The Lexus LF-C2 Convertible Concept: What We’ve Seen So Far

Over the last three days, Lexus International has been slowly revealing the Lexus LF-C2 convertible concept — here’s a recap of the images we’ve seen so far: From these three images, it’s a good guess that the LF-C2 will be a convertible based on the RC — there’s too much of the coupe’s shape to …
Kevin · November 18th, 2014

Photo Gallery: The Instabuilt Lexus RC F in Motion

Vossen Wheels have released a new video detailing their involvement with the #Instabuilt Lexus RC F that was displayed at SEMA: There’s also this fantastic photo gallery of the #Instabuilt RC F in Red Rock, Nevada: The #Instabuilt Lexus RC F was built by VIP Auto Salon based on voting from Lexus USA’s Instagram followers. …
Kevin · November 18th, 2014

Lexus RC F Teams Finish Second & Third Overall in Super GT Season

The KeePer TOMS’s racing team of Ito Daisuke & Andrea Caldarelli have won the Super GT Round 8 GT500 class in the #37 Lexus RC F. The race took place at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan. This was the final race of the season. Here are highlights from the race courtesy of the Super GT …
Kevin · November 18th, 2014

2015 Lexus RC 350 Configurator Now on USA Website

For those US readers interested in purchasing an RC, the Lexus USA website has been updated with an online configurator to help you build the exact car you want. As detailed earlier, pricing for the rear-drive RC 350 will start at $42,790, with the all-wheel-drive RC 350 beginning at $45,025. Build your Lexus RC 350 …
Kevin · November 17th, 2014

Lexus LF-C2 Convertible Concept Revealed Slowly Hour-by-Hour

It’s been 18 hours since Lexus International slowly started revealing the LF-C2 convertible concept — here’s an animated GIF of the progression so far: Let’s take a closer look at that final frame with a little light added: Now let’s overlay the RC F SPORT on top with another animated GIF: The LF-C2 concept will …
Kevin · November 17th, 2014

Details on the Upcoming Lexus LF-LC Production Model

In a recent interview with Auto Express, Lexus Europe vice-president Alain Uyttenhoven recently discussed the production LF-LC and how it will compare to the LFA: “It will not be a full carbon car costing £350,000. It will be – in terms of construction – a more normal car, a car than can be manufactured in …
Kevin · November 16th, 2014

Lexus RC F Scores High in Motor Trend’s Car of the Year Award

The Lexus RC F was a finalist in the Motor Trend Car of the Year award rankings — here’s a quote from Jonny Lieberman’s write-up: “The overall proportion and package are not at fault but are let down by a collection of details,” said [Guest judge Tom] Gale. [Executive editor Ron] Kiino was more blunt: …
Kevin · November 13th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus NX 200t F SPORT in Richmond, British Columbia

Not content to wait until the first NX SUVs reach North America, OpenRoad Lexus in Richmond, British Columbia have imported a NX 200t F SPORT from Japan to build on interest shown by prospective customers. To further promote the new model, the dealership also commissioned photographer Matt Kwok for a massive gallery. Exterior Interior Details …
Kevin · November 12th, 2014

Lexus LF-C2 Convertible Concept to Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show

Just announced, Lexus will debuting the new LF-C2 convertible concept at the Los Angeles auto show next week — the above teaser image has been released, and here are all the details so far: On November 19, at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Lexus LF-C2 Concept will make its global debut. This exciting …
Kevin · November 11th, 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

10,000 Lexus NX Orders in First Month of European Sales

Right out the gate, the NX 300h has been a huge hit for Lexus in Europe — 10,000 orders have been placed across the continent in the very first month of sales. (For perspective, Lexus sold 43,281 vehicles across Europe in 2013. In a single month, the NX has sold nearly 25% of last year’s …
Kevin · November 10th, 2014

The Truth About the Cancelled Lexus RC Press Event in Japan

Last week, Hans Greimel from Automotive News reported that a Lexus RC press event in Japan was cancelled due to lack of interest: Toyota notified journalists last week that a long-scheduled new-car test-drive event was scrubbed — for lack of interest. The drive, which was to be held Friday in Yokohama just south of Tokyo, …
Kevin · November 10th, 2014

First Lexus RC F Delivered in North America

The very first North American Lexus RC F was delivered today at Erin Park Lexus in Mississauga, Canada — here are some photos: (The RC F was purchased by Norman Karkada, the corporate account manager at the dealership and a personal friend of mine — I’m going for a visit, so look for more photos …
Kevin · November 6th, 2014

Motor Trend Long Term Test Report on the 2014 Lexus IS

Scott Evans from Motor Trend has just wrapped up a year behind the wheel of the Lexus IS model range: A year with the Lexus IS line, then, confirms expectations. They’re comfortable, reliable cars that are also sporty in a corner. They’re not the most fun or emotional cars in the class, but they won’t …
Kevin · November 6th, 2014

Lexus Europe to Offer GS 300h Hybrid Taxi

Lexus has debuted a GS 300h taxi concept at the European Taxi Fair in Cologne, Germany — from Car Scoops: Lexus’ move to offer the GS 300h as a taxi in Europe mirrors that of parent company Toyota and its Prius that has been available as a cab for many years. Gross prices start from …
Kevin · November 5th, 2014

New Lexus RC F SPORT Commercial from USA

Lexus USA has released their first commercial for the RC 350: There’s also this behind-the-scenes look at how the commercial was created, and that includes real fireworks: (The RC commercial was directed by music video director Sophie Muller and features music by British electronic act UNKLE.)
Kevin · November 5th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus Vehicles at SEMA 2014

Lexus USA has released details on some of the tuned cars that will be shown at SEMA tomorrow in Las Vegas — here’s a breakdown of the information so far, along with a whole heap of images. Rocket Bunny Lexus RC F SPORT Custom Rocket Bunny wide body kit designed by TRA-Kyoto · Enkei custom …
Kevin · November 4th, 2014

Behind-the-Scenes with the Instabuilt Lexus RC F

The Instabuilt crowdsourced Lexus RC F will be revealed at SEMA in Las Vegas this week, and the Lexus USA Instagram account has been posting photos of the build process all week: The Vossen wheels are from their Precision Series, and it’s an all-new forged design — here are some photos from their Flickr account: …
Kevin · November 3rd, 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

Lexus CT Owner Blog: The CT 200h vs. IS 250

Before purchasing the CT 200h, I went through the process of choosing between the hybrid hatchback and a base-model IS 250 sedan. Why these two models? Price was the controlling factor — I had a definite budget and the base-model IS 250 with all-wheel drive was at the very top end. Here are the key …
Kevin · November 2nd, 2014

The New Car: Reasons for Choosing the Lexus CT 200h F SPORT

For the latest post in my CT 200h owner’s blog, I’ve outlined the reasons for choosing the hybrid hatchback over the IS 250 AWD sedan. (The top reason shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.) Read about my CT 200h vs IS 250 Decision
Kevin · November 2nd, 2014

Lexus USA Releases 2015 RC App for Apple & Android

Lexus USA has released an app for the 2015 RC — it’s similar in tone & features with previously released models, but for the first time it’s available for Apple and Android devices. My favorite feature with these apps are the side-by-side comparisons with competitors — here are screenshots with the RC 350 & BMW …
Kevin · October 30th, 2014

Video: Motor Trend Compares the Lexus RC F & BMW M4

Motor Trend has published a new video comparing the Lexus RC F & BMW M4, and it’s fantastic from start to finish: (Hard to fault anything in this video — it’s very matter-of-fact and even-handed. Really, the differences between the two cars seem so small, and that’s a victory for Lexus if you ask me.)
Kevin · October 30th, 2014

Lexus RC F Convertible Announced at Dealer Meeting?

Autoguide is reporting that an RC F convertible was announced at the Lexus USA National Dealer Meeting in Los Angeles this month: News of the new model was announced at the recent Lexus USA National Dealer Meeting in Los Angeles where the brand also celebrated its 25th anniversary a source, who wishes to remain anonymous, …
Kevin · October 29th, 2014

First Photos of the Lexus RC F CCS-R Race Car

The very first photos of the Lexus RC F CCS-R race car have been posted by Japanese website Response — here are some of the images: There are no solid details quite yet, but Lexus F chief engineer Yukihiro Yaguchi did discuss the track-optimized RC F with Motoring Australia: Yaguchi confirmed the two RC Fs …
Kevin · October 29th, 2014

Lexus Chief Engineer Wants NX F High Performance Crossover

Lexus NX chief engineer Takeaki Kato shares some interesting details in an interview with Australian website GoAuto: [The 2.0-litre turbo] engine looks set to provide sparkling performance in the NX 200t, but an even more potent version has not been ruled out by Mr Kato – an amateur motor racer in his spare time. He …
Kevin · October 28th, 2014

Car & Driver Reviews the 2015 Lexus NX 300h

Steve Siler from Car & Driver has [reviewed the 2015 Lexus NX 300h]( Steve Siler from Car & Driver has reviewed the 2015 Lexus NX 300h: Hushed as a prep-school library, the NX300h lets a mere 71 decibels of noise into the cabin at wide-open throttle and only 68 when cruising at 70 mph (the …
Kevin · October 28th, 2014

New Lexus NX Commercial from Australia

Lexus Australia has released their new NX commercial, and it’s a good one: (Really like the end screen graphics on this commercial — very nice spindle grille to Lexus logo transition.)
Kevin · October 27th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus LFA at Fuji Speedway

German magazine Sport Auto travelled to the Fuji Speedway in Japan for one last lap with the Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition. The full German language article can be read here — I really liked the accompanying photos: See the full Sport Auto article (Thanks Jimbo!)
Kevin · October 26th, 2014

New Lexus RC F Video from Japan

The RC F has also officially launched in Japan — the Lexus Japan website has been updated, and there’s a new track video well worth watching:
Kevin · October 24th, 2014

TRD Japan Releases Lexus RC F SPORT Aero Kit

Official Lexus tuner TRD Japan has released images of the world’s first RC F SPORT aero kit: The kit starts off with a front underspoiler and side skirts: There’s a carbon fiber rear spoiler and a rear diffuser with a quad-exhaust muffler setup: A set of 19-inch forged aluminum wheels complete the options: The front …
Kevin · October 23rd, 2014

New Lexus RC F SPORT Video from Japan

The RC & RC F SPORT have officially launched in Japan — the Lexus Japan website has been updated, and a new (and unusual) video has been released:
Kevin · October 23rd, 2014

Lexus IS 350 F SPORT Participates in Car & Driver’s Lightning Lap Test

The Lexus IS 350 F SPORT participated in the 2014 edition of the Car & Driver Lightning Lap, and performed quite well: Finally, a world-class sports sedan from Lexus. Its weakness here is power, or lack of it, relative to weight. With 12.2 pounds for each one of its 306 quiet, Camry-hum horsepower (alas, it’s …
Kevin · October 22nd, 2014

Lexus NX Scores High in Motor Trend SUV of the Year Award Rankings

The Lexus NX was a finalist in the Motor Trend SUV of the Year award rankings — here’s a quote from Jonny Lieberman’s write-up: The looks were obviously polarizing, and that’s exactly the point. You don’t make your mini-ute look like a mashup of a Cylon and Predator because you want a wallflower. [Editor Angus] …
Kevin · October 22nd, 2014

Video Tour of the Lexus RC F

For anyone looking to purchase a Lexus RC F in the USA, here’s Ming-Jou Chen from Lexus College with a five-minute tour of the new super coupe:
Kevin · October 21st, 2014

More Photos of the Widebody Lexus RC Coming to SEMA

The Rocket Bunny Lexus RC will have its official reveal at the SEMA show in a couple weeks, but in the meantime, two new images have been released: (The first image was released last week — here’s the link in case you missed it.) The widebody RC is a collaboration between LexusTuned, GReddy, Toyo Tires …
Kevin · October 21st, 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

Top Gear Magazine Reviews the Lexus RC F

Pat Devereux from Top Gear Magazine has reviewed the Lexus RC F: Driver friendly? Yep, pretty much. It might use some fearfully complicated electronic systems to make up for some of its chassis shortcomings, but they work perfectly on the road and almost perfectly on the track. That’s not a bad balance. The RC F …
Kevin · October 20th, 2014

Video: Lexus RC F Goes for Official Nürburgring Lap Time

Let’s finish up the week with this quick glimpse of a Lexus RC F & IS F on an attempt to set the coupe’s official Nürburgring lap time: (It’s all so subjective with a video like this, but doesn’t the RC F look so much faster than the IS F? Wow.)
Kevin · October 17th, 2014

Lexus USA Releases NX 200t & NX 300h Pricing

USA pricing for the Lexus NX was announced today, with the NX 200t starting at $35,405 and the NX 300h at $40,645. Front-wheel drive is standard on both models, and adding all-wheel drive will add $1,400 to the price of the NX 200t and $1,590 to the NX 300h. Standard features include power seats, a …
Kevin · October 16th, 2014

Lexus NX 200t & NX 300h Performance Tested by Motor Trend

Jonny Lieberman of Motor Trend has posted the first third-party performance figures for the Lexus NX, and has this to say: Here’s the big takeaway: While not an athlete, the NX is still a pretty groovy little trucklette, never mind the hybrid version that will only account for 10 percent of total sales. Going up …
Kevin · October 15th, 2014

Custom Seafoam Green Lexus RC F to Debut at SEMA

After a week of voting, Lexus USA Instagram followers have chosen how the SEMA-bound RC F project car will be customized: Each part of the build was voted on — here are the winning choices: Seafoam Green Exterior 20-inch Forged Vossen CVT wheels Nitto Invo tires Black Brembo brake calipers Lexon Exclusive gun metal gray …
Kevin · October 14th, 2014

Is Lexus Planning a Sub-NX Compact Crossover?

Lexus International president Tokuo Fukuichi discussed the possibility of a crossover smaller than the NX with Australian website GoAuto: Meanwhile, discussing a possible sub-NX crossover for the Japanese luxury brand to compete against the Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1, Mr Fukuichi said it would depend on whether Toyota had the appropriate platform to share. “We …
Kevin · October 14th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus NX 200t F SPORT in Seattle

Lexus Europe has released a massive collection of NX photos as part of their press launch in Seattle — I’m going to break the photos up by model, starting with the NX 200t F SPORT. NX 200t F SPORT Exterior NX 200t F SPORT Interior
Kevin · October 13th, 2014

What Should the Next-Generation Lexus SC Look Like?

For the cover of their latest issue, Best Car has taken a guess at what the rumored next-generation Lexus SC might look like. The Japanese magazines have standardized on a look for this new Lexus super-coupe — compare the image above with this rendering from Holiday Auto: Before the RC F was released, I would …
Kevin · October 13th, 2014

Lexus IS 350 F SPORT Wins Road & Track Sports Sedan Comparison

Road & Track has compared the Lexus IS350 F SPORT, BMW 335i, Cadillac ATS V6, and the Infiniti Q50 — here’s the result: From the moment we sunk into the black-on-black interior, we were struck by how determinedly idiosyncratic the IS 350 seems. There are deep seats with handsome stitching set in an angular collection …
Kevin · October 12th, 2014

Create Virtual Lexus RC F with New Augmented Reality App

Lexus Japan has released a very cool augmented reality app featuring the RC F GT500 — here’s how it works: The required app for your smartphone is called DAUB, and it’s available for both iOS & Android devices — you also need to download & print this PDF. I tried it out with my daughter, …
Kevin · October 9th, 2014

Lexus ES 350 Production in Kentucky to Start by Late 2015

The Lexus manufacturing plant in Georgetown, Kentucky is getting ready for the production of the ES 350, with much of the construction required for the new 307,310 square-foot facility either completed or in progress. Equipment at the existing plant will also be improved to facilitate production, and staff is also undergoing extensive training for assembly …
test · October 9th, 2014

2015 Lexus GS 450h F SPORT Package Now Available in USA

The 2015 Lexus GS has been added to the Lexus USA website, and includes the full details on the new-to-USA GS 450h F SPORT package. The new hybrid F SPORT package includes 19-inch staggered-width alloy wheels, larger front brakes with hi-friction pads, and an F SPORT tuned version of the standard Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with …
Kevin · October 8th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Matte Silver Lexus LFA on the Open Road

During a recent visit to OpenRoad Lexus in Richmond, British Columbia, I managed to convince the dealership to take their in-store LFA out on the *ahem* open road. Being right outside of Vancouver, Richmond is a busy place and it was difficult getting the LFA up to speed — however, we did manage to find …
Kevin · October 7th, 2014

Rocket Bunny Lexus RC F SPORT Coming to SEMA

Japanese tuner Miura from TRA Kyoto will be developing a Rocket Bunny Lexus RC F SPORT for SEMA this year, and has released the image above as a teaser of things to come. (Can’t wait to see this car — Miura-san has a unique way of doing things, I recommend everyone read this profile over …
Kevin · October 7th, 2014

Lexus To Build Modified RC F with Help from Instagram Followers

Lexus USA is tapping its Instagram followers to decide how an RC F will be modified for this year’s SEMA auto show in Las Vegas: 1) Drift – Rear drive and V8, the RC F was basically built to get sideways. Should we strip it out, cage it, and let it realize its destiny? 2) …
Kevin · October 6th, 2014

PETRONAS TOM’S Lexus RC F Wins Super GT Round 7

The PETRONAS TOM’S racing team of Kazuki Nakajima & James Rossiter have won the Super GT Round 6 GT500 class in the #36 Lexus RC F. The race took place at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand. This is the second round in a row that the PETRONAS TOM’S racing team have won. Here are …
Kevin · October 6th, 2014

Lexus CT Owner Blog: The First Modification

After three months of ownership, I’ve made my first modification to the CT 200h: It might be a little difficult to see from this photo, let’s highlight the mod in red: That’s right, I made an adjustment to the cupholder, using a strip of foam to reduce the rattling of my water bottle. Living dangerously, …
Kevin · October 5th, 2014

Lexus GS F Prototype Spotted on Nürburgring

The new Lexus GS F prototype has been spotted getting some laps in at the Nürburgring — from World Car Fans: (Looking forward to the eventual GS F prototype video, if only to hear the engine note — have to figure it’s going to be the same RC F V8, perhaps with a minor horsepower …
Kevin · October 5th, 2014

Lexus to Build a CT-Based Sedan?

Lexus is considering a CT-based compact sedan, according to a Motoring Australia interview with Lexus International president Tokuo Fukuichi: “This is also a new product that … we consider about the possibility in the market. We have a chance to develop something like this,” said Fukuichi, who is also the global design chief of Toyota …
Kevin · October 3rd, 2014

Lexus Creates Virtual Reality RC F Simulator

Lexus has created a virtual RC F simulator using the Oculus Rift headset — here’s a look at the video experience in stereo: The RC F Rift simulator will be playable at upcoming auto shows, beginning at the Orange County Auto Show this week. There will also be stops at SEMA & the LA Auto …
Kevin · October 2nd, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus RC F SPORT in Vancouver

My friend Kevin Uy had a chance to photograph the Lexus RC F SPORT in Vancouver recently, and the results are superb: (Be sure to check out Kevin’s portfolio website, plenty of great photos there.) [Source: Kevin King Uy Facebook]
Kevin · October 2nd, 2014

BEYOND Magazine Feature: The Lexus RC F GT3 Race Car

Lexus International has just published a BEYOND Magazine feature on the RC F GT3 race car and chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi: And “Lexus’s latest carbon fiber technology has been applied wherever appropriate,” says Yaguchi, “to keep the car’s weight to a minimum.” He continues: “With attention to detail in mind, we’ve fine-tuned everything from the …
Kevin · October 1st, 2014

Photo Gallery: Black Lexus RC F in Poland

The black Lexus RC F with the full carbon fiber package has shown up at the Lexus Warszawa-Wola dealership in Poland — here are some new photos: [Source: Lexus Warszawa-Wola Facebook] (Thanks Mariusz!)
Kevin · September 30th, 2014

CAR Magazine Reviews the 2015 Lexus NX 300h

CJ Hubbard at CAR Magazine has driven the 2015 Lexus NX 300h, and the resulting review speaks for itself: Combining one of the boldest SUV design statements ever with a sophisticated twin-motor E-Four hybrid four-wheel drive system, the NX is the best real world Lexus yet. The NX has a sense of style and purpose …
Kevin · September 30th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus LFA & Toyota 2000GT at Vancouver Dealership

Just outside of Vancouver in the city of Richmond is OpenRoad Lexus, one of the most successful Lexus dealerships in Canada and home to a couple Toyota icons: the Lexus LFA & Toyota 2000GT. The #22 LFA is usually Pearl Red in color, but has recently been wrapped in matte silver and outfitted in 21″ …
Kevin · September 29th, 2014

Photos: New Lexus GS F Prototype Spotted in Europe!

A new Lexus GS F prototype has been spotted in Europe — here are some photos from World Car Fans: Very clearly, the GS F will be heavily influenced by the new RC F — the front end is near identical with the integrated oil cooler & engine cooler vents: On the side, there’s the …
Kevin · September 29th, 2014

Video Review: Matt Farah Drives the Lexus RC F

Smoking Tire founder and DRIVE TV host Matt Farah has released his Lexus RC F video, and it’s extremely positive: (Should note that there’s an extended 10-minute version of this review on DRIVE +, the subscription-only Youtube channel — don’t know that I’d signed up just to watch, the video above covers the key parts.)
Kevin · September 29th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus NX & World Tennis Star Agnieska Radwanska

Agnieska Radwanska, the number five ranked woman tennis player in the world, has modelled with the NX F SPORT as part of her sponsorship deal with Lexus: There’s also this behind-the-scenes video from the photo shoot: Lexus has sponsored Radwanska since 2012, when she faced off against seven-time champion Serena Williams in the Wimbledon final. [Source: …
Kevin · September 26th, 2014