Photo Gallery: Lexus RC F SPORT in Atomic Silver

A Lexus RC F SPORT in Atomic Silver is in Colorado this week as part of a Lexus dealership meeting — Lexus of Lehigh Valley shared the photo above on their Facebook page, and here’s a full gallery from Lexus of Austin: The RC F SPORT exterior design hits all the right notes for me …

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Kevin · June 2nd, 2014

Photos: Lexus LFA on Vossen VFS-2 Wheels

Dino Dalle Carbonare from Speedhunters has an excellent photo feature on the Lexus LFA owned by Japanese tuner LEXON — here are just a couple images: Aftermarket wheels on an LFA is something of a rarity, but the Vossen VFS-2 wheels really work on the Lexus supercar — be sure to check out the rest …

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Kevin · June 2nd, 2014

Lexus Racing Teams Stumble in Super GT Round 3

Super GT Round 3 at Autopolis in Kyushu was not a good race for Lexus teams — ranking highest was the KeePer TOM’s RC F team of Daisuke Ito & Andrea Caldarelli with a fourth place finish. The Petronas TOM’s team of James Rossiter & Ryo Hirakawa finished close behind in fifth. Here are the …

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Kevin · June 2nd, 2014

The Lexus RC as a Four-Door Coupe

Photochopper Theophilus Chin has created a four-door Lexus RC GT similar in concept to the BMW 4-Series Grand Coupe: Have to say, this is a real stunner — however unlikely it is that Lexus would ever release such a vehicle, I think it should be considered after seeing this rendering. What do you think? [Source: …

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Kevin · May 30th, 2014

Video: The Lexus RC F Development Story

Here’s an extensive video interview with Lexus RC F vehicle dynamics engineer Akihiro Osaka, who details the efforts made in developing the vehicle’s handling and performance: This is the second video that Lexus has released that profiles the key personalities behind the RC F development — if you missed it, be sure to watch the …

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Kevin · May 29th, 2014

360 Degree Tour of the Lexus RC & RC F SPORT

The Lexus International RC product page has a nice 360 degree rotation of both the RC & RC F SPORT, showing off the coupe from all angles. (The RC F may be the star of the show, but the RC F SPORT is a real looker — can’t wait to see this car on the …

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Kevin · May 29th, 2014

New Lexus NX Photos from Europe

Lexus Europe has released three new NX images, including this shot of the all four NX variants (click for a larger image): Lexus Europe also released some nice behind-the-scenes from their upcoming NX brochure: (With the NX expected to bring in 20,000 additional sales for Lexus Europe, it’s no surprise that they’re pulling out all …

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Kevin · May 28th, 2014

Lexus Expects NX Compact Crossover to be Big Seller in Europe

Lexus is expecting big things from the NX compact crossover in Europe — from Autocar: Asked to explain why customers would consider the NX over rival brands’ products, Alain Uyttenhoven, vice president of Lexus Europe, said: “The first reason people buy a car in this segment is because it is trendy in its design. We …

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Kevin · May 28th, 2014

Lexus IS 200t Trademarked in Australia & Europe

Lexus has trademarked the IS 200t nameplate in both Australia and Europe, making way for the new 2.0L four-cylinder turbo engine to be introduced in the sports sedan. The turbo engine will debut this year with the NX compact crossover, where it generates 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine also features a …

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Kevin · May 27th, 2014

Slammed Lexus IS F SPORT from Japanese Tuner Lexon

Dino Dalle Carbonare from Speedhunters has a nice feature on Japanese tuner Lexon and their Lexus IS F SPORT show car: Before the Lexon company was set up, its owner, Takemi-san, was more into the performance side of things and was primarlily building and supplying parts for circuit and drift cars. But with changing trends …

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Kevin · May 27th, 2014

New Lexus NX Video Shows Off Panoramic Glass Roof

As part of the an NX preview event last week in London, Lexus Europe released a new video showing off the compact crossover in F SPORT trim: Have to say, that optional panoramic glass roof is a beauty: (I’ve said it before, the panoramic glass roof is probably my favorite single option on a vehicle …

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Kevin · May 27th, 2014

Dan Neil of the Wall Street Journal Pays Tribute to the Lexus IS F

Dan Neil of The Wall Street Journal has written a tribute to the 2014 Lexus IS F, arguing that the sedan will one day be a collector’s item: Among other things, the IS F curates a generation of dynamics software for which we will one day be nostalgic.This is the collectible quality the IS F …

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Kevin · May 26th, 2014

Lexus UK Releases NX 300h Pricing & Package Information

Lexus UK has announced pricing for the 2015 NX 300h and its various packages, with the entry-level NX 300h FWD starting at £29,495 and the fully loaded NX 300h Premier AWD topping out at £42,995. There are five packages in total, and all models will include the Pre-Crash Safety system, Adaptive Cruise Control, and the …

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Kevin · May 23rd, 2014

Lexus RC F GT3 Race Car Spotted in Japan

The first test of the Lexus RC F GT3 race car took place last week at the Okayama International Circuit in Japan: Developed over two years by Lexus International and subsidiary Techno Craft, the RC F GT3 concept is powered by a modified version of the RC F’s V8 engine that produces 540+ hp (397kw). …

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Kevin · May 21st, 2014

New Lexus RC F Wheel Design Debuts in Madrid

A new Lexus RC F wheel design debuted today at the Madrid Auto Show — here are photos from Lexus Spain: A 20-spoke rim can be tough to keep clean, but it makes up for the extra work with pure style — my favorite RC F wheel yet. [Source: Lexus Spain]
Kevin · May 20th, 2014

Video: Full Lap of the Nürburgring in a Lexus LFA Race Car

The Lexus LFA teams didn’t race in this weekend’s VLN4 race at the Nürburgring, but Gazoo Racing did post a video showing a full lap of the track with driver Kazuya Oshima from an earlier race: This lap is from the VLN2 race in April, where Oshima-san & co-driver Kinoshita Takayuki won their class and …

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Kevin · May 19th, 2014

Video: The Lexus NX Driving Experience

Lexus International has released a new video detailing the driving dynamics of the new NX: Project manager Kei-ichi Nishiyama is bold in his description of the NX driving experience, which should bode well for the final vehicle handling — it’s a great sign that the IS sedan was used as a benchmark in development.
Kevin · May 19th, 2014

Riding Along in Google’s Self-Driving Lexus RX 450h

Casey Newton of The Verge recently spent an afternoon riding around the Bay Area in Google’s self-driving Lexus RX 450h: It’s a warm day in Mountain View, and just outside the Computer History Museum, Lexus SUVs are pulling up to the curb. The Lexus RX450h is a beautiful car, but today my eye travels immediately …

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Kevin · May 16th, 2014

Special Edition Lexus HS 250h Now Available in Japan

Lexus Japan will release a special edition HS 250h in June with the exclusive Harmonious Leather Interior II package. The interior features black & white leather with violet highlights, along with beautiful birds eye maple & ash wood trim — here are some photos: Any exterior color can be chosen, though an exclusive Starlight Black …

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Kevin · May 15th, 2014

Lexus GS F Prototype Spotted in Arizona?

A possible Lexus GS F prototype has been spotted in Arizona by Club Lexus member I8ABMR: It may look like a roughed-up GS F SPORT, but there are a couple key details that suggest otherwise — the Michigan manufacturer plates and the proximity to the Toyota Arizona proving grounds are the first clues, but the …

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Kevin · May 15th, 2014

Photos: Matte Grey Lexus IS F SPORT in Australia

Lexus of Perth in Australia continues to try new things with their inventory — first it was the matte black IS F SPORT, then a blacked out RX 450h, and now we have this matte grey IS F SPORT: Something mean about a matte grey finish — might even prefer it to matte black. Excellent …

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Kevin · May 14th, 2014

Mint Green Lexus LFA Spotted in Germany

It’s the day of green LFAs — first was the Fresh Green LFA up for sale in Ohio, and now the world’s only Mint Green LFA has shown up in Germany — here are some photos from photographer Italian Car King: There’s also this video from the Cars & Coffee in Hamburg: (This has to …

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Kevin · May 12th, 2014

More Lexus & BMW Supercar Rumors

Japanese magazine Best Car remains convinced that Lexus & BMW are working together on a new LFA supercar, devoting their cover to the idea for the second time in six months. Here’s a better look at the rendering: The rumor of BMW & Lexus working on a next-generation supercar is a recurring theme, but it …

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Kevin · May 11th, 2014

Jeremy Clarkson Reviews the 2014 Lexus CT 200h

Jeremy Clarkson has reviewed the Lexus CT 200h for The Sunday Times, and it’s a rather harsh read: Today we live in a part of the world where miles per gallon has surpassed miles per hour as “the thing that matters”. And this car is a hybrid, which means it can do nigh-on 70mpg. I …

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Kevin · May 9th, 2014

BEYOND Magazine Feature: The Lexus RC F

The Lexus RC F is the feature vehicle in the latest issue of BEYOND Magazine — here’s a quote from the lead story: “The RC F presented us with a tougher challenge than the IS F,” [RC chief engineer Yukihiko] Yaguchi admits. “We were, of course, under pressure when working on the IS F. But …

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Kevin · May 8th, 2014

Lexus NX to Debut New Audio Improvement Technology

The Lexus NX will introduce a world-first audio technology from Harman called Clari-fi, which significantly improves the sound quality of compressed audio: Unlike other solutions in the market today, Clari-Fi does not simply add equalization and boost bass, or focus only on leveraging high-resolution file formats on a proprietary device, according to Harman. Harman said …

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Kevin · May 7th, 2014

Interview with Lexus NX Chief Engineer Takeaki Kato

Lexus NX chief engineer Takeaki Kato answered fan questions during the Beijing Auto Show — here are some of the highlights from the interview: Q: How will you differentiate NX from RX? Both vehicles have the same innovation and finesse of Lexus. One customer could choose the RX for its elegant, stately, sophisticated shape, just …

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Kevin · May 7th, 2014

AutoART Releases Lexus LS 600hL Diecast Model

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

Forbes Review: The Lexus GX 460

Jason Fogelson of Forbes has reviewed the 2014 Lexus GX 460: When I slip into the driver’s seat of a mid-size SUV, I feel at home. I’m not cramped like a sardine, and I don’t feel like I’m in an airplane hanger. Add the premium details that distinguish the GX, and I feel like I’m …

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Kevin · May 6th, 2014

Lexus GS F Prototype Gets Stuck in Traffic

The Lexus GS F prototype has resurfaced after being spotted last year at the Nürburgring — here are some photos of the car sitting in traffic, courtesy of Blend Cars: Judging from the plates, The GS prototype is still in Germany. There doesn’t look to be any further exterior modifications since the last time it …

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Kevin · May 5th, 2014

Lexus NX: Turbo vs. Hybrid Sales

In a recent Automotive News interview, Lexus International vice president Mark Templin discussed NX sales projections and the expected take-rate between the turbo & hybrid powertrains: Although Lexus gave no official fuel economy estimates for the hybrid, a source said it should get in the 34-36 mpg range in combined city and highway driving. The …

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Kevin · May 5th, 2014

Video: Driving the Lexus NX 300h

Update: Both videos have been removed by request of their owners. When a Lexus NX 300h prototype visited Flow Lexus of Greensboro in North Carolina this week, YouTube channel Saabkyle04 took the opportunity to film this twenty minute video packed with nearly every detail of the Lexus NX 300h: (Video Removed) There’s so much information …

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Kevin · May 3rd, 2014

Google Makes Improvements to Self-Driving Lexus RX 450h

Google has made some significant improvements to their self-driving car, which just so happens to be a Lexus RX 450h: The level of intelligence and capability of these Google vehicles is astounding — very easy to see a future where self-driving cars make up the majority of vehicles on the road. (Worth pointing out that …

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Kevin · May 1st, 2014

More Photos of the White Lexus RC F with Carbon Fiber Package

The white Lexus RC F with full carbon fiber package has made a couple appearances in the last few weeks, starting with a visit to INTERSECT in Tokyo — here’s a full gallery from the Lexus International Facebook page: The RC F was also on display at the Beijing Motor Show — here’s a selection …

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Kevin · April 30th, 2014

What Should Lexus Name the RC F’s Orange Exterior Color?

Lexus USA has put out a call for help in naming the new orange exterior color that will debut on the RC F coupe. Have a good idea? You can submit it on the Lexus USA Facebook page. (There’s some good submissions already — I like Fireburst & Supernova.) Submit your orange color name on …

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Kevin · April 30th, 2014

More Information on the Lexus LX 570 Supercharger

The Lexus LX 570 Supercharger first seen last week has officially launched in Kuwait — here’s a photo gallery of the special edition in black: The supercharged 5.7L V8 engine pushes out 450 hp, up from the 383 hp of the standard LX model — along with the upgraded engine, there’s also an exclusive body …

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Kevin · April 29th, 2014

Video: Q&A with Lexus International Vice President Mark Templin

Here’s an excellent video with Lexus International executive vice-president Mark Templin answering questions about China, the NX, and the future of the brand: Mark Templin’s answers are insightful and full of confidence — in particular, it’s interesting to learn that Lexus wants to grow at a controlled pace in order to preserve their customer experience. …

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Kevin · April 29th, 2014

Lexus LFA Code X Finishes First Race at Nürburgring

The Lexus LFA Code X had its first race this past weekend in the VLN3 ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup at the Nürburgring in Germany. Driven by Akira Iida, Wakisaka Juichi, and Iguchi Takuto, the new race car finished third in the SPPRO class and 67th overall — photographer Arndt Carsten sent over some photos of the …

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Kevin · April 28th, 2014

Lexus to Add Three-Row Crossover in 2016?

Mark Rechtin of Automotive News recently spoke with Lexus USA general manager Jeff Bracken about adding a three-row seven-seat crossover to the Lexus lineup: “Third-row seating is the No. 1 issue we hear from dealers,” Lexus Division chief Jeff Bracken said at the auto show here. “We feel like we’re missing a 35,000-units-a-year opportunity. We’re …

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Kevin · April 28th, 2014

Video: The Lexus Four-Cylinder Turbo Engine in Detail

Here’s a video overview of the new 2.0L turbo engine installed in the Lexus NX 200t: The NX 200t will be the first model to get the 8AR-FTS 2.0L engine, which is equipped with a twin-scroll turbo and generates 235 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm. The engine can flip between the …

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Kevin · April 27th, 2014

Faked Spy Shot of the 2016 Lexus IS F

Is this a spy shot of the 2016 Lexus IS F? Jalopnik believes so, running the image yesterday after it was discovered on the Lexus Spain Facebook page. Unfortunately, the car in question is nothing but a Lexus IS with some duct tape and a TRD Japan body kit — here’s a photo for reference: …

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Kevin · April 25th, 2014

Lexus NX Spotted in Another Parking Lot

A Lexus NX 300h F SPORT has popped up in another parking lot — this time, it’s the Toyota Burniston factory in the United Kingdom: The NX was spotted in a California parking lot last week, marking the first time the compact crossover had been seen outside of the studio — I imagine these two …

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Kevin · April 24th, 2014

Ultrasonic Blue Lexus LS F SPORT Spotted in Japan

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

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Kevin · April 24th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus NX at the Milan Design Week

The Lexus NX F SPORT made an appearance at the Milan Design Week, here are a mass of photos from the display: The NX in Ultra White is attractive enough, but it will be nice seeing high quality images of the crossover in different colors — I’m hoping for Starlight Black, what colors would you …

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Kevin · April 23rd, 2014

New Information on the Supercharged Lexus LX 570

A source at Lexus emailed me with more information on the supercharged Lexus LX 570 that will be available in the Middle East: The Supercharged LX 570 being offered in the Gulf is a limited factory job with the approval of chief engineer Sadayoshi Koyari.  This is based on the TRD USA blower kit for …

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Kevin · April 23rd, 2014

Video: The Lexus NX in Detail

Lexus UK has posted three brief videos of the NX compact crossover: Other than the press conference and the stylized launch commercials, this is the first real video footage of the NX that I’ve seen — this vehicle keeps getting better and better.
Kevin · April 23rd, 2014

Lexus to Sell Supercharged LX 570 in the Middle East?

Lexus will apparently begin selling a supercharged LX 570 in the Gulf Arab States — here are the first photos, found on the Toyota4Arab forum: There’s also an image of the supercharged engine: According to Club Lexus poster UZJ100GXR, this is an limited edition factory package and not an aftermarket or dealer installed option. There …

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Kevin · April 22nd, 2014

Video: The Lexus NX Development Story

There are two new videos detailing the development story of the Lexus NX compact crossover — first, NX chief engineer Takeaki Kato describes the overall concept, new turbo engine, and some of the vehicle’s unique features: In the second video, project managers Nobuyuki Tomatsu and Tetsuo Miki walk through the exterior & interior design from …

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Kevin · April 22nd, 2014

The Lexus CT BG Concept from the Beijing Motor Show

Lexus China is displaying a customized CT 200h at the Beijing Motor Show, calling it the CT BG Concept — here are some photos from Japanese website Car Watch: According to Chinese website Sohu, the CT BG concept is based on the CT 200h F SPORT, but with a “more personalized design language”: The model …

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Kevin · April 21st, 2014

Lexus NX Key Features: A Video Tour

Here’s a video overview of the key features found in the Lexus NX: The level of detail on the NX is impressive — the compact crossover makes a strong statement at the new Lexus design movement, but even more important is the focus on functionality. This is a vehicle that will fit very comfortably into …

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Kevin · April 21st, 2014

Lexus USA Shares NX Sales Projections

Mark Rechtin of the Automotive News recently spoke with Lexus USA general manager Jeff Bracken about NX sales projections: …he expects Lexus to sell about 2,200 NX units a month in the United States. He added, however, that Lexus’ U.S. dealer council has informed him that such an estimate is too conservative. “From a sizing …

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Kevin · April 21st, 2014

Live Photos of the Lexus NX 300h & NX 200t F SPORT

After its debut last night in China, the Lexus NX is now on display at both the Beijing Motor Show and the New York Auto Show — a few photo galleries of the NX 300h & NX 200t F SPORT have been popping up online, here’s what I’ve found so far. Marc Berger from the …

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Kevin · April 20th, 2014

2015 Lexus NX Specifications (Including Horsepower)

There’s a significant amount of new information on the Lexus NX with the crossover’s debut at the Beijing Motor Show today — let’s start things off with the full international press release. Lexus’ first luxury compact crossover, the NX, made its world premiere here today at the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, which runs through …

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Kevin · April 20th, 2014

Launch Video: Introducing the Lexus NX

Lexus has publicly debuted the all next NX compact crossover at the Beijing Motor Show, and here’s the official launch video: Balancing footage of the vehicle with a healthy dose of lifestyle imagery, there’s a heavy focus on physical activity — love the inclusion of parkour, it’s a perfect fit for this vehicle. More shortly!
Kevin · April 19th, 2014

Lexus NX to Debut Today at Beijing Motor Show

Later today, Lexus will officially unveil the new NX compact crossover at the Beijing Motor Show. The reveal will be broadcast live online on the Lexus International website, starting at 10:30 ET/7:30 PT, with more details on the NX to be released at that time. Update: The press conference is now over — here is …

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Kevin · April 19th, 2014

Imagining a Lexus NX Crossover Coupe

Photochopper Theophilus Chin has removed two doors from the Lexus NX, creating a crossover coupe — here’s another rendering from the back: The obvious parallel would be the Range Rover Evoque Coupe, an eminently stylish but essentially impractical two-door version of their super-successful crossover. It may be a model that Lexus will never make, but …

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Kevin · April 18th, 2014

Lexus NX Spotted in California Parking Lot

There are two Lexus NX models at the Lexus USA headquarters in Torrance, California, which means the first photos of the new compact crossover out in the wild: Seeing the crossover in a more natural setting makes it all the more appealing — very impressed with the grille on the standard NX, and loving the …

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Kevin · April 17th, 2014

Lexus IS the Next Model to Get Turbocharged Engine?

AutoGuide reports that the IS will be the next Lexus model to get the turbo-charged 2.0L four-cylinder engine debuting the new NX crossover: Currently the base IS250 model makes use of an antiquated 2.5-liter V6 engine. Rated at 204 hp it’s not only down on power compared to turbocharged 4-cylinder rivals but it also offers …

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Kevin · April 16th, 2014

2014 Lexus GS 350 Wins Edmunds Top Rated Award

The 2014 Lexus GS 350 has been named to the Edmunds Top Rated Vehicles of 2014 list. The list is determined by the Edmunds vehicle testing team — each vehicle is driven on a standardized road-test loop and visits a test track for additional instrument testing in controlled conditions.  The findings are used to rate …

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Kevin · April 16th, 2014

Details on the First Lexus LFA Owners Club Meet in Japan

Last weekend in Japan, 22 LFAs and 23 LFA owners participated in the inaugural meeting of the Lexus LFA Owners Club. The meet took place at the Lexus College campus inside of the Fuji Speedway. LFA Chief Engineer Tanahashi Haruhiko was in attendance, and the event was memorialized with a ceremonial planting of a Youkou-zakura …

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Kevin · April 15th, 2014

Lexus LFA Code X Race Car Testing on Fuji Speedway

The Lexus LFA Code X race car had its final test at the Fuji Speedway in Japan before being shipped to Germany for the Nürburgring 24 Hour Race in June — Gazoo Racing posted some photos on Facebook: The LFA Code X is a significant new development in Lexus racing — the bigger 5.3L V10 …

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Kevin · April 15th, 2014

Lexus LFA Wins Class in 4-Hour VLN2 Race at Nürburgring

The Lexus LFA team of Kinoshita Takayuki & Oshima Kazuya finished the second race of the 2014 Nürburgring VLN Series with a SP8 class win, placing 18th overall. The IS F team that won the first race of the season at the beginning April finished 3rd in the SP8 class and placed 40th overall. Gazoo …

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Kevin · April 14th, 2014

Details on the Lexus NX 200t Turbo Engine

Auto Week has some finer detail on Lexus NX 200t and its Lexus-first turbocharged engine: The NX 200t will feature Lexus’ first turbo engine, a 2.0-liter four with VVT-iW. Yes, that W is new. It signifies advance and retard of the intake cam. At low loads and rpm it can operate as an Atkinson cycle …

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Kevin · April 14th, 2014

Questions About the Lexus NX? Ask Chief Engineer Takeaki Kato

Have a question about the Lexus NX? Takeaki Kato, the chief engineer of the new compact crossover, will be answering questions about the NX direct from the Beijing Motor Show: You can ask questions online now via Facebook or Twitter by using the hashtag #LexusInBeijing — answers will be posted on the Lexus International Facebook …

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Kevin · April 13th, 2014

2015 Lexus NX F SPORT Photo Gallery

Lexus has released a massive new photo collection of the new NX F SPORT compact crossover — here’s the full gallery, posted without comment (that’s coming later):
Kevin · April 11th, 2014