Features

Lexus 2010 Year-in-Review

  • Posted by Kevin on December 31st, 2010
With 2010 coming to a close, there’s no better time to look back on the year that was, so here’s a bullet-point breakdown of the last twelve months: January The year started off strong with a Top Gear review of the Lexus LFA, complete with crazy graphics and the usual badge snobbery. TLE readers voted …

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Massive Lexus Die-Cast Model Collection

  • Posted by Kevin on December 29th, 2010
Today, I would like to share a very special article from Eric Janssen, a retired Sales & PR Manager from Lexus Belgium, who has been collecting Lexus models since the very introduction of the brand, and was gracious enough to share a full history and photos of his collection. The history of Lexus scale models …

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Happy Holidays!

  • Posted by Kevin on December 24th, 2010
The festive season has arrived, and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my readers a safe and happy holidays! As can be imagined, things will be quiet over the next few days, but regular posting will resume December 29th with the history of Lexus die-cast models, followed by a look back …

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TLE Christmas Day 5

  • Posted by Kevin on December 24th, 2010
It’s Christmas Eve, and time to give away the final gift of the week — the winner of the Lexus LFA t-shirt is…Izzy from the UK! In the end, over 500 people signed up for the TLE Christmas contest — thank you to everyone that entered, and congratulations to all the winners!
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Lexus Europe Christmas Card

  • Posted by Kevin on December 23rd, 2010
If you happen to know anyone out there who would like a Lexus Christmas Card, Lexus Europe has just the thing with their customizable e-card — great visuals of the CT 200h, all new footage. The holidays sure came up fast this year! [Source: Lexus Europe]
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TLE Christmas Day 4

  • Posted by Kevin on December 23rd, 2010
Today’s winner of the TLE T-Shirt giveaway is Richard Estrella of USA, who will be receiving the last silkscreened Lexus CT 200h t-shirt as a Christmas present this year. As promised, the Christmas Eve t-shirt is something special, and I’m almost reluctant to part with it: This t-shirt was from my LFA experience down in …

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TLE Christmas Day 3

  • Posted by Kevin on December 22nd, 2010
We’re halfway though the week, and today’s winner of the TLE T-Shirt giveaway is Ednut Meezak of USA, who will be receiving a custom silkscreened Lexus CT 200h t-shirt as a Christmas present this year. Tomorrow, the last CT 200h t-shirt will be given away, and then Friday it’s time to pick a winner for …

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TLE Christmas Day 2

  • Posted by Kevin on December 21st, 2010
Today’s winner of the TLE T-Shirt giveaway is Monique Knowles of USA, who will be receiving a custom silkscreened Lexus CT 200h t-shirt as a Christmas present this year. Tomorrow, another t-shirt will be given away, and I’m also going to post a little teaser of Friday’s special edition t-shirt. It’s still not too late …

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Production Lexus LFA Delivery

  • Posted by Kevin on December 21st, 2010
Just last week, the Lexus LFA started production at the special Motomachi factory in Japan, and here we see one of the first production LFAs being delivered to a Japanese dealership: I can only assume that’s a protective white plastic and not a two-tone paint job: Pretty exciting! Update: After the original video went missing …

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CommercialsIn the News

Lexus December to Remember Song

  • Posted by Kevin on December 21st, 2010
After receiving numerous inquiries about Lexus’ old December to Remember commercial music, I did a little research and found a Youtube version by the original composer, Steve Kujala: Crazy video aside, I also found this press release with more information — turns out this song has been used by Lexus for 12 years, no wonder …

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Lexus’ Global Strategy

  • Posted by Kevin on December 20th, 2010
Automotive News has published a very interesting article with Karl Schlicht, the general manager in charge of global Lexus marketing and product planning, where he reveals fresh new details about what the future holds for the brand: Toyota is pushing a new global theme of “progressive luxury” for its Lexus brand, including a greater focus …

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TLE Christmas Day 1

  • Posted by Kevin on December 20th, 2010
After collecting over 300 entries over the weekend, the first winner of the TLE T-Shirt giveaway is Pedro Roldãp of Portugal, who will be receiving a custom silkscreened Lexus CT 200h t-shirt as a Christmas present this year. Tomorrow, another t-shirt will be given away — it’s not too late to enter the contest. Good …

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TLE Christmas Party

  • Posted by Kevin on December 18th, 2010
Christmas is fast approaching, and to celebrate the upcoming holiday season, I’ll be giving away a Lexus t-shirt every day next week, from Monday to Christmas Eve! Winners will be randomly selected — there are four custom CT 200h t-shirts that I picked up at the NYC event in September, and then on Christmas Eve …

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VAIS Tech Updates Lexus iPod Integration Kits

  • Posted by Kevin on December 17th, 2010
If you’re looking to upgrade your Lexus iPod/Media Player integration, VAIS Technology has two new products that should provide the features you’re looking for. First up is the SoundLinQ2 SL2iC, which brings iPod-style navigation to most Lexus models from 2001-2009, including video display and navigation unlocking (super bonus feature!). If you have a 2009+ model …

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FeaturesLexus LFA

Lexus LFA Die-Cast Model by Auto Art

  • Posted by Kevin on December 16th, 2010
As unbelievable as it may be, the image above is not actually the Lexus LFA, but a 1:18 scale die-cast model by Auto Art — here’s the proof, as I hope we never see an LFA in this position: The detail is exceptional: Here’s the full gallery in high-resolution glory: Although it would make a …

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Lexus Canada CT 200h Pricing

  • Posted by Kevin on December 15th, 2010
Lexus Canada has announced CT 200h pricing today, with the new hybrid hatchback starting at $30,950 CAD. Standard features on the Canadian CT 200h will include the six-speaker audio system with MP3/WMA capability, Bluetooth for phone and music streaming capabilities, integrated XM satellite radio, USB/iPod connectivity, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and heated front seats — …

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Lexus CT 200h Configurator (Plus Full Accessory List)

  • Posted by Kevin on December 15th, 2010
Lexus has launched an online CT 200h configurator, making it possible to start putting together your ideal package for the upcoming hybrid hatchback, which is scheduled to be released March 1st, 2011. As mentioned yesterday, the CT 200h starts at $29,120 ($29,995 with delivery charges), but through adding options like the $3,545 Navigation/Premium Audio package …

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Comparison: 1990 Lexus LS 400 vs. 2010 Lexus LS 600hL

  • Posted by Kevin on December 13th, 2010
Lexus is celebrating their 20th anniversary in the United Kingdom, and to show how far the brand has come in twenty years, they’ve released a video comparing the first-gen LS & the current LS hybrid: Here’s a chart that details the differences, just in case they went by too fast: In some ways, it’s hard …

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Calty Designers Talk about Lexus LF-Ch

  • Posted by Kevin on December 13th, 2010
Hard to believe I never featured this before, but here’s an fascinating six-minute presentation by two people responsible for designing the Lexus LF-Ch concept: Tom Matsumoto, the design team leader, and Edward Lee, the creative designer: This presentation took place during a Pecha Kucha Night, a unique one-evening conference that only allows presenters 20 slides …

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Lexus LS: First GenerationVideos

Rainbow Lexus LS

  • Posted by Kevin on December 10th, 2010
Once and a while, you find something so offensive on the Internet that the only way to reduce the anger is to share it — and that’s how I feel about the multi-colored first-gen Lexus LS in this video: The worst part? This LS probably still runs perfectly.
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Lexus Dealership Tips

  • Posted by Kevin on December 8th, 2010
Lexus Magazine has some tips on getting the most out of your local dealership — here’s just a couple of the suggestions: Tip 3: Many dealers make sales calls. Here’s a surprise. The previous tip about not having to come into the dealership also applies to sales. When looking for your next Lexus, you can …

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Lexus LS L-Select Custom Color Combinations

  • Posted by Kevin on December 7th, 2010
L-Select, the Lexus LS customization program available in Japan, has a brand new website with some (very small) photos of potential color combinations: Iris Topaz Beige Scarlet Rose Olive Umber Snow White Blue Gray Dark Brown Both the Blue Gray & Dark Brown may very well be Alcantara, which is a very nice touch and …

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ChinaSales Reports

Lexus Sales in China

  • Posted by Kevin on December 6th, 2010
There’s a very interesting Bloomberg article on Lexus sales in China — here’s an excerpt: Even after China’s import duties and higher taxes on luxury cars, Lexus currently earns more per car in the world’s largest auto market, said Karl Schlicht, head of the marque’s global product and marketing division, citing a weaker dollar. Premium …

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A Visit to Lexus of Henderson

  • Posted by Kevin on December 5th, 2010
During last month’s visit to Las Vegas, I took the opportunity to get a good look at the newly opened Lexus of Henderson. The dealership is a massive facility and the largest one I’ve ever been to, but it’s not just the size that’s impressive, the design is pure classic — check out the showroom:
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GT5 Lexus LFA Magazine Article

  • Posted by Kevin on December 3rd, 2010
By now, we’ve all seen shots of the Lexus LFA cruising around the world of Gran Turismo 5, but here’s a unique take by GT Planet member Alejandro Gomez, who has created a full magazine article using only screenshots (click the pages to see a larger version): A brilliant job by Mr. Gomez — a …

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Lexus November 2010 Sales Report

  • Posted by Kevin on December 1st, 2010
USA November has flown by, here are the model-by-model sales numbers for Lexus USA: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2010 2009 % CHG* 2010 2009 % CHG* ES 4,070 4,110 -5.1 43,183 41,954 3.3 HS 788 1,407 -46.3 9,542 4,719 102.9 LS 1,270 1,057 15.1 10,759 9,249 16.7 SC 17 34 -52.1 315 670 -52.8 …

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TLE Site Update

  • Posted by Kevin on December 1st, 2010
In order to keep things current and make room for some planned improvements, I’ve updated the website design — no major changes, and probably best compared to the 2011 Lexus IS refresh: all the same elements, just a little bit sharper. If things are looking a little weird for you, I suggest clicking your browser …

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Lexus December to Remember Commercials

  • Posted by Kevin on November 30th, 2010
It’s likely that US readers are more than a little familiar with the latest round of Lexus December to Remember commercials, but I’ve just seen them for the first time: The house in the last commercial is crazy, but not half as crazy as receiving a car for Christmas — no way I’d be able …

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BrandingIn the NewsUSA

More Details on Lexus Customer Dinner Parties

  • Posted by Kevin on November 29th, 2010
In order to gain insight into consumer perception of the brand, Lexus USA General Manager Mark Templin has been arranging dinner parties for both current and previous buyers in their own homes — Automotive News has the details: Lexus Division boss Mark Templin figures the best way to get up close and personal with his …

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Gran Turismo 5 Lexus LFA Video

  • Posted by Kevin on November 29th, 2010
Just in case you haven’t the Lexus LFA tearing up the track in Gran Turismo 5 yet, here’s a video by CoolColJ24 that shows the LFA buying process in the game and its dealer demo: Here’s a quick preview of the new photo creation option, along with a full behind-the-wheel lap of Nürburgring: I bought …

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Lexus LFA Oil Pastel Desktop Wallpaper

  • Posted by Kevin on November 26th, 2010
Out of left field, I know, but how about this Lexus LFA oil pastel sketch by our very own World of Luxury? It makes for a great desktop wallpaper: Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 Color me impressed! *** I’d also like to take an opportunity to wish all my …

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Five New or Updated Lexus Hybrids by 2012?

  • Posted by Kevin on November 23rd, 2010
Earlier this year, it was announced that Toyota would be releasing 6 new hybrids by 2012 (four from Toyota and two from Lexus), and now Automotive News is reporting that a total of 11 new or redesigned models will be available in that same timeframe, along with a new focus on turbochargers: Toyota Motor Corp. …

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Repainting the Lexus LFA

  • Posted by Kevin on November 23rd, 2010
The Pearl Grey Lexus LFA revealed at SEMA earlier this month has led an eventful life — going from its Matte Black days at the 2009 LFA launch in Miami to its commercial appearance in Starfire Pearl — and now we can see just how the supercar transforms from shade to shade, courtesy of Lexus …

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Forza 3 Lexus LFA Giveaway

  • Posted by Kevin on November 17th, 2010
Not to be outdone by the recent Gran Turismo screenshots of the Lexus LFA, here are some exceptional “photos” from the Forza 3 version of the supercar from Flickr user WeezyMac: Pure fantastic, the realism is just unbelievable — be sure to check out the other screenshots in WeezyMac Flickrstream. *** Speaking of the Stig’s …

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Lexus IS: Second GenerationUSA

Interview with Lexus IS Chief Engineer Junichi Furuyama

  • Posted by Kevin on November 16th, 2010
Lexus Magazine has an interview with IS Chief Engineer Junichi Furuyama and his thoughts on the new 2011 update– here are some select quotes: “There is more emphasis on the car’s individuality than before,” says Furuyama. “Take the headlights. The daytime running lights, where fitted, use L-shaped LEDs that are constantly illuminated when you’re driving …

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Lexus Gran Turismo 5 Car List

  • Posted by Kevin on November 16th, 2010
To say I’m excited about the upcoming release of Gran Turismo 5 would be an extreme understatement, and now these in-game screenshots of the Lexus LFA have me calculating the seconds until the game hits stores on November 24th: The LFA isn’t the only Lexus available in GT5, here’s the full list of the eighteen …

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