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Spending Time with the 2009 Lexus IS 250 AWD

Early this morning, I made my way to Toyota Canada’s corporate HQ outside of Toronto and took possession of a Lexus IS 250 for review. It’s the AWD config, an automatic, with Truffle Mica exterior and Ecru leather interior, a very flattering combination. The rest of the day was spent powering through highway traffic and …

Kevin · March 30th, 2009

China’s BYD Auto Releases Lexus RX Clone

While it’s true that all car companies have been guilty of design plagiarism at some point, Chinese automaker BYD has taken it too far with their shamelessly brazen copy of the second generation RX, the S6: These Chinese copycat designs are a rampant problem in automotive design, and what makes the situation worse is that …

Kevin · March 27th, 2009

Wald Body Kit for the 2010 Lexus RX 350

Wald International has released a Black Bison body kit for the new Lexus RX—first off, here’s the photo gallery: All the things that made the Black Bison design look so awkward on the IS-F end up adding some real character to the RX. There are minor complaints: the IS-F style grille looks great but clashes …

Kevin · March 26th, 2009

Flickr Find: Lexus GS Panning Practice

While working his panning skills, photographer Otis Blank snapped this great pic of a Lexus GS in transit: I’d say the practice is paying off!

Kevin · March 26th, 2009

Automobile Mag: Lexus IS-F Long-Term Test Update

I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to post a photo of the Lexus IS-F in the snow, but Automobile Magazine’s Four-Seasons update is definitely worth the quick read as well: I hand the car off to Mr. Kitman, who makes several trips into and out of New York City. “I love the sound of the …

Kevin · March 25th, 2009

Lexus Enform Service to arrive with the Lexus HS 250h

Arriving late this summer, the Lexus HS 250h will be the first vehicle offered with the new Lexus Enform + Safety Connect telematics system. Safety Connect, a service that will be offered on both Toyota and Lexus vehicles, provides a support network in the event of an emergency—offering automatic collision detection, locating a stolen vehicle, …

Kevin · March 25th, 2009

Production Lexus LFA to debut at Tokyo Auto Show?

This year’s Toyko Motor Show could be the location for a major moment in Lexus history—according to an Edmunds insider, the production version of the Lexus LFA will debut at the October autoshow. Of course, at this point it’s still a rumor, but when you consider that Toyota’s new president, Akio Toyoda, has been the …

Kevin · March 25th, 2009

Michael Bay’s Lexus ES 330 Commercial

Loud, blurry and preposterous, this Lexus ES 330 commercial by Michael Bay would fit neatly into any one of his movies (jump to 1:02 to see the Lexus commercial directly): Somehow I doubt an airbag is going to save you from being hit by a tractor trailer.

Kevin · March 23rd, 2009

Lexus Japan’s RX Museum Party Video

Should we need any proof that Lexus is being marketed differently in Japan as compared to North America, look no further than this video from the Japanese RX launch party, featuring DJ No+Chin in a “battle” with visual artist Saori Kanda: Feels more like Scion than Lexus, color me impressed by how uniquely Japanese this …

Kevin · March 23rd, 2009

Canadian Driver Reviews the Lexus ES 350

The Lexus ES 350 doesn’t get a lot of play, particularly with it in the third year of its design cycle, but this Canadian Driver review of the 2009 model is worth noting, as it manages to capture the ES’ appeal and includes a previously unheard (and likely untrue) rumor: The 2009 model retains the …

Kevin · March 23rd, 2009

Lexus Wallpaper of the Week: RX 450h in Motion

Right from its first reveal, I’ve been quite taken with the new Lexus RX, finding it a vast improvement over the outgoing model and a vehicle I fully expect to see parked in my driveway some time in the future. To that end, I’ve been searching for a great photo that would work as a …

Kevin · March 17th, 2009

Gearlog Reviews the 2010 Lexus RX

Considering its consumer gadget focus, it’s not all that surprising that Gearlog’s review of the Lexus RX centers on the technology in the newly redesigned SUV, with barely a mention of its driving performance. It’s an even-handed review, and includes some of the first criticisms of the new Remote Touch controller system: Remote Touch has …

Kevin · March 16th, 2009

Edmunds Reviews the 2010 Lexus RX 450h

With the new Lexus RX 350 now available in North American dealerships, the auto reviewers have been turning their sights on the upcoming RX 450h. Edmunds, who had plenty of good things to say about the non-hybrid version, didn’t end up all that impressed with the hybrid: The 2010 Lexus RX 450h hits 60 mph …

Kevin · March 12th, 2009

Lexus @ Milan Design Week 2009

For the last few years, Lexus has been taking part in the Milan Design Week by creating a unique exhibit in collaboration with an artist. Last year, it was the Elastic Diamond with nendo, and this year Lexus has partnered with Huzimoto Takeshi, one of Japan’s up & coming architects, to create Crystallized Wind, or …

Kevin · February 18th, 2009

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

Ad: Lexus RX 330 “Road Optional”

As funny as it may be, I think this might be the first time I’ve seen mud on a Lexus RX ever: [Source: Coloribus]

Kevin · July 15th, 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

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