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VAIS Technology have updated their VML MultiMediaLinQ to include 2010 Lexus models, and it’s just the thing for anyone looking to upgrade the iPod & USB integration:

As you can see, the experience remains the same, but files are no longer auto-selected while scrolling. Also, the entire interface gets a 30% speed bump, and installation is simple:

The VML MultiMediaLinQ also works on almost any Lexus since 2001 — visit the VAIS Technology website for full details.

(Full disclosure: VAIS Technology is a sponsor of The Lexus Enthusiast.)

Following its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, Lexus has brought one of its only two HB (Hybrid Bicycle) concept models in existence to the UK, highlighting the brand’s title sponsorship of the Great British Bike Ride charity event.

Additional HB concept specifications have also been released, including a 240 watt electric motor, 25.9 volt Li-ion battery, 8-speed Shimano internal gear system (same number of gears as the LS flagship), and carbon-fiber construction (same material as used on Valentino Rossi’s MotoGP-winning motorcycle). The HB concept was reportedly created as a study project by the designers at the Lexus Development Center in Japan. The charity ride will be held September 1-4 at Twickenham.

Update: Here’s the full photo gallery of the HB:

[Source: Autoblog]

The production Lexus LFA will be entering its first professional race when it takes part in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race this May.

Gazoo Racing will be preparing and fielding two LFAs in the race, where the supercars will be receiving some minor aero-effects:

This will mark the third time the LFA has participated in the 24h race on Germany’s famous racetrack, though the previous two times were in pre-production models and piloted by Toyota’s new president, Akio Toyoda—here’s a breakdown of the driving crew:

Led by Toyota master test driver Hiromu Naruse, the team will include four Japanese and three German drivers who between them boast outstanding GT and endurance racing experience.

Takayuki Kinoshita is a six-time winner of the Super Taikyu Endurance Series and has competed more often and finished higher (fifth overall) at the Nürburgring 24 Hours than any other Japanese driver. Akira Ida was overall winner of the Tokachi 24 Hours in 1995 and 2007, and both Juichi Wakisaka and Kazuya Oshima have recorded consistent success in Japanese Super GT 500 and GT 300 competition.

The German team members are Armin Hahne, winner of the Spa 24 Hours in 1982 and 1983; Jochen Krumbach, who finished second overall in the 2008 Nürburgring 24 Hours; and Andre Lotterer, Super GT 500 champion in 2006 and 2008.

The Nürburgring 24 Hours race takes place May 13-16—which should be plenty of time for Lexus to co-ordinate an announcement of the LFA Nürburgring track edition that was revealed earlier today.

After creating a dimpled golfball version of the LS 460 for the U.S. Open, Lexus is at it again with a yellow felt covered IS 350 for the U.S. Tennis Open:

These one-off theme cars are just brilliant, what a unique way to promote a sponsorship.

For more photos of the tennis ball IS, check out the original Kicking Tires post.

VAIS Technology, makers of the premier Lexus iPod integration kits, are working on a new product called the FamilyLinQ—a small camera that you can connect to your navigation screen, making it easy to get see inside or outside the vehicle:

After driving the LX 570 with its camera mounted under the passenger mirror, I can certainly see the appeal of the added viewing angle, and as the above image shows, it can also be used to monitor children without taking your attention off the road.

The FamilyLinQ is expected to debut in 3-4 months, and will be compatible with most Lexus’ between 2001-2009.

[Source: VAIS Technology]

Earlier this week, I posted about Joe Bacal, who raced in the 41st annual Tecate SCORE Baja 500 in a modified Lexus LX 570 and ended up winning the class. Now we have some more information on the race, courtesy of a Lexus press release:

Assisted by first-time navigator Williamsen and a new but well-organized team, Baja 500 rookie Bacal drove all 16 hours of his race without leaving the vehicle and with only brief stops for fuel and nourishment along the way. They moved the big LX into the class lead a little before the halfway point and were never headed again.

Remarkably, the LX 570 had been completed just days before the race and was tested only briefly in Arizona before shipping to Ensenada for the race. But the big SUV responded well and the team’s considerable efforts rewarded.

[The course] did manage to take a small bite out of the LX when an anti-roll bar link failed, but Bacal simply adjusted his driving to accommodate the degradation in handling and soldiered on.

Included in the press release were a couple amazing race photos, check out the air:

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Too bad I missed this race, I won’t make the same mistake when Bacal races again in late August.

The full press release after the jump.

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