JapanLexus GSLexus GS: Third Generation

Limited Toy Lexus GS 430 by Tomica

I don’t know what’s better, the fact that there’s a limited edition Lexus GS 430 die-cast car available from Tomica, or that I discovered it on a japanese miniature car weblog. I was huge into die-casts as a kid, and I swear, seeing this makes me want to dig out my collection.
1st GenerationLexus IS-FPhotosTech

New Info on Lexus IS-F Quad Exhausts

The Lexus IS-F has taken a lot of flak from the automotive community regarding its looks, but when Edmunds revealed the stacked quad “resonators” weren’t connected to the exhaust system, it became a flashpoint for criticism. Well, turns out the quad exhausts are functional after all — Autospies had the pleasure of spending a few …
BrandingFutureManufacturingPreviews

Toyota on the Lexus F Model Design

Ward’s Auto had a chance to sit down with Toyota Design Chief Wahei Hirai to discuss the unfavorable reaction to the Lexus IS-F’s design: Critics say the derivative does not distinguish itself enough from the current IS, especially with the interior, and that its bulbous nose is downright ugly. Toyota Motor Corp. design chief Wahei …
1st GenerationLexus IS-FReviews

Jalopnik Reviews the Lexus IS-F

Spanning two parts, the Jalopnik review of the Lexus IS-F is a real fun read, but the most interesting aspect is how contrary it is to other published reviews. First off, whereas every other review, bar none, praised the IS-F on the track, Jalopnik came away shaking their heads: If it sounds like I wasn’t …
1st GenerationLexus IS-FPhotos

New Lexus IS-F Photos

Lexus has issued a new batch of IS-F photos today, replete in every available color but Starfire Pearl. It’s really a shame that this car was featured in that awful blue for so long, all the other colors suit it much better. That black is just perfect.
AutoshowsBody KitsLexus RX HybridLexus RX Hybrid: First GenerationModsUSA

SEMA 2007: The Lexus RX 400h by 714 Motorsports & MOMO

The 714 Motorsports/MOMO Lexus RX 400h has been revealed at SEMA, and as expected, it’s a full-on cosmetic overhaul. The RX has been dropped, kitted, and outfitted with an interior makeover. However, the mesh grille, roof rack, and slightly lowered stance make up a package that resembles an overgrown Pontiac Vibe. The wheels are fantastic …
AutoshowsEventsSpecial Editions

SEMA 2007: Project IS-F by Five Axis

You may recall the video build log of Five Axis making this heavily modified IS-F, but the videos hardly prepared us for the final product — this is one muscular looking car through and through, and perhaps best of all, it’s painted matte black! Fantastic. Removing the massive side air vents makes a big difference …
AutoshowsEuropeLexus LFAPhotos

Flickr Find: Seeing Double

Flickr user Dougie Wands had to wait for the crowds to disperse around the Lexus LF-A at the Tokyo Frankfurt Motor Show before taking these photos, but the effect was well worth it: I can’t even imagine what the result might have been if the LF-A had been painted in high-gloss black!
Lexus LFAPhotosSpy Shots

Car Magazine Spies the Lexus LF-A

Including three spy-photos of a practically-production version, Car Magazine has hit with some Lexus LF-A news: As the engine rules in F1 have changed, so has the powerplant under development for the LF-A. It now has a V10 petrol engine of just under 5.0 litres capacity, said to develop a muscly 500bhp for 200mph performance. …
2nd GenerationAutoshowsFutureLexus ISMods

Details on the Upcoming Lexus Accessory Line

While the official announcement won’t take place until tomorrow at SEMA, my.IS has some details on the upcoming performance accessory line for the Lexus IS. Available options include: 19″ Forged Alloy Wheel/Tire Package Performance Brake Upgrade – Front & Rear Carbon Fiber Engine Cover Performance Intake Lowering Spring Set Peformance Shock Absorber Set Performance Exhaust …
1st GenerationLexus IS-FReviews

Autoweek Reviews the 2008 Lexus IS-F

The Lexus IS-F reviews keep on coming, this time from the folks over at Autoweek. As with most of the reviews so far, there was considerable praise for both the transmission and the on-track performance, but deviated from the consensus in regards to the ride quality: Coming over the terrifying crest under the bridge at …
2nd GenerationConceptsLexus LF-XhLexus RXLexus RX: Third GenerationPhotochopsPhotos

Car Magazine, The Lexus LF-Xh, and Some Photoshop Fun

Car Magazine has put in their two cents regarding the design of the Lexus LF-Xh concept, and they like what they see: The concept’s exterior dimensions are similar to the RX400h’s, but crucially massaged in all the right ways to alleviate the current model’s slightly ungainly ‘body-disconnected-from-its wheels’ stance. The LF-Xh is longer and wider …
1st GenerationLexus IS-FReviews

Motor Trend Reviews the 2008 Lexus IS-F

I saved the Motor Trend IS-F review for last — not only is it the most positive, it’s written by Arthur St. Antoine, who’s become one of the automotive writers I always pay attention to. If you were thinking about purchasing an IS-F, and maybe the other reviews have you feeling a little unsure, this …
1st GenerationLexus IS-FReviews

Car & Driver Reviews the 2008 Lexus IS-F

Next up in our day of Lexus IS-F reviews is Car & Driver, who don’t really say much, yet provide some contrasting opinions when compared to the Edmunds review. For instance, where Edmunds was altogether blown away by the Sport Direct Shift transmission, C&D had some criticisms: Polished paddles put your fingers in charge when …
1st GenerationLexus IS-FReviews

Edmunds Road Tests the 2008 Lexus IS-F

The first automotive press test drives of the Lexus IS-F were published today, so let’s go through them one at a time. First up is Edmunds, which seesawed between being impressed by the IS-F’s on-track performance and unimpressed by its on-road experience: While the kind of on-track schooling the IS-F has received is generally a …
Lexus LXLexus LX: Third GenerationPreviewsReviews

Car & Driver Previews the 2008 Lexus LX 570

Car & Driver has posted up their preview of the upcoming Lexus LX 570, which will include a feature I don’t recall reading about: The permanent four-wheel drive incorporates an electronically locking center differential and brake-based limited-slip traction assist. Toyota has developed “crawl control,” a low-speed, off-road cruise control. Up to 10 mph, the desired …
1st GenerationLexus IS-FTech

Lexus IS-F in New PS3 Gran Turismo 5 Demo

A downloadable demo of Gran Turismo 5 was made available to Playstation 3 owners this weekend, and more to the point, the Lexus IS-F is one of the seven playable cars! The realism is nothing short of astounding, it even shows through in this filmed TV video clip:
AdvertisingCommercialsVideos

Two Crazy Spanish Lexus IS Commercials

I tried to total up number of insane moments in these two Spanish Lexus IS commercials, but lost count at the Lexus surfboard: I’m seriously having a hard time writing this through the tears of laughter. Surely, we’re looking at the first time the Lexus V6 engine has been compared to a pregnant woman’s belly. …
2nd GenerationAdvertisingCommercialsLexus RXLexus RX: Third Generation

More on the New Lexus RX Pop-Up Book Commercial

Creativity Online has posted up an interview with the art director and copywriter of the Lexus RX Pop-Up Book commercial that I featured yesterday, which explains exactly how the advert was made: What was the ratio of real footage versus VFX [Video Effects]? DH [Dave Horton, Copywriter]: It was really important to keep everything looking …
BrandingFeaturesIn the NewsUSA

Debunking the Lexus Age Myth

Not that I don’t trust the words of an outgoing executive, but Jim Farley’s comments last week in Automotive News seem to take a rather dark spin on Lexus’ future: The news comes from former Lexus General Manager Jim Farley, who spoke with Automotive News prior to leaving his job last week to head to …
ConceptsFeaturesInteriorsLexus LF-XhLexus RX Hybrid: First GenerationLexus RX: Third GenerationPhotos

Another Look at the Lexus LF-Xh Interior

If not for its futuristic overtones, the interior of Lexus’ LF-Xh could almost be considered plain, but it’s actually something much more appealing, it’s simple, minimalist. I quite like it. The center console, more than anything, makes me pray that one day these types of interiors find their way into production models. There are a …
AdvertisingCanadaCommercialsVideos

Lexus Commercial: H is for Hybrid

I don’t know about the rest of the world, but here in Canada, the Lexus commercial Moments was in heavy rotation for quite some time, and was incredibly received (I know this, because people actually talked to me about it). In light of that, it comes as no surprise that the ad execs went for …
In the NewsUSA

Lexus General Manger Bolts to The Blue Oval

Jim Farley, general manager of Lexus and brother of Chris Farley, has been lured to Detroit, taking the position of Chief Marketer & Communications at Ford: Farley’s arrival [at Ford] also will be yet another high-profile defection from vaunted Toyota to a Detroit automaker, suggesting that highly regarded industry pros see opportunity in their beleaguered …
Sales ReportsUSA

Lexus September 2007 Sales Report

Almost missed the September US Lexus sales figures: 2007 2006 % Change IS250/350 3,757 4,319 -9.5 ES350 6,491 5,851 15.4 GS350 1,587 2,485 -33.6 GS430/450h 81 221 -61.9 SC430 297 457 -32.4 LS460/600h L 2,918 898 237.9 Total Cars 15,131 14,231 10.6 RX350/400h 7,841 8,688 -6.1 GX470 1,964 2,291 -10.8 LX470 178 490 -62.2 Total …
EuropeIn the News

Peacock & Lexus: A Love Story

A gay blue peacock, living at the stately British home of Sir Benjamin Slade, apparently developed quite a liking to an employee’s blue Lexus, and as a result, caused £4,000 of damage with its attempted lovemaking: The car was left with numerous scratches and dents as a result of the frisky bird’s amorous attack, and …
1st GenerationLexus IS-FTech

The Official Lexus IS-F Numbers

It’s official, the Lexus IS-F was announced in Japan today at the Fuji Speedway, here are the details: The V8 5-litre engine will have 417hp and produce 373 ft-lb of torque. The Is-F will be available in Japan on December 25th, and will retail for ¥7,660,000 ($65,742 USD). The Japanese version will be limited to …
ComparisonsCompetitorsLexus ISLexus IS: Second GenerationReviewsUnited Kingdom

Comparison: 2008 Lexus IS 250 vs. 2008 Mercedes C200k

British car mag Auto Express has pitted the Lexus IS 250 against the Europe-only C200K version of the new Mercedes C-Class, with the Mercedes coming up with the win: The IS’s V6 has more character than the C-Class’s four-cylinder engine, but isn’t any pacier, unless pushed hard. The IS250 costs more in SE-L trim, too, …
ComparisonsCompetitorsLexus LSLexus LS: Fourth GenerationReviews

Consumer Reports Comparison: The Lexus LS 460L vs. The Mercedes S550

In their November issue, Consumer Reports has compared the Lexus LS 460L and Mercedes S550, which the LS 460L handily won, scoring 99/100 versus 86/100 for the S550. While I certainly wouldn’t argue with the outcome of their comparison, I think Consumer Reports has gone off the deep-end, listen to this logic: The Lexus LS …
1st GenerationLexus IS-FSpecial EditionsUSA

The Neiman Marcus Lexus IS-F Special Edition

Lexus has started the party early by offering a special edition of the IS-F through the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalogue. Only fifty will be made, and will sport the following differences over the “regular” IS-F: Exclusive black with white accent stitching interior Hand-polished gun-metal rims F logo embossed into headrests Numbered Special Build badge Retailing …
1st GenerationLexus IS-FUSAWebsites

Lexus Launches IS-F Website

It may not have the production specs that everyone’s waiting for, but the new Lexus IS-F website makes up for it by providing just about every other detail you could possibly want, including five previously unseen videos, a ton of new photos and even the story behind the performance sedan: The IS F began with …