Lexus Wallpaper of the Week: IS Concept Drawings

This week’s featured wallpaper is one of the official concept drawings of the current second generation Lexus IS: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 There’s a lot of the IS in this, in fact, I can even see hints of the IS-F in the wheel arches and side skirting. (Imagine taking this …
Kevin · January 9th, 2009

Lexus LF-A Will Remain in Development

When Honda cancelled their plans to build a new NSX, there was some worry that Lexus might follow suit with the LF-A. Turns out there was nothing to it, Lexus has confirmed their intention to build the LF-A. Auto Express reports: The news was announced as parent firm Toyota also confirmed its commitment to the …
Kevin · December 29th, 2008

Lexus Files LFA Trademark

It’s been discovered that Toyota registered “LFA” at US Patent and Trademark Office on December 1st, 2008. It’s been interpreted by many as a positive sign, but this could be seen in two ways: Lexus is moving forward with the supercar, and taking care of the name trademark is one of the many steps necessary. …
Kevin · December 15th, 2008

Lexus Sub-Compact in 2012?

Once again, Lexus Australia’s chief executive John Roca has spilled the goods on the future of Lexus, this time in regards to the oft-rumored sub-compact: Devised to take on the premium European small cars exemplified by the BMW as well as the Audi A3, the forthcoming compact is understood to be in co-development with the …
Kevin · December 8th, 2008

New Lexus LF-A Videos

Here’s a couple new Lexus LF-A Racing Concept videos for you — first up is some stellar footage of a rocketing LF-A, which perfectly captures the engine belting it out full-force: The other video of note is from the LF-A’s appearance at last week’s Toyota Motorsports Festival in Japan. As you might remember, the supercar …
Kevin · December 4th, 2008

Official 2010 Lexus RX 450h Photos!

Today’s the big day, both the Lexus RX 350 & RX 450h have been unveiled at the LA Auto Show! So far, no live images of the new 2010 Lexus RX 450h have been posted, but luckily Lexus has pushed out a ton of official photos: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1105”}
Kevin · November 19th, 2008

Video of the 1997 Lexus RX300 SLV Concept

On the eve of the new 2010 Lexus RX debut, I thought it would be a good time to reach back and take a look at the introduction of the original RX, including some footage of the Lexus SLV concept, courtesy of Motor Week: Would the RX have been as successful with that trunk spoiler …
Kevin · November 18th, 2008

Is this the Lexus HS 250h?

Volkswagen website VWVortex isn’t the first place you’d expect to find information on the upcoming Lexus dedicated hybrid, but the Internet’s a strange place. Regardless, a member of their forum came across this page out of Japanese magazine Mag-X, featuring a rendition of the now-named Lexus HS 250h (click for a closeup): Other information gleaned …
Kevin · November 11th, 2008

Lexus Project GS Photos from SEMA

I have to post this link to Autoblog’s photo set of the Project GS on the floor at SEMA — there’s always a concern seeing a vehicle outside of the highly manicured official photo environment, but the GS doesn’t disappoint. Take a look at this rear close-up: Looks almost cartoonish to me, I love the …
Kevin · November 6th, 2008

Five Axis Lexus Project GS Unveiled

The eagerly awaited Project GS by Five Axis has been unveiled, and it’s quite handedly the best looking GS I’ve ever seen. Just take a minute and click through each of these images to get an up-close-and-personal look: From the extensive widebody conversion right down to the Five:AD R5:F onyx rims, the Project GS hits …
Kevin · November 5th, 2008

2010 Lexus RX 350 to Debut at LA Auto Show, In Dealerships in February 2009

According to The Car Connection, the next-generation Lexus RX will be making its debut at next month’s Los Angeles Auto Show. When you consider this alongside the Lexus SEMA lineup, November’s looking to be a big month for Lexus. Also, after confirming it with three separate sources, I can now able to say with certainty …
Kevin · October 24th, 2008

Matte Black Lexus LF-Xh Promotional Photos (Plus a Video)

At the request of TPP commenter WorldofLuxury, here is the full set of matte black Lexus LF-Xh photos from the Paris promotional kit suitable for use as background images. Also for your viewing pleasure is this short commercial-like footage of the LF-Xh:
Kevin · October 23rd, 2008

Classic Lexus SC Prototype Photos

During their visit to Toyota’s Automobile Museum in Torrance, California, Urban Racer took some photos of a Lexus prototype that would eventually become the first generation SC: While the basic shape remained the same, it’s a very good thing that rear light cluster was dropped, nevermind those rims. (But are they really much worse than …
Kevin · October 17th, 2008

Lexus LF-A Continues Nürburgring Testing

Regardless of the rumor Autoblog was circulating about the Lexus LF-A’s demise, prototype testing is still ongoing at Nürburgring, and Motor Authority has the photos to prove it. Here’s a sampling: Nothing we haven’t seen before, though I can never pass up the chance to post matte black paint jobs. That last photo is curious, …
Kevin · September 18th, 2008

Lexus LF-Xh Press Release Photo

Having debuted last year, the announcement that the Lexus LF-Xh concept would be at the Paris Auto Show didn’t really elicit a reaction from me — that is, until I saw this stunning photo released by Lexus Europe to mark the occasion: (Be sure to click on the image to get the full version, it’s …
Kevin · September 17th, 2008

Autoblog: LF-A Will Never See Production

Autoblog trolled the Nürburgring and dug up some murky information on the Lexus LF-A: …members of the testing and development crew who have been putting the car though its paces in Germany, as well as test drivers from rival Honda and Nissan crews, have told Autoblog that the LF-A is not destined for the showroom, …
Kevin · August 29th, 2008

Italdesign Quaranta Hybrid Concept

It may not be a Lexus supercar prototype, but the Italdesign Quaranta concept is powered by a Lexus engine, namely the….RX 400h? Massage the right button, and the rear decklid opens to reveal a powertrain cribbed from what we know as the Lexus RX 400h. Italdesign and Toyota have an ongoing relationship; their first project, …
Kevin · August 22nd, 2008

Lexus Prius Sketch from Motor Trend

There isn’t much in the way of new information in Motor Trend’s article about the upcoming Lexus hybrid, but it did include this beauty of a mockup sketch: There were a few new points covered, though they seem entirely speculative: The difference between the Lexus variant and the Prius itself — as is generally the …
Kevin · August 20th, 2008

The Lexus Nuaero Concept by Jon Rådbrink

Swedish automotive design student Jon Rådbrink has created a wild, Batmanish Lexus concept called the Nuaero. Rakish and impractical as it may be, it wasn’t just a case of loading up 3D Studio Max and going for gold. Rådbrink tried to reinvent from every angle: The spacious interior is centered around a multi-point touch screen …
Kevin · August 18th, 2008

Lexus RX 400h Sales Growing in United Kingdom

Although no exact numbers are mentioned, The Auto Channel is reporting that Lexus RX 400h sales have increased in the UK by 28% over last July, which is especially impressive given the current SUV climate in the country: That [28%] growth stands in stark contrast to the fortunes of rival luxury brands, which suffered an …
Kevin · August 12th, 2008

Lexus IS Commercial: Move as One

There’s some fairly strong imagery in this Lexus IS commercial from Australia, and it’s all vaguely biblical: I’d really like to see the creative brief on this one.
Kevin · August 6th, 2008

JM Lexus Creates Mega IS 350 for Mega Meet

Every year, the JM Lexus dealership in South Florida sponsors the Lexus/Supra Mega Meet, a two day event set up for enthusiasts to both check out and show off some custom rides. To mark the occasion, JM Lexus put together a heavily modified IS 350, featuring not only every F-Sport accessory available but also a …
Kevin · August 5th, 2008

Lexus Prius? The Ongoing Saga

UK Magazine AutoCar claims to have the inside scoop on the oft-mentioned Lexus hybrid debuting at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show: The new model is known internally as SAI but will be renamed before it goes on sale and will be based on the next generation Prius, also being shown for the first time in …
Kevin · August 4th, 2008

Custom Lexus IS-F Interior Mods from L-Tuned Parts

L-Tuned Parts, the online Lexus parts superstore, is now offering some custom-made IS-F interior mods, including these two steering wheel replacements: Here’s the stock IS-F wheel for comparison’s sake: Replacement steering wheels aren’t for the faint-of-heart: Even if you send the IS-F’s stock steering wheel in exchange, these carbon fiber versions aren’t cheap ($1350USD & …
Kevin · August 3rd, 2008

Modified Lexus IS-F Coming to SEMA 2008

The IS-F will be making Lexus-sponsored appearance at SEMA again this year, this time in collaboration with the Fox Marketing & Artisan Performance. The person-in-charge of the modified version is Brian Fox, who’s been posting photos of the work-in-progress to his
Kevin · July 30th, 2008

Lexus IS Coupe Photochops

These Lexus IS coupe photochops from Top Speed might be almost two years old, but when I spotted the thumbnails on Flickr today, I thought it was the real deal: I have a feeling the coupe is going to be a looker, but this example lacks the hard edge that I’d like to see. One …
Kevin · July 29th, 2008

Lexus Chile Likes My LS 400

Lexus Chile has honored me by featuring my LS 400 in their history timeline: My photo: I’m not entirely sure why my ‘94 LS is filed under 2001, but you won’t catch me complaining.
Kevin · July 28th, 2008

Flickr Find: Ghost in the Lexus LF-A

High Dynamic Range Imaging, or HDR Photography, is the process of layering multiple images with different exposures, which creates a vivid and otherworldly image. It’s all the rage with digital photographers, including Flickr user NikonNikk, who applied the process to the Lexus LF-A (Be sure to click through and see it full-size): It always amazes …
Kevin · July 26th, 2008

DRC’s Lexus IS-GTF Race Results

The DRC Motorsports Lexus IS-GTF (which has suitably been renamed as an IS 350) had a bumpy start to its inaugural race this past weekend, my.IS has the details: The #72 DRC Motorsports Lexus IS 350 made its initial Mid-Ohio appearance during the second practice session, but entered pit lane before completing a full practice …
Kevin · July 24th, 2008

Lexus LF-A Engine on display at London Motor Show

Even if there’s nothing really new to look at, this Car Magazine video clip of the London Motor Show does feature the LF-A’s engine suspended in glass: Looks smaller than I would expect.
Kevin · July 23rd, 2008

Crazy Lexus IS 300 with 713hp

Normally, I wouldn’t post a video like this, but the insane power of this car needs to be shared. (Funny thing is, at lower speeds, it still managed to retain its Lexus characteristics.)
Kevin · July 23rd, 2008

Lexus RX Commercial: Lift-Off

The latest in Lexus’ series of Actively Safe commercials managed to give me the creeps very effectively: No, really…where was the dog during the crash?
Kevin · July 22nd, 2008

Lexus GS Video: 1998 Motor Trend Import Car of the Year

This video of Motor Trend television awarding the Lexus GS the 1998 import car of the year award is extraordinary if only for the sheer amount of praise heaped on the vehicle: “Almost as good as a new Corvette.” “Matching or exceeding the German traditions in every measure possible.” It’s no wonder why the second-generation …
Kevin · July 21st, 2008

Photo Gallery: Lexus IS-F in Smoky Granite Mica

Kicking Tires’ Ian Merritt put together a really nice photoshoot of the Lexus IS-F, here’s a sample: The Smoky Granite Mica is such a non-descript color, it really turns down the volume on the IS-F’s styling. (I’d almost say it’s my favorite exterior color for the model, but I have yet to see a couple …
Kevin · July 19th, 2008

Additional Video of the 2010 Lexus RX Prototype

Edmunds has more spy footage of the Lexus RX prototype booting its way around Nürburgring (click on the image below to be taken to the video): In their analysis, Edmunds points out the elimination of a portion of the rear side windows, which I had missed. Here’s a visual comparison: There’s definitely little deviation from …
Kevin · July 18th, 2008

Lexus IS-GTF to race in this weekend’s SPEED World Challenge

Whatever the reason, every time the Lexus IS-F & racing are linked together, it ends up being super-confusing. Case in point: My.IS has posted a story about pair of race-modified IS-Fs owned by DRC Motorsports that are about to enter the GT class of the SPEED World Challenge — only they’re not really IS-Fs, but …
Kevin · July 18th, 2008

New Lexus IS-F Commercial, Pt. 2

Here’s a new riff on the Lexus IS-F commercial we saw last week with Jim Sloyan: I have to say, I like the first one better, though it is nice to understand what Sloyan is saying this time round.
Kevin · July 17th, 2008

2009 Lexus IS Details Revealed

A number of details on the 2009 Lexus IS have been released by Lexus in the latest issue of their magazine. Here’s a scan: This verifies the information revealed in a document that showed up on Club Lexus last week, which was very specific about the upcoming changes. Let’s summarize: New Grille New front & …
Kevin · July 17th, 2008

1999 Lexus GS 400, VIP

The latest Import Tuner has a feature on the VIP’d 1999 Lexus GS 400 pictured above. Here’s a basic breakdown: Using a genuine Junction Produce body kit, including the bumpers, side skirts and rear wing, Johnny added a Ugo roof spoiler and JDM rain guards, chrome door handles and a trunk bar. To highlight the …
Kevin · July 16th, 2008

Motor Trend: Lexus LS 460L Long Term Test

Motor Trend has wrapped up their year-long stay with the Lexus LS 460L, which had its share of ups and downs: …our staffers lauded the interior’s rich ambiance and excellent ergonomics, the buttery V-8’s power and acceleration, and the first-rate bumper-to-bumper build quality. And with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it didn’t force us to visit …
Kevin · July 15th, 2008

Video Interview with 5Axis’ Troy Sumitomo

When I started watching this video interview with 5Axis founder Troy Sumitomo, I wasn’t really expecting to learn anything new about his company’s Project IS-F concept, but it turned out to be pretty interesting, especially the insight into design inspiration: Note: This is potentially NSFW, Bikinis abound. It’s very easy to picture the concept car …
Kevin · July 14th, 2008

Lexus Responds to Next-Gen SC Cancellation Story

Toyota has responded to an Edmunds article that suggested the Lexus SC will be discontinued: Mike Michels, the corporate manager of External Communications for Toyota Motor Sales USA, has told AutomotiveWorld.com that reports by a US-based automotive website which claim the Lexus SC and Toyota Avalon will not be replaced due to slow sales are …
Kevin · July 14th, 2008

Flickr Find: Project IS-F Widebody

Speaking of the Project IS-F concept, I’ve been meaning to post this photo from Flickr user artistmg for some time now: I would have thought I’d be long past posting images of this car, but every once and a while an image jumps out at me. The Project IS-F looks especially wide here, and all …
Kevin · July 13th, 2008

Lexus Cancels Next-Generation SC?

According to Edmund’s Inside Line, the next generation Lexus SC has been cancelled: Toyota had been developing a successor to the SC, based on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the LF-A. Originally slated for production in early 2009, the next-generation SC was pushed back to mid-2011 and now has been canceled, according to Toyota insiders. …
Kevin · July 12th, 2008

Photos of Hennessey’s Lexus IS-F

Hennessey announced earlier this year that they would be training their eyes on some heavy-duty Lexus IS-F modifications, and now Jalopnik has some photos of a seemingly-stock IS-F from their tour of the Hennessey factory. Jalopnik also reiterated that the performance engineering company was working on headers and a new exhaust system for the super …
Kevin · July 10th, 2008

Lexus LX 570 Tows a Yacht

I had a real laugh when I stumbled on this Lexus LX 570 print ad (click for a larger version): With a maximum towing capacity of 8,500lbs, I guess this might even be possible… [Via: Ads of the World]
Kevin · July 10th, 2008

Visual Comparison of the New BMW 7 & Lexus LS

When the new BMW 7-series was introduced last week, there was certainly some criticism of the exterior, particularly in its likeness to the Lexus LS. When comparing the direct side profiles, I saw a passing resemblance, but couldn’t understand the big fuss. Then I saw this action montage: That’s just unfortunate. [Images assembled by chonnes04]
Kevin · July 9th, 2008

Motor Trend tests the Lexus F-Sport Mods

Motor Trend took delivery of a Lexus IS 250 deked out with the entire F-Sport catalog, and was generally impressed with the difference the factory modifications made: The brakes, for example, are of the same six-piston front, four-piston rear, two-piece ventilated and drilled rotor design found on the IS F — and they’re brilliant, hauling …
Kevin · July 9th, 2008

Lexus LX 570 Sand Climbing

While on the topic of the Lexus LX 570, check out this super-impressive Youtube clip of the luxury-tank scaling a sand mountain: Zero to small-white-speck in less than 10 seconds.
Kevin · July 8th, 2008

MyRide’s Video Review of the Lexus LX 570

MyRide managed to snag one of the incredibly rare Lexus LX 570’s just long enough to film this video review: A nice overview, to be sure. I’ve grown into a huge fan of the new look LX. More than anything, the absolute cocoon it provides is a significant upgrade, it’s more like a luxury tank …
Kevin · July 8th, 2008

Hilarious Lexus IS-F Commercial with James Sloyan

This commercial featuring perpetual Lexus voice actor James Sloyan in the passenger seat of an IS-F as Scott Pruett takes a lap around the track is just about perfect: This is a definite payoff for using the same voice actor since the very first commercials. (Anyone want to hazard a guess as to what James …
Kevin · July 7th, 2008

The Fonz & The Lexus Hybrid

The Fonz is trading in his motorcycle for a Lexus RX 400h, as Henry Winkler is making his way across Britain on a children’s book tour to support the government’s 2008 National Year of Reading: Winkler, world famous for his role as “The Fonz” in the hit television show Happy Days., is now the author …
Kevin · July 3rd, 2008

Paul McCartney’s Lexus LS 600h Spotted

Considering the furor it created, I had fully expected the LS 600hL gift that Lexus airfreighted to Paul McCartney would never see the light of day. However, Sir Paul was recently spotted being chauffeured around London in the dark maple red hybrid. Also of note: Such is vegetarian Sir Paul’s passion for issues surrounding animal …
Kevin · July 3rd, 2008

Video of the 2010 Lexus RX Prototype

My least favorite German car magazine Auto Motor Und Sport has scooped up some footage of the next-generation Lexus RX making its way around Nürburgring: Can’t say this was something I would have ever expected to see, an RX on the ‘ring. One thing’s for sure, I don’t ever want to see an RX going …
Kevin · July 2nd, 2008

Video from a Lexus Performance Academy Hot Lap

With only four Lexus Performance Academy events planned across the entire US, there’s a very strict limit to just how many people will get in on the action, which is especially disappointing considering that part of the fun is driving in a IS-F at full-steam around a closed race track. Luckily, in the age of …
Kevin · June 30th, 2008

Esquire Reviews the Lexus LS 460

There’s a nice little editorial/review of the Lexus LS 460 in the latest issue of Esquire that revolves around writer David Raab’s son: We try the Lexus LS 460L because my son’s entire experience of cars is based on sitting in the backseat, and because one of his car guides rates the 460’s backseat a …
Kevin · June 27th, 2008

Australia gets a Lexus RX 350 Special Edition

In preparation of winter, Australia is getting a special edition of the Lexus RX 350 perfectly suited for the colder months. Here’s a breakdown of the particulars: Added extras include bespoke 18-inch shadow chrome alloy wheels, three unique exterior colours – including Arctic Blue, Burgundy and Onyx carbon – and an accessories pack featuring roof …
Kevin · June 26th, 2008

WSJ looks into Lexus LX 570 sales

When you consider the climbing cost of gas in the USA (and everywhere else!), the dramatic increase in Lexus LX 570 sales has raised some eyebrows, including the Wall Street Journal, who went so far as to interview a new owner: Karen Bean of Albany, N.Y., says she bought a Lexus LX 570 earlier this …
Kevin · June 25th, 2008

Flickr Find: Pink Lexus SC, San Fran Style

There must be something special about crazy Lexus SC’s in the Bay Area, because San Francisco resident Kristie Wells spotted another variation on what seems to be a local phenomenon: I don’t know what astonishes me more, that there would be three strikingly similar cars all within a 100 mile radius, or that a photo …
Kevin · June 25th, 2008

Lexus RX Prototype Photos, Round Two

In all the excitement of the just-seen Lexus RX prototype running the ‘Ring in Germany, I missed that Leftlane News have their own spy coverage of the next-gen crossover. I love the revised stance of the vehicle: The reduction of the rear bubble has done a lot to update the look of the RX, but …
Kevin · June 24th, 2008

Top Gear builds a Lexus LS 400 Police Car

Top Gear was in top form for the start of their eleventh season last night, turning a very entertaining episode that managed to squeeze a ‘93-‘94 Lexus LS 400 into their first challenge of the year. Each presenter had to choose a sub-£1000 used car that could replace the Vauxhall Astra as the British Police …
Kevin · June 23rd, 2008

2010 Lexus RX Prototype Spotted in Germany

A set of mildly-camoflagued Lexus RX prototypes have been spotted at Nürburgring in Germany, and the design is looking to be a successful merger of the current model and the LF-Xh concept shown at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. The most obvious element taken from the LF-Xh is the smoother, more flowing shape, looking lower …
Kevin · June 23rd, 2008

Toyota: Two Hybrids in Detroit Auto Show, not three

Toyota’s Open Road blog has posted a clarification concerning last week’s report that three hybrids would be introduced at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show: A report in Monday’s news indicating that Toyota might be showing a new third hybrid car at the Detroit show was the result of an apparent misunderstanding. We’d like to clarify …
Kevin · June 20th, 2008

Automobile Magazine reviews the Lexus LS 600hL

When the Lexus LS 600hL was released, the automotive press was quick to point out its “flaws”, especially when it came to gas mileage. Being a hybrid, the flagship sedan was expected to have exceptional fuel economy, and at first glance, that didn’t seem to be the case at all. It’s taken a few months …
Kevin · June 18th, 2008

Motorweek: 1993 Luxury Car Comparison

The latest in Youtube user bajabusta‘s trip down the Motorweek memory lane is this comparison test between the Lexus LS 400, BMW 740i, Mercedes 400E, Infiniti Q45 & Cadillac STS, divided into two parts: The Mercedes 400E seemed out of place in the comparison until some research showed that a 1993 S-Class started at $69,900, …
Kevin · June 17th, 2008

Flickr Find: Lexus LF-A vs. Honda Civic

No matter how evenly matched they might be, I still had a chuckle over of this photo of the Lexus LF-A up against a Honda Civic: (This photo comes from Flickr user nordschleifenfan, my favorite Nürburgring photographer.)
Kevin · June 17th, 2008

Extended Video of the Lexus LF-A during Nürburgring 24h Race

Japanese racing website Start Your Engines has posted some extended footage of the Lexus LF-A in last month’s Nürburgring 24hour race, with plenty of mysterious Japanese commentary: The racing prototype certainly didn’t seem to struggle against its competitors on the track, which makes me wonder just how well the prototype would have finished without the …
Kevin · June 16th, 2008