New Lexus Europe CT 200h Video

Should you have any last doubts at the Lexus CT 200h’s target market, this new video from Lexus Europe should put them to rest: I’m guessing this video will be part of tomorrow’s launch of the CT production model at the Paris Motor Show, and is likely only the tip of the media iceberg. Much …
Kevin · September 29th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h F-Sport Accessories

Today was my first day at the Lexus CT 200h press launch event in Paris, France, and there’s been some pretty exciting new details announced for the hybrid hatchback. Let’s start with something big — Lexus USA will be offering a number of F-Sport accessories for the CT 200h. Here’s the only image released so …
Kevin · September 28th, 2010

Future Lexus Line-up?

Automotive News has taken a shot at predicting the next couple years of Lexus models, let’s summarize: GS: The next-generation GS will arrive in the spring of next year on a new shared platform and a longer wheelbase, while retaining the V6/V8/Hybrid powertrains. A GS-F has been prototype, but is not expected to make it …
Kevin · September 27th, 2010

Pearl Grey Lexus LFA in California

Lexus USA’s original LFA has been repainted once again — first was Matte Black, then Whitest White Starfire Pearl, and now Pearl Grey — here’s our first look from its debut at Lexus of Glendale: Hard to get a really good feel for the color, but I’m sure we’ll see some event photos soon — …
Kevin · September 25th, 2010

Motor Trend Drives the Lexus CT 200h

Motor Trend snuck into the Lexus CT 200h event in Los Angeles yesterday, and today have published their first thoughts on Lexus’ new hybrid hatchback: The best way to think of the CT 200h is as a better-looking Prius Sport, if such a model existed. It shares the Prius’ hybrid drivetrain, with its 1.8-liter four-cylinder …
Kevin · September 23rd, 2010

Lexus Wins Five Motorist Choice Awards

The fifth annual Motorist Choice Awards have been announced, and Lexus has making a serious showing in the winner’s circle, taking 5 of the 15 premium categories. Now, these aren’t your typical segment awards, instead, winners are chosen by a group of 42,000 consumers, who rate the vehicles based on “lifestyle categories” — here are …
Kevin · September 23rd, 2010

Joel Bacal & Lexus LX 570 Take Off-Road Championship

In just their first year of off-road competition, Joe Bacal and his Lexus LX 570 have dominated their class, winning this year’s SCORE championship: …an unbroken streak of wins and podium finishes that on Saturday culminated in their first off-road championship with a dominant Stock Full-class win at the SCORE Terrible’s Las Vegas Primm 300. …
Kevin · September 23rd, 2010

Los Angeles Lexus CT 200h Event

The Lexus CT 200h tour is making its final North American stop in California this week when it visits Los Angeles & Venice — here are the dates: Wednesday, September 22 Location: Slow Clothing 7474 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90046 Hours: 12:00pm-8:00pm Thursday, September 23 Location: Slow Clothing 7474 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, CA …
Kevin · September 22nd, 2010

GT-R Owner Takes the Lexus LFA for a Spin

The yellow Lexus LFA is currently touring the Eastern USA, and recently made a stop at Forged Performance in Georgia, where it was driven by NAGTROC member Sharif@Forged — here’s what he had to say about the experience: I kept heading southbound on Cobb Parkway on my way to my favorite “test track” also known …
Kevin · September 21st, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Photos from the United Kingdom

Lexus UK has just released a superb set of CT 200h photos: Definitely a lot of character in these photos, this shot cracks me up: Hilarious. [Source: Lexus UK Flickr]
Kevin · September 21st, 2010

Top Gear’s Supercar Showdown

At long last, some kind soul at Toyota Nation has scanned the Top Gear magazine article that pitted the Lexus LFA against the Mercedes SLS AMG, Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera & Porsche 911 GT3 RS. As it turns out, the LFA doesn’t really get a fair shake — for reasons confusing at best, …
Kevin · September 20th, 2010

Fox Marketing Preparing Lexus LS 600hL for SEMA

After their stellar Lexus IS-C custom in 2009, Fox Marketing will be going big for SEMA this year with the LS 600hL — here’s some photos of the work-in-progress: So far, the Artisan Spirits body kit has been installed, and there’s a plan for custom brakes — can’t wait to see where this goes. [Source: …
Kevin · September 20th, 2010

Motor Trend Drives the 2011 Lexus IS F

Peter Lyons recently had some track time with the 2011 Lexus IS F, and talks up the changes in the new model year quite nicely: Although the powertrain and the car’s 3800-lb curb weight remain the same, the suspension settings have been totally recalibrated…An unexpected byproduct of this revision is the car’s more compliant ride, …
Kevin · September 17th, 2010

Auto Express Parallel Parks the Lexus LFA

Here’s a fun review of the Lexus LFA from Auto Express that even includes a spot of parallel parking: By now, we’re all fairly used to seeing the LFA in high-performance mode, so these reviews that have a touch of the real world are enjoyable in their rareness — can hardly blame the reviewer for …
Kevin · September 16th, 2010

Yellow Lexus LFA at Monticello Motor Club

The yellow Lexus LFA spent some time at the Monticello Motor Club in New York last week — let’s take a quick look & listen: The video was taken by Jason Thorgalsen, who also snapped this super photo: Savage!
Kevin · September 15th, 2010

Miami Lexus CT 200h Event

After stops in Chicago & NYC, the Lexus CT 200h World Tour sets up shop in Miami this week, starting today — here are the full event details: Wednesday, September 15 Location: Bayside Market Place 410 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, FL 33132 Hours: 2:00pm-10:00pm Thursday, September 16 Location: Mary Brickell Village 901 S. Miami Avenue Miami, …
Kevin · September 15th, 2010

Photos from the NYC Lexus CT 200h Event

While my driving impressions of the Lexus CT 200h will have to stay under wraps until my article is published by Lexus Magazine later this month, I do have some photos to share from the event in NYC this past weekend (click on any image for a larger version): Like anything in New York, space …
Kevin · September 14th, 2010

Two New Lexus Hybrids by 2012

There were two separate stories today regarding Lexus’ future hybrid plans that just so happen to tie together quite nicely. First off, the New York Times reports that Toyota will release 6 new hybrids by 2012: [Toyota] did not provide details about the coming hybrids, though it provided a chart indicating that four of the …
Kevin · September 14th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Horsepower & Fuel Economy

While I was travelling back to Canada after attending the Lexus CT 200h event in NYC, Lexus USA unleashed eight press releases and over 11,000 words on the new hybrid hatchback. Admittedly, it’s going to take some time to read through it all, but included in the all the information was some details on both …
Kevin · September 13th, 2010

NYC Lexus CT 200h Event Update

The Lexus CT 200h World Tour has stopped in New York City, and here’s a little promo for the event: Set up at High Line Park, today’s is the final day to test-drive the Lexus CT prototypes — here’s some initial impressions from a couple attendees: I drove the road course yesterday and it’s just …
Kevin · September 11th, 2010

Lexus LFA Plug-in Hybrid Mule Spotted in Death Valley

The strange looking Lexus LFA prototype that was spotted earlier this year has made another appearance, this time in California’s Death Valley for some hot weather testing: The velcro patches on both front fenders could mean that this vehicle is a plug-in hybrid, as this is usually the location of the battery charger plug. Naturally, …
Kevin · September 9th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Event in New York City

Two Lexus CT 200h prototypes are making their way around North America, and this weekend’s stop will be High Line Park in New York City. This event, which is one of just four tour stops in the US, is open to everyone, and provides an unique opportunity to drive Lexus’ newest hybrid months before its …
Kevin · September 8th, 2010

Behind-the-Scenes Look at New Lexus IS Commercial

The latest IS commercial from Lexus USA required a stunt car driver, a mathematician, a composer, and a whole lot of precision — check out the full story in this behind-the-scenes video: It was clear from the actual commercial that the IS was actually playing the drums, but it’s always amazing to see just how …
Kevin · September 8th, 2010

Lexus Name Badge Removed on 2011 USA Models

The sharp eyes over at Club Lexus have spotted a badge change on 2011 Lexus models sold in the USA: After spending twenty years on the trunk lid of every Lexus made, the LEXUS name badge has been removed, leaving the Oval-L as the sole brand identifier — here are some other 2011 examples: Considering …
Kevin · September 7th, 2010

Lexus LFA Rockets Around Fuji Speedway

The lucky folks at Nihon Car had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drive one of the Lexus LFAs used in this year’s Nürburgring 24h race around the Fuji Speedway in Japan: With much of the interior stripped away to save weight, the sound in the cabin has been amplified to almost pure aural speed — absolute …
Kevin · September 6th, 2010

Chinese Lexus ES 240 Commercial

Here’s a Lexus ES 350 commercial from China with some great footage of the panoramic glass roof: I’ve said it a thousand times but I can’t resist — that roof is one of my favorite options ever. It takes the ES to a whole other level.
Kevin · September 3rd, 2010

Lexus USA F Sport Coupon

Lexus USA just sent over a coupon that can be used towards the purchase of F-Sport parts — here’s a breakdown of the savings: $100 off of F Sport purchases between $500-$999 $200 off of F Sport purchases between $1,000 – $1999 $300 off of F Sport purchases more than $2,000 This coupon, which is …
Kevin · September 2nd, 2010

Photos from the Lexus CT 200h Toronto Event

Last weekend, Lexus Canada held a concert series in Toronto that also provided the first public look at the latest CT 200h prototypes, one a Euro-spec Matador Red Mica and the the other an Obsidian CT built for the US market. Living only a couple hours away from Toronto, I spent the weekend in the …
Kevin · September 2nd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h in Chicago This Week

The Lexus CT 200h North American tour arrives in Chicago tomorrow for a four-day stay — here are the event details: Thursday, September 2 Location: Big Star 1531 N. Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60622 Hours: 2:00pm-10:00pm Friday, September 3 Location: Big Star 1531 N. Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60622 Hours: 7:00pm-10:00pm Saturday, September 4 Location: …
Kevin · September 1st, 2010

Lexus August 2010 Sales Report

USA Here’s the full model-by-model breakdown of Lexus USA’s August 2010 sales: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2010 2009 % CHG* 2010 2009 % CHG* ES 4,161 5,629 -23.1 30,263 30,385 0.1 HS 594 543 13.8 7,251 543 1241.9 LS 939 880 11.0 7,575 6,611 15.1 SC 35 34 7.1 257 576 -55.2 GS 619 …
Kevin · September 1st, 2010