May 2010 | Lexus Enthusiast

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Akio Toyoda Profile

Admittedly, this is the third time in a row that I’ve linked to The Automotive News, but today’s profile on Toyota President Akio Toyoda is not to be missed — some choice quotes: […]Toyoda embarked on a quest to become one of the company’s top certified test drivers and its top car critic. That challenge …

Kevin · May 31st, 2010

Automotive News Talks with German Lexus LFA Owners

Automotive News has some details on Lexus LFA sales in Europe: […]a third of the orders from Europe were placed in Germany. Lexus brought eight of those buyers to this year’s Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race in Germany to wine and dine them as two LFAs competed at the legendary circuit. Each buyer already had plunked …

Kevin · May 31st, 2010

Behind-the-Scenes with Lexus @ 24h Nürburgring Race

It’s been a couple weeks since the Lexus LFAs competed in the Nürburgring 24h race, but I wanted to mention this great article from Hans Greimel of Automotive News, who spent the entire weekend with the Toyota crew. The entire piece tells an interesting story, but I really enjoyed reading about Toyota President Akio Toyoda’s …

Kevin · May 28th, 2010

Sleek New IS Website from Lexus Canada

Last month, we saw behind-the-scenes footage for a new Lexus commercial featuring all versions of the IS — now here’s the finished product as part of a new IS section on the Lexus Canada website: Lots of energy to the site, and definitely worth clicking through — the video quality is just fantastic. Very sleek, …

Kevin · May 28th, 2010

Lexus LS Recall Video Demonstration

Here’s a video demonstrating the steering issue that made the current Lexus LS recall necessary: All in all, this LS steering issue looks to be relatively non-critical — something that should be fixed and deserving of a recall, to be sure, but of minor importance to anyone outside of the affected owners. Still, good on …

Kevin · May 27th, 2010

Interview with Hiromu Naruse, Chief Test Driver for Lexus

Lexus Magazine has a brilliant interview with Hiromu Naruse, chief test driver for Lexus, about his experience in helping develop the LFA: Lexus: What was it like to drive the Lexus LFA prototype the first time out? Naruse: I have to say, when I drove the LFA for the first time, it was scary. It …

Kevin · May 26th, 2010

2010 Lexus RX Awarded IIHS Top Safety Pick Award

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2010 Lexus RX its TOP SAFETY PICK award. This designation recognizes the RX for earning the highest possible rating for front, side, rollover, and rear crash protection, along with being equipped with electronic stability control, which is standard. Read the IIHS Annoucement

Kevin · May 25th, 2010

200 MPH in a Lexus LFA

As part of Motor Trend’s coverage of the Lexus LFA, the supercar was strapped onto a dynometer and pushed to its upper limits: 200.2 MPH is something else, even on a dyno — it’s amazing just how smoothly the LFA ramps up, and judging from the footage, it gets there with hardly any vibration at …

Kevin · May 25th, 2010

Lexus Performance Registry

Major news today! Next month, Lexus USA will be launching a worldwide Performance Registry on their website — but it’s been opened early for Lexus Enthusiast readers! The registry will be an online resource that will let enthusiasts share information on their Lexus vehicles and connect with other owners — making it easy to tap …

Kevin · May 24th, 2010

Red Lexus LFA @ Japanese Auto Show

Not only does this video from a Japanese auto show feature the red Lexus LFA, it also demonstrates a couple details about the supercar that I haven’t seen before (skip to 5:23 to get to the goods): The two things I noticed were the turn signal and the massive, single-blade windshield wiper — admittedly, these …

Kevin · May 24th, 2010

LA Times Reports on 4th Generation ES Transmission Issues, Lexus Responds

This weekend, the LA Times published another chapter in their long-running battle against Toyota & Lexus, this time asserting that the transmission issues experienced by some 2002-2006 Lexus ES owners was indicative of a bigger problem: The documents show that Toyota repeatedly tried to solve the lurching problem by modifying the car’s computer software. But …

Kevin · May 24th, 2010

Lexus LS Recall FAQ

Lexus has officially issued a recall on late 2009 & certain 2010 Lexus LS vehicles equipped with the Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system. This recall affects the LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600h, and LS 600hL, but no other Lexus models. All owners affected by the recall will be contacted via mail when the …

Kevin · May 23rd, 2010

Road & Track Lexus LFA Video

Seems like a day can’t go by without posting a Lexus LFA video — today, it’s a feature from Road & Track: The LFA was a laserbeam through that slalom course!

Kevin · May 21st, 2010

2010 Lexus GS 450h UK Photo Gallery

Lexus UK has published a very nice photo gallery of the 2010 Lexus GS 450h: All in all, the 2010 edition of the GS 450h is a very nice upgrade over the 2009 model — upgraded pre-crash safety system, hard drive navigation, three new exterior colors (Vanilla Mist, Richmond Green and Atlantic Blue) and one …

Kevin · May 20th, 2010

Lexus LFA Desktop Wallpapers

During my trip to the Lexus F-Sport event in New Jersey, I took over 600 photos — including 350 of the LFA alone — so I thought I would share my favorite three images as desktop wallpapers: Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 …

Kevin · May 20th, 2010

GT Spirit Reviews the Lexus LFA

GTSpirit had a chance to drive the Lexus LFA in Monaco, and they created this fantastic video: Along with the video, there’s an exhaustive review on the GT Spirit website: The Monaco area gave the opportunity to experience the twisting roads in the hills surrounding the small country, but also the Formula 1 race track, …

Kevin · May 20th, 2010

Lexus LS to be Recalled for VGRS Issue

Lexus is preparing to issue a recall of Lexus LS models equipped with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS): This matter has been under investigation by TMC since March this year who have received approximately 10 complaints in Japan. No accidents have been reported relating to this issue and we have received no reported cases of …

Kevin · May 19th, 2010

Video Interview with Scott Pruett

One of the best things about attending the Lexus F-Sport event in New Jersey was the chance to meet Scott Pruett, the very successful race car driver that also happens to handle the LFA hot-laps. Scott is such a well spoken and knowledgeable guy, and his insight into the LFA was really something to hear …

Kevin · May 18th, 2010

Driving the Lexus LFA

Picture the most intense, heart-pounding roller-coaster ride of your life, only instead of rails and a cart, you’re strapped into a prototype supercar driven by a race car driver. That was the scene two weeks ago at the New Jersey Motorsports Park, where I found myself in the passenger seat of Lexus USA’s (formerly matte …

Kevin · May 17th, 2010

Motor Trend Comparison: Lexus GX 460 vs. Mercedes GL 450 vs. Land Rover LR4

Motor Trend has a new luxury off-road comparison featuring the Lexus GX 460 against the Land Rover LR4 and Mercedes GL 450: The GX ends up finishing second behind the LR4, and was well-received by the Motor Trend writers, especially in terms of value — however, they deducted points for its low tow rating (6,500lbs) …

Kevin · May 17th, 2010

Lexus LFA Wins SP8 Class in Nürburgring 24h Race

After a grueling and exhaustive 24 hours, the #50 Lexus LFA finished 18th overall and placed 1st in its SP8 (near production) class in the Nürburgring 24h race. The other LFA in the race, #51, didn’t do so well after an extended pitstop that lasted over 11 hours, but did manage to make it back …

Kevin · May 16th, 2010

Lexus 2010 Nürburgring 24h Race Open Thread

Two Lexus LFAs (#50 & #51) and one IS F will be competing in this weekend’s Nürburgring 24h race, so I thought we should have some place to discuss the race as it happens. In two rounds of qualifying, the #50 LFA finished p25 & the #51 LFA is p28, and sit first and second …

Kevin · May 15th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Dark Ride Interactive Movie

The Lexus CT 200h Dark Ride interactive movie has launched today, and it’s super fun — before I give too much away, make sure to go and experience it for yourself: Here’s the trailer, just to jog your memory: You never know with this sort of thing, but the Dark Ride is total quality, with …

Kevin · May 14th, 2010

Lexus Straight Talk about Safety

Lexus Magazine has an interview with Charles Hubbard & Paul Williamsen of Lexus College, the company’s technical training center, about the various safety systems that Lexus uses in their vehicles. It’s just a quick overview, but I thought this question says it all: LEXUS: First of all, we can’t have a discussion about safety without …

Kevin · May 13th, 2010

Nürburgring 24h Race Ready Lexus LFAs

Lexus has released photos of the fully liveried LFAs that will be taking part in this weekend’s 24h Nürburgring race: This image is just pure awesome, I had to crop it up for a wallpaper: Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 There doesn’t look to be a live feed of …

Kevin · May 12th, 2010

Consumer Reports Tests Lexus GX 460 Update

Consumer Reports have performed a test of the Lexus GX 460 software update: The magazine also posted a final comment on the safety issue they discovered, which ultimately led to current Lexus GX 460 recall: That’s what happened with the GX 460. The problem with the vehicle’s emergency handling capabilities was discovered by our auto …

Kevin · May 11th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Chief Designer Video Interview

Here’s two new Lexus CT 200h videos featuring the hatchback’s Chief Designer, Takeshi Tanabe: This HD footage really shows off the car in a very strong way, including our best look yet at the LED headlights. Top notch quality. For more from Tanabe-sama, you can check out my interview with him from the Geneva auto …

Kevin · May 11th, 2010

Lexus USA F-Sport Promotion in June

Lexus USA has announced there will be a special F-Sport promotion during the month of June — three new option levels have been made available on the IS, IS-C, & GS 350(RWD only): The F-Sport suspension kit will be offered for $1,450, a savings of $549, and will include lowering springs and rear chassis member …

Kevin · May 10th, 2010

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Official U.S. Pricing

Lexus USA has announced the pricing of the limited-edition LFA Nürburgring package, along with the collection of perks that owners can expect: This limited edition LFA will be available in four exterior colors – whitest white, orange, black and matte black complemented by a choice of three interior colors – black, red, and violet. All …

Kevin · May 10th, 2010

Motor Trend Comparison: Lexus LFA vs. Nissan GT-R

Motor Trend has unleashed an absolutely epic comparison test pitting the Lexus LFA against the Nissan GT-R — some choice quotes: Subsequent testing proves the LFA to be dynamically superior to the GT-R in nearly every category. Any doubts that the Lexus is anything but a legitimate supercar are absolutely gutted on the test tarmac. …

Kevin · May 10th, 2010

Lexus Takes Top Three Spots in Super GT GT500 Class

Missed this story last week, but Lexus took the top three spots in Round 3 of the 2010 Super GT series — from Road & Track: The GT500 class winner was the pole-starting MJ Kraft SC430 driven by Hiroaki Ishiura and Kazuya Oshima, who never lost the lead throughout the race. Joining them on the podium …

Kevin · May 10th, 2010

James Martin Reviews the Lexus LFA

Celebrity chef/auto reviewer James Martin recently spent some time with the Lexus LFA: I drove this Lexus LFA up London’s Regent Street and had a procession of kids following me all along the pavement as I slowly made my way. By the time I reached Oxford Circus there were about 40 of them, all glassy-eyed …

Kevin · May 10th, 2010

Lexus Europe Nürburgring Reporter Contest!

Lexus Europe is holding a very special contest to find a reporter to cover the Nürburgring 24h race next weekend: We are looking for a racing enthusiast – a true Lexus supercar fan – to report on the event. Someone who will come along with us and who will keep the rest of the world …

Kevin · May 7th, 2010

VAIS Tech Introduces VLine II LED Lights

TLE sponsor VAISTech has revealed a new accessory for your Lexus — the VLine II is a LED lighting system that improves night-time visibility while adding a distinct look: Just like all VAIStech products, the VLine II is built with the upmost quality — visit the product page for more details, including a video demonstration. …

Kevin · May 7th, 2010

Consumer Reports Removes Lexus GX 460 Safety Warning

Consumer Reports has lifted its Don’t Buy: Safety Risk rating on the Lexus GX 460 after testing the stability control software update — from the press release: CR contacted the Lexus dealership from which they had anonymously bought the vehicle and made an appointment to have the recall work performed. The work took about an …

Kevin · May 7th, 2010

Lexus LFA Desktop by Christian Thomas

I’m putting the final polish on the writeup of my Lexus LFA driving experience last week, but in the meantime I wanted to share one of the photos from Christian Thomas, who was the resident photographer at the event — check out this beautiful LFA photo: Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 …

Kevin · May 7th, 2010

Lexus LX 570 Invader by ASI Tuning

Japanese tuner ASI has cut loose and created the craziest Lexus LX 570 you’ll ever see: Dubbed the ASI LX 570 Invader, ASI has tuned the LX to push out 600hp, which equals a 0-60mph in less than 5 seconds (the stock LX 570 need 7.4 seconds). Of course, there’s more obvious changes — the …

Kevin · May 6th, 2010

TLE Issues Resolved

Regular readers may have noticed some general weirdness with TLE since its move to WordPress a couple days ago — unfortunately, with a site move of this size, there were a number of unforeseen issues, including some problems with viewing articles and leaving comments. I’m happy to say that the most of these problems have …

Kevin · May 6th, 2010

Lexus HS 250h Sales Target Revised

Ward’s Auto has tallied up the HS 250h’s sales to date, and has found that Lexus is on track to sell 14,000 units of the entry-luxury hybrid in its first year, about 6,000 less than previously forecast. Since the HSh’s launch in August 2009, a total of 11,228 units have been sold to date. According …

Kevin · May 6th, 2010

The Lexus Enthusiast 6.0

Welcome to The Lexus Enthusiast 6.0! Now running on the WordPress platform, this new edition of TLE was made necessary due to reasons too numerous and technical to mention, but rest assured, the switchover will be well worth it. The most obvious change is the content slider at the top of the homepage, which should …

Kevin · May 5th, 2010

Lexus April 2010 Sales Report

USA The April sales numbers for Lexus USA are in: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2010 2009 % CHG* 2010 2009 % CHG* ES 4,396 3,549 23.9 13,528 12,320 10.9 HS 1,076 0 N/A 4,529 0 N/A LS 1,182 765 54.5 3,967 3,221 24.4 SC 32 83 -61.4 113 310 -63.2 GS 514 468 9.8 …

Kevin · May 3rd, 2010

Lexus IS F CCS Concept Video

At the Tokyo Auto Salon earlier this year, Lexus showcased the IS F Club Circuit Club Sports Concept (or CCS Concept for short), an IS F done up in all sorts of carbon fiber, including some very nice detail work on the rear wing: As mentioned last month, Lexus has hinted that the carbon fiber …

Kevin · May 3rd, 2010

Mystery Lexus LFA Prototype Video

New video footage has surfaced of the mysterious Lexus LFA prototype which was captured by spy photographers last week: Upon viewing the vehicle in motion on the streets of Southern California, more questions arise: is the quiet sound indicative of the media speculation that this is a plug-in hybrid prototype? Are the aft-mounted radiators from …

Kevin · May 1st, 2010

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