Branding

We’ve seen video of the Lexus CT Umbra art sculpture that accompanied the Darker Side of Green debates around the USA, but these photos from The Cool Hunter show the installation in a much more vivid light:

The installation was created by Los Angeles-based design studio Nondesigns, who really managed to create something exceptionally beautiful without going too far away from the basic shape of the CT. Extremely well done.

[Source: The Cool Hunter]

Lexus will be hosting more environmental debate/dance parties as part of the “Darker Side of Green” campaign for the CT 200h:

Designed to inspire a new audience to consider luxury hybrid vehicles, the debates will be moderated by some of entertainment’s most intriguing personalities, including Andy Samberg, Jamie Kennedy, Tracey Morgan, and Mark McGrath.  They will also host many of the leading environmental thinkers on both sides of the discussion – environmental advocates Simran Sethi, Amanda Little, Eric Bates, and David Roberts and climate change skeptics Phelim McAleer, Christopher Horner, Lord Monckton, and Steve Everley.

The very first debate was held at this year’s New York auto show, which featured comedian Sarah Silverman moderating a global warming debate between an environmental advocate and a skeptic.

Here’s the full schedule for the debate:

• July 8 — Los Angeles
  Debaters: Simran Sethi (environmental advocate), Phelim McAleer (climate change skeptic)
  Moderator: Andy Samberg
  Music: Paul Sevigny and Myles Hendrik
• July 20 — Miami
  Debaters: Amanda Little (advocate), Christopher Horner (skeptic)
  Moderator: Jamie Kennedy
  Music: The Misshapes and Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
• July 27 — New York City
  Debaters: Eric Bates (advocate), The Viscount Monckton of Brenchley (skeptic)
  Moderator: Tracy Morgan
  Music: Harley & Cassie and Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
• August 5 — Chicago
  Debaters: David Roberts (advocate), Steve Everley (skeptic)
  Moderator: Mark McGrath
  Music: The Misshapes

If you’re interested in attending, you can visit the Lexus Debates website to book your spot. (I’ve also included the full Lexus press release after the jump if you’re interested in more details.)

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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, and even the recent Lexus hybrids commercial in the USA.

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 New York’s Soho & Tribeca Grand, The James Hotel in Chicago and The Biltmore in Miami.
• Republica Trading will be giving away limited edition frames designed by M. Tony Peralta through the summer, plus 25% off any purchases made online as well.
• Limited edition Dark Ride driving gloves from eco-luxury designer Linda Loudermilk
• Exclusive drink specials and product offers from VeeV Acai Spirit
• One free bespoke shirt with the purchase of three, courtesy of Duncan Quinn
• New offers weekly

Now, Lexus has sent me a small batch of these VIP cards to give away — so if you live in the NYC, Los Angeles, Miami or Chicago areas, send me a message via email or by using my site form. Please include your city. First come, first serve.

All the cards are now gone and all the winners have been contacted.

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 to touch on what possessed me to start this website in the first place. Love it.

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 into the collective knowledge that’s invaluable when you’re looking to customize your Lexus.

Once you sign up, you will be able to upload a photo and list the current mods on your Lexus, which is then “pinned” on a map so all other members can see your ride and get an idea of where you’re located. Registration is open to Lexus owners worldwide, and one other cool thing — although the focus is F-Sport models and accessories, any Lexus model is eligible.

From there, there’s all sorts of filtering available, including the ability to sort by club affiliation — which includes this website as an option! This means that any readers signing here will become part of the TLE club, and will be identified on the registry as a member. Other groups will include Club Lexus & My.IS. Very cool!

(It may take up to 24 hours for your registration to be approved — if you have any questions, post in the comments and I’ll see you get an answer.)

Register with the Lexus Performance Registry