February 2009 | Lexus Enthusiast

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Toyota Considering Ultra-Luxury Brand?

How’s this for a rumor trail — according to an Autospies poster, Japanese magazine Carview has reported that Toyota is looking at creating a new ultra-luxury automotive brand above Lexus, here’s the article: Here’s the article, supposedly paraphrased an Autospies poster: A Lexus spokesman explained that Lexus had thoroughly researched the market and feels that …

Kevin · February 27th, 2009

Flickr Find: Jordan Fok Photographs the Lexus IS 250

It’s been quite the week for awesome Lexus photography on Flickr, first was William Stern’s fantastic LS desktops, and now we have this absolutely top-notch photo from Jordan Fok: Love it.

Kevin · February 26th, 2009

Lexus Tops J.D. Power 2009 Customer Service Index

Lexus has placed first in J.D. Power’s 2009 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study, which looks at satisfaction among vehicle owners who visit a service department for maintenance or repair work over the first three years of ownership: Lexus ranks highest in customer satisfaction with dealer service in 2009—improving from fourth rank position in 2008. Lexus …

Kevin · February 26th, 2009

Detroit News reviews the 2010 Lexus RX

Scott Burgess from the Detroit News is jumping from one Lexus to two — after reviewing the LX 570, he’s doubled up with the 2010 RX 350 & RX 450h: Really, Lexus does an excellent job catering to the driver. There’s remote key access, a power liftgate, an automatic tonneau cover that covers the back …

Kevin · February 25th, 2009

Edmunds IS 250 F-Sport Video

Last week, I wrote about Edmunds’ testing of a Lexus IS 250 with the full F-Sport accessory lineup installed, and now here’s the accompanying video, where we can watch proof of the IS F-Sport cutting up the slalom: The sway bar & shock absorber combination looks to be a fantastic addition to the IS, with …

Kevin · February 25th, 2009

Lexus Wallpapers of the Week: LS 360° Forged

Willam Stern, resident photographer over at 360° Forged and friend of TPP, has graciously allowed me to post up some of his recent photos as wallpapers — all three of these images feature a Lexus LS 460 with 360° Forged’s Brushed Spec Multi wheels: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 1680×1050 | …

Kevin · February 24th, 2009

Sponsor Thanks

I just wanted to pass on my thanks to this month’s sponsor, VAIS Technology: VAIS Technology manufactures audio/video integration solutions for Lexus, making it possible to connect almost any media device to your vehicle. Most importantly, VAIS Tech lets you manage these devices using your standard audio controls. An ideal solution!

Kevin · February 24th, 2009

The Detroit News Reviews the 2009 Lexus LX 570

Scott Burgess of the Detroit News took a real shine to the 2009 Lexus LX 570 when he reviewed it recently: During January’s heavy snowfall, I hopped into the new Lexus LX 570 and burrowed my way down the road without a problem. The full-time four-wheel drive ate up snow and ice like “Survivor Man” …

Kevin · February 24th, 2009

David Nordstrom & Charles Hubbard Talk about the 2010 RX

The Auto Channel has posted up a great feature on the new 2010 Lexus RX 350 & 450h. First, host Mark Fulmer takes a drive with Lexus USA’s Vice President of Marketing, David Nordstrom, who gives some very natural & fresh insight into the new RX, then switches over to the more technical Charles Hubbard …

Kevin · February 23rd, 2009

Lexus #1 in Online Customer Service

Lexus dealerships are the most responsive car brand on the Internet, according to the 2008 Automotive eShopper Experience Study, a survey that looks at the online customer service of car dealerships in the USA. In fact, Lexus scored a full 10 points higher (59.5) than 2nd place Chevrolet (49.4): When asking dealers for information on …

Kevin · February 23rd, 2009

LA Times Review of the 2010 Lexus RX 450h

Dan Neil has reviewed the Lexus RX 450h for the Los Angeles Times: Lexus has poured an astonishing amount of design and technology into the cabin, and both come together in the car’s unique asymmetric console, a flourishing loop of brightwork in the center of the dash that integrates the LCD display and climate and …

Kevin · February 20th, 2009

Flickr Find: Lexus LFA Roadster Au Naturel

This photo, taken by Car-Parazzi, shows the Lexus LFA Roadster concept at Pebble Beach, a much more natural setting than usual: Gives the impression of what the car would look like on the street — and what I wouldn’t give to be sitting in that driver’s seat!

Kevin · February 19th, 2009

Lexus Imitates Art

Yesterday it was Lexus creating art, and today it’s Lexus mimicking art — created by Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore, these print ads depict some of the world’s most famous painting using Lexus parts (click for larger versions): If possible, I would have that Warhol inspired print blown up huge to hang it in my office. …

Kevin · February 19th, 2009

Lexus @ Milan Design Week 2009

For the last few years, Lexus has been taking part in the Milan Design Week by creating a unique exhibit in collaboration with an artist. Last year, it was the Elastic Diamond with nendo, and this year Lexus has partnered with Huzimoto Takeshi, one of Japan’s up & coming architects, to create Crystallized Wind, or …

Kevin · February 18th, 2009

First 2010 Lexus RX Body Kit?

Japanese body kit manufacturer LX-Mode have wasted no time putting together some aero parts for the new 2010 Lexus RX. No details, only this photo to go on: Looks to be just the front bumper for now, but I’m sure the rest of the kit is on its way. [Source: LEXUS Times]

Kevin · February 18th, 2009

Flickr Find: More Lexus GS F-Sport Photos

I’ve been scouring Flickr for the last couple days, waiting for images of the F-Sport models at the Chicago Auto Show to appear — and my patience was rewarded today when I spotted this close-up of the GS taken by pcriso2: Great shot for sure — so I contact pcriso2 to see if he had …

Kevin · February 17th, 2009

Lexus GS F-Sport Photos

Here are some photos of the F-Sport equipped Lexus GS at the Chicago Auto Show, courtesy of Inside Line (again): This GS is also sporting a body kit along with a new grille (reportedly created by FiveAxis). No word if these accessories will also be offered in the F-Sport lineup. I would have liked to …

Kevin · February 17th, 2009

Inside Line Tests Lexus IS 250 F-Sport

Now that Lexus’ F-Sport accessories are available for the entire IS & GS lineups, the next question is which parts should be bought first. Well, Edmunds’ Inside Line has the scoop on F-Sport, testing the modifications on an IS 250. Some of the results were very surprising: Powerslides are impossible with the big tires and …

Kevin · February 17th, 2009

TAS 2009: The Lexus IS 350C in Silver

Now a few days removed from the Toronto Auto Show, I’ve been going through the virtual stack of photos that I took, and have compiled my first gallery — here’s the IS 350C in silver: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1044”} As I mentioned previously, convertibles just don’t do it for me (likely due to dealing with bitterly cold …

Kevin · February 16th, 2009

More 2010 Lexus RX Commercials

Lexus is preparing a barrage of commercials signaling the release of the new RX — first we had a set of more “traditional” commercials, and now there’s these six testimonial style videos to watch: Rear Seat Entertainment Cargo Space Airbag Voice Command Power Rear Door Intelligent Highbeams I like these significantly more when compared to …

Kevin · February 16th, 2009

2010 Lexus RX Commercials

Lexus USA has just posted up their new commercials for the 2010 Lexus RX 350 launch, which will start running nationally next week: Smart move by Lexus to reinforce the familiarity of the previous RX — it’s their best tactic and definitely something that can’t be overstated. These commercials are both surprisingly technical, though that’s …

Kevin · February 13th, 2009

Trying the Lexus Remote Touch System @ The Toronto Auto Show

After reporting stories and videos about the new Lexus Remote Touch system, I had the chance yesterday to try the technology for myself — and managed to record it despite my (noticeable) excitement: Being an interface technology, there’s really no way to describe the haptic feedback feeling, save to say that it’s intuitive and incredibly …

Kevin · February 13th, 2009

Toronto Auto Show Interview with John-Paul Farag

As I mentioned, I had an opportunity to talk with John-Paul Farag, Lexus Canada’s Advanced Technology & Powertrain Consultant, who answered some questions that have come up over the last few months. TPP: Where is the battery located on the HS, is it underneath the vehicle? John-Paul: It’s similar to the Camry, where it’s partially …

Kevin · February 12th, 2009

Lexus Expands F-Sport to Include the GS & All IS Models

Lexus announced at the Chicago Auto Show today that the full range of F-Sport accessories will now be available for the GS, IS 250 AWD, and the IS-C 250/350. These first-party mods, which were only available for the IS 250/350 RWD previously, add a much sportier edge and include options like front/rear brake upgrades, lowering …

Kevin · February 11th, 2009

CIAS 2009: Day One Impressions

Kevin · February 11th, 2009

Club Lexus California Meet Photos

I just discovered a pile of photos of various Club Lexus meets in California, all taken by The Perfect Exposure — take a look at some of these rides: Blacked out is my hands-down favorite look right now, and that IS is just proves the point. Love the red L wheelcaps. (And that’s just a …

Kevin · February 10th, 2009

Car & Driver Continues Lexus Bashing

The minute I heard the voiceover of this Car & Driver video preview of the Lexus HS 250h, I knew we were in for a treat: Jens Meiner, who put in one of the most derisive 2010 RX preview videos last year, clearly outdid himself with this preview of the HS — my favorite quote: …

Kevin · February 10th, 2009

2010 Lexus RX Features Video Demonstrations

Over the weekend, Lexus posted some short CGI videos on Youtube that show how some of the new 2010 RX features work: Heads-up Display and Available Remote Touch Double Wishbone Rear Suspension Intelligent Highbeam Headlamps Available Seat Functions Radar Cruise Control Advanced AWD VDIM Technology This fits well with Motor Trend’s RX comparison, it’s easy …

Kevin · February 9th, 2009

Motor Trend Comparison: 2010 Lexus RX 450h vs. BMW M5 vs. Volkswagen Touareg

Motor Trend has pushed out the first comparison of the Lexus RX 450h with its peers — in this config, the newly redesigned SUV goes up against the BMW X5, Mercedes ML320 & the Volkswagen Touareg. Biggest point of interest? The RX had the quickest 0-60 @ 6.4s, 0.3s faster than the X5 and more …

Kevin · February 9th, 2009

TPP @ The Canadian International Auto Show

Just wanted to post a quick update on some things that will be happening this week, namely the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. I’ll be attending the event during the Media Days, and will be able to spend some quality time with the new Lexus models. The HS 250h will be presented at Lexus’ …

Kevin · February 8th, 2009

Lexus Announces Pricing on 2010 RX 350

Lexus USA has announced the pricing for the 2010 RX 350, and it’s only good news for anyone that’s been waiting for this final detail. The 2010 RX 350 FWD will start at $36,800, $900 lower than the outgoing generation. The AWD version will begin at $38,200 — also $900 less than the 2009 model. …

Kevin · February 6th, 2009

Lexus Remote Touch Controller Details

Japanese tech website TechOn has published an article about the new Remote Touch system that’s set to debut with the 2010 RX this month: The “Remote Touch,” an HMI (human machine interface) for the car navigation system equipped in the “Lexus RX” released by Toyota Motor Corp, was developed by Denso Corp. …the haptic technology …

Kevin · February 5th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h Display @ TED

TED, the annual conference where “the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers…are challenged to give the talk of their lives” is happening this week in Long Beach, California, and Lexus has put up a display featuring an HS 250h — here’s a photo taken by Jon Wiley (It’s hard to see the image clearly here, …

Kevin · February 4th, 2009

New Lexus Power of H Commercial: Bridge

You might remember a Lexus infomercial from last December that detailed how architects were utilizing old boat shipping containers — well, the next of the series has been released and talks about the Shuto Expressway in Kyoto, Japan and how it generates electricity. You can watch here, or head over to Youtube for the HD …

Kevin · February 3rd, 2009

Lexus USA January 2009 Sales Report

It’s the first month of a new year, but it wasn’t a new story for US automotive sales. Here are Lexus’ numbers model by model: 2009 2008 % Change IS250/350/F 2,400 3,262 -29.3 ES350 2,971 4,346 -34.3 GS350/460/450h 898 1,480 -41.7 SC430 73 183 -61.6 LS460/600h L 904 1,906 -54.4 Total Cars 7,246 11,177 -37.7 …

Kevin · February 3rd, 2009

2010 Lexus LS Facelift?

Vince Burlapp, the same blogger that leaked an image of the possible 2010 ES facelift, now brings us some fuzzy photos of what could very well be the 2010 Lexus LS refresh: Leaked 2010 Image Current LS As far as I can see, the changes are mainly in the rear lights. The new reverse “L” …

Kevin · February 2nd, 2009

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