f-sport

Lexus USA just sent over a coupon that can be used towards the purchase of F-Sport parts — here’s a breakdown of the savings:

• $100 off of F Sport purchases between $500-$999
• $200 off of F Sport purchases between $1,000 – $1999
• $300 off of F Sport purchases more than $2,000

This coupon, which is good from September 10 – November 1, 2010, can be applied to all F Sport Performance accessories either purchased separately, dealer installed, or already installed on a new vehicle. Offer does not include the new 2011 IS sedan with F Sport package.

You can download the PDF coupon, or load up a JPG if you prefer.

[Source: Lexus]

For 2011, the Lexus IS 220d in Europe the UK will be replaced by the IS 200d, which will be using an updated version of the same 2.2L diesel engine that brings better fuel economy, lower CO2 emissions and a more refined and smoother drive:

The new 148bhp version of the 2.2-litre diesel engine benefits from detailed engineering revisions and is equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to meet Euro 5 emissions standards and enhance the engine’s driving quality.

The changes include a re-shaped combustion chamber and the use of new-generation piezoelectric fuel injectors to give a more efficient, cleaner and complete fuel burn. Pressure in the common rail injection system has been increased. a higher flow exhaust gas recirculation valve has been introduced and the adoption of a new oil-cooled, variable nozzle turbocharger improves torque performance at low speeds and cuts overall engine noise.

Along with the announcement of the new diesel, Lexus UK released some great photos of the updated IS:

I’m all over this photo of the IS 250 F-Sport:

Update: The UK will only be selling the IS 200d, but the rest of Europe will have the choice between both the IS 200d & IS 220d.

For the full details on all the IS options in the UK, I’ve included the full press release after the jump.

Continue reading this article…

Edmunds’ Inside Line is reporting that the next generation Lotus Esprit may be powered by the same V10 engine used in the Lexus LFA:

The next-generation Lotus Esprit supercar, details of which will be announced at the2010 Paris Auto Show next month, could be powered by the 552-horsepower Lexus LFA V10, says a source close to the company.

That would be for the Esprit in its ultimate form — the more mainstream version would be offered with a V8, also likely to be sourced from Lexus. That engine will probably be a version of the 416-hp 5.0-liter engine fitted to the Lexus IS F sedan. When asked to confirm this possibility, a Lotus spokesman said that he “couldn’t comment.”

This isn’t the first time this rumor has been reported, and given that Toyota has been supplying Lotus with engines for over 25 years, this has a very good chance of being true. Should that be the case, it’s good for everyone involved. Lotus gets a supercar powerplant that can compete with the best in the game, and Toyota gets to recoup some of the development cost of limited-edition, high-cost LFA.

Seems like a win all round to me.

[Source: Inside Line]

The 2011 Lexus IS F was also revealed as part of Lexus Japan’s big website update yesterday, and it looks like the super-IS will be getting a variation of the LFA’s instrument panel:

Let’s zoom up a bit:

Here’s an alternative view, once again zoomed up due to image size:

From the looks of it, different modes can be selected, and central dash can alternate between a tachometer & speedometer — also note the new Sport button on the steering wheel, right below the phone controls, which may have something to do with the new display.

Pretty amazing we’re already seeing the effects of the LFA on the rest of the lineup — I wouldn’t have expected it to happen so fast.

[Source: Lexus Japan]

Lexus UK has issued an interesting press release outlining the steps taken to ensure the CT 200h has the “ideal” driving position for the sporty new hybrid. The key points:

• Lexus configures ideal driving position for new CT 200h full hybrid – the sportiest set-up of any regular Lexus production model
• Driver hip point brought as close as possible to the car’s centre of gravity
• New air intake system designed to ensure bonnet profile can maintain pedestrian protection quality without compromising forward vision from the low-set driver’s seat
• Driver’s seat includes additional lateral and lumbar support
• Design enables drivers to make the most of CT 200h’s agile handling and responsive performance

Much of this optimization was influenced by the IS F, particularly when it came to setting the hip point and its relation to the CT’s center of gravity — here’s an illustration to demonstrate the point:

The side bolsters are also influenced by the IS F’s sport seats:

Seating position is so important when it comes to providing a sporty feel — nice to see Lexus utilizing the lessons learned in the IS F’s development.

The full press release follows.

Continue reading this article…

Claus Ettensberger, owner of CEC Wheels and past Bullrun winner, has the “honor” of being the first person to get a speeding ticket in the Lexus LFA, or at least the first person to do so and post about it on Youtube:

For the record, Mr. Ettensberger was going 91mph in a 35mph zone — absolutely ludicrous in my opinion — and yet still managed to get his picture with the officer that pulled him over.

(Thanks Roberto!)