Kevin – Page 80 – Lexus Enthusiast

Lexus HS 250h US Sales Expectations

Posted by Kevin on June 1st, 2009

Lexus USA has their sights set on selling 25,000 HS 250h a year, according to a new report from Bloomberg. 25,000 units, or approximately 2,083 per month, would put the HS 250h just below the IS lineup in current sales, and is down from the initial expectation of 30,000 units sold given at January’s Detroit …

Autobild Comparison: Lexus LS 600h vs. Mercedes S400 Hybrid

Posted by Kevin on June 1st, 2009

Usually, when a German magazine compares a Lexus to a Mercedes, BMW, or Audi, the results are laughable, but Autobild proves the exception with their comparison of the Lexus LS 600h against the new Mercedes S400 Hybrid (forgive the poor Google translation): The six-cylinder in the S 400 always feels rough and uncultured, it swallows …

Features Site News Sponsorships

The Lexus Enthusiast Second Anniversary Contest

Posted by Kevin on May 29th, 2009

Hard to believe, but it was two years ago today that I started posting daily Lexus news at The Passionate Pursuit. Since then, the site has gone through a name change, four redesigns, eight million pageviews, over 1,000 news stories, and close to 5,000 comments on its way to becoming a premier source of Lexus …

Lexus LFA Racing

Lexus LFA to hit 220mph

Posted by Kevin on May 28th, 2009

Information about the upcoming Lexus LFA keeps coming—Edmunds is reporting that the Japanese supercar, which will be powered by a 550+hp 4.8L V10, is capable of 220mph (354km/hour): Channeled through a six-speed Aisin AMT transmission bolted to a transaxle, that 220-mph top speed is 27 mph faster that the production Nissan GT-R and even the …

Car & Driver Reviews the Lexus HS 250h

Posted by Kevin on May 27th, 2009

With all the reviews of the Lexus HS250h coming out, there was bound to be one that took the negative view—and surprise of surprises, it’s Car & Driver: The good news is that the HS250h offers a lot more luxury fitments than we usually associate with hybrids. Problem is, so does the 2010 Prius. The …

Edmunds Reviews the Lexus HS 250h

Posted by Kevin on May 27th, 2009

The Lexus HS 250h reviews keep coming—next up is Edmunds, who have heavy praise for the interior of the new hybrid: When it comes to cutting-edge features, the 2010 Lexus HS 250h leads its class. And it doesn’t hit you over the head with its hybrid nature. There’s no freakish space-pod Prius-esque dashboard. The numerous …

Autoblog Reviews the 2010 Lexus HS 250h

Posted by Kevin on May 26th, 2009

Autoblog has published an absolutely fantastic review of the 2010 Lexus HS 250h, full of new information and details—and it also tells a different tale in terms of how the hybrid handles: The steering rack is not mounted on rubber bushings to keep the line of feedback undulled, and the electric power steering is speed …

Future Japan Lexus LFA Photochops

New Rumors on the Production Lexus LFA

Posted by Kevin on May 26th, 2009

Japanese magazine Best Car has published the above computer rendering of a possible look for the Lexus LFA production model, and has also included some new information: The LFA will be receiving a new name, possibly the SS (for Super Sport) or GT (Gran Turismo/Tourer). The numeric designation could be 500 or 550, though it’s …

Next Autos Reviews the 2010 Lexus HS 250h

Posted by Kevin on May 26th, 2009

Next Autos has published one of the first reviews of the 2010 Lexus HS 250h, and it’s a mostly positive affair. There’s the expected praise of the interior, but what I was most interested in was the driving performance: The suspension gives a super smooth ride, and aimed totally at comfort. It’s still firm, and …

Motor Trend Comparison: Lexus RX 350 vs Volvo XC60 vs Audi Q5 vs Mercedes GLK350

Posted by Kevin on May 25th, 2009

Motor Trend has performed a comparison of the new 2010 Lexus RX 350 against the Volvo XC60, Mercedes GLK350 and the Audi Q5—the verdict: With all so evenly matched, small blemishes become colossal warts. Numb steering and Spartan digs doom the comfortably competent GLK350 to fourth place while unwieldy styling and soulless performance relegate the …

Europe Lexus LFA Racing

Lexus LFAs Finish 87th, 101st in Nürburgring 24h Race

Posted by Kevin on May 25th, 2009

Various mechanical troubles kept the pair of Lexus LFAs racing in the Nürburgring 24h race from placing too high in the standings, with the #14 LFA finishing 87th and the #15 LFA finishing 101st. The race started off well enough, with #14 getting as high as 15th place, but ended up spending three hours getting …

Europe Lexus LFA Racing

Lexus LFAs Racing in Nürburgring 24h Race Today

Posted by Kevin on May 23rd, 2009

Just a reminder, the Nürburgring 24h race has started, and the two Lexus LFAs are in the field. You can follow the race results for the Lexus LFAs on the Gazoo website with a very nice interface showing the remaining race times and positions. Good luck drivers!

1st Generation F SPORT Lexus IS-C Mods

Lexus IS Convertible F-Sport Photo Gallery

Posted by Kevin on May 22nd, 2009

To promote the fact that the existing F-Sport performance accessories for the Lexus IS are fully compatible with the IS Convertible, Lexus has released some images with an IS-C decked out to the nines: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1157”} The convertible is still too junky in the trunky for my tastes, but the 19” forged alloy wheels suit …

Europe Lexus LFA Racing

Behind-the-Scenes Video of the Racing Lexus LFAs

Posted by Kevin on May 22nd, 2009

It’s been Lexus LFA week here at The Lexus Enthusiast, and it looks like we’ve saved the best for last—this behind-the-scenes video detailing the long road to the 24h Nürburgring race this weekend is nothing short of fantastic: It’s great not only to see the supercar, but the people behind it. You can see their …

Europe Lexus LFA Racing

Live Lexus LFA Racing Photos

Posted by Kevin on May 21st, 2009

Take a look at these Lexus LFA photos from today’s qualifying sessions for the weekend’s Nürburgring 24h race: As for the results of today’s sessions—the twin LFAs finished 17th and 30th out of 194. Tomorrow is the final qualifying before the race this weekend. [Source: Lexus Europe]

Europe Lexus LFA Racing

Lexus LFA Racing Supercars Revealed

Posted by Kevin on May 20th, 2009

With the Team Gazoo Lexus LFA team readying for their 24-Hour Nürburgring Race this weekend, new photos of the supercar pair are in order (click for larger images): From the accompanying press release: Entered by Gazoo Racing, the team hopes to repeat its class winning form in the 4-hour race earlier in the year. The …

1st Generation Lexus IS-C USA Websites

New Lexus IS Convertible Mini-Site

Posted by Kevin on May 20th, 2009

As part of their IS convertible advertising campaign, Lexus USA has put together a mini-site that’s just as much fun as their new commercials: The website first demonstrates the new features of the IS-C, then asks how you would use each highlighted point—then rates your answer on the Live a Little scale. It’s easy to …

New Lexus LFA Spy Video

Posted by Kevin on May 19th, 2009

Stop everything and watch this video of the close-to-production Lexus LFA howling round Nürburgring: This car looks and sounds demonic, very exciting when you consider how close this will be to the real thing. Can not wait to see the production LFA. (Thanks Roberto!)

Future Lexus GX Lexus GX: First Generation Lexus GX: Second Generation Rumors

2010 Lexus GX 460?

Posted by Kevin on May 19th, 2009

According to Ward’s Auto, the next generation Lexus GX will be launched this fall, and will be powered by the 4.6L V8 engine that debuted in the 2010 Toyota Tundra. The 2010 GX 460 will see its exterior and interior redesigned, and should include Lexus’ Remote Touch system and a new rear door. When asked …

Lexus IS-C Commercials

Posted by Kevin on May 15th, 2009

Lexus USA’s advertising campaign for the IS convertible has hit Youtube, with three short, interconnected videos: Live a little, a lot looks to be the IS-C’s tagline—I wonder if there will be more episodes to this series. Neat idea.

1st Generation Lexus IS-C Reviews

Edmunds Reviews the Lexus IS 350C

Posted by Kevin on May 15th, 2009

If Edmunds’ initial review of the IS 350C is any indication, Lexus’ new convertible looks like it could be a real winner: When the top is down, sunlight floods the IS C’s cabin and you’re overcome with a sense of well-being, so different from the wretched life you lead locked away in the office during …

Lexus Wallpaper of the Week: IS-Convertible Action

Posted by Kevin on May 14th, 2009

With the Lexus IS-C arriving at dealerships this month, I thought it only fitting to put together a desktop wallpaper showing the convertible roof in action: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 Pretty amazing to consider that it only takes 20 seconds for the roof to retract.

Branding Europe Official Events South America Sponsorships

Lexus Hybrid Challenge with Serena Williams & Juan Martin del Potro

Posted by Kevin on May 14th, 2009

How’s this for a challenge: As part of the Madrid Tennis Open happening this week in Spain, Lexus sponsored a contest between Serena Williams and Juan Martin Del Potro to see who could use the least amount of fuel driving the RX 450h over 100m—all while balancing a tennis ball on the hood: I’m not …

Autocar Reviews the Lexus RX 450h

Posted by Kevin on May 13th, 2009

Autocar’s quick review of the Lexus RX 450h is very complimentary of the hybrid’s new driving experience, and contains a very interesting passage I thought worth pointing out: And because this is the Euro-spec RX, it gets retuned suspension and a retuned power management unit that will provide better off the line acceleration but still …

Lexus LS 460 Crashes, Audience Claps

Posted by Kevin on May 13th, 2009

As a rule, I avoid posting any crash videos, but I suspect the only thing injured in this Tatry Donau Cup race footage is the driver’s pride: At least the crowd was entertained. Really though, who enters a race in a LS? Update: Looks like the LS driver wasn’t the only one who had a …

Lexus IS 350 Drift Car with Corvette Engine

Posted by Kevin on May 12th, 2009

Daijiro Yoshihara, one of the drivers in the Formula D series, has a new team and a new machine—a Lexus IS 350 with a Corvette Z06 LS6 engine: Looks like he’s going to need some more practice. [Via: Straight Line]

Concepts Future Lexus LFA Photo Galleries Spy Shots

More Lexus LFA Spy Shots

Posted by Kevin on May 12th, 2009

More Lexus LFA photos are making their way online—World Car Fans has posted some additional images showing the supercar prototype at Nürburgring with its rear wing fully extended and the redesigned rear window air scoops visible: The LFA concepts have always been impressive, but this polishing towards production has the supercar looking better than ever. …

Concepts Future Lexus LFA Spy Shots

New Lexus LFA Spy Shots

Posted by Kevin on May 11th, 2009

A reworked Lexus LFA has been spotted, sporting some vinyl camouflage and looking much closer to production than ever before: Most of the changes over the last-seen mule are in the more aggressive front-end, but the whole vehicle looks more polished and sleek. Motor Authority also has some spy shots, including this brief look at …

Lexus Japan’s IS-C Interior Color Options

Posted by Kevin on May 11th, 2009

The Lexus IS 250 was released in Japan last week with some extremely unique interior color options (click for slightly larger images): No word if these options will be available in other markets outside of Japan, but it looks like the USA is getting a solid blue option the blue & white option if the …

Lexus RX 350 & 450h Body Kit by LX Mode

Posted by Kevin on May 8th, 2009

LX Mode has updated their website to include the brand new Lexus 3G RX body kit: All in all, it’s a nice looking kit—but what I’m really impressed by is the front grille replacement. Looking to be lifted directly of the LS 460, it changes the front-end significantly. Here’s a breakdown of the different options, …

1st Generation Lexus IS-C Sales Reports

Lexus IS-C Sales Expectations

Posted by Kevin on May 8th, 2009

Lexus has shared some of the sales expectations of the new IS convertible—according to Automotive News, the company is hoping for worldwide monthly sales of 1,600 units. Whether or not such numbers are possible will depend entirely on North America, where 70% of production will be sent. “This is meant to appeal as an entry-level …

Lexus RX 450h Interior = Design Harmony?

Posted by Kevin on May 7th, 2009

Last month, when the new Lexus RX 450h was given Ward’s Auto Design Harmony award for its asymmetric interior, it wasn’t too clear what “Design Harmony” actually meant—luckily, Ward’s has come through with some clarification: Contributing to the serenity are enough artistic flourishes to warrant a special exhibit at the Guggenheim. Take the …

Crystallised Lexus LFA Photo Gallery

Posted by Kevin on May 7th, 2009

I’ve been waiting for an actual photo gallery of the Crystallised Lexus LFA currently being shown in Milan, and Japanese magazine Openers has delivered just that—here’s a selection of images: Fantastic. The rest of the gallery can be viewed at the Openers website.

Concepts Europe Future Hybrids United Kingdom

Details on Lexus’ 1-Series Competitor

Posted by Kevin on May 6th, 2009

Details are emerging about Lexus’ compact car—according to Top Gear’s Foreman blog, the 1-series competitor will be a hatchback based on the Prius platform and only available as a hybrid: A Prius is designed to get small-car economy from a bigger car. But Lexus hybrids all have higher performance than their standard counterparts. Lexus has …

Photos of the Lexus GS Passionate Black Interior

Posted by Kevin on May 5th, 2009

Lexus enthusiast Harinder from Vancouver has done me two big favors—first he told me about the Passionate Black availability in Canada, and now he’s sent photos of his very own PB Lexus GS: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1126”} (The all-season mats are in place, but Harinder assured me that black carpet mats were also included. Also, in Canada, …

Audio Mods Tech

VAIS Tech’s New Digital Audio Lexus Integration Kit

Posted by Kevin on May 5th, 2009

VAIS Technology has long been the go-to option for Lexus->iPod integration, and now they’ve raised the bar with their new VML, or MultiMediaLinQ. This integration kit allows digital audio to be played from almost any storage device, including hard drives, USB thumb drives, iPods and even SD Cards. Here’s some videos demonstrating the VML: Hard …

CAR Magazine Reviews the Lexus RX 450h

Posted by Kevin on May 4th, 2009

CAR Magazine has posted a review of the Lexus RX 450h, and offers some new figures about the upcoming hybrid SUV: The 3.5-litre V6 makes 246bhp on its own and two electric motors add the rest. One is solely responsible for powering the rear axle, and together they can propel the RX silently and unaided …

Lexus Canada April 2009 Sales Report

Posted by Kevin on May 4th, 2009

While auto sales are enduring a major slump in the US, Lexus Canada has just reported their best April ever, moving a total of 1,621 vehicles last month. This is a 4% increase over last year. Some specific points: The new Lexus RX 350 enjoyed an all-time record month, selling 748 units, up 48.4% over …

Fox Marketing to Build Lexus IS-F/IS-C Mashup

Posted by Kevin on May 1st, 2009

Fresh off their electric orange twin-turbo Lexus IS-F at SEMA 2008, Fox Marketing & Artisan Performance have already started planning their entry for this year’s event—a lime-green IS-C done up in the IS-F style (click for a larger image): This may be a computer render, but I’m impressed at how a IS-F and IS-C look …

Sales Reports USA

Lexus USA April 2009 Sales Report

Posted by Kevin on May 1st, 2009

April 2009 sales have been released by Lexus USA, here’s the model-by-model breakdown (plus the year-to-date): April Year to Date 2009 2008 % CHG 2009 2008 % CHG IS 2,324 4,550 -48.9 9,303 16,516 -43.1 ES 3,549 5,439 -34.7 12,320 20,599 -39.6 GS 468 1,568 -70.2 2,586 6,138 -57.5 SC 83 217 -61.8 310 860 …

Lexus GS 450h Wallpaper 2: Blue Grille

Posted by Kevin on April 30th, 2009

Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 Keeping with the theme of my first GS 450h wallpaper, this image features a blue badge—this time from the front of the car. This was one of the last photos I took, and one of my absolute favorites. Enjoy!

Lexus RX Hybrid Lexus RX Hybrid: First Generation Manufacturing Photo Galleries United Kingdom

Lexus RX 450h Manufacturing Details

Posted by Kevin on April 30th, 2009

In preparation of the release of the RX 450h, Lexus GB has published an amazingly thorough document that details the new manufacturing processes behind the upcoming hybrid SUV. Some highlights: The Kokura plant, where the RX is built, has installed a 3 meter-high mesh “waterfall” that has reduced airborne dust by 90%. The chain conveyor …

Audio Branding Japan

Music from Lexus Japan’s Aoyama Gallery

Posted by Kevin on April 30th, 2009

Last year, Lexus Japan opened the Lexus International Gallery Aoyama in Tokyo’s Aoyama area as a display space for introducing residents to the Lexus brand. This space has a unique feature—an immersive sound environment by Yamaha created especially to block out the surrounding city. To better illustrate this, here’s a video created by composer Masato …

Lexus GS 450h Wallpaper 1: Blue Badging

Posted by Kevin on April 29th, 2009

One of the first things I did after completing my review of the Lexus IS 250 was buy myself a nice camera, a Canon Rebel XS to be exact, so that I could take better photos. As a result, I took over 1,100 photos of the GS 450h for my review, and ended up with …

2009 Lexus GS 450h Review

Posted by Kevin on April 28th, 2009

The first time I saw the third-generation Lexus GS, I didn’t like it one bit. Compared to the previous generation’s sharp, aggressive lines, the current GS seemed to lack any real visual punch. In particular, I really disliked the rear third of the car, and constantly referred to it as “frumpy” at any opportunity. At …

More Details on the Lexus GS Passionate Black Interior

Posted by Kevin on April 28th, 2009

After the discovery of the Lexus GS Passionate Black interior in North America, I was possessed to find out more details, so I arranged a quick email interview with Greg Thome, Lexus USA’s Communications Supervisor: TLE: Lexus Japan released the Passionate Black interior as a special edition last year, and now Lexus USA has started …

Car Middle East: Lexus LS 600hL vs. Mercedes S400 Hybrid

Posted by Kevin on April 27th, 2009

Car Middle East has published a quasi-comparison of the Lexus LS 600hL and the upcoming Mercedes S400 Hybrid, though it reads more like a hybrid primer: Whereas Mercedes’ mantra has been to make the S-class hybrid as green as possible, Lexus has taken a different approach with the LS600h. Here, performance is the number one …

Lexus GS 450h Commercial from Japan

Posted by Kevin on April 27th, 2009

Let’s start off the week with this GS 450h commercial from Lexus Japan, brimming with the positive message “ON and GO!”: One thing I noticed is the alternative markings for the kW energy gauge: Japanese Energy Gauge North American Energy Gauge While the North American version is much more exact, the Japanese gauge gives more …

Crystallized Wind LFA @ Milan Design Week

Posted by Kevin on April 24th, 2009

Here’s a new image of the acrylic Lexus LFA, or Crystallized Wind, currently on display during Milan’s Design Week: Still impressed by the very idea of this transparent art piece, and would love to see it in person. For a couple more quick glimpses of the model, and a full Japanese interview with designer Sou …

Concepts Europe Japan Lexus LFA Racing

Akio Toyoda Will Drive Lexus LFA in Nürburgring 24h Race

Posted by Kevin on April 24th, 2009

Akio Toyoda, incoming president of Toyota and grandson of the company’s founder, has been confirmed as one of the drivers in the upcoming 24h Nürburgring race: The grandson of Toyota founder Kiichiro Toyoda is one of four drivers on a Toyota team entering the May 21-24 Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race in Germany, company spokesman Paul …

Lexus USA Announces RX 450h, IS 250C & IS 350C Pricing

Posted by Kevin on April 23rd, 2009

The US pricing for the Lexus RX 450h, IS 250C & IS 350C was announced today, let’s break it down: The starting price for the Lexus 450h FWD is $41,660, which amounts to $420 less than the outgoing first-generation hybrid. The AWD version of the 450h will have a MSRP of $43,250, $230 less than …

Site News

Welcome Lexus Pursuit Visitors!

Posted by Kevin on April 23rd, 2009

I would like to extend a welcome to everyone visiting the site by way of Lexus USA’s monthly Lexus Pursuit newsletter. Thank you for visiting! There’s plenty of news stories making the rounds right now, here’s a selection of articles you might find interesting: Is this the 2010 Lexus ES? Production-Ready Lexus LFA rumored to …

Lexus IS 250C Promotional Video

Posted by Kevin on April 23rd, 2009

From Lexus Japan comes this new promotional video for the IS 250C: I know that the IS 250c is essentially killing two birds with one stone, as Lexus gets a new coupe and a new convertible in the lineup, but there’s some angles in this video that make me wish a coupe-only version was available. …

Advertising Branding USA

Mine Magazine Launches

Posted by Kevin on April 22nd, 2009

The New York Times has a good summary of the launch of Mine Magazine, the customized, print-on-demand venture put together by Time Warner & Lexus: Subscribers pick five of eight magazines, like Food & Wine or Sports Illustrated, and articles from those magazines appear in their custom magazines. Readers receive several issues with an article …

Lexus Australia’s Unique RX Accessories

Posted by Kevin on April 22nd, 2009

Just like the last generation, Lexus Australia is offering some unique accessories for the 2010 RX, including a bunch of roof racks, a nudge bar, side steps, mud flaps and some wild 19” wheels. Here are some closeups: Really, it’s almost comical to see an RX done up in this fashion, but some of these …

New Lexus HS 250h Videos

Posted by Kevin on April 21st, 2009

Lexus has published some new HS 250h videos: These videos give a better insight into just how important the ecological aspect was in the design and production of the HS—I’d say it’s the very definition of the vehicle, right down to how it looks. Speaking of which, take a look at this new photo of …

Europe Japan Lexus LFA Racing

Lexus LFA to Compete in Nürburgring 24h Race

Posted by Kevin on April 21st, 2009

For the second year in a row, the Lexus LFA will be taking part in the 24h Nürburgring Race, the full-day endurance race to take as many laps ‘round The Ring as possible: Based on a prototype of the LF-A being developed with an eye toward commercial release, the race vehicle, entering the Nürburg event …

Rumormill: The Lexus IS-F Evo Strikes Again

Posted by Kevin on April 20th, 2009

JDM blog 7tune has pushed out a rumor that the Lexus IS-F Evolution, the unconfirmed, carbon-fiber-covered editon of the IS-F, will be limited to 500 units and will cost a staggering $250,000USD. From the source: Focus has not changed much either with previous reports of the new body losing 140kg all round and dropping to …

New Lexus RX Commerical: We’ve Never Been Closer

Posted by Kevin on April 20th, 2009

This new RX 350 commercial from Lexus Australia is an absolutely literal interpretation of the slogan “The Pursuit of Perfection”: Just what is that Lexus RX going to do when it catches perfection?

Sales Reports USA

A Deeper Look at Lexus USA’s 2009 Sales

Posted by Kevin on April 17th, 2009

Bloomberg has published a revealing look at the US Lexus auto sales and how it’s affecting Toyota’s bottom line: U.S. Lexus sales shrank 27 percent in Toyota’s fiscal year that ended March 31, versus a combined 23 percent drop for Toyota and Scion models. While the premium line accounts for 12 percent of Toyota’s overall …

Lexus GS Passionate Black Interior Now Available in North America!

Posted by Kevin on April 16th, 2009

In what could only be described as “my dreams come true”, Lexus USA and Canada have started offering the Passionate Black interior on select models of the GS! This unique blood red & black interior color combination was first seen in a Japan-only limited edition of 500 models—here are some more photos: In Canada, the …

Auto Guide Reviews the Lexus IS F-Sport Performance Parts

Posted by Kevin on April 16th, 2009

Auto Guide has put together a review of the F-Sport performance accessories available for the Lexus IS 350, and came away impressed with the results—here are some of their observations: We did note the sexy new timbre to the motor’s voice [due to the F-Sport intake & exhaust], however. Tipping the throttle produces an aggressive, …

Javier Quiros Racing the Lexus IS-F @ Nürburgring

Posted by Kevin on April 15th, 2009

This is just plain wild—here’s Javier Quiros, one of the drivers of the recent Lexus LFA race win and owner of a Lexus dealership in Costa Rica, piloting an IS-F around Nürburgring on a practice run: Crazy how you can almost feel the downshifts, especially with that rough audio blip. An interesting perspective, it also …

New Lexus LX 570 Print Ads from Australia

Posted by Kevin on April 14th, 2009

Took a second for me to figure out these new Australia print ads for the Lexus LX 570, be sure to click on the images for a larger version: These remind me of the previously featured LX 570 print ads from last year. [Source: Pixel Blog]

Europe Lexus IS Lexus IS: Second Generation Reviews United Kingdom

Jeremy Clarkson Reviews the Lexus IS 250

Posted by Kevin on April 14th, 2009

In a comment on my last post, TLE reader Jay wanted to know if the current Lexus IS had ever made it onto the Top Gear show. The answer, it turns out, is “No” (though their magazine counterpart did name it the Best Executive/Luxury Car in 2005). Later on, I found something much more interesting—in …

Classic Top Gear: 1999 Lexus IS 200 Review

Posted by Kevin on April 13th, 2009

In keeping with the IS theme from yesterday, here’s a throwback Top Gear segment from 1999, with James May test-driving the first-generation Lexus IS 200: James May certainly looks quite young—but still exhibits that special “Captain Slow” driving style. It does sound like IS 200 suffered the same sort of low-band power deficiency that I …

2009 Lexus IS 250 AWD Review

Posted by Kevin on April 12th, 2009

The Lexus IS has a special place in my heart. It was the first Lexus I ever drove, back in 2000. It was my birthday, and my future-wife surprised me with a lengthy test drive of a yellow first-generation IS 300, courtesy of Performance Lexus in St. Catharines. I had only just received my driver’s …

2009 Lexus IS 250 AWD Photo Gallery

Posted by Kevin on April 12th, 2009

In the time I spent with the Lexus IS 250, I only had a point-and-shoot Canon to take photos with—luckily my friend Billy Plante came out and took some picks as well. Here are the best shots: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1083”}