AutoTrader Reviews the 2010 Lexus LS 600h L

Alexandra Straub of AutoTrader.ca recently took the 2010 Lexus LS 600h L for a test drive, and found herself indulging in the vehicle’s 5-seat Executive package rear seat.  This configuration is new for the revised LS range, being added alongside the original 4-seat Executive package. In addition to the extra center seat, the DVD rear-seat …
Kevin · April 30th, 2010

Lexus IS F Nürburgring Race Team Update

Auto Express senior road tester Owen Mildenhall, who is part of this year’s Lexus IS F Nürburgring race team, has posted an update following the car’s second VLN event at the 35th DMV Nürburgring Race: Since the last race, Lexus’s engineers have been busy adding a revised rear wing, with new end plates, a racing …
Kevin · April 12th, 2010

Lexus IS 250C Review from Autoweek

AutoWeek has posted a editor driver log of the 2010 Lexus IS 250C, and while they gave the convertible marks for its smoothness and features, when it came to styling and and other aspects, they were not as forgiving—first off, senior editor Bob Gritzinger noted the design challenges faced by all hardtop convertibles, and concluded …
Kevin · April 8th, 2010

Lexus Hybrid Art Exhibit in Moscow

Lexus Russia held a new Hybrid Art exhibition at the Vetoshny Arts Centre in Moscow in early April, and here’s the official video: The Hybrid Art official site listed multiple exhibits ranging from camera obscura (darkened room) displays to software-generated art and interactive sculpture. Additional exhibit images are on the official Facebook page along with …
Kevin · April 8th, 2010

Lexus IS 350C F-Sport Photos from Auto Guide

Auto Guide has posted up some photos of the Lexus IS 350C F-Sport special edition announced last month, which means we can get a good look at the new grille & wheels: My guesses were fifty-fifty—the wheel design is the same one from the TRD IS-C from SEMA, but the grille isn’t a direct pull …
Kevin · April 6th, 2010

Lexus IS 250C Consumer Reports Convertible Test

Consumer Reports has published a comparison test of five convertibles: the Audi A5, Infiniti G37c, Lexus IS 250C, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and Mini Cooper S. The Lexus IS and Infiniti G convertibles tied for first place, with an overall score of 77, followed by the A5 at 74—previous tests of the BMW 328i and Volkswagen …
Kevin · April 6th, 2010

Lexus Climate Change Debate Recap

Yesterday, the Lexus-sponsored Darker Side of Green debate was held at the Skylight West in New York City, just as the press preview for the New York Auto Show was beginning.  Numerous celebrities were in attendance, including Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Zach Braff, Tyson Beckord, and Emmy Rossum, along with other interested New …
Kevin · March 31st, 2010

Lexus Hybrid Braking Safety Video

In response to media stories of vehicle acceleration, Lexus has released this video clarifying the stopping procedure for hybrid models: From this video, it is made clear that: 1) All Lexus hybrids have a brake override system, which cuts power to the engine when the accelerator and brake pedals are simultaneously pressed. 2) Lexus vehicles …
Kevin · March 31st, 2010

New 2010 Lexus LS 600h Photo Gallery

Lexus UK has released a new photo gallery of the refreshed 2010 LS 600h: This shot is so fantastic I had to crop it for a desktop wallpaper: Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 There’s nothing quite like the LS side-profile—my favorite angle of the car, and the very definition …
Kevin · March 18th, 2010

Lexus IS 350C F-Sport Special Edition Heading to USA

A Lexus IS 350C F-Sport special edition is on its way to the USA later this month, and will feature the following upgrades over the standard IS 350C: Newly designed 19-inch forged alloy wheels with a wheel lock set and Michelin Pilot Sport 225/35ZR19 tires in the front and 255/35ZR19 tires in the rear Front …
Kevin · March 8th, 2010

Autoblog Reviews the Lexus GS 450h

Autoblog recently published a review of the Lexus GS 450h, detailing their impressions of the performance hybrid sedan.  Along with favorable mentions for the silent electric mode capability and interior design, the review raved about the 340 hp V6 hybrid’s performance: The GS 450h is the world’s first performance luxury hybrid, and we loved its …
Kevin · March 7th, 2010

EVO Magazine Reviews the 2010 Lexus IS F

For 2010, the Lexus IS-F gained a Torsen Limited Slip Differential (LSD), and EVO magazine has put the revised model to a road test.  The Torsen LSD helped shave 2 seconds off the IS-F’s track times at Fuji Speedway, and on UK roads, EVO seemed impressed with the results.  Here’s how they described it: In …
Kevin · February 23rd, 2010

Looking at the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL Instrument Panel

I really love the look of the new TFT instrument panel in the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL: There was also these images from yesterday’s L-Select LS 600hL photo gallery from Japan: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1543”} The IP’s central circle theme is a much cleaner approach than the traditional two dial display, and brings to mind the LFA’s …
Kevin · January 28th, 2010

Lexus L-Select LS 600hL from Japan

Photos of the L-Select customization program offered by Lexus Japan have been hard to come by—that is, until I was sent the link to this absolutely massive LS 600hL gallery with one of the unique L-Select trims. Here’s just a small selection: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1539”} Just look at these detail shots: I’m not sold on the …
Kevin · January 27th, 2010

2011 Lexus GS Rumors

Motor Trend has some new rumors on the next-generation Lexus GS expected to debut in 2011, including some questionable information on engine specifications that make me doubt their source: Gone is the current 4.6-liter V-8, replaced by a 2.5-liter V-6—most likely a version of the engine presently found in the IS. The present 3.5-liter V-6 …
Kevin · December 10th, 2009

TRD-Tuned Lexus IS & GS from SEMA

We saw the official photos of the cars in Lexus’ SEMA showcase, and now Autoblog has posted a few photos of the TRD F-Sport GS & IS: I’m more impressed with these two cars by the day—- especially when I see new details like the matte tailights, which works well contrasting with the vibrant orange …
Kevin · November 8th, 2009

2010 Lexus LS 600h Commercial

There’s a new 2010 Lexus LS 600h commercial from Lexus Japan: This LS features an L-Select bright-red & black interior—don’t know if that would be my first pick with a white exterior. (On a side note: Why do all the press photos & video have to feature the same color car? I certainly wouldn’t mind …
Kevin · November 5th, 2009

Lexus L-Select Customization Video

This video gives some detail on the new L-Select customization program currently offered with the Lexus LS in Japan (warning: the accompanying music is unique): If switching internal LS components is as easy as it’s displayed in this video, I don’t see any reason why L-Select couldn’t make it’s way to other markets. More likely, …
Kevin · October 29th, 2009

The Lexus L-Select Customization Program

The new L-Select Lexus customization program has launched in Japan. This program, which is currently limited to the LS, makes it possible to pick and choose your leather, wood trim, even your roof material. Here’s a small sampling of the possible interior combinations: These are some serious interior options, I’m all over that IS-F inspired …
Kevin · October 13th, 2009

EVO Takes the Lexus IS-F to Germany

EVO has a 2008 Lexus IS-F as one of their long-term vehicles, and recently took the sedan on a trip to Germany to test out its upper limits: Our chosen section is bone dry, bright and mercifully light on traffic. Time to let the 5-litre V8 strut its stuff. What follows is the longest sustained …
Kevin · October 8th, 2009

2010 Lexus LS to Feature Self-Restoring Clear Coat

For 2010, the Lexus LS will be sporting an additional layer of clear coat paint that has the ability to heal itself: Unlike a conventional clear coat, TMC’s newly developed coat is not easily damaged and can even restore* itself even if it is deformed.  Moreover, it requires no special maintenance, prevents luster degradation caused …
Kevin · September 29th, 2009

Fox Marketing Prepares Lexus IS 350c for SEMA

We first saw a rendering of the Fox Marketing Lexus IS 350c back in May—and it looks like that computer image was in very close proximity to the real thing: There’s also a buildlog photo set on Flickr, and for good measure, a video closeup: The IS-F front bumper and side vents look nicely done—I …
Kevin · September 28th, 2009

Great Lexus IS Convertible Billboard in Toronto

Check out this cool Lexus IS-C digital billboard in downtown Toronto: What’s interesting is that the position of the IS-C roof changes depending on the current weather, which is also displayed underneath the car. Very nicely executed! (Hopefully this is still in place the top is down when I’m in Toronto next week…) [Source: DSE]
Kevin · September 21st, 2009

Photo of the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL Interior

Among Leftlane News’ photos of the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL at the Frankfurt Auto Show was this shot of the interior—note the full LCD instrument panel (click for a larger image): The steering wheel stitching also looks different, and there’s now a patch of darker leather on the doors. Just loving this color combination. [Source: …
Kevin · September 20th, 2009

2010 Lexus LS 600h & 600hL Official Information

After pouring over images of the 2010 Lexus LS 600h for a couple weeks, official information on the flagship hybrid has been released, and changes have turned out to be more extensive than just a new front grille. First some photos, then a breakdown of the new features: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1345”} Performance The LS hybrid will …
Kevin · September 18th, 2009

Official 2010 Lexus LS Hybrid Photo

In addition to the LF-Ch concept, Lexus will also be debuting its refreshed 2010 LS hybrid at the Frankfurt Auto Show later this month. As a teaser, an official image has been released (click for a larger image): Needless to say, the much maligned grille looks much better than it did in those blurry brochure …
Kevin · September 2nd, 2009

More 2010 Lexus GS 450h Photos

After poring over the tiny 2010 Lexus GS 450h images taken from the Lexus Japan website, it’s nice to be able to look at some larger photos of the refreshed sedan (click the first three images for larger versions): The ascending thickness of the front grille’s chrome bars is very classy, and looks to be …
Kevin · August 31st, 2009

2010 Lexus LS 460, LS 600hL & LS SZ Revealed!

A brochure for the 2010 Lexus LS has leaked, and there are now images of the LS 460, the LS Hybrid, and the new LS “Version SZ”—let’s start with the hybrid: 2010 Lexus LS 600hL So it turns out the image from last week was indeed correct, and the LS 600hL will be sporting a …
Kevin · August 25th, 2009

NY Times Comparison: 2010 Lexus IS 350C vs. Infiniti G37 convertible

The New York Times has published a comparison between the Lexus IS 350C and the Infiniti G37 convertible: While the Infiniti manages to look reasonably pert from behind, the Lexus has a wicked case of Solara butt. But if the Lexus is no swan, dropping the roof does make it less of a waddling goose. …
Kevin · August 24th, 2009

2010 Lexus IS-F Changes

The Lexus IS-F will be seeing some changes in 2010, including: Limited Slip Differential New 19” BBS wheel design Optional 6th Generation HDD-based navigation with Voice Control, Lexus Enform and Bluetooth connectivity Folding Headrests USB/iPod connectivity The Limited Slip Differential is a good addition for anyone interested in taking the IS-F out on the track, …
Kevin · August 17th, 2009

Is this the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL?

An image of what’s claiming to be the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL facelift has popped up (click for a larger image): The most obvious change is the front grille, and the front bumper intakes have also been reworked and would resemble both the GS & IS designs. The turn signals are also integrated into the …
Kevin · August 13th, 2009

Lexus IS Family Commercial

This Lexus IS convertible commercial from Australia is pure fantastic: Each transition is breathtaking, and the IS-F roof popping off to make the IS-C is sensational. Loved it. (Thanks Charles!)
Kevin · August 12th, 2009

2009 Lexus IS-F Review

As the story goes: the Lexus IS-F began as a secret project by Lexus chief designer Yukihiko Yaguchi, who wanted to build a Lexus that could rival Europe’s top sports sedans. Yaguchi, who also worked on the last Toyota Supra and the first generation LS 400, saw a unique opportunity to extend the Lexus brand …
Kevin · August 5th, 2009

Edmunds Reviews the Lexus IS 350C F-Sport Accessories

Edmunds took a Lexus IS 350C and outfitted it with every F-Sport accessory available, all to determine which of the upgrades are really worth the money—here’s their verdict: If you’re looking to spend good money on a modified IS convertible, look no further than the $2,346 wheel/tire upgrade and add it to the $1,588 for …
Kevin · August 4th, 2009

Lexus IS-F Photo Gallery: In Paris (Ontario)

During my time with the Lexus IS-F, I would jump at the chance to drive pretty much anywhere, so my wife took advantage and had us on the road to Paris, Ontario so that she could buy yarn at some craft store. I took the long way though some nice rural roads, and after a …
Kevin · August 2nd, 2009

Twin-Turbo Lexus IS-F Video

It’s one thing to mod out your Lexus IS-F with carbon-fiber spoilers and a blacked-out roof, but it’s something else entirely to have a twin-turbo installed and then post a Youtube video driving it around in your pajamas (video also contains some swearing): Actual quote from the video: “This thing just sounds super-killer.”
Kevin · July 29th, 2009

Flickr Find: Foggy Red Lexus IS-F

Sean Klingelhoefer, a photographer with Super Street, had a couple days with the Lexus IS-F and decided to take some photos for his portfolio: Absolutely gorgeous. There’s more photos to the set as well, you can check them out on Sean’s Flickr page, and you can see the full story on his blog.
Kevin · July 28th, 2009

Lexus IS-F Photo Gallery: Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a small town in Southern Ontario, full of historical significance and now home to some of the finest wine country in Canada. Over the last few years, a new collection of exceptionally modern looking wineries have been cropping up, and I thought it the perfect backdrop to some IS-F photos: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1271”} (Really …
Kevin · July 27th, 2009

Lexus IS-F Week

Earlier this month, I picked up a 2009 Lexus IS-F from Lexus Canada, and over the course of a week, had the most fun I’ve ever had in a car. Everything happens very fast with the IS-F—I only had to drive Lexus’ super sedan five seconds before I knew it was something special, and a …
Kevin · July 27th, 2009

The Lexus IS-F Police Car

The police department in the UK city of Humberside is replacing their aging Subaru chase cars with Lexus IS-Fs: Sergeant Mike Peck of the Humberside Police Roads Crime Section said: “The purchase of the vehicle was far from an easy decision and involved research and advice from the force fleet manager, financial managers and a …
Kevin · July 27th, 2009

Lexus IS-C Demand Outpacing Production

The Lexus IS-C is off to a booming start in the US, with dealerships selling the new convertible faster than Lexus’s Kyushu plant in Japan can make them. Wards has the story: The facility is ramping up to produce at least 225 IS-C models a month just for the Northeast region of the U.S., Scott …
Kevin · July 8th, 2009

Automobile Magazine Compares the Lexus LS 600hL vs. Mercedes S400 Hybrid

Automobile Magazine has an article up on the Lexus LS 600hL and the Mercedes S400 Hybrid and how their approach to hybrid technology compares: The biggest benefit of the Lexus hybrid system is its smoothness. The two electric motors and two planetary gearsets allow the big V-8 to loaf except during hard acceleration. Flat-out, the …
Kevin · July 7th, 2009

Lexus GS Passionate Black Interior Photos, Round 2

It’s been too long since I mentioned the special edition Lexus GS Passionate Black interior, so here’s a photo gallery from GS PB owner Harinder: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1227”} With the intense red carpeting and stitching, the additional seat perforations might be taking the color scheme too far, but I have a feeling it would be slightly …
Kevin · June 30th, 2009

20% Off Lexus F-Sport Accessories

If you’re in the continental USA and been holding off on purchasing F-Sport accessories for your IS or GS, the waiting looks to have paid off. For the entire month of July, Lexus is offering a 20% off coupon for all F-Sport purchases—redeemable at any dealership in the 49 states. Click to get the full …
Kevin · June 29th, 2009

Details on the Fox Marketing Lexus IS-F Convertible

In May, I posted a computer render of Fox Marketing’s next Lexus SEMA project, which looked the part of an IS-F convertible. Beyond that, there wasn’t much in the way of details, until My.IS editor Joaquin went straight to the source to find out more: First off, in spite of the obvious IS F-style front …
Kevin · June 26th, 2009

CAR Magazine First Drive of the Lexus IS 250C

CAR Magazine’s first drive report on the Lexus IS 250C may be short, but it does have some information on European availability: Subjective looks aside, the Lexus IS 250C appeals on many levels. It’s a Lexus – so you can expect royal butler-levels of care and attentiveness from the dealer – and it is extremely …
Kevin · June 25th, 2009

Jalopnik Reviews the Lexus IS Convertible

Jalopnik had a chance to drive the Lexus IS Convertible, and their biggest complaint was the lack of rigidity in the body: The ‘vert gets beefed up in nearly every way, with side sills 50% taller, cross-vehicle beams under the rear seats and behind the rear seatbacks, a heftier A-pillar and substantial cross bracing underneath…Despite …
Kevin · June 24th, 2009

Lexus IS Convertible Wallpapers: Up and Down

While I didn’t take too many photos at the Lexus event last week, I did manage to find a great location for a couple IS 350C shots, and thought it would be something to put up wallpapers with the both the top-down and top-up: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 1680×1050 | …
Kevin · June 23rd, 2009

My.IS Reviews the Lexus IS Convertible

It’s unlikely that we’ll see a more thorough review of the Lexus IS-C than the one by Joaquin from My.IS, who dives into every conceivable feature of the new convertible: We left the top down, intrigued to see if Lexus’ efforts to ensure that top-down motoring was a quiet, relaxing and unruffled experience were successful. …
Kevin · June 5th, 2009

Autobild Comparison: Lexus LS 600h vs. Mercedes S400 Hybrid

Usually, when a German magazine compares a Lexus to a Mercedes, BMW, or Audi, the results are laughable, but Autobild proves the exception with their comparison of the Lexus LS 600h against the new Mercedes S400 Hybrid (forgive the poor Google translation): The six-cylinder in the S 400 always feels rough and uncultured, it swallows …
Kevin · June 1st, 2009

Lexus IS Convertible F-Sport Photo Gallery

To promote the fact that the existing F-Sport performance accessories for the Lexus IS are fully compatible with the IS Convertible, Lexus has released some images with an IS-C decked out to the nines: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1157”} The convertible is still too junky in the trunky for my tastes, but the 19” forged alloy wheels suit …
Kevin · May 22nd, 2009

New Lexus IS Convertible Mini-Site

As part of their IS convertible advertising campaign, Lexus USA has put together a mini-site that’s just as much fun as their new commercials: The website first demonstrates the new features of the IS-C, then asks how you would use each highlighted point—then rates your answer on the Live a Little scale. It’s easy to …
Kevin · May 20th, 2009

Lexus IS-C Commercials

Lexus USA’s advertising campaign for the IS convertible has hit Youtube, with three short, interconnected videos: Live a little, a lot looks to be the IS-C’s tagline—I wonder if there will be more episodes to this series. Neat idea.
Kevin · May 15th, 2009

Edmunds Reviews the Lexus IS 350C

If Edmunds’ initial review of the IS 350C is any indication, Lexus’ new convertible looks like it could be a real winner: When the top is down, sunlight floods the IS C’s cabin and you’re overcome with a sense of well-being, so different from the wretched life you lead locked away in the office during …
Kevin · May 15th, 2009

Lexus Wallpaper of the Week: IS-Convertible Action

With the Lexus IS-C arriving at dealerships this month, I thought it only fitting to put together a desktop wallpaper showing the convertible roof in action: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 Pretty amazing to consider that it only takes 20 seconds for the roof to retract.
Kevin · May 14th, 2009

Lexus Japan’s IS-C Interior Color Options

The Lexus IS 250 was released in Japan last week with some extremely unique interior color options (click for slightly larger images): No word if these options will be available in other markets outside of Japan, but it looks like the USA is getting a solid blue option the blue & white option if the …
Kevin · May 11th, 2009

Lexus IS-C Sales Expectations

Lexus has shared some of the sales expectations of the new IS convertible—according to Automotive News, the company is hoping for worldwide monthly sales of 1,600 units. Whether or not such numbers are possible will depend entirely on North America, where 70% of production will be sent. “This is meant to appeal as an entry-level …
Kevin · May 8th, 2009

Fox Marketing to Build Lexus IS-F/IS-C Mashup

Fresh off their electric orange twin-turbo Lexus IS-F at SEMA 2008, Fox Marketing & Artisan Performance have already started planning their entry for this year’s event—a lime-green IS-C done up in the IS-F style (click for a larger image): This may be a computer render, but I’m impressed at how a IS-F and IS-C look …
Kevin · May 1st, 2009

Car Middle East: Lexus LS 600hL vs. Mercedes S400 Hybrid

Car Middle East has published a quasi-comparison of the Lexus LS 600hL and the upcoming Mercedes S400 Hybrid, though it reads more like a hybrid primer: Whereas Mercedes’ mantra has been to make the S-class hybrid as green as possible, Lexus has taken a different approach with the LS600h. Here, performance is the number one …
Kevin · April 27th, 2009

Lexus USA Announces RX 450h, IS 250C & IS 350C Pricing

The US pricing for the Lexus RX 450h, IS 250C & IS 350C was announced today, let’s break it down: The starting price for the Lexus 450h FWD is $41,660, which amounts to $420 less than the outgoing first-generation hybrid. The AWD version of the 450h will have a MSRP of $43,250, $230 less than …
Kevin · April 23rd, 2009

Lexus IS 250C Promotional Video

From Lexus Japan comes this new promotional video for the IS 250C: I know that the IS 250c is essentially killing two birds with one stone, as Lexus gets a new coupe and a new convertible in the lineup, but there’s some angles in this video that make me wish a coupe-only version was available. …
Kevin · April 23rd, 2009

Rumormill: The Lexus IS-F Evo Strikes Again

JDM blog 7tune has pushed out a rumor that the Lexus IS-F Evolution, the unconfirmed, carbon-fiber-covered editon of the IS-F, will be limited to 500 units and will cost a staggering $250,000USD. From the source: Focus has not changed much either with previous reports of the new body losing 140kg all round and dropping to …
Kevin · April 20th, 2009

Javier Quiros Racing the Lexus IS-F @ Nürburgring

This is just plain wild—here’s Javier Quiros, one of the drivers of the recent Lexus LFA race win and owner of a Lexus dealership in Costa Rica, piloting an IS-F around Nürburgring on a practice run: Crazy how you can almost feel the downshifts, especially with that rough audio blip. An interesting perspective, it also …
Kevin · April 15th, 2009

Car Magazine’s Long-Term Lexus IS-F

Car Magazine is issuing monthly website updates on their long-term Lexus IS-F, and this month the magazine editors had their first service stop: It took an hour to get there but when I arrived at Lexus Leicester I was greeted by a smart showroom, courteous staff and a decent cup of tea. I was even …
Kevin · March 31st, 2009

Automobile Mag: Lexus IS-F Long-Term Test Update

I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to post a photo of the Lexus IS-F in the snow, but Automobile Magazine’s Four-Seasons update is definitely worth the quick read as well: I hand the car off to Mr. Kitman, who makes several trips into and out of New York City. “I love the sound of the …
Kevin · March 25th, 2009

Lexus RX 400h Sales Growing in United Kingdom

Although no exact numbers are mentioned, The Auto Channel is reporting that Lexus RX 400h sales have increased in the UK by 28% over last July, which is especially impressive given the current SUV climate in the country: That [28%] growth stands in stark contrast to the fortunes of rival luxury brands, which suffered an …
Kevin · August 12th, 2008