here’s a breakdown of the changes: Both the front and rear lights have been revised, along with a new front bumper, new foglights, a new grille. Chrome side molding has also been added. The new-look Lexus side mirrors with integrated turn signals …

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Kevin · September 18th, 2009

2010 Lexus LS 600h & 600hL Official Information

After pouring over images of the 2010 Lexus LS 600h for a couple weeks, official information on the flagship hybrid has been released, and changes have turned out to be more extensive than just a new front grille. First some photos, then a breakdown of the new features: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1345”} Performance The LS hybrid will …

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Kevin · September 18th, 2009

White Lexus LF-A Spotted!

The news never stops when it comes to Lexus & Germany—it’s not enough that the LF-Ch and refreshed versions of the LS, GS, and IS debuted, but now a practically-production LF-A has been photographed at Nürburgring (click for larger versions): Although the expertly-applied white tape does hide the final details, this is the best look …

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Kevin · September 17th, 2009

Two Lexus LF-Ch Videos

Lexus has released a launch video for the LF-Ch: There’s some nice interior shots of the concept hatchback, but no driving footage. On the other hand, I did find some video from the Frankfurt auto show floor, showing what the LF-Ch would look like at a disco: (I wonder why concepts never get proper rear …

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Kevin · September 17th, 2009

Lexus LF-Ch Photos from Frankfurt Auto Show

As per usual, Autoblog has delivered the goods—check out their gallery of Lexus LF-Ch photos from the Frankfurt Auto Show (click to go to full photos): My immediate reaction to the photos is that the wheels are just too flashy for the concept, but everything else seems entirely in line with the press photos from …

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Kevin · September 16th, 2009

Live Lexus Frankfurt Auto Show Press Conference

Just a quick announcement: The Lexus LF-Ch will be debuting at the Frankfurt Auto Show today at 10am EST/7am PDT, and as luck would have it, the entire press conference will be streamed live on the Lexus Europe website. Plenty of photos of the hatchback concept are bound to surface soon after the press conference, …

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Kevin · September 15th, 2009

Lexus Considering Mini Competitor?

With the LF-Ch likely to be reach production as Lexus’ entry into the C-Premium market, Autocar decided to see where the brand stood on the B-Premium “Supermini” sector: “This segment will grow,” [A Lexus marketing specialist] said, “as more premium marques begin to build cars in this size. We already have the Mini and the …

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Kevin · September 14th, 2009

2010 Lexus ES 350 Official Photos

The finalized 2010 ES has been revealed by way of the Lexus China website—let’s start off with some exterior photos: The changes, as far as I can see: New front bumper and foglights New head lights & tail lights Chrome Side strip Rear view mirrors with integrated turn signals On a whole, the exterior changes …

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Kevin · September 14th, 2009

2010 Lexus GX Spy Shots!

Even with the introduction of next-generation Lexus GX right around the corner, there have only been spy shots of the closely-related Toyota Prado—that is, until the real deal was caught out in the California desert yesterday. First, a couple photos from Edmunds: Also, some additional photos from Leftlane News: Not much detail is given away, …

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Kevin · September 11th, 2009

Car & Driver Reviews the 2010 Lexus RX 450h

Car & Driver has a short review of the 2010 Lexus RX 450h, and it’s a mostly positive affair—which is rather surprising considering the source: Despite a fourth-place finish in a recent comparison of luxury crossovers, the RX does impress. As with the RX350 we tested earlier this year, it was a struggle to find …

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Kevin · September 11th, 2009

Lexus LF-Ch US Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show

Some very positive news if you’re a North American interested in the new Lexus LF-Ch—the hatchback concept will be displayed at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show this December: Lexus has been leading the luxury hybrid market ever since we came out with the RX 400h in 2005,” said Mark Templin, Lexus division group vice …

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Kevin · September 11th, 2009

The Tennis Ball Lexus IS 350

After creating a dimpled golfball version of the LS 460 for the U.S. Open, Lexus is at it again with a yellow felt covered IS 350 for the U.S. Tennis Open: These one-off theme cars are just brilliant, what a unique way to promote a sponsorship. For more photos of the tennis ball IS, check …

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Kevin · September 10th, 2009

2010 Lexus HS 250h Commercials

Lexus has just released four mini commercials for the HS 250h that highlight the sedan’s non-hybrid technologies: Additionally, there’s a full length commercial that touches on all of the technologies at once (the sound seemed clipped, though): Drawing attention to the driver aids in the HS 250h is very smart—after all, even if you subtract …

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Kevin · September 10th, 2009

Official Lexus LF-Ch Photo Gallery (Plus New Information)

Lexus has released full, high resolution images of the LF-Ch hatchback concept: Some things that jump out right away: The LF-Ch has a great stance, and has one of the better Lexus side profiles. Couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the integrated iPhone docks in the front seat-backs. This car is missing the large …

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Kevin · September 10th, 2009

Leaked Lexus LF-Ch Photo Gallery

With just one day less than one week to go before the official launch of the Lexus LF-Ch, low resolution of the press images have leaked out: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1330”} I’m trying to temper my excitement about this model, but it’s getting more and more difficult with every image. The concept has plenty of showcar flair, …

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Kevin · September 9th, 2009

Front View of the Lexus LF-Ch Concept

After Lexus teased us with a cropped rear view of their upcoming hatchback concept, a new image has leaked revealing a full front view (click for a larger version): There’s so much to like about this concept—particularly the grille and headlights, which manage to fit in line with the new Lexus hybrid style but still …

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Kevin · September 8th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h with LX-Mode Wheels

It was only a matter of time before a modded Lexus HS 250h would show up on the Internet, and appears Japanese tuner company LX-Mode is first out the gate with new wheels on a dropped HSh (click for a larger version): It’s amazing how a minor drop and wheel swap can have such an …

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Kevin · September 4th, 2009

Popular Mechanics Compares the 2010 Lexus HS 250h vs. BMW 335d

Popular Mechanics has posted a rather awkward fuel economy comparison between the hybrid Lexus HS 250h and diesel BMW 335d—what starts off as a fuel economy showdown ends up being a driving contest that’s over before it even begins: Our drive took up through the Santa Monica Mountains high above Malibu to test the handling …

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Kevin · September 4th, 2009

2010 Lexus GX to Debut in Shanghai Next Month

For those waiting for the next generation of Lexus GX, the wait may soon be over. According to Edmunds, Lexus will be debuting the 2010 GX in Shanghai next month, with full details coming in November. The GX will then reach dealerships some time in December. (Considering the Shanghai Auto Show is held in February, …

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Kevin · September 3rd, 2009

New 2010 Lexus IS F-Sport Package

The Frankfurt auto show will also mark the debut of this new F-Sport package for the Lexus IS—here’s a photo (click for a larger version): No mention of which F-Sport accessories will be making it into the package, but from the image alone, it looks like a new grille, lowering kit, and new wheels are …

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Kevin · September 2nd, 2009

Official 2010 Lexus LS Hybrid Photo

In addition to the LF-Ch concept, Lexus will also be debuting its refreshed 2010 LS hybrid at the Frankfurt Auto Show later this month. As a teaser, an official image has been released (click for a larger image): Needless to say, the much maligned grille looks much better than it did in those blurry brochure …

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Kevin · September 2nd, 2009

Lexus USA August 2009 Sales Report

Lexus USA has reported their August 2009 sales, here’s the model-by-model breakdown: August Year to Date 2009 2008 % CHG 2009 2008 % CHG IS 4,855 6,318 -20.2 24,565 37,328 -33.5 HS 543 0 543 0 ES 5,629 7,881 -25.8 30,385 46,600 -34.2 GS 669 1,686 -58.8 4,776 12,042 -59.9 SC 34 187 -81.1 576 …

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Kevin · September 2nd, 2009

Lexus Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Today marks the 20th anniversary of Lexus! On this very day in 1989, opened the dealership doors in the United States, and has since gone on to become the bestselling luxury brand in the country, and the fourth largest luxury car brand in the world. To mark the occasion, I thought it would be fitting …

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Kevin · September 1st, 2009

Lexus LF-Ch Hatchback Concept Teaser

A new image of the Lexus premium compact hatchback has been released (click for a larger image): In keeping with Lexus’ concept naming convention, the compact hatchback has been named the LF-Ch. It sports the usual concept car conceits like massive chromed wheels and tiny video-camera rearview mirrors, along with a elaborately sculptured rear bumper …

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Kevin · September 1st, 2009