August 2010 – Lexus Enthusiast | Lexus Enthusiast

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More 2011 Lexus IS F Details

Lexus Europe has released further details on the 2011 Euro-spec IS F, which will be getting a number of exterior & interior design changes for the new year: 5.0 litre V8 is now Euro 5 compliant The HID headlights will get getting the arrowhead LED daytime running light strip New Starlight Black exterior color Dark …

Kevin · August 31st, 2010

New Lexus IS 200d Arrives in Europe for 2011

For 2011, the Lexus IS 220d in Europe the UK will be replaced by the IS 200d, which will be using an updated version of the same 2.2L diesel engine that brings better fuel economy, lower CO2 emissions and a more refined and smoother drive: The new 148bhp version of the 2.2-litre diesel engine benefits …

Kevin · August 30th, 2010

Lexus 2054 Ads

3D designer Artur Szymczak took a model of the Lexus 2054 featured in the movie Minority Report and built some spectacularly beautiful concept ads: Amazing to think that Minority Report is now eight years old and the 2054 still looks like it’s forty-four years in the future. (Be sure to check out the rest of …

Kevin · August 30th, 2010

Next-Gen Lotus Esprit to use Lexus LFA Engine?

Edmunds’ Inside Line is reporting that the next generation Lotus Esprit may be powered by the same V10 engine used in the Lexus LFA: The next-generation Lotus Esprit supercar, details of which will be announced at the2010 Paris Auto Show next month, could be powered by the 552-horsepower Lexus LFA V10, says a source close …

Kevin · August 30th, 2010

Red Lexus CT 200h in Toronto

Yesterday was the public unveiling of the red & black Lexus CT 200hs, and I was on hand to take some photos — here’s a few of my early favorites: The Matador Red Mica is an absolutely brilliant color on this car — perfectly suited and great to look at. The black CT was also …

Kevin · August 28th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Event in Toronto This Weekend

Just a reminder that the black & red Lexus CT 200h’s will be debuting tonight in Toronto as part of a Lexus-sponsored concert weekend — here’s the flyer: The fun starts at 7pm, and I’ll be there early to take some CT photos — can’t wait to see it in Matador Red Mica. Photos to …

Kevin · August 27th, 2010

2011 Lexus RX 270 Available in Japan

Lexus has launched the RX 270 in Japan this week, which will be powered by the 1AR-FE 2.7L engine and putting out 187hp with torque of 252Nm. The RX 270 was also announced for Russia, and it’s expected (for some time) that the low-displacement version of Lexus’ most popular vehicle will also be available in …

Kevin · August 27th, 2010

2011 Lexus IS F Gets LFA-Style Instrument Panel

The 2011 Lexus IS F was also revealed as part of Lexus Japan’s big website update yesterday, and it looks like the super-IS will be getting a variation of the LFA’s instrument panel: Let’s zoom up a bit: Here’s an alternative view, once again zoomed up due to image size: From the looks of it, …

Kevin · August 26th, 2010

Lexus Japan Art Works: GS in Sunset

We’ve already taken a look at the RX & IS Art Works special editions released by Lexus Japan today, but I’ve saved the best for last — just take a look at this GS in Sunset interior: Here’s some close-ups: This color combo is really something else (reminds me of the LS Sport interior), tasteful …

Kevin · August 26th, 2010

Lexus Japan Art Works: RX in Sunlight

An RX Art Work special edition was also released today by Lexus Japan, who have teamed up with Stone Designs on some wild interior color schemes: Here’s some detail shots of the interior: Both this RX and the previously mentioned IS are really quite playful — quirky even — and while it’s tough to imagine …

Kevin · August 25th, 2010

Lexus Japan Art Works: IS in Sunrise

As part of their new Art Works initiative, Lexus Japan has teamed up with design studio Stone Designs to create some extremely unique interior options — the first of which is this Lexus IS in Sunrise: The IS in Sunrise is the only design we’ve seen previously, and it features a decidedly oceanic color scheme: …

Kevin · August 25th, 2010

NY Times Reviews the Lexus LFA

Lawrence Ulrich of the New York Times travelled down to Millville, NJ to take the Lexus LFA around the track, and he brought some very choice quotes back with him, including this info on LFA buyers: So far American buyers are exclusively men, and on average are in their mid-50s. Many have owned a Lexus, …

Kevin · August 25th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h USA Pricing Update

Last week, I took a swing at guessing the Lexus CT 200h price in the USA based on some UK rumors, and today, I received a note from Lexus USA offering something a little more definitive: “In the United States, Lexus intends for the all-new CT 200h to become the gateway model for the brand, …

Kevin · August 24th, 2010

Flickr Find: Yellow Lexus LFA in the Wild

When photographer (& Flickr user) Gideon Gillard happened upon the yellow Lexus LFA out on the highway during the Pebble Beach Concours, he chased it down and made sure to get some absolutely fantastic photos of the supercar (click for larger images): My favorite though, has to be this shot: Highly recommend going through the …

Kevin · August 23rd, 2010

Lexus Advisory Board

This spring, Lexus USA started an online invite-only initiative called the Lexus Advisory Board, which will be used to survey existing customers about the brand. With a current membership of 20,000 owners, this group will be polled regularly on marketing and even product planning — here’s some details from The Automotive News: Lexus is still …

Kevin · August 23rd, 2010

All Pink Lexus LS 460L

While we’re on the topic of Lexus LS 460s with crazy paint jobs, here’s an absolutely unreal pink LS from Florida Memphis that takes it to a whole other level: Words fail me — be sure to check out the rest of photos on Club Lexus for the full effect.

Kevin · August 20th, 2010

The Golden Lexus LS 460

Earlier this year, we saw a chrome-wrapped Lexus LS 460 from Kuwait, and now here’s a golden edition from the very same country Abu Dhabi: Even if I could understand the desire to metallic-wrap a vehicle, I think the LS would be my very last pick for the process. Update: A friend of this car’s …

Kevin · August 20th, 2010

The Lexus CT 200h’s Seating Position

Lexus UK has issued an interesting press release outlining the steps taken to ensure the CT 200h has the “ideal” driving position for the sporty new hybrid. The key points: Lexus configures ideal driving position for new CT 200h full hybrid – the sportiest set-up of any regular Lexus production model Driver hip point brought …

Kevin · August 19th, 2010

First Lexus LFA Speeding Ticket

Claus Ettensberger, owner of CEC Wheels and past Bullrun winner, has the “honor” of being the first person to get a speeding ticket in the Lexus LFA, or at least the first person to do so and post about it on Youtube: For the record, Mr. Ettensberger was going 91mph in a 35mph zone — …

Kevin · August 18th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Reviewed by What Car? Readers

Lexus recently teamed up with What Car? to provide the magazine’s readers an advanced look at the CT 200h — here’s what they had to say: Opinions seem to vary wildly, but the balance between like & dislikes seemed fairly even — one thing that stuck out to me was how comfortable the interior looks …

Kevin · August 18th, 2010

Lexus Magazine Takes a Malaysia Road Trip

Lexus Magazine writer Rod Mackenzie took an RX 450h on an adventure through Malaysia in a quest to find a remote resort called Fraser’s Hill: For years, I’ve fantasized about penetrating Malaysia’s dense jungle interior on a modern-day Heart of Darkness journey, complete with creeping tigers. This exotic road trip, however, comes with a major …

Kevin · August 17th, 2010

Top Gear Magazine Supercar Showdown

Last month, a video showed up on Youtube showing a Lexus LFA, Mercedes SLS, Porsche GT3 RS, Lamborghini LP 570-4 Superleggera, and Ferrari 458 all parked on the side of a UK road — turns out this was the work of Top Gear Magazine, who pulled the “five greatest supercars of the year” together for …

Kevin · August 17th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Event in Toronto

The Lexus CT 200h is coming to Toronto, Ontario at the end of this month, and Lexus Canada is throwing a big party to welcome the newest addition to the lineup. The first public reveal of the CT 200hs spotted in California will be marked with three days of free concerts in Toronto’s Distillery District …

Kevin · August 17th, 2010

Photos of the Lexus CT Umbra Art Sculpture

We’ve seen video of the Lexus CT Umbra art sculpture that accompanied the Darker Side of Green debates around the USA, but these photos from The Cool Hunter show the installation in a much more vivid light: The installation was created by Los Angeles-based design studio Nondesigns, who really managed to create something exceptionally beautiful …

Kevin · August 16th, 2010

Yellow Lexus LFA at Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance

The yellow Lexus LFA made an appearance this weekend at the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance, and Autoguide was there to snap a few photos: Even better, the LFA was also filmed arriving at the event, making this the first known video of the sunshine yellow supercar: That yellow is impossible to miss, sure makes for …

Kevin · August 15th, 2010

Insane Lexus IS/Toyota Crown/Honda Civic Mashup

Take a Lexus 2IS rear-end and a Toyota Crown front-end and meld them with the body of a Honda Civic, and what do you get? A crazy modder from Thailand just had to find out: Regardless of personal taste and the fact the Crown front-end is two sizes too big, it’s hard not to admire …

Kevin · August 13th, 2010

Official Yellow Lexus LFA Photos

Last week, we saw the first photos of Lexus USA’s new yellow LFA, and today we have official photos from the very same photoshoot: As it turns out, the black leather/silver stiching interior features black alcantara seats and a bronze center console: The LFA is definitely getting more refined with every new prototype — here’s …

Kevin · August 12th, 2010

Updated Lexus iPod Integration Coming from VAIS Tech

Just received word from site sponsor VAIS Technology about their new SL2iC iPod integration unit — check out these photos: The SL2iC will feature a touchscreen iPod interface along with the ability to play videos directly on the nav screen — two fantastic features to be sure. Initially, only 5th generation Lexus navigation systems, but …

Kevin · August 12th, 2010

Lexus & Tumi to Partner on Exclusive LFA Luggage

Lexus has partnered with Tumi to create a special set of luggage that fits perfectly into the LFA: The unique line of Tumi cases for the LFA supercar has a hybrid construction, and is styled using components that are directly related to the appearance of the car. Never before have a hard shell, aluminum and …

Kevin · August 12th, 2010

Lexus LS 460 Commercial: Opera

Here’s a clever LS 460 commercial from Lexus Germany: Captures the LS 460’s Mark Levinson system perfectly — there’s nothing quite like live music through those 19 speakers, in my experience.

Kevin · August 12th, 2010

What’s Next for Lexus Design

There’s a big interview with Lexus’ head of global design, Simon Humphries, at Lexus Magazine that brings some major insight into the direction of the brand — I definitely recommend reading the full thing, but I want to focus on three quotes: LEXUS: First of all, now that we know that the 2011 IS will …

Kevin · August 11th, 2010

Lexus LFA to Enter FIA GT1 Series?

According to Motor Trend, Lexus will be taking the LFA and the experience they gained at the Nürburgring into the FIA GT1 Championship: In a series that is widely considered to be the pinnacle of sports car racing, Toyota will come up against the likes of Aston Martin, Corvette, Ford, Lamborghini, Nissan and Maserati. LFA …

Kevin · August 10th, 2010

Black Lexus CT 200h Photos!

Club Lexus’ Flipside909 was at Lexus HQ in Torrance, California and spotted two CT 200hs in the parking lot — one was Matador Red and gone like a flash, and the other was this one in Obsidian: This CT shows some new details like the (likely) standard projector front lights and exposed rear wiper — …

Kevin · August 10th, 2010

Lexus IS F Daily Driver Dominates NASA Time Trials

This weekend, Dave Schotz raced his daily driver Lexus IS F in National Auto Sport Association (NASA) Time Trials at the Auto Club Speedway in California and proceed to dominate against dedicated racecars — Jalopnik has the full story: NASA Time Trials allow for almost any car to compete for the fastest lap time on …

Kevin · August 10th, 2010

Lexus UK IS Celebration Edition

Lexus UK is offering a Celebration Edition of the IS to mark the brand’s 20 years in Britain. This special edition receives a F-Sport upgrade along with three full years of no-charge servicing, which adds up to some significant savings. The F-Sport package includes the following: 18-inch alloy wheels Leather and Alcantara sports front seats …

Kevin · August 9th, 2010

Autocar: Lexus LFA vs. Ferrari 458 Italia vs. Porsche 911 GT3 RS vs. Noble M600

Thanks to German Car Forums, we can get a sneak peek at the new Car Magazine Autocar comparison of the Lexus LFA, Ferrari 458 Italia, Porsche 911 GT3 RS & Noble M600 — here’s a LFA quote: Even though pictures of the LFA have been circulating for years, and personally I’ve seen the car in …

Kevin · August 9th, 2010

More Black Lexus LFA Videos

It’s now time for our weekly look at the black Lexus LFA that’s being tested in Japan — this time it’s three videos, and in an exciting development, we get our first glimpse of the front end: Here’s a freeze-frame: I wonder when we’ll see this LFA’s first public appearance — can not wait for …

Kevin · August 6th, 2010

Lexus USA Revises LFA Purchase Options

Lexus USA has revised their LFA purchasing options, and will now offer outright purchase of the $375,000 supercar rather than the mandatory two-year lease that was initially required. This new purchase option does come with one condition, however — the Lexus dealership where the LFA was purchased will retain the first right of refusal to …

Kevin · August 5th, 2010

Lexus Manufacturing Master of Paint

Lexus Magazine has published a fascinating article on Kimihiro Sakakibara, one of the 10 Lexus Takumi Masters that oversee factory production: For anyone still unfamiliar with the term, Lexus Takumi are the automotive equivalent of a 10th Dan black belt. Each of the ten Takumi specializes in a key area of the vehicle—and each commands …

Kevin · August 4th, 2010

Lexus Golden Opportunity Commercial

Lexus USA is in the middle of their giant Golden Opportunity summer sales event right now, and have put out this colorful ES commercial: Cracks me up the way the ES doors open & close to the beat — seems so out of character. Update: Here’s another commercial from this campaign — this time it’s …

Kevin · August 4th, 2010

First Photos of the Yellow Lexus LFA

Just received photos of Lexus USA’s new LFA prototype, which is just about as bright as the sun (click for larger images): It’s hard to top yellow in terms of vibrance, it’s literally impossible to take my eyes off this LFA. Such a bold color really shows off the shape of the LFA, I especially …

Kevin · August 4th, 2010

Lexus July 2010 Sales Report

USA The Lexus USA sales numbers are in for July 2010, here’s the model-by-model breakdown: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2010 2009 % CHG* 2010 2009 % CHG* ES 4,093 4,393 -10.3 26,102 24,756 5.4 HS 165 0 N/A 6,657 0 N/A LS 986 874 8.6 6,636 5,731 15.8 SC 36 57 -39.2 222 542 …

Kevin · August 3rd, 2010

Lexus LFA & Toyota 2000GT Meet in Germany

While one white Lexus LFA was doing donuts in Japan, another white LFA made an appearance at the Classic Days Motorfestival in Schloss Dyck, Germany, where it met face to face with its one true predecessor — the Toyota 2000GT. Auto journalist Richard Meaden did us all a favor and posted a photo to Twitter: …

Kevin · August 3rd, 2010

RHD Lexus LFA Spotted

Here’s something new — a right-hand-drive edition of the Lexus LFA showed up at a Japanese event last week to perform some donuts: It’s getting difficult to keep track of all the LFAs out there, time for a list: White LFA from Tokyo Auto Show introduction now in Europe Matte Black (now white) LFA from …

Kevin · August 3rd, 2010

Black Lexus LFA, Take Two

We saw a quick glimpse of the glossy black Lexus LFA a couple weeks back, and now here’s another brief look at the latest edition of the supercar: Is this the best looking LFA so far or is it just me?

Kevin · August 2nd, 2010

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