New Lexus NX F SPORT Video from Japan

The Lexus Japan website has been updated to include the NX crossover, and this F SPORT driving video is part of the new marketing:
Kevin · July 31st, 2014

2015 Lexus NX F SPORT Body Kit by Modellista Japan

Official Lexus tuner Modellista has released images of their new NX body kit The body kit consists of a front under spoiler, side skirts, and a rear diffuser with a design that changes depending on the NX 200t or NX 300h. A rear spoiler add-on and 19-inch aluminum wheels are also available. Modellista has also …

Read more…

Kevin · July 30th, 2014

Lexus GS 450h F SPORT Coming to America

Starting with the 2015 model year, Lexus USA will begin offering the GS 450h with the F SPORT package. Lexus USA has traditionally stayed away from offering the F SPORT package on hybrid models, with the hybrid-only CT 200h being the one exception. Hybrid F SPORT models have been available in other parts of the …

Read more…

Kevin · July 30th, 2014

Lexus Future Model Timeline?

Mark Rechtin at Automotive News has attempted to piece together the timeline for future Lexus vehicles, along with the changes that could accompany these new models. Here’s a summary — be prepared, it’s a heavy mix of dates and unverified information: CT: It may be spring 2017 before a new CT, as the model shares …

Read more…

Kevin · July 29th, 2014

Lexus NX F SPORT Body Kit by TRD Japan

Official Lexus tuner TRD Japan has released images of the world’s first NX aero parts: The kit is made up of a front under spoiler, rear diffuser, and a quad-exhaust muffler setup: There’s also aluminum forged 19-inch wheels: As with all things TRD, these aero parts are not cheap — the front spoiler is reasonable …

Read more…

Kevin · July 29th, 2014

Comparing the Lexus NX & Toyota RAV4

How similar is the Lexus NX to the Toyota RAV4? As Chief Engineer Takeaki Kato explains to Automotive News, 90% of the parts used are different: From the center to the rear is basically new, with no commonized parts. The front bumpers and crash box are totally different. But while the inside rocker panel is …

Read more…

Kevin · July 28th, 2014

Imagining the 600 Horsepower Twin-Turbo Lexus RC FS Coupe

Automotive artist Wild-Speed has created a rendering of the rumored 600 horsepower twin-turbo Lexus RC FS coupe by merging the “standard” RC F with elements of the LFA Nürburgring Edition. The rumor of this ultra-performance coupe comes from Motor Trend, who suggest the RC FS will arrive in 2017 with a price tag of $120,000 …

Read more…

Kevin · July 24th, 2014

Video: Lexus RC F SPORT Driving Dynamics

Lexus International has released a new video interview with RC chief engineer Eiichi Kusama, focusing on the driving dynamics of the RC F SPORT:
Kevin · July 23rd, 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 …

Read more…

Kevin · July 22nd, 2014

600 Horsepower Lexus RC FS Coming in 2017?

More rumors from Motor Trend, this time regarding a special edition ultra-performance Lexus RC F: In 2017 you can expect to see a super version of the RC F packing the 600-hp twin-turbo V-8. Think of it as an Infiniti Eau Rogue-fighter with a price tag to match — about $120,000. However, since Johan de …

Read more…

Kevin · July 21st, 2014

Zent Cerumo Lexus RC F Wins Super GT Round 4

The ZENT CERUMO racing team of Yuji Tachikawa & Hirate have won the 2014 Super GT Round 4 GT500 class in the #1 Lexus RC F. The KeePer TOM’S RC F team of Daisuke Ito & Andrea Caldarelli finished second. Here are highlights from the race courtesy of the Super GT Youtube channel: The next …

Read more…

Kevin · July 21st, 2014

Lexus to Build a Twin-Turbo 600-Horsepower LF-LC Coupe?

Motor Trend has the scoop on possible engines powering the new Lexus coupe based on the LF-LC concept: Word on the Tokyo street is that there’s a Lexus LF-LC Coupe mule running around Japan packing a 600-hp twin-turbo version of the upcoming RC F’s 5.0-liter V-8. That power rating may be on the conservative side. …

Read more…

Kevin · July 20th, 2014

Lexus Considering a Compact Crossover Below the NX?

Lexus is considering a crossover even smaller than the NX, according to an Autocar interview with Lexus Europe vice president Alain Uyttenhoven: Uyttenhoven said the launch of a small SUV was “not impossible” for Lexus and such a model “made sense” for the brand, but he stopped short of confirming it for production. Lexus is …

Read more…

Kevin · July 18th, 2014

New Lexus Model Every Year Until 2020?

New information today about the Lexus coupe based on the LF-LC concept — from Autocar: The dramatic LF-LC was first seen at the Detroit motor show in 2012, and [Lexus Europe’s vice-president Alain] Uyttenhoven said that company boss Akio Toyoda “doesn’t want the production car to look any different from the concept”. Uyttenhoven said that …

Read more…

Kevin · July 17th, 2014

My New Car: The 2014 Lexus CT 200h F SPORT

Time for a major announcement — after seven years of driving a 1994 Lexus LS 400, I took delivery of a 2014 CT 200h F SPORT last week at OpenRoad Lexus Richmond in British Columbia. While I have plenty of experience driving Lexus vehicles, this will be my first time being a new owner. The …

Read more…

Kevin · July 17th, 2014

Kelley Blue Book Drives the 2015 Lexus NX

Jack Nerad from Kelley Blue Book has a positive review of the 2015 Lexus NX: Designed to look like it was poured from a single batch of molten metal, the all-new NX isn’t just the right size, but it is also so filled with technical innovation and engineering sleight of hand that it is hard …

Read more…

Kevin · July 16th, 2014

A Closer Look at the Lexus RC F Instrument Panel

Let’s take a closer look at the RC F instrument panel in this new video from Lexus International: The video goes by in a blur, so here’s a static video showing the RC F instrument panel:
Kevin · July 16th, 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 …

Read more…

Kevin · July 15th, 2014

Video: Car Advice Drives the 2015 Lexus NX

Car Advice Australia have published their video preview of the Lexus NX: There’s also a text review for a more in-depth assessment of the new compact crossover: The German brands have worried about rival Lexus models since the LS made a noise in 1989 with its hushed refinement. The Lexus NX isn’t going to upset …

Read more…

Kevin · July 15th, 2014

Lexus IS Aero Kit Released by Japanese Tuner TOM’S

Japanese tuner TOM’S has released their first aero kit for the third-generation Lexus IS: The full kit includes a front spoiler, side skirts, rear under spoiler and a trunk spoiler — a quad exhaust system is also being offered. Here’s a video with the car in motion: The TOM’S aero package will retail in Japan …

Read more…

Kevin · July 15th, 2014

Lexus CT Owner Blog: The New Car

Time for a major announcement — after seven years of driving a 1994 Lexus LS 400, I took delivery of a 2014 CT 200h F SPORT last week at OpenRoad Lexus Richmond in British Columbia. While I have plenty of experience driving Lexus vehicles, this will be my first time being a new owner. The …

Read more…

Kevin · July 14th, 2014

Special Edition Lexus RX Debuts in Japan

Lexus Japan have announced the [RX Radiant Aero Style special edition] package (http://lexus.jp/models/rx/ras/index.html) with some exterior modifications and a unique interior color scheme: The special edition includes a blacked out front bumper to match the spindle grille, LED fog lamps, 19-inch aluminum wheels, and a very nice black & red leather interior. The Radiant Aero …

Read more…

Kevin · July 14th, 2014

Video: Lexus RC F Racing at Goodwood

Lexus UK has released a final wrap-up video of the RC F at the Goodwood Festival of Speed: One thing that went unmentioned in the video was a spinout by Didier Auriol during the race days — here’s a photo from GT Spirit: The spinout had no lasting effect — the RC F prototype was …

Read more…

Kevin · July 12th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Up Close with the Lexus NX

Lexus Europe released a rather artistic set of NX photos on their Facebook page: Included in the photos is the best shot yet of the NX panoramic roof: Disappointing that this option won’t be coming to North America, it looks great on the NX. [Source: Lexus Europe Facebook]
Kevin · July 10th, 2014

Driving the 2015 Lexus NX

Two weeks ago, Lexus invited me to Whistler, British Columbia, where I was able to test drive the all-new NX compact crossover in all its various forms. I posted a technical overview of the new model on Monday, and now it’s time for some personal impressions. Lexus describes the new NX compact crossover as Premium …

Read more…

Kevin · July 9th, 2014

More Photos of the Lexus RC F in Solar Flare

Autoguide has some more photos of the Solar Flare orange Lexus RC F parked at the Lexus headquarters in California: The orange doesn’t seem as overwhelming compared to the previous photos, but it’s still way more color that I could ever handle. (And how about that carbon fiber detail? Looks great!) See more photos of …

Read more…

Kevin · July 9th, 2014

New Lexus RC F Video: Designed to Inspire

Lexus International has released a new cut of their excellent RC F video, and it’s just about perfect for people excited about the new super-coupe:
Kevin · July 9th, 2014

Road & Track Drives the 2015 Lexus NX

Ben Stewart of Road & Track has published his first impressions of the 2015 Lexus NX: It may not be as aggressive as other F Sport models, but the NX 200t F Sport is still the one you want. It gets beefy strut tower braces that aren’t like any you’ve ever seen before. Instead of …

Read more…

Kevin · July 8th, 2014

Lexus Australia Wants Diesel-Powered LX

Two weeks after trademarking the LX 450d nameplate, Lexus Australia has confirmed that they are actively campaigning for a diesel version of the flagship SUV — from Drive Australia: “We’re certainly trying hard to bring that to our market,” said [Lexus Australia CEO Sean] Hanley. “In that large SUV there’s a certain market demand for …

Read more…

Kevin · July 8th, 2014

Autoweek Drives the 2015 Lexus NX

Blake Z. Rong of Autoweek has driven the 2015 Lexus NX, and preferred the hybrid to the new turbo: Despite all the fanfare of the 2.0-liter, direct-injection, 235-hp, 258-lb-ft torque, 17-psi of boost, 0-60 in seven seconds dead (in AWD form: 7.2 with the FWD drivetrain), twin-scroll-turbocharged engine in the NX200t…we’d go for the hybrid …

Read more…

Kevin · July 8th, 2014

Extensive Video Review of the 2015 Lexus NX

Just finished watching the extensive 23-minute Lexus NX video review from Alex on Autos and really enjoyed it — if you’re interested in the new Lexus compact crossover, I recommend you sit back, relax, and prepare yourself for a whole heap of detail:
Kevin · July 7th, 2014

Motor Trend Drives the 2015 Lexus NX

Jonny Lieberman of Motor Trend was one of the auto journalists that drove the 2015 Lexus NX last month: Color me a convert. The NX’s ride is first-class, a strong engineering feat for a vehicle with such a small wheelbase. This is particularly true of the non-F Sport model. The steering is properly weighted and …

Read more…

Kevin · July 7th, 2014

2015 Lexus NX & NX F SPORT Preview

Two weeks ago, Lexus invited me to Whistler, British Columbia, where I was able to test drive the all-new NX compact crossover in all its various forms. The following is a technical overview of the new model — my personal impressions will posted on Wednesday. As the vehicle that established the luxury crossover market, the …

Read more…

Kevin · July 7th, 2014

Massive Photo Gallery of the Lexus NX & NX F SPORT

Before the first reviews of the Lexus NX compact crossover start showing up on the Internet tomorrow, here are a new set of official photos presented without comment. (Big shoutout to David Dewhurst Photography for an amazing job with these images!) NX 200t Exterior NX 200t Interior NX 300h Exterior NX 300h Interior NX F …

Read more…

Kevin · July 6th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Ultra White Lexus RC F in California

An Ultra White Lexus RC F has been delivered to Lexus HQ in California, and my friend Ryan from Kaizen Factor managed to get a nice collection of exterior and interior photos: The interior looks great in Roja Red, the exterior looks great in Ultra White — I actually like the RC F more without …

Read more…

Kevin · July 4th, 2014

STROBE: The New Commercial from Lexus International

Lexus International has released the third film in their ongoing Amazing in Motion global branding project — the new video is called STROBE, and it’s quite something: The major themes of the first two films (see STEPS & SWARM) are carried into this third installment — all the action takes place in real life, with …

Read more…

Kevin · July 2nd, 2014

Video: Focus on the Lexus RC F Design

Designer Yasuo Kajino is the subject in the latest installment of the Lexus RC F Key Person Interview video series: (The RC F has really benefited from being developed hand-in-hand with the standard RC coupe — the trademark F cues like the side fender vents and the quad stacked exhausts are well integrated into the …

Read more…

Kevin · July 2nd, 2014

Have Questions About the Lexus NX?

Last week, I travelled to Whistler, British Columbia, and drove the new 2015 Lexus NX in all its North American varieties: the NX 200t, NX 200t F SPORT, & NX 300h. I can’t share much detail about my experience until next week, but thought some of you may have some questions about the NX. Ask …

Read more…

Kevin · July 1st, 2014

Orange Lexus RC F Spotted in California

A Lexus RC F in Solar Flare (aka orange) is now at the Lexus USA headquarters in California — here are some photos, including two from Instagram user Integress: Lexus really went all out with this shade of orange, it’s much brighter than I was expecting. Too wild for me, what do you think? [Source: …

Read more…

Kevin · June 30th, 2014

2015 Lexus IS 250 & IS 350 Information

The US-spec 2015 Lexus IS has been announced, and there’s been some minor updates to the second-year sedan: LED fog lamps Siri Eyes Free technology from Apple; compatible with iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 models AWD models gets heated steering wheel Heated/ventilated front seats added to F SPORT Revised interior trim, including piano black on …

Read more…

Kevin · June 30th, 2014

Video: The Lexus RC F at Goodwood Festival of Speed

The Lexus RC F made its driving debut this weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed — here’s video from the initial test run: RC chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi was there for the real run up the hill, and filmed this quick video: Former World Rally Champion driver Didier Auriol was the one behind the …

Read more…

Kevin · June 29th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus RC F & LFA Together Again

In advance of the Lexus runs at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Lexus UK has released some photos of the LFA & RC F together: Later today, the Lexus RC F will make its first-ever public driving appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the annual world-famous hill climb in England. [Source: Lexus UK Blog]
Kevin · June 27th, 2014

More Photos of the Supercharged Lexus LX 570 in the Middle East

Motoring Middle East has posted photos of the Supercharged Lexus LX 570 now available in the Middle East: The supercharger bumps up the standard LX 570 from 362 hp to 450 hp, increasing the torque to 520 lb. ft in the process. There’s also some minor exterior modifications, including a new set of wheels and …

Read more…

Kevin · June 26th, 2014

Video: Spotlight on the Lexus RC

There’s a new Lexus RC video from Lexus International, and it’s pretty heavy with style — definitely a must-watch:
Kevin · June 25th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Slammed Lexus GS F SPORT in Japan

Speedhunters wraps up their coverage of Japanese tuner LEXON with a feature on this slammed Lexus GS F SPORT in Matador Red Mica: The major update to the GS is the Airrunner air suspension, which makes the slammed stance a little more practical. There’s also a full LEXON carbon fiber aero package, including front spoiler …

Read more…

Kevin · June 24th, 2014

Lexus RC F to Participate in Goodwood Festival of Speed

The Lexus RC F will make its first-ever public driving appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this week in England. The event will run from June 26-29, and the RC F is expected to make the climb on Thursday. The Goodwood Festival of Speed is an annual world-famous hill climb that features a rare …

Read more…

Kevin · June 24th, 2014

Lexus to Introduce Manual Transmission RC F & IS F?

Lexus may release a IS F and RC F with a manual transmission, according to recent Motoring Australia interview with Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) business operations director Rob Leupen: One project Leupen revealed was the development of what he called a manual-shift gearbox (presumably a dual clutch) for the new generation RC F/IS F drivetrain. …

Read more…

Kevin · June 23rd, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus RC F in Liquid Platinum

A Lexus RC F in Liquid Platinum was on display at the Nürburgring this weekend — Lexus Europe posted some photos on their Facebook page: This is the first time we’ve seen the full carbon fiber RC F in a color other than Ultra White — looks good! [Source: Lexus Europe]
Kevin · June 23rd, 2014

Nürburgring 24h Race: Lexus LFA Updates

Toyota President Akio Toyoda will be one of the four drivers racing the Gazoo Racing #48Lexus LFA in the 41st annual Nürburgring 24 hour race this weekend in Germany, joining the team of Takayuki Kinoshita, Hiroaki Ishiura, & Kazuya Oshima. The LFA will be racing in the SP8 class. A second prototype #53 LFA Code …

Read more…

Kevin · June 21st, 2014

Two Lexus LFAs to Participate in This Weekend’s 24h of Nürburgring Race

This weekend, two Lexus LFA teams will be racing in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. This marks the eighth consecutive year that an LFA has participated in the race. The Teams The first team is the #48 LFA driving in the SP8 class, here’s some information about the drivers: Takayuki Kinoshita: Mr. Kinoshita started his …

Read more…

Kevin · June 20th, 2014

Video: Lexus IS F CCS-R Race Car Added to Gran Turismo 6

The Lexus IS F CCS-R has been added to Gran Turismo 6 as part of a major game update — here are some videos featuring the Lexus race car: (Also joining the IS F CCS-R is the Toyota TS030 Hybrid race car — looks like it’s time to dust off the Playstation 3.)
Kevin · June 19th, 2014

Video: Interview with Lexus RC Designers

Here’s a new video interview with Lexus RC designer Yasuo Kajino and color designer Yoichiro Kitamura, the man responsible for the RC’s Infrared exterior color:
Kevin · June 19th, 2014

Lexus ES Wins Segment in 2014 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

The Lexus ES was named the top Compact Premium Car in this year’s J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. The LS was the second place Large Premium Car, and the GS tied for third in the Midsize Premium Car category. The study, which looks at problems experienced in the first 90 days of vehicle ownership, was …

Read more…

Kevin · June 18th, 2014

Video: Lexus LFA on 20″ Vossen VFS-2 Wheels

Vossen Wheels has released a new video featuring the customized Lexus LFA from Japanese tuner LEXON: The wheels here are the new Vossen VFS-2s, which are built using flow forming technology that allows for a greater range of widths. The LFA is running with 20×10.5 up front and a 20×12 rear for the maximum concave …

Read more…

Kevin · June 17th, 2014

Video: Developing the Lexus NX Turbo & Hybrid Engines

The Lexus NX will be offered with two powertrain options: a 2.5L hybrid system and a Lexus-first 2.0L turbo engine — here are project engineers Izumi Watanabe and Kenji Otsuka discussing the development of the two engines: Really enjoying this “Development Story” video series — be sure to check out the first two parts if …

Read more…

Kevin · June 16th, 2014

Lexus LX 450d Trademarked in Australia

Lexus has trademarked the LX 450d nameplate in Australia, opening the door to speculation that the brand is readying their very first diesel SUV. The 450d designation would suggest a 4.5L diesel engine, likely the same 1VD-FTV twin-turbo diesel engine currently offered on the Australian Toyota Land Cruiser. This engine produces 261 hp and 479 …

Read more…

Kevin · June 16th, 2014

Lexus NX Configurator Now on Lexus International Website

Lexus International has updated their website with a basic NX configurator, showing off four grades, ten colors, and five wheel options. Available Grades: NX 200t · NX 200t F SPORT · NX 300h · NX 300h F SPORT Colors: Sonic Quartz · Mercury Grey Metallic · Platinum Silver · Sonic Titanium · Black · Starlight …

Read more…

Kevin · June 13th, 2014

Updated Safety Recall Announced for 2002-2003 Lexus SC 430

Lexus USA has issued a voluntary safety recall for the 2002-2003 Lexus SC 430 due to an issue with the front passenger airbag — here’s a description of the problem: The involved vehicles are equipped with front passenger airbag inflators which could have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers.  Improperly manufactured propellant wafers could …

Read more…

Kevin · June 12th, 2014

Video: Black Lexus NX 200t F SPORT in Japan

Earlier this week, we saw some photos of a black Lexus NX 200t F SPORT at the Lexus International Gallery in Aoyama, Tokyo, and now we have some (very strangely filmed) video — be warned, turn the sound way down: An NX in Sonic Quartz was also on display, and the video also features the …

Read more…

Kevin · June 12th, 2014

Video: Drifting with the Lexus RC F

Lexus International has released a new video with the RC F drifting all over the place, and it’s a pure dose of awesome:
Kevin · June 12th, 2014

Video: Lexus NX Music Video in Madrid

Lexus Europe has released a new two-minute music video featuring the NX F SPORT: Likely the first cut of the NX commercial filmed in Madrid, this video is very well put together — elegant, stylish, and very modern. Lexus Europe have captured the NX perfectly.
Kevin · June 11th, 2014

Lexus SC to Return in 2017?

According to Peter Lyon of Japanese magazine Holiday Auto, the Lexus SC nameplate will return with the production model based on the LF-LC concept car: The new Lexus SC seems to have it all: Styling to take on Europe’s best, two powerful engine choices, the world’s first 10-speed automatic, and a price tag hovering around …

Read more…

Kevin · June 11th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus RC F SPORT in Red

A red Lexus RC 350 F SPORT has been spotted in California — here are photos from the Endles Automotive Instagram feed: This new color is called Infrared, and it uses a special painting technique: For the red exterior, the factory starts with a base coat of silver and then applies a clear coat. Then, …

Read more…

Kevin · June 10th, 2014