In the NewsUSA

Former Lexus VP Leaves Chrysler

  • Posted by Kevin on December 22nd, 2008
It’s only been eighteen months since Deborah Wahl Meyer left Lexus to become Chrysler’s Chief Marketing Officer — unfortunately, it was eighteen months that were especially unkind to the automotive industry: As Chrysler heads into a month-long plant shutdown, the automaker has announced a realignment of its sales and marketing operations. After 18 months on …

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AutoshowsBody Kits

Subwoofers with a Side Order of Lexus GS

  • Posted by Kevin on December 18th, 2008
Here’s a Lexus I missed covering during SEMA 2008 — this GS 350’s sound system packs such a massive punch, they had to take the roof right off: Besides the fact that it’s part of California’s Swift Car club, there isn’t much in the way of details. I did find this massive photo gallery, though. …

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Site News

New Sponsor: VAIS Technology

  • Posted by Kevin on December 18th, 2008
Allow me to welcome VAIS Technology as a new sponsor of The Passionate Pursuit! VAIS Technology, as you may know, 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! …

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AdvertisingBrandingHybridsUSAVideos

The Power of H

  • Posted by Kevin on December 17th, 2008
Turns out, the Lexus shipping crate video that I posted earlier this week is the first part of a series of green movement infomercials. Here’s a small intro to The Power of H: More details on the next two parts showed up in Brandweek: “Landfill,” which is currently online at NBC.com, details Wilkinson and De …

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East AsiaModsPhoto Galleries

The Swarovski Crystal Lexus SC 430

  • Posted by Kevin on December 17th, 2008
To promote the launch of their Crystallized collection in Taiwan, Swarovski partnered up with Lexus and designer Zheng Zhiren to create this one-of-a-kind crystal SC430: All told, there’s over 300,000 Swarovski crystals covering the SC, pushing its total value up to NT 10,000,000 ($306,045USD). Now that’s a lot of bedazzle! [Source: YAM | Via: Born …

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FeaturesPhotos

Lexus Wallpaper of the Week: IS-F Gunmetal

  • Posted by Kevin on December 16th, 2008
Designed to resemble samurai swords, the Lexus IS-F gunmetal forged aluminum rims are the subject of this week’s wallpaper of the week: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 (It could be the gunmetal coloring, but the IS-F rim is probably my favorite Lexus wheel design ever.)
ConceptsFutureUSA

Lexus Files LFA Trademark

  • Posted by Kevin on December 15th, 2008
It’s been discovered that Toyota registered “LFA” at US Patent and Trademark Office on December 1st, 2008. It’s been interpreted by many as a positive sign, but this could be seen in two ways: Lexus is moving forward with the supercar, and taking care of the name trademark is one of the many steps necessary. …

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BrandingCommercialsHybridsManufacturingVideos

New Lexus Power of H Commercial: Landfill

  • Posted by Kevin on December 15th, 2008
Not really a Lexus commercial in the traditional sense, this video illustrates the growing movement towards sustainable reusable manufacturing: It’s a good direction, and I understand the idea here is to associate Lexus with the sustainable manufacturing process, but if Lexus plants have earned Zero Landfill status, why not explain that further? I’d certainly like …

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FuturePhotochops

Photochop of the Next Generation Lexus GS

  • Posted by Kevin on December 12th, 2008
Even thought the fourth-generation Lexus GS is still years away, it’s certainly fun to imagine what the next version will look like, and The Truth About Cars’ Andrei Avarvarii did just that, putting together this photochop: I do like some of the touches, particularly the front-light treatment, but I don’t think Avarvarii’s photochop is heading …

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AdvertisingCommercials

Japanese Lexus IS Commercial

  • Posted by Kevin on December 11th, 2008
Surely, the main point of this Japanese IS Commercial isn’t to say that Lexus owners are vain: It certainly made me laugh — mostly because I’ve done something similar many times since getting my LS. Bonus: Be sure to check out this bizarre Toyota Corolla commercial if you get the chance.
CanadaIn the NewsManufacturing

Lexus Cuts Output from Ontario Factory

  • Posted by Kevin on December 11th, 2008
Reuters is reporting that the only Lexus plant outside of Japan will also be idling its production, as the Toyota factory in Cambridge, Ontario will halt RX 350 production for five days in January. This news comes after a report that the Lexus plants in Japan would be offline for ten days during December. Both …

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FeaturesSite News

Lexus Wallpaper of the Week: LS Generations

  • Posted by Kevin on December 10th, 2008
Welcome to a new feature here at TPP, the Wallpaper of the Week! From now on, every Wednesday will bring a brand new desktop image from every era of Lexus, from the ES 250 right down to the LF-A, and everything in between. This first edition, which stands as one of my favorite desktop images …

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AwardsTech

Lexus IS’ V6 Named to 2009 Best Engines List

  • Posted by Kevin on December 9th, 2008
The Lexus IS 350’s V6 engine has once again been selected to the Ward’s Auto 10 Best Engines award: Toyota Motor Corp. scores its fourth consecutive 10 Best Engines win with its Lexus 3.5L DOHC V-6, a brilliant design that employs a unique, combination direct- and port-injection fueling system that helps generate 306 hp and …

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DealershipsTechUSAVideos

Woodfield Lexus’ Service Veosk

  • Posted by Kevin on December 8th, 2008
I have no idea if it’s exclusive to Woodfield Lexus in Chicago, but the kiosk shown in this video would be a great addition to every dealership: There’s certainly a strong case for this to become company-wide. It wouldn’t just be informative to the customer, but it would definitely cut down on the misunderstandings and …

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AustraliaConceptsFutureHybrids

Lexus Sub-Compact in 2012?

  • Posted by Kevin on December 8th, 2008
Once again, Lexus Australia’s chief executive John Roca has spilled the goods on the future of Lexus, this time in regards to the oft-rumored sub-compact: Devised to take on the premium European small cars exemplified by the BMW as well as the Audi A3, the forthcoming compact is understood to be in co-development with the …

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FutureIn the News

Lexus LS-F News!

  • Posted by Kevin on December 5th, 2008
Looks like the rumor of an Lexus LS-F is growing some legs — Last week, I reported the possibility that an F-Sport variant of the Lexus flagship could be released in 2009, and now Autoblog has “confirmed” the speculation, along with some bonus IS-F sales news: Hirokazu Koga, general manager of the Lexus Development Center …

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JapanManufacturingSales Reports

Lexus Cuts Production in December

  • Posted by Kevin on December 4th, 2008
To cope with the worldwide automotive sales slump, Lexus will be cutting its management bonuses by 10% and will be taking its Japanese manufacturing plants offline for two days: According to Automotive News, Toyota will idle one of its three assembly lines at its Tahara plant in Japan for two days, wiping about 5,000 vehicles …

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ConceptsJapanRacingVideos

New Lexus LF-A Videos

  • Posted by Kevin on December 4th, 2008
Here’s a couple new Lexus LF-A Racing Concept videos for you — first up is some stellar footage of a rocketing LF-A, which perfectly captures the engine belting it out full-force: The other video of note is from the LF-A’s appearance at last week’s Toyota Motorsports Festival in Japan. As you might remember, the supercar …

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CanadaSales Reports

Lexus Canada November 2008 Sales Report

  • Posted by Kevin on December 3rd, 2008
With November 2008 sales up 19.1% over last year, Lexus Canada continues to see strong growth. A total of 1,152 models were sold, marking the eighth consecutive record sales month. One interesting fact, Lexus RX 350’s are built in Cambridge, Ontario, and are marketed heavily as a Made-in-Canada product. This has resulted in an opposite …

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Sales ReportsUSA

Lexus USA November 2008 Sales Report

  • Posted by Kevin on December 2nd, 2008
The November sales for Lexus USA have been reported today, and at least the numbers are better than last month’s drop: 2008 2007 % Change IS250/350/F 2,749 3,849 -28.6 ES350 4,116 5,902 -30.3 GS350/460/450h 721 2,205 -67.3 SC430 83 268 -69.0 LS460/600h L 1,272 2,668 -52.3 Total Cars 8,941 14,892 -40.0 RX350/400h 5,850 8,038 -27.2 …

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FeaturesHybridsTech

Lexus Hybrid Primer

  • Posted by Kevin on December 2nd, 2008
Since starting this website, I’ve been asked numerous times about the overall benefits of Lexus hybrid technology, so I thought it would be a good idea to put together a basic primer. First off, here’s a direct-from-Lexus video explanation on how a hybrid engine works: Now, everyone knows the primary advantage that (most) hybrids have …

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EuropeReviewsVideos

Top Gear Video Review of the Lexus IS-F

  • Posted by Kevin on December 1st, 2008
The Lexus IS-F finally made its Top Gear appearance this weekend, competing against the BMW M3: Also part of the episode was the Stig pushing the IS-F around the Top Gear track: The results were a forgone conclusion, I can’t imagine anyone’s all that surprised that Jeremy Clarkson preferred the BMW M3 over the IS-F. …

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AutoshowsVideos

Bizarre 2010 Lexus RX Feature from Car & Driver

  • Posted by Kevin on November 30th, 2008
This Car & Driver video preview of the new 2010 Lexus RX is worth watching if only for the last ten seconds: The all-German diesel comparisons were funny enough, but I had to rewind the closing remarks three times before I could watch it without laughing. Seriously, what strange circumstances had to occur where an …

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AutoshowsFutureHybridsIn the News

Lexus Planning Four New Models in 2009

  • Posted by Kevin on November 28th, 2008
In a short interview with the Wall Street Journal, Lexus Group Vice President Mark Templin revealed that the company will be releasing four new models next year: …he’s cutting back spending now so he can invest in the marketing campaigns of these four products one of which, the new RX, was revealed Wednesday. In six …

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AutoshowsFutureHybridsUSA

Full Lexus 2010 Introduction from the LA Auto Show

  • Posted by Kevin on November 28th, 2008
The Auto Channel has posted the full LA Auto Show 2010 RX introduction (listed at over eighteen minutes, but only plays for twelve): First of all, the heads-up display was shown briefly, here’s a screen capture: Hard to get an accurate idea of the new feature’s implementation, but new details are certain to emerge shortly. …

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CommercialsVideos

Behind the Scenes of the Lexus ES Commercial: Cards

  • Posted by Kevin on November 26th, 2008
Last week, I posted up a new Lexus ES commercial that featured the talents of Bryan Berg, a professional cardstacker. Well, now we have a backstage pass at the making of this video: I can’t imagine the tension that must have existed on this set, considering that if the filming of the collapsing cards had …

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PersonalSite News

Welcome to TPP 3.0

  • Posted by Kevin on November 25th, 2008
Welcome to the new and improved TPP! At first glace it might not look like a big change, but I’ve made a big switch with the software powering the site, moving from Drupal back to WordPress. Don’t worry, even if you don’t know what I’m talking about, the difference is going to be apparent. Let’s …

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AutoshowsTechUSAVideos

Lexus Remote Touch Controller Demonstration

  • Posted by Kevin on November 24th, 2008
CNet has posted a LA Auto Show recap of the Lexus RX 450h, which includes a demonstration of the new Remote Touch controller: Looks to be a very impressive solution — my experience with haptic control is limited to the Nintendo Wii, but the continual feedback moving from menu item to menu item is intuitive …

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Uncategorized

Lexus LF-A Makes Appearance at Toyota Motorsports Festival

  • Posted by Kevin on November 24th, 2008
Race fans in Japan lucked out this weekend as the Lexus LF-A Racing Prototype took a couple laps around the Fuji Speedway as part of Toyota’s Motorsports Festival. Not only that, but Toyota executive vice-president Akio Toyoda was the man behind the wheel: The future of the supercar is still the subject of guesswork and …

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Uncategorized

Live Photos of the 2010 Lexus RX

  • Posted by Kevin on November 21st, 2008
As usual, Autoblog has delivered a very good set images of 2010 Lexus RX live from the floor of the LA Auto Show, click on the image to view their photos: Cars.com also posted some nice photos to their Flickr account, click through to view: eGMtech also posted some great photos of the RX pair …

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Uncategorized

Edmunds 2010 Lexus RX Video

  • Posted by Kevin on November 20th, 2008
Next up on the 2010 Lexus trip is an Edmunds video that not only serves as a nice introduction, but also displays the RX’s new Remote Touch controller (or at least how it moves): As you can see, the controller functions much like a computer mouse — making it instantly intuitive and familiar. I can’t …

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Uncategorized

2010 Lexus RX LA Auto Show Introduction Video

  • Posted by Kevin on November 20th, 2008
Here’s the video of Mark Templin introducing the 2010 Lexus RX at the LA Auto Show: Not much in the way of new information, and still no public demonstration of either the HUD or the Remote Touch controller, but I assume this is an edited version of the presentation and that a tech tour is …

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AutoshowsFuturePhoto GalleriesPreviews

2010 Lexus RX 350 & RX 450h Details

  • Posted by Kevin on November 19th, 2008
Lexus has issued their press release with details on the new 2010 RX 350 & 450h, which backs up the specifications and options I posted last month. Here’s some selected passages from the press release: Entering its second generation, the RX 450h will feature an enhanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system with a 3.5-liter V6 gas …

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AdvertisingCommercialsVideos

Lexus ES 350 Commercial: Cards

  • Posted by Kevin on November 17th, 2008
This new Lexus ES commercial continues the “behind every detail, there’s a detail” marketing campaign: It might not be as successful as the first riff on this theme, but the nod to the original LS champagne glass commercial more than makes up for it.
PersonalVideos

The Quantum of Lexus

  • Posted by Kevin on November 14th, 2008
I found this promo video for the Lexus LS 600hL a few days ago, but decided to wait on posting it until today’s release of Quantum of Solace — while they’re totally unrelated, but the music is straight out of a James Bond movie: (Been looking forward to this movie for months — so much …

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DealershipsPhotos

Flickr Find: Key to the Future

  • Posted by Kevin on November 13th, 2008
Lexus of Tulsa is in the process of building a new dealership building, and employee Austin Colbert decided to commemorate the event with this photo: Edited for clarity: It reminds me of my ‘94 LS valet key, but commenters have told me valet keys are now grey and this is now the standard key design. …

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EuropeSales Reports

2009 Lexus IS UK Pricing

  • Posted by Kevin on November 13th, 2008
Somehow this slipped by me, but the UK prices for the 2009 Lexus IS were announced earlier this week and show some significant savings over last year’s model. Here’s a full table breakdown, courtesy of 4WheelsNews: CURRENT IS MODEL OTR PRICE 2009 IS MODEL (equivalent) OTR PRICE CUSTOMER SAVING IS 220d £23,192 IS 220d SE …

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AutoshowsFutureUSA

2010 Lexus RX 350 & 450h to debut at LA Auto Show

  • Posted by Kevin on November 12th, 2008
Lexus has confirmed that the next generation RX & RX hybrid will be revealed November 19th at the LA Auto Show, along with the American debut of the IS 250/350C: Lexus will stage the world premiere of the all-new 2010 RX 450h hybrid and RX 350 luxury utility vehicles at a press conference at the …

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FutureHybridsPhotosSpy ShotsUSA

First Spy Photos of the Lexus HS 250h?

  • Posted by Kevin on November 11th, 2008
So not even twelve hours after seeing the Mag-X rendering of the upcoming Lexus HS 250h hybrid, TPP reader Dan posted a link to a series of photos by Mike Ingels, who very well may have captured the first spy shots of the new hybrid: Considering these photos were taken near the Chrysler proving grounds …

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AutoshowsConceptsFutureHybrids

Is this the Lexus HS 250h?

  • Posted by Kevin on November 11th, 2008
Volkswagen website VWVortex isn’t the first place you’d expect to find information on the upcoming Lexus dedicated hybrid, but the Internet’s a strange place. Regardless, a member of their forum came across this page out of Japanese magazine Mag-X, featuring a rendition of the now-named Lexus HS 250h (click for a closeup): Other information gleaned …

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Body KitsJapan

Lexus IS-F Body Kit by Wald International

  • Posted by Kevin on November 10th, 2008
Wald International, the Japanese bodykit manufacturer that’s made aero-parts for every Lexus out there, has taken a shot at the IS-F. The results, however, are not too pretty — take a look at this rear spoiler/under-spoiler combo: Luckily, the whole thing’s still in the photochop development stage, which leaves the door open for some improvement. …

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AutoshowsBody KitsModsSpecial EditionsVideos

Lexus @ SEMA 2008: Day 2 Video

  • Posted by Kevin on November 6th, 2008
These designer interview videos from Lexus provide some great insight into their SEMA lineup, it’s really quite impressive how much effort must have went into the co-ordination of all these different teams — once again, dig up the headphones because the audio is really low: That super-charger in the 0-60 Magazine IS-F looks insane.
CanadaSales Reports

Lexus Canada October 2008 Sales Report

  • Posted by Kevin on November 5th, 2008
Lexus sales continue to grow in Canada, with October 2008 sales of 1,126 total units, a 15.8% increase when compared to 2007. What’s more, total sales for the year are up 15.6% to 12,943 vehicles sold. This number is almost equal to the annual sales of 2007, with two months still remaining! Some other points: …

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AutoshowsBody KitsModsSpecial EditionsVideos

Lexus @ SEMA 2008: Day 1 Video

  • Posted by Kevin on November 5th, 2008
Get out your earphones, because the sound on this Lexus SEMA video recap from the first day is incredibly quiet: It’s always interesting listening to the people behind these cars talk about their creations — I’m especially impressed by Troy Sumitomo and Five Axis, both their Project GS & Project IS-F cars really managed to …

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AutoshowsConceptsModsSpecial Editions

Five Axis Lexus Project GS Unveiled

  • Posted by Kevin on November 5th, 2008
The eagerly awaited Project GS by Five Axis has been unveiled, and it’s quite handedly the best looking GS I’ve ever seen. Just take a minute and click through each of these images to get an up-close-and-personal look: From the extensive widebody conversion right down to the Five:AD R5:F onyx rims, the Project GS hits …

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Sales ReportsUSA

Lexus USA October 2008 Sales Report

  • Posted by Kevin on November 3rd, 2008
Ouch! October was severely unkind to the automotive industry, with almost every company reporting ugly decreases when compared to last year. Lexus was hit something fierce, dropping 37.6% — here’s the model breakdown: 2008 2007 % Change IS250/350/F 2,772 3,727 -28.4 ES350 4,141 6,516 -38.8 GS350/460/450h 819 1,507 -47.7 SC430 98 316 -70.1 LS460/600h L …

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FutureSpy Shots

More 2010 Lexus RX Photos

  • Posted by Kevin on November 3rd, 2008
While last week’s leaked 2010 Lexus RX photos gave us our first peek at the new SUV, the brochure photos were anything but spectacular. Now we have some new photos to look at, and while they’re still of uneven quality, they capture the RX in real life: I remain incredibly impressed with the new model, …

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AutoshowsModsSpecial EditionsTechVideos

Video of Artisan’s Twin Turbo Lexus IS-F

  • Posted by Kevin on October 31st, 2008
We’ve seen the official photo and technical breakdown of the Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance Lexus IS-F that’s debuting at SEMA next week, and now here’s the twin turbo kicking it on a dyno: It’s a good thing this thing is strapped to the dyno, because I don’t imagine it would be easy to video otherwise.
JapanPhoto GalleriesSpy Shots

2010 Lexus RX Brochure Leaked!

  • Posted by Kevin on October 30th, 2008
The 2010 redesign of the Lexus RX has finally been leaked onto the web, and it’s a beauty! I really think Lexus has done something special with this new generation, The LX design cues are obvious and handsomely applied, resulting in great blend of model continuity and design. The most startling aspect of the new …

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AutoshowsBody KitsModsSpecial Editions

SEMA 2008: ICON’s Lexus LX 570

  • Posted by Kevin on October 30th, 2008
The fact that I’m only now getting around to posting about the details of ICON’s custom Lexus LX 570 is probably the biggest indication to just how overwhelming yesterday was in terms of Lexus news! Regardless, here’s the official image of the SEMA-bound LX, plus the full breakdown of the modifications: Click the image for …

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AutoshowsBody KitsModsSpecial EditionsUSA

SEMA 2008: Lexus IS-F by Fox Marketing

  • Posted by Kevin on October 29th, 2008
Lexus’ official car guide for SEMA 2008 was released today, and showcases six newly modified Lexus vehicles — and here’s the Fox Marketing IS-F: Click the image for a desktop wallpaper edition Fox Marketing and Artisan Performance teamed to create this subtle yet aggressive makeover of the already aggressive IS F. The subtle part involves …

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AutoshowsBody KitsModsSpecial Editions

SEMA 2008: Motorworld Hype’s Lexus IS-F

  • Posted by Kevin on October 29th, 2008
Lexus’ official car guide for SEMA 2008 was released today, and showcases six newly modified Lexus vehicles — and here’s Motorworld Hype’s IS-F: Click the image for a desktop wallpaper edition MotorworldHype has taken another path that is a bit less aggressive, yet more easily accessible for the average consumer. Lots of carbon to reduce …

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Body KitsJapan

Lexus GS Body Kit by Job Design

  • Posted by Kevin on October 28th, 2008
The super-dropped angled-wheel look notwithstanding, this Lexus GS bodykit from Job Design ranks right up there as one of the best looking body kits in a while. The GS body-style really benefits from this type of attention, and every component of this kit looks to be top-notch, though I prefer the rear spoiler to the …

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AwardsCanadaComparisonsCompetitors

Lexus IS-F Wins Big in AJAC Test Fest

  • Posted by Kevin on October 27th, 2008
When the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) gathered together for their annual event to name the best vehicles for 2009, they brought in two Lexus’ to compete: The IS-F in the Best New Sports/Performance Car over $50k, and the LX 570 in the Best New SUV/CUV over $60k. The LX 570 ended up being …

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AutoshowsBody KitsModsSpecial Editions

ICON’s Custom Lexus LX 570 Revealed!

  • Posted by Kevin on October 23rd, 2008
When Lexus announced their SEMA lineup, I was especially interested in what ICON’s modified LX 570 would look like, especially given that it was described as the “anti-bling” version, subdued and super functional. Well, the cat’s out of the bag, I stumbled onto Icon’s project page at CarDomain and all the secrets were revealed. Here’s …

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CanadaFuturePreviewsUSA

2010 Lexus RX 350 Optional Equipment

  • Posted by Kevin on October 22nd, 2008
Continuing in on the breakdown of the 2010 Lexus RX 350, here’s a list of newly available optional equipment: Bi-Xenon HID Headlamps Automatic High Beam Feature Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror with Integrated Backup Camera Wallet-Size Card Key 12-Speaker Premium Audio System USB Audio Input 15-Speaker Mark Levinson Audio System Voice-activated HDD Navigation System XM Real-Time Traffic …

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