Crazy Toyota Aurion/Lexus LS Mutant Mashup
I can barely believe this Toyota Aurion/Lexus LS mod mashup.
Kevin · October 21st, 2011
Latest News
2012 Lexus LS 460 Sport Special Edition
The Lexus LS 460 Sport will be getting its own special edition for 2012, with an Obsidian exterior and a unique two-tone black and topaz beige interior with contrast stitching & black leather trim.
Kevin · October 2nd, 2011
Video of the Lexus LS TMG Edition
Another day, another round of information about the Lexus LS *TMG Edition* that's been spotted testing in Germany.
Kevin · September 22nd, 2011
Mystery Lexus LS TMG Edition Packing 640+ Horsepower
More details on the mystery Lexus LS emerged today, as a leaked spec sheet reveals plenty about what’s under the hood.
Kevin · September 21st, 2011
Mystery Lexus LS Spotted at Nürburgring
A mystery Lexus LS has been spotted on the Nürburgring sporting some rather extreme performance modifications.
Kevin · September 17th, 2011
Lexus LS 400 Included in Edmunds 100 Greatest Cars of All Time
While it’s impossible to agree with all their choices, Edmunds’ list of the 100 Greatest Cars of All Time was smart enough to include the original 1990 Lexus LS 400 at 49th overall.
Kevin · August 31st, 2011
Lexus LS & RX Next in Line for F-Sport Model?
Motoring.com.au recently discussed the future of F-Sport with Lexus Australia’s corporate manager Peter Evans, and came away with an idea of which models will be next to receive the performance treatment.
Kevin · August 25th, 2011
Testing the Lexus LS 460’s Four-Zone Climate Control
Inspired by MythBusters, Lexus Magazine auto editor Clark Heideger attempts to calculate the efficiency of the Lexus LS 600hL's four-zone climate control using a series of (not-so) scientific experiments involving improper thermometers, ice cream and his own internal "sensors".
Kevin · August 7th, 2011
Supercharged Lexus LS 460 Sport Drifting in the Rain
Nothing like Hot Version for some craziness, here's a supercharged Lexus LS 460 Sport drifting in the rain.
Kevin · July 22nd, 2011
Lexus LS 460 on 22″ Phantom Forged Wheels
Check out this Neckbreakr photoshoot of a Lexus LS 460 sitting on a set of 22" Phantom Forged wheels.
Kevin · June 28th, 2011
Lexus Tops 2011 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study
The results for the J.D. Power's 2011 Initial Quality Study are in, and Lexus has ranked highest among all brands with 73 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), marking the thirteenth time Lexus has been at the top of the list since 1990
Kevin · June 23rd, 2011
Last Man Sitting Wins 1996 Lexus ES 300 in Crazy Endurance Contest
As proof that people will do anything to get a Lexus, an Akron, Ohio baseball team let five folks into a 1996 LS 400 for an endurance contest -- the last remaining person will win the car. At last count, this has been going on for 36 hours with two men remaining.
Kevin · June 17th, 2011
Lexus LS 460 Touring Edition Announced
Lexus USA has announced a Touring Edition of the LS 460 that borrows heavily from the LS Sport, taking all of its cosmetic appearance but none of its mechanical improvements (i.e. the Brembo brakes, revised suspension, paddle shifters).
Kevin · June 17th, 2011
Custom Lexus LS 460L by JM Lexus
Mega dealership JM Lexus in Florida has just started JM Custom Creations, a Lexus-certified mod-shop capable of some heavy duty upgrades, and they sent over some photos of their first project: a 2011 LS 460L with the full TOM's LS46 body kit, alligator skin trim and a 2000 watt Rockford speaker upgrade.
Kevin · June 14th, 2011
Next-Generation Lexus LS Rumors
By way of the Japanese Car Design Corner, the latest issue of Best Car has some new rumors on the next-generation Lexus LS.
Kevin · June 6th, 2011
2013 Lexus LS Photochop by Mag-X
Using elements of our sneak peek at next-generation GS LF-Gh Concept, Japanese magazine Mag-X has put together this rendering of the 2013 Lexus LS (click for a larger image): Not much to look at for the most part, but this rendering does a good job at turning the LF-Gh’s massive pinched grille into something that …
Kevin · April 11th, 2011
Lexus Recreates Original LS 400 Commercial with LS 460
Welcome to the power of the Internet — after seeing a Lexus owner’s unsuccessful attempt to recreate the original Balance LS 400 commercial with his LS 460, Lexus and their ad agency Team One decided to try out the experiment themselves: There we have it, proof that the LS 460 is a worthy ancestor of …
Kevin · March 19th, 2011
Lexus LS 460 Owner Recreates Original LS 400 Commercial
Here’s a video of a Lexus LS 460 owner who decided to recreate the original “stacked champagne glasses” LS 400 commercial in his driveway — let’s all watch in absolute horror: It might have been a good idea for him to review the original commercial before setting out with his experiment: Never mind that there’s …
Kevin · March 18th, 2011
Lexus LS 460 Promotional Video
A couple weeks ago, I featured a video released for the launch of the third-generation Lexus LS, and now here’s something similar for the current LS 460: I’ve seen more LS 460s & 600hLs travelling through California these last three days than the rest of my life combined, same thing with the LS 430 and …
Kevin · March 16th, 2011
Lexus LS 430 Commercial: Role Reversal
Watching that Lexus LS 430 promotional video today brought to mind this pretty funny commercial: Nothing beats doing donuts on a golf course in an LS 430 and then leaving it to your chauffeur to clean up the mess.
Kevin · February 28th, 2011
Lexus LS 430 Promotional Video
It’s been over 10 years since the third generation Lexus LS 430 debuted, and as this promotional launch video details, it was considerably ahead of its time: It was love at first sight when I spotted the LS 430 at my local dealership for the first time, and today it sits as one of my …
Kevin · February 27th, 2011
Lexus LS 460/600hL Replacement Grille by Wald
Here’s something interesting that I came across on the Wald website last week while looking at their new LS Sports Line Black Bison body kit — the Japanese tuner is also offering a LS replacement grille: I’ve been driving a LS 600hL for the last week, and have to say, this replacement grille would be …
Kevin · February 14th, 2011
Motor Trend Comparison: Lexus LS 460 vs. Audi A8 vs. Mercedes S400 Hybrid vs. BMW 740i vs. Hyundai Equus vs. Porsche Panamera
Motor Trend recently compared the Lexus LS 460 Sport with the Audi A8, Mercedes S400 Hybrid, Hyundai Equus, BMW 740i & Porsche Panamara, and ranked the LS fourth overall — here’s what they had to say about the Lexus flagship: Bad boy genes must be migrating up the Lexus line from the IS-F, or down …
Kevin · February 3rd, 2011
Old Lexus LS Sketch
I stumbled across this old 2004 sketch of what Motor Trend believed the current-generation LS & IS would look like: Not crazy about the yellow IS coupe, but I am impressed by how the pink-ish car resembles the current generation ES 350. Of course, the artist would have had the LF-S and LF-C concepts to …
Kevin · February 2nd, 2011
1992 Lexus LS 400 Commercial: Steel Plate Drum
Let’s switch gears from all-LFA-all-the-time and take a look at this Lexus LS 400 commercial from 1992: I had never seen this commercial before — and it’s a perfect illustration of how The Hard Way is something Lexus has always subscribed to.
Kevin · January 27th, 2011
Car & Driver Comparison: Lexus LS 460L vs. Hyundai Equus
In a classic Car & Driver move, the magazine has taken a $98k Lexus LS 460L AWD and compared it against the new $65k Hyundai Equus, then declared the winner based almost entirely on price: Were this match based on price alone, we might have pitted an Equus with the Ultimate package ($65,400) against a …
Kevin · January 12th, 2011
Lexus LS Sport by Platinum Motorsports
Check out this done-up Lexus LS 460 Sport by Platinum Motorsports: Even though I’m a big fan of the 19″ LS Sport wheels, these 22″ Agetro W150 rims don’t look out of place — pretty clean look with the Wald aero kit. [Source: Via: Club Lexus]
Kevin · December 22nd, 2010
North America’s First Lexus LS 600hL on eBay
A piece of hybrid history has shown up on eBay — the first Lexus LS 600hL sold in North America has been put up for auction on eBay. As #1 of the 100 individually-numbered Launch Edition packages offered to Neiman Marcus InCircle members in 2007, this LS 600hL comes with an exclusive Truffle Mica exterior …
Kevin · December 20th, 2010
Comparison: 1990 Lexus LS 400 vs. 2010 Lexus LS 600hL
Lexus is celebrating their 20th anniversary in the United Kingdom, and to show how far the brand has come in twenty years, they’ve released a video comparing the first-gen LS & the current LS hybrid: Here’s a chart that details the differences, just in case they went by too fast: In some ways, it’s hard …
Kevin · December 13th, 2010
Rainbow Lexus LS
Once and a while, you find something so offensive on the Internet that the only way to reduce the anger is to share it — and that’s how I feel about the multi-colored first-gen Lexus LS in this video: The worst part? This LS probably still runs perfectly.
Kevin · December 10th, 2010
Lexus LS 460 x Job Design Body Kit x VIP Modular Wheels
Stance Nation has posted photos of a super-fresh Lexus LS 460 decked out in a Job Design body kit and some 22″ VIP Modular wheels (click for larger images): The photos were taken by Jerry Troung from The Perfect Exposure blog, who did an excellent job — absolutely wild. [Source: Stance Nation]
Kevin · December 9th, 2010
Lexus LS L-Select Custom Color Combinations
L-Select, the Lexus LS customization program available in Japan, has a brand new website with some (very small) photos of potential color combinations: Iris Topaz Beige Scarlet Rose Olive Umber Snow White Blue Gray Dark Brown Both the Blue Gray & Dark Brown may very well be Alcantara, which is a very nice touch and …
Kevin · December 7th, 2010
Lexus Wins Five Motorist Choice Awards
The fifth annual Motorist Choice Awards have been announced, and Lexus has making a serious showing in the winner’s circle, taking 5 of the 15 premium categories. Now, these aren’t your typical segment awards, instead, winners are chosen by a group of 42,000 consumers, who rate the vehicles based on “lifestyle categories” — here are …
Kevin · September 23rd, 2010
Fox Marketing Preparing Lexus LS 600hL for SEMA
After their stellar Lexus IS-C custom in 2009, Fox Marketing will be going big for SEMA this year with the LS 600hL — here’s some photos of the work-in-progress: So far, the Artisan Spirits body kit has been installed, and there’s a plan for custom brakes — can’t wait to see where this goes. [Source: …
Kevin · September 20th, 2010
All Pink Lexus LS 460L
While we’re on the topic of Lexus LS 460s with crazy paint jobs, here’s an absolutely unreal pink LS from Florida Memphis that takes it to a whole other level: Words fail me — be sure to check out the rest of photos on Club Lexus for the full effect.
Kevin · August 20th, 2010
The Golden Lexus LS 460
Earlier this year, we saw a chrome-wrapped Lexus LS 460 from Kuwait, and now here’s a golden edition from the very same country Abu Dhabi: Even if I could understand the desire to metallic-wrap a vehicle, I think the LS would be my very last pick for the process. Update: A friend of this car’s …
Kevin · August 20th, 2010
Lexus LS 460 Commercial: Opera
Here’s a clever LS 460 commercial from Lexus Germany: Captures the LS 460’s Mark Levinson system perfectly — there’s nothing quite like live music through those 19 speakers, in my experience.
Kevin · August 12th, 2010
First British Lexus LS 400 Returns Home
Here’s a neat story from blogger Mike CJ that combines the first-ever UK Lexus LS 400, Twitter and a whole heap of coincidence — here’s a quote but I recommend reading the full article: Way back in 1990, I was still in my 20’s and had recently been appointed to a role as a Training …
Kevin · July 28th, 2010
VIP Lexus LS & GS Together
Been going through a lot of old files lately, and I stumbled on this brilliant photo of a VIP’d Lexus LS & GS prowling the streets together: This has to be one of my all-time favorite Lexus shots, I wish I knew who took the shot and where it came from. Has anyone seen it …
Kevin · July 28th, 2010
Lexus RX 240? Lexus LS 450h?
The Bangkok Post has some engine variation rumors regarding the RX & LS: Later this year, Japan’s top nameplate is set to offer a third engine variant of its RX sport-utility vehicle in the guise of RX270 with 2WD. For the first time, the new entry-level RX would be getting a four-cylinder petrol engine currently …
Kevin · July 26th, 2010
The General Lee(xus)
I’m pretty sure no one ever expected to see a Lexus LS 400 painted up like this: This is the General Lee(xus), and it has quite an interesting story — turns out this old LS is an entry into Bangers4BEN, a charity event in the UK for “helping the automotive and related industries provide care and support for …
Kevin · July 22nd, 2010
Lexus LS 400 Hooning with Fifth Gear
Just before using it as a prop in a Fifth Gear segment, presenter Jonny Smith decided to give this LS 400 a most un-Lexus-like farewell: A twenty-year-old car that sat untouched in a barn for two years and started up no problem — and this is how it’s rewarded: That’s just plain sad.
Kevin · July 6th, 2010
More on the Lexus Engine Recall
Lexus USA will be formally submitting their recall of approximately 138,000 Lexus vehicles next week with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall will apply to certain 2006, 2007 & 2008 GS, IS, and LS models equipped with 4.6 and 5.0L V8 and 3.5L V6 engines. Here’s the full breakdown: GS 350: 2007-2008 GS …
Kevin · July 2nd, 2010
Potential Lexus Engine Recall
Toyota has announced today that they may be recalling 270,000 Lexus cars after discovering a problem with the 4.6L V8 and 3.5L V6 engines used throughout the lineup — from the Wall Street Journal: The auto maker has found a problem with the valve spring of 4.6 liter V8 engines and 3.5 liter V6 engines …
Kevin · July 1st, 2010
Lexus & the 2010 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study
Old news now, but last week Lexus placed fourth in the 2010 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study with 88 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), coming in just one PP100 behind Mercedes and two PP100 under Acura. In light of some recent quality issues, this result stands as quite an accomplishment for Lexus — even more …
Kevin · June 21st, 2010
Beautiful Lexus LS 600hL Video
Once and a while, I get very focused on a specific car — right now, it’s the Lexus LS, and it all started after watching this 10-minute video a couple weeks back: This video does a great job at capturing that quiet, subtle luxury that’s so appealing about Lexus’ flagship sedan — and somehow manages …
Kevin · June 10th, 2010
Reader Review: Lexus LS 460 Sport
TLE reader Heimdall222 has put 1,800 miles on his brand new 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport — here are his impressions of the sport-infused flagship sedan. The 2010 LS 460 Sport is my second Lexus, following a GS 350, and I’ve also owned several Infinitis. The basic Sport Package is, of course, what converts a …
Kevin · June 10th, 2010
Lexus LS Generations Desktop Wallpapers
This week’s Autocar review of a 1990 LS 400 reminded me of a desktop wallpaper I’ve had sitting on my computer for quite some time: Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 I had featured a very similar image some time back, which still stands as one of my favorite Lexus …
Kevin · June 5th, 2010
Autocar Drives 20-year-old Lexus LS 400
In a nod to their 20th anniversary in the UK, Lexus put automotive journalists behind the wheel of an old LS 400 at the annual Society of Motor Manufacturers Test day. Purchased off eBay, the LS 400 had 103,000 miles on the odometer and still plenty of life — here’s a quick review from Autocar: …
Kevin · June 1st, 2010
Lexus LS Recall Video Demonstration
Here’s a video demonstrating the steering issue that made the current Lexus LS recall necessary: All in all, this LS steering issue looks to be relatively non-critical — something that should be fixed and deserving of a recall, to be sure, but of minor importance to anyone outside of the affected owners. Still, good on …
Kevin · May 27th, 2010
Lexus LS Recall FAQ
Lexus has officially issued a recall on late 2009 & certain 2010 Lexus LS vehicles equipped with the Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system. This recall affects the LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600h, and LS 600hL, but no other Lexus models. All owners affected by the recall will be contacted via mail when the …
Kevin · May 23rd, 2010
Lexus LS to be Recalled for VGRS Issue
Lexus is preparing to issue a recall of Lexus LS models equipped with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS): This matter has been under investigation by TMC since March this year who have received approximately 10 complaints in Japan. No accidents have been reported relating to this issue and we have received no reported cases of …
Kevin · May 19th, 2010
AutoTrader Reviews the 2010 Lexus LS 600h L
Alexandra Straub of AutoTrader.ca recently took the 2010 Lexus LS 600h L for a test drive, and found herself indulging in the vehicle’s 5-seat Executive package rear seat. This configuration is new for the revised LS range, being added alongside the original 4-seat Executive package. In addition to the extra center seat, the DVD rear-seat …
Kevin · April 30th, 2010
Lexus LS 460 & Hideki Watanabe in Kyoto
There’s a wonderful photo-essay on Lexus Magazine by Doug Knox & Andrew Shaylor that takes you through Kyoto, Japan in a LS 460 driven by Chief Engineer, Hideki Watanabe—some example shots: Many miles later and comfortably at one with the LS, Watanabe patiently takes me to school, explaining how his team managed to eke out …
Kevin · April 19th, 2010
Ad: TOM’s Lexus LS 460GT Body Kit
If you’re a Lexus LS 460 owner looking to go big on customizing your ride, Carson Lexus has just the thing: a rare full TOM’s LS 460GT body kit with custom fenders and a full exhaust: Separately, the body kit, fenders and exhaust retail for $12,189 USD, but by using the coupon code “LEXENT”, you …
Kevin · April 8th, 2010
Next Generation Lexus LS Rendering
By way of the Autoten blog, here’s a new Lexus LS rendering from Mag-X: Even though it’s far too small and understated to be the next LS, there’s something about these stylized line drawings that I just love, and I couldn’t resist posting it. (For what it’s worth, according to the rendering blurbs, the next-generation …
Kevin · March 31st, 2010
Automobile Magazine Reviews the 2010 Lexus LS 460L
Providing views of the 2010 Lexus LS 460 L from several perspectives, Automobile Magazine has published an editors’ review of the Lexus flagship. Four editors, ranging from online to senior positions, provide their opinions—to begin, web producer Evan McCausland described the new AWD model’s snow handling prowess: Given the LS has always been the ultimate …
Kevin · March 25th, 2010
Road & Track Reviews the 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport
Road & Track has posted their driving impressions of the LS 460 Sport, which features a sport-tuned air suspension, Brembo brakes, and the Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission from the IS-F, all intended to give the Lexus flagship a more performance-oriented demeanor: Seemingly small changes add up to big differences out on the road—especially if …
Kevin · March 1st, 2010
Lexus LS 460L Named Consumer Reports 2010 Top Pick
Consumer Reports has announced its annual Top Picks for 2010, and the Lexus LS 460 L was named Best Overall Car and the #1 luxury sedan for the third consecutive year. The LS retained its top score of 99 out of 100 in Consumer Reports road tests, making it the highest-rated vehicle ever tested by …
Kevin · February 23rd, 2010
Wald’s Executive Line Lexus LS 460
For the Tokyo Auto Salon, Japanese tuner company Wald International outfitted a 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport with their Executive Line body kit and Renovatio wheels: Wald’s tendency to overcomplicate the simple Lexus design is too over-the-top for my tastes, especially with the front-fender vents and the massive 22” Renevatio wheels, but it isn’t hard …
Kevin · February 5th, 2010
Lexus L-Select LS 600hL from Japan
Photos of the L-Select customization program offered by Lexus Japan have been hard to come by—that is, until I was sent the link to this absolutely massive LS 600hL gallery with one of the unique L-Select trims. Here’s just a small selection: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1539”} Just look at these detail shots: I’m not sold on the …
Kevin · January 27th, 2010
Autospies Reviews the Lexus LS 460L AWD
Agent 00R of Autospies drove from New York City to the Detroit Auto Show in a 2010 Lexus LS 460 AWD, and has shared some observations on how the sedan handled the trip. Read this story
Kevin · January 21st, 2010
Chromed Lexus LS 460
The shiny foil is usually reserved for the Lexus LX, but someone in Kuwait went ahead and decided to give it a go with an LS 460: Chrome-wrapping is a disturbing trend, though there’s some solace in the fact that it’s unlikely to catch on in North America—too much potential for vandalism and public humiliation. …
Kevin · January 4th, 2010
Autoblog Reviews the 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport
Autoblog has posted their review of the 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport, where they were pleasantly surprised by the sedan’s newfound sportiness: Approaching the first tight turn along this curvy hillside ribbon of asphalt, we instinctively wanted to tap into the upgraded Brembos to scrub off some momentum. Expecting a fair amount of body roll, …
Kevin · December 16th, 2009
Lexus LS 460 Sport Photos from Australia
Lexus Australia has just released what has to be considered the best LS 460 Sport photos since the vehicle’s introduction, including a good look at the new daytime running light design: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1482”} My initial disappointment with the Sport grille design has subsided to a point where I may be going the other way. I …
Kevin · December 9th, 2009
Edmunds Track-Test: Lexus LS 460 Sport vs. BMW 750i Sport
Edmund’s Inside Line has pitted the new Lexus LS Sport package against the BMW 750i Sport in a performance track test, and in the process, somehow managed to add a full second to the LS 460’s official 0-60 time. According to the Edmunds numbers, the LS 460 Sport hits 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds compared …
Kevin · December 9th, 2009
Automobile Magazine Reviews the 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport
Automobile Magazine sure did fall for the 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport: A previously geriatric sedan is finally alive with youthful vigor and enthusiasm for twisty roads. Lexus has revealed an inner self we never knew existed. The LS platform has the moxie to handle much more power, speed, and throttle pressure. This toe dipped …
Kevin · November 30th, 2009
2010 Lexus LS 600hL Photos & Information
A large photo gallery of the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL has been released by Lexus USA: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1430”} One of the photos in particular gives us our best look at the grille and the new headlight design, which incorporates a thin light strip that mirrors the taillight design: I don’t know that these photos make …
Kevin · November 5th, 2009