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Lexus Magazine has published a fascinating article on Kimihiro Sakakibara, one of the 10 Lexus Takumi Masters that oversee factory production:

For anyone still unfamiliar with the term, Lexus Takumi are the automotive equivalent of a 10th Dan black belt. Each of the ten Takumi specializes in a key area of the vehicle—and each commands enormous respect in the Japanese auto world.

Sakakibara’s specialty is paint, specifically that multilayer, high-tech, deep-luster finish of a Lexus that requires a combination of art and high science to make perfect.

It’s tough, but that’s how it’s supposed to be, says Sakakibara. Much of the Lexus paint process is a hands-on affair, with all the human attention to detail that entails. “I still haven’t forgotten about the important basic stance that I learned for applying the topcoat with a spray gun years ago,” Sakakibara says. “I was patiently trained to get my posture right. As a result, I was soon able to spray without any dripping or transparency.”

So what’s the benchmark he’s always enforcing—the success as he and Lexus define it? “The more your Lexus looks like a mirror, the better the quality,” explains Sakakibara. “But the fundamental success of the process depends on our workers’ intuition. We’re lucky at Lexus in being able to follow this ‘handmade’ approach. I want that to continue and develop.”

The level of detail and work needed to produce a Lexus-quality paint finish is staggering, be sure to watch the the great video of Sakakibara-san demonstrating his sanding technique for a window into the process.

[Source: Lexus Magazine]

Lexus is holding a three day CT 200h event in Los Angeles & Venice, California to showcase their newest hybrid and give attendees the chance to actually drive the prototype — here are the full event details:

Be among the first in the world to experience the new CT 200h prototype at a location near you. This is a true insider experience: you’ll be able to see the vehicle, drive it and, most importantly, share your opinion on the still-in-development prototype with our engineers and designers.

Attend an event to explore the CT 200h in a sophisticated virtual setting, learn about the Lexus brand, test drive the prototype vehicle and more. Become part of the inside story of this brand-new Lexus! See the tour calendar for the dates and tour location nearest you.

You must be 18 or over with a valid Driver’s License to drive.

Event Dates and Locations:

July 29-30
Location: Slow Clothing
7474 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Hours: TBD

July 31
Location: The Brig
1515 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
Hours: TBD

To sign up, visit the Lexus event Facebook page.

My mind’s reeling at this — I recommend anyone interested in attending book their spot immediately, as I can’t see this ticket lasting once the word gets out.

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 IS F-Sport:

With the grille, front seats, & steering wheel taken from the IS-F, this IS F-Sport package is very similar to the one currently available in the UK & Canada, but for one major difference: according to レクサスとの道, the suspension has been tuned by the LFA development team.

Depending on whether this suspension will be any different from the current F-Sport offerings, this is a brilliant move on the part of Lexus and would certainly give provide a unique selling point. Even more than that, it also illustrates how the LFA development program will benefit the F-Sport marque. Very excited to get more details.

Update: I’ve replaced the images with higher resolution versions.

[Source: レクサスとの道]

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]

Lexus Magazine has an interview with Charles Hubbard & Paul Williamsen of Lexus College, the company’s technical training center, about the various safety systems that Lexus uses in their vehicles. It’s just a quick overview, but I thought this question says it all:

LEXUS: First of all, we can’t have a discussion about safety without touching on the recent Toyota recalls. What’s the first thing you’d tell concerned Lexus drivers?

CHARLES HUBBARD: Here’s what I would tell anyone with concerns: My family drives both Toyota and Lexus vehicles, and my friends do as well. And I personally feel very secure in knowing this.

PAUL WILLIAMSEN: Absolutely. I think Charles expressed it well. I encourage my parents and in-laws and kids to drive these vehicles. That’s as comfortable as you can be.

The progression of safety systems, even over the last few years, is just astounding. As this interview points out, there’s new technologies like the Driver Attention Monitor and the Lane Departure system that play a much more active role in keeping owners safe.

You can read the full interview over at Lexus Magazine.

If you’re a Lexus LS 460 owner looking to go big on customizing your ride, Carson Lexus has just the thing: a rare full TOM’s LS 460GT body kit with custom fenders and a full exhaust:

Separately, the body kit, fenders and exhaust retail for $12,189 USD, but by using the coupon code “LEXENT”, you can get the entire package for $9,700 ($2,489 off!). Carson will also throw in a set of Junction Produce headrests. Be warned, there’s only one left in stock!

(P.S. Carson Lexus ships worldwide.)