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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

Lexus RX 270 to Launch in China

It appears that another smaller-displacement Lexus model will be joining the ES 240 in the Chinese market after spyshots were captured during a domestic road test: According to Chinese website Sohu, the RX 270 will become the entry-level model in Lexus China‘s RX lineup, and will feature a 2.7L 1AR-FE inline-four gasoline engine, producing 187 …

Kevin · February 27th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Coming to North America

Big news for North America—according to the Lexus Europe Twitter account: CT 200h will be offered for sale in ALL markets where Lexus is present While I never had real doubt that the CT would be North America bound, it’s still a relief that there’s been some official verification. This model will do wonders for …

Kevin · February 26th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Video!

The first Lexus CT 200h video has been released: There may not be any footage of the car in motion, but the video does illustrate the interior blue-to-red color change when activating sport mode as well as showing some closer detail shots of the stitching and art piece shift stalk. I’m really falling for this …

Kevin · February 26th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Press Release

KEY POINTS Lexus’s first premium compact model Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain with 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and powerful but compact electric motor Full hybrid system with selectable EV mode for emissions-free electric running Further selectable ECO, NORMAL and SPORT driving modes ECVT intelligent electronic continuously variable transmission Expected to deliver class-leading CO2 emissions Significantly lower …

Kevin · February 26th, 2010

Official Lexus CT 200h Photo Gallery

Two days after the Lexus CT 200h was leaked by way of a press brochure, official images of the new hatchback have been released: I’m very impressed with how the designers were able to incorporate the LF-Ch’s grille into the final design, in fact, I like the entire front-end. The LED headlights are a highlight, …

Kevin · February 25th, 2010

Lexus Ranks #1 in JD Power’s Customer Service Index

J.D. Power and Associates has released the results of its annual Customer Service Index Study (CSI), and Lexus was again the top-ranked luxury brand, plus the #1 brand overall in customer service. According to J.D. Power: The study examines satisfaction among vehicle owners who visit a service department for maintenance or repair work. The CSI …

Kevin · February 24th, 2010

Lexus GS-F in 2013?

Autocar is reporting that the Lexus GS-F is on deck for 2013 and will be powered by the LFA’s V10: Lexus engineers are working on reducing the engine’s capacity by around 200cc to 4.6 litres and power to 450bhp. The idea is to improve low-range torque, although even with the reduced power output the GS-F …

Kevin · February 24th, 2010

Lexus IS 350 to Debut in Australia

Lexus Australia has announced that the IS 350 sport sedan will be joining its lineup in the fourth quarter of 2010. With its debut Down Under, the IS 350 gains a fourth national market after Canada, Japan, and the U.S., and also addresses the power differential between Lexus Australia’s other IS offerings, the IS 250 …

Kevin · February 24th, 2010

EVO Magazine Reviews the 2010 Lexus IS F

For 2010, the Lexus IS-F gained a Torsen Limited Slip Differential (LSD), and EVO magazine has put the revised model to a road test. The Torsen LSD helped shave 2 seconds off the IS-F’s track times at Fuji Speedway, and on UK roads, EVO seemed impressed with the results. Here’s how they described it: In …

Kevin · February 23rd, 2010

Lexus LS 460L Named Consumer Reports 2010 Top Pick

Consumer Reports has announced its annual Top Picks for 2010, and the Lexus LS 460 L was named Best Overall Car and the #1 luxury sedan for the third consecutive year. The LS retained its top score of 99 out of 100 in Consumer Reports road tests, making it the highest-rated vehicle ever tested by …

Kevin · February 23rd, 2010

New TLE Writer

Today’s been quite a day—first the CT 200h was revealed a week before its offical debut, and now I get to announce that The Lexus Enthusiast is adding a new writer! To ensure that TLE is providing the best Lexus news coverage on the Internet, current comment moderator Dan will now be regularly posting news …

Kevin · February 23rd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Brochure Leak!

The Lexus CT 200h brochure has been leaked by way of World Car Fans, let’s get straight to the images: Some talking points: The CT is built on an all new platform with a double-wishbone rear and tuned McPherson strut front suspension The 1.8L VVT-i engine found in the Prius is confirmed as the engine …

Kevin · February 23rd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Arrives in Geneva

The Lexus CT 200h has arrived for its introduction at the Geneva Auto Show: Click for a larger image This image comes courtesy of Lexus Europe, who are updating their Flickr account every day with a new image from the Geneva Auto Show floor. As expected, the photos so far show the Lexus exhibit to …

Kevin · February 22nd, 2010

Photos from the Miami Lexus Mega Meet

You may remember mention of the Lexus Mega Meet that happened last month in Florida—well, Eric Ho of PS Photos was there and ended up taking hundreds of photos and posting them to Flickr. Here’s just a small sample: Love this photo with every Lexus GS generation: From all accounts, the Mega Meet was a …

Kevin · February 22nd, 2010

The Lexus GX 460 in Starfire Pearl

Couldn’t help but notice how great the Starfire Pearl Lexus GX 460 looks in these photos that were part of a (uniquely written) review in The Gulf News: While I’m partial to Starfire Pearl on almost every vehicle in the lineup, it really gives the GX some extra definition, especially in the side profile. Don’t …

Kevin · February 21st, 2010

Lexus RX Superbowl Commercial

I’m late to the party on this Lexus RX commercial that debuted at this year’s Superbowl: I’ve been driving an RX 450h for the better part of three months, and I have to admit, this commercial captures much of what my final review will focus on. The RX’s best feature is how well it fits …

Kevin · February 18th, 2010

On the Road with the Lexus LFA

We saw the video portion of Chris Harris’ Lexus LFA review for EVO Magazine, and now we have the written instalment as shared by Edmunds: The only engine as free-revving and responsive as this that we’ve ever experienced has been the Porsche Carrera GT’s 612-hp 5.7-liter V10. The resemblance is uncanny, from the heavy, lash-free …

Kevin · February 18th, 2010

Lexus Middle East Pursuit of Perfection Commercial

Huge fan of this Lexus commercial from the Middle East: Reminds me of the classic LS launch commercial—though obviously for a different part of the world. Love this type of lifestyle commercials when they’re done right.

Kevin · February 17th, 2010

Lexus RX & IS Win Best Overall Value Awards

Intellichoice announced their annual Best Overall Values of the Year awards at the Chicago Auto Show last week, and Lexus was well represented. The IS took the Luxury Sports Sedan/Wagon category and the RX was named the best overall value in the Luxury Crossover category and the Best Crossover/SUV value over $28,000. Read the Lexus …

Kevin · February 17th, 2010

Lexus LF-Ch Interior Photos

At last week’s Toronto Auto Show, I had a chance to take some interior photos of the Lexus LF-Ch, and it was an amazing opportunity to get a close-up look at the handcrafted and one-of-a-kind concept car. Before entering, I was asked not to touch anything—the interior is delicate and not built to be handled—even …

Kevin · February 16th, 2010

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