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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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, …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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) …

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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 …

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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, …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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″ …

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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 …

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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: …

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Kevin · September 26th, 2014

Lexus RC & RC F Chief Engineers Discuss the Coupe’s Weight

Lexus RC chief engineer Eiichi Kusama has addressed the weight debate currently surrounding the new coupe — from Motoring Australia: “How fun to drive is more important than the other things I think,” Kusama told motoring.com.au at least week’s RC launch in New York. “But of course after launch if the market needs other performance, …

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Kevin · September 25th, 2014

Custom Lexus NX F SPORT Designed by Will.i.Am

The custom Lexus NX F SPORT designed by musician Will.i.Am was revealed at an event last night in Paris — let’s start off with the official images: The exterior reminds me of the custom-built IS F SPORT from SEMA last year — the wide-body is well-integrated, and the white carbon wheel arches works well: It’s …

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Kevin · September 25th, 2014

Lexus RC F Chief Engineer Confirms CCS-R Race Car Variant

Lexus RC F chief engineer Yukihiro Yaguchi has confirmed that a CCS-R variant of the coupe will be built — from Motoring Australia: Yaguchi confirmed the two RC Fs would share the same engine and eight-speed automatic transmission and the same outputs. If it follows the example of the IS F CCS-R, then the RC …

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Kevin · September 24th, 2014

Photos: Black Lexus RC F with Full Carbon Fiber Package

A black Lexus RC F with the full carbon fiber package has been spotted in Europe — there’s the above photo taken from the RC F Facebook fanpage, and a couple more photos of the super coupe aboard the SS Rotterdam in The Netherlands: (An Obsidian RC F would be the only time I would …

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Kevin · September 24th, 2014

Lexus NX Nominated for 2015 North American Truck/Utility of the Year

The Lexus NX has made the short list for the 2015 North American Truck/Utility of the Year, joining 11 other vehicles including the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford F-150, Porsche Macan, and Toyota Highlander. Next up, the award judges will choose three finalists from the group before naming a winner at the 2015 North American International Auto …

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Kevin · September 23rd, 2014

Initial Lexus NX Orders in Japan Surpass Yearly Sales Goal

The Lexus NX is set to make a big sales impact in Japan — in just over a month, 9,500 orders have been made at dealerships. This is 1,357% of the expected sales goal of 700 units per month, meaning a full year’s inventory has already been sold. It’s important to note that the final …

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Kevin · September 23rd, 2014

Updated Lexus RC F Performance Numbers

Lexus provided Motor Trend with an RC F updated with its final powertrain tuning for a raw performance test: It turns out we were able to achieve faster numbers than in the previous test. This time, our RC F hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.3 seconds, a 0.2 second improvement over the …

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Kevin · September 22nd, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus RC 350 F SPORT in Downtown Toronto

Photographer Ste Ho recently took the Lexus RC 350 F SPORT on a late-night tour of downtown Toronto: (Ste has also just launched a new portfolio website that features plenty of Lexus vehicles — be sure to check it out.)
Kevin · September 22nd, 2014

CAR Magazine Reviews the Lexus RC F

Chris Chilton from CAR Magazine has reviewed the Lexus RC F, where the coupe is damned with faint praise in the way of most British Lexus reviews: On track, it feels absolutely faithful, the steering has a reassuring linearity to it and the brakes are strong. But it never feels as nimble or controlled as …

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Kevin · September 22nd, 2014

Limited Edition Lexus NX Designed by Will.i.Am to Debut This Week

The limited-edition Lexus NX designed by musician Will.i.Am will be unveiled this week as part of Paris Fashion Week, and the above image has been released as a teaser for the custom model. (Going from the image, the NX exterior looks unchanged — it does appear that a custom color has been used, and the …

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Kevin · September 21st, 2014

New Lexus HS 250 Special Edition Now Available in Japan

The Japan-only Lexus HS 250h will receive its second special edition of the year with this new Harmonious Leather Interior in Spindle Red: Any exterior color can be chosen (including Atomic Silver), and an exclusive Starlight Black option is available with the package. The HS 250h Harmonious Leather Interior II will launch in November and …

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Kevin · September 19th, 2014

Photo Gallery: The Lexus IS F SPORT by Hypebeast

Hypebeast has released a stunning photo gallery of the 2014 Lexus IS F SPORT: (An excellent job by Photography by V — like photos from an official brochure.) [Source: Hypebeast]
Kevin · September 18th, 2014

Jalopnik Reviews the Lexus RC F

Travis Okulski of Jalopnik has reviewed the Lexus RC F, and it’s just full of that signature Jalopnik personality: Is the RC F better than a BMW M3? I haven’t driven the M3 yet, but I find it hard to think that the RC F would be better. But is that the point? Everyone in …

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Kevin · September 18th, 2014

Lexus Europe Releases NX Commercial with Will.i.Am

Lexus Europe have released their new NX commercial featuring Will.i.Am: There’s also a behind-the-scenes look at how the commercial was created: Overall, the concept is great — the commercial takes the sharpness of the NX and applies it to the rest of the world. Clever. (Not crazy about the tie-in with Will.i.Am, as I’m not …

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Kevin · September 17th, 2014

New Lexus IS F SPORT Commercial: Appearances

In the spirit of the F SPORT commercial released a couple months back, there’s a racy new Lexus IS commercial from the USA: (I liked it — the “it’s not what it looks like” bit is an old cliché, sure, but it works.)
Kevin · September 17th, 2014

Photochopping a Lexus RC F Convertible

Photochopper X-Tomi has created a Lexus RC F convertible for anyone curious what the super-coupe would look like with the roof gone. This X-Tomi’s second attempt, here’s the first from earlier this year: (Unlikely that a RC F convertible will be released due to super-coupe’s focus on rigidity and performance, but the standard RC is …

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Kevin · September 16th, 2014

Video: The Sound of the Lexus RC F

Alborz Fallah of Car Advice has a video review of the Lexus RC F, and it has the best representation of the super-coupe’s sound I’ve heard so far: Fallah also has a written review: Behind the wheel the Lexus RC F is a true performance car; it feels just as a vehicle of its calibre …

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Kevin · September 16th, 2014

Lexus Studying High-Performance Hybrids

Lexus is studying high-performance hybrids for inclusion in the F brand lineup — from Motoring Australia: However, F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi told motoring.com.au that the sub brand’s high performance and circuit driving requirements meant hybrid technology still had issues. “In order to put the hybrid on track they need a little more development as …

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Kevin · September 15th, 2014

Chris Harris Reviews the 2015 Lexus RC F

The Lexus RC F gets a mixed review from automotive journalist Chris Harris: Look, [the RC F is] just a very pleasant place to be. It ain’t no M4, but then it’ll be sold in tiny numbers, is arguably a much more appealing object, and for those who couldn’t care less about long powerslides, lap …

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Kevin · September 14th, 2014

Driving the 2015 Lexus RC F

Two weeks ago, Lexus invited me to the Monticello Motor Club in Upstate New York, where I was able to test drive the all-new RC coupe in all its various forms. I posted a technical overview of the new model last week, and now it’s time for some personal impressions. The Sound. The sound is …

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Kevin · September 11th, 2014

Autoblog Reviews the 2015 Lexus RC F

Seth Miersama of Autoblog has written a through and even-handed review of the 2015 Lexus RC F: Lexus made a big deal of the fact that performance from the RC F is truly accessible, and I think the automaker really nailed that. Unlike the rather barbaric IS F, the new coupe really will allow a …

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Kevin · September 11th, 2014

Lexus Not Considering CT F or NX F High Performance Models

Lexus F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi has dismissed the idea of a high-performance CT hatchback — from Motoring Australia: “He is not interested in building with front-wheel drive configuration,” [Yaguchi-san’s] interpreter told motoring.com.au. Asked if F could develop an all-wheel drive version Yaguchi replied via his interpreter: “Basically they have to consider taking whatever is …

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Kevin · September 10th, 2014

Lexus RC F Video Review from Autoguide

Craig Cole’s Autoguide video review of the Lexus RC F is a hoot to watch: His verdict: Overall the 2015 Lexus RC F competes very favorably with its primary rivals, though it’s practically guaranteed to top all of them in at least one area: reliability. This is a Toyota after all. The car is a …

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Kevin · September 10th, 2014

Video: The Lexus NX Surround View Panoramic Monitor in Action

While unavailable in North America, the Lexus NX will have an available 360° panoramic view monitor in some markets around the world — here’s a quick demonstration of the system in action: The camera system works with four high-definition cameras in each corner of the vehicle, giving a full overview of the surroundings — very …

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Kevin · September 9th, 2014

Motor Trend Reviews the 2015 Lexus RC F

Jonny Lieberman’s Motor Trend review of the Lexus RC F is driven by the super coupe’s weight: We weighed the RC F and it clocks in at a lardy 4040 pounds. For some comparison, the similarly sized and totally targeted BMW M4 weighs 3604 pounds, a 436-pound difference. Before you mount an angry letter-writing campaign …

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Kevin · September 9th, 2014

Is Lexus Developing an RC Four-Door Coupe?

Along with their rumors on the Lexus GS F, Autocar also suggests a four-door RC F is on the way: Following the GS F will be a four-door version of the RC F, which will feature identical underpinnings to the coupé but extra practicality and a slightly lower price tag. Expect to see the saloon …

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Kevin · September 8th, 2014

Lexus GS F to Arrive Next Year with 500 Horsepower?

Lexus GS F news stories are picking up steam — last week, Motor Trend confirmed the production model, and now Autocar has some details on the upcoming super sedan: Power will be close to 500bhp with torque rated at just under 400lb ft. Expect a 0-60mph time in the mid-4sec region with a top speed …

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Kevin · September 8th, 2014

Lexus USA Releases RC 350 & RC 350 F SPORT Pricing & Package Information

When the Lexus RC arrives in USA dealerships this fall, the RC 350 RWD will start at $43,715 USD and the RC 350 AWD will start at $45,950 USD. Key standard features will include NuLuxe interior, 10-way power driver (8-way passenger) front seats, a 10-speaker 256 watt sound system, 7-inch VGA center screen, and 18-inch …

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Kevin · September 7th, 2014

Lexus USA Releases RC F Pricing & Package Information

The Lexus RC F will start at $63,225 USD when it arrives in USA dealerships this fall. Key standard features will include Black NuLuxe interior, 10-way power driver (8-way passenger) front seats, a 10-speaker 256 watt sound system, 7-inch VGA center screen, and 19-inch split 5-spoke forged alloy wheels. From there, a $4,400 Premium Package …

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Kevin · September 5th, 2014

2015 Lexus RC F Preview

Last week, Lexus invited me to the Monticello Motor Club, where I was able to test drive the all-new RC coupe in all its various forms. The following is a technical overview of the RC F — my personal impressions will posted early next week. As the first new F-badged Lexus in nearly five years, …

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Kevin · September 4th, 2014

2015 Lexus RC 350 & RC 350 F SPORT Preview

Last week, Lexus invited me to the Monticello Motor Club, where I was able to test drive the all-new RC coupe in all its various forms. The following is a technical overview of the RC 350 & RC 350 F SPORT -— my personal impressions will posted early next week. There have been exactly two …

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Kevin · September 4th, 2014

Lexus Russia to Offer Special Edition LX 570 for Brand’s 25th Anniversary

Lexus Russia is offering a 25th Anniversary Edition LX 570 with an exterior style treatment much like the USA’s CRAFTED Line . Blacked out are the front grille, front bumper, fog lamps, side mirrors, door handles, roof rails, and rear diffuser — the special edition is also equipped with 20-inch black wheels, and features tinted …

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Kevin · September 3rd, 2014

Lexus CT Owner Blog: The Cross Country Trip

This summer, in partnership with OpenRoad Lexus in Richmond, BC, my wife Karissa and I drove across North America in our brand new Lexus CT 200h. The timing was interesting — we had originally planned to take a relaxing drive through Canada and the USA, but some unexpected events occurred and we need to be …

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Kevin · September 2nd, 2014

Driving Across North America in the Lexus CT 200h F SPORT

This summer, in partnership with the OpenRoad Lexus dealership of Richmond, BC, my wife Karissa and I drove across North America in our brand new Lexus CT 200h. Here’s how it happened, by the numbers: 6 days, 4,736 kms (2,943 miles), an average speed of 90km/hr (56mph), and $270 in gas. Wait, what? $270 to …

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Kevin · September 2nd, 2014

Lexus RC F to Receive Yearly Performance Improvements?

Lexus RC F Chief Engineer Yukihiro Yaguchi plans to make continual improvements to his new super-coupe — from an interview with Motoring Australia: “We are already thinking about some changes to make for next year,” he confirmed via an interpreter. “The objective is to make the car more fun to drive. If you make the …

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Kevin · September 2nd, 2014

Giant Foam Obstacle Course at Lexus NX Launch Event in Japan

Lexus had a giant foam party at the Tokyo Tower last week to launch their new Japanese NX commercial — here’s some video from the event: My friend Danny was also in attendance, and sent over these photos: Automotive News writer Hans Greimel attended the event: While now a cringe-worthy memory for most hipsters in …

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Kevin · September 1st, 2014