AwardsInteriorsLexus RX HybridLexus RX Hybrid: First Generation

Lexus RX 450h Named to Ward’s Top Interiors of 2009

  • Posted by Kevin on April 9th, 2009
Ward’s Auto has handed out their 2009 Interior of the Year awards, and the upcoming Lexus RX 450h took one of the special-achievement awards: Among the winners is the all-new Lexus RX 450h hybrid-electric cross/utility vehicle, which goes on sale in August. Pricing has yet to be announced, but the current RX 400h hybrid starts …

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Desktop WallpapersFeaturesLexus LSLexus LS: First GenerationLexus LS: Fourth GenerationLexus LS: Second GenerationLexus LS: Third Generation

Lexus Wallpaper of the Week: LS Generations Part Two

  • Posted by Kevin on April 9th, 2009
To celebrate Lexus’ 20th anniversary, Club Lexus member Encore888 created a desktop wallpaper showcasing the four generations of the LS: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 For comparison, there was a similar wallpaper featured last year, though with this head-on angle, it’s much easier to see how each generation built on the …

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ConceptsEuropeJapanLexus LFARacing

More on the Lexus LFA Win @ Nürburgring

  • Posted by Kevin on April 8th, 2009
As mentioned, the Lexus LFA racing concept won its class (SP8: 4000cc ~ 6200cc) in the Nurburgring 4 hour race this weekend—and now sponsor Gazoo has posted some photos from the race: Here’s a photo of drift champion Iida Akira, soon-to-be Toyota President Akio Toyoda, and dealer owner/racer Javier Quiros with their trophies: I also …

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AdvertisingHybridsLexus RX HybridLexus RX Hybrid: First GenerationUnited KingdomVideos

Lexus RX 450h Video Promo

  • Posted by Kevin on April 7th, 2009
Three Lexus RX videos to post today, let’s start with the longest: This really is an almost pitch-perfect marketing promo, and goes a long way to infusing the RXh with some real personality. Also, I’m assuming that Welcome to Forward Living will be RXh’s tagline, and this video certainly captures the sentiment. [Via: iMotor] Update: …

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InteriorsLexus LXLexus LX: Third GenerationReviews

Canadian Driver Reviews the Lexus LX 570 Interior

  • Posted by Kevin on April 6th, 2009
As part of their recurring Inside Story feature, Canadian Driver took a look at the Lexus LX 570’s interior, and it’s a fully detailed breakdown of the SUV’s internals. While extremely positive for the most part, the article is bookended by some unfortunate badge engineering rants: Before you start shouting, “well-heeled Sequoia,” there are a …

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ConceptsEuropeLexus LFARacing

Lexus LFA Makes a Nürburgring Appearance

  • Posted by Kevin on April 6th, 2009
For the first time this year, the Lexus LFA racing concept car has been spotted at Nürburgring, likely due to its upcoming appearance in the upcoming 56. ADAC Westfalenfahrt being held this weekend at the Nordschleife—the same four-hour long distance race on the Nürburgring grand prix circuit that the LFA won last year. Here’s the …

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JapanLexus SCLexus SC: First GenerationPhotos

Flickr Find: Soarer Rocket

  • Posted by Kevin on April 3rd, 2009
Posting the Lexus SC 400 review from TTAC yesterday reminded me of a Flickr photo by Jon Sylvester (best viewed in original size): Love the panoramic feel and the lighting—great location as well. (This, of course, is the Japanese version of the SC 400, the Toyota Soarer, which uses a griffin as its logo.)
Lexus SCLexus SC: First GenerationReviews

TTAC Review of the 1992 Lexus SC 400

  • Posted by Kevin on April 2nd, 2009
The Truth About Cars has posted a review of the 1992 Lexus SC 400, a car many consider Lexus’s most influential design and perhaps the greatest Lexus ever made—here’s an excerpt: Combined with the four-speed electronic automatic transmission, the engine is just plain unkillable. It can literally out-diesel a diesel when it comes to longevity, …

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CanadaSales Reports

Lexus Canada March 2009 Sales Report

  • Posted by Kevin on April 2nd, 2009
The release of the 2010 RX 350 has been a huge success for Lexus Canada, helping them set an all-time March sales record of 1,363 units sold, 25.5% higher than last year. Most importantly, these positive numbers certainly a nice change in the face of the automotive meltdown in the USA. The new RX 350 …

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Sales ReportsUSA

Lexus USA March 2009 Sales Report

  • Posted by Kevin on April 1st, 2009
The Lexus USA March 2009 sales figures have been released, and it’s more of the same: 2009 2008 % Change IS250/350/F 2,432 4,798 -47.3 ES350 3,225 6,019 -44.3 GS350/460/450h 625 1,668 -61.0 SC430 78 271 -70.1 LS460/600h L 852 2,125 -58.3 Total Cars 7,212 14,881 -49.6 RX350/400h 6,177 7,737 -17.0 GX470 561 1,679 -65.3 LX570 …

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Sales ReportsUSA

Lexus USA Adjusts 2009 Model Prices

  • Posted by Kevin on March 30th, 2009
Lexus has bumped up the prices for most of its 2009 models, increasing the following models by $150: IS 250/350 ES 350 GS 350/460/450h LS 460/460L/600hL LX 570 This increase comes into effect on Wednesday, but the amount’s only significant in that every model is seeing the same price hike. Maybe a shared part? [Source: …

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HybridsLexus HS HybridLexus HSh: First GenerationTechUSA

Lexus Enform Service to arrive with the Lexus HS 250h

  • Posted by Kevin on March 25th, 2009
Arriving late this summer, the Lexus HS 250h will be the first vehicle offered with the new Lexus Enform + Safety Connect telematics system. Safety Connect, a service that will be offered on both Toyota and Lexus vehicles, provides a support network in the event of an emergency—offering automatic collision detection, locating a stolen vehicle, …

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PersonalSite News

New Beginnings

  • Posted by Kevin on March 25th, 2009
Hello, and welcome to The Lexus Enthusiast, otherwise known as the new and improved version of The Passionate Pursuit. As promised, the name change is the first step in some major improvements coming to the site, in fact, today’s changes also include a move to a new software platform. WordPress, which has powered the site …

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2nd GenerationJapanLexus RXLexus RX HybridLexus RX: Third GenerationOfficial EventsVideos

Lexus Japan’s RX Museum Party Video

  • Posted by Kevin on March 23rd, 2009
Should we need any proof that Lexus is being marketed differently in Japan as compared to North America, look no further than this video from the Japanese RX launch party, featuring DJ No+Chin in a “battle” with visual artist Saori Kanda: Feels more like Scion than Lexus, color me impressed by how uniquely Japanese this …

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AwardsCompetitorsUSA

Lexus J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Results

  • Posted by Kevin on March 19th, 2009
J.D. Power has published the results of their latest Vehicle Dependability Study, and for the first time since its inclusion, Lexus did not place first, coming in third behind Buick and Jaguar. The study looks at the problems per vehicle for the 2006 model year and the problems encountered over the first three years of …

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Body KitsMiddle EastModsPhotos

Frankenstein Lexus Spotted in Qatar

  • Posted by Kevin on March 18th, 2009
Car Capture, an exotic carspotting blog, managed to snap some photos of a freakish Frankenstein “Lexus” in Qatar: Let’s see—I’m guessing ES 300 body, BMW headlights and LX rear lights, though who can really tell with all that body work. My favorite touch? The Mercedes V12 badge on the trunk. Fantastic. For larger images, visit …

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AdvertisingBrandingIn the News

Lexus Sponsors Customized Mine Magazine

  • Posted by Kevin on March 18th, 2009
Lexus is sponsoring a unique print experiment by Time Inc.—a personalized magazine called “mine”. Published bi-weekly over 10 weeks, the magazine combines articles from an assortment of magazines customized to your tastes: Readers can select five titles from eight published by subsidiaries of Time Warner Inc. and American Express Co.: Time, Sports Illustrated, Food & …

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AdvertisingCommercialsIn the NewsUSA

Lexus Voiceover Actor Switch Permanent?

  • Posted by Kevin on March 16th, 2009
In the latest US RX commercials, longtime Lexus voiceover actor James Sloyan was noticeably absent, replaced instead with James Remar, most recently from Sex & The City and Dexter. And now, Ad Age is reporting that the change may be permanent after talking with a Lexus spokeswoman: A Lexus spokeswoman said the marketer wanted a …

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Gearlog Reviews the 2010 Lexus RX

  • Posted by Kevin on March 16th, 2009
Considering its consumer gadget focus, it’s not all that surprising that Gearlog’s review of the Lexus RX centers on the technology in the newly redesigned SUV, with barely a mention of its driving performance. It’s an even-handed review, and includes some of the first criticisms of the new Remote Touch controller system: Remote Touch has …

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JapanTech

Lexus Pre-Collision Technology Upgrade

  • Posted by Kevin on March 12th, 2009
Toyota has announced two new safety technology systems that are expected to appear in Lexus vehicles some time in the near future. The first, illustrated above, is an improvement on the current pre-collision radar system that detects probable collisions. The system, which uses millimeter-wave radar, can sense moving objects in the vehicle’s path, and now …

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CommercialsUSAVideos

Lexus RX Commercial Digital Effects Explained

  • Posted by Kevin on March 11th, 2009
Dexigner has posted an in-depth article detailing the production of the new 2010 Lexus RX commercials, including how some of the digital effects were created. This part was especially interesting: “City” opens on the RX sitting in traffic. But the vehicle has a secret weapon-XM real-time traffic monitoring that reveals driving conditions on the road …

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Videos

Lexus RX 450h Test Drive Videos

  • Posted by Kevin on March 11th, 2009
Today we have two unique 2010 Lexus RX 450h videos that are the equivalent of an Internet test drive — no dialogue, POV angles, long ambling drives down deserted highways — all to give an insight into potential ownership. The first video is from Lexus Japan, and is likely taken from a promo DVD — …

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BrandingHybridsVideos

Lexus Power of H Commercial: Solar Tree

  • Posted by Kevin on March 10th, 2009
Power of H, Lexus’ hybrid marketing campaign, has put out three non-product infommercials featuring example of green engineering. First, we watched homes being built from shipping containers, then a bridge that uses the passing cars to generate electricity, and now the final installment about a Solar “Tree” built in Italy: These videos may have been …

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JapanMods

Rumor of a Lexus IS-F Evolution

  • Posted by Kevin on March 10th, 2009
According to Japanese auto magazine Best Car, Lexus continues to work on a lightweight version of the IS-F, dubbed the IS-F Evolution. The main focus on the IS-F Evolution would be reducing weight, where up to 300lbs could be dropped by using carbon fiber anywhere possible. Possible body panels would include the front bumper, front …

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CanadaSales Reports

Lexus Canada February 2009 Sales Report

  • Posted by Kevin on March 9th, 2009
After a year of setting sales records in 2008, Lexus Canada is feeling the pinch of the shaky economic climate with sales in February dropping 24.4% compared to last year to 1,303 units sold. That said, the RX 350 continues to be a strong seller, and with the introduction of the 2010 model mid-month, sales …

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PersonalSite News

Healthy Start

  • Posted by Kevin on March 9th, 2009
Regular readers may have noticed that the Lexus news hasn’t been all that frequent lately, and I’d like to explain just what’s been happening “behind-the-scenes” here at TPP. First of all, I’ve been extremely sick these last three weeks, having been hit by an extremely nasty cold that made it hard to do much of …

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JapanSpecial Editions

Lexus Japan releases Red-Edge Black Interior for the IS

  • Posted by Kevin on March 5th, 2009
The IS also received an interior treatment from Lexus Japan, with the Red-Edge Black Special Edition, very similar to the Meteor Black GS edition: Loving that red stitching — it’s a great accent color, a real eye-catcher. (Still partial to the red carpet in last year’s Passionate Black interior, though.) This special edition interior is …

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JapanSpecial Editions

Lexus Japan releases Meteor Black Interior for the GS

  • Posted by Kevin on March 5th, 2009
Lexus Japan has been known to release some incredibly nice limited edition interiors, and they’re back at it again with the Meteor Black interior for the GS: The interior starts off with the default black semi-aniline leather, and then all of the stitching is two-tone black & red with silver accents. Also, both interior wood …

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TechVideos

Building the Lexus Enform 3D City

  • Posted by Kevin on March 4th, 2009
This is just amazing — take a look at this byHook video that documents their construction of the 3D city in Lexus’ Enform presentation video: Watching 3D being built never fails to astonish me, especially when it’s viewed in 10X speed.
Spy Shots

Lexus HS 250h Back in Disguise

  • Posted by Kevin on March 4th, 2009
After revealing the HS 250h for all to see at the Detroit Auto Show, Lexus is back to camouflaging its new hybrid sedan in public, which Motor Trend managed to snag on camera. Here’s another photo: The reasoning might be that this is a pre-Detroit mule with some new mechanical tweaks, or it might signal …

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Sales ReportsUSA

Lexus USA February 2009 Sales Report

  • Posted by Kevin on March 3rd, 2009
The Lexus USA sales numbers for February have been released, and it’s just plain depressing: 2009 2008 % Change IS250/350/F 2,147 3,906 -42.7 ES350 2,575 4,795 -44.1 GS350/460/450h 595 1,422 -56.4 SC430 76 189 -58.1 LS460/600h L 700 1,891 -61.4 Total Cars 6,093 12,203 -48.0 RX350/400h 6,218 6,956 -6.9 GX470 516 1,549 -65.3 LX570 281 …

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EuropeUSA

2010 Lexus RX 450h Gas Mileage Europe/USA Comparison

  • Posted by Kevin on March 3rd, 2009
Lexus UK has revealed the gas mileage of the 2010 Lexus RX 450h press release for the Geneva Auto Show: With a total system output of 220kW/299 DIN HP, the improved Lexus Hybrid Drive gives the RX 450h a maximum speed of 200kph. Via continuously variable transmission it will accelerate seamlessly from 0-100kph in just …

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TechVideos

Video of the Lexus Heads Up Display

  • Posted by Kevin on March 2nd, 2009
At long last, here’s some user video of the new Heads Up Display technology built into the 2010 Lexus RX: At first, I didn’t understand the arrow columns to the right of the speedometer, then I released it was actual lane directions! Amazing. This might not be available in North America, but I don’t think …

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BrandingJapan

Toyota Considering Ultra-Luxury Brand?

  • Posted by Kevin on February 27th, 2009
How’s this for a rumor trail — according to an Autospies poster, Japanese magazine Carview has reported that Toyota is looking at creating a new ultra-luxury automotive brand above Lexus, here’s the article: Here’s the article, supposedly paraphrased an Autospies poster: A Lexus spokesman explained that Lexus had thoroughly researched the market and feels that …

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AwardsUSA

Lexus Tops J.D. Power 2009 Customer Service Index

  • Posted by Kevin on February 26th, 2009
Lexus has placed first in J.D. Power’s 2009 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study, which looks at satisfaction among vehicle owners who visit a service department for maintenance or repair work over the first three years of ownership: Lexus ranks highest in customer satisfaction with dealer service in 2009—improving from fourth rank position in 2008. Lexus …

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Reviews

Detroit News reviews the 2010 Lexus RX

  • Posted by Kevin on February 25th, 2009
Scott Burgess from the Detroit News is jumping from one Lexus to two — after reviewing the LX 570, he’s doubled up with the 2010 RX 350 & RX 450h: Really, Lexus does an excellent job catering to the driver. There’s remote key access, a power liftgate, an automatic tonneau cover that covers the back …

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Videos

Edmunds IS 250 F-Sport Video

  • Posted by Kevin on February 25th, 2009
Last week, I wrote about Edmunds’ testing of a Lexus IS 250 with the full F-Sport accessory lineup installed, and now here’s the accompanying video, where we can watch proof of the IS F-Sport cutting up the slalom: The sway bar & shock absorber combination looks to be a fantastic addition to the IS, with …

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Photos

Lexus Wallpapers of the Week: LS 360° Forged

  • Posted by Kevin on February 24th, 2009
Willam Stern, resident photographer over at 360° Forged and friend of TPP, has graciously allowed me to post up some of his recent photos as wallpapers — all three of these images feature a Lexus LS 460 with 360° Forged’s Brushed Spec Multi wheels: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 1680×1050 | …

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Advertising

Sponsor Thanks

  • Posted by Kevin on February 24th, 2009
I just wanted to pass on my thanks to this month’s sponsor, VAIS Technology: VAIS Technology manufactures audio/video integration solutions for Lexus, making it possible to connect almost any media device to your vehicle. Most importantly, VAIS Tech lets you manage these devices using your standard audio controls. An ideal solution!
Reviews

The Detroit News Reviews the 2009 Lexus LX 570

  • Posted by Kevin on February 24th, 2009
Scott Burgess of the Detroit News took a real shine to the 2009 Lexus LX 570 when he reviewed it recently: During January’s heavy snowfall, I hopped into the new Lexus LX 570 and burrowed my way down the road without a problem. The full-time four-wheel drive ate up snow and ice like “Survivor Man” …

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DealershipsUSA

Lexus #1 in Online Customer Service

  • Posted by Kevin on February 23rd, 2009
Lexus dealerships are the most responsive car brand on the Internet, according to the 2008 Automotive eShopper Experience Study, a survey that looks at the online customer service of car dealerships in the USA. In fact, Lexus scored a full 10 points higher (59.5) than 2nd place Chevrolet (49.4): When asking dealers for information on …

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Reviews

LA Times Review of the 2010 Lexus RX 450h

  • Posted by Kevin on February 20th, 2009
Dan Neil has reviewed the Lexus RX 450h for the Los Angeles Times: Lexus has poured an astonishing amount of design and technology into the cabin, and both come together in the car’s unique asymmetric console, a flourishing loop of brightwork in the center of the dash that integrates the LCD display and climate and …

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Photos

Flickr Find: Lexus LFA Roadster Au Naturel

  • Posted by Kevin on February 19th, 2009
This photo, taken by Car-Parazzi, shows the Lexus LFA Roadster concept at Pebble Beach, a much more natural setting than usual: Gives the impression of what the car would look like on the street — and what I wouldn’t give to be sitting in that driver’s seat!
AdvertisingEast Asia

Lexus Imitates Art

  • Posted by Kevin on February 19th, 2009
Yesterday it was Lexus creating art, and today it’s Lexus mimicking art — created by Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore, these print ads depict some of the world’s most famous painting using Lexus parts (click for larger versions): If possible, I would have that Warhol inspired print blown up huge to hang it in my office. …

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Lexus @ Milan Design Week 2009

  • Posted by Kevin on February 18th, 2009
For the last few years, Lexus has been taking part in the Milan Design Week by creating a unique exhibit in collaboration with an artist. Last year, it was the Elastic Diamond with nendo, and this year Lexus has partnered with Huzimoto Takeshi, one of Japan’s up & coming architects, to create Crystallized Wind, or …

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Body KitsJapan

First 2010 Lexus RX Body Kit?

  • Posted by Kevin on February 18th, 2009
Japanese body kit manufacturer LX-Mode have wasted no time putting together some aero parts for the new 2010 Lexus RX. No details, only this photo to go on: Looks to be just the front bumper for now, but I’m sure the rest of the kit is on its way. [Source: LEXUS Times]
AutoshowsBody KitsMods

Flickr Find: More Lexus GS F-Sport Photos

  • Posted by Kevin on February 17th, 2009
I’ve been scouring Flickr for the last couple days, waiting for images of the F-Sport models at the Chicago Auto Show to appear — and my patience was rewarded today when I spotted this close-up of the GS taken by pcriso2: Great shot for sure — so I contact pcriso2 to see if he had …

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AutoshowsBody Kits

Lexus GS F-Sport Photos

  • Posted by Kevin on February 17th, 2009
Here are some photos of the F-Sport equipped Lexus GS at the Chicago Auto Show, courtesy of Inside Line (again): This GS is also sporting a body kit along with a new grille (reportedly created by FiveAxis). No word if these accessories will also be offered in the F-Sport lineup. I would have liked to …

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Uncategorized

Inside Line Tests Lexus IS 250 F-Sport

  • Posted by Kevin on February 17th, 2009
Now that Lexus’ F-Sport accessories are available for the entire IS & GS lineups, the next question is which parts should be bought first. Well, Edmunds’ Inside Line has the scoop on F-Sport, testing the modifications on an IS 250. Some of the results were very surprising: Powerslides are impossible with the big tires and …

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AutoshowsCanadaPhoto GalleriesPhotos

TAS 2009: The Lexus IS 350C in Silver

  • Posted by Kevin on February 16th, 2009
Now a few days removed from the Toronto Auto Show, I’ve been going through the virtual stack of photos that I took, and have compiled my first gallery — here’s the IS 350C in silver: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1044”} As I mentioned previously, convertibles just don’t do it for me (likely due to dealing with bitterly cold …

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