February 2011 – Lexus Enthusiast | Lexus Enthusiast

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Lexus CT 200h Commercials

Let’s start Lexus CT 200h launch week with brand new commercials from Lexus USA: There’s still one commercial to be released, but these commercials are a great start — really looking forward to seeing how the CT 200h does in the USA. Update: These videos have been taken down temporarily by Lexus. Update 2: The …

Kevin · February 28th, 2011

Lexus LS 430 Commercial: Role Reversal

Watching that Lexus LS 430 promotional video today brought to mind this pretty funny commercial: Nothing beats doing donuts on a golf course in an LS 430 and then leaving it to your chauffeur to clean up the mess.

Kevin · February 28th, 2011

Lexus LS 430 Promotional Video

It’s been over 10 years since the third generation Lexus LS 430 debuted, and as this promotional launch video details, it was considerably ahead of its time: It was love at first sight when I spotted the LS 430 at my local dealership for the first time, and today it sits as one of my …

Kevin · February 27th, 2011

Candy Paint Lexus ES 300

Time to turn your speakers off and check out the sweetest Lexus ES 300 you’ll see today: That has to be the most literal interpretation of candy paint that I’ve ever seen. (Apparently, dressing your car like a Jolly Rancher can lead to police trouble.)

Kevin · February 25th, 2011

Pearl Grey Lexus LFA Photoshoot

duPont Registry photographer Chris Grosser recently had a chance to take photos of the #005 Pearl Grey Lexus LFA down in Florida, here’s a small sample of his work: Here’s the story of how the photoshoot went down: I met the owner and his wife at this year’s Naples “Cars on 5th” event that I …

Kevin · February 25th, 2011

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition Video

Here’s our first video look at the Lexus LFA Nürburgring edition set to debut at the Geneva motor show next week, courtesy of Yellow Wheels: I don’t know if it’s just the warehouse or what, but the NE LFA exhaust seems to have just a little bit more of a snarl. One thing’s for sure, …

Kevin · February 24th, 2011

Lexus Recall Issued for 06-07 GS 300/350, 04-07 RX & 08-11 LX 570

Lexus announced a voluntary safety recall on approximately 20,000 GS 300/350s made from 2006 to early 2007 to modify a plastic pad under the driver side carpet: In the event that the floor carpet around the accelerator pedal is not properly replaced in the correct position after a service operation, there is a possibility that …

Kevin · February 24th, 2011

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition Desktop Wallpapers

In addition to the massive photo gallery of the Lexus LFA Nürburgring edition that I featured yesterday, there were nine images that I just had to make into desktop wallpapers for everyone: Select Resolution: 1920×1080 | 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 Select Resolution: 1920×1080 | 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | …

Kevin · February 24th, 2011

Next-Generation Lexus IS F?

Along with their photochop of the next-generation Lexus IS, Best Car also tried their hand at the future IS F (click for a larger image): From the Japanese blurb, it looks like Best Car is suggesting the engine output will remain unchanged in the next-gen IS F, which is something I doubt very much. It …

Kevin · February 23rd, 2011

Full Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package Details

Lexus Europe has released the full details on the LFA Nürburgring package that’s set to debut at next week’s Geneva auto show — there’s plenty to go over, first here’s a quote from the press release: To improve track driving even further, the aerodynamic performance of the LFA with the Nürburgring package will be modified …

Kevin · February 22nd, 2011

Next-Gen Lexus IS Hybrid?

Japanese magazine Best Car is reporting the next-generation Lexus IS will be coming this September, and will be available as a V6 hybrid capable of 58 MPG (4l/100kms) — here’s their photochop attempt at the third generation IS (click for a larger version): Considering the huge marketing push for the 2011 IS update, I have …

Kevin · February 22nd, 2011

Lexus CT 200h Commercial: Drum Roll

Lexus Europe has just released their launch commercial for the CT 200h, and it has a real beat to it: The variety of drums used is amazing, and this behind-the-scenes video shows the effort that went into arranging such a large cast: There’s also a series of interviews with some of the drummers over at …

Kevin · February 22nd, 2011

Lexus IS 350C F-Sport Special Edition

Lexus USA has announced that a special edition IS 350C F Sport will be arriving in dealerships this month. Limited to just 175 units, this F-Sport equipped convertible will be available in either Obsidian or Starfire Pearl, and includes these modifications above and beyond the usual IS-C: 19-inch forged alloy wheels with dark graphite finish …

Kevin · February 21st, 2011

Zany Lexus CT 200h Commercials from Italy

Here’s a series of commercials from Lexus Italy that feature Doctor Tokokira, a scientist that has just created a shrinking ray, The Minimizer. Along with his lovely yet awkward assistant, Tokokira tries various applications of his new invention — believe me, it’s worth watching even if you don’t speak Italian (or Japanese): I won’t spoil …

Kevin · February 21st, 2011

Black Lexus LFA at Chicago Auto Show

Ok, this clip of the black Lexus LFA at the Chicago Auto Show is off-the-charts in video quality and one of the best looks we’ve had at this color so far: I’m assuming this is the #026 LFA that belongs to the Chicago owner featured in an earlier video — regardless, it looks out-of-this-world up …

Kevin · February 21st, 2011

Interview with Troy Sumitomo from Five Axis

Lexus Magazine has published an interview I did with Five Axis president Troy Sumitomo about the Project CT, the Lexus show car that debuted at last week’s Chicago Auto Show — here’s a clip: KEVIN WATTS: I know that with the Project IS F, you were inspired by fighter jets—what did you use for inspiration …

Kevin · February 18th, 2011

Lexus USA’s Latest LFA Shipment

Like The Octane Report, Autoblog also witnessed the lastest shipment of Lexus LFAs arriving in the USA, and has put together an exceptionally detailed step-by-step of the process, along with this video: As you can tell from the first photo, three LFAs have arrived: the Pearl Blue we saw yesterday, plus another Black and White …

Kevin · February 18th, 2011

2012 Lexus GS Photochops

An as-yet-unknown Japanese magazine has put together their rendition of the fourth-generation Lexus GS: While it may be a modified version of this CT 200h photo and a poor photochop all round, I’ll give it some points on the clever headlights. Also included was an attempt at the GS F: Again, it’s another riff on …

Kevin · February 18th, 2011

#017 Pearl Blue Lexus LFA Arrives in USA

The Pearl Blue #017 Lexus LFA has arrived in the USA, and The Octane Report was there to film its unloading: Really impressed with the interior color scheme for the most part, though I’m not quite sure about the blue leather seats: I wonder which State this LFA is destined for? [Source: The Octane Report] …

Kevin · February 17th, 2011

Canadian Debut of the Lexus LFA

Last week, I attended the Canadian debut of the Lexus LFA at the Exhibition Place in Toronto. On display was a white LFA, which has been sent on loan from Lexus Japan and has arrived just in time to make stops at all of Canada’s major auto shows (including this week’s Toronto Auto Show). The …

Kevin · February 16th, 2011

Paris Hilton Receives Lexus LFA for 30th Birthday

The Daily Mail is reporting that Paris Hilton has been given a yellow Lexus LFA by boyfriend Cy Waits for her 30th birthday: Can’t say I’m totally surprised, this rumor has been floating around for quite some time — though it was expected that Paris would have Passionate Pink as her exterior color. This may …

Kevin · February 16th, 2011

Lexus Australian Celebrity Challenge Auction

Scheduled as part of next month’s F1 Australian Grand Prix, Lexus Australia’s CT 200h Celebrity Challenge has a spot open for one lucky auction winner. Currently sitting at $16,000 AUD with 24 hours left to go, this eBay auction includes: the right to participate in the Lexus Celebrity Challenge at the 2011 FORMULA 1 QANTAS …

Kevin · February 15th, 2011

Lexus LFA + Rhys Millen + Supermodel = Donuts?

In collaboration with Sports Illustrated for their annual Swimsuit Issue, Lexus brought together drifting superstar Rhys Millen, a Lexus LFA, & supermodel Rianne ten Haken for some airplane hanger hoonage: Here’s the resulting photo, just in case it went by too quickly for you (click for a larger image): No matter how unlikely this whole …

Kevin · February 15th, 2011

Lexus LFA Launch Control Video

Here it is, the first recorded use of the Lexus LFA’s Launch Control feature: It almost looks like the driver was startled by the Launch Control and let’s up a bit, but no matter, the speed here is just plain insane. Going by a guesstimate time, it looks like the LFA hits 260km (163 mph) …

Kevin · February 14th, 2011

Lexus LS 460/600hL Replacement Grille by Wald

Here’s something interesting that I came across on the Wald website last week while looking at their new LS Sports Line Black Bison body kit — the Japanese tuner is also offering a LS replacement grille: I’ve been driving a LS 600hL for the last week, and have to say, this replacement grille would be …

Kevin · February 14th, 2011

Behind-the-Scenes with the Lexus Project CT

Here’s a great video that shows just how Five Axis built the Lexus Project CT: That paint is amazing, the color shift is out of this world. Five Axis really put together something special.

Kevin · February 14th, 2011

Lexus CT 200h Challenge in Los Angeles

Lexus has teamed up with Los Angeles Clippers star point guard Baron Davis and his Rising Stars of America charity for a celebrity CT 200h Challenge in Los Angles next week. For every celebrity that Baron Davis can get to attend, Lexus will donate $1000 to RSOA — here he is to explain: The event …

Kevin · February 11th, 2011

Lexus LFA Driver Development Program

Lexus announced today that it will be offering a full-day Lexus LFA driver development program at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, from March 8 to 15. This unique opportunity is for current LFA owners, potential LFA owners or any sports car enthusiast that wants a full day of high-performance driving behind the wheel of the …

Kevin · February 11th, 2011

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package to Debut at Geneva Auto Show

The Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package will make its official debut next month as part of Lexus’ display at the Geneva Motor Show. This amped-up $445,000 USD edition of the Lexus supercar will only be available on 50 of the 500 LFAs that are being built, and this exclusivity brings additional aerodynamic features and technical revisions …

Kevin · February 10th, 2011

Live Photos of the Lexus Project CT by Five Axis

Today was the first press day at the Chicago Auto Show, which means our first live look at the Lexus Project CT by Five Axis — here are some photos from Autoblog: I’m not sure that the photos really do the car any justice, but when you compare it with the previous Project GS & …

Kevin · February 9th, 2011

Lexus LS 600hL Sports Line Black Bison Body Kit by Wald

Japanese tuner Wald International has released a new Sports Line Black Bison body kit for the Lexus LS 600h/hL: The full kit is extensive, and includes a front bumper spoiler, side steps, sports fender ducts, LED daytime running lights, a rear bumper spoiler, roof spoiler, trunk spoiler (Version 2), plus a new exhaust system. The …

Kevin · February 9th, 2011

NASA: No Issues with Toyota Electronics

After a ten-month study, the USA’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) & NASA have concluded that there are no issues with Toyota & Lexus electronics that would cause unintended acceleration — from a statement by U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood: NHTSA has already identified the only two known real-world causes of high-speed unintended …

Kevin · February 9th, 2011

Driving the 2011 Lexus LS 600hL

This past weekend, I made the trip to Toronto and picked up a 2011 Lexus LS 600hL from Lexus Canada for a two week road test. The LSh has a Obsidian exterior & Parchment interior, and is fully loaded with every conceivable feature, right down to the massaging rear ottoman and a whole host of …

Kevin · February 8th, 2011

Black Lexus LFA Delivered in Chicago

The #026 Black Lexus LFA was delivered to its owner in the south suburbs of Chicago, and we get to meet the lucky guy in this video from local TV station WGN: It’s great to finally meet one of the LFA owners, I hope it’s something we see more of. I bet there’s a lot …

Kevin · February 8th, 2011

Blue Lexus LFA Flyby

This video featuring a blue Lexus LFA in Japan is just the right amount of scary: Barrelling towards the camera and changing course at the very last second is a great demonstration of the LFA’s performance and handling, if not just a little terrifying for the one doing the filming. *** As a special bonus, …

Kevin · February 8th, 2011

Lexus Dominates Intellichoice’s 2011 Best Value Awards

Intellichoice have announced their 2011 Best Overall Value of the Year Awards, and Lexus absolutely dominated the luxury segment, taking four of the nine categories — here are the winners: Premium Compact Passenger Car: 2011 Lexus IS 250 Premium Convertible: 2011 Lexus IS 250C Premium Crossover/Wagon: 2011 Lexus RX 350 Premium Full-Size SUV: 2011 Lexus …

Kevin · February 7th, 2011

Classic Lexus SC 430 Commercial

In keeping with the spirit of this weekend’s Super Bowl and its commercial breaks, here’s a classic SC 430 commercial that’s always good for a laugh: (After a week of heavy snow here in the North East, I could really go for some summer with a convertible, even if it meant putting up with these …

Kevin · February 7th, 2011

Flickr Find: Yellow Lexus LFA Glowing Bright

David Nickerson II at Nue Vue Photography has taken some absolutely breathtaking photographs of the yellow Lexus LFA prototype — here’s a sampling from his Flickr stream: Beautifully done — be sure to check out Dave’s entire LFA photoset and the rest of his photos over at Flickr.

Kevin · February 4th, 2011

Meet the Journalist Who Influences Lexus Development

Lexus Magazine is running a new article written by Jean-Jacques Cornaert, an automotive journalist who just so happens to get access to unreleased and in-development Lexus vehicles — here’s an excerpt: The [Lexus IS-F] is a masterpiece, the result of several years of thought about what a Lexus can be. It’s also a car that, …

Kevin · February 4th, 2011

Motor Trend Comparison: Lexus LS 460 vs. Audi A8 vs. Mercedes S400 Hybrid vs. BMW 740i vs. Hyundai Equus vs. Porsche Panamera

Motor Trend recently compared the Lexus LS 460 Sport with the Audi A8, Mercedes S400 Hybrid, Hyundai Equus, BMW 740i & Porsche Panamara, and ranked the LS fourth overall — here’s what they had to say about the Lexus flagship: Bad boy genes must be migrating up the Lexus line from the IS-F, or down …

Kevin · February 3rd, 2011

Photo: Lexus LFA Launch Control Activated

The yellow Lexus LFA prototype paid a visit to Sewell Lexus in Dallas yesterday, and sales associate Jeff Hazelwood was nice enough to send over this photo of the digital dash with Launch Control activated: Just seconds after seeing this, I had to load up my favorite LFA speedometer video: We know that the LFA’s …

Kevin · February 3rd, 2011

Old Lexus LS Sketch

I stumbled across this old 2004 sketch of what Motor Trend believed the current-generation LS & IS would look like: Not crazy about the yellow IS coupe, but I am impressed by how the pink-ish car resembles the current generation ES 350. Of course, the artist would have had the LF-S and LF-C concepts to …

Kevin · February 2nd, 2011

The #014 Lexus LFA Arrives in Costa Rica

The following is an email I received from Purdy Motor employee Mauricio Barquero. Purdy Motor is the Lexus distributor in Costa Rica and is run by Lexus race driver Javier Quirós, who has just taken delivery of his red #014 LFA. *** Javier Quirós´ LFA arrived to Costa Rica today. Mr. Quirós is the president …

Kevin · February 1st, 2011

Lexus Welcomes New LFA Owners

Lexus has released the videos that are shown to new LFA buyers before receiving the keys to their newly acquired supercar — first, here’s a video welcome from Lexus USA General Manager Mark Templin: Next is this short breakdown of the LFA’s white-glove journey from Japan to California: And following it all up is a …

Kevin · February 1st, 2011

Lexus & Five Axis Team Up for Project CT Show Car

Just in time for the Chicago Auto Show, Lexus has once again teamed up with Five Axis to produce a concept car — this time based on the CT 200h. Here’s a teaser sketch released today (which I’ve made to fit wallpaper size): Select Resolution: 1920×1080 | 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | …

Kevin · February 1st, 2011

Lexus January 2011 Sales Report

USA Lexus USA has reported their January 2011 sales — here they are, broken down by model: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2010 2009 % CHG* 2010 2009 % CHG* ES 2,215 2,923 -24.2 2,215 2,923 -24.2 HS 286 1,247 -77.1 286 1,247 -77.1 LS 734 1,092 -32.8 734 1,092 -32.8 SC 7 24 -70.8 …

Kevin · February 1st, 2011

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