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First British Lexus LS 400 Returns Home

Here’s a neat story from blogger Mike CJ that combines the first-ever UK Lexus LS 400, Twitter and a whole heap of coincidence — here’s a quote but I recommend reading the full article: Way back in 1990, I was still in my 20’s and had recently been appointed to a role as a Training …

Kevin · July 28th, 2010

Swift CC Lexus GS

I remember posting this super-modified Lexus GS at some point, but something this wild deserves a second viewing: Pretty sure that if I saw this in real life, my head would spontaneously explode — that is if the speakers didn’t do the job first.

Kevin · July 28th, 2010

VIP Lexus LS & GS Together

Been going through a lot of old files lately, and I stumbled on this brilliant photo of a VIP’d Lexus LS & GS prowling the streets together: This has to be one of my all-time favorite Lexus shots, I wish I knew who took the shot and where it came from. Has anyone seen it …

Kevin · July 28th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h USA Driving Tour Rescheduled

Due to some unexpected shipping changes, Lexus USA has rescheduled their previously announced CT 200h Driving Tour — here are the revised dates: Chicago Sept. 2, 3, 4 Location TBA New York Sept. 9, 10, 11 Location TBA Miami Sept. 15, 16, 17 Location TBA Los Angeles Sept. 22, 23 Slow Clothing, 7474 Melrose Ave., …

Kevin · July 27th, 2010

Lexus LFA Sets Goodwood Circuit Track Record

As it turns out, Dutch magazine Autoweek set a new Goodwood Circuit track record with the Lexus LFA a couple weeks back — here’s the footage of the lap: According to Fastestlaps, the LFA ran the track at 1:24.8 — almost 3 seconds faster than the second place Nissan GT-R at 1:27.70. Even more impressive? …

Kevin · July 27th, 2010

Red Lexus LFA on the Nürburgring

I literally can not resist posting red Lexus LFA footage: The super-red headliner is the absolute best. Update: I’ve replaced the video with a higher resolution version.

Kevin · July 26th, 2010

Lexus RX 240? Lexus LS 450h?

The Bangkok Post has some engine variation rumors regarding the RX & LS: Later this year, Japan’s top nameplate is set to offer a third engine variant of its RX sport-utility vehicle in the guise of RX270 with 2WD. For the first time, the new entry-level RX would be getting a four-cylinder petrol engine currently …

Kevin · July 26th, 2010

Lexus LFA & Six Nissan GT-Rs

The Lexus LFA has been seen in all sorts of company these last couple weeks — first it was a Supercar Party with all its major competitors, and now it’s out and about with six (!!!) Nissan GT-Rs: My first thought was that some auto mag was trying to be clever — “Which would you …

Kevin · July 26th, 2010

The General Lee(xus)

I’m pretty sure no one ever expected to see a Lexus LS 400 painted up like this: This is the General Lee(xus), and it has quite an interesting story — turns out this old LS is an entry into Bangers4BEN, a charity event in the UK for “helping the automotive and related industries provide care and support for …

Kevin · July 22nd, 2010

New Black Lexus LFA Spotted!

A shiny black Lexus LFA has been spotted in Japan: I’m thunderstruck — that’s one sinister supercar.

Kevin · July 21st, 2010

Lexus LFA Concept Wallpaper from Top Gear

While looking for an image to use with the previous post, I came across this fantastic Lexus LFA concept wallpaper from Top Gear, and just had to post it: Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 Still love those headlights — funny how the LED strip is being added to the …

Kevin · July 20th, 2010

Bangkok Post Interviews Lexus LFA Chief Engineer

There’s a quick interview with Lexus LFA Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi in the Bangkok Post, and part of it addresses the decision to use an automated manual gearbox in the supercar instead of a DSG: – Have you considered a dual-clutch automatic gearbox for the LFA? I’ve tried Volkswagen’s DSG around Nurburgring. Although it must …

Kevin · July 20th, 2010

2011 Lexus IS F Details

After adding a limited slip differential last year, Lexus continues to improve the IS F in the 2011 model year by refining the power steering and improving the suspension: To improve responsiveness and ride comfort, in addition to providing the driver with more control, engineers revised the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system and suspension. With …

Kevin · July 20th, 2010

2011 Lexus ES 350 Details

After a minor refresh last year, the Lexus ES 350 is virtually the same for 2011, but for one change — the recommended gasoline rating has dropped to 87-octane: 2011 ES 350 customers will continue to enjoy a smooth and quiet ride as the cost of ownership is reduced. With the new fuel recommendation of …

Kevin · July 19th, 2010

Lexus LFA Goodwood Circuit Laps

During the Goodwood Festival a couple weeks back, Lexus let a series of journalists sample the LFA on the Goodwood Circuit. The car was set up to record the laps in full detail, and now three journalists have published their videos online: And the longest one by far, a full 15 minutes of LFA racing …

Kevin · July 19th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h U.S. Driving Events

Update: These tour dates have been moved, here are the new dates. Last week, Lexus announced that Los Angeles residents would get be getting a chance to drive the CT 200h prototype — and now it’s been confirmed that this event will be making its way to three other cities around the country. Here are …

Kevin · July 19th, 2010

Supercar Party with the Lexus LFA

Looks like we can expect a new Lexus LFA comparison in an automotive magazine some time in the near future: Just for the record, there’s a Mercedes SLS, Porsche GT3 RS, Lamborghini LP 570-4 Superleggera, and Ferrari 458 Italia along with the LFA — imagine passing that combo on the side of the road. (Thanks …

Kevin · July 16th, 2010

2011 Lexus IS F-Sport Package

Lexus USA will be offering an F-Sport option package on all RWD IS 250/IS 350s that borrows from the IS F — here’s what’s included: An all-new suspension with tuned steering New 18″ alloy wheels with a dark super-chrome finish A front lip spoiler and a rear deck spoiler Dark super-chrome front grille F Sport …

Kevin · July 16th, 2010

2011 Lexus IS Official Details

Lexus USA has announced details on the 2011 IS, and as expected, the model will be receiving some minor updates for new year: The HID headlights have been redesigned and now include LED daytime running lights. Update: HID lights are optional on the IS 250 and standard on the IS 350. The front grille & …

Kevin · July 16th, 2010

1997 Lexus GS Commercial: Something Wicked This Way Comes

To introduce the second generation GS, Lexus played up a sinister theme to match what was then “the world’s fastest automatic sedan”: After the modest success of the first GS, the second generation was a massive hit right from the start, with over 30,000 first year sales and a strong reception from the automotive press …

Kevin · July 15th, 2010

Lexus LX 570 ASI Invader Video

A couple months ago, we saw our first glimpse of a super-modified version of the Lexus LX 570, the ASI Invader, and now we have video of the extreme SUV (Warning: turn down your volume, extreme wind noise): It still looks absolutely insane, but the black exterior mutes it somewhat as compared to the earlier …

Kevin · July 14th, 2010

My.IS TO2kX Meet in Toronto

Members of My.IS & Club Lexus gathered last weekend in Toronto, Ontario for some time at the track and a highway cruise: There’s plenty of photos to look through in the My.IS thread — this one caught my eye with the red: Looks like a fun event, I’m hoping to attend myself next year. (Thanks …

Kevin · July 14th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Art Installation

Lexus has commissioned an CT 200h art installation to be displayed at this summer’s Darker Side of Green debates: Entitled CT Umbra, the installation shifts in color as the viewer circles it, from gold to tints of green and blue, which brings a nice touch of the LF-Ch concept. The art installation was created by …

Kevin · July 13th, 2010

Drive the Lexus CT 200h in Los Angeles!

Lexus is holding a three day CT 200h event in Los Angeles & Venice, California to showcase their newest hybrid and give attendees the chance to actually drive the prototype — here are the full event details: Be among the first in the world to experience the new CT 200h prototype at a location near …

Kevin · July 13th, 2010

Lexus SC 430 Drift

Although it ends production this month, the Lexus SC 430 is the platform for a new Lexus-sponsored drifting program: Built by A’PEXi USA & VIP Auto Salon and driven by Ryuji Miki, the Lexus SC430 Drift debuted last month at a Formula D event in Wall, NJ, and will be competing throughout this racing season. …

Kevin · July 12th, 2010

Tesla Building Electric Lexus RX Prototype?

Toyota & Tesla are now two weeks into their partnership (in which Toyota purchased a $50M stake in Tesla), and it’s rumored that their first joint-project will be converting a Lexus RX to a full electric prototype: Tesla said July 10 that it will deliver two prototypes vehicles to Toyota this month without identifying the …

Kevin · July 12th, 2010

Red Lexus LFA at Goodwood

The folks over at Autoblog.nl had a chance to drive the red Lexus LFA at Goodwood and put together a fantastic review: There’s a real enthusiasm to the review, and at the end of the video, the presenter shows off his observed fuel economy: 5.4MPG (43.4l/100km), which isn’t all that surprising given the type of …

Kevin · July 11th, 2010

Fifth Gear Drives the Lexus LFA

Fifth Gear host Tiff Needell spent some time in the Lexus LFA driver seat for this week’s show (watch it quick as it’s likely to disappear shortly): Now that has to be one of the most earnest and enjoyable LFA reviews we’ve seen yet — “This is mental fun,” he says while powersliding all over …

Kevin · July 9th, 2010

Live Lexus CT 200h Video!

And now for our first video look at the Lexus CT 200h in Brown Spice Mica (just a warning, you may want to turn down the volume): The CT looks great on the road, even if the color isn’t my favorite — and just how good is this car going to look with bigger wheels, …

Kevin · July 8th, 2010

Lexus Facebook Fan Takes a Ride in the LFA

Lexus Europe brought one of their Facebook fans along for a ride as racing driver Takayuki Kinoshita took an LFA up the hillclimb at last weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed — here’s the footage of winner Olivia’s experience: You have to give Olivia credit for keeping it together — gotta love the smiles on both …

Kevin · July 8th, 2010

Lexus Darker Side of Green Debates

Lexus will be hosting more environmental debate/dance parties as part of the “Darker Side of Green” campaign for the CT 200h: Designed to inspire a new audience to consider luxury hybrid vehicles, the debates will be moderated by some of entertainment’s most intriguing personalities, including Andy Samberg, Jamie Kennedy, Tracey Morgan, and Mark McGrath. They …

Kevin · July 7th, 2010

Lexus LS 400 Hooning with Fifth Gear

Just before using it as a prop in a Fifth Gear segment, presenter Jonny Smith decided to give this LS 400 a most un-Lexus-like farewell: A twenty-year-old car that sat untouched in a barn for two years and started up no problem — and this is how it’s rewarded: That’s just plain sad.

Kevin · July 6th, 2010

Lexus LFA Commercial: Octave Harmony

There’s a new Lexus LFA commercial to watch: Although it’s strictly a remix of the previous commercial and the LFA launch video, it does a great job at explaining a key element of the LFA’s appeal — the wonderful sound of that engine.

Kevin · July 5th, 2010

More on the Lexus Engine Recall

Lexus USA will be formally submitting their recall of approximately 138,000 Lexus vehicles next week with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall will apply to certain 2006, 2007 & 2008 GS, IS, and LS models equipped with 4.6 and 5.0L V8 and 3.5L V6 engines. Here’s the full breakdown: GS 350: 2007-2008 GS …

Kevin · July 2nd, 2010

Drifting the Lexus ES 350

In what is only the latest automotive craziness to come out of the Middle East, I bring you the drifting Lexus ES 350: I don’t even know if you could call that drifting — more like absolute utter madness. (Totally off-topic, but Starfire Pearl with panoramic glass roof is probably my favorite ever color/option combo.)

Kevin · July 2nd, 2010

Potential Lexus Engine Recall

Toyota has announced today that they may be recalling 270,000 Lexus cars after discovering a problem with the 4.6L V8 and 3.5L V6 engines used throughout the lineup — from the Wall Street Journal: The auto maker has found a problem with the valve spring of 4.6 liter V8 engines and 3.5 liter V6 engines …

Kevin · July 1st, 2010

Autoblog Rides in the Lexus CT 200h Too

Autoblog was also in attendance at last week’s small media preview of the Lexus CT 200h, and had this to say about their time in the passenger seat: Riding along suburban roads near the TME facility, the CT 200h – even in prototype guise – is suitably Lexus-like in its build quality and refinement, yet …

Kevin · June 30th, 2010

The Telegraph Takes a Ride in the Lexus CT 200h

Lexus Europe has media showing with the CT 200h last week, and Jesse Crosse from The Telegraph was there for a ride in the passenger seat: I was given a brief ride in a prototype by Lexus engineers last week who were keen to demonstrate the low centre of gravity, flat cornering stance, low, sporty, …

Kevin · June 30th, 2010

Lexus LX 450 Commercial

Time for a blast from the past with this ’96 Lexus LX 450 commercial: The commercial’s slogan: “It’s everything a Lexus is, and everything a Lexus isn’t” is similar in message to the way the IS-F was introduced (“F is everything you thought we weren’t”), and for good reason. Both models expanded the Lexus brand …

Kevin · June 30th, 2010

Lexus LFA Configuration Kit

Flickr user itzjere (aka Jeremy) had the enviable task of configuring a Lexus LFA for his boss, and posted some pictures of the process (click for larger images): This LFA configuration kit shows an amazing attention to detail, and looks to be an excellent way to choose a car color combo. I asked Jeremy a …

Kevin · June 29th, 2010

Blue Lexus LFA Photos

We saw a video of this Pearl Blue Lexus LFA a couple months back, now here are some new photos: Best of all, this black & blue interior is a knockout: Absolute madness — what a color combination. [Via: Club Lexus]

Kevin · June 28th, 2010

Live Lexus CT 200h Interior Photos

I just received a massive stack of Lexus CT 200h photos in my inbox, including some pics of a wonderful beige Ecru leather interior with a bamboo (?) wood trim — look at this (click for a larger image): That sliver of wood really sets the whole thing off — I’m extremely impressed with how …

Kevin · June 27th, 2010

Lexus HS 250h Recalled Over Crash Test Fuel Leak

Lexus has issued a recall and stop sale on the HS 250h after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration discovered that too much gasoline leaks in a rear-impact test. The recall, which will affect 17,000 vehicles in the USA, is a result of a test that involves striking the vehicle with a deformable barrier from …

Kevin · June 25th, 2010

2011 Lexus IS Interior Option: Sunrise

Another detail about the 2011 Lexus IS has emerged — check out this brand new interior option, Sunrise, which is almost certainly limited to the Japanese market: This is pushing at the very outer limits of interior color combinations, but I have to admire the very idea of these special editions — especially something so …

Kevin · June 25th, 2010

Lexus Magazine Feature on GX 460

Lexus Magazine has a nice feature up on the GX 460: The freeway is white with snow. The windshield wipers can barely keep up with the endless flakes rapidly hitting the glass. Gripping the wheel, I glance down at the navigation system. Just 20 miles to my destination, but it could take an hour or …

Kevin · June 25th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h in Blue!

And here we go — the first high-quality photo of the Lexus CT 200h in something other than white (click for a larger version): Seeing the CT 200h in blue is somewhat curious, considering it wasn’t listed as one of the colors on the Lexus USA mini-site — but it would hardly be the first …

Kevin · June 24th, 2010

Lexus Chief Test Driver Hiromu Naruse Dies in LFA Crash

German newspaper Rhein-Zeitung is reporting that the Lexus LFA Nürburgring edition featured yesterday has been involved in a serious crash with another car. Details are still emerging and nothing has been confirmed, but it’s believed that Toyota Chief test driver Hiromu Naruse was behind the wheel, and that both the driver and passenger in the …

Kevin · June 23rd, 2010

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition Photos

After scoping out the same rendered versions of the Lexus LFA Nürburgring edition for a while now, there’s finally some real photos of the track-optimized version of the supercar courtesy of Autoblog (click for larger versions): Conveniently, Lexus has highlighted all the Nürburgring edition’s aero-parts in black, making it easy to see the larger front …

Kevin · June 22nd, 2010

The 2011 Lexus IS

Earlier this month, we saw some leaked photos of the possible 2011 Lexus IS, and now Japanese weblog レクサスとの道 has published proof (click images for larger images): For the most part, the changes are minor — LED daytime running lights, revised bumpers, some small interior updates — however, let’s take a closer look at this …

Kevin · June 21st, 2010

C&D Comparison: Lexus ES 350 vs. Hyundai Genesis vs. Buick LaCrosse vs. Ford Taurus

Car & Driver took the Lexus ES 350, Hyundai Genesis, Buick LaCrosse & Ford Taurus Limited out on a golfing trip — here’s what they had to say about the ES 350: […]the ES350 is also the lightest car in this group, and good things always happen when you’re slim. For starters, the Lexus, while …

Kevin · June 21st, 2010

Lexus & the 2010 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

Old news now, but last week Lexus placed fourth in the 2010 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study with 88 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), coming in just one PP100 behind Mercedes and two PP100 under Acura. In light of some recent quality issues, this result stands as quite an accomplishment for Lexus — even more …

Kevin · June 21st, 2010

More Lexus CT 200h Videos

Here’s a couple of new Lexus CT 200h videos — this first one breaks down the Lexus Hybrid Drive system by its central elements: The second video is an interview with CT 200h Chief Engineer Osamu Sadakata as he describes the three driving modes of the new hatchback: These HD videos are great — love …

Kevin · June 15th, 2010

Lexus ES 350 with Black & Saddle Tan Interior

Dan Spanu over at Lindsay Lexus sent me a tip about the new Lexus 350 Black with Saddle Tan interior color option — first off, here’s the official shot from the Lexus USA website: What these images don’t really show is just how similar this ES interior is to the new LS Sport interior color …

Kevin · June 15th, 2010

New Lexus CT 200h Photos

Here’s a bunch of new Lexus CT 200h photos showing the new hatchback in a more natural setting: The more I look at the CT, the more impressed I get. Sure, there was plenty of L-Finesse design cues that could be drawn from, and there’s certainly some elements of the RX & the IS, but …

Kevin · June 14th, 2010

Lexus IS Helicopter Ballet

Not every day you watch a video featuring forty-four Lexus IS 250s performing a choreographed routine that’s filmed by helicopter: Filmed at the Ampthill Millbrook Proving Groundvehicle proving ground (presumbly for the launch of the IS in 2005), this Lexus UK presentation is strikingly similar to their LS 460 orchestra that took place in 2007, …

Kevin · June 11th, 2010

Lexus Dark Ride VIP Card Giveaway

As part of their Dark Ride campaign for the CT 200h, Lexus USA is issuing special VIP cards that bring some very exclusive benefits — including fast-track entry to clubs, free cocktails, & limited edition items. Here’s just a small sample of the perks: 20% off best available rates at notable boutique hotels such as …

Kevin · June 10th, 2010

Beautiful Lexus LS 600hL Video

Once and a while, I get very focused on a specific car — right now, it’s the Lexus LS, and it all started after watching this 10-minute video a couple weeks back: This video does a great job at capturing that quiet, subtle luxury that’s so appealing about Lexus’ flagship sedan — and somehow manages …

Kevin · June 10th, 2010

Reader Review: Lexus LS 460 Sport

TLE reader Heimdall222 has put 1,800 miles on his brand new 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport — here are his impressions of the sport-infused flagship sedan. The 2010 LS 460 Sport is my second Lexus, following a GS 350, and I’ve also owned several Infinitis. The basic Sport Package is, of course, what converts a …

Kevin · June 10th, 2010

Car Magazine: Lexus LFA vs. Mercedes SLS

Car Magazine has a supercar comparison we’ve all been waiting for as they pit the Lexus LFA against the Mercedes SLS — some choice quotes: The LFA in particular is infamous for its insane intonations of raw power. Redlined at 9000rpm where the rev counter changes colour from snow white to devil´s red, the V10 …

Kevin · June 8th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h in Brown Spice Mica

Lexus Europe has teased their Twitter fans with some quick photos of the latest addition to their fleet: a Brown Spice Mica CT 200h: Sure, the photo quality isn’t all that great, but it’s enough to give an idea of what the CT 200h will look like in darker colors. It’s certainly a tidy looking …

Kevin · June 8th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h 3-Door Photochop

Shortly after the Lexus CT 200h was revealed in early March, rumors of a possible 3-door version sprung up, and now photochopper Theophilus Chin has put together a possible look for the hatchback coupe: The main tweaks in the photochop, besides the subtraction of two doors, is a deeper slope in the A-pillar, a shorter …

Kevin · June 8th, 2010

Lexus Taiwan’s Hybrid Bicycle

This LS 600hL commercial from Lexus Taiwan has a special surprise at the end: Just in case you missed it: As the Lexus Taiwan website describes, this is a limited edition mountain bike built by Fuji cycles, and will retail for 180,000 元 ($3,300 USD). Expensive indeed, but not out of line with the rest …

Kevin · June 7th, 2010

Behind-the-Scenes of the Lexus LFA Commercial

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the recent Lexus LFA commercial: A pretty amazing setup, all round — bringing in a renowned physicist to help determine the necessary frequency, having Scott Pruett there to pilot the LFA, it’s all very sophisticated. There have been some questions about the meaning behind the commercial — …

Kevin · June 6th, 2010

Lexus LS Generations Desktop Wallpapers

This week’s Autocar review of a 1990 LS 400 reminded me of a desktop wallpaper I’ve had sitting on my computer for quite some time: Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 I had featured a very similar image some time back, which still stands as one of my favorite Lexus …

Kevin · June 5th, 2010

2011 Lexus IS Update?

By way of Chinese website Sohu, here’s a sneak peek at what’s just may be the 2011 Lexus IS: There’s plenty of tweaks here: The LED daytime running lights first seen on the 2010 LS have been incorporated into the headlights. The steering wheel will be getting some new accents, and a chrome strip has …

Kevin · June 4th, 2010

Lexus LFA Still Available in USA

Despite reports to the contrary, Lexus USA has told Edmunds that there are still LFAs available in the USA: In response to a query Thursday from [Edmunds Inside Line], Toyota said: “As a result of additional allocation being dedicated to the U.S. market, some production spots still remain for the LF-A supercar’s 500-unit global build. …

Kevin · June 3rd, 2010

Lexus LFA Commercial

Lexus USA has just put out a commercial for the Lexus LFA: It’s a nice play on the one of the inaugural LS 400 commercials (and was revisited during the LS 460 launch), and will be part of a wider campaign promoting the halo supercar. The NY Times has more details: The online elements, scheduled …

Kevin · June 1st, 2010

Autocar Drives 20-year-old Lexus LS 400

In a nod to their 20th anniversary in the UK, Lexus put automotive journalists behind the wheel of an old LS 400 at the annual Society of Motor Manufacturers Test day. Purchased off eBay, the LS 400 had 103,000 miles on the odometer and still plenty of life — here’s a quick review from Autocar: …

Kevin · June 1st, 2010

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