Videos: The Lexus LF-FC Flagship Concept

There are two official videos for the new Lexus LF-FC flagship concept, starting with the highly stylized music video used to introduce the vehicle at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Kevin · October 28th, 2015

Introducing the Lexus LF-FC Flagship Concept

Lexus has just unveiled the LF-FC concept, a “visionary new vehicle that offers a peek into the design and technology direction of the brand’s future flagship sedan.”
Kevin · October 28th, 2015

Lexus Trademarks LS 500 in Australia and Europe

Lexus has just trademarked LS 500 in both Australia and Europe, joining the previously-registered LS 500h as a potential engine option for the next-generation Lexus flagship sedan.
Kevin · August 12th, 2015

Lexus LS 500h Trademarked in Europe

Lexus has filed a trademark for the LS 500h in Europe, opening up speculation that the next-generation LS flagship will be getting a new hybrid powertrain.
Kevin · May 27th, 2015

What is Lexus Planning for the Next-Generation LS?

One of the most interesting exchanges in our podcast interview with Lexus International executive vice-president Mark Templin was a discussion on the definition of a Lexus halo car.
Kevin · May 14th, 2015

More Fuel Cell Lexus LS Rumors

Lexus will introduce a fuel cell version of the LS flagship, according to a new Motoring Australia article from Peter Lyon: According to one source, the LS’s nose section will be redesigned with larger air intakes to ventilate the hydrogen powered electric system. The car will incorporate a fuel-cell unit under the front seat, a …
Kevin · December 22nd, 2014

Next Generation Lexus LS to be a Fuel Cell Vehicle?

According to Japanese magazine Best Car, the next-generation Lexus LS will be a Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) powered at least in part by hydrogen. Not being able to read Japanese, I can only go by the pictures on the page — here’s the key illustration: Let’s compare it to the Toyota Fuel Cell System found …
Kevin · December 10th, 2014

Next-Generation Lexus LS to Have “More Emotional” Design

Lexus Europe vice president Alain Uyttenhoven recently discussed the next-generation LS flagship with Autocar: Speaking to Autocar, Uyttenhoven said: “The LS will remain the pinnacle of the range and have the highest price point.” He also denied rumours that the luxury saloon was going to adopt a Porsche Panamera-style liftback: “You have to understand how our customers use …
Kevin · November 11th, 2014

Remembering the First Generation Lexus LS 400

Ben Hsu over at Japanese Nostalgic Car has a thoughtful article on the origins of the first-generation Lexus LS 400: Toyota USA was established on October 31, 1957. Thirty-two years later, in October of 1989, it would change the face of the automotive world once again. The Lexus LS 400 is officially a Japanese nostalgic …
Kevin · November 3rd, 2014

2015 Lexus LS 460 Information

The USA edition of the Lexus LS 460 will have minor changes for the 2015 model year. The biggest update to the flagship sedan is the new navigation system with predictive traffic information, ETA calculation and low-fuel coordination with available fuel stations. Navigation also includes the subscription-free Lexus Enform App Suite and features bird’s eye …
Kevin · October 20th, 2014

Next-Generation Lexus LS in 2016?

Jonny Lieberman of Motor Trend is keeping the rumor train running with new speculation on the next-generation Lexus LS: While the LS has traditionally been something of a rival to the Mercedes S-Class, people I spoke with at Lexus have been hinting that the new big Lexus will in fact target the sportier end of …
Kevin · July 22nd, 2014

Lexus Unconcerned with LS Sedan Sales Decline

WardsAuto has an interesting interview with Brian Smith, the Lexus USA vice-president of sales, regarding the current LS sedan and its sales struggle against new competitors: “We don’t feel it’s a problem with the car,” Brian Smith, vice president-marketing for Lexus in the U.S., tells WardsAuto here during a Lexus NX media event. “Many of …
Kevin · July 15th, 2014

AutoART Releases Lexus LS 600hL Diecast Model

Diecast car company AutoART has released a 1:18 scale model of the 2014 Lexus LS 600hL: The detail is astounding, here’s a photo of the interior: The model is available in Obsidian, Sonic Silver, and Starfire Pearl, and retails for $235 USD. [Source: AutoART] (Thanks Matt!)
Kevin · May 6th, 2014

Ultrasonic Blue Lexus LS F SPORT Spotted in Japan

An Ultrasonic Blue Lexus LS F SPORT has been spotted in Japan, and it’s something special — it may lack usual subtlety of the LS, but there’s a unique appeal in seeing the flagship Lexus in the now-signature F SPORT color. (No further details at this point, but I have to think this is a …
Kevin · April 24th, 2014

A Tour of the Lexus LS L-Select Program in Japan

While in Tokyo last year for the opening of INTERSECT, I also took the opportunity to visit two of the city’s Lexus showrooms, the Lexus Gallery Takanawa and the Lexus International Gallery Aoyama. Both showrooms are amazing in their attention to detail and level of attentiveness, and both have displays dedicated to the Lexus L-Select …
Kevin · April 3rd, 2014

Lexus RX & LS on Consumer Reports Best Used Car Value List

Consumer Reports has shared its picks for the best used car values, and there are two Lexus on the list: Best SUV between $15,000-20,0000: 2006-2007 Lexus RX Best Sedan between $20,000-$25,000: 2006 Lexus LS 430 Both vehicles represent incredible value for those dollar amounts — not surprised to see either of them on the Consumer …
Kevin · March 27th, 2014

Japanese Lexus Dealership Builds Exclusive LS Owners-Only Lounge

A Lexus dealership in Nagoya, Japan, has built a special lounge specifically for LS owners — Hans Greimel from Automotive News reports: Kazuo Oguri, CEO of Nagoya Toyopet Corp., is the only dealer in Japan — and he thinks the world — to create such a special hideaway just for customers of the brand’s flagship …
Kevin · March 24th, 2014

Lexus Named Top Luxury Brand in KBB 2014 5-Year Cost to Own Awards

For the second year in a row, Lexus was named the top luxury brand in the Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own Awards. The awards are based on analysis of the 5-year ownership costs of 2014 model-year vehicles, and looks at the purchase price, financing costs, insurance costs and state fees along with the …
Kevin · February 5th, 2014

Lexus Wins Three Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards

Owners of the Lexus RX, LS, & CT were recognized for customer loyalty at the annual Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards. The Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards measures loyalty as a household that owns a new vehicle choosing another new vehicle of the same model or make. This year’s awards are based on more than 7.4 million …
Kevin · January 22nd, 2014

Beyond Magazine Feature on the Lexus LS

There’s a feature on the Lexus LS in the latest issue of Beyond Magazine, and the story has just been published online: The LS finally launched in the United States in 1989, to almost universal media acclaim. Its bulletproof reliability, great value specification and whisper-quiet cabin, as well as Lexus’s superior customer service, allowed it …
Kevin · December 16th, 2013

Video: Neon-Light Lexus LS 430 from Japan

Let’s end the week with an absolutely bonkers neon-lights Lexus LS 430/Toyota Celsior from Japan: Have a nice weekend, everyone — next week is SEMA, get ready for live coverage! See more photos of the Neon Light Celsior
Kevin · November 1st, 2013

New Information on the Twin-Turbo Lexus LS TS 650

CAR Magazine has a small feature on the Lexus LS-based, twin-turbo TS 650 from Toyota Motorsports in Germany, and it includes some new information on the history of the super sedan: It was back in 2010 that Toyota’s chairman, Akio Toyoda, felt the itch to build his own special LS luxury saloon. Allegedly inspired by …
Kevin · October 28th, 2013

Edmunds Reviews the Lexus LS 600hL

Ed Hellwig of Edmunds has reviewed the 2013 Lexus LS 600hL, and he finds a way to justify the cost of the flagship hybrid: Handling has been improved to the point where it will satisfy owners who want a ride somewhere between isolated and responsive. Lexus stiffened the body of the LS, which gave the …
Kevin · October 24th, 2013

Lexus LS, ES 350, & IS Convertible Get Minor Updates in 2014

Much like the rest of the lineup, the Lexus LS, ES 350 & IS C convertible all received minor updates for the 2014 model year — here is a list of changes for the models sold in the USA. 2014 Lexus LS Siri Eyes-Free mode. Revised auto headlamp on/off Ability to open trunk lid without …
Kevin · October 7th, 2013

EVO Reviews the Twin-Turbo Lexus LS TMG TS 650 Super-Sports Sedan

David Vivian of EVO Magazine has driven the TMG-developed Lexus LS-based TS 650, and clearly loved every second behind the wheel: There can be no argument here: the TS-650, when you put your toe all the way down, is blisteringly, almost surreally, rapid in a straight line. But what is surprising is how benign and …
Kevin · September 12th, 2013

Video: XCAR Drives the Lexus LS TMG TS 650 Super-Sports Sedan

CNet’s XCAR channel lucked out with a chance to drive TMG’s Lexus LS-based TS 650, and it’s a rare opportunity to see the one-of-a-kind super-sports sedan in action: It would appear that TMG is working this current promotional push as a way to convince Lexus of the interest in vehicles like the TS 650 — …
Kevin · September 3rd, 2013

A Lexus Love Story

Today is the fifth wedding anniversary of my wife and I, and perhaps unsurprisingly, I have the perfect Lexus video to mark the occasion.
Kevin · August 8th, 2013

Lexus Ranks Fifth in 2013 J.D. Power APEAL Study

Lexus has ranked fifth overall in the 2013 J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout(APEAL) study, which serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle appeal.
Kevin · July 25th, 2013

Details on the Lexus Autonomous Driving Research Vehicle

At a press conference today in Las Vegas, Lexus general manager Mark Templin officially announced the Advanced Active Safety Research Vehicle (AASRV) packed with advanced automated technologies meant to assist the driver.
Kevin · January 7th, 2013

Ars Technica Reviews the Lexus Enform App Suite

One of my favorite technology websites, Ars Technica, spent some quality time with the new 2013 Lexus LS 600hL, and shared some thoughtful impressions of the Enform 2.0 app suite.
Kevin · December 6th, 2012