July 2013 – Lexus Enthusiast

Select 2014 Lexus Models to Feature Apple’s Siri Eyes-Free System

Good news for iPhone owners, Lexus will be introducing the Siri Eyes-Free system to select 2014 models.

Kevin · July 31st, 2013

Revisiting the 2003 Lexus HPX Crossover Concept

With yesterday’s rumor of an upcoming Lexus seven-seat crossover, it’s a good time to take a look back at the HPX concept first shown at the 2003 New York Auto Show.

Kevin · July 31st, 2013

Video: Lexus LFA Nürburgring 24h Race Full Lap

Gazoo Racing has released some onboard footage of Kazuya Oshima racing the Lexus LFA during the Nürburgring 24h race, and it’s a great ride-along.

Kevin · July 31st, 2013

More Analysis of the Upcoming Japan-Only Toyota Harrier

Circling back to last week’s announcement about the new Japan-only Toyota Harrier, Joaquin over at Kaizen Factor digs deeper into how it relates to the next-generation Lexus RX.

Kevin · July 30th, 2013

Lexus to Cancel the GX in 2016, Replace with Seven-Seat Crossover?

According to Mark Rechtin of Automotive News, Lexus will cancel the GX in 2016 and replace it with a seven-seat crossover called the TX.

Kevin · July 30th, 2013

Lexus Enthusiast Reader Survey Results

Lexus Enthusiast completed its very first reader survey last week, and I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone that participated.

Kevin · July 29th, 2013

Lexus USA Raises Sales Projections for 2013

Lexus has raised its U.S. 2013 sales expectations to between 260,000-270,000 units, due to strong demand for the new IS, ES, & LS.

Kevin · July 29th, 2013

More Photos of the Lexus GS F Test Mule

Today, Auto Evolution has a new photo of what could be the GS F high performance sedan.

Kevin · July 29th, 2013

Lexus Carbon Fiber Technology Featured in London Design Museum Exhibition

The carbon fiber used in the Lexus LFA is being featured as part of the The Future is Here: A New Industrial Revolution exhibition at the London Design Museum.

Kevin · July 29th, 2013

Lexus LFA Nominated in Top Gear Magazine’s Greatest Car of the Past 20 Years Poll

Top Gear Magazine is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and as part of the festivities, readers have been asked to choose the greatest car of the last twenty years.

Kevin · July 28th, 2013

Everyday Driver Comparison: Lexus IS 350 F SPORT vs. BMW 335i vs. Cadillac ATS

Todd & Paul over at Everyday Driver have released a comparison test between the Lexus IS 350 F SPORT, BMW 335i & Cadillac ATS.

Kevin · July 26th, 2013

Toyota to Reintroduce Lexus RX-Based Harrier Crossover in Japan

A brief moment of Lexus history for anyone new to the brand: despite being a Japanese company, Lexus vehicles were badged as Toyotas in Japan until 2005.

Kevin · July 26th, 2013

Lexus Ranks Fifth in 2013 J.D. Power APEAL Study

Lexus has ranked fifth overall in the 2013 J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout(APEAL) study, which serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle appeal.

Kevin · July 25th, 2013

Motor Trend Comparison: Lexus IS 350 AWD vs. Audi S4, BMW 335i xDrive, Cadillac ATS4 3.6 & the Volvo S60 T6

The folks at Motor Trend are at it again with a comparison of the Lexus IS 350 AWD, Audi S4, BMW 335i xDrive, Cadillac ATS4 3.6 & the Volvo S60 T6.

Kevin · July 24th, 2013

Lexus Enthusiast Reader Survey to Close Tomorrow

A quick reminder — the first-ever Lexus Enthusiast Reader Survey will close tomorrow at 9pm ET.

Kevin · July 24th, 2013

Inside the Top-Secret Lexus Shibetsu Test Track

A BEYOND Magazine story about the Shibetsu Proving Ground in Japan, the birthplace of the original LS 400 and the top-secret test track for new Lexus models, is now on the Lexus International website.

Kevin · July 24th, 2013

Lexus LFA, Downtown LA: A Photo Gallery

During my time in Los Angles earlier this year, I managed to arrange a very special test drive — 24 hours with Lexus LFA #32.

Kevin · July 23rd, 2013

Lexus RC F Prototype Stops to Help a Stranded Stranger

How’s this for a funny story? When a Hyundai Genesis Coupe ran out of gas on the Nürburgring, the recently-spotted Lexus RC F prototype stopped by with some extra fuel for the stranded car.

Kevin · July 23rd, 2013

Lexus Faces Difficult Challenges in China

Bloomberg has an article investigating the difficulties Lexus faces in China.

Kevin · July 22nd, 2013

Lexus Enthusiast Now on Instagram

While on the topic of Instagram, Lexus Enthusiast has recently started posting on the photo-sharing site with the username LexusNews.

Kevin · July 22nd, 2013

Lexus & 212 Instagram Photographers Create Collaborative Film

A couple weeks back, Lexus brought together 212 Instagrammers to photograph the 2014 Lexus IS F SPORT at Angels Stadium in Anaheim.

Kevin · July 22nd, 2013

Stunning Lexus LFA Desktop Wallpaper

Jalopnik has just posted an absolutely gorgeous photo of the Lexus LFA from photographer Seagram Pearce.

Kevin · July 21st, 2013

Lexus Enthusiast Reader Survey

Complete the first-ever reader survey for a chance to win a prize pack!

Kevin · July 18th, 2013

Lexus Waits for Next-Generation Battery Technology to Power Hybrids

Lexus will not be switching to lithium-ion batteries to power their hybrids, and will instead continue to use nickel-metal hydride batteries.

Kevin · July 18th, 2013

Video: 2015 Lexus RC F Prototype on Nürburgring

Sit back, crank your speakers, and get ready to watch the camouflaged Lexus RC F prototype carve up the Nürburgring.

Kevin · July 17th, 2013

The Lexus IS Design Contest

How would you like to customize a new Lexus IS and have your work shown at SEMA in Las Vegas?

Kevin · July 17th, 2013

Lexus RC F Coupe Prototype Racing on Nürburgring

The Lexus RC F prototype has been spotted on the Nürburgring in Germany.

Kevin · July 17th, 2013

Lexus RC Coupe Interior Reveals Next-Generation Remote Touch System?

The interior of the Lexus RC F prototype has also been photographed alongside the exterior.

Kevin · July 16th, 2013

Lexus RC Coupe to Debut at Tokyo Motor Show, High Performance RC F to Follow in Detroit

According to Automotive News, Lexus will debut the new RC coupe at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show.

Kevin · July 16th, 2013

Lexus GS F Prototype Spotted!

See the photo above? At first glance, it appears to be another spy shot of the recently spotted RC F prototype, but zoom in on the right side of the image and it may very well be a GS F.

Kevin · July 15th, 2013

Lexus RC F Coupe Prototype Spotted in Europe

The day has finally come — a Lexus RC F prototype has been spotted by the folks over at Leftlane News.

Kevin · July 15th, 2013

New Details on the Lexus F SPORT Road Bike

Hans Greimel of Automotive News has an article with new details on the Lexus F SPORT road bicycle.

Kevin · July 14th, 2013

Is Lexus Preparing a Turbocharged V6 Engine for the Next F Model?

The Lexus IS F’s V8 engine is unlikely to be used in the car’s eventual replacement, according to a Motor Report interview with Lexus IS Chief Engineer Junichiro Furuyama.

Kevin · July 12th, 2013

2014 Lexus IS Configurator Now on USA Website

For anyone in the USA interested in a 2014 IS: Lexus has just posted their online configurator to help you build the exact car you want.

Kevin · July 12th, 2013

Wald International Releases Lexus LX Black Bison Body Kit

Japanese tuner Wald International has just released a Black Bison body kit for the updated 2013 Lexus LX 570.

Kevin · July 11th, 2013

Top Gear Australia Reviews the 2014 Lexus IS

Let’s end today’s Top Gear focus with a review of the 2014 Lexus IS from Top Gear Australia.

Kevin · July 10th, 2013

Jeremy Clarkson’s Daughter Drives Lexus RX 450h Across Africa

While on the topic of Jeremy Clarkson & Lexus, his daughter Emily recently travelled across Africa in a RX 450h, and has written about the journey for The Sunday Times.

Kevin · July 10th, 2013

The Stig from Top Gear: Lexus LFA is the Best Car in the World

Jeremy Clarkson shared an interesting tidbit during his review of the new Ferrari F12 in the latest episode of Top Gear.

Kevin · July 10th, 2013

What’s Next for Lexus?

According to a Drive interview with IS chief engineer Junichi Furuyama, Lexus continues to weigh their options regarding their next vehicle.

Kevin · July 9th, 2013

2014 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT Featured on Robb Report Best of the Best List

The Robb Report has named the 2014 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT to their annual Best of the Best list, joining sedans like the Aston Martin Rapide S & Audi S8.

Kevin · July 9th, 2013

Lexus Explains Decision to Discontinue Diesel Engines

Australian website Car Advice has a statement from Lexus IS chief engineer Junichi Furuyama on why the IS diesel was discontinued in favor of the new IS 300h hybrid.

Kevin · July 9th, 2013

New Lexus RC F Rendering from BEST CAR

Japanese magazine BEST CAR has made an attempt at the possible Lexus RC F with a new rendering.

Kevin · July 8th, 2013

Two Lexus IS Commercials from Europe

Lexus Europe has released two more commercials for the 2014 IS.

Kevin · July 7th, 2013

Dropped 2014 Lexus IS F SPORT by Air Runner

ACC Inc. have installed their Air Runner air suspension on the new 2014 Lexus IS, and it makes for quite the look.

Kevin · July 5th, 2013

Video: Black & Yellow Bumblebee Lexus LFA

JM Custom Creations, the customized car division of JM Lexus in Florida, has done up Lexus LFA #425 in a crazy black & yellow striped pattern.

Kevin · July 4th, 2013

More Details on the Lexus INTERSECT Gallery in Tokyo

Lexus will be opening three INTERSECT gallery spaces over the next year, with first one set to open later this summer in Tokyo.

Kevin · July 4th, 2013

Reuters Profile on Akio Toyoda

Some recommended reading: Reuters has an excellent profile on Toyota president Akio Toyoda and the changes he’s went through since taking over in 2009.

Kevin · July 4th, 2013

Lexus Now the Third Most Sought-After Luxury Automotive Brand in China

According to the World Luxury Index China 2013 report, Lexus has leapfrogged Mercedes Benz to become the third most sought-after luxury automotive brand in China.

Kevin · July 3rd, 2013

Confirmed: Larry Ellison is a Lexus LFA Owner

In a recent WSJ article about his purchase of an Hawaii island, Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison confirms that he’s a LFA owner.

Kevin · July 3rd, 2013

Lexus USA Releases Two New IS Commercials

Lexus USA has released two new IS commercials today.

Kevin · July 2nd, 2013

Lexus June 2013 Sales Report

Lexus USA has reported 21,355 total sales for June 2013, a 10.8% improvement over last year.

Kevin · July 2nd, 2013

Lexus Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle in 2015?

Bloomberg is reporting that Lexus may be getting a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle as early as next year.

Kevin · July 2nd, 2013

Lexus IS F CCS-R Races in Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Ken Gushi and the Lexus IS F CCS-R finished 65th overall and first in the Exhibition class at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this weekend.

Kevin · July 1st, 2013

Lexus to Bring Back the SC Nameplate?

In their latest issue, Japanese magazine BEST CAR suggests that Lexus may bring back the SC nameplate, and have created a new rendering to illustrate the possibilities.

Kevin · July 1st, 2013

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