ConceptsPhotochops

The Lexus Nuaero Concept by Jon Rådbrink

  • Posted by Kevin on August 18th, 2008
Swedish automotive design student Jon Rådbrink has created a wild, Batmanish Lexus concept called the Nuaero. Rakish and impractical as it may be, it wasn’t just a case of loading up 3D Studio Max and going for gold. Rådbrink tried to reinvent from every angle: The spacious interior is centered around a multi-point touch screen …

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RussiaTech

Lexus LS 460 AWD to Debut at Moscow Auto Show

  • Posted by Kevin on August 18th, 2008
It was only last week that we heard of Lexus’ plans to release an All-Wheel Drive version of the LS 460/L, and now it’s been confirmed for introduction at the Moscow International Motor Show: The new model, to be sold along side the existing LS 460 and LS 460 L, features permanent all wheel drive …

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AutoshowsBody KitsModsPhotosTechUSA

SEMA 2008 Lexus IS-F from Fox/Artisan

  • Posted by Kevin on August 15th, 2008
The Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance Lexus IS-F project car scheduled for display at SEMA 2008 has been unveiled early, and brings with it some very exciting news for IS-F owners: The vehicle will be debuted at SEMA 2008 in Las Vegas alongside 3 other IS-F’s from different aftermarket companies. These companies will be showcasing and developing …

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FutureJapanSpy Shots

2009 Lexus IS Uncovered

  • Posted by Kevin on August 13th, 2008
It may be an elaborate hoax, but My.IS member nyjinwoo has uncovered what looks to be a brochure for the 2009 Lexus IS 250/350. First thing, here’s an overview of the exterior changes: The front grille has been given the same extended chrome border and integrated turn signals that were included in last year’s refreshed …

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Future

A Different Kind of 4-Wheel Lexus

  • Posted by Kevin on August 12th, 2008
Painted up in IS-F Ultrasonic Blue, this training bicycle is the latest proof of Lexus’ dedication to the environment, and also also highlights their commitment to future owners: No word on when the bike will be available or what type of distribution channel will be used, but Nürburgring spy shots should be arriving any day …

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FutureIn the NewsSales Reports

Lexus Future Forecasting

  • Posted by Kevin on August 11th, 2008
Automotive News has published a report detailing what seems to be Lexus’ entire future manufacturing plans, though it’s unclear as to the source of this information. Regardless, allow me to summarize: The LF-A, or the “LF-1″ as its referred to in the article, has been pushed back yet again due to the performance-to-cost ratio and …

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AwardsIn the NewsUSA

Lexus Dominates J.D. Power Dependability Study

  • Posted by Kevin on August 7th, 2008
For the 14th year straight, Lexus has topped the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, and they did it in style. Take a look at this chart: This study measures the consumer problems on three-year-old vehicles. The substantial gap between Lexus and their next closest competitor illustrates an impressive 25 problem drop over 2007, when Lexus …

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In the NewsJapanManufacturingSales Reports

Lexus Japan Layoffs

  • Posted by Kevin on August 6th, 2008
800 temporary workers at a Toyota plant in Japan were laid off yesterday: Japanese automaker Toyota has laid off 800 people at a plant in southwestern Japan, or about 10 percent of the plant’s work force, in response to declining sales in North America, a company official said Tuesday. All the job cuts — carried …

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BrandingConceptsFutureHybrids

Lexus Prius? The Ongoing Saga

  • Posted by Kevin on August 4th, 2008
UK Magazine AutoCar claims to have the inside scoop on the oft-mentioned Lexus hybrid debuting at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show: The new model is known internally as SAI but will be renamed before it goes on sale and will be based on the next generation Prius, also being shown for the first time in …

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1st GenerationLexus IS-FModsUSAWebsites

Custom Lexus IS-F Interior Mods from L-Tuned Parts

  • Posted by Kevin on August 3rd, 2008
L-Tuned Parts, the online Lexus parts superstore, is now offering some custom-made IS-F interior mods, including these two steering wheel replacements: Here’s the stock IS-F wheel for comparison’s sake: Replacement steering wheels aren’t for the faint-of-heart: Even if you send the IS-F’s stock steering wheel in exchange, these carbon fiber versions aren’t cheap ($1350USD & …

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Sales ReportsUSA

Lexus USA July 2008 Sales Report

  • Posted by Kevin on August 1st, 2008
The July 2008 numbers for Lexus USA are in: 2008 2007 % Change IS250/350/F 4,750 4,892 -10.4 ES350 5,563 6,909 -25.7 GS350/460/450h 1,297 1,954 -38.7 SC430 143 304 -56.6 LS460/600h L 1,466 2,696 -49.8 Total Cars 13,219 16,755 -27.2 RX350/400h 7,101 8,413 -22.1 GX470 1,019 1,767 -46.8 LX570 843 206 277.7 Total Trucks 8,963 10,386 …

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DealershipsEast Asia

Lexus to Launch in the Philippines in 2009

  • Posted by Kevin on July 31st, 2008
According to The Manila Standard, Lexus will begin sale in the Philippines starting in January 2009: Alfred Ty, son of the business tycoon George Ty, told reporters the company is set on October to break ground for the only Lexus showroom in country within the Metrobank’s property in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig. The Lexus showroom …

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AutoshowsConceptsLexus LFAPhotos

Flickr Find: Ghost in the Lexus LF-A

  • Posted by Kevin on July 26th, 2008
High Dynamic Range Imaging, or HDR Photography, is the process of layering multiple images with different exposures, which creates a vivid and otherworldly image. It’s all the rage with digital photographers, including Flickr user NikonNikk, who applied the process to the Lexus LF-A (Be sure to click through and see it full-size): It always amazes …

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BrandingHybridsIn the News

Fairmont Hotels & Lexus Extend Partnership

  • Posted by Kevin on July 24th, 2008
As it turns out, the Hybrid Living Suites were just a prelude to a more extended partnership between Lexus and Fairmont Hotels: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Lexus, two global brands synonymous with luxury and style, today announced a formal partnership that will provide Fairmont President’s Club members with an even greater level of personalized …

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2nd GenerationLexus ISModsRacingUSA

DRC’s Lexus IS-GTF Race Results

  • Posted by Kevin on July 24th, 2008
The DRC Motorsports Lexus IS-GTF (which has suitably been renamed as an IS 350) had a bumpy start to its inaugural race this past weekend, my.IS has the details: The #72 DRC Motorsports Lexus IS 350 made its initial Mid-Ohio appearance during the second practice session, but entered pit lane before completing a full practice …

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EuropeSales Reports

Lexus Europe 2008 YTD Sales

  • Posted by Kevin on July 21st, 2008
Lexus Europe have reported their 2008 January to June sales, and the result is very similar to the US numbers. For the first six months of the year, 24,859 vehicles have been sold, a 14% decrease from last year. The press release also mentions that 35% of all Lexus’ sold in Europe are hybrids, which …

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FutureHybrids

New Toyota Hybrid is Expected

  • Posted by Kevin on July 20th, 2008
Japanese newspaper Nikkei business daily is reporting that a new Toyota hybrid will be introduced next year: Toyota Motor Corp plans to produce 100,000 units a year of a new hybrid-only model slated for release in 2009 at a subsidiary in southern Japan, the Nikkei business daily reported on Saturday. The new car, which will …

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2nd GenerationConceptsFutureLexus RXLexus RX HybridLexus RX: Third GenerationSpy ShotsVideos

Additional Video of the 2010 Lexus RX Prototype

  • Posted by Kevin on July 18th, 2008
Edmunds has more spy footage of the Lexus RX prototype booting its way around Nürburgring (click on the image below to be taken to the video): In their analysis, Edmunds points out the elimination of a portion of the rear side windows, which I had missed. Here’s a visual comparison: There’s definitely little deviation from …

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2nd GenerationFutureLexus IS

2009 Lexus IS Details Revealed

  • Posted by Kevin on July 17th, 2008
A number of details on the 2009 Lexus IS have been released by Lexus in the latest issue of their magazine. Here’s a scan: This verifies the information revealed in a document that showed up on Club Lexus last week, which was very specific about the upcoming changes. Let’s summarize: New Grille New front & …

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2nd GenerationBody KitsLexus GSMods

1999 Lexus GS 400, VIP

  • Posted by Kevin on July 16th, 2008
The latest Import Tuner has a feature on the VIP’d 1999 Lexus GS 400 pictured above. Here’s a basic breakdown: Using a genuine Junction Produce body kit, including the bumpers, side skirts and rear wing, Johnny added a Ugo roof spoiler and JDM rain guards, chrome door handles and a trunk bar. To highlight the …

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Lexus LSLexus LS: Fourth GenerationReviews

Motor Trend: Lexus LS 460L Long Term Test

  • Posted by Kevin on July 15th, 2008
Motor Trend has wrapped up their year-long stay with the Lexus LS 460L, which had its share of ups and downs: …our staffers lauded the interior’s rich ambiance and excellent ergonomics, the buttery V-8’s power and acceleration, and the first-rate bumper-to-bumper build quality. And with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it didn’t force us to visit …

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1st GenerationBody KitsConceptsLexus IS-FModsVideos

Video Interview with 5Axis’ Troy Sumitomo

  • Posted by Kevin on July 14th, 2008
When I started watching this video interview with 5Axis founder Troy Sumitomo, I wasn’t really expecting to learn anything new about his company’s Project IS-F concept, but it turned out to be pretty interesting, especially the insight into design inspiration: Note: This is potentially NSFW, Bikinis abound. It’s very easy to picture the concept car …

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2nd GenerationFutureLexus SC

Lexus Cancels Next-Generation SC?

  • Posted by Kevin on July 12th, 2008
According to Edmund’s Inside Line, the next generation Lexus SC has been cancelled: Toyota had been developing a successor to the SC, based on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the LF-A. Originally slated for production in early 2009, the next-generation SC was pushed back to mid-2011 and now has been canceled, according to Toyota insiders. …

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ChinaSales Reports

Lexus Prices in China Jump Dramatically

  • Posted by Kevin on July 11th, 2008
Lexus buyers in China are about to encounter some exceptional price hikes as the result of a new Government policy: The Lexus cars to be marked up are mainly the 3.5L-plus models. The 2008 Lexus ES 350, of the lowest rise rate, has its price marked up by 57,000 yuan ($8,340USD) to 529,000 yuan ($77,406USD). …

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1st GenerationLexus IS-FMods

Photos of Hennessey’s Lexus IS-F

  • Posted by Kevin on July 10th, 2008
Hennessey announced earlier this year that they would be training their eyes on some heavy-duty Lexus IS-F modifications, and now Jalopnik has some photos of a seemingly-stock IS-F from their tour of the Hennessey factory. Jalopnik also reiterated that the performance engineering company was working on headers and a new exhaust system for the super …

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CanadaSales Reports

Lexus Canada Model Price Reduction

  • Posted by Kevin on July 4th, 2008
TPP commenter Jesse P.S reminded me of something that was lost in the shuffle of the RX prototype video and the June sales reports — Lexus Canada dropped their prices significantly on July 1st. Here’s the table: Canadian Model Price Reductions Vehicle Old MSRP New MSRP 2008 IS 250 $36,550 $31,900 2008 ES 350 $42,900 …

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CanadaHybridsSales Reports

Lexus Canada June 2008 Sales Report

  • Posted by Kevin on July 2nd, 2008
In contrast to the current US sales situation, Lexus Canada had their best June ever, posting a 22.4% increase over last year. At 1,557 total units sold, the number pales in comparison to the US sales volume, but the rate of growth is very impressive, particularly in regard to the SUV market. Lexus Canada sold …

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Sales ReportsUSA

Lexus USA June 2008 Sales Report

  • Posted by Kevin on July 1st, 2008
Lexus USA’s June 2008 sales numbers are in, and the results don’t look too rosy. Overall, sales are down 21.1% compared to last year, model by model it breaks down like this: 2008 2007 % Change IS250/350/F 4,324 5,182 -6.1 ES350 5,726 7,232 -10.9 GS350/460/450h 1,213 2,021 -32.5 SC430 154 391 -55.7 LS460/600h L 1,525 …

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Spy ShotsTech

The Secrets of Car Camouflage

  • Posted by Kevin on June 29th, 2008
It may not be Lexus-specific, but Car & Driver has a very interesting article on one of the companies responsible for creating the wild camouflage used to hide pre-production vehicles: Dan owns Autocanvas, one of only two independent U.S. companies that create camouflage to thwart the public—and rival automakers—from eyeing preproduction cars. When Dan reluctantly …

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AustraliaLexus RXLexus RX: Second GenerationPhoto GalleriesSpecial Editions

Australia gets a Lexus RX 350 Special Edition

  • Posted by Kevin on June 26th, 2008
In preparation of winter, Australia is getting a special edition of the Lexus RX 350 perfectly suited for the colder months. Here’s a breakdown of the particulars: Added extras include bespoke 18-inch shadow chrome alloy wheels, three unique exterior colours – including Arctic Blue, Burgundy and Onyx carbon – and an accessories pack featuring roof …

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2nd GenerationConceptsFutureLexus RXLexus RX HybridLexus RX: Third GenerationSpy Shots

2010 Lexus RX Prototype Spotted in Germany

  • Posted by Kevin on June 23rd, 2008
A set of mildly-camoflagued Lexus RX prototypes have been spotted at Nürburgring in Germany, and the design is looking to be a successful merger of the current model and the LF-Xh concept shown at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. The most obvious element taken from the LF-Xh is the smoother, more flowing shape, looking lower …

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