Facebook Fans Question Lexus CT 200h Chief Designer

Recently, Lexus Europe asked their Facebook fans to submit questions to Lexus Design Manager Takeshi Tanabe about the CT 200h — in the end, four questions were chosen and the answers have just been posted. (Funny fact: Three of the four questions use the word “sexy”.) Read the full Q & A
Kevin · June 1st, 2010

Automotive News Talks with German Lexus LFA Owners

Automotive News has some details on Lexus LFA sales in Europe: […]a third of the orders from Europe were placed in Germany. Lexus brought eight of those buyers to this year’s Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race in Germany to wine and dine them as two LFAs competed at the legendary circuit. Each buyer already had plunked …

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Kevin · May 31st, 2010

Behind-the-Scenes with Lexus @ 24h Nürburgring Race

It’s been a couple weeks since the Lexus LFAs competed in the Nürburgring 24h race, but I wanted to mention this great article from Hans Greimel of Automotive News, who spent the entire weekend with the Toyota crew. The entire piece tells an interesting story, but I really enjoyed reading about Toyota President Akio Toyoda’s …

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Kevin · May 28th, 2010

Sleek New IS Website from Lexus Canada

Last month, we saw behind-the-scenes footage for a new Lexus commercial featuring all versions of the IS — now here’s the finished product as part of a new IS section on the Lexus Canada website: Lots of energy to the site, and definitely worth clicking through — the video quality is just fantastic. Very sleek, …

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Kevin · May 28th, 2010

Lexus LS Recall Video Demonstration

Here’s a video demonstrating the steering issue that made the current Lexus LS recall necessary: All in all, this LS steering issue looks to be relatively non-critical — something that should be fixed and deserving of a recall, to be sure, but of minor importance to anyone outside of the affected owners. Still, good on …

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Kevin · May 27th, 2010

Interview with Hiromu Naruse, Chief Test Driver for Lexus

Lexus Magazine has a brilliant interview with Hiromu Naruse, chief test driver for Lexus, about his experience in helping develop the LFA: Lexus: What was it like to drive the Lexus LFA prototype the first time out? Naruse: I have to say, when I drove the LFA for the first time, it was scary. It …

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Kevin · May 26th, 2010

2010 Lexus RX Awarded IIHS Top Safety Pick Award

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2010 Lexus RX its TOP SAFETY PICK award. This designation recognizes the RX for earning the highest possible rating for front, side, rollover, and rear crash protection, along with being equipped with electronic stability control, which is standard. Read the IIHS Annoucement
Kevin · May 25th, 2010

200 MPH in a Lexus LFA

As part of Motor Trend’s coverage of the Lexus LFA, the supercar was strapped onto a dynometer and pushed to its upper limits: 200.2 MPH is something else, even on a dyno — it’s amazing just how smoothly the LFA ramps up, and judging from the footage, it gets there with hardly any vibration at …

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Kevin · May 25th, 2010

Red Lexus LFA @ Japanese Auto Show

Not only does this video from a Japanese auto show feature the red Lexus LFA, it also demonstrates a couple details about the supercar that I haven’t seen before (skip to 5:23 to get to the goods): The two things I noticed were the turn signal and the massive, single-blade windshield wiper — admittedly, these …

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Kevin · May 24th, 2010

LA Times Reports on 4th Generation ES Transmission Issues, Lexus Responds

This weekend, the LA Times published another chapter in their long-running battle against Toyota & Lexus, this time asserting that the transmission issues experienced by some 2002-2006 Lexus ES owners was indicative of a bigger problem: The documents show that Toyota repeatedly tried to solve the lurching problem by modifying the car’s computer software. But …

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Kevin · May 24th, 2010

Lexus LS Recall FAQ

Lexus has officially issued a recall on late 2009 & certain 2010 Lexus LS vehicles equipped with the Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system. This recall affects the LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600h, and LS 600hL, but no other Lexus models. All owners affected by the recall will be contacted via mail when the …

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Kevin · May 23rd, 2010

Road & Track Lexus LFA Video

Seems like a day can’t go by without posting a Lexus LFA video — today, it’s a feature from Road & Track: The LFA was a laserbeam through that slalom course!
Kevin · May 21st, 2010

2010 Lexus GS 450h UK Photo Gallery

Lexus UK has published a very nice photo gallery of the 2010 Lexus GS 450h: All in all, the 2010 edition of the GS 450h is a very nice upgrade over the 2009 model — upgraded pre-crash safety system, hard drive navigation, three new exterior colors (Vanilla Mist, Richmond Green and Atlantic Blue) and one …

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Kevin · May 20th, 2010

Lexus LFA Desktop Wallpapers

During my trip to the Lexus F-Sport event in New Jersey, I took over 600 photos — including 350 of the LFA alone — so I thought I would share my favorite three images as desktop wallpapers: Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 …

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Kevin · May 20th, 2010

GT Spirit Reviews the Lexus LFA

GTSpirit had a chance to drive the Lexus LFA in Monaco, and they created this fantastic video: Along with the video, there’s an exhaustive review on the GT Spirit website: The Monaco area gave the opportunity to experience the twisting roads in the hills surrounding the small country, but also the Formula 1 race track, …

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Kevin · May 20th, 2010

Lexus LS to be Recalled for VGRS Issue

Lexus is preparing to issue a recall of Lexus LS models equipped with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS): This matter has been under investigation by TMC since March this year who have received approximately 10 complaints in Japan.  No accidents have been reported relating to this issue and we have received no reported cases of …

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Kevin · May 19th, 2010

Video Interview with Scott Pruett

One of the best things about attending the Lexus F-Sport event in New Jersey was the chance to meet Scott Pruett, the very successful race car driver that also happens to handle the LFA hot-laps. Scott is such a well spoken and knowledgeable guy, and his insight into the LFA was really something to hear …

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Kevin · May 18th, 2010

Lexus LFA Wins SP8 Class in Nürburgring 24h Race

After a grueling and exhaustive 24 hours, the #50 Lexus LFA finished 18th overall and placed 1st in its SP8 (near production) class in the Nürburgring 24h race. The other LFA in the race, #51, didn’t do so well after an extended pitstop that lasted over 11 hours, but did manage to make it back …

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Kevin · May 16th, 2010

Lexus 2010 Nürburgring 24h Race Open Thread

Two Lexus LFAs (#50 & #51) and one IS F will be competing in this weekend’s Nürburgring 24h race, so I thought we should have some place to discuss the race as it happens. In two rounds of qualifying, the #50 LFA finished p25 & the #51 LFA is p28, and sit first and second …

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Kevin · May 15th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Dark Ride Interactive Movie

The Lexus CT 200h Dark Ride interactive movie has launched today, and it’s super fun — before I give too much away, make sure to go and experience it for yourself: Here’s the trailer, just to jog your memory: You never know with this sort of thing, but the Dark Ride is total quality, with …

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Kevin · May 14th, 2010

Nürburgring 24h Race Ready Lexus LFAs

Lexus has released photos of the fully liveried LFAs that will be taking part in this weekend’s 24h Nürburgring race: This image is just pure awesome, I had to crop it up for a wallpaper: Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 There doesn’t look to be a live feed of …

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Kevin · May 12th, 2010

Consumer Reports Tests Lexus GX 460 Update

Consumer Reports have performed a test of the Lexus GX 460 software update: The magazine also posted a final comment on the safety issue they discovered, which ultimately led to current Lexus GX 460 recall: That’s what happened with the GX 460. The problem with the vehicle’s emergency handling capabilities was discovered by our auto …

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Kevin · May 11th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Chief Designer Video Interview

Here’s two new Lexus CT 200h videos featuring the hatchback’s Chief Designer, Takeshi Tanabe: This HD footage really shows off the car in a very strong way, including our best look yet at the LED headlights. Top notch quality. For more from Tanabe-sama, you can check out my interview with him from the Geneva auto …

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Kevin · May 11th, 2010

Lexus USA F-Sport Promotion in June

Lexus USA has announced there will be a special F-Sport promotion during the month of June — three new option levels have been made available on the IS, IS-C, & GS 350(RWD only): The F-Sport suspension kit will be offered for $1,450, a savings of $549, and will include lowering springs and rear chassis member …

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Kevin · May 10th, 2010

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Official U.S. Pricing

Lexus USA has announced the pricing of the limited-edition LFA Nürburgring package, along with the collection of perks that owners can expect: This limited edition LFA will be available in four exterior colors – whitest white, orange, black and matte black complemented by a choice of three interior colors – black, red, and violet.  All …

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Kevin · May 10th, 2010

Motor Trend Comparison: Lexus LFA vs. Nissan GT-R

Motor Trend has unleashed an absolutely epic comparison test pitting the Lexus LFA against the Nissan GT-R — some choice quotes: Subsequent testing proves the LFA to be dynamically superior to the GT-R in nearly every category. Any doubts that the Lexus is anything but a legitimate supercar are absolutely gutted on the test tarmac. …

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Kevin · May 10th, 2010

Lexus Takes Top Three Spots in Super GT GT500 Class

Missed this story last week, but Lexus took the top three spots in Round 3 of the 2010 Super GT series — from Road & Track: The GT500 class winner was the pole-starting MJ Kraft SC430 driven by Hiroaki Ishiura and Kazuya Oshima, who never lost the lead throughout the race. Joining them on the podium …

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Kevin · May 10th, 2010

James Martin Reviews the Lexus LFA

Celebrity chef/auto reviewer James Martin recently spent some time with the Lexus LFA: I drove this Lexus LFA up London’s Regent Street and had a procession of kids following me all along the pavement as I slowly made my way. By the time I reached Oxford Circus there were about 40 of them, all glassy-eyed …

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Kevin · May 10th, 2010

Lexus Europe Nürburgring Reporter Contest!

Lexus Europe is holding a very special contest to find a reporter to cover the Nürburgring 24h race next weekend: We are looking for a racing enthusiast – a true Lexus supercar fan – to report on the event. Someone who will come along with us and who will keep the rest of the world …

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Kevin · May 7th, 2010

Consumer Reports Removes Lexus GX 460 Safety Warning

Consumer Reports has lifted its Don’t Buy: Safety Risk rating on the Lexus GX 460 after testing the stability control software update — from the press release: CR contacted the Lexus dealership from which they had anonymously bought the vehicle and made an appointment to have the recall work performed. The work took about an …

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Kevin · May 7th, 2010

Lexus LFA Desktop by Christian Thomas

I’m putting the final polish on the writeup of my Lexus LFA driving experience last week, but in the meantime I wanted to share one of the photos from Christian Thomas, who was the resident photographer at the event — check out this beautiful LFA photo: Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 …

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Kevin · May 7th, 2010

Lexus LX 570 Invader by ASI Tuning

Japanese tuner ASI has cut loose and created the craziest Lexus LX 570 you’ll ever see: Dubbed the ASI LX 570 Invader, ASI has tuned the LX to push out 600hp, which equals a 0-60mph in less than 5 seconds (the stock LX 570 need 7.4 seconds). Of course, there’s more obvious changes — the …

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Kevin · May 6th, 2010

Lexus HS 250h Sales Target Revised

Ward’s Auto has tallied up the HS 250h’s sales to date, and has found that Lexus is on track to sell 14,000 units of the entry-luxury hybrid in its first year, about 6,000 less than previously forecast. Since the HSh’s launch in August 2009, a total of 11,228 units have been sold to date. According …

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Kevin · May 6th, 2010

Lexus IS F CCS Concept Video

At the Tokyo Auto Salon earlier this year, Lexus showcased the IS F Club Circuit Club Sports Concept (or CCS Concept for short), an IS F done up in all sorts of carbon fiber, including some very nice detail work on the rear wing: As mentioned last month, Lexus has hinted that the carbon fiber …

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Kevin · May 3rd, 2010

AutoTrader Reviews the 2010 Lexus LS 600h L

Alexandra Straub of AutoTrader.ca recently took the 2010 Lexus LS 600h L for a test drive, and found herself indulging in the vehicle’s 5-seat Executive package rear seat.  This configuration is new for the revised LS range, being added alongside the original 4-seat Executive package. In addition to the extra center seat, the DVD rear-seat …

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Kevin · April 30th, 2010

Lexus Driver Assist Technologies HS 250h Review

Courtesy of Grant Winter from RealWorldTestDrives.com, this HS 250h video review focuses on three Lexus technologies that are increasingly found throughout the company’s lineup: The first technology, Lane Keep Assist (begins at 0:50), is also found on the LS line, and the warning feature is used on the GX. The second technology, the Wide-View Front …

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Kevin · April 30th, 2010

Updated Lexus GX 460 Resumes Sales and Production

Today Lexus announced that the Vehicle Stability Control update for the 2010 GX 460 is now available at all U.S. and Canadian dealerships. Dealers have begun contacting owners to set up service appointments for the software fix, and most should receive messages within the next week. Concurrently, sales of the GX 460 are resuming, as …

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Kevin · April 29th, 2010

Lexus LFA Monaco Drive Video

GTSpirit has published a teaser video of an LFA ride through the streets of Monaco (please be warned, this video is rather jerky and may induce vertigo): This video was likely made around the same time that spyshots of the LFA in Monaco were taken. For most of its duration, the LFA is being led …

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Kevin · April 29th, 2010

Lexus F-Sport Event Today in New Jersey

Just a reminder that the Lexus F-Sport event at the New Jersey Motorsports Park is happening today—there’s still time to book a spot, but not for much longer. As mentioned last week, I will be at the event all day—in fact, I was at the track today as part of a early preview, where I …

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Kevin · April 28th, 2010

Lexus RX 450h Namaqualand Commercial

Lexus South Africa continues its analogous theme with this commercial for the RX 450h, comparing it to the Namaqualand flowers found in the country: The complexity of a hybrid system working in harmony finds a beautiful analogy in nature, with the setting also providing an ecologically-minded backdrop; still, the vehicle is billed as a performance …

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Kevin · April 28th, 2010

Lexus HB Concept and the Great British Bike Ride

Following its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, Lexus has brought one of its only two HB (Hybrid Bicycle) concept models in existence to the UK, highlighting the brand’s title sponsorship of the Great British Bike Ride charity event. Additional HB concept specifications have also been released, including a 240 watt electric motor, …

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Kevin · April 27th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Australian Launch in 2011

Lexus Australia has confirmed that the CT 200h sportback will become the fourth hybrid model in its lineup, starting in mid 2011. It will be the country’s only full hybrid hatchback, and join the LS 600h L, GS 450h, and RX 450h in Lexus Australia’s petrol-electric hybrid range. Lexus Australia head Tony Cramb was quoted …

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Kevin · April 26th, 2010

Lexus LFA Participates in Nürburgring 52nd ADAC ACAS Race

As a final test leading up to the Nürburgring 24h race, Lexus participated in this weekend’s Nürburgring 52. ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup race. Only one LFA participated in the race, as Iceland’s volcanic ash prevented support personnel from getting to the track in time to run the second LFA—the IS F team also participated. Here are …

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Kevin · April 26th, 2010

Lexus LFA Display at Flagship Tokyo Dealership

Japanese blog レクサスとの道[LEXUS] made a recent trip to the flagship Lexus Takanawa dealership in Tokyo and snapped this photo of their new LFA display: Not only is there an actual LFA on display, there are color samples made from minature LFA models and examples of all the interior leather options—and check out the giant, fully …

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Kevin · April 23rd, 2010

Lexus LFA Carbon Fiber Leads to Future Possibilities

Ward’s Auto has published an article summarizing Lexus LFA project manager and vehicle materials expert Nobuya Kawamura’s recent presentation at the JEC Composite exposition in Paris, France. Kawamura talked about the “never-ending process” of the supercar’s carbon fiber development, which ultimately led to Lexus engineers learning multiple techniques for producing several types of the material, …

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Kevin · April 23rd, 2010

Lexus New Jersey F-Sport Event Next Week

A couple weeks back, Lexus USA announced an April 29th F-Sport event at the New Jersey Motor Park, and today, I’m happy to say I will be attending. I didn’t want to miss my chance at a hot-lap in the LFA with Scott Pruett, so I’ll be making the eight-hour drive down to New Jersey …

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Kevin · April 21st, 2010

Blue Lexus LFA Spotted

A blue Lexus LFA has been filmed in Japan: This second video has some closeups, along with footage of the interior: Truth be told, I’m generally not a fan of blue, but on the LFA it looks super-fine—here’s the money shot: So we’ve seen white, black, matte-black, red & blue—what color’s next? (My guess: silver.) …

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Kevin · April 21st, 2010

Lexus GX 460 Recall Remedy Demonstration

Lexus Japan has released a video demonstrating the stability control update: This video was accompanied by a press release which details the exact circumstances that caused the stability control issues discovered by Consumer Reports last week: The following conditions combine to cause the problem: In the GX 460 and Land Cruiser Prado, heavy components, such …

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Kevin · April 20th, 2010

Smart Lexus IS F Commercial from Lexus South Africa

Lexus South Africa has a new commercial touting the relativistic properties of the IS F: Really enjoyed the unforgiving intelligence of this video—it’s a commercial that rewards repeated viewing with a better understanding of the science it describes. Best of all, it tied directly into the brand’s central message—very well done.
Kevin · April 20th, 2010

Stunning Red Lexus LFA Photos

Japanese website Carview has published some red Lexus LFA photos as part of an extensive review: I could post photos of that red LFA every day. These photos are part of a larger gallery that includes plenty of interior shots along with photos of an LFA in various stages of undress: Absolutely amazing—must see photos. …

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Kevin · April 19th, 2010

Lexus GX 460 Recall Announced

In response to last week’s Consumer Reports warning of the GX 460’s handling during a high-speed test, today Lexus announced a voluntary recall of all 9,400 2010 model year GX 460s sold to date.  These models will receive a software update to the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system.  Quoting from the press release: The VSC …

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Kevin · April 19th, 2010

Lexus LS 460 & Hideki Watanabe in Kyoto

There’s a wonderful photo-essay on Lexus Magazine by Doug Knox & Andrew Shaylor that takes you through Kyoto, Japan in a LS 460 driven by Chief Engineer, Hideki Watanabe—some example shots: Many miles later and comfortably at one with the LS, Watanabe patiently takes me to school, explaining how his team managed to eke out …

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Kevin · April 19th, 2010

Lexus HS 250h Inside Story

CanadianDriver has put up an interesting piece on the HS 250h interior as part of the website’s “Inside Story” series. Billed as a 7-day “review of interior comfort features, cabin controls, storage options, trunk space and under-hood accessibility,” this review features a non-Remote Touch equipped HS 250h, and describes the storage options available instead: At …

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Kevin · April 18th, 2010

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition in Black & White

We’ve seen photos of the limited-edition Lexus LFA Nürburgring edition in orange, and now here’s the track-optimized supercar in two other color options, black & white: The LFA Nürburgring package is limited to just 50 units within the total LFA production run of 500, in effect creating rare version of an already extremely limited supercar. …

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Kevin · April 16th, 2010

Automobile Magazine Reviews the 2010 Lexus ES 350

Automobile Magazine has published an editor’s review of the entry-luxury Lexus sedan, the ES 350. As in their prior LS 460 L review, four editors provided their take on the best-selling sedan.  The key emphasis was on the ES 350’s concept of effortless luxury, as described by senior online editor Phil Floraday: If you’re just …

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Kevin · April 16th, 2010

AutoGuide Comparo: Lexus ES 350 vs. Buick LaCrosse

AutoGuide cut through some of the marketing hype and took the Lexus ES 350 and its advertised Buick rival for a multi-day test, with the review team rating both cars on 19 categories from driver comfort to price. They had praise and criticisms for both vehicles, and the final score tally was close—here’s the ES …

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Kevin · April 15th, 2010

More on the Consumer Reports Lexus GX 460 Test

Various new details today in the continuing story of the Lexus GX 460 & Consumer Reports—here’s some articles of interest: ***** By way of TTAC, Japan’s Nikkei Daily is reporting that Lexus has a solution has been found to the oversteer exhibited by the GX 460 in the Consumer Reports test, and involves a reflash …

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Kevin · April 15th, 2010

Lexus LFA Video from Car & Driver

You may remember last month when Car & Driver took the Lexus LFA out on the track to compile some real-world performance figures on the supercar—well, here’s the video to go along with the stats: (I think the C&D video editor might have spent too much time watching Top Gear’s LFA feature.)
Kevin · April 14th, 2010

More on Lexus Visit to the Consumer Reports Test Track

The Wall Street Journal has followed up on Toyota’s visit to the Consumer Reports test track: …engineers went to Consumer Reports testing track in Connecticut to try to see what the magazine’s auto engineers had found. Unfortunately, it was a rainy day, canceling the opportunity for testing. In addition, the Consumer Reports tester informed the …

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Kevin · April 14th, 2010

Autoblog Analyzes GX 460 Consumer Reports Test

Autoblog resident car engineering writer, Sam Abuelsamid, has posted an analysis of the Lexus GX 460 and the recent Consumer Reports test which led to a warning and the current sales stoppage. Of two emergency handling tests the GX 460 was subjected to, it passed the first, which was a double lane change to evaluate …

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Kevin · April 14th, 2010

Lexus HS 250h Wins Ward’s Interior Award

The results of Ward’s Interior of the Year Awards for 2010 have been announced, and the Lexus HS 250h has come away with the award for best Hybrid Car interior—here’s how Ward’s described the judging process: A team of eight Ward’s editors evaluated 40 vehicles that have either all-new or significantly upgraded interiors this year. …

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Kevin · April 13th, 2010

Lexus USA & Canada Temporarily Halt GX 460 Sales

Both Lexus USA & Lexus Canada have issued a sales stoppage on the new GX 460 until the stability problem discovered by Consumer Reports is resolved—here is the full press statement from Mark Templin, Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager: “For more than 20 years, Lexus has made customer safety and satisfaction our highest …

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Kevin · April 13th, 2010

Consumer Reports Issues 2010 Lexus GX 460 Safety Warning

Consumer Reports has issued a safety warning on the 2010 Lexus GX 460 after standard testing revealed the SUV’s electronic stability control struggled to keep the vehicle from sliding during high speed cornering—this video illustrates the consumer magazine’s findings: Here’s details on the test and the potential safety risk: In the test, as the vehicle …

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Kevin · April 13th, 2010

More Video of the Red Lexus LFA

The red Lexus LFA is so fantastic, I don’t even care how shaky this video footage is: Great to see the LFA in such a classic supercar color—can’t wait to see it in yellow for the first time.
Kevin · April 12th, 2010

Lexus IS F Nürburgring Race Team Update

Auto Express senior road tester Owen Mildenhall, who is part of this year’s Lexus IS F Nürburgring race team, has posted an update following the car’s second VLN event at the 35th DMV Nürburgring Race: Since the last race, Lexus’s engineers have been busy adding a revised rear wing, with new end plates, a racing …

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Kevin · April 12th, 2010

Lexus RX 450h Review

My three month winter road test of the 2010 Lexus RX 450h wrapped up last month, and it’s safe to say that the experience has changed my opinion of Lexus’ most popular vehicle. It’s not that I didn’t understand the success of the RXh — from a purely practical point, it’s easy to see how …

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Kevin · April 11th, 2010

Lexus LFA Wins SP8 Class in 35th DMV Nürburgring Race

Two Lexus LFAs and an IS F competed in this weekend’s 35th DMV 4 hours race at Nürburgring, here are the results: LFA #128 – 17th place (First in SP8 Class) IS F #137 – 71st place (Fourth in SP8 Class) LFA #127 – 105th place (Fifth in SP8 Class) Update: The full results can …

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Kevin · April 11th, 2010