Auto Express Comparison: Lexus IS 300h vs. Mercedes C300 BlueTEC Hybrid

Auto Express prefers the Lexus IS 300h over the new Mercedes C300 BlueTEC Hybrid: In the battle of the hybrid saloons, the IS 300h takes a narrow win. Its hybrid powertrain feels better resolved than the Mercedes’, as it relies on the electric motor more frequently to save fuel, is more refined and switches between …

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Kevin · November 30th, 2014

Next-Generation Lexus RX to Debut at Detroit Auto Show?

Wards Auto is speculating that the next-generation RX could be one of two vehicles that Lexus debuts at the Detroit Auto Show in January: Meanwhile, [Lexus USA general manager Jeff] Bracken says Lexus will have at least one, if not two, models debuting at January’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit. He doesn’t divulge …

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Kevin · November 27th, 2014

Guided Tour of the 2015 Lexus RC 350 & RC 350 F SPORT

Here’s Ming-Jou Chen from Lexus College with a guided tour of the RC 350 & RC 350 F SPORT: (Always enjoy these videos with Ming-Jou, they’re great for anyone interested in purchasing a new Lexus vehicle.)
Kevin · November 26th, 2014

Lexus to Offer New Safety Package Starting in 2015

Lexus has announced a new active safety package called the Lexus Safety System +, which will be offered on select models starting next year and on all models in Japan, North America, and Europe by 2017. Lexus Safety System + brings together four existing Lexus safety features and one new technology — here are videos …

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Kevin · November 26th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus GS F SPORT Crafted Line Edition

While in Las Vegas for SEMA, I stopped by Lexus of Henderson for a quick visit. On display in front of the dealership was a Crafted Line GS 350 F SPORT — this was my first time seeing the special edition in person: The interior has red contrast stitching and Shimamoku wood trim: There’s some …

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Kevin · November 25th, 2014

Lexus to Debut Two New Models at Detroit Auto Show?

In a speech to the Automotive Press Association, Lexus USA general manager Jeff Bracken suggested that two new models could be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show — from the Detroit Free Press: The growth plans for Lexus are focused on performance and high-end vehicles, including the global debut of a performance vehicle in January …

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Kevin · November 25th, 2014

Lexus Europe Sales Jump 40 Percent in October

Lexus sales in Europe are growing — in October, the brand recorded a 40.1% increase over 2013, and are now up 24.7% on the year. Total sales from January to October are 24,679 units. (It’s going to be very interesting to watch European sales when the NX becomes less supply constrained — have to think …

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Kevin · November 24th, 2014

Photo Gallery: The Lexus RC F in Ultra White

With the Lexus RC & RC F now being delivered to owners, the floodgate of photos has opened — here’s the first North American RC F, as photographed by my friend Ste Ho:
Kevin · November 24th, 2014

Report: No Production Model for Lexus LF-C2 Convertible Concept?

According to Motor Trend, the LF-C2 convertible concept will not be made into a production vehicle: In fact, under the original plan, the RC Convertible was set to be the next all-new car in Lexus’ lineup. As convertibles make up 1 percent of the total U.S. Market, though, the decision to not do a 3-row …

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Kevin · November 23rd, 2014

A Closer Look at the Lexus LF-C2 Concept

It’s been two days since the Lexus LF-C2 concept was revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show, so there’s no better time to take a closer look at the “open-air” coupe design. Using these photos from Darren Yasukochi Photography, let’s start with that massive monster front grille: The front end is an amalgamation of RC …

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Kevin · November 21st, 2014

Lexus RC F SPORT Parts Debut at LA Auto Show

Along with the LF-C2 concept, Lexus also debuted new F SPORT parts for the RC 350 — let’s start with some photos of the display: The parts are as follows: F SPORT Rear Bumper Exhaust Diffuser · F SPORT Performance Exhaust & Exhaust Tips · F SPORT 19-inch wheels · F SPORT Lowering Springs No …

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Kevin · November 20th, 2014

Live Photos of the Lexus LF-C2 Concept

It’s one thing to see a car in the highly polished official images, and another to see photos straight from the show floor — here’s a Lexus LF-C2 gallery from my friend Ryan at Kaizen Factor:
Kevin · November 19th, 2014

Video: Introducing the Lexus LF-C2 Concept

Here’s the video shown at the debut of the Lexus LF-C2 concept today at the LA Auto Show: It’s funny the video mentions the past — the Lexus logo between the LF-C2’s rear seats immediately reminded me of the first-gen SC 400:
Kevin · November 19th, 2014

The Lexus LF-C2 Concept: Full Details & Information

The Lexus LF-C2 concept has been revealed at the LA Auto Show, and there’s plenty of new photos and details to get through — let’s start first with the official press release. Beautiful sunshine, warm weather, and winding roads are the perfect complements to the Lexus LF-C2 concept that made its global debut at the …

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Kevin · November 19th, 2014

Lexus USA December to Remember Commercials 2014

Lexus USA have released the latest round of their annual December to Remember holiday commericals: (Like this year’s commercials quite a bit — I could picture myself giving similar explanations to my daughter if there was a new car in the driveway this Christmas.)
Kevin · November 19th, 2014

The Lexus LF-C2 Convertible Concept: What We’ve Seen So Far

Over the last three days, Lexus International has been slowly revealing the Lexus LF-C2 convertible concept — here’s a recap of the images we’ve seen so far: From these three images, it’s a good guess that the LF-C2 will be a convertible based on the RC — there’s too much of the coupe’s shape to …

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Kevin · November 18th, 2014

Photo Gallery: The Instabuilt Lexus RC F in Motion

Vossen Wheels have released a new video detailing their involvement with the #Instabuilt Lexus RC F that was displayed at SEMA: There’s also this fantastic photo gallery of the #Instabuilt RC F in Red Rock, Nevada: The #Instabuilt Lexus RC F was built by VIP Auto Salon based on voting from Lexus USA’s Instagram followers. …

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Kevin · November 18th, 2014

Lexus RC F Teams Finish Second & Third Overall in Super GT Season

The KeePer TOMS’s racing team of Ito Daisuke & Andrea Caldarelli have won the Super GT Round 8 GT500 class in the #37 Lexus RC F. The race took place at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan. This was the final race of the season. Here are highlights from the race courtesy of the Super GT …

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Kevin · November 18th, 2014

2015 Lexus RC 350 Configurator Now on USA Website

For those US readers interested in purchasing an RC, the Lexus USA website has been updated with an online configurator to help you build the exact car you want. As detailed earlier, pricing for the rear-drive RC 350 will start at $42,790, with the all-wheel-drive RC 350 beginning at $45,025. Build your Lexus RC 350 …

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Kevin · November 17th, 2014

Lexus LF-C2 Convertible Concept Revealed Slowly Hour-by-Hour

It’s been 18 hours since Lexus International slowly started revealing the LF-C2 convertible concept — here’s an animated GIF of the progression so far: Let’s take a closer look at that final frame with a little light added: Now let’s overlay the RC F SPORT on top with another animated GIF: The LF-C2 concept will …

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Kevin · November 17th, 2014

Details on the Upcoming Lexus LF-LC Production Model

In a recent interview with Auto Express, Lexus Europe vice-president Alain Uyttenhoven recently discussed the production LF-LC and how it will compare to the LFA: “It will not be a full carbon car costing £350,000. It will be – in terms of construction – a more normal car, a car than can be manufactured in …

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Kevin · November 16th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus at SEMA 2014

Now a week after SEMA ended, I’m finally able to decompress and share some thoughts & photos about the Lexus vehicles on display at the show. (It was the most crowded year in memory — getting good shots of the vehicles was near impossible, and the experiment of taking photos with just my iPhone 6 …

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Kevin · November 14th, 2014

Lexus RC F Scores High in Motor Trend’s Car of the Year Award

The Lexus RC F was a finalist in the Motor Trend Car of the Year award rankings — here’s a quote from Jonny Lieberman’s write-up: “The overall proportion and package are not at fault but are let down by a collection of details,” said [Guest judge Tom] Gale. [Executive editor Ron] Kiino was more blunt: …

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Kevin · November 13th, 2014

Lexus Determined to be Fourth Overall in Worldwide Luxury Automotive Sales

In an interview with Just Auto, Lexus Europe vice-president Alain Uyttenhoven discussed the brand’s worldwide ambitions: Alain Uyttenhoven, the head of Brussels-based Lexus Europe, has told just-auto that it is “impossible to catch the German three, worldwide” but that the brand is determined to be “number four”.  Lexus Europe’s boss believes that the brand is …

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Kevin · November 13th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus NX 200t F SPORT in Richmond, British Columbia

Not content to wait until the first NX SUVs reach North America, OpenRoad Lexus in Richmond, British Columbia have imported a NX 200t F SPORT from Japan to build on interest shown by prospective customers. To further promote the new model, the dealership also commissioned photographer Matt Kwok for a massive gallery. Exterior Interior Details …

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Kevin · November 12th, 2014

Lexus LF-C2 Convertible Concept to Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show

Just announced, Lexus will debuting the new LF-C2 convertible concept at the Los Angeles auto show next week — the above teaser image has been released, and here are all the details so far: On November 19, at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Lexus LF-C2 Concept will make its global debut. This exciting …

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Kevin · November 11th, 2014

Next-Generation Lexus LS to Have “More Emotional” Design

Lexus Europe vice president Alain Uyttenhoven recently discussed the next-generation LS flagship with Autocar: Speaking to Autocar, Uyttenhoven said: “The LS will remain the pinnacle of the range and have the highest price point.” He also denied rumours that the luxury saloon was going to adopt a Porsche Panamera-style liftback: “You have to understand how our customers use …

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Kevin · November 11th, 2014

10,000 Lexus NX Orders in First Month of European Sales

Right out the gate, the NX 300h has been a huge hit for Lexus in Europe — 10,000 orders have been placed across the continent in the very first month of sales. (For perspective, Lexus sold 43,281 vehicles across Europe in 2013. In a single month, the NX has sold nearly 25% of last year’s …

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Kevin · November 10th, 2014

The Truth About the Cancelled Lexus RC Press Event in Japan

Last week, Hans Greimel from Automotive News reported that a Lexus RC press event in Japan was cancelled due to lack of interest: Toyota notified journalists last week that a long-scheduled new-car test-drive event was scrubbed — for lack of interest. The drive, which was to be held Friday in Yokohama just south of Tokyo, …

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Kevin · November 10th, 2014

First Lexus RC F Delivered in North America

The very first North American Lexus RC F was delivered today at Erin Park Lexus in Mississauga, Canada — here are some photos: (The RC F was purchased by Norman Karkada, the corporate account manager at the dealership and a personal friend of mine — I’m going for a visit, so look for more photos …

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Kevin · November 6th, 2014

Motor Trend Long Term Test Report on the 2014 Lexus IS

Scott Evans from Motor Trend has just wrapped up a year behind the wheel of the Lexus IS model range: A year with the Lexus IS line, then, confirms expectations. They’re comfortable, reliable cars that are also sporty in a corner. They’re not the most fun or emotional cars in the class, but they won’t …

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Kevin · November 6th, 2014

Lexus Europe to Offer GS 300h Hybrid Taxi

Lexus has debuted a GS 300h taxi concept at the European Taxi Fair in Cologne, Germany — from Car Scoops: Lexus’ move to offer the GS 300h as a taxi in Europe mirrors that of parent company Toyota and its Prius that has been available as a cab for many years. Gross prices start from …

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Kevin · November 5th, 2014

New Lexus RC F SPORT Commercial from USA

Lexus USA has released their first commercial for the RC 350: There’s also this behind-the-scenes look at how the commercial was created, and that includes real fireworks: (The RC commercial was directed by music video director Sophie Muller and features music by British electronic act UNKLE.)
Kevin · November 5th, 2014

Liveblog: Lexus at SEMA 2014

Lexus will be debuting a bunch of modified cars today at the SEMA Show, and I’m in Las Vegas to bring you live coverage from the floor.
Kevin · November 4th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus Vehicles at SEMA 2014

Lexus USA has released details on some of the tuned cars that will be shown at SEMA tomorrow in Las Vegas — here’s a breakdown of the information so far, along with a whole heap of images. Rocket Bunny Lexus RC F SPORT Custom Rocket Bunny wide body kit designed by TRA-Kyoto · Enkei custom …

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Kevin · November 4th, 2014

Lexus October 2014 Sales Report

USA Lexus USA has reported 23,355 total sales for October 2014, a 2.8% improvement over last year — here’s the model-by-model breakdown: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2014 2013 % CHG* 2014 2013 % CHG* CT 1,158 842 37.5 14,743 12,282 20.0 HS 0 2 ‐100.0 0 5 ‐100.0 IS 3,771 3,570 5.6 40,809 25,630 …

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Kevin · November 3rd, 2014

Behind-the-Scenes with the Instabuilt Lexus RC F

The Instabuilt crowdsourced Lexus RC F will be revealed at SEMA in Las Vegas this week, and the Lexus USA Instagram account has been posting photos of the build process all week: The Vossen wheels are from their Precision Series, and it’s an all-new forged design — here are some photos from their Flickr account: …

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Kevin · November 3rd, 2014

Remembering the First Generation Lexus LS 400

Ben Hsu over at Japanese Nostalgic Car has a thoughtful article on the origins of the first-generation Lexus LS 400: Toyota USA was established on October 31, 1957. Thirty-two years later, in October of 1989, it would change the face of the automotive world once again. The Lexus LS 400 is officially a Japanese nostalgic …

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Kevin · November 3rd, 2014

Lexus CT Owner Blog: The CT 200h vs. IS 250

Before purchasing the CT 200h, I went through the process of choosing between the hybrid hatchback and a base-model IS 250 sedan. Why these two models? Price was the controlling factor — I had a definite budget and the base-model IS 250 with all-wheel drive was at the very top end. Here are the key …

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Kevin · November 2nd, 2014

The New Car: Reasons for Choosing the Lexus CT 200h F SPORT

For the latest post in my CT 200h owner’s blog, I’ve outlined the reasons for choosing the hybrid hatchback over the IS 250 AWD sedan. (The top reason shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.) Read about my CT 200h vs IS 250 Decision
Kevin · November 2nd, 2014