2014 Lexus GS 450h Gets Reprogrammed Transmission & New Climate Control System

The 2014 Lexus GS 450h will receive many of the same updates as the GS 350 — here’s a full list of the new changes: Siri Eyes Free technology licensed from Apple; compatible with iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 models Flush-mounted sensors for Intuitive Parking Assist Full-color display added to Head-Up Display Climate Concierge feature …

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Kevin · September 30th, 2013

How Will the Next-Generation Lexus Remote Touch System Work?

Italian website Quattroruote has an amazing photo collection of the Lexus LF-NX concept interior — here’s a selection: Of all the design details inside the LF-NX, the reinvented Remote Touch system deserves a closer look — there are two parts, the controller and the display screen: Most importantly, the current Remote Touch controller has been …

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Kevin · September 30th, 2013

Photos: Lexus IS 350 F SPORT on the Move

Photographer Ste Ho of Shutterlit recently spent some time with an Ultra White 2014 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT, and here are the results: Ste is one of my favorite photographers, and a master of the “rig shot” — make sure to check out more of his work on his website, or follow Shutterlit on …

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Kevin · September 30th, 2013

Video: Lexus Super GT GT500 Race Car in the Rain

Here’s the very first video of the Lexus Super GT GT500 race car — this thing is a monster: The race car is powered by a Lexus-developed 2000cc, inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine — could it be related to the 2.0L four-cylinder turbo expected to reach the Lexus lineup next year? (Thanks knoxviue!)
Kevin · September 29th, 2013

Lexus RC & Lexus NX Renderings from Autobild

German magazine Autobild has published two low-resolution estimations at what the Lexus NX compact crossover & RC coupe might look like: The hood line on the RC coupe rendering is a little awkward, but both images could be decent representations on what we can expect from Lexus in the near future. [Source: Autobild] (Thanks zverigor!)
Kevin · September 26th, 2013

2014 Lexus IS F Announced with Minor Updates

The 2014 Lexus IS F has been announced, and for the fourth year in a row, the high-performance model has received some updates: LED foglamps (bulbs changed to LEDs) Carbon fiber rear spoiler All headrests embossed with “F” logo Alcantara trim (black) added to doors and center console cover Black full semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats (replaces …

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Kevin · September 26th, 2013

LIVE: Lexus F SPORT Event in Las Vegas

This morning, I’m in Las Vegas to drive Lexus F SPORT performance models at the Las Vegas Speedway, as part of the #WhatstheF media event. Every Lexus F model is here, from the CT F SPORT to the LFA — the IS F CCS-R will also be making an appearance with pro driver Ken Gushi. …

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Kevin · September 25th, 2013

Should the Production Lexus RC F Look Like This?

Another day, another rendering of the rumored Lexus RC F — this time, Japanese magazine Best Car takes a guess at what the Lexus coupe might look like (click images for a larger version): Illustrating the RC F is well traveled territory (see examples one, two, three, four, five) — most look good from the …

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Kevin · September 24th, 2013

Special Lexus Event in Las Vegas Tomorrow

Heads up to everyone in the Las Vegas area — Lexus is planning a video shoot on tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday September 25th, and they’re looking for some Lexus enthusiasts to attend. Perfect for Sin City, Lexus will be playing Drift Roulette with an IS F — attendees will place (non-monetary) bets on a giant wheel, …

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Kevin · September 24th, 2013

World’s Largest Lexus Showroom Opens in Taiwan

The world’s largest Lexus showroom has just opened in Kaohsiung, Taiwan — here are some photos: No further details at this time, but the massive size is visible in every one of these photos. What’s most impressive to me is how tasteful & understated the showroom is — very nicely done. [Source: Lexus Taiwan & …

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Kevin · September 24th, 2013

The Legacy of Toyota President & Lexus Founder Eiji Toyoda

It’s now been a week since the passing of former Toyota president & Lexus founder Eiji Toyoda, and today, James B. Treece from Automotive News has published an insightful memorial: When the Korean War broke out in 1950, the U.S. military decided that rather than scrap Toyota’s truck factories, as had been the Occupation’s plan, …

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Kevin · September 23rd, 2013

2014 Lexus IS iPad App

Finally had a chance to download the Lexus IS iPad app, and it’s a surprisingly comprehensive tool for showing how the new Lexus sedan stacks up against the competition. There are full 360° exterior and interior interactive comparisons of 2014 IS, Audi A4, Mercedes C250, & BMW 328i — here’s a couple sample screenshots: There’s …

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Kevin · September 23rd, 2013

How to Clean a Lexus LFA

When Lexus UK brought in the Perfection Detailing team to deep-clean their Pearl Blue LFA, they also used the opportunity to document how professional detailers take care of a supercar. (The level of detail shown by Perfection Detailing is extraordinary — very impressive results.) How to clean a Lexus LFA
Kevin · September 23rd, 2013

Consumers Excited About Future of Lexus

According to a worldwide survey of 30,000 consumers by brand strategy firm Lippincott, Lexus has the best momentum in the entire automotive industry. The Momentum Index measures the number of consumers that believe a brand’s best days are in front of them over those who feel the opposite — here’s what the study had to …

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Kevin · September 22nd, 2013

Autoweek Comparison: Lexus IS 300h vs. BMW 320i EDE

Autoweek, the largest car magazine in The Netherlands, tested the IS 300h against the BMW 320i EDE in their latest issue — by way of a trusty translator, here’s how the two cars compared: Can the new IS be compared to the 3-series? If you are only after driving experience, you should opt for the …

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Kevin · September 20th, 2013

Lexus RX 200t Test Mule Spotted in Japan?

Japanese magazine MAG-X has published photos of what they claim is a test mule for the turbocharged four-cylinder Lexus RX 200t — here’s the full page from the September issue: The very first mention of a possible RX 200t came in April of this year, when Lexus filed a trademark for the nameplate in Australia …

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Kevin · September 19th, 2013

Lexus to Create Live Comedy Commercials During Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

Starting tonight during Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Lexus will be staging two live IS commercials performed by improvisational comedy troupes: In an intriguing ploy meant to harness both TV advertising and social media, NBC will allow Lexus to run a live commercial in two different ad breaks accompanying the show. In the first, set …

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Kevin · September 19th, 2013

Video: Lexus Canada Takes the 2014 IS to the Track

Lexus Canada recently held a track day event in Montreal, and created a video of the event using high-resolution RED cameras & an octocopter: There’s also a behind-the-scenes look at how the video was filmed: Both videos do a super job of demonstrating the capabilities of the new IS, and the image quality is off …

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Kevin · September 18th, 2013

More Illustrations of the Rumored Lexus RC F Coupe

The September issue of Japanese magazine Holiday Auto has a five-page spread on the upcoming Lexus RC F, and included in the article are several illustrated attempts at what the new Lexus coupe might look like — here are the full pages (click for higher resolution): As is the case with any Japanese magazines, I’m …

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Kevin · September 17th, 2013

Eiji Toyoda, Toyota President & Lexus Founder, Dies at Age 100

Eiji Toyoda, the longest-serving president in the history of Toyota and the man responsible for the creation of the Lexus brand, died today at the age of 100. His legacy extends through every corner of Toyota’s success — under his leadership, the company grew to become the world’s biggest automaker and revolutionized modern manufacturing with …

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Kevin · September 17th, 2013

Is Lexus Planning an Even Smaller Crossover?

According to Car Advice, Lexus may be considering something even smaller than the LF-NX: Asked about the potential for a compact SUV during a media round-table at the Frankfurt motor show, Lexus design division project general manager Takeshi Tanabe responded: “Why not?” Larger than originally expected at 4640mm long, the LF-NX concept – set to …

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Kevin · September 16th, 2013

EVO Reviews the Twin-Turbo Lexus LS TMG TS 650 Super-Sports Sedan

David Vivian of EVO Magazine has driven the TMG-developed Lexus LS-based TS 650, and clearly loved every second behind the wheel: There can be no argument here: the TS-650, when you put your toe all the way down, is blisteringly, almost surreally, rapid in a straight line. But what is surprising is how benign and …

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Kevin · September 12th, 2013

Video: The Lexus LF-NX Concept

Following the debut of the Lexus LF-NX at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the very first promotional video of the concept has been released.
Kevin · September 10th, 2013

Lexus August 2013 Sales Report

Lexus USA has reported 29,792 total sales for August 2013, a 18.5% improvement over last year.
Kevin · September 4th, 2013

Lexus Reveals the LF-NX Compact Crossover Concept

Less than a week before its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Lexus has revealed their LF-NX compact crossover concept. Let’s start with the full press release (click on any image for a high resolution version). A new Lexus mid-size crossover concept, the LF-NX, will make its world debut at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show, …

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Kevin · September 4th, 2013

Video: XCAR Drives the Lexus LS TMG TS 650 Super-Sports Sedan

CNet’s XCAR channel lucked out with a chance to drive TMG’s Lexus LS-based TS 650, and it’s a rare opportunity to see the one-of-a-kind super-sports sedan in action: It would appear that TMG is working this current promotional push as a way to convince Lexus of the interest in vehicles like the TS 650 — …

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Kevin · September 3rd, 2013