March 2010 | Lexus Enthusiast

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Next Generation Lexus LS Rendering

By way of the Autoten blog, here’s a new Lexus LS rendering from Mag-X: Even though it’s far too small and understated to be the next LS, there’s something about these stylized line drawings that I just love, and I couldn’t resist posting it. (For what it’s worth, according to the rendering blurbs, the next-generation …

Kevin · March 31st, 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

Lexus CT 200h Color Options

The Lexus CT 200h color options have been revealed today as part of the hatchback’s new mini-site—first off, here are the exterior colors: There are seven exterior colors in total: Starfire Pearl, Obsidian, Daybreak Yellow Mica, Smoky Granite Mica, Brown Spice Mica, Tungsten Pearl, & Matador Red Mica. Then there are the interior colors: The …

Kevin · March 30th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Dark Ride Trailer

In early March, Lexus USA teased the CT 200h launch announcement with a promised Dark Ride, an “upcoming movie experience that allows you to virtually drive the all-new CT 200h”, and now here’s a new trailer: There’s also a new dedicated mini-site, the Darker Side of Green, which teases, “Be the navigator. Bring the CT …

Kevin · March 30th, 2010

Red Lexus LFA Spotted

At long last, the production Lexus LFA has been spotted in something other than black or white: Some screenshots, because I can’t resist:

Kevin · March 29th, 2010

Lexus Wins KBB Brand Awards for Interior Design and Comfort

Kelley Blue Book has announced the results of its third annual Brand Image Awards, which are based on consumer perception data from 12,000+ KBB survey participants, and Lexus came away with twin victories for Best Comfort Brand and Best Interior Design Brand. Here’s how KBB described these awards: Best Comfort Brand: Lexus Known from the …

Kevin · March 29th, 2010

Lexus to Display at Salon Privé London

Lexus is set to attend the Salon Privé London supercar event this year for the first time, along with luxury marques Jaguar, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Maserati, and Audi. The fifth annual Salon Privé London will be held on July 21-23 at the Hurlingham Club, with event tickets costing £175.00 (Wednesday) and £150.00 (Thursday and Friday) …

Kevin · March 29th, 2010

Lexus LFA Real-World Performance Figures

Since the production Lexus LFA’s introduction last year, the only concrete performance figures we’ve had to go on were the official numbers from Lexus—but that’s all changed now that Car & Driver had a chance to perform some speed tests with the supercar at the Nissan Technical Center in Arizona: At the moment, there’s no …

Kevin · March 29th, 2010

Lexus LFA Takes SP8 Class in 57th ADAC Nürburgring Race

This weekend, the Gazoo Lexus LFA race car took part in the 57th ADAC Westfalenfahrt four-hour race at Nürburgring, where it took 28th place overall and first in the SP8 class. Some photos from the race: The racing team of Iida Akira, Wakisaka Juichi, & Ohshima Kazuya overcame a first lap pitstop and a resulting …

Kevin · March 29th, 2010

Four Wheeler Lexus GX 460 First Drive

Having named it their Four Wheeler of the Year in 2003 and 2004, Four Wheeler magazine has been a longtime fan of the original Lexus GX, so with the introduction of the GX 460, the magazine’s reviewers were naturally eager to put the next generation model to the test and see if it could live …

Kevin · March 28th, 2010

Official Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package Details

Lexus has official announced the Nürburgring package for the LFA, bringing an even deeper performance focus to the upcoming supercar. The package includes: A larger front spoiler, fin-type side spoilers and a fixed rear wing Maximum power is upgraded 9.8hp/10PS, which helps the LFA maintain its 3.7s 0-100km time and maximum speed of 325km/h even …

Kevin · March 26th, 2010

New 2010 Lexus IS F Photo Gallery

Lexus UK has released some new images of the 2010 IS F, including photos of the all-new white leather interior option: The 2010 IS F has received some minor upgrades for 2010, including a new limited slip differential that improves traction and stability in high-speed cornering. The European spec IS F has also received a …

Kevin · March 26th, 2010

Automobile Magazine Reviews the 2010 Lexus LS 460L

Providing views of the 2010 Lexus LS 460 L from several perspectives, Automobile Magazine has published an editors’ review of the Lexus flagship. Four editors, ranging from online to senior positions, provide their opinions—to begin, web producer Evan McCausland described the new AWD model’s snow handling prowess: Given the LS has always been the ultimate …

Kevin · March 25th, 2010

Lexus LFA Blasts Up Goodwood Hill

As part of the press preview for the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed in England, Auto Express had a chance to make the historic hillclimb in Europe’s only Lexus LFA: The space-age styling has taken some criticism since the model was first revealed, but get up close and explore it in detail, and the low-slung, …

Kevin · March 25th, 2010

Motor Trend Comparison: Lexus IS 350C vs. BMW 335i vs. Audi A5 vs. Infiniti G37

Motor Trend has joined the recent spate of luxury convertible comparisons, pitting Audi, BMW, Lexus and Infiniti against one another in this March 2010 drop-top test. From their IS 350C review: If you’re in search of a hardtop cabrio as unfailingly civilized as high tea at Claridge’s Mayfair, stop right now. The Lexus IS 350 …

Kevin · March 24th, 2010

Lexus LFA to Attend Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elegance

The second annual Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elegance will be held this May 16, 2010, and it has been reported that the production Lexus LFA will be making its appearance there. Event announcements state that the vehicle is the “only one in the U.S.”, with the event held that Sunday from 9AM to 4PM at the …

Kevin · March 24th, 2010

Sarah Silverman to Host Lexus Climate Change Debate

Sarah Silverman will be moderating a Lexus-sponsored The Darker Side of Green hybrid debate on March 30th at the New York Auto Show. The debate will be between hybrid skeptic Phelim McAleer and renewable energy advocate Amanda Little, and will be part of the Lexus CT 200h’s North American debut at the autoshow. Check Ecorazzi …

Kevin · March 24th, 2010

More Lexus CT 200h Details

The Lexus CT 200h will have its North American debut at next week’s NY Auto Show, and to promote the fact, Lexus issued a press release that highlights some interesting information: The CT 200h will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2011. As part of an integrated launch in the U.S., Lexus will …

Kevin · March 23rd, 2010

Top Gear’s Richard Hammond Reviews the Lexus LFA

In addition to his test drive of the Lexus LFA on Top Gear, Richard Hammond also recently wrote a review of the supercar for the British daily, the Mirror. It reads much like his on-air segment, singing praises of the LFA’s bespoke construction and exotic performance, while again resorting to hang-ups over the price and …

Kevin · March 23rd, 2010

Lexus LFA at UK Supercar Breakfast Meet

The Lexus LFA made an appearance at the second annual Mulberry Inn supercar meet, an informal UK gathering of exotic cars organized by P1 Supercars and Mulberry Inn pub owner and BBC radio personality Chris Evans. The LFA was photographed in rarefied company along with numerous Ferrari Enzos, 599s, Lamborghini Diablos, and a Porsche Carrera …

Kevin · March 22nd, 2010

More Lexus LFA Nürburgring Race Photos

Turns out that the racing-spec Lexus LFA that I posted earlier wasn’t just taking practice runs around Nürburgring, but was competing in a 4 hour qualifying race—here are some more photos: These photos give a very clear view of the modifications that have been made to the LFA in preparation for its appearance in the …

Kevin · March 22nd, 2010

Racing Lexus LFA on Nürburgring Practice Run

With last week’s announcement that the two Lexus LFAs will be competing in the Nürburgring 24h race in May, the supercar is now getting in some practice on the famous German track—which leads me to posting this absolutely bonkers photo from RacingPix.net: Just fantastic—make sure to check out the photo page for a high-resolution version.

Kevin · March 21st, 2010

Lexus Malaysia Opens Penang Dealership

Building on the successful 2007 launch of their first facility in Kuala Lumpur, Lexus Malaysia held the grand opening of its second facility, Lexus Penang, on March 18, 2010. The new RM1.5 million center gives Lexus customers in N. Malaysia a more locally situated facility, complete with showroom, luxury lounge, and cafe. Further details: “Having …

Kevin · March 19th, 2010

Lexus J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Results

J.D. Power and Associates has released the results of its annual Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) for 2010. In the study, Lexus took third position in a tie with Buick, earning an average score of 115 problems per 100 vehicles. Just ahead was Lincoln (114), moving up from seventh last year, and taking the lead was …

Kevin · March 18th, 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 RX 450h Service Appointment

Last week, right before my long-term Lexus RX 450h loaner was set to be returned to Lexus Canada, I had the opportunity to bring it to my local Lexus dealership, Performance Lexus in St. Catharines, Ontario, for its 8,000km oil change.

Kevin · March 17th, 2010

Lexus LX 570 Wins San Felipe 250 Race

Continuing his success at off-road race events, LX 570 owner Joe Bacal has scored another victory in Mexico this past weekend at the 24th Annual MasterCraft Safety Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250, where he won the Stock Full class. Here’s a description of how the LX 570 performed: As with all of the races Bacal …

Kevin · March 17th, 2010

Lexus GS 2005 Launch Commercials

Check out this Bruno Aveillan-directed Lexus GS commercial from the 2005 third-generation launch: According to National Public Radio’s review of the 2005 GS ad campaign, the ads were filmed at a 10,000-year-old ice cave in British Columbia, an underwater trench off the coast of Oahu, and an atrium inside the Vancouver Art Gallery. The footage …

Kevin · March 16th, 2010

Akio Toyoda Not Participating in Nürburgring 24h Race

In a break from the recent past, Toyota president Akio Toyoda will not be one of the Lexus LFA drivers during this year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours race in May. Making the announcement himself on his personal blog, President Toyoda says that although he test-drove one of the race-prepped LFAs, “unfortunately, [I] won’t participate in this …

Kevin · March 16th, 2010

Lexus LFAs to Race in Nürburgring 24h Race

The production Lexus LFA will be entering its first professional race when it takes part in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race this May. Gazoo Racing will be preparing and fielding two LFAs in the race, where the supercars will be receiving some minor aero-effects: This will mark the third time the LFA has participated in …

Kevin · March 15th, 2010

Lexus LFA to be offered in Nürburgring Track Edition

Japanese weblog レクサスとの道[LEXUS] is reporting that the Lexus LFA will be available in a track edition optimized for circuit driving: If Google’s translation serves, this Nürburgring edition looks to include a fixed rear wing, larger front spoiler, sports tuned suspension, high grip tires and a boost of 10 horsepower—and will only be available in four …

Kevin · March 14th, 2010

Lexus GX 460 Auto Field Guide Profile

By following the career arc of Lexus GX chief engineer Makoto Arimoto, industry magazine Automotive Design & Production provides an interesting profile of the Lexus GX 460 development process. Arimoto, who worked on everything from chassis engineering to fuel cells, started planning the GX 3 years ago when large body-on-frame SUV market were still in …

Kevin · March 14th, 2010

Next-Gen Lexus IS to be offered as a Wagon?

Autocar is reporting that the next-generation Lexus IS will be offered as a wagon—and will be hybrid-only: …while the original model did offer an estate variant, called SportCross, the current car – introduced in 2005 – has never been available in a wagon. Lexus insiders now admit that this policy has hurt sales of the …

Kevin · March 12th, 2010

Lexus LFA Spotted in Monaco

A white Lexus LFA was spotted in the wealthy playground & supercar mecca, the principality of Monaco: No details—perhaps the LFA is making a personal visit to Lexus Monaco’s showroom? Taking some publicity shots? Or being demonstrated for LS 600h L owner Prince Albert II? [Source: GTSpirit.com and Flickr]

Kevin · March 12th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Targets Audi A3 Rival

More information about the Lexus CT 200h has emerged from its Geneva debut—according to Car Dealer Magazine and Just Auto, Lexus surveyed customers across Europe, including drivers in Germany, France and Italy, and the Audi A3 emerged as the benchmark, with Europeans preferring it over the BMW 1-series. Considering this, the CT 200h was designed …

Kevin · March 11th, 2010

Lexus HS 250h “Good” in IIHS Frontal Crash Test

In the latest round of crash safety tests conducted by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), the Lexus HS 250h has received the agency’s highest rating of “Good” on its first evaluation, the frontal offset crash test. In this test, vehicles are accelerated towards a barrier at 40 mph. Approximately 40 percent of the …

Kevin · March 10th, 2010

Lexus: The Pursuit Continues…

A new Lexus commercial today—this one with a focus on quality and a return to the classic “Pursuit of Perfection” tagline: This commercial leads to a new section on the Lexus USA website devoted to quality control & safety, and includes videos of the RX 350 manufacturing process at the Cambridge Ontario plant and how …

Kevin · March 10th, 2010

Auto Express Lexus CT 200h Video

Auto Express had their turn at the CT 200h Geneva display, and put together a video that shows plenty of interior footage: The CT 200h’s door grip and handle design remind me a lot of the recently-released GX 460, which makes me wonder if this will be a shared design cue on new models.

Kevin · March 10th, 2010

Inside Line Tests the Lexus GX 460

Edmunds Inside Line recently put the Lexus GX 460 to a full test, seeking to determine whether the mid-size luxury utility vehicle successfully combines off-roading prowess and multi-purpose convenience—first off, here’s their video feature: Much of the test is devoted to the GX 460’s technological and performance features, including: The GX 460’s optional Crawl Control …

Kevin · March 9th, 2010

Lexus LFAs Sold for SGD$1.25M in Singapore

According to the Business Times, Singapore’s allocation of 2 Lexus LFA supercars has been “sold at speed of light” – being spoken for even before the price was announced. Lexus Borneo Singapore received deposits of SGD$80,000 shortly after the Chinese Lunar New Year holidays from two undisclosed customers. The LFA’s price in Singapore has since …

Kevin · March 9th, 2010

Two Lexus CT 200h Videos from CNET

Here are two videos of the Lexus CT 200h at the Geneva Auto Show Courtesy of CNET—The first features the site’s editor-at-large, with references made to auto start-stop technology and the sport mode, and was probably made before the CT 200h’s US sales announcement: CNET UK also produced a similar video, with some unusual video …

Kevin · March 8th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h US Launch Confirmed

In a Wards Auto article (subscriber only), Lexus USA has confirmed that the CT 200h will go on sale in the U.S. “sometime between early and mid 2011.” It will become the second dedicated hybrid model in the US, after the HS 250h. According to Mark Templin, VP of Lexus USA, “When the all-new Lexus …

Kevin · March 8th, 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

Lexus CT 200h now on Lexus USA Website

Lexus USA has added official press photos and information to a new CT 200h page on its website: Billed as “the darker side of green,” the CT 200h sportback will be heading to the US market once it becomes available—the site also shows different angle views of the white CT 200h, with the rear 3/4 …

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

More Lexus SC 600h Rumors

Included as part of Motor Trend‘s Lexus GS-F rumor coverage was this Holiday Auto Magazine rendering of a possible look for the next generation SC: This sketch manages borrows all the right elements from the existing lineup and puts together with some real potential, and the windshield-to-IS-F-air-vents is just brilliant, but I can’t imagine for …

Kevin · March 5th, 2010

Lexus Hybrids Commercial: Milestones

Lexus heralds its expanded hybrid lineup with this commercial featuring a synchronized display of the Lexus hybrid models: The 5.5 billion mile figure quoted in the video is based on an average of 10,000 miles per year, which is less than the typical figure used in the U.S. It’s also worth noting that the luxury …

Kevin · March 4th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h USA Price Guessing Game

The New York Times (and many other outlets) is reporting that the Lexus CT 200h will start with a €21,000 when it goes on sale in Europe next year. The natural question turns to how that translates into the North American price—a direct, euro-to-dollar conversion would currently mean a starting MSRP of $28,755 USD, putting …

Kevin · March 4th, 2010

Two New Lexus Models to Use CT 200h Platform?

Among the numerous media reports covering the launch of the CT 200h, some interesting details about the new Lexus hatchback’s platform have emerged—Autocar reports (emphasis added): The CT200h is 4320mm long, 1765mm and 1430mm high, meaning it is longer, wider and taller than the A3 and 1-series. Its 2600mm wheelbase is only eclipsed by the …

Kevin · March 3rd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h to Lead Lexus Europe Sales

The new Lexus CT 200h is a purpose-built hybrid hatchback for the European market, and that reportedly has Lexus executives optimistic about its sales prospects. With Lexus Europe pursuing a hybrid-centered strategy, the CT 200h is expected to spearhead the brand’s lineup as its entry-level and highest volume model. According to a Bloomberg article, Lexus …

Kevin · March 3rd, 2010

Lexus LFA Official US Pricing Details

Lexus USA has formally announced the LFA’s base price of $375,000, and has revealed additional information regarding the LFA two-year lease and purchase process in North America: All LFAs will be hand-built to customer specifications and production will begin December 2010. Customers will be able to choose from three-configurations included in the base MSRP: Configuration …

Kevin · March 3rd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h to Make North American Debut at New York Auto Show

Fresh off the news that Lexus will be offering the CT 200h in North America, it was announced today that the hatchback will be making its official US debut at the New York Auto Show, which takes place from March 31st through April 11th. Read the Lexus Press Release

Kevin · March 3rd, 2010

Journalist Reactions to the Lexus CT 200h

Here’s something new—Lexus interviewed some of the journalists attending the Geneva Auto Show to get their opinion on the new CT 200h hatchback: Best response: “The fact that it’s a hybrid will tick so many people’s boxes.”

Kevin · March 3rd, 2010

Lexus February 2010 Sales Report

USA The February sales numbers for Lexus USA are in: February Year to Date 2010 2009 % CHG 2010 2009 % CHG ES 2,349 2,575 -8.8 5,272 5,546 -1.0 HS 712 0 N/A 1,959 0 N/A LS 799 700 14.1 1,891 1,604 22.8 SC 27 76 -64.5 51 149 -64.3 GS 488 595 -18.0 1,017 …

Kevin · March 2nd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Size Comparison

Even with all the photos of the Lexus CT 200h at the Geneva Auto Show, it’s hard to get a good idea of just how big it really is, so I put together this chart showing the newest Lexus as compared to the IS, HS & ES: Put into perspective, the CT 200h looks bigger …

Kevin · March 2nd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Live Video from Geneva Auto Show

Here’s the first live video of the Lexus CT 200h at the Geneva Auto Show: With only 15 minutes to the CT 200h press conference, I have yet to find a live video feed—I’ll continue to look, and will update this post if I have any luck. The Lexus CT 200h press conference is now …

Kevin · March 2nd, 2010

Autoblog Lexus CT 200h Photos

Only moments after I linked to Lexus Europe’s Facebook photo of the CT 200h, Autoblog posted up a massive photo gallery from the preview event—check this car out: Also mentioned on Autoblog: Interestingly, though Lexus has yet to confirm what markets the CT will enter, our men on the scene report back, “Lexus executives were …

Kevin · March 1st, 2010

Lexus CT 200h at Geneva VIP Preview

With little more than twelve hours before the Lexus CT 200h’s debut at the Geneva Auto Show, Lexus hosted a VIP sneak peek of the compact hatchback—here are some photos from the event: These CT 200h photos at the Geneva Auto Show are just the first of a massive onslaught we can expect over the …

Kevin · March 1st, 2010

More Lexus CT 200h Photos

Autocar has published several additional studio photographs of the white Lexus CT 200h. Compared with computer-processed look of the first photos, these are different, and show the exterior lighting: The forward shots showcase the CT 200h’s headlamp illumination, complete with LED strip accents similar to those introduced with the LS 460 refresh. These LED accents …

Kevin · March 1st, 2010

Road & Track Reviews the 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport

Road & Track has posted their driving impressions of the LS 460 Sport, which features a sport-tuned air suspension, Brembo brakes, and the Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission from the IS-F, all intended to give the Lexus flagship a more performance-oriented demeanor: Seemingly small changes add up to big differences out on the road—especially if …

Kevin · March 1st, 2010

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