September 2007 – Lexus Enthusiast | Lexus Enthusiast

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Lexus Launches IS-F Website

It may not have the production specs that everyone’s waiting for, but the new Lexus IS-F website makes up for it by providing just about every other detail you could possibly want, including five previously unseen videos, a ton of new photos and even the story behind the performance sedan: The IS F began with …

Kevin · September 30th, 2007

Jeff Chen’s Lexus SC 300 to JDM Soarer Conversion

Featured in this month’s Import Tuner is

Kevin · September 29th, 2007

SEMA: Video Build-Log of the Tuned Lexus IS-F by Five Axis

I’ve only just discovered a great ongoing video series being shown at MyRide, which follows the development of the tuned Lexus IS-F (plus a Toyota Yaris and Scion XD) by Five Axis that will be shown at this year’s SEMA. The series, serving as a weekly check into development, has two installments so far: Countdown …

Kevin · September 28th, 2007

Hybrid High Performance Coming from Lexus?

Jim Farley has been a busy man over the last twenty-four hours, first dishing the dirt on Lexus’ plans in Europe, then announcing in a Bloomberg interview that Lexus could pursue high performance hybrids aimed at “enthusiast groups”. No details were given, but there’s been rumblings for some time about the possibility of a LF-A …

Kevin · September 27th, 2007

Lexus IS-F Released to the Automotive Press

The automotive press has finally been given the keys to the upcoming Lexus IS-F, not that it means we’ll be getting any insight into the overly secretive final specs, at least according to Arthur St. Antoine of Motor Trend: Tonight I’m in Carmel, California, in preparation for tomorrow’s test drive of the all-new, hugely anticipated …

Kevin · September 27th, 2007

Photo: Lexus GS 450h Going the Wrong Way

Reminiscent of the illegally parked IS 350 I featured a few months ago, here we have another Lexus owner willing to break the law in order to get a great photo: Club Lexus member timeToy, who owns this GS 450h and took the photo, was nice enough to pass along some details, including links to …

Kevin · September 26th, 2007

Lexus to Launch a Small Luxury Car in Europe?

Toyota exec Tokuichi Uranishi, in an interview with German car magazine Auto Motor und Sport, has stated that in order for Lexus to compete in Europe’s luxury market, the lineup will have to be expanded, and should include a small luxury car, a la the BMW 1-Series/Mercedes 1-Class. Increasing European marketshare has become a #1 …

Kevin · September 26th, 2007

Two Tuned Lexus Models from the Upcoming SEMA 2007

As previously mentioned, this year’s SEMA event will showcase nine Lexus models tuned up by aftermarket companies. Most of these companies make little or no mention of this fact on their websites, but two of the tuners have put up some teaser images: Blitz Tuned Lexus GS 430 The Blitz GS hasn’t gone over the …

Kevin · September 25th, 2007

The Lexus IS-F Shows Off

When the Lexus IS-F hit the Laguna Seca Raceway during the California Taste of Lexus Event, there was a deluge of video released by spectators, but nothing, and I mean NOTHING that compares to the following video: Expert editing, amazing angles, fantastic sound — until I find out otherwise, I’m going to assume this is …

Kevin · September 25th, 2007

Lexus ES 350 Commercial: Panoramic

This Lexus ES 350 commercial highlights my favorite feature of the car, and perhaps one of my favorite optional features of all time, the panoramic glass roof: The glass roof is perfectly suited to the overall design of the ES, and really the only Lexus I could picture with it. Perhaps it’s only because I’ve …

Kevin · September 24th, 2007

Motor Trend: Long-Term Lexus LS 460 Update 2

Now five months into their long-term test, Motor Trend continues to appreciate what the Lexus LS 460 brings to the table: [Truck Trend art director] Voehringer, a guitar-playing rock aficionado, adores the 19-speaker Mark Levinson reference surround-sound system, observing that it “supplies a lush spectrum of highs, mids, and especially bass” — the ideal setup …

Kevin · September 24th, 2007

Lexus LS 460 with Air Runner Suspension

Ridiculously dropped suspensions can be a great look, but not without a huge sacrifice of ride quality and the potential for some serious body damage. However, for every problem there is a (expensive) solution, as evidenced by this video of an LS 460 with an Air Runner suspension system, which allows for variable ride height …

Kevin · September 23rd, 2007

Flickr Find: A Scenic Lexus GS 400

Flickr photographer capt4inslow has posted up some incredible shots of a second-gen GS 400, here’s a couple of my favorites: I’ve always been a big fan of this GS generation, with its equally elegant and aggressive styling. More than anything, though, these photos remind me of the tough decision I had to make when choosing …

Kevin · September 22nd, 2007

SEMA 2007: Lexus IS-F Events

Also announced for 2007 SEMA Show is a host of events centering around the Lexus IS-F, which will be available for test drives for the first time ever. The car will also be mounted on a dynamometer, just like the recent Taste of Lexus events, where attendees can spin the wheels to their heart’s content …

Kevin · September 21st, 2007

SEMA 2007: Lexus to Launch Performance Accessory Line

Lots of SEMA news today, starting with the announcement of a new performance accessory line from Lexus: “The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, and Lexus is thrilled to participate this year,” said Brian Bolain, National Lexus Interactive and Automotive Events Manager. “SEMA is the perfect venue for …

Kevin · September 21st, 2007

Photo Gallery: Lexus @ 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show

The 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show may have been light on Lexus news, but there were plenty of photo opportunities nonetheless. Claude Feltz, who provided the silver IS-F photos featured earlier this week, also took some time to capture the rest of the Lexus Pavilion, including some shots of the GS series facelift and the Hybrid …

Kevin · September 20th, 2007

Behind-The-Scenes of a New Lexus RX Commercial

Yesterday, I received an anonymous email containing photos from the production of a new RX commercial being filmed in Los Angeles, with the following information: The commercial filmed in Los Angeles in August and will feature the giant pages of a pop-up book being operated by actors playing stage hands. I believe the ad is …

Kevin · September 20th, 2007

Lexus GS 450h Completes Targa Newfoundland Rally

Targa Newfoundland, a 2,200 km (1,367 miles) rally through the winding province of Newfoundland, Canada, had an interesting entry this year, a 2007 Lexus GS 450h. The course is so grueling that it’s an accomplishment to finish, which the GS 450h did, coming in 18th overall, eight minutes behind the leader, a 1969 BMW 2002. …

Kevin · September 19th, 2007

Lexus IS-F & LF-A Together on Nürburgring

This spy video montage, which shows a collection of upcoming cars taking their turn at Nürburgring, has an interesting segment featuring the Lexus IS-F and the LF-A taking a lap together (skip to 3:09 in the video for the action): The LF-A sounds like a monster compared to the IS-F, and I’m sure the additional …

Kevin · September 19th, 2007

Lexus IS-F in Silver!

As if on cue, photos emerged today on Club Lexus of a silver Lexus IS-F, taken by Claude Feltz at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. Without a doubt, my point is proven, the IS-F doesn’t just look a little better in colors other than blue, it looks fantastic! (Special thanks to Claude for letting me …

Kevin · September 18th, 2007

Lexus IS-F Preview @ Edmunds

With all of the negative opinion circulating around the IS-F, this Edmunds preview seems almost upbeat: On paper the 2008 Lexus IS-F stacks up well against the M3, not to mention the Audi RS4 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. In the metal, the IS-F’s appearance is polarizing (“F stands for FUGLY! The car looks wack,” said …

Kevin · September 17th, 2007

Japanese Lexus LS 600h/L Commercial: Blue Lines

In the same vein as the LS 600h/L advert posted earlier this month (and which turned out to be part of Lexus’ new UK hybrid marketing campaign), this Japanese commercial also features a practically invisible LS hybrid, though this time it’s a case of speed: Wonderfully done, I was very impressed by it.

Kevin · September 17th, 2007

Flickr Find: The Lexus LF-A @ Concours D’Elegance

It may be the processing, but this photo of the Lexus LF-A concept, taken by John Hietter at this year’s Concours D’Elegance, really shows the supercar in a different light: The over-saturation makes the LF-A look almost menacing, with the muted audience in the back finally giving me some perspective as to the size of …

Kevin · September 16th, 2007

Site News: Most Popular, Latest Comments, & A WSJ Mention

With comments picking up and some of my older posts drawing in daily traffic, I have added links to the latest comments and most popular posts to the sidebar, underneath the category links. *** Though I’m sure it’s probably automated, my site has been linked to from a Wall Street Journal article dealing with strategic …

Kevin · September 16th, 2007

Lexus Press Conference @ Frankfurt 2007

The Auto Channel has posted the full Lexus press conference from the 2007 IAA Frankfurt Auto Show, presented by Karl Schlicht, Vice President of Lexus Europe: For the most part, the press conference confirms my earlier thoughts on Lexus’ presence in Frankfurt, revealing no new information, but there’s another side to it. With his singular …

Kevin · September 14th, 2007

The White Lexus IS-F Revelation

After yesterday’s lengthy post examining Lexus’ decision to create their F-Division, I was left with an uncomfortable feeling, and it was quite clear to me where it was coming from. There is, and will always be, a distinct difference between theory and practice, and while I think it’s important for Lexus as a brand to …

Kevin · September 13th, 2007

Lexus & The 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show

With the Tokyo Motor Show happening in less than a month, it’s no real shock that Lexus’ presence at the Frankfurt Auto Show was more than little subdued. The extent of their attendence seemed limited to only to a plastic molding of the LS 600h, pictured above, and the debut of the new GS refresh. …

Kevin · September 13th, 2007

Lexus: Why the F?

A very interesting discussion is ongoing at The Truth About Cars, and what started out as an editorial criticizing the new IS-F’s marketing campaign has blossomed into a much deeper debate: Why does Lexus have a performance division at all? To be fair, the question does open up considerably, casting the same doubts onto Mercedes/AMG, …

Kevin · September 12th, 2007

Lexus GX: 1st Generation Body Kits

Jaos Body Kit Manufacturer: Jaos Direct Link to Body Kit: Jaos Individual Pieces: Front Bumper, Side Step, Rear Bumper, Front Grille Toyota Aero SU Body Kit Manufacturer: Toyota Direct Link to Body Kit: Toyota Aero SU Individual Pieces: Front Bumper, Side Step, Rear Bumper, Front Grille, Replacement Rear View Mirrors,Rear Roof Spoiler, Clear Tail Lights …

Kevin · September 11th, 2007

The Lexus Body Kit Series: GX 470

At first, the latest part in my Lexus Body Kit Series seemed to be taking the same road as my last feature, the ES 350, which yielded no kits at all. However, it turns out that there are a couple body kits for the GX 470. Two of the kits come from Toyota, built for …

Kevin · September 11th, 2007

The Lexus Global Strategy

Lexus, which has focused primarily on the American market since its inception in 1989, has been attempting to grow into the global brand, yet the results have been mixed. The Detroit News has a very interesting article on this topic: In some of the most promising, fast-growing markets such as Russia and China, Lexus is …

Kevin · September 10th, 2007

A Look at the Lexus LS 600h/L’s Driver Monitoring System

When released next month, the Lexus LS 600hL will be equipped with a group of technologies, collectively dubbed the Driver Monitoring System, that takes automotive safety to an entirely new level. From the Lexus press release: The system uses an algorithm to map the position of the driver’s facial features and monitors movement of the …

Kevin · September 8th, 2007

Lexus US Virtual Open Winner Crowned

Happening much faster than I expected, the Lexus US Virtual Open tennis finals were held yesterday in a match between Benjamin Melinger and Peter Reyes, with Melinger winning after a fierce battle: Melinger, of course, wins the grand prize, a year-long lease of the upcoming Lexus IS-F. I can’t help but wonder how great this …

Kevin · September 7th, 2007

2008 Lexus GS Press Release Confirms the Rumors

Lexus has issued a press release regarding the upcoming 2008 GS models, which confirms the previously leaked GS 460 details: All 2008 GS models will feature a revised front-end, with a new bumper, deeper intakes, and a subtly changed chrome grille. Other exterior changes: The alloy wheels have been redesigned, and turn signals have been …

Kevin · September 7th, 2007

New Official Lexus iPod Integration Kit

If you’ve been bemoaning the lack of official iPod options in your Lexus, there’s some good news: An iPod Integration Kit, approved by Apple, will be available for all current Lexus and Toyota models in early 2008. Retailing for $300, the kit allows you to use your factory stereo (and any steering wheel controls) to …

Kevin · September 6th, 2007

Lexus IS-F Test Drives @ SEMA 2007

Should you be lucky enough to be attending SEMA 2007, the premier annual automotive specialty trade event, you’re in for an extra-special Lexus treat: The Lexus IS-F will be available for test drives from October 30th – November 1st. No word if these quarter-hour test drives are attended by professional drivers (similar to the Taste …

Kevin · September 6th, 2007

Lexus USA August 2007 Sales Report

Lexus’ August sales figures are in, and the automaker has posted 3.6% overall increase when compared to last year. Here’s the by-model breakdown of the numbers: 2007 2006 % Change IS250/350 5,381 5,553 -3.1 ES350 8,646 7,973 8.4 GS350 2,161 2,609 -17.2 GS430/450h 139 362 -61.6 SC430 298 493 -39.6 LS460 3,164 1,386 128.3 Total …

Kevin · September 5th, 2007

Photos from US Virtual Tennis Open

The US Virtual Open, sponsored by Lexus, is taking place in New York right now, and while I had seen digital mockups of the court, WiiNintendo.net has posted up some photos from the event: From the photos, it looks to be a lot of fun, especially with the small tennis court that allows players to …

Kevin · September 5th, 2007

Three More Taste of Lexus Evening Editions: Chicago, New York & Miami

The Taste of Lexus, an event where Lexus brings out all their current models for test drives, is traveling across the USA, and is scheduled to make stops in Chicago, New York and Miami this month. As with their most recent event in Los Angeles, Lexus will also be hosting “Evening Editions” at each of …

Kevin · September 4th, 2007

Flickr Find: Mike IS

This black & white photo, by Flickr user toyangel immediately caught my attention because of the perfectly captured wheels, looking exceptionally crisp. From my own experiments, it’s difficult to photograph a car-in-motion, and this photo does a fantastic job of just that.

Kevin · September 4th, 2007

Lexus LS 600h Commercial: Hybrid Drive

The Lexus 600h is available only in Japan and Europe, which might explain why this commercial hasn’t made it to North American shores: It’s funny, because the invisible digital effect featured here reminds me of the car option I’m looking most forward to: the portable force field. Sure, there’s deeper, more important applications for the …

Kevin · September 3rd, 2007

The Lexus Body Kit Series: ES 350

My initial thought was to pass over it without mention, but the more I think about it, it’s quite surprising that the ES 350 has absolutely no body kits. Why is that? I think the major reason has to be that the ES 350 is no longer available in Japan, where most Lexus kits come …

Kevin · September 1st, 2007

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