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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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: …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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

First Live Photos of the Lexus NX F SPORT

Autoguide has posted the first live photos of the new Lexus NX F SPORT — here’s a selection of exterior shots: There’s also an extensive interior gallery — here’s a small taste: Definitely head over to the Autoguide website and look through the photos — I’ve been going through the galleries for the last 20 …
Kevin · April 10th, 2014

2015 Lexus NX & NX F SPORT Information

Lexus has released the first real details on the new NX, including 11 new photos of the compact crossover in both standard and F SPORT models: The Full Lexus NX Press Release Lexus will unveil its new luxury compact crossover, the Lexus NX, at the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition to be held in Beijing, …
Kevin · April 10th, 2014

Lexus NX Compact Crossover Revealed Early by French Magazine

Scans of an article from French magazine L’Automobile have revealed the Lexus NX compact crossover before its official debut: The scans, which were posted earlier today on Club Lexus & World Car Fans, show a production NX that sticks close to the LF-NX concept — much of the exterior body work mirrors the concept, right …
Kevin · April 10th, 2014

Autos Canada Comparison: Lexus GS 350 AWD vs. Cadillac CTS 3.6 AWD

Autos Canada conducted a comparison between the Lexus GS 350 AWD and Cadillac CTS 3.6 AWD: It’s easy to assume the Lexus – especially in this “Luxury Package” trim and not fitted with the F-Sport’s variable suspension – would be the soft, roly-poly competitor in this test.  And while the Lexus’ ride is notably better …
Kevin · April 9th, 2014

New Lexus GS Commercial Takes a Swing at its Competitors

Lexus USA also released a new GS commercial that takes its competitors to task — the video starts with a behind-the-scenes look at how the commercial was filmed: Great to see the GS getting this type of marketing exposure two years after its initial release — considering the sedan’s recent sales success, it’s well deserved. …
Kevin · April 8th, 2014

New Lexus F Performance Commercial Featuring the RC F

Lexus has released its first commercial featuring the new RC F coupe — here’s the full 60 second video: The commercial is part of an initiative to familiarize consumers with the F performance brand — there’s also this new print ad (click for a larger image): (It may be confusing for enthusiasts to see true …
Kevin · April 7th, 2014

More Details on the Lexus NX Compact Crossover

An automotive site in Slovakia had an advance look at the upcoming Lexus NX compact crossover last month, and have published the above photo along with a text teaser (please excuse the paraphrased Google-assisted translation): Despite the fact that the public has not yet officially seen the new Lexus NX, we had the pleasure to …
Kevin · April 7th, 2014

KeePer TOM’s Lexus RC F Team Wins Super GT Round 1

The KeePer TOM’s racing team of Daisuke Ito & Andrea Caldarelli have won the 2014 Super GT Round 1 GT500 class in the #37 Lexus RC F. The ENEOS SUSTINA RC F team of Kazuya Oshima & Yuji Kunimoto finished second. Here are highlights from the race, from the Super GT Youtube channel: The next …
Kevin · April 6th, 2014

Lexus RC F GT500 Racing This Weekend in Super GT Round One

This weekend, the first race of the 2014 Super GT season takes place at the Okayama International Circuit in Mimasaka, Japan. This will mark the official debut of the RC F GT500 race car, which will be used by six teams — here are the six race cars in their final livery: The six teams …
Kevin · April 4th, 2014

Lexus Releases First Image of NX Compact Crossover

Lexus has released the very first teaser image of the NX compact crossover, which is set to debut at the Beijing Motor Show on April 20th — here’s the image in high resolution: The RC-style tri-LED headlights are visible, as are some of the defining sharp angles of the LF-NX concept. One of the biggest …
Kevin · April 3rd, 2014

A Tour of the Lexus LS L-Select Program in Japan

While in Tokyo last year for the opening of INTERSECT, I also took the opportunity to visit two of the city’s Lexus showrooms, the Lexus Gallery Takanawa and the Lexus International Gallery Aoyama. Both showrooms are amazing in their attention to detail and level of attentiveness, and both have displays dedicated to the Lexus L-Select …
Kevin · April 3rd, 2014

Interview with Lexus CT 200h Chief Engineer Chika Kako

The Lexus Spain weblog has an extensive interview with Lexus CT 200h chief engineer Chika Kako, the first-ever woman chief engineer for a Lexus (or Toyota) vehicle — here are some translated quotes, by way of Kaizen Factor: Former CT chief engineer Osamu Sadakata engineer set the bar high with the first version of the …
Kevin · April 3rd, 2014

Photo Gallery: Closer Look at the 2014 Lexus CT 200h

Lexus International posted a nice photo collection of the updated CT 200h on their Facebook page: (The new Redline exterior color is a knockout — really suits the CT’s updated look.) [Source: Lexus International Facebook page]
Kevin · April 2nd, 2014

New Orange Lexus RC F Spotted in Japan

A New Orange Lexus RC F prototype has been spotted in Japan by Club Lexus member Mattspiral. As rumored, the orange exterior looks a few shades lighter than the IS F CCS-R — what do you think? [Source: Club Lexus via Joe-Z Performance]
Kevin · April 1st, 2014

German Magazine Disassembles Lexus CT 200h After 100,000km Road Test

At the completion of their 100,000km extended road test of the Lexus CT 200h, German magazine Auto Bild disassembled the hybrid hatchback to look for signs of wear & tear: Looking through the accompanying photo gallery, there were some minor faults, but nothing major — in fact, the only two maintenance issues during the 100,000km …
Kevin · April 1st, 2014

Lexus IS F SPORT Nominated for Wards 10 Best Interiors Award

The 2014 Lexus IS F SPORT has been nominated for the 2014 WardsAuto 10 Best Interiors award. Other cars be considered for the award include the Kia Cadenza, Cadillac ELR and CTS, Subaru WRX and Audi SQ5. The winners will be announced at the end of April. Watch the Ward’s video overview of the IS …
Kevin · March 31st, 2014

Lexus Canada Replaces Standard RX with new 2015 RX SPORTDESIGN

In a bold move, Lexus Canada will stop selling the standard RX, replacing it with the new 2015 RX SPORTDESIGN. The RX SPORTDESIGN appears to share the same front-end design as Lexus USA’s Sport Appearance package, which merges the default RX grille with elements of the RX F SPORT. (I like this new SPORTDESIGN much …
Kevin · March 31st, 2014

More Photos of the Yellow Lexus LFA Spyder & Toyota 2000GT

Here’s some more photos of that one-off yellow Lexus LFA Spyder parked alongside the iconic Toyota 2000GT, this time from the Toyota UK blog: There’s also this photo of the LFA Spyder’s interior, sent to me by reader Okada Yuki: The yellow Lexus LFA Spyder will be displayed alongside a 1967 Toyota 2000GT as part …
Kevin · March 30th, 2014

Video: The Lexus LFA Code X Racecar in Action

The first video of the Lexus LFA Code X race car is here, and it’s something else — you can hear that modified 1LR-GUE V10 engine starting at 0:57: The LFA Code X is a significant new development in Lexus racing — the bigger 5.3L V10 and full carbon frame body would indicate some serious …
Kevin · March 27th, 2014

Lexus RX & LS on Consumer Reports Best Used Car Value List

Consumer Reports has shared its picks for the best used car values, and there are two Lexus on the list: Best SUV between $15,000-20,0000: 2006-2007 Lexus RX Best Sedan between $20,000-$25,000: 2006 Lexus LS 430 Both vehicles represent incredible value for those dollar amounts — not surprised to see either of them on the Consumer …
Kevin · March 27th, 2014

The Truth About Cars Review: 2014 Lexus GS 450h

Alex Dykes from The Truth About Cars has reviewed the 2014 Lexus GS 450h: The GS 450h is without a doubt the best Lexus GS sedan available. It gives up little in terms of performance while delivering excellent fuel economy, a quiet and comfortable cabin and most of the gadgets and gizmos a luxury shopper …
Kevin · March 26th, 2014

Lexus IS F SPORT with Rear Wheel Steering Now Available in Japan

Lexus now offers the IS F SPORT with the Dynamic Handling System (DHS), which includes four-wheel steering — Motoring Australia spoke with IS chief engineer Junichi Furyama about the performance advantages this technology has over similar AWD systems: “All-wheel drive tends to be heavier and the behaviour tends to be understeer,” he explained via an …
Kevin · March 25th, 2014

New Information on the Lexus RC F Instrument Panel

The Lexus RC F instrument panel is a standout feature of the new high-performance coupe, and today we have details on the deeper functions — here’s a graphic from Diario Motor with the various modes (click for a larger version): In addition to three different tachometer designs, there appears to be a built-in G sensor, …
Kevin · March 25th, 2014

Japanese Lexus Dealership Builds Exclusive LS Owners-Only Lounge

A Lexus dealership in Nagoya, Japan, has built a special lounge specifically for LS owners — Hans Greimel from Automotive News reports: Kazuo Oguri, CEO of Nagoya Toyopet Corp., is the only dealer in Japan — and he thinks the world — to create such a special hideaway just for customers of the brand’s flagship …
Kevin · March 24th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus LFA Wrapped in Matte Silver

The Open Road Lexus dealership in Richmond, BC, has taken their #022 Pearl Read LFA and wrapped in matte silver for display at the Vancouver Auto Show — here’s another shot from the back: Open Road Lexus also posted some additional photos on their Facebook page: The Vancouver Auto Show starts tomorrow at the Vancouver …
Kevin · March 24th, 2014