June 2010 | Lexus Enthusiast

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Autoblog Rides in the Lexus CT 200h Too

Autoblog was also in attendance at last week’s small media preview of the Lexus CT 200h, and had this to say about their time in the passenger seat: Riding along suburban roads near the TME facility, the CT 200h – even in prototype guise – is suitably Lexus-like in its build quality and refinement, yet …

Kevin · June 30th, 2010

The Telegraph Takes a Ride in the Lexus CT 200h

Lexus Europe has media showing with the CT 200h last week, and Jesse Crosse from The Telegraph was there for a ride in the passenger seat: I was given a brief ride in a prototype by Lexus engineers last week who were keen to demonstrate the low centre of gravity, flat cornering stance, low, sporty, …

Kevin · June 30th, 2010

Lexus LX 450 Commercial

Time for a blast from the past with this ’96 Lexus LX 450 commercial: The commercial’s slogan: “It’s everything a Lexus is, and everything a Lexus isn’t” is similar in message to the way the IS-F was introduced (“F is everything you thought we weren’t”), and for good reason. Both models expanded the Lexus brand …

Kevin · June 30th, 2010

Lexus LFA Configuration Kit

Flickr user itzjere (aka Jeremy) had the enviable task of configuring a Lexus LFA for his boss, and posted some pictures of the process (click for larger images): This LFA configuration kit shows an amazing attention to detail, and looks to be an excellent way to choose a car color combo. I asked Jeremy a …

Kevin · June 29th, 2010

Lexus Family Safety Camp

Lexus recently held an event in California for parents to learn more about Lexus safety and get a chance to experience the different first-hand: Hardly something to get the enthusiast blood going, but important nonetheless. From the video, you can see everything was explained in plain english, with almost no technical talk, making for an …

Kevin · June 29th, 2010

Blue Lexus LFA Photos

We saw a video of this Pearl Blue Lexus LFA a couple months back, now here are some new photos: Best of all, this black & blue interior is a knockout: Absolute madness — what a color combination. [Via: Club Lexus]

Kevin · June 28th, 2010

Live Lexus CT 200h Interior Photos

I just received a massive stack of Lexus CT 200h photos in my inbox, including some pics of a wonderful beige Ecru leather interior with a bamboo (?) wood trim — look at this (click for a larger image): That sliver of wood really sets the whole thing off — I’m extremely impressed with how …

Kevin · June 27th, 2010

Lexus HS 250h Recalled Over Crash Test Fuel Leak

Lexus has issued a recall and stop sale on the HS 250h after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration discovered that too much gasoline leaks in a rear-impact test. The recall, which will affect 17,000 vehicles in the USA, is a result of a test that involves striking the vehicle with a deformable barrier from …

Kevin · June 25th, 2010

2011 Lexus IS Interior Option: Sunrise

Another detail about the 2011 Lexus IS has emerged — check out this brand new interior option, Sunrise, which is almost certainly limited to the Japanese market: This is pushing at the very outer limits of interior color combinations, but I have to admire the very idea of these special editions — especially something so …

Kevin · June 25th, 2010

Lexus Magazine Feature on GX 460

Lexus Magazine has a nice feature up on the GX 460: The freeway is white with snow. The windshield wipers can barely keep up with the endless flakes rapidly hitting the glass. Gripping the wheel, I glance down at the navigation system. Just 20 miles to my destination, but it could take an hour or …

Kevin · June 25th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h in Blue!

And here we go — the first high-quality photo of the Lexus CT 200h in something other than white (click for a larger version): Seeing the CT 200h in blue is somewhat curious, considering it wasn’t listed as one of the colors on the Lexus USA mini-site — but it would hardly be the first …

Kevin · June 24th, 2010

Akio Toyoda on the Passing of Hiromu Naruse

Toyota President Akio Toyoda has shared his grief over the passing of mentor Hiromu Naruse on his blog — and even though I’m only able to read a rough Google translation, his message shows not only a deep sadness, but a strong resolve to continue on in Naruse’s spirit. Read the translated text (Original Text)

Kevin · June 24th, 2010

In Memory of Hiromu Naruse

Today, the automotive world lost an icon — Toyota’s Chief Test Driver Hiromu Naruse was killed in an accident outside of the Nürburgring racetrack while driving a Lexus LFA Nürburgring prototype. Naruse-sama was influential in the development of every production sports car produced by Toyota, from the 2000GT to the MR-S, and was so widely …

Kevin · June 23rd, 2010

Lexus Chief Test Driver Hiromu Naruse Dies in LFA Crash

German newspaper Rhein-Zeitung is reporting that the Lexus LFA Nürburgring edition featured yesterday has been involved in a serious crash with another car. Details are still emerging and nothing has been confirmed, but it’s believed that Toyota Chief test driver Hiromu Naruse was behind the wheel, and that both the driver and passenger in the …

Kevin · June 23rd, 2010

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition Photos

After scoping out the same rendered versions of the Lexus LFA Nürburgring edition for a while now, there’s finally some real photos of the track-optimized version of the supercar courtesy of Autoblog (click for larger versions): Conveniently, Lexus has highlighted all the Nürburgring edition’s aero-parts in black, making it easy to see the larger front …

Kevin · June 22nd, 2010

The 2011 Lexus IS

Earlier this month, we saw some leaked photos of the possible 2011 Lexus IS, and now Japanese weblog レクサスとの道 has published proof (click images for larger images): For the most part, the changes are minor — LED daytime running lights, revised bumpers, some small interior updates — however, let’s take a closer look at this …

Kevin · June 21st, 2010

C&D Comparison: Lexus ES 350 vs. Hyundai Genesis vs. Buick LaCrosse vs. Ford Taurus

Car & Driver took the Lexus ES 350, Hyundai Genesis, Buick LaCrosse & Ford Taurus Limited out on a golfing trip — here’s what they had to say about the ES 350: […]the ES350 is also the lightest car in this group, and good things always happen when you’re slim. For starters, the Lexus, while …

Kevin · June 21st, 2010

Lexus & the 2010 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

Old news now, but last week Lexus placed fourth in the 2010 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study with 88 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), coming in just one PP100 behind Mercedes and two PP100 under Acura. In light of some recent quality issues, this result stands as quite an accomplishment for Lexus — even more …

Kevin · June 21st, 2010

World’s Smallest Lexus Enthusiast

Just a personal note to explain the radio silence of the last couple days: Much to the excitement of my wife Karissa & I, our daughter, Pepper Gwendolyn Watts, was born yesterday — making her the world’s smallest (and youngest!) Lexus enthusiast. As you can imagine, life gets turned upside down with a new baby, …

Kevin · June 18th, 2010

More Lexus CT 200h Videos

Here’s a couple of new Lexus CT 200h videos — this first one breaks down the Lexus Hybrid Drive system by its central elements: The second video is an interview with CT 200h Chief Engineer Osamu Sadakata as he describes the three driving modes of the new hatchback: These HD videos are great — love …

Kevin · June 15th, 2010

Lexus ES 350 with Black & Saddle Tan Interior

Dan Spanu over at Lindsay Lexus sent me a tip about the new Lexus 350 Black with Saddle Tan interior color option — first off, here’s the official shot from the Lexus USA website: What these images don’t really show is just how similar this ES interior is to the new LS Sport interior color …

Kevin · June 15th, 2010

New Lexus CT 200h Photos

Here’s a bunch of new Lexus CT 200h photos showing the new hatchback in a more natural setting: The more I look at the CT, the more impressed I get. Sure, there was plenty of L-Finesse design cues that could be drawn from, and there’s certainly some elements of the RX & the IS, but …

Kevin · June 14th, 2010

Lexus LFA Scrollbroaaaar

As part of the Lexus LFA media blitz, German auto website Sport Auto received a new scrollbar: I’ve tried my best to see myself on the Sport Auto website, but to no avail — cute idea, though I wonder how well it would bear up to repeated exposure. [Via: Ads of the World]

Kevin · June 13th, 2010

Lexus IS Helicopter Ballet

Not every day you watch a video featuring forty-four Lexus IS 250s performing a choreographed routine that’s filmed by helicopter: Filmed at the Ampthill Millbrook Proving Groundvehicle proving ground (presumbly for the launch of the IS in 2005), this Lexus UK presentation is strikingly similar to their LS 460 orchestra that took place in 2007, …

Kevin · June 11th, 2010

Lexus Dark Ride VIP Card Giveaway

As part of their Dark Ride campaign for the CT 200h, Lexus USA is issuing special VIP cards that bring some very exclusive benefits — including fast-track entry to clubs, free cocktails, & limited edition items. Here’s just a small sample of the perks: 20% off best available rates at notable boutique hotels such as …

Kevin · June 10th, 2010

Beautiful Lexus LS 600hL Video

Once and a while, I get very focused on a specific car — right now, it’s the Lexus LS, and it all started after watching this 10-minute video a couple weeks back: This video does a great job at capturing that quiet, subtle luxury that’s so appealing about Lexus’ flagship sedan — and somehow manages …

Kevin · June 10th, 2010

Reader Review: Lexus LS 460 Sport

TLE reader Heimdall222 has put 1,800 miles on his brand new 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport — here are his impressions of the sport-infused flagship sedan. The 2010 LS 460 Sport is my second Lexus, following a GS 350, and I’ve also owned several Infinitis. The basic Sport Package is, of course, what converts a …

Kevin · June 10th, 2010

Car Magazine: Lexus LFA vs. Mercedes SLS

Car Magazine has a supercar comparison we’ve all been waiting for as they pit the Lexus LFA against the Mercedes SLS — some choice quotes: The LFA in particular is infamous for its insane intonations of raw power. Redlined at 9000rpm where the rev counter changes colour from snow white to devil´s red, the V10 …

Kevin · June 8th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h in Brown Spice Mica

Lexus Europe has teased their Twitter fans with some quick photos of the latest addition to their fleet: a Brown Spice Mica CT 200h: Sure, the photo quality isn’t all that great, but it’s enough to give an idea of what the CT 200h will look like in darker colors. It’s certainly a tidy looking …

Kevin · June 8th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h 3-Door Photochop

Shortly after the Lexus CT 200h was revealed in early March, rumors of a possible 3-door version sprung up, and now photochopper Theophilus Chin has put together a possible look for the hatchback coupe: The main tweaks in the photochop, besides the subtraction of two doors, is a deeper slope in the A-pillar, a shorter …

Kevin · June 8th, 2010

Lexus Taiwan’s Hybrid Bicycle

This LS 600hL commercial from Lexus Taiwan has a special surprise at the end: Just in case you missed it: As the Lexus Taiwan website describes, this is a limited edition mountain bike built by Fuji cycles, and will retail for 180,000 元 ($3,300 USD). Expensive indeed, but not out of line with the rest …

Kevin · June 7th, 2010

Behind-the-Scenes of the Lexus LFA Commercial

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the recent Lexus LFA commercial: A pretty amazing setup, all round — bringing in a renowned physicist to help determine the necessary frequency, having Scott Pruett there to pilot the LFA, it’s all very sophisticated. There have been some questions about the meaning behind the commercial — …

Kevin · June 6th, 2010

Lexus LS Generations Desktop Wallpapers

This week’s Autocar review of a 1990 LS 400 reminded me of a desktop wallpaper I’ve had sitting on my computer for quite some time: Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 I had featured a very similar image some time back, which still stands as one of my favorite Lexus …

Kevin · June 5th, 2010

Lexus Performance Registry Now on Lexus USA Website

After our week and a half preview here at The Lexus Enthusiast, Lexus has launched the Performance Registry on their website as part of a larger Inside F performance section. Inside F, as you would imagine, is dedicated to the Lexus’ growing performance lineup, with information on the LFA, IS F, LS Sport, and all …

Kevin · June 4th, 2010

2011 Lexus IS Update?

By way of Chinese website Sohu, here’s a sneak peek at what’s just may be the 2011 Lexus IS: There’s plenty of tweaks here: The LED daytime running lights first seen on the 2010 LS have been incorporated into the headlights. The steering wheel will be getting some new accents, and a chrome strip has …

Kevin · June 4th, 2010

Lexus LFA Still Available in USA

Despite reports to the contrary, Lexus USA has told Edmunds that there are still LFAs available in the USA: In response to a query Thursday from [Edmunds Inside Line], Toyota said: “As a result of additional allocation being dedicated to the U.S. market, some production spots still remain for the LF-A supercar’s 500-unit global build. …

Kevin · June 3rd, 2010

Lexus Ranks #1 in UK J.D. Power Owner Satisfaction Survey for the 10th Straight Year

Lexus has ranked first in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates/What Car? Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study (VOSS), making it the tenth consecutive year the brand has taken the top spot. Along with ranking #1 overall, Lexus was also tops in three of the study’s four categories: Quality and Reliability, Appeal and Service Satisfaction. As far …

Kevin · June 3rd, 2010

Lexus May 2010 Sales Report

USA USA May sales are in — here’s a full model-by-model breakdown: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2010 2009 % CHG* 2010 2009 % CHG* ES 5,115 4,125 24.0 18,643 16,445 14.3 HS 1,360 0 N/A 5,889 0 N/A LS 944 830 13.7 4,911 4,051 22.2 SC 34 93 -63.4 147 403 -63.2 GS 771 …

Kevin · June 2nd, 2010

Lexus LFA Commercial

Lexus USA has just put out a commercial for the Lexus LFA: It’s a nice play on the one of the inaugural LS 400 commercials (and was revisited during the LS 460 launch), and will be part of a wider campaign promoting the halo supercar. The NY Times has more details: The online elements, scheduled …

Kevin · June 1st, 2010

Autocar Drives 20-year-old Lexus LS 400

In a nod to their 20th anniversary in the UK, Lexus put automotive journalists behind the wheel of an old LS 400 at the annual Society of Motor Manufacturers Test day. Purchased off eBay, the LS 400 had 103,000 miles on the odometer and still plenty of life — here’s a quick review from Autocar: …

Kevin · June 1st, 2010

Facebook Fans Question Lexus CT 200h Chief Designer

Recently, Lexus Europe asked their Facebook fans to submit questions to Lexus Design Manager Takeshi Tanabe about the CT 200h — in the end, four questions were chosen and the answers have just been posted. (Funny fact: Three of the four questions use the word “sexy”.) Read the full Q & A

Kevin · June 1st, 2010

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