AutoshowsConceptsEuropeFutureHybrids

Front View of the Lexus LF-Ch Concept

  • Posted by Kevin on September 8th, 2009
After Lexus teased us with a cropped rear view of their upcoming hatchback concept, a new image has leaked revealing a full front view (click for a larger version): There’s so much to like about this concept—particularly the grille and headlights, which manage to fit in line with the new Lexus hybrid style but still …

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ComparisonsCompetitorsHybridsLexus HS HybridLexus HSh: First GenerationReviews

Popular Mechanics Compares the 2010 Lexus HS 250h vs. BMW 335d

  • Posted by Kevin on September 4th, 2009
Popular Mechanics has posted a rather awkward fuel economy comparison between the hybrid Lexus HS 250h and diesel BMW 335d—what starts off as a fuel economy showdown ends up being a driving contest that’s over before it even begins: Our drive took up through the Santa Monica Mountains high above Malibu to test the handling …

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Official EventsPersonal

Lexus Celebrates 20th Anniversary

  • Posted by Kevin on September 1st, 2009
Today marks the 20th anniversary of Lexus! On this very day in 1989, opened the dealership doors in the United States, and has since gone on to become the bestselling luxury brand in the country, and the fourth largest luxury car brand in the world. To mark the occasion, I thought it would be fitting …

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AutoshowsConceptsEuropeFutureHybrids

Lexus LF-Ch Hatchback Concept Teaser

  • Posted by Kevin on September 1st, 2009
A new image of the Lexus premium compact hatchback has been released (click for a larger image): In keeping with Lexus’ concept naming convention, the compact hatchback has been named the LF-Ch. It sports the usual concept car conceits like massive chromed wheels and tiny video-camera rearview mirrors, along with a elaborately sculptured rear bumper …

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EuropeLexus LFARacingReviews

Car & Driver: Lexus LF-A Test Drive

  • Posted by Kevin on August 21st, 2009
Car & Driver sent a journalist out to test out the Lexus LF-A race car, and the resulting article is so positive that I had to double-check that it was really on the C&D website: …the engine feels stronger than 500 horsepower, more like 550. A Lexus spokesman provides a torque figure: 369 pound-feet. We …

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AwardsCompetitorsUSA

Lexus Tops 2009 American Customer Satisfaction Index

  • Posted by Kevin on August 19th, 2009
Lexus has placed first in the American Customer Satisfaction Index, tying with Cadillac. Rounding out the top five was Buick, Honda and Lincoln-Mercury. Lexus scored 89 out of a possible 100 points, a 2.3% increase over last year. This marks the fourth year in a row that Lexus has placed first in the University of …

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Lexus SCLexus SC: Second GenerationUSA

2010 Lexus SC 430 Changes

  • Posted by Kevin on August 17th, 2009
The second generation Lexus SC 430 will live for another year—Lexus USA has confirmed that the convertible coupe will be produced for a ninth year with some minor changes: New 18-Inch Six-Spoke Wheels (shown above) iPod/USB Connectivity 6th Generation HDD-based navigation with Voice Control, Lexus Enform and Bluetooth connectivity New side mirrors with integrated puddle …

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1st GenerationLexus IS-FUSA

2010 Lexus IS-F Changes

  • Posted by Kevin on August 17th, 2009
The Lexus IS-F will be seeing some changes in 2010, including: Limited Slip Differential New 19” BBS wheel design Optional 6th Generation HDD-based navigation with Voice Control, Lexus Enform and Bluetooth connectivity Folding Headrests USB/iPod connectivity The Limited Slip Differential is a good addition for anyone interested in taking the IS-F out on the track, …

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JapanLexus LFARacingRumorsTech

Info on the Lexus LF-A Driving Modes (plus a Name-Change Rumor)

  • Posted by Kevin on August 16th, 2009
Japanese auto magazine Holiday Auto has published some new information on the LF-A, including details on the four Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) modes: Auto, Normal, Sport and Wet. Normal & Wet modes are fairly self-explanatory, but here’s what’s mentioned about the other two: Sport mode will allow for 0.2 second gear shifting. Auto mode will …

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AwardsLexus ES: Fifth GenerationLexus LSLexus LS: Fourth GenerationLexus RX: Second GenerationUSA

Lexus LS Takes First Place in 2009 Motorist Choice Awards

  • Posted by Kevin on August 14th, 2009
The Lexus LS was named the top vehicle of 2009 Motorist Choice Awards, a US joint survey by AutoPacific and Intellichoice that “recognizes new cars and trucks that give their owners both economic and emotional satisfaction”: “Clearly, consumers still get great satisfaction from large and luxurious cars, despite the economy, rising fuel costs and manufacturers’ …

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AutoshowsConceptsFutureLexus LFARacing

Akio Toyoda Confirms Production Lexus LF-A

  • Posted by Kevin on August 10th, 2009
While it’s been long-rumored that the Lexus LF-A supercar would be put into production, new Toyota President Akio Toyoda confirmed it last week during his speech at the Center For Automotive Research (CAR) Conference. From the transcript: You see…in a race…you have limited time and resources to work through countless challenges and problems that come …

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Lexus IS F: First GenerationLexus IS-FReviews

Automobile Magazine’s Four Seasons Review of the Lexus IS-F

  • Posted by Kevin on August 10th, 2009
Automobile Magazine has just published the results of their four-seasons road test of the 2009 Lexus IS-F, where it was well-received: Particularly in our test car’s livery of ultrasonic blue mica, the IS-F is far from the typical, shy, retiring Lexus. It’s an intense and, in places, highly successful attempt to vault into the demanding …

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Sales ReportsUSA

Lexus USA July 2009 Sales Report

  • Posted by Kevin on August 3rd, 2009
July is over, and Lexus USA has reported their sales figures for the month: June Year to Date 2009 2008 % CHG 2009 2008 % CHG IS 4,029 4,750 -15.2 19,710 31,010 -36.1 ES 4,393 5,563 -21.0 24,756 38,719 -35.7 GS 551 1,297 -57.5 4,107 10,356 -60.1 SC 57 143 -60.1 542 1,373 -60.3 LS …

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Lexus GSLexus GS: Second GenerationLexus LSLexus LS: Second GenerationUnited KingdomVideos

1997 Top Gear Feature on the Lexus LS 400 & GS 300

  • Posted by Kevin on July 31st, 2009
From 1997, here’s a Top Gear feature on the freshly updated Lexus LS 400 and the brand new GS 300: It’s no surprise that presenter Quentin Wilson is extremely positive about Lexus in this feature, the refreshed second-generation LS and the just released second-generation GS were quite a formidable pairing. However, I was surprised by …

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TechUSA

Lexus Enform Available on Select 2010 Lexus Models

  • Posted by Kevin on July 29th, 2009
Starting August 1st, the Lexus Enform telematics service will be available in the USA on a selection of 2010 Lexus models: Already announced to launch on the HS 250h, Lexus Enform with Safety Connect will soon become available on additional MY10 Lexus models. As of the telematics’ systems official “go-live” date, which is August 1, …

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1st GenerationBody KitsLexus IS-FModsVideos

Twin-Turbo Lexus IS-F Video

  • Posted by Kevin on July 29th, 2009
It’s one thing to mod out your Lexus IS-F with carbon-fiber spoilers and a blacked-out roof, but it’s something else entirely to have a twin-turbo installed and then post a Youtube video driving it around in your pajamas (video also contains some swearing): Actual quote from the video: “This thing just sounds super-killer.”
1st GenerationLexus IS-FPhotos

Flickr Find: Foggy Red Lexus IS-F

  • Posted by Kevin on July 28th, 2009
Sean Klingelhoefer, a photographer with Super Street, had a couple days with the Lexus IS-F and decided to take some photos for his portfolio: Absolutely gorgeous. There’s more photos to the set as well, you can check them out on Sean’s Flickr page, and you can see the full story on his blog.
CanadaLexus LXLexus LX: Third Generation

2010 Lexus LX 570 Changes

  • Posted by Kevin on July 28th, 2009
Details on the 2010 Lexus LX 570 have been announced by way of a Lexus Canada press release, and as expected, changes are minimal. Four new features have been added: The latest generation of the Lexus Voice-Activated, Hard Disc-based Navigation System A USB audio input connection The Lexus customizable settings system Privacy glass for the …

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BrandingFutureUSA

More on Lexus USA’s Future Strategy

  • Posted by Kevin on July 28th, 2009
In an interview with BusinessWeek, Toyota’s new North American chief Yoshimi Inaba shared his view that Lexus needs to be “redefined and rethought for the future”: When it comes to Lexus, the issue is pretty clear: The luxury brand is far too dependent on just two of its nine models. The ES330/350 sedan and RX350 …

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1st GenerationCanadaFeaturesLexus IS-FPhoto GalleriesPhotos

Lexus IS-F Photo Gallery: Niagara-on-the-Lake

  • Posted by Kevin on July 27th, 2009
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a small town in Southern Ontario, full of historical significance and now home to some of the finest wine country in Canada. Over the last few years, a new collection of exceptionally modern looking wineries have been cropping up, and I thought it the perfect backdrop to some IS-F photos: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1271”} (Really …

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1st GenerationFeaturesLexus IS-F

Lexus IS-F Week

  • Posted by Kevin on July 27th, 2009
Earlier this month, I picked up a 2009 Lexus IS-F from Lexus Canada, and over the course of a week, had the most fun I’ve ever had in a car. Everything happens very fast with the IS-F—I only had to drive Lexus’ super sedan five seconds before I knew it was something special, and a …

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Site News

Minor Site Changes

  • Posted by Kevin on July 25th, 2009
As part of ongoing improvements, The Lexus Enthusiast has received a slight design refresh. The changes are subtle, but are meant to bring some added polish to the website. To fix any problems you may be seeing, hold down the Shift key and click Refresh in your browser. If you continue to have any issues …

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AutoshowsEuropeFutureRumors

Lexus to Debut Compact Hatchback in September

  • Posted by Kevin on July 24th, 2009
Autocar is reporting that Lexus will be debuting a five-door compact hatchback concept at this year’s Frankfurt Auto Show: Company insiders suggest that the car was signed off late last year, largely at the behest of European execs who insisted that the Europe’s premium C-segment was an area of the market “too lucrative not to …

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1st GenerationComparisonsCompetitorsLexus IS-CReviewsUSA

Automobile Comparison: Lexus IS 350c vs. BMW 328i vs. Volvo C70 vs. Infiniti G37 Convertible

  • Posted by Kevin on July 23rd, 2009
As part of their Great Drives issue, Automobile Magazine has a convertible comparison pitting the Lexus IS 350c against the Infiniti G37, BMW 328i and Volvo C70 in Laguna Beach, California. Ultimately, no winner is given, but the IS 350c was named first among equals: The silky 3.5-liter V-6 in the [IS 350c] makes 306 …

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Lexus LFAPhotosRacingUnited Kingdom

Flickr Find: Duct Taped Lexus LFA

  • Posted by Kevin on July 21st, 2009
There’s no question that the Lexus LFA driven at Goodwood was a little worse for wear after its time on Nürburgring, and nothing illustrates that more clearly than Simon Greig’s photo of the beat-up front bumper (click for the full image): Just goes to show, duct-tape really can fix just about anything. [Source: Simon Greig’s …

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InteriorsLexus HS HybridLexus HSh: First GenerationTechUSA

Lexus Enform Subscription Pricing

  • Posted by Kevin on July 20th, 2009
Also covered in the HS 250h pricing announcement was the cost of the new Lexus Enform telematics subscription: Complimentary one-year trial subscriptions of Lexus Enform and Safety Connect are included with all new HS 250h purchases. One-year renewal subscriptions to Safety Connect alone will be available for $139.95 and to Lexus Enform with Safety Connect …

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DealershipsUSA

The New Lexus of North Miami Dealership

  • Posted by Kevin on July 17th, 2009
No question about it, Lexus of North Miami has taken the idea of the mega-dealership and brought it to a whole other level: The nearly one million square feet dealership is equipped to provide customers with a full spa experience, including haircuts, massages, manicures, workout sessions—there’s even a “Zen Room” equipped with a waterfall and …

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Lexus GXLexus GX: Second GenerationMiddle EastPhotosSpy Shots

Even More Leaked Toyota Prado/Lexus GX Photos

  • Posted by Kevin on July 16th, 2009
Turns out that I missed a set of next-generation Toyota Prado/Lexus GX spy shots: Ignoring the stunningly bad decal, the side profile is clean and well sculpted. The exaggerated wheel-well continues to impress me, especially in the front fenders, but the front and rear portions of the SUV will need significant reworking before being released …

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AutoshowsLexus LFARacingUnited KingdomVideos

Lexus LFA Goodwood Videos

  • Posted by Kevin on July 15th, 2009
Today saw not one, not two, but three new videos of the Lexus LFA at the Goodwood Festival of Speed—the first two are produced by Lexus Europe, and show the super-race-car-prototype bombing around the circuit from both the exterior and the interior (click on the images to go to the videos): The picture in these …

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Lexus LFATech

More on the Lexus LFA Engine

  • Posted by Kevin on July 15th, 2009
By way of 4WheelsNews, Japan magazine Best Car is reporting that the Lexus LF-A’s engine has been confirmed as a 4.8L V10 engine producing 550 hp, and will be designated as the 1LR-GEU. Also, we’re getting some indication of how the rumored 500 supercars will be divided up across world markets. Asssuming the numbers are …

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BrandingCompetitorsIn the NewsLexus GS: Third GenerationLexus IS: Second GenerationSales ReportsUSA

A Look at Lexus USA’s Strategy

  • Posted by Kevin on July 14th, 2009
With BMW taking the #1 sales lead in the US and Mercedes not far behind, a new Automotive News story asks “What’s wrong with Lexus?”: For one thing, company executives admit that they depend too much on RX crossover sales at a time when luxury buyers are seeking smaller cars, including entry-level coupes and convertibles. …

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HybridsJapanLexus HS HybridLexus HSh: First GenerationSales Reports

Lexus HS 250h Launches in Japan with 1,500 Pre-Orders

  • Posted by Kevin on July 14th, 2009
The Lexus HS 250h has been launched in Japan, where it has racked up an astounding 1,500 pre-orders, three times the expected monthly sales. One interesting fact from the Lexus press release: Based on the brand’s core principle of “pursuing the essence of luxury”, Lexus aimed to develop a luxurious “harmonious sedan”, hence the “HS” …

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