January 2009 – Lexus Enthusiast | Lexus Enthusiast

Latest News

2010 Lexus RX 450h Colors (with Images)

While exploring Lexus Japan’s website, TPP commenter Eddie discovered images of all the 2010 Lexus RX colors: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1145”} The Cerulean Blue Metallic is a much nicer hue than Breakwater Metallic, though I’ll have to see it in person first. Also, here are the interior colors: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1146”} Personally, I’d probably go for Smoky Granite …

Kevin · January 29th, 2009

Lexus Pebble Beach Song Download

When the Pebble Beach editions of the RX, ES, & LS were announced last year, Lexus broadcast the following commercial: As is the case with many commercials, the accompanying music generated a lot of interest — so much that I did some research and discovered the musician responsible was Kael Alden, who works for a …

Kevin · January 29th, 2009

Lexus IS-F: Wald Sports Line Black Bison Edition Body Kit

No matter how much I wished it, these official photos of Wald International’s Lexus IS-F Sports Line Black Bison Edition haven’t yet disappeared from the Internet, so I have little choice but to post them here: Let’s get honest: the IS-F is not a vehicle that need any additional visual complexity, the stock look is …

Kevin · January 28th, 2009

Lexus SC on 26″

Just in case you’ve been wondering if 26″ wheels will fit on your first-gen Lexus SC, a Craigslist seller has proven it possible: No details on if the car is from Oakland or how you’re supposed to turn the wheels, but it can be yours for only $14,000! (For more photos, check out the seller’s …

Kevin · January 28th, 2009

Lexus LS V6 Coming?

According to Paul Tan, the Lexus LS may be getting a new engine option this year: This could happen when Lexus unveils the facelift for the LS, which would be due anytime soon as it was launched in the year 2007. A Lexus LS 350 could be powered by the 2GR-FSE 3.5 liter V6 engine …

Kevin · January 28th, 2009

The Lexamino

Seen on the Street has spotted what can only be called The Lexamino in Birmingham, Alabama — a first-gen LS 400 with a truck bed: I incorrectly assumed this poor LS400 was the victim of some type of accident, possibly involving a Ryder truck backing into the rear and smashing the back window and roof. …

Kevin · January 27th, 2009

Sports Executives see Tiger Woods as a Lexus driver

I thought this was interesting: In the January Turnkey Sports Poll of senior level sports executives and sports owners, Lexus was named as the best fit to replace Buick as Tiger Woods’ automotive sponsor. Here’s how the voting shook out: Lexus, 27.14% BMW, 22.11% Mercedes-Benz, 12.56% Cadillac, 12.56% Jaguar, 6.03% Audi, 5.03% To be honest, …

Kevin · January 27th, 2009

Lexus Detroit Auto Show Booth Details

Unforeseen circumstances caused a slowdown in posting last week, which means I haven’t had a chance to publish these final things of note from the Detroit Auto Show — First off, here’s a couple great photos of the Lexus booth at the Auto Show, courtesy of mikeh5856 & sjb4photos respectively: And lastly, here’s an interesting …

Kevin · January 26th, 2009

2010 Lexus RX Colors

Following the discovery of the Lexus IS-C colors, here are the hues of the upcoming 2010 RX: Exterior Starfire Pearl Smoky Granite Mica Tungsten Pearl Obsidian Matador Red Mica Golden Almond Metallic Truffle Mica Black Sapphire Pearl Cerulean Blue Metallic Interior Parchment Light Gray Black Wood: Dark Brown or Medium Brown Walnut Smoky Granite Mica, …

Kevin · January 22nd, 2009

Lexus IS 220d Now Delivering Better MPG & CO2 Emissions

The European-sold Lexus IS 220d will be seeing a raft of improvements starting this March. From the press release: Revised Lexus IS 220d produces lower emissions, CO2 figure down from 163 to 148g/km Delivers significant savings in Benefit-in-Kind tax rates and Corporation Tax IS 220d moves into Band C for Vehicle Excise Duty Improved fuel …

Kevin · January 21st, 2009

Lexus Launches the 2010 RX in Japan

To commemorate the launch of the 2010 RX in Japan, Lexus staged an event at the RX Museum and included a guest appearance from Miss Universe 2007, a Miss Universe 2006 contestant and one very serious looking man: Lexus also updated their Japanese site to reflect the new addition, and it features a movie that …

Kevin · January 21st, 2009

Akio Toyoda Announced as New President of Toyota

Akio Toyoda, the driving force behind the Lexus LF-A & grandson of Toyota founder Kiichiro Toyoda, is scheduled to become the Japanese company’s next president & CEO. From the Automotive News: Toyoda will succeed current President Katsuaki Watanabe in June, the company said today, ending weeks of speculation. An executive vice president since 2005, Toyoda …

Kevin · January 21st, 2009

Lexus 2010 RX Heads-Up Display (HUD)

Lexus Canada has launched a very nice promo site for the upcoming 2010 Lexus RX release, and one of their photos clearly displays the new Heads-Up Display (HUD) feature, which features a great looking navigational aid: The photo is Photoshopped, but obviously entirely accurate. Creating such clear and precise directional cues directly in front of …

Kevin · January 20th, 2009

Lexus IS-C Convertible Colors

Turns out that the Lexus IS-C will indeed be released in IS-F Ultrasonic Blue — Joaquín over at My.IS discovered all the IS-C colors while playing with one of Lexus’ Detroit Auto Show kiosks. Here are the color options: Exterior Starfire Pearl Tungsten Pearl Cerulean Blue Metallic Ultrasonic Blue Pearl Matador Red Mica Smoky Granite …

Kevin · January 20th, 2009

Lexus Philippines Opens First Dealership

Lexus has opened their first dealership in the Philippines, and it’s a exceptionally beautiful facility built in Manila at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1054 “} It was designed a collaboration between Japanese firm Nomura Co. Filipino architectural firm Recio + Casas. I’m absolutely floored, it’s gorgeous. Lexus will be offering five models …

Kevin · January 19th, 2009

Lexus Enform Video Presentation

This CNet video walks us through the features of the new Lexus Enform telematics service: There’s some very interesting technical points here, particularly the natural language interface to traffic and stock information. The eDestination feature could be a great addition as well, depending on the quality of information provided by Lexus.

Kevin · January 18th, 2009

Lexus USA Issues Safety Recall

Lexus has issued a US safety recall of certain GS, LS, and IS models due to potential corrosion of the cars’ fuel delivery pipes. This recall affects a total of 214,500 vehicles. For the full problem, here’s a direct quote from the release: The involved vehicles are equipped with aluminum fuel delivery pipes (fuel rails). …

Kevin · January 18th, 2009

Lexus IS-F BRANEW Aero Kit

After seeing a side profile of the BRANEW aero kit for the Lexus IS-F, I had to find more photos. Now, I suspect it has more to do with the dropped suspension, but this kit almost settles the exterior design down: More than anything, the reworked side-steps minimize the visual impact of the fender vents, …

Kevin · January 16th, 2009

More Lexus Photos from the Tokyo Motor Salon

Website Speedhunters also posted some photos from the Tokyo Motor Salon, including this rather unique Mercedes/Lexus love child: Well, considering this is Japan, I should have said Soarer/Mercedes love child, but let’s move along. Take a look at this Artisan Spirits SC 430: I’m not usually a fan of such high contrast two-tones, but that …

Kevin · January 16th, 2009

Lexus Photos from Toyko Motor Salon

Photographer Anthony Carbone attended the Tokyo Motor Salon and came away with some great photos of the Lexus in attendance (click the photos to go to the full gallery): Wald International Lexus IS-F Black Bison Edition Club Linea Lexus LX 570 DAD Lexus LS 460 I had to do a double take on that DAD …

Kevin · January 15th, 2009

Flickr Find: Lexus IS-C in Blue

Going through Davidjst’s Flickr photos from the Silicon Valley Auto Show, I spotted the Lexus IS-C painted in what looks to be IS-F ultrasonic blue: We’ve only seen primary colors so far, I wonder if we’ll see the return of the yellow IS?

Kevin · January 14th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h Cross-Section

After yesterday’s blocky video screencap of the Lexus HS 250h cut-away that’s being displayed at the Detroit Auto Show, TPP commenter TimeToy posted links to these three images from Autoblog (click for larger versions): From the looks of things, the battery pack seems to be tiered, with part behind the back seat and part under …

Kevin · January 14th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h Youtube Video

So far, the only video I’ve seen of the Lexus HS 250h was the Mark Templin Introduction speech, so I was looking forward to this Youtube footage: At least we know two full-grown men can fit in the trunk! On a serious note, the last 15 seconds show a cross-section version of the HS’ Hybrid …

Kevin · January 13th, 2009

No Lexus HS 250h in Europe, but IS Diesel Update Coming

In a follow-up to yesterday’s post, Lexus confirmed to the Automotive News that the HS 250h will not be sold in Europe. No reason was given, but an insider told me that the CO2 emissions weren’t low enough to justify the expense of introducing the model. However, on the plus side, I was also told …

Kevin · January 13th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h Not Available in Europe?

Looks like I was wrong, both Car Magazine and Auto Express are reporting that the Lexus HS 250h won’t be offered in Europe. If true, this is a real head scratcher. Here’s a 2007 quote from Lexus UK Chief Steve Settle talking about the HS in no uncertain terms: “We’ll add a specific hybrid model …

Kevin · January 12th, 2009

Visual Comparison: Lexus HS 250h vs. Toyota Corolla

There’s been a lot of talk about the Lexus HS 250h resembling the Toyota Corolla, so let’s take a look (and why not throw in the new Prius for good measure). I scaled all the vehicles, so sizing should be close-to-correct: The resemblance to the Corolla, it turns out, is all in the front nose. …

Kevin · January 12th, 2009

Live Lexus HS 250h Photos

There were plenty of live photos of the Lexus HS 250h posted online, some better than others. As always, Autoblog has plenty of photos to go through, including this photo of the HS trunk: Looks spacious, benefiting from the batteries being located under the car. Jalopnik posted a similar selection of on-stage shots, but give …

Kevin · January 12th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h Introduction Video

It was only a matter of time — an (edited) video of the Lexus HS 250h’s introduction at the Detroit Auto Show has been posted online: Some very interesting points that don’t really have a spot in an official press release. Lexus GM Mark Templin states that the HS will have better city MPG than …

Kevin · January 11th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h Official Photos

Lexus didn’t hold back with the HS 250h photos, there’s images from every conceivable angle: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1098”} Early reaction focuses on the HS’ resemblance to the Toyota Corolla, though I see a lot of the IS & ES in the design. Really though, with the vehicle’s focus on gas mileage, much of the design is …

Kevin · January 11th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h Unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show

The wait is over, Lexus unveiled the much anticipated HS 250h today at the Detroit Auto Show. There’s plenty to go over, but let’s start by breaking down the most noteworthy points about this new hybrid: The HS 250h sports Lexus’ first four-cylinder gas engine, a 2.4L Atkinson-cycle powerplant that generates 187HP. No exact fuel …

Kevin · January 11th, 2009

Lexus Wallpaper of the Week: IS Concept Drawings

This week’s featured wallpaper is one of the official concept drawings of the current second generation Lexus IS: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 There’s a lot of the IS in this, in fact, I can even see hints of the IS-F in the wheel arches and side skirting. (Imagine taking this …

Kevin · January 9th, 2009

2010 Lexus RX 350/450h Gas Mileage Figures

We’ve known since the LA Auto Show that the 2010 Lexus RX would be returning better gas mileage, but a press release issued yesterday gave us the exact EPA figures, which I’ve compared with last year’s numbers (broken down as city/highway/combined): Model 2010 2009 Change RX 350 FWD 18/25/21 18/23/20 +0/2/1 RX 350 AWD 18/24/20 …

Kevin · January 9th, 2009

Lexus Voice Command & Lexus Insider Service

There were two new features included in yesterday’s Lexus Enform press release that I thought needed special attention. The first feature is Lexus’ new voice control system: This new casual-speech voice recognition system, called voice command, features VoiceBox Technology’s award-winning, patented Conversational Voice Search, and allows drivers to speak more flexible, conversational commands for easier …

Kevin · January 8th, 2009

CNet Previews the 2010 Lexus RX 450h

CNet has published their take on the 2010 Lexus RX 450h, and it includes a more critical look at the new Remote Touch controller: Along with the voice command, Lexus updated the controller, using a square joystick on the console to control an onscreen cursor…you can change the settings for the cursor, choosing a different …

Kevin · January 8th, 2009

Lexus Enform: The New In-Car Telematics Service

Lexus has announced Lexus Enform, their replacement for Lexus Link in-car service. Referred to as a telematics service, this integrated system will be introduced with the new 2010 Lexus RX and adds a new layer of convenience and utility. There are the expected features, outlined here: Automatic Collision Notification (ACN): Safety Connect’s ACN will help …

Kevin · January 7th, 2009

Edmunds Previews the 2010 Lexus RX 350

The second in what’s bound to be an absolute torrent, Edmunds has posted their 2010 Lexus RX preview. Like Popular Mechanics, Edmunds liked the new driving feel, but they were more impressed with the new Remote Touch: Our experience with iDrive, COMAND and MMI tells us that Remote Touch will be more cumbersome than using …

Kevin · January 7th, 2009

First Test Drive of the 2010 Lexus RX

Popular Mechanics has published the first journalist test drive of the new 2010 Lexus RX, which reveals a surprising side to the SUV: Based on a car-like platform, the RX drives with reassuring stability. The electric power steering has been recalibrated to lose the somewhat digital on/off feel afflicting most Toyota/Lexus systems and now provides …

Kevin · January 6th, 2009

Lexus USA 2008 Year-End Sales Report

It feels like the only automotive topic left, but the slumping automotive sector certainly left its mark on Lexus USA’s 2008 sales, dropping 21.2% compared to 2007. Here are the year-end totals: 2008 2007 % Change IS250/350 49,432 54,933 -10.3 ES350 64,135 82,867 -22.9 GS350/460/450h 15,759 23,381 -32.8 SC430 1,986 3,927 -49.6 LS460/600h L 20,255 …

Kevin · January 5th, 2009

Lexus USA December 2008 Sales Report

The sales for Lexus USA’s last month of 2008 are in, and it wasn’t exactly a December to Remember. Here are the model-by-model numbers: 2008 2007 % Change IS250/350/F 3,539 5,651 -37.4 ES350 5,236 8,005 -34.6 GS350/460/450h 1,200 2,579 -53.5 SC430 116 348 -66.7 LS460/600h L 1,451 3,257 -55.4 Total Cars 11,542 19,840 -41.8 RX350/400h …

Kevin · January 5th, 2009

2010 Lexus ES 350?

It looks like the rumor of a 2010 Lexus ES facelift is right on the mark, as blogger Vince Burlapp has posted a blurry photo of an ES with a revised front-end. The headlight treatment does seem a little derivative, but I really like the new grille. It has a strong, unique look, especially when …

Kevin · January 4th, 2009

2009 Lexus Models

Welcome to 2009! To prepare for this new year, let’s recap what we can expect over the next twelve months. The most definitive information regarding Lexus’ future was a WSJ interview with Lexus General Manager Mark Templin, where he promised four new models this year. Here’s a breakdown: New Lexus RX The biggest Lexus story …

Kevin · January 1st, 2009

This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.

Accept Learn more…