CanadaFutureUSA

2010 Lexus RX 350 Standard Equipment

  • Posted by Kevin on October 22nd, 2008
As I mentioned in the previous post, due to a forwarded dealership document, I have the full breakdown of the next-generation 2010 Lexus RX 350. In that first post, I covered the specification side of things, and now here’s a list of the new standard equipment, along with the standard equipment no longer offered: New …

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CanadaFutureUSA

Full 2010 Lexus RX 350 Specs!

  • Posted by Kevin on October 22nd, 2008
Early this morning, I was sent a dealership document outlining the full details of the North American Canadian 2010 Lexus RX 350, right down to the available packages (still no production model photos though, the pic above is the LF-Xh concept). I’m going to break up the information over a series of posts today, starting …

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JapanMods

HKS Release Lexus IS-F Speed Delimiter

  • Posted by Kevin on October 21st, 2008
In other IS-F modification news, Japanese performance company HKS has released a speed delimiter that allows the IS-F to pass its computer imposed speed limit of 170mph (273km/h). Dubbed the Velocity Advanced Computer, or the VAC, this tiny black box is wired into the IS-F’s ECU and will let speed-crazy drivers test the upper limits …

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Body KitsJapanMods

Prussian Blue Body Kit for the Lexus IS-F

  • Posted by Kevin on October 21st, 2008
It’s unfortunate that Japanese bodykit manufacturer Prussian Blue’s new front/rear lip underspoiler combo for the IS-F is overshadowed by what may be the strangest set of rims I’ve seen in a while. But let’s put them behind us and focus on the two spoilers: Not bad, I’m not all that impressed with the front end, …

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EuropeFutureHybridsIn the News

Lexus Confirms Compact Model

  • Posted by Kevin on October 20th, 2008
In an interview with German newspaper WirtschaftsWoche, Lexus Europe Managing Director Tadashi Arashima confirmed that Lexus will indeed be launching a compact entry-level model. From Motor Authority: “We will offer a Lexus in the compact class,” he told reporters, explaining that the company needs “smaller and more efficient vehicles” to meet Europe’s CO2 emissions regulations. …

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ConceptsPhotos

Classic Lexus SC Prototype Photos

  • Posted by Kevin on October 17th, 2008
During their visit to Toyota’s Automobile Museum in Torrance, California, Urban Racer took some photos of a Lexus prototype that would eventually become the first generation SC: While the basic shape remained the same, it’s a very good thing that rear light cluster was dropped, nevermind those rims. (But are they really much worse than …

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FutureHybridsIn the NewsTech

Lexus to Move to Hybrid-Only?

  • Posted by Kevin on October 15th, 2008
When I read Toyota Managing Officer Toshio Furutani’s comments in the Nikkei Business News last week that “in the medium to long term, Toyota was considering making the Lexus lineup hybrid-only”, it barely registered. Now, after seeing it reported over and over, I’ve come to release it might be an idea to post here — …

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AustraliaSales Reports

Lexus IS-F Australian Pricing Announced

  • Posted by Kevin on October 14th, 2008
Good things come to those who wait! Australia will finally be able to purchase the Lexus IS-F in late October, and even better, the super sedan’s pricing significantly undercuts the competition. Retailing for $129,000 AUD (approx. $89,700 USD), the IS-F will be $15,365 AUD less than the Mercedes C63 and as much as $33,901 AUD …

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Awards

Lexus LX 570 Contending for Motor Trend SUV of the Year

  • Posted by Kevin on October 14th, 2008
The Lexus LX 570 is up for the Motor Trend SUV of the year: Since last year’s contest, a lot has changed with regard to the SUV market. Most manufacturers are going for the smaller, more fuel-efficient, and in some cases car based vehicles, the 2009 Lexus LX 570 is none of those, and it’s …

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JapanModsRacing

WedsSport Reveals Lexus IS Drift Racer

  • Posted by Kevin on October 13th, 2008
WedsSport, a Japanese performance tuner, has revealed its Lexus IS 350 drift car, which is destined to compete in the D1 Grand Prix,  the preeminent professional drifting series. NZ Performance Car has some details: …the company has been slowly developing this new car which is, not surprisingly, powered by a Supra derived 2JZ-GTE motor. The …

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AdvertisingCommercialsHybridsTechVideos

Lexus LS 600hL Commercial: Kite

  • Posted by Kevin on October 13th, 2008
What begins as a headscratcher ends up being a very effective commercial for some exclusive Lexus technology: My first time watching the commercial, I immediately though of one particularly weird commercial from a while back, but in actuality it was a very convincing application of the driver monitoring system. [Via: Steadywinds]
In the NewsSales Reports

Lexus Global Sales Slipping

  • Posted by Kevin on October 8th, 2008
Responding to a report that Toyota may be unable to achieve its projected global sales target, Senior Managing Director Yoichiro Ichimaru shared some details about the current state of Lexus sales worldwide. According to Market Watch: …[Toyota] will open a showroom in Tokyo for its upscale Lexus brand vehicles that is designed to draw in …

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CanadaSales Reports

Lexus Canada September 2008 Sales Report

  • Posted by Kevin on October 6th, 2008
Lexus Canada saw sales soar 37.6% in September, bucking the direction of country’s softening auto market and marking the ninth straight record month. Overall, the brand sold 1,351 units, and although Lexus Canada doesn’t publish it’s full model-by-model breakdown, there were a few choice tidbits in the press release: Lexus IS sales jumped 51.9% The …

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EventsFutureVideos

Collection of Live Lexus IS 250C Video Clips

  • Posted by Kevin on October 6th, 2008
I thought it would be good to post up all the different video segments of the Lexus IS 250C I’ve come across since the convertible’s introduction last week: Update: More videos: Have you seen any others? Post it in the comments and I’ll update the page.
AutoshowsFuture

Lexus IS 350C confirmed for North America

  • Posted by Kevin on October 5th, 2008
According to both the Lexus USA press release and a post on Toyota’s Open Road Blog, there will be an IS 350C (at least in North America): Powered by the same powertrain as the IS sedans, the IS 250C features a2.5-liter, 204-hp V6 mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatictransmission; the IS 350C contains …

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Autoshows

Lexus IS 250C Convertible Details

  • Posted by Kevin on October 2nd, 2008
With the video and the photos out of the way, let’s get into the details of the new Lexus IS 250C: Scheduled for a late-spring 2009 release in the US, summer 2009 in Europe Features an aluminum three-panel roof that opens in just 21 seconds (currently the world’s fastest three-panel roof) Shares hood, headlamps, door …

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FutureVideos

Video of the Lexus IS 250C Convertible Roof

  • Posted by Kevin on October 2nd, 2008
I’ve dug up the video that’s currently being displayed with the IS 250C at the Paris Auto Show, which shows the new Lexus IS 250C’s roof in action! What’s more, it’s a substantial 15 minutes in length, more than enough to satisfy even the most diehard retractible roof fans (my apologies with the autostarting video, …

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AutoshowsFuturePhotos

Lexus IS 250C Photo Gallery

  • Posted by Kevin on October 2nd, 2008
Well, that will teach me to get sick! The Lexus IS 250C was unveiled early this morning at the Paris Motor Show, and with it came plenty of interesting information. First thing’s first, there’s a ton of official photos, more details in my next post:
Sales ReportsUSA

Lexus USA September 2008 Sales Report

  • Posted by Kevin on October 1st, 2008
With a 27% decrease overall, September was the worst month-to-month percentage drop in US automotive sales since 1991. Lexus certainly wasn’t exempt from the ill effects, with sales down 33.4%. Here’s the model-by-model breakdown: 2008 2007 % Change IS250/350/F 3,044 3,757 -15.6 ES350 4,042 6,491 -35.1 GS350/460/450h 977 1,668 -39.0 SC430 129 297 -54.8 LS460/600h …

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BrandingCompetitorsIn the News

Lexus & The Global Brand Study 2008

  • Posted by Kevin on September 30th, 2008
Interbrand’s annual Best Global Brands study has been completed, and Lexus has ranked 90th overall, and 10th among automotive brands: When compared to last year’s study, Lexus is moving up the ladder, climbing two spots. The value of the brand, calculated from combination of analysts’ projections, company financial documents, and qualitative and quantitative analysis stands …

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Reviews

Car And Driver Reviews the Lexus LX 570

  • Posted by Kevin on September 30th, 2008
Car And Driver has posted a short and sweet review of the Lexus LX 570 which might very well sum up both the good and the bad: Never has it been more politically incorrect to sing the praises of a passenger vehicle that weighs 6180 pounds, attains observed fuel economy of 14 mpg, and costs …

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ModsPhotos

Flickr Find: Lexus GS on 360 Forged Mesh Eights

  • Posted by Kevin on September 29th, 2008
It was only days ago that I posted a Flickr photo, but this new set from 360° Forged photographer William Stern (see previous feature here) is beyond stunning: The wheels are 360° Forged Mesh Eights, matte black and super. You can see the rest of the set here. (In fact, this car/wheel combo is right …

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ReviewsVideos

1998 Motorweek Review of the Lexus GS 400

  • Posted by Kevin on September 29th, 2008
Youtube user bajabusta is back with another round of Lexus clips from Motorweek, this time a review of the then-newly released GS 400: The last-gen GS is still a great looking car, but this video really demonstrates just how much the LCD screen improved the interior. The inside of the featured test-model doesn’t look much …

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AutoshowsPhotos

Flickr Find: Lexus LF-A Roadster Eye Level

  • Posted by Kevin on September 25th, 2008
Been a while since I featured an image from Flickr, and this photo of the Lexus LF-A by j.hietter is a perfect way to get back on track: The colors are great in this picture, the LF-A just seems to photograph so well, from any angle.
AdvertisingEuropeHybrids

Lexus Hybrid Advertisement Banned in UK

  • Posted by Kevin on September 24th, 2008
In a replay of last year, a Lexus RX 450h 400h advertisement has been banned by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority: (Click for a larger version) The press ad, for the Lexus RX 400h, made the claim: “perfect for today’s climate. (And tomorrow’s) … Driving the world’s first luxury hybrid SUV makes environmental, and economic, …

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BrandingIn the NewsUSAVideos

Lexus Launches L Studio Broadband Channel

  • Posted by Kevin on September 23rd, 2008
Lexus has launched an online entertainment “channel” today called L Studio, which looks to be a continuation of the company’s movement towards becoming a true lifestyle brand. From Reuters: The carmaker is launching an Internet-only branded channel Tuesday (September 23) stocked with a full slate of original programing headlined by [Lisa] Kudrow [from Friends] in …

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AdvertisingCommercialsUSAVideos

I Dream of Jeannie Lexus RX Commerical

  • Posted by Kevin on September 23rd, 2008
It’s only nine years old, but this 1999 Lexus RX commercial featuring Jeannie from I Dream of Jeannie really feels like it’s from another era entirely: Lexus’ current phase of emotionally-driven advertising is interesting and all, but there’s definitely something to be said for some straight forward throwaway humor.
CanadaHybridsRacing

Lexus GS 450h Finishes 6th in Targa Newfoundland

  • Posted by Kevin on September 21st, 2008
The Targa Newfoundland race concluded on Saturday, with Lexus GS 450h making a late push to finish 6th place. Here’s the summary written by Team Lexus’ driver, Mark Lachapelle: Team Targa Lexus chose to make a very different entrance and arrival. Co-driver Alan Ockwell and I simply drove up in total silence, running on electric …

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HybridsRacingSponsorships

Lexus GS 450h Targa Update

  • Posted by Kevin on September 18th, 2008
It’s been an up and down couple days for the Targa GS 450h — after completing Day 1 with zero errors, Team Lexus fell back to 15th place on Day 2. And now, yesterday, they surged forward and ended the stage in 8th position. This is quite a feat, though driver Marc Lachapelle stays humble …

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ConceptsFutureSpy Shots

Lexus LF-A Continues Nürburgring Testing

  • Posted by Kevin on September 18th, 2008
Regardless of the rumor Autoblog was circulating about the Lexus LF-A’s demise, prototype testing is still ongoing at Nürburgring, and Motor Authority has the photos to prove it. Here’s a sampling: Nothing we haven’t seen before, though I can never pass up the chance to post matte black paint jobs. That last photo is curious, …

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ConceptsFutureHybridsPhotos

Lexus LF-Xh Press Release Photo

  • Posted by Kevin on September 17th, 2008
Having debuted last year, the announcement that the Lexus LF-Xh concept would be at the Paris Auto Show didn’t really elicit a reaction from me — that is, until I saw this stunning photo released by Lexus Europe to mark the occasion: (Be sure to click on the image to get the full version, it’s …

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HybridsRacingSponsorships

Lexus GS 450h Competes in Targa Newfoundland Race

  • Posted by Kevin on September 15th, 2008
The race-modified Lexus GS 450h has returned to the Targa Newfoundland race after competing last year. Running from September 13-20, the team behind the hybrid racer is keeping a great blog over at Autonet. Here’s an excerpt from yesterday’s post, after completion of the Prologue stage: And for our first pass through the much tighter …

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AutoshowsEuropePhotos

2009 Lexus IS 220d Photos

  • Posted by Kevin on September 12th, 2008
Lexus Europe’s press release about the new IS 250 C Convertible also included some information regarding the Europe-only 2009 IS 220d: Refreshed interior and exterior styling represents a further evolution of Lexus’ unique L-finesse design philosophy. Modifications to suspension, steering, transmissions and paddle shift technology offer notable improvements to driving dynamics. Aerodynamics and transmission enhancements …

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Advertising

New Lexus LX 570 Print Ads

  • Posted by Kevin on September 11th, 2008
There’s a new set of Lexus LX 570 print ads making the rounds, and I can’t stress how impressed I am by them (click on the images below for a larger version): These ads highlight the LX’s 360° camera view, an elaborate system that even allows looking around corners. (I really like the abstract look …

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AutoshowsBody KitsModsUSA

SEMA 2008: Fox Marketing/Artisan Lexus IS-F will produce 600hp

  • Posted by Kevin on September 9th, 2008
There’s been some new(ish) details released regarding the Fox Marketing/Artisan Lexus IS-F that’s scheduled to be shown at SEMA. As is my tendency these last couple days, let’s outline the mods in convenient bullet-points: The engine will be pumping out an abundant 600hp (estimated) due to a twin-turbo setup using compressed air, JE pistons, Crower …

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FutureIn the NewsSales ReportsUSA

Assorted Lexus 2009 Price Changes

  • Posted by Kevin on September 8th, 2008
The remaining 2009 Lexus model updates & US price changes are small, so let’s just put them all together: ES 350: Unchanged for 2009, the ES 350 will see a fractional price increase of $200, bringing the base MSRP to $34,320. GS 350/460: All versions of the gas engine GS will have a $300 price …

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USA

2009 Lexus IS-F Changes

  • Posted by Kevin on September 8th, 2008
Though not as extensive as the Lexus IS, the 2009 IS-F will also be getting some changes. Let’s summarize: Revised instrument panel cluster design Illuminated mirror controls & a new open/close moonroof switch A Piano-black center-cluster finish for navigation-equipped vehicles New terra cotta and black two-tone interior The new interior is a bizarre combo, I …

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CanadaUSA

2009 Lexus IS Pricing

  • Posted by Kevin on September 5th, 2008
The upcoming changes to the 2009 Lexus IS won’t be causing much in the way of a price increase in the United States. The new facelift will only see a $300 jump in price, regardless of which version is purchased. In Canada, the 2009 IS 250 RWD & IS 350 will both see a $400 …

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CommercialsJapanVideos

2009 Lexus IS Commercial from Japan

  • Posted by Kevin on September 5th, 2008
The new 2009 Lexus IS facelift has certainly started picking up some steam this week, and now we have a commercial from Japan that shows the updated model carting around Cinderella: Nice to see the integrated turn signals in action, however brief.
AwardsIn the NewsSales ReportsUSA

Lexus Tops in Customer Loyalty

  • Posted by Kevin on September 4th, 2008
J.D. Power’s has released a first quarter report on Customer Loyalty, a study that determines what percentage of car buyers stick with the same manufacturer when purchasing a new vehicle. In the study, Lexus lead the way at 48%, four points higher than BMW and nearly four points over Mercedes. I find this to be …

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Photo Galleries

2009 Lexus IS Information & Photos

  • Posted by Kevin on September 3rd, 2008
Official 2009 Lexus IS photos have surfaced today, along with a promise that the mid-cycle facelift will debut at the Paris Auto Show. Before getting to the photos, though, let’s do a full breakdown of the various nips & tucks: Exterior Revised front bumper with reworked lower air intake and fog lights Expanded front grille …

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Sales ReportsUSA

Lexus USA August 2008 Sales Report

  • Posted by Kevin on September 3rd, 2008
Lexus’ August sales numbers are in, and it’s not that bad, considering the year so far: 2008 2007 % Change IS250/350/F 6,318 5,381 17.4 ES350 7,881 8,646 -8.8 GS350/460/450h 1,686 2,300 -26.7 SC430 187 298 -37.2 LS460/600h L 1,772 3,164 -44.0 Total Cars 17,844 19,789 -9.8 RX350/400h 8,969 10,032 -10.6 GX470 1,720 2,157 -20.3 LX570 …

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AdvertisingCommercialsVideos

Lexus ES 350 Commercial: Perspective

  • Posted by Kevin on September 2nd, 2008
This latest Lexus commercial for the ES is a riff on the automobile-as-art-piece, displaying a blown up cross section in what looks like an art gallery: I loved this commercial tagline the first time around, and hearing it the second time makes me wonder why it isn’t played up in more commercials. Works really well.
FutureModsSpecial Editions

Lightweight Lexus IS-F Planned

  • Posted by Kevin on September 1st, 2008
Although it seems like a rehash of known information, German Dutch magazine Autotelegraaph reports that Lexus will not only release a coupe/convertible version of the IS in 2009, but that work continues on a lightweight IS-F. Motor Trend summarizes: Autotelegraaph reports that Lexus has been channeling Lotus and already has a lightened test model running …

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FutureJapanPhoto GalleriesSpy Shots

2009 Lexus IS Photos

  • Posted by Kevin on August 29th, 2008
No question now, this is the upcoming 2009 Lexus IS facelift: These photos, posted on the same site that leaked the 2009 IS brochure, reveal the new IS in some sort of Japanese Korean Lexus showroom, presumably where unreleased models are displayed for anyone to see. Enough talk, here’s the full gallery: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1138”} [Source: …

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Concepts

Autoblog: LF-A Will Never See Production

  • Posted by Kevin on August 29th, 2008
Autoblog trolled the Nürburgring and dug up some murky information on the Lexus LF-A: …members of the testing and development crew who have been putting the car though its paces in Germany, as well as test drivers from rival Honda and Nissan crews, have told Autoblog that the LF-A is not destined for the showroom, …

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Body KitsModsUSAWebsites

Policeman Talks about the Oakland Lexus SC Style

  • Posted by Kevin on August 27th, 2008
This is hilarious. You may remember me posting up photos of some first generation Lexus SCs done up in grand style, like the one above. Well, it seems like they’ve also been noticed by local police, including Officer “Smith”, who blogs the following: The latest fad to strike the Bay Area is the uncontrollable urge …

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ModsTechVideos

700hp Lexus IS Engine Explosion

  • Posted by Kevin on August 27th, 2008
Not every day you get to see a souped 700hp Lexus IS engine blow up (make sure to turn the sound down, loud rap music ahead): Not sure on the full story, but I can’t help but think whoever made this video of must have wanted to rub it in — either that or it …

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RussiaTech

Lexus LS 460 AWD Introduced at Moscow Auto Show

  • Posted by Kevin on August 26th, 2008
When it comes to the release of the Lexus LS 460 AWD version, this picture says it all: As expected, the LS 460 AWD was introduced at the Moscow International Auto Show today, and the folks at Autoblog have a full photo gallery of the model. The only thing? That AWD badge in the photo …

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ConceptsTech

Italdesign Quaranta Hybrid Concept

  • Posted by Kevin on August 22nd, 2008
It may not be a Lexus supercar prototype, but the Italdesign Quaranta concept is powered by a Lexus engine, namely the….RX 400h? Massage the right button, and the rear decklid opens to reveal a powertrain cribbed from what we know as the Lexus RX 400h. Italdesign and Toyota have an ongoing relationship; their first project, …

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Photos

Flickr Find: Lexus IS Danger

  • Posted by Kevin on August 21st, 2008
Bader Bouarki’s photo of the Lexus IS is fantastic, and the description is even better: I Told my friend to drive, i went to the second car and sit in the trunk, it was 120KM/H, i added the cloud as a part of a beauty… Sitting on the trunk of a car going 120kph (75mph) …

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ConceptsFutureHybridsPhotochops

Lexus Prius Sketch from Motor Trend

  • Posted by Kevin on August 20th, 2008
There isn’t much in the way of new information in Motor Trend’s article about the upcoming Lexus hybrid, but it did include this beauty of a mockup sketch: There were a few new points covered, though they seem entirely speculative: The difference between the Lexus variant and the Prius itself — as is generally the …

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