February 2014 | Lexus Enthusiast

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The Lexus RC F GT3 Racing Concept

Lexus will debut the RC F GT3 racing concept at the Geneva Motor Show next week, as the first step in the brand’s plan to support GT3 sports car racing in 2015 — here are the first published photos: Developed over two years by Lexus International and subsidiary Techno Craft, the RC F GT3 concept …

Kevin · February 28th, 2014

Photo Gallery: The 2015 Lexus RC F SPORT

Lexus has released new information about the Lexus RC F SPORT, including this full photo gallery: The front end and wheel design may be the only changes, but this RC F SPORT is a near-perfect balance between the standard RC and the RC F — Lexus has done an excellent job creating a wide range …

Kevin · February 28th, 2014

2015 Lexus RC F SPORT Information

Lexus has released more information on the RC F SPORT set to debut in Geneva next week — here’s the full press release along with a selection of fresh new photos. The RC 350 F SPORT, based on the RC 350, will feature exclusive design elements and enhanced driving performance. The F SPORT’s dynamic upgrades …

Kevin · February 28th, 2014

2015 Lexus RX 350 & RX 450h Information

Lexus USA has announced the 2015 Lexus RX 350 & RX 450h, and the new model year brings some new standard equipment and changes to the option packages: All RX models will now come standard with a seven-inch display screen and backup camera The Remote Touch infotainment controller has been revised for improved ease of …

Kevin · February 27th, 2014

Lexus International Leadership Changes

Changes to the Lexus International executive management team have been announced, with current executive vice-president Tokuo Fukuichi taking over as president. Fukuichi-san, who is also the design chief for Toyota & Lexus models, will be the first designer to lead the Lexus brand. He has also been named to the Toyota board of directors. Current …

Kevin · February 27th, 2014

A Closer Look at the Lexus RC F

Lexus revealed the RC F coupe at the Detroit Auto Show last month. It’s the brand’s first high-performance production car since the release of the LFA supercar in 2010, and will play a leading role in the brand’s new “fun to drive” direction. While much of the RC F still remains a mystery, here are …

Kevin · February 26th, 2014

Should the Production Lexus LF-LC Look Like This?

Japanese magazine Best Car has published an attractive rendering of a production Lexus LF-LC coupe. Merging the best of the LF-LC concept with the design of the RC coupe, the “LC F” rendering above is quite believable with its extreme polish — I could definitely see the production LF-LC looking very similar. Best part of …

Kevin · February 26th, 2014

Lexus Named Top Brand in Consumer Reports Car Brands Report Card

For the second year in a row, Lexus has been named the top brand in the Consumer Reports Car Brands Report Card. Using road-test scores and scores for predicted reliability, Consumer Reports graded every mainstream auto manufacturer — Lexus finished with 79 points, ahead of second place Acura (75 points) & third place Audi (74 …

Kevin · February 25th, 2014

Wald International Releases Lexus RX Body Kit

Japanese tuner Wald International has released an updated Executive Line body kit for the Lexus RX: The body kit is simple enough, adding a front lip spoiler and rear skirt to the Lexus crossover. Pricing has yet to be released. See more photos of the Wald Lexus RX

Kevin · February 25th, 2014

Photo Gallery: 2014 Lexus CT 200h F SPORT with Redline Exterior

Japanese website Car Watch has posted some photos of the updated 2014 Lexus CT 200h F SPORT in the new Redline exterior color: I saw the CT 200h in Redline a couple weeks back at the Toronto Auto Show, and thought it was a strong color that suited the CT perfectly — anyone else seen …

Kevin · February 24th, 2014

Lexus China Sales Up 14% in 2013

Lexus China sales increased 14% in 2013, for a total of 73,000 vehicles sold — here’s more information from Chinese website Gasgoo: According to Lexus China statistics, the brand has sold 73 thousand in Chinese market, which has increased 14%. Hybrid cars take more than 20 thousand, and grow up to 43%. Hybrid car sales …

Kevin · February 24th, 2014

Video: Glowing Lexus LFA Art Installation in Japan

Video of the Lexus LFA Media Ambition art exhibit has surfaced: The earlier photos made the lightshow appear much more intense, but the installation by Rhizomatiks still has its moments — really liked the glowing tri-exhaust tips.

Kevin · February 23rd, 2014

Lexus GS Named Top Luxury Car in 2014 Canadian Black Book Retained Value Awards

For the third consecutive year, the Lexus GS was named the best value in the Luxury Car category of the 2014 Canadian Black Book Retained Value awards. For this year’s awards, Canadian Black Book analyzed 2010 model year cars and trucks and determined the vehicles that retained the highest percentage of their original MSRP after …

Kevin · February 20th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Matte Black Lexus IS F SPORT in Norway

The folks at Lexus Trondheim in Norway have sent in some photos of a matte black & carbon pattern wrapped IS 300h F SPORT, and it’s a real looker: (Thanks Tim!)

Kevin · February 20th, 2014

New Lexus IS Receives European 5-Star Safety Recommendation

The Lexus IS 300h has been given a five-star safety ranking from Euro NCAP, making it the safest new car in the Large Family category and one of the top performing cars of 2013. Here’s a video of the crash tests: The IS scored the maximum points in the side barrier test for adult occupants …

Kevin · February 19th, 2014

360° Tour of the Lexus RC F

The Lexus International RC F product page has a very cool 360° tour of the high-performance coupe, showing it off from every perspective. (My favorite angle is straight on — I think the RC F is the single best interpretation of the Lexus spindle grille so far.) View the Lexus RC F in full rotation

Kevin · February 19th, 2014

Video: Lexus RC F Engine installed in the IS F CCS-R

As previously mentioned, the Lexus IS F CCS-R race car that participated in both the Pikes Peak Hill Climb & 25 Hours of Thunderhill was powered by the 450+ horsepower 5.0L V8 engine from the upcoming RC F — here’s a video of Lexus mechanics swapping the engine: No two ways about it, the sound …

Kevin · February 18th, 2014

Lexus Sets Middle East Sales Record in 2013

Lexus was the #1 luxury automotive brand in the Middle East for 2013, with sales growing 19% for a total of 37,284 vehicles sold. New IS sales jumped 63% to 1,864 vehicles in 2013, yet Lexus’ entry-level sedan was still outsold by the LS, which increased 55% to 2,171 units sold. (Although it goes unmentioned …

Kevin · February 18th, 2014

Lexus Sponsors Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

Once again, Lexus will be one of the sponsors of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue — here’s a video with the RC F and Brazilian supermodel Lisalla Montenegro: This is the fourth year in a row that Lexus has been involved in the annual magazine — here’s the details on this year’s sponsorship: Sponsorship of …

Kevin · February 17th, 2014

A Visit to the World’s Most Northernly Lexus Dealership

Martyn Collins from the Lexus UK blog recently visited the city of Tromsø in Norway, home to the world’s most northernly Lexus dealership: The sales manager at Lexus Tromsø is a colourful character named Trond Johansen, a man who has enjoyed previous careers as a professional footballer before becoming coach for Norwegian Premiere League team Tromsø IL. Trond …

Kevin · February 17th, 2014

BEYOND Magazine: Roadtrip with the Lexus IS 300h

Official Lexus publication BEYOND Magazine has a featured road trip across the Shikoku island in Japan with architect Hironaka Ogawa and a Ultrasonic Blue IS 300h F SPORT: The journey that Ogawa is embarking on across the island of Shikoku begins here, and a metallic blue Lexus IS is peacefully parked outside. The vehicle’s bright …

Kevin · February 16th, 2014

Unique Yellow Lexus LFA Spyder on Display in Japan

The yellow Lexus LFA Spyder will be displayed alongside a 1967 Toyota 2000GT as part of a unique event at the Toyota Kaikan museum in Nagoya, Japan. First spotted during a Tokyo Motor Show event, this yellow LFA Spyder will be in the museum until the end of April. [Source: Toyota Japan Facebook]

Kevin · February 14th, 2014

INTERSECT BY LEXUS New York to Open in 2015

The Villager reports that the New York INTERSECT BY LEXUS gallery space will be located at 411 W. 14th St. in the Meatpacking district. Like the first INTERSECT in Tokyo, the space will be designed by Masamichi Katayama and his company Wonderwall, and is expected to share much of the same look & feel. INTERSECT …

Kevin · February 13th, 2014

2012-2013 Lexus RX 350 Recalled for Potential Braking Software Issue

Lexus USA has issued a voluntary safety recall for certain 2012-2013 RX 350 models due to a potential issue with its braking software. Lexus will update the skid control ECU software in order to address an electronic circuit condition that can cause the Vehicle Stability Control, Anti-lock Brake, and Traction Control functions to intermittently turn …

Kevin · February 13th, 2014

Lexus RC F SPORT & RC F GT3 Concept to Debut at Geneva Motor Show

The Lexus RC F SPORT will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, according to a new press release — here are the details: Based on the striking Lexus RC coupe, the F SPORT model features exclusive, even more sporting and aggressive exterior and interior design features, and enhanced driving dynamics. This announcement comes …

Kevin · February 13th, 2014

Lexus RC F SPORT Prototype Spotted?

A blue Lexus RC 350 has been spotted in California sporting a covered up fender badge — here a couple more photos: The coupe is near identical to the standard RC, but look closely at the fender and there’s a piece of blue tape covering up what I would assume is an F SPORT badge: …

Kevin · February 12th, 2014

Lexus Named Top Brand in 2014 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study

For the third year in a row, Lexus has been named the top brand in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study. Lexus absolutely dominated the study, which examines problems experienced during the past year by owners of 2011 model-year vehicles. Each brand’s overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per …

Kevin · February 12th, 2014

Four New Lexus CT 200h Commercials

With the release of the updated Lexus CT 200h, there are new commercials springing up around the world — let’s start with three from the USA: Here’s the CTh commercial for European markets, like the music in this one: (Any other regional Lexus CT commercials out there that I’ve missed? Leave a link in the …

Kevin · February 12th, 2014

Lexus IS Nominated for 2014 World Car of the Year Award

The Lexus IS has been nominated for the prestigious 2014 World Car of the Year award. The twelve finalists are the Audi A3, BMW 4 Series, BMW i3, Cadillac CTS, Citroen C4 Picasso, Ford Fusion, Infiniti Q50, Jeep Cherokee, Lexus IS, Mazda3, Peugeot 308 and the Skoda Octavia. The IS has also been nominated for …

Kevin · February 11th, 2014

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Featured in Japanese Art Installation

The Media Ambition Tokyo 2014 event features eighteen artworks by 16 of Japan’s most cutting-edge technological artists, and as a sponsor, Lexus is featured in an installation by Rhizomatiks The placement of long light tubes gives the LFA Nürburgring the appearance of movement, and makes for quite a spectacle — would be something to see …

Kevin · February 11th, 2014

2014 Lexus IS Wins Russia’s Golden Klaxon Award

The Lexus IS has won the 2014 Golden Klaxon award as the best midsize luxury car in Russia. (This marks the eighth win by a Lexus since the Golden Klaxon awards were established in 2000 — the ES was last year’s winner in the Business Class category.) See the other 2014 Golden Klaxon winners

Kevin · February 11th, 2014

New Information on the Lexus NX Compact Crossover

Auto Express has some new information on the Lexus NX, including the new rendering seen above: Lexus has revealed that its new NX crossover will arrive in the UK in October, and prices are expected to start at around £30,000 – putting it in close contention with its Audi Q5 and BMW X3 rivals. A …

Kevin · February 10th, 2014

CAR Magazine Reviews the 2014 Lexus GS 300h

CAR Magazine has reviewed the Lexus GS 300h, and found it to be “a lot of car for the money”: …its sharp nose with LEDs and North American market-looking rear lights are connected by flat, slabby sides – the complete opposite of the overdesigned Mercedes flanks. It’s not a work of art, but it’s understated …

Kevin · February 10th, 2014

A Closer Look at the CRAFTED BY LEXUS Collection

The Japan Times has an in-depth look at the CRAFTED FOR LEXUS accessory line currently available at INTERSECT in Japan: Intersect By Lexus nevertheless aims to likewise attract a new group of customers through their exhibition space, restaurant and store. Nakayama explains that the shop is a space where Japanese artisans, who have been commissioned …

Kevin · February 9th, 2014

Lexus Takes New Approach in Global Expansion

Automotive News has an update on how Lexus is approaching new markets around the world: The brand is slowly rolling out in Central and South America, with one store each in Brazil, Chile, Peru and Panama. A Lexus store just opened in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Lexus is expanding in the sprawling Chinese …

Kevin · February 7th, 2014

Sponsored: Show Your Lexus Love

How much do you love your Lexus? Share your stories and photos with Lexus of Smithtown, and you could win a $250 cash prize! Entering is simple — visit the Lexus of Smithtown website for full contest details, including how to submit your entry.

Kevin · February 6th, 2014

Lexus NX Prototypes Spotted!

Japanese magazine Mag-X has released two spy photos of the upcoming Lexus NX compact crossover — the masked version above, and this camouflaged prototype: These two images don’t show nearly as much detail as the recently leaked production NX photo, but they do give a better indication of the compact crossover’s overall shape — really, …

Kevin · February 6th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Blacked Out Lexus RX 450h F SPORT

My friends from Lexus of Perth in Australia sent me these photos of a custom RX 450h F SPORT: The RX F SPORT looks pretty good with a blacked out bumper — reminds me of the special edition RX that was released in Europe late last year. What do you think of the custom work? …

Kevin · February 6th, 2014

Lexus Named Top Luxury Brand in KBB 2014 5-Year Cost to Own Awards

For the second year in a row, Lexus was named the top luxury brand in the Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own Awards. The awards are based on analysis of the 5-year ownership costs of 2014 model-year vehicles, and looks at the purchase price, financing costs, insurance costs and state fees along with the …

Kevin · February 5th, 2014

Autoblog Reviews the 2014 Lexus IS 350

Jeffrey Ross of Autoblog has reviewed the 2014 Lexus IS 350: For now, the BMW 3 Series is probably still the top contender in its class, but in a short time, the new IS – along with the ATS – has proven that small, fun luxury cars exist outside of German showrooms. Love or hate …

Kevin · February 5th, 2014

Lexus LX 470 Named Best Used Car Value in New Reliability Study

The 1998-2007 Lexus LX 470 has been named the best used car value in a new long-term reliability study from automotive journalist Steven Lang & statistician Nick Larivere. The study is based on nearly 300,000 vehicles from across the entire United States, in an attempt to provide objective, quantifiable, information about the used car market. …

Kevin · February 4th, 2014

Rendered: Lexus RC F on Vossen Precision Series Forged Wheels

Using some Photoshop magic and a dose of creativity, Vossen Wheels has managed to create the first modified Lexus RC F months before its official release date: Rendered by Hugo Silva, this RC F has been done up with forged wheels from Vossen’s upcoming Precision Series. Makes for quite a bold look, and shows off …

Kevin · February 4th, 2014

Amazing Trick Photography with the Lexus CT 200h

In a continuation of their excellent CT commercial, Lexus Japan has sent a team of creatives on a road trip to take more trick photography — here are some examples: This is some seriously amazing work — there’s currently 19 trick photos (and accompanying videos), with 11 more still to come. So good. Visit the …

Kevin · February 3rd, 2014

Lexus January 2014 Sales Report

USA Lexus USA has reported 17,637 total sales for January 2014, an 8.8% improvement over the start of last year — here’s the model-by-model breakdown: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2014 2013 % CHG* 2014 2013 % CHG* CT 1,290 1,001 28.9 1,290 1,001 28.9 HS 0 0 N/A 0 N/A IS 3,048 1,386 119.9 …

Kevin · February 3rd, 2014

TTAC Reviews the 2014 Lexus IS 250 AWD

Winston Braithwaite of The Truth About Cars has written a glowing review of the 2014 Lexus IS 250 AWD: After spending a week with the 2014 Lexus IS250 AWD it took me another couple weeks to shut up about it. That rarely happens, and when it does, it means that the car is simply fantastic. …

Kevin · February 3rd, 2014

Jeremy Clarkson “Quite Likes” the Lexus RC F

The new season of Top Gear starts tonight, so it’s only fitting to share what presenter Jeremy Clarkson said about the Lexus RC F on Facebook: Hate to admit I quite like it. If Clarkson’s transformation from Lexus-basher to reluctant Lexus enthusiast shows anything, it’s that the brand’s new focus on performance & design can …

Kevin · February 2nd, 2014

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