Lexus – Page 51 – Lexus Enthusiast

Photo: Lexus LFA Launch Control Activated

The yellow Lexus LFA prototype paid a visit to Sewell Lexus in Dallas yesterday, and sales associate Jeff Hazelwood was nice enough to send over this photo of the digital dash with Launch Control activated: Just seconds after seeing this, I had to load up my favorite LFA speedometer video: We know that the LFA’s …

Kevin · February 3rd, 2011

Old Lexus LS Sketch

I stumbled across this old 2004 sketch of what Motor Trend believed the current-generation LS & IS would look like: Not crazy about the yellow IS coupe, but I am impressed by how the pink-ish car resembles the current generation ES 350. Of course, the artist would have had the LF-S and LF-C concepts to …

Kevin · February 2nd, 2011

The #014 Lexus LFA Arrives in Costa Rica

The following is an email I received from Purdy Motor employee Mauricio Barquero. Purdy Motor is the Lexus distributor in Costa Rica and is run by Lexus race driver Javier Quirós, who has just taken delivery of his red #014 LFA. *** Javier Quirós´ LFA arrived to Costa Rica today. Mr. Quirós is the president …

Kevin · February 1st, 2011

Lexus Welcomes New LFA Owners

Lexus has released the videos that are shown to new LFA buyers before receiving the keys to their newly acquired supercar — first, here’s a video welcome from Lexus USA General Manager Mark Templin: Next is this short breakdown of the LFA’s white-glove journey from Japan to California: And following it all up is a …

Kevin · February 1st, 2011

Lexus & Five Axis Team Up for Project CT Show Car

Just in time for the Chicago Auto Show, Lexus has once again teamed up with Five Axis to produce a concept car — this time based on the CT 200h. Here’s a teaser sketch released today (which I’ve made to fit wallpaper size): Select Resolution: 1920×1080 | 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | …

Kevin · February 1st, 2011

Lexus LFAs Arriving at USA Dealerships

After seeing the first batch of production Lexus LFAs arriving in California a couple weeks back, it was only a matter of time until they started arriving at their new owner’s local dealership — here’s a video of the #006 LFA being unloaded at Eskridge Lexus in Oklahoma City: Also seen on Youtube is the …

Kevin · January 31st, 2011

Lexus LFA Customization Program Announced by CEC

Los Angeles tuner CEC has announced that they will be producing three limited-edition LFAs — from Autoblog: “We believe these three CEC Tuner Edition LFAs will be the most expensive and rarest of all the LFA supercars that Lexus will manufacturer and sell worldwide,” said Sherif Yassa, Vice President of CEC. Thanks to the technical …

Kevin · January 30th, 2011

Hyundai Equus/Lexus LS Photocopy

Motor Trend recently had an article that named the Lexus LFA as one of the top 9 halo cars — but that wasn’t what caught my attention. Take a look at this Hyundai Equus picture: Now compare it with this 2007 Lexus LS 600hL image: I know imitation is the highest form of flattery, but …

Kevin · January 28th, 2011

Lexus IS Precision Tour Dates

After taking December & January off, the Lexus IS Precision Tour will be starting back up in February with stops at some of the USA’s best tracks — here’s a full listing: Auto Club Speedway Fontana, California Saturday, February 19, 2011 Infineon Raceway Sonoma, California Saturday, February 26, 2011 Texas Motor Speedway Fort Worth, Texas …

Kevin · January 28th, 2011

Lexus LFA with Blue Interior & No Remote Touch

While looking through the Lexus LFA owner’s manual, I came across this very unique interior configuration (click for a larger image): While it’s nice to see a different color scheme after the sea of red we saw with the first North American LFAs, the biggest thing about this interior isn’t the color, but the lack …

Kevin · January 28th, 2011

1992 Lexus LS 400 Commercial: Steel Plate Drum

Let’s switch gears from all-LFA-all-the-time and take a look at this Lexus LS 400 commercial from 1992: I had never seen this commercial before — and it’s a perfect illustration of how The Hard Way is something Lexus has always subscribed to.

Kevin · January 27th, 2011

Silver Lexus LFA Desktop Wallpaper

As per request, here is the Metallic Silver Lexus LFA photo from the last post as a desktop wallpaper: Select Resolution: 1920×1080 | 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 The LFA owners manual has a bunch of great photos. Just wait until you see the interior later today — it’s something special. …

Kevin · January 27th, 2011

Details on the Lexus LFA Launch Control

Although we’ve known for some time that the Lexus LFA is equipped with Launch Control, details have been far & few between. This system, which optimizes fast starts off the line by holding the transmission at a higher RPM, is essential for racing and providing the best track times. Now, with the first production models …

Kevin · January 26th, 2011

More North American Lexus LFAs

Last week, we had a look at the first three Lexus LFAs to arrive in North America, and now we can see the rest of the first shipment delivered to California — six LFAs in all — courtesy of Club Lexus editor flipside909. The remaining LFAs are all in colors we’ve seen before: #004 Whitest …

Kevin · January 26th, 2011

Lexus Recalls 06-07 GS 350 & 06-09 IS 250/350 Over Fuel Pressure Sensor

Lexus has announced a voluntary safety recall on the select 2006-2007 GS 300/350, 2006-2009 IS 250, & 2006-2008 IS 350 models due to the possibility of a loose fuel pressure sensor — from the Lexus USA press release: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving …

Kevin · January 26th, 2011

Lexus & Kylie Minogue Team Up for CT 200h Launch

Lexus UK announced a partnership today with pop star Kylie Minogue to promote the CT 200h: The new relationship will see Kylie – one of the world’s most iconic performers – supporting the introduction of the new Lexus CT 200h through the cross-media “Quiet Revolution” marketing campaign and publicity. In addition to appearing in the …

Kevin · January 25th, 2011

Pearl Red Lexus LFA Gets Final Inspection

Lexus Magazine has just posted their Photo of the Week, and it’s an outtake from their recent article featuring Shigeru Yamanaka, the master craftsman in charge of LFA manufacturing: That Pearl Red exterior is really something special. [Source: Lexus Magazine]

Kevin · January 25th, 2011

Lexus Japan’s CT 200h Harmonious Driving Navigator

The Japanese Lexus CT 200h comes equipped with a very interesting new feature: the Harmonious Driving Navigator, a service that connects the car to the Internet and gives the ability to track fuel efficiency online and compete against other CT 200h drivers. I only have the translation of the Japanese webpage for information, but looks …

Kevin · January 24th, 2011

Pure Lexus LFA Sound

Here’s something to get your week started off on the right foot — the LFA launch video with a V10-only soundtrack: Hard to believe my excitement now that the LFAs are being delivered to their new owners — can’t wait for all the LFA spottings around the world as the supercar hits the public roads.

Kevin · January 24th, 2011

Lexus IS Manufacturing Video

The combination of seeing the Lexus LFA manufacturing process and the recent Hard Way commercials reminded me of this 2005 video about the IS assembly line at the Kyushu plant: The level of precision shown in every Lexus never ceases to amaze me — this is the Pursuit of Perfection at work.

Kevin · January 23rd, 2011

First Production Lexus LFAs Arrive in North America

The first production Lexus LFAs have arrived in North America, and Club Lexus editor Flipside909 was there to see them “unboxed” from their cargo containers — tuns out it’s quite the production: Each LFA ships in its own clean container with a pink painted metal pallet designed specifically to secure the car during transport. Each …

Kevin · January 21st, 2011

Lexus LFA Buyer Tours the LFA Manufacturing Facility

While on the topic of the Lexus LFA production facility, Club Lexus member gengar recently visited the Motomachi plant to see his LFA being built, and recounts the experience in vivid detail — here are some quotes: The tour was led by LFA production manager Shigeru Yamanaka. Accompanying him was LFA chief engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi …

Kevin · January 20th, 2011

The Man Behind the Lexus LFA Manufacturing

Lexus Magazine has a new feature on the man responsible for leading the LFA Works manufacturing team, Shigeru Yamanaka: Shigeru Yamanaka, manufacturing manager at the LFA Works, sums it up with characteristic precision: “We are actually a Takumi team.” Within Lexus, a Takumi—literally, “artisan”—is one of the 10 to 12 top guns of manufacturing. To …

Kevin · January 19th, 2011

Lexus Australia Sponsors World’s First Hybrid-Only Race

As part of their CT 200h launch, Lexus Australia will be sponsoring the Celebrity Challenge race during the 2011 F1 Australian Grand Prix: The Lexus CT 200h Celebrity Challenge will feature 27 all-new Lexus CT 200h hybrids racing around Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit this March. Significantly, the Celebrity Challenge will be the first hybrid-only race …

Kevin · January 18th, 2011

Tokyo Auto Salon: Lexus Desktop Wallpapers

Lexus UK has published some high-resolution images featuring three of the cars shown at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon — here they are in all the usual desktop wallpaper sizes: Lexus CT 200h F-Sport with Modellista Body Kit Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 Lexus IS-F CCS-R Racing Concept Select …

Kevin · January 17th, 2011

Tokyo Auto Salon: Lexus CT 200h F-Sport with Modellista Body Kit

Not only has the Tokyo Auto Salon brought us two Lexus IS-F concepts, here’s our first real-life look at the new Modellista body kit for the CT 200h — once again, here are some photos from AutoGuide’s Colum Wood: I’m all over that rear diffuser — it really bumps up the rear design. I’m also …

Kevin · January 17th, 2011

The First Production Lexus LFA

The Lexus LFA website has been updated to include a very important milestone — the manufacturing of the very first production LFA: December 15th, 2010. The production of the Lexus LFA begins at the Motomachi Factory LFA Plant. The LFA will be produced by a total of 170 people including the CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced …

Kevin · January 17th, 2011

Lexus CT Dark Ride Wins FWA People’s Choice Award

After a month-long voting process, the CT 200h Dark Ride interactive movie has won the FWA’s coveted 2010 People’s Choice Award — a huge accomplishment considering the competition. Congratulations to Lexus and the media companies involved in the project, who I’m sure are very thankful to everyone that took the time to vote! [Source: FWA]

Kevin · January 14th, 2011

Tokyo Auto Salon: Lexus IS-F Club Performance Accessory by TRD

In addition to the IS-F CCS-R concept, Lexus is also displaying the IS-F Club Performance Accessory at the Tokyo Auto Salon, which is sporting performance parts from Toyota tuner TRD — once again, here’s some photos from AutoGuide’s prolific Colum Wood: Here’s the full list of accessories: Dino over at SpeedHunters also posted a photo …

Kevin · January 14th, 2011

Lexus IS-F CCS-R Racing Concept at Tokyo Auto Salon

Lexus has unveiled the IS-F CCS-R racing concept at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon — here are some photos from Autoguide’s Colum Wood: The IS-F CCS-R, or IS-F Circuit Club Sports Racer, is tuned for the track, with a gutted interior, a roll-cage, and plenty of carbon fiber, which was used for the front splitter, …

Kevin · January 14th, 2011

Lexus CT 200h Modellista Body Kit

More news about the Japanese launch of the Lexus CT 200h — Japanese buyers will have the option of purchasing a Modellista body kit right from their dealership — here’s some detail shots of the front lip, the side-skirts and the rear diffuser with a reconfigured exhaust: If I’m reading the price list (PDF link) …

Kevin · January 13th, 2011

Lexus Japan CT 200h F-Sport Details

The Lexus CT 200h F-Sport also launched today in Japan, and like the regular CT, there’s been some new details revealed by way of the Lexus Japan website. Here’s a good look at some of the package upgrades: Lexus Japan will also be offering some unique interior options with the F-Sport package — really impressed …

Kevin · January 13th, 2011

Lexus CT 200h Launches in Japan

The 2011 Lexus CT 200h went on sale in Japan today, and with it comes a fresh new website with plenty of new Japan-only details — but first, here’s some new photos: Here’s a chart with the full exterior color choices — note the F-Sport package in the middle: Here’s Japan’s range of interior options, …

Kevin · January 12th, 2011

Car & Driver Comparison: Lexus LS 460L vs. Hyundai Equus

In a classic Car & Driver move, the magazine has taken a $98k Lexus LS 460L AWD and compared it against the new $65k Hyundai Equus, then declared the winner based almost entirely on price: Were this match based on price alone, we might have pitted an Equus with the Ultimate package ($65,400) against a …

Kevin · January 12th, 2011

Lexus LFA Donuts with Scott Pruett

Here’s a quirky Lexus LFA feature from Autoweek Magazine, featuring Scott Pruett really hooning it up behind the wheel: Amazing to think of all the miles Scott has put on these LFA prototypes — after all that tough work, it’s good to see him having a little fun on the job. (Thanks RollaXRS!)

Kevin · January 11th, 2011

Lexus IS F Nürburgring 24h Race GT5 Documentary

One of the videos included with the PS3 game Gran Turismo 5 is this 30+ minute documentary detailing GT5 creator Kazunori Yamauchi’s experience driving a Lexus IS-F in the Nürburgring 24h race — get comfortable and hit play, it’s worth it: In the end, Yamauchi-san and the World Car Award team finished 59th overall — …

Kevin · January 11th, 2011

Lexus @ 2011 Detroit Auto Show

The press days at the Detroit Auto Show are in full swing, and Lexus has gone all out with their exhibit, which includes a massive 5,000-ft LED display — here’s the Fox Marketing LS 600hL illuminated by the light: Of course, the centerpiece of the Lexus display is the orange LFA, and Auto Evolution has …

Kevin · January 10th, 2011

More Autoart Lexus LFA Photos

Here’s a couple live shots of the insanely detailed Autoart Lexus LFA 1/18 scale model: Just fantastic — can’t wait for this model to go on sale. Update: TLE commenter primatives has discovered that a yellow Autoart LFA will also be available — at least in Australia.

Kevin · January 10th, 2011

Lexus LFA at Full Throttle

This video of the Lexus LFA going full-throttle is so loud, I recommend turning down your speakers: Total aural madness — is there another supercar out there that sounds as good as the LFA? (Thanks Dude!)

Kevin · January 7th, 2011

Lexus UK Launches RX 450h SE-I Winter Edition

Lexus UK has launched a new winter SE-I package for the RX 450h — here’s a breakdown of the features: Special specification for Lexus RX 450h SE-I with package of practical accessories Exterior elements include roof rails, front and rear under-runs and rear bumper protector Interior features include cool/hot storage box and boot liner Value …

Kevin · January 7th, 2011

A Look at the Lexus LFA Customization Process

Globe & Mail writer Peter Cheney recently had an opportunity to see just what it’s like to customize a Lexus LFA, from the exterior right down to the interior stitching — here’s some quotes from his experience: …Lexus asked me if I’d like to see what it was like to pick out a brand-new LFA …

Kevin · January 6th, 2011

2008 Lexus LFA Roadster Video

Hard to believe it’s been three years since the introduction of the Lexus LFA Roadster at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show — I watched the European launch video again today and just loved it: How fantastic is that? Absolutely stunning.

Kevin · January 6th, 2011

Two Lexus IS-Fs to Join Superstars Series

Two Lexus IS-Fs will be joining the surging Superstars Series touring car championship — from Touring Car Times: Lexus is set to become the tenth manufacturer represented on the Superstars grid for 2011. The team MN Lexus Racing has announced plans to enter a pair of Lexus IS-F in the championship this year. The Italian …

Kevin · January 5th, 2011

More Orange Lexus LFA Photos

Here we have some more photos of the orange Lexus LFA first seen earlier this week: From the looks of things, the LFA is being loaded for its trip to the Detroit Auto Show next week, where it’s scheduled to be the centerpiece of the Lexus display — meaning we can expect plenty more photos …

Kevin · January 5th, 2011

Lexus RX Art Works in Dubai

Drive Arabia is becoming the go-to destination for seeing Lexus RXs that are unavailable in North America — first it was great pics of the RX’s panoramic roof option, and now we get a good look at the RX Art Works edition by Stone Designs. From the looks of things, the only exterior change is …

Kevin · January 4th, 2011

Orange Lexus LFA for Detroit Auto Show

By way of the Lexus Magazine Twitter account, here’s a sneak peek at an orange Lexus LFA making its way to the Detroit Auto Show next week: No further details just yet, but what a wild color — just perfect for the middle of winter in Detroit. [Source: Twitpic]

Kevin · January 4th, 2011

VIP Lexus CT 200h

Club Lexus member SNiiP3R brought the Lexus CT 200h into Photoshop and created this fantastic VIP rendering of the hatchback using the RX body kit from WALD (click for a larger image): Just imagine what the CT is going to transform into once it starts hitting the streets — can’t wait to see the results. …

Kevin · January 3rd, 2011

EVO Engine of the Year: The Lexus LFA V10

One point I lost in the shuffle of EVO’s Car of the Year showdown — the magazine named the Lexus LFA’s V10 the 2010 Engine of the Year (click for a larger version): Some quotes: There’s the noise [the LFA engine] makes, for a start, a dense shriek like a V10 F1 car’s, fired out …

Kevin · January 2nd, 2011

2011 Lexus IS F Competes in Car & Driver’s Lightning Lap

The 2011 Lexus IS F took part in Car & Driver’s annual Lightning Lap at the Virginia International Raceway, and found that the freshly revised sedan has really stepped up its game: Three years back, an IS F turned a less-than-impressive 3:14.0. We said then, “A little attention to springs and damping might make this …

Kevin · January 2nd, 2011

Lexus LFA Places Fourth in EVO Car of the Year

The Lexus LFA took part in EVO Magazine’s Car of the Year showdown, where it went up against the best and brightest of 2010, including the Ferrari 458 Italia, Mercedes SLS AMG & Porsche’s GT2 & 3 RS. Lucky for us, someone over at German Car Forums has scanned and uploaded the entire article, which …

Kevin · December 30th, 2010

Lexus Europe Christmas Card

If you happen to know anyone out there who would like a Lexus Christmas Card, Lexus Europe has just the thing with their customizable e-card — great visuals of the CT 200h, all new footage. The holidays sure came up fast this year! [Source: Lexus Europe]

Kevin · December 23rd, 2010

TLE Christmas Day 4

Today’s winner of the TLE T-Shirt giveaway is Richard Estrella of USA, who will be receiving the last silkscreened Lexus CT 200h t-shirt as a Christmas present this year. As promised, the Christmas Eve t-shirt is something special, and I’m almost reluctant to part with it: This t-shirt was from my LFA experience down in …

Kevin · December 23rd, 2010

Lexus LS Sport by Platinum Motorsports

Check out this done-up Lexus LS 460 Sport by Platinum Motorsports: Even though I’m a big fan of the 19″ LS Sport wheels, these 22″ Agetro W150 rims don’t look out of place — pretty clean look with the Wald aero kit. [Source: Via: Club Lexus]

Kevin · December 22nd, 2010

Production Lexus LFA Delivery

Just last week, the Lexus LFA started production at the special Motomachi factory in Japan, and here we see one of the first production LFAs being delivered to a Japanese dealership: I can only assume that’s a protective white plastic and not a two-tone paint job: Pretty exciting! Update: After the original video went missing …

Kevin · December 21st, 2010

North America’s First Lexus LS 600hL on eBay

A piece of hybrid history has shown up on eBay — the first Lexus LS 600hL sold in North America has been put up for auction on eBay. As #1 of the 100 individually-numbered Launch Edition packages offered to Neiman Marcus InCircle members in 2007, this LS 600hL comes with an exclusive Truffle Mica exterior …

Kevin · December 20th, 2010

Lexus ES 300h Hybrid Trademark Registered

Once again, the North American Trademark offices have given us a glimpse into the future, as both Lexus USA & Lexus Canada have filed for the ES 300h trademark (Canadian Trade-Mark 1507011 & U.S. Trademark No. 85193249, both registered on December 8, 2010.) Although it’s hardly a full confirmation, this certainly points to a hybrid …

Kevin · December 17th, 2010

Lexus Dark Ride Up for Web Award

Good news for Lexus today — the Lexus CT 200h Dark Ride interactive film has been nominated as a finalist for the 2010 FWA People’s Choice Award. Earlier this year, the choose-your-own-adventure-style video was one of our first glimpses at the CT, you can try it out for yourself over at the Dark Side of …

Kevin · December 16th, 2010

Lexus LFA Die-Cast Model by Auto Art

As unbelievable as it may be, the image above is not actually the Lexus LFA, but a 1:18 scale die-cast model by Auto Art — here’s the proof, as I hope we never see an LFA in this position: The detail is exceptional: Here’s the full gallery in high-resolution glory: Although it would make a …

Kevin · December 16th, 2010

Lexus Canada CT 200h Pricing

Lexus Canada has announced CT 200h pricing today, with the new hybrid hatchback starting at $30,950 CAD. Standard features on the Canadian CT 200h will include the six-speaker audio system with MP3/WMA capability, Bluetooth for phone and music streaming capabilities, integrated XM satellite radio, USB/iPod connectivity, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and heated front seats — …

Kevin · December 15th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Configurator (Plus Full Accessory List)

Lexus has launched an online CT 200h configurator, making it possible to start putting together your ideal package for the upcoming hybrid hatchback, which is scheduled to be released March 1st, 2011. As mentioned yesterday, the CT 200h starts at $29,120 ($29,995 with delivery charges), but through adding options like the $3,545 Navigation/Premium Audio package …

Kevin · December 15th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Spending Christmas at Harrods of London

A white Lexus CT 200h will be spending the Holiday season in the window of Harrods of London, the UK’s most famous luxury store: From now until 15 January Knightsbridge shoppers will be among the first to enjoy a close-up view of the new CT 200h as part of a four-window Lexus display. It is …

Kevin · December 14th, 2010

Lexus USA CT 200h Pricing!

The U.S. pricing for the Lexus CT 200h has been announced by way of Nevada’s Lexus of Reno dealership, who have posted the full details to their blog one day before the official announcement. To start with, the MSRP of the Entry-Level CT will be $29,120 USD ($29,995 after delivery charges), and includes standard equipment …

Kevin · December 14th, 2010

Lexus RX 350 with Panoramic Glass Roof

Although it’s not offered in North America, some parts of the world have the option of buying the current Lexus RX with a panoramic glass roof. One such place is Dubai, and Drive Arabia has some photos to let us in on what we’ve been missing: Every Lexus should be offered with a panoramic glass …

Kevin · December 14th, 2010

Comparison: 1990 Lexus LS 400 vs. 2010 Lexus LS 600hL

Lexus is celebrating their 20th anniversary in the United Kingdom, and to show how far the brand has come in twenty years, they’ve released a video comparing the first-gen LS & the current LS hybrid: Here’s a chart that details the differences, just in case they went by too fast: In some ways, it’s hard …

Kevin · December 13th, 2010

Calty Designers Talk about Lexus LF-Ch

Hard to believe I never featured this before, but here’s an fascinating six-minute presentation by two people responsible for designing the Lexus LF-Ch concept: Tom Matsumoto, the design team leader, and Edward Lee, the creative designer: This presentation took place during a Pecha Kucha Night, a unique one-evening conference that only allows presenters 20 slides …

Kevin · December 13th, 2010

Matte Black Lexus ES 350 Surprise

The final vinyl wrap of the week also comes with a pretty funny story — but first, check out this matte black Lexus ES 350: As it turns out, Club Lexus member Somebody had his wife’s car vinyl wrapped as a surprise: Material used: one roll of 3M 1080-12M matte black purchased. (the material was …

Kevin · December 10th, 2010

Rainbow Lexus LS

Once and a while, you find something so offensive on the Internet that the only way to reduce the anger is to share it — and that’s how I feel about the multi-colored first-gen Lexus LS in this video: The worst part? This LS probably still runs perfectly.

Kevin · December 10th, 2010

Matte White Lexus IS-F

These Matte White Lexus IS-F photos from Import Bible are the next instalment of my unofficial Vinyl Wrap week: Matte white is funny — white is hardly the most reflective paint color to begin with, but that extra opacity just gives the surface a subtle boost that I really like. (Thanks for the idea, Mark!)

Kevin · December 10th, 2010

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