Front View of the Lexus LF-Ch Concept

After Lexus teased us with a cropped rear view of their upcoming hatchback concept, a new image has leaked revealing a full front view (click for a larger version): There’s so much to like about this concept—particularly the grille and headlights, which manage to fit in line with the new Lexus hybrid style but still …
Kevin · September 8th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h with LX-Mode Wheels

It was only a matter of time before a modded Lexus HS 250h would show up on the Internet, and appears Japanese tuner company LX-Mode is first out the gate with new wheels on a dropped HSh (click for a larger version): It’s amazing how a minor drop and wheel swap can have such an …
Kevin · September 4th, 2009

Popular Mechanics Compares the 2010 Lexus HS 250h vs. BMW 335d

Popular Mechanics has posted a rather awkward fuel economy comparison between the hybrid Lexus HS 250h and diesel BMW 335d—what starts off as a fuel economy showdown ends up being a driving contest that’s over before it even begins: Our drive took up through the Santa Monica Mountains high above Malibu to test the handling …
Kevin · September 4th, 2009

2010 Lexus GX to Debut in Shanghai Next Month

For those waiting for the next generation of Lexus GX, the wait may soon be over. According to Edmunds, Lexus will be debuting the 2010 GX in Shanghai next month, with full details coming in November. The GX will then reach dealerships some time in December. (Considering the Shanghai Auto Show is held in February, …
Kevin · September 3rd, 2009

New 2010 Lexus IS F-Sport Package

The Frankfurt auto show will also mark the debut of this new F-Sport package for the Lexus IS—here’s a photo (click for a larger version): No mention of which F-Sport accessories will be making it into the package, but from the image alone, it looks like a new grille, lowering kit, and new wheels are …
Kevin · September 2nd, 2009

Official 2010 Lexus LS Hybrid Photo

In addition to the LF-Ch concept, Lexus will also be debuting its refreshed 2010 LS hybrid at the Frankfurt Auto Show later this month. As a teaser, an official image has been released (click for a larger image): Needless to say, the much maligned grille looks much better than it did in those blurry brochure …
Kevin · September 2nd, 2009

Lexus USA August 2009 Sales Report

Lexus USA has reported their August 2009 sales, here’s the model-by-model breakdown: August Year to Date 2009 2008 % CHG 2009 2008 % CHG IS 4,855 6,318 -20.2 24,565 37,328 -33.5 HS 543 0 543 0 ES 5,629 7,881 -25.8 30,385 46,600 -34.2 GS 669 1,686 -58.8 4,776 12,042 -59.9 SC 34 187 -81.1 576 …
Kevin · September 2nd, 2009

Lexus LF-Ch Hatchback Concept Teaser

A new image of the Lexus premium compact hatchback has been released (click for a larger image): In keeping with Lexus’ concept naming convention, the compact hatchback has been named the LF-Ch. It sports the usual concept car conceits like massive chromed wheels and tiny video-camera rearview mirrors, along with a elaborately sculptured rear bumper …
Kevin · September 1st, 2009

Spending Time with the 2010 Lexus HS 250h

Recently, I had a chance to get a quick look at a Lexus HS 250h prototype that was being used to develop dealership training materials by the people at Lexus Canada.  Glenn Alkema of the Lexus Academy was nice enough to give me a tour of the new hybrid, which will be introduced here in …
Kevin · August 31st, 2009

More 2010 Lexus GS 450h Photos

After poring over the tiny 2010 Lexus GS 450h images taken from the Lexus Japan website, it’s nice to be able to look at some larger photos of the refreshed sedan (click the first three images for larger versions): The ascending thickness of the front grille’s chrome bars is very classy, and looks to be …
Kevin · August 31st, 2009

2010 Lexus GS 450h Changes

Like the Lexus LS hybrid, the 2010 GS 450h will also be receiving a mild refresh, including a new grille, new chrome-circled tail lights and new wheels: This was the only good shot I could find of the new tail lights: As far as I can decipher from the Lexus Japan website, where these photos …
Kevin · August 28th, 2009

Lexus LS & GS Going Hybrid-Only in UK

According to Autocar, Lexus UK will be dropping the conventional gas versions of the LS & GS: The GS and LS ranges now consist of one model each – the GS450h and L600h – and Lexus will only sell the new RX as a hybrid in the UK (it is available with the petrol V6 …
Kevin · August 26th, 2009

2010 Lexus LS 460, LS 600hL & LS SZ Revealed!

A brochure for the 2010 Lexus LS has leaked, and there are now images of the LS 460, the LS Hybrid, and the new LS “Version SZ”—let’s start with the hybrid: 2010 Lexus LS 600hL So it turns out the image from last week was indeed correct, and the LS 600hL will be sporting a …
Kevin · August 25th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h Japanese Success to Affect U.S. Launch?

While nothing has been confirmed, Automotive News is reporting that the US supply of Lexus HS 250h sedans to the US may be affected by the hybrid’s massive success in Japan: In its first month in Japan, the car racked up 10,000 orders or about 20 times Toyota Motor Corp.‘s initial sales target of 500 …
Kevin · August 25th, 2009

NY Times Comparison: 2010 Lexus IS 350C vs. Infiniti G37 convertible

The New York Times has published a comparison between the Lexus IS 350C and the Infiniti G37 convertible: While the Infiniti manages to look reasonably pert from behind, the Lexus has a wicked case of Solara butt. But if the Lexus is no swan, dropping the roof does make it less of a waddling goose. …
Kevin · August 24th, 2009

Car & Driver: Lexus LF-A Test Drive

Car & Driver sent a journalist out to test out the Lexus LF-A race car, and the resulting article is so positive that I had to double-check that it was really on the C&D website: …the engine feels stronger than 500 horsepower, more like 550. A Lexus spokesman provides a torque figure: 369 pound-feet. We …
Kevin · August 21st, 2009

Lexus Japan Hits 10,000 HS 250h Orders in First Month

Even after tripling production, Lexus will have a hard time keeping up with the HS 250h demand in Japan: Orders for Lexus’ first dedicated hybrid, the HS250h, reached 10,000 units in its first month, smashing its sales target of 500, parent company Toyota Motor Corp. said. The waiting list for the HS250h is now six …
Kevin · August 20th, 2009

1992 Lexus SC 400 Dealership Video

After look at the present & future of the Lexus SC, I thought it might be interesting to look back at the model’s history—the following video is a dealership introduction for the first-generation SC 400, and is an important look back at what Lexus was trying to achieve with their first sports coupe: Amazing when …
Kevin · August 20th, 2009

Lexus IS-GTF Race Team for Sale

If you’ve ever wanted to have your own racing team, you will be interested to learn that the DRC Motorsports Lexus IS-GTF race cars are now for sale. This trio of super-modified IS 350s (one fully assembled, parts for two more), which you may remember from last year, originally belonged to Team Lexus, and can …
Kevin · August 19th, 2009

Next-Gen Lexus SC Photochop

With the release of the 2010 Lexus SC 430, we’ve likely seen the end of the second generation Sports Coupe—so what’s next? Could it look something like this? Found in a thread on Club Lexus, this unsourced Photochop shows the potential of the third-generation SC. Sure, there’s some awkward creases in the hood & side …
Kevin · August 18th, 2009

2010 Lexus SC 430 Changes

The second generation Lexus SC 430 will live for another year—Lexus USA has confirmed that the convertible coupe will be produced for a ninth year with some minor changes: New 18-Inch Six-Spoke Wheels (shown above) iPod/USB Connectivity 6th Generation HDD-based navigation with Voice Control, Lexus Enform and Bluetooth connectivity New side mirrors with integrated puddle …
Kevin · August 17th, 2009

2010 Lexus IS-F Changes

The Lexus IS-F will be seeing some changes in 2010, including: Limited Slip Differential New 19” BBS wheel design Optional 6th Generation HDD-based navigation with Voice Control, Lexus Enform and Bluetooth connectivity Folding Headrests USB/iPod connectivity The Limited Slip Differential is a good addition for anyone interested in taking the IS-F out on the track, …
Kevin · August 17th, 2009

Lexus Confirms Premium Compact Hatchback, Releases Sketch

Lexus has officially confirmed that a premium compact hatchback concept will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), and have released this design sketch (click for a larger image): A compact hatchback with an IS-F front-end design and a panoramic glass roof?!? Holy ****. The full press release: Lexus has unveiled the first official …
Kevin · August 16th, 2009

Info on the Lexus LF-A Driving Modes (plus a Name-Change Rumor)

Japanese auto magazine Holiday Auto has published some new information on the LF-A, including details on the four Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) modes: Auto, Normal, Sport and Wet. Normal & Wet modes are fairly self-explanatory, but here’s what’s mentioned about the other two: Sport mode will allow for 0.2 second gear shifting. Auto mode will …
Kevin · August 16th, 2009

Lexus LF-A vs. Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR: A Virtual Nürburgring Race

Similar to the virtual Lexus LF-A vs. Nissan GT-R race we saw a couple months ago, this split-screen racing footage has the LF-A (top) up against the 600bhp Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR on the Nürburgring: When you consider the traffic the LF-A has to deal with, there’s no telling how much faster it could have …
Kevin · August 14th, 2009

Lexus LS Takes First Place in 2009 Motorist Choice Awards

The Lexus LS was named the top vehicle of 2009 Motorist Choice Awards, a US joint survey by AutoPacific and Intellichoice that “recognizes new cars and trucks that give their owners both economic and emotional satisfaction”: “Clearly, consumers still get great satisfaction from large and luxurious cars, despite the economy, rising fuel costs and manufacturers’ …
Kevin · August 14th, 2009

Is this the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL?

An image of what’s claiming to be the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL facelift has popped up (click for a larger image): The most obvious change is the front grille, and the front bumper intakes have also been reworked and would resemble both the GS & IS designs. The turn signals are also integrated into the …
Kevin · August 13th, 2009

Lexus IS Family Commercial

This Lexus IS convertible commercial from Australia is pure fantastic: Each transition is breathtaking, and the IS-F roof popping off to make the IS-C is sensational. Loved it. (Thanks Charles!)
Kevin · August 12th, 2009

2010 Lexus ES 350 Revealed!

The scheduled refresh of the 2010 Lexus ES 350 has been revealed by way of a dealership in Taiwan—here are the spy shots and some shots of the current ES 350 for easy comparison (click the spy shots for a larger version): The changes center around the front end, where the grille, bumper and headlights …
Kevin · August 11th, 2009

Akio Toyoda Confirms Production Lexus LF-A

While it’s been long-rumored that the Lexus LF-A supercar would be put into production, new Toyota President Akio Toyoda confirmed it last week during his speech at the Center For Automotive Research (CAR) Conference. From the transcript: You see…in a race…you have limited time and resources to work through countless challenges and problems that come …
Kevin · August 10th, 2009

Automobile Magazine’s Four Seasons Review of the Lexus IS-F

Automobile Magazine has just published the results of their four-seasons road test of the 2009 Lexus IS-F, where it was well-received: Particularly in our test car’s livery of ultrasonic blue mica, the IS-F is far from the typical, shy, retiring Lexus. It’s an intense and, in places, highly successful attempt to vault into the demanding …
Kevin · August 10th, 2009

Lexus to Triple HS 250h Production

In order to keep up with the Japanese demand for the HS 250h, Lexus will be tripling production of the new hybrid. As reported by the Nikkei (by way of The Green Car Congress), even after producing 2,000 units in July, there are still 8,600 pre-orders for the hybrid sedan. This is seventeen times the …
Kevin · August 8th, 2009

2009 Lexus IS-F Review

As the story goes: the Lexus IS-F began as a secret project by Lexus chief designer Yukihiko Yaguchi, who wanted to build a Lexus that could rival Europe’s top sports sedans. Yaguchi, who also worked on the last Toyota Supra and the first generation LS 400, saw a unique opportunity to extend the Lexus brand …
Kevin · August 5th, 2009

2010 Lexus HS 250h Now on Lexus USA Website

The Lexus HS 250h is now on the Lexus USA website, which means plenty of information along with full option & package pricing. There are standard and premium variants, starting at $34,200 and $36,970 respectively. From there, it gets a little confusing: There is a $1,600 Touring package, with 18” wheels and a sport tuned …
Kevin · August 5th, 2009

Conan O’Brien Giving Away a Lexus HS 250h

Last night, Conan O’Brien announced a contest on The Tonight Show to give away a Lexus HS 250h, here he is to explain it: The contest runs until August 21st, 2009, and is only available to US residents. Visit the Tonight Show website for full details. (Thanks Stan!)
Kevin · August 4th, 2009

Edmunds Reviews the Lexus IS 350C F-Sport Accessories

Edmunds took a Lexus IS 350C and outfitted it with every F-Sport accessory available, all to determine which of the upgrades are really worth the money—here’s their verdict: If you’re looking to spend good money on a modified IS convertible, look no further than the $2,346 wheel/tire upgrade and add it to the $1,588 for …
Kevin · August 4th, 2009

Lexus Hatchback Rendering by Auto Express

Using the Lexus HS & RX as inspiration, Auto Express has put together a rendering of what the upcoming Lexus CT compact hatchback may look like: I’m really impressed by the side-panel creasing, the Z jog in the sheet metal is quite stylish. Both the front and rear look too small for the body, but …
Kevin · August 3rd, 2009

Lexus IS-F Photo Gallery: In Paris (Ontario)

During my time with the Lexus IS-F, I would jump at the chance to drive pretty much anywhere, so my wife took advantage and had us on the road to Paris, Ontario so that she could buy yarn at some craft store. I took the long way though some nice rural roads, and after a …
Kevin · August 2nd, 2009

1997 Top Gear Feature on the Lexus LS 400 & GS 300

From 1997, here’s a Top Gear feature on the freshly updated Lexus LS 400 and the brand new GS 300: It’s no surprise that presenter Quentin Wilson is extremely positive about Lexus in this feature, the refreshed second-generation LS and the just released second-generation GS were quite a formidable pairing. However, I was surprised by …
Kevin · July 31st, 2009

Twin-Turbo Lexus IS-F Video

It’s one thing to mod out your Lexus IS-F with carbon-fiber spoilers and a blacked-out roof, but it’s something else entirely to have a twin-turbo installed and then post a Youtube video driving it around in your pajamas (video also contains some swearing): Actual quote from the video: “This thing just sounds super-killer.”
Kevin · July 29th, 2009

Flickr Find: Foggy Red Lexus IS-F

Sean Klingelhoefer, a photographer with Super Street, had a couple days with the Lexus IS-F and decided to take some photos for his portfolio: Absolutely gorgeous. There’s more photos to the set as well, you can check them out on Sean’s Flickr page, and you can see the full story on his blog.
Kevin · July 28th, 2009

2010 Lexus LX 570 Changes

Details on the 2010 Lexus LX 570 have been announced by way of a Lexus Canada press release, and as expected, changes are minimal. Four new features have been added: The latest generation of the Lexus Voice-Activated, Hard Disc-based Navigation System A USB audio input connection The Lexus customizable settings system Privacy glass for the …
Kevin · July 28th, 2009

Lexus IS-F Photo Gallery: Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a small town in Southern Ontario, full of historical significance and now home to some of the finest wine country in Canada. Over the last few years, a new collection of exceptionally modern looking wineries have been cropping up, and I thought it the perfect backdrop to some IS-F photos: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1271”} (Really …
Kevin · July 27th, 2009

Lexus IS-F Week

Earlier this month, I picked up a 2009 Lexus IS-F from Lexus Canada, and over the course of a week, had the most fun I’ve ever had in a car. Everything happens very fast with the IS-F—I only had to drive Lexus’ super sedan five seconds before I knew it was something special, and a …
Kevin · July 27th, 2009

The Lexus IS-F Police Car

The police department in the UK city of Humberside is replacing their aging Subaru chase cars with Lexus IS-Fs: Sergeant Mike Peck of the Humberside Police Roads Crime Section said: “The purchase of the vehicle was far from an easy decision and involved research and advice from the force fleet manager, financial managers and a …
Kevin · July 27th, 2009

Lexus IS Hybrid for Europe?

According to Autocar, the Lexus HS 250h will not be available in Europe because of an upcoming IS hybrid: Lexus has ruled out bringing the HS 250h to the UK because it will clash with an upcoming IS hybrid model. …a company source said the model will not come to Europe because both the Avensis …
Kevin · July 22nd, 2009

Flickr Find: Duct Taped Lexus LFA

There’s no question that the Lexus LFA driven at Goodwood was a little worse for wear after its time on Nürburgring, and nothing illustrates that more clearly than Simon Greig’s photo of the beat-up front bumper (click for the full image): Just goes to show, duct-tape really can fix just about anything. [Source: Simon Greig’s …
Kevin · July 21st, 2009

Edmunds Drives the Lexus LFA

As it turns out, Edmunds also had the chance to drive the Lexus LFA at Goodwood, where the supercar prototype continued to impress: The Lexus LF-A is the sort of car in which you could spend hours whittling away at your lap times while confident it would never misbehave. You would emerge fresh from your …
Kevin · July 21st, 2009

Lexus Enform Subscription Pricing

Also covered in the HS 250h pricing announcement was the cost of the new Lexus Enform telematics subscription: Complimentary one-year trial subscriptions of Lexus Enform and Safety Connect are included with all new HS 250h purchases. One-year renewal subscriptions to Safety Connect alone will be available for $139.95 and to Lexus Enform with Safety Connect …
Kevin · July 20th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h US Pricing

US Pricing for the 2010 Lexus HS 250h has been announced, from the press release: The 2010 HS 250h, Lexus’ first dedicated hybrid and the fourth offering in its lineup, is available in standard and Premium models.  The standard version will have an MSRP of $34,200, while the Premium model will carry an MSRP of …
Kevin · July 20th, 2009

Fifth Gear Drives the Lexus LFA

The Lexus LFA test-drives at Goodwood continue to stream in, and next up is Fifth Gear‘s video feature, as driven by Vicki Butler-Henderson (skip to 6:40 to watch the video directly): These reviews are all bringing a very clear message, and in this video Vicki sums it up perfectly: “This is really a user-friendly racing …
Kevin · July 20th, 2009

White Lexus IS 250 F-Sport Photos

Gabriel Forcier from the Spinelli Lexus Lachine in Quebec sent me this great photo of an IS 250 with all the F-Sport trimmings: I’m a huge fan of the Starfire Pearl, and it goes well with the F-Sport wheels. Gabriel also included some other photos of the IS, I’ve included them here: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1256”}
Kevin · July 17th, 2009

Even More Leaked Toyota Prado/Lexus GX Photos

Turns out that I missed a set of next-generation Toyota Prado/Lexus GX spy shots: Ignoring the stunningly bad decal, the side profile is clean and well sculpted. The exaggerated wheel-well continues to impress me, especially in the front fenders, but the front and rear portions of the SUV will need significant reworking before being released …
Kevin · July 16th, 2009

Lexus LFA Goodwood Videos

Today saw not one, not two, but three new videos of the Lexus LFA at the Goodwood Festival of Speed—the first two are produced by Lexus Europe, and show the super-race-car-prototype bombing around the circuit from both the exterior and the interior (click on the images to go to the videos): The picture in these …
Kevin · July 15th, 2009

More on the Lexus LFA Engine

By way of 4WheelsNews, Japan magazine Best Car is reporting that the Lexus LF-A’s engine has been confirmed as a 4.8L V10 engine producing 550 hp, and will be designated as the 1LR-GEU. Also, we’re getting some indication of how the rumored 500 supercars will be divided up across world markets. Asssuming the numbers are …
Kevin · July 15th, 2009

A Look at Lexus USA’s Strategy

With BMW taking the #1 sales lead in the US and Mercedes not far behind, a new Automotive News story asks “What’s wrong with Lexus?”: For one thing, company executives admit that they depend too much on RX crossover sales at a time when luxury buyers are seeking smaller cars, including entry-level coupes and convertibles. …
Kevin · July 14th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h Launches in Japan with 1,500 Pre-Orders

The Lexus HS 250h has been launched in Japan, where it has racked up an astounding 1,500 pre-orders, three times the expected monthly sales. One interesting fact from the Lexus press release: Based on the brand’s core principle of “pursuing the essence of luxury”, Lexus aimed to develop a luxurious “harmonious sedan”, hence the “HS” …
Kevin · July 14th, 2009

Lexus LFA First Drive in The Sunday Times

Another of the journalists to drive the Lexus LFA at the Goodwood Festival of Speed was The Sunday Times’ Andrew Frankel: At the beginning of the hillclimb I hit the start button expecting a massive roar but . . . silence. Through my helmet and at idle the engine is Lexus-quiet. I put it in …
Kevin · July 13th, 2009

2009 Lexus LX 570 Review

The 2009 Lexus LX 570 is, at its very heart, a contradictory vehicle. After all, Lexus’ flagship SUV attempts to bridge together two contrary styles — ultimate luxury and ultimate utility. It seats eight, yet has a fixed rear axle and can tow up to 8,500 lbs(3,856 kg). It’s packed with every conceivable automotive luxury …
Kevin · July 10th, 2009

Lexus LX 570 Wallpapers: In the Wilderness

At the request of the TLE regulars, I’ll be posting a couple of Lexus LX 570 wallpaper collections, starting off with three all taken at the same location: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768
Kevin · July 10th, 2009

Lexus LX 570 Photo Gallery: Macros

After a few busy weeks, I will finally be posting my Lexus LX 570 review today, but first, I wanted to share a somewhat unusual photo gallery, compiled from my 1,200 shots of Lexus’ flagship SUV: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1246”} For whatever reason, I’m always taking up-close, in-tight photos of the smallest details—I attribute it to being …
Kevin · July 10th, 2009

Autocar Drives the Lexus LF-A

Autocar journalist Steve Sutcliffe was also had a chance to drive the Lexus LF-A at last weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed: There’s a clonk from the transaxle when first gear engages, and as I pull away the ride immediately feels firm but refined, not at all racing car hard. Another faint but disappointing clonk as …
Kevin · July 9th, 2009

Pistonheads Drives the Lexus LF-A

During the Goodwood Festival of Speed last weekend in Great Britain, a group of journalists were given the opportunity to drive the Lexus LFA racing prototypes that raced last month in the Nürburgring 24h. One of these journalists was Chris Rosamond, and he’s written a stellar account of the experience: The racing car accelerates flat …
Kevin · July 9th, 2009

Edmunds Reviews the Lexus HS 250h (Again)

Edmunds may have been lukewarm on the Lexus HS 250h at first, but it appears some additional time behind the wheel has changed that opinion—their full review is extremely positive: The creamy propulsion fits right in with a very solid structure and smoothly suppressed ride motions delivered by the sport suspension settings that accompanied our …
Kevin · July 8th, 2009

My.IS Reviews the Lexus HS 250h

With the release of the Lexus HS 250h coming closer and closer, there will be more and more reviews of the new hybrid sedan to pore over, but it’s unlikely any of them will touch the depth and detail shown by My.IS editor Joaquín Ruhi. Weighing in at over 5,000 words, his review has plenty …
Kevin · July 8th, 2009

Lexus IS-C Demand Outpacing Production

The Lexus IS-C is off to a booming start in the US, with dealerships selling the new convertible faster than Lexus’s Kyushu plant in Japan can make them. Wards has the story: The facility is ramping up to produce at least 225 IS-C models a month just for the Northeast region of the U.S., Scott …
Kevin · July 8th, 2009

Automobile Magazine Compares the Lexus LS 600hL vs. Mercedes S400 Hybrid

Automobile Magazine has an article up on the Lexus LS 600hL and the Mercedes S400 Hybrid and how their approach to hybrid technology compares: The biggest benefit of the Lexus hybrid system is its smoothness. The two electric motors and two planetary gearsets allow the big V-8 to loaf except during hard acceleration. Flat-out, the …
Kevin · July 7th, 2009