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Motor Trend Comparsion: Lexus GS 460 vs. Jaguar XF vs. Mercedes E550 vs. BMW 550i

Mostly due to their similar exterior, I’ve been very curious to see how the new Jaguar XF would compare to the Lexus GS on the road, and Motor Trend has done just that, pitting the XF and GS up against the BMW 550i and the Mercedes E550. With the Jaguar being the only truly new …

Kevin · May 21st, 2008

Lexus wins UK Security Award, LS wins Best Luxury Car

Here’s story that slipped through as I was finishing up the new version of this site: Lexus won two awards in the 2008 Fleet World Honours, taking home the Security award and the Best Luxury Car award for the LS: The Security Award reflects Lexus’s high levels of protection against theft of or from its …

Kevin · May 19th, 2008

Lexus F-Sport Air Intake Video

After seeing the video of the Lexus F-Sport exhaust system, I did some research into the other performance accessories offered in the line. Lo and behold, I found a very extensive video of the F-Sport air intake being installed and tested (along with a Tanabe exhaust system): In terms of sound, it’s hard to determine …

Kevin · May 19th, 2008

Lexus F-Sport Exhaust Video

One of the accessories available through the new Lexus F-Sport Line of performance parts is a replacement exhaust system for the IS, and here it is fully installed and revving for action: The audio in the video is pretty bad, but it certainly delivers on Lexus’ promise of “powerful, sport-tuned exhaust sound”. (The exhaust system …

Kevin · May 16th, 2008

Flickr Find: Lexus Nürburgring Duo

There’s been plenty of photos of the Lexus IS 250/LF-A duo currently racing in the ADAC Rundstrecken Trophy Endurance series, but I just wanted to feature these two images from Flickr user nordschleifenfan, a photographer seemingly stationed at Nürburgring: nordschleifenfan has put together quite a collection of Nürburgring racing images, be sure to check them …

Kevin · May 15th, 2008

Synchronized Lexus SC 430s

It’s with much amusement that I bring this video of a Lexus SC 430 fleet performing a synchronized convertible roof switch: Judging from the characters above the cars, I’d say this is from Japan, and it looks to be close to 20 SCs in the formation. Just remember, fanaticism has many faces. Update: Found another …

Kevin · May 15th, 2008

The Lexus LS 600h/Paul McCartney Fiasco

So, the big news of the day concerns an LS 600h that was sent by Lexus to Paul McCartney as a gift for his work promoting the company’s hybrids. Pretty uneventful so far, right? Well, turns out the car was sent by plane rather than by boat, creating a carbon footprint almost 100 times larger: …

Kevin · May 14th, 2008

Lexus UK launches IS 250 SR

Lexus UK is launching a special edition of the Lexus IS 250, dubbed the SR edition, and it features a full body kit, some very nice 10-spoke alloy rims and some sporty interior upgrades, including some aluminum pedals. The body kit’s very subtle, but it works, especially with the wheel combo. Once again, I was …

Kevin · May 14th, 2008

The Lexus LF-A Racing Prototype in Action

The just-revealed IS 250 race car wasn’t the only Lexus to be part of the festivities this weekend, as the LF-A racing prototype also made its debut in the ADAC Rundstrecken Trophy Endurance series. Edmunds reports: The race was run on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, combined with a sprint portion of the famous Grand Prix circuit. …

Kevin · May 13th, 2008

Mystery Lexus IS Solved

The mystery Lexus IS making the rounds round Nürburgring last week turned out to be the most obvious: it was a race car, and it appeared in the ADAC Rundstrecken Trophy Endurance race in Germany this weekend: The TME/Team Gazoo IS competed in the first of seven four-hour endurance races. One six-hour and a 24-hour …

Kevin · May 12th, 2008

Car Magazine Video: Lexus IS-F vs. BMW M3 vs. Mercedes C63

UK’s Car Magazine has put in their video vote in the Lexus IS-f/BMW M3/Mercedes C63 race, and it’s probably the least qualitative comparison yet: I’m all for a little character in car reviews, but not to this extent. The gimmicks and poor lap timing method detract from an otherwise enjoyable watch. Surely this isn’t how …

Kevin · May 9th, 2008

Video of the mystery Lexus IS surfaces

The mysterious Lexus IS spotted yesterday has made a video appearance, albeit rather brief and shaky: The engine note is hard to read, though I would say it’s a V6. The hood bulge would indicate there’s something unusual going on, but whether it’s a hybrid system or even a supercharger is anyone’s guess. [Via: Jalopnik] …

Kevin · May 8th, 2008

Mystery Lexus IS Spotted at Nürburgring

Motor Authority’s at it again, this time spotting a camouflaged Lexus IS running the track at Nürburgring. The excessive tape & tarp are definitely hiding something, especially in the hood, where there’s a extra-large engine bulge: Judging by the awkward rear stance and the presence of a roll cage, I’m thinking this is a mule …

Kevin · May 7th, 2008

Lexus LF-A Prototype Interior Spy Shots

Motor Authority has scooped some new close-up photos of the LF-A prototypes currently zooming around Nürburgring, including the supercar’s carbon fiber roof (pictured above) and this interior pic (click on either for a larger image): Testing equipment aside, the interior looks very close to the one seen in the LF-A Roadster concept, with the multi-level …

Kevin · May 7th, 2008

Crazy Lexus IS-F Donut

At first, this video didn’t strike me as anything really, until it just kept going on and on: Sure, the road surface is slicked down, but it was still good for 45 seconds of amusement.

Kevin · May 5th, 2008

More Video of the Lexus LF-A Racing Prototype

It’s a simple equation: The more time the Lexus LF-A racing prototype spends on Nürburgring racetrack, the more video footage pops up. The proof: The folks over at Motor Authority have a lengthy video of the supercar making its rounds around the ‘ring (click on this image to visit the video): My favorite part of …

Kevin · May 2nd, 2008

Road & Track Comparison: Lexus IS-F vs. BMW M3 vs. Audi RS4 vs. Mercedes C63

Road & Track has dared to compare the Lexus IS-F, BMW M3, the Mercedes C63 and the Audi RS4 in the latest of the super sedan shootouts. As has often been the case, the Lexus IS-F put in a good showing but was still relegated to last place: Nobody likes to finish off the podium, …

Kevin · April 30th, 2008

Mother Proof Reviews the Lexus LX 570

Mother Proof, a site that reviews cars from a mother’s point of view, has posted a review of the Lexus LX 570: The sheer number of buttons that greeted me on that first drive was also a bit overwhelming; I thought I might need pilot training just to get it home. I was sorely disappointed …

Kevin · April 29th, 2008

Extended Footage of the Lexus LF-A (not the racing prototype)

It’s not the Lexus LF-A racing prototype, but this extended spy video of the LF-A is still something to watch: It’s been rumored that one of the major reasons for the supercar’s production delay was the engineer’s desire to push the top speed higher. Well, when comparing this video, which was filmed last year, with …

Kevin · April 28th, 2008

Top Gear’s Richard Hammond Reviews the Lexus IS-F

I am, it must be said, a very big fan of Top Gear, so it was with great interest to find a review of the Lexus IS-F by Richard Hammond, one of the show’s presenters. Like his Fifth Gear counterpart Tom Ford, Hammond was more than impressed: And, like a penguin reincarnated as a lion …

Kevin · April 28th, 2008

Lexus trademarks IS 250C, IS 300C & IS 350C

The IS Coupe is one step closer to reality, as a moderator over at my.IS discovered some trademark applications filed by Lexus in both the USA and Canada: IS 250C, IS 300C and IS 350C. These digits lead to some interesting speculation, particularly in the case of the IS 300C. The 102-hp gap between the …

Kevin · April 25th, 2008

More Details on the Lexus LF-A Racing Prototype

Easier Motoring has a few more details on the Lexus LF-A racing prototype that will be part of the Nürburgring 24 Hour Race: Testing the vehicle on the famous Nürburgring circuit for 24 hours under gruelling race conditions will provide Lexus engineers with a unique opportunity to acquire knowledge that can be used to further …

Kevin · April 24th, 2008

WebRidesTV Comparison: Lexus IS-F vs. Audi RS4

Eager to see how the Lexus IS-F did against their “beloved” favorite, the Audi RS4, WebRidesTV.com had accomplished race car driver Craig Stanton put them through the paces in this very enjoyable video: In my mind, the RS4 is probably the best “rival” for the IS-F, and between this video and Tom Ford’s RS4/IS-F/C63/M3 comparison, …

Kevin · April 24th, 2008

Video of the Lexus LF-A Racing Prototype on Nürburgring

A short video of the Lexus LF-A Racing prototype beaming its way through Nürburgring has emerged: The sound of the supercar is practically insane, and judging by the ridiculous speed it’s capable of, could Toyota just being playing mindgames when they stated that they would not be looking to win the 24hour Nürburgring in May? …

Kevin · April 22nd, 2008

Lexus LF-A Racing Prototype confirmed for 24 Hour Nürburgring Race

The Lexus LF-A Racing prototype has been confirmed as an entrant into the the Nurburgring 24 hour endurance challenge next month. The race, officially called the 36th ADAC Zurich 24h Race 2008, will take place in Germany on May 23-24. Although it seems contrary to the idea of racing, Toyota also announced that they would …

Kevin · April 21st, 2008

Lexus SC’s Gone Wild Video

A group of dedicated first-gen Lexus SC owners from Club Lexus have put together an extraordinary video tribute to their cars, complete with synchronized routines and even a touch of humor: Great job by everyone involved, it’s definitely “the passionate pursuit” in full effect.

Kevin · April 20th, 2008

Top Gear Comparison: Lexus IS-F vs. BMW M3 vs. Mercedes C63 vs. Audi RS4

We knew from last month’s Top Gear article that Tom Ford was quite impressed by the Lexus IS-F, though he wasn’t quite sure how it stacked up against its competitors. Well, now the answer’s out, as Ford got a chance to compare the IS-F with the BMW M3, Mercedes C63 and the Audi RS4: The …

Kevin · April 20th, 2008

Lexus IS-F TV Commercial

Though the Lexus IS-F’s national advertising campaign is limited strictly to movie theaters, dealers were also given a commercial made up of three of the 15-second ads. Here’s one for Lexus Stevens Creek, located in San Jose: They work really well sewn together like this, the end result is very impressive.

Kevin · April 17th, 2008

Race-Ready Lexus LF-A spotted near Nürburgring!

The Lexus LF-A is certainly causing a stir with its return to Nürburgring, as spy photographers were treated to a special surprise today with the appearance of the prototype supercar decked out in a full assortment of racing trim. Here’s a breakdown: Super-large fixed rear wing Redesigned front bumper with stacked side plates and a …

Kevin · April 16th, 2008

Does the Nissan GTR have anything to do with the Lexus LF-A delay?

Looks like whatever the problem was yesterday has been solved, because the Lexus LF-A was seen moving on its own power today, no doubt prepping for its time on Nürburgring. With that in mind, Motor Trend seems to think the real reason the LF-A has been absent from the ‘ring for so long is that …

Kevin · April 15th, 2008

Autoweek Comparison: Lexus IS-F vs. Nissan GTR

I’ve been waiting for a magazine to compare the Lexus IS-F and the Nissan GTR for a while now, and Autoweek has done just that, though it’s a much friendlier affair than the usual head-to-head: The GT-R is the faster car, but it is not necessarily better to drive. With the cars hot-shoed back-to-back, the …

Kevin · April 15th, 2008

New Lexus LF-A Spy Shots

The good news: Two new Lexus LF-A prototypes were just spotted at Nürburgring, which could quite possibly mean that the rumored development problems may finally be solved. The bad news: The LF-A had to be pushed into the garage, which could quite possibly mean that the rumored development problems may still be causing trouble. You …

Kevin · April 15th, 2008

Hennessey to Tune Lexus IS-F

Best known for for their insanely souped-up Dodge Vipers, Hennessey Performance Engineering will be turning their attention on the Lexus IS-F: In an interview with Inside Line, John Hennessey dropped some broad hints as to his next project: “We have a new IS-F coming in next week. Our plan with that car is to test …

Kevin · April 15th, 2008

Lexus Performance Driving Academy

Last month, it was announced that the annual Taste of Lexus traveling test drive tour would be discontinued and replaced with smaller, more targeted events. The reasoning was that too many current owners were taking part, even making up 75% of the audience in some locations. Regardless of how much sense it makes to close …

Kevin · April 14th, 2008

Four Wheeler Magazine reviews the Lexus LX 570

Four Wheeler magazine recently tested the Lexus LX 570, and it’s an interesting read for anyone thinking about the LX as more than just a giant on-road cruiser: The really big news, however, can be found beneath the framerails, where an all-new independent A-arm front/four-link rear suspension system utilizes Lexus-exclusive computer-managed hydraulics to lift and …

Kevin · April 9th, 2008

Japanese Commercial for Lexus GS Passionate Black Edition

I have a great love for the Japanese Lexus GS with the Passionate Black interior, so I was excited to discover its commercial on Youtube today. Too bad it’s just recycled footage from a previous advert: This is a stark reminder of the cultural differences between Japan and North America, no way this commercial would …

Kevin · April 9th, 2008

Lexus LS 600hL is the UK Chauffeur Car of the Year

The Lexus LS 600hL has been named the UK Chauffeur Car of the Year by The Chauffeur Magazine (no, really): Key factors behind the judges’ decision included the Lexus hybrid system which allowed for lower emission and competitive fuel economy, build quality, and the reclining and massaging rear seats which can adapt for shiatsu back …

Kevin · April 8th, 2008

Lexus LS 460 Commercial: The Life of a US Open Tennis Ball

I remember hearing about it last year, but this is the first time I’ve seen this Lexus commercial detailing the life of a US Open tennis ball after its day in the spotlight: Quirky and cute, it’s a neat take on the standard sponsorship advertisement, and makes you think, what really does happen to all …

Kevin · April 8th, 2008

Technophobe Falls for the Lexus LS 600hL

James Martin, an automobile reviewer for the Daily Mail, has an aversion to car technology, and was pretty sure he was going to despise the Lexus LS 600hL, but then something strange happened: I’m not even into technology on cars. Four wheels and an engine is complex enough – after all these years, it still …

Kevin · April 5th, 2008

Car & Driver Comparison Test: Lexus IS-F vs. BMW M3

When I saw that Car & Driver was running a comparison test between the BMW M3 sedan and the Lexus IS-F, I knew it was a forgone conclusion, the BMW was going to come out on top. After all, the 3-series, which the M3 is based on, has been a fixture on C&D’s 10Best list …

Kevin · April 3rd, 2008

Companion Video from Auto Express’ IS-F/M3/C63 Comparison Test

Here’s a video to go along with Auto Express’ comparison test of the Lexus IS-F, BMW M3, Mercedes C63 and Audi RS4, though the RS4 is omitted from the footage, due to the fact that it’s been discontinued: It’s nice to see all three cars as they cut a line across the same track, but …

Kevin · April 2nd, 2008

Auto Express Comparison Test: Lexus IS-F vs. BMW M3 vs. Mercedes C63 vs. Audi RS4

Auto Express is the latest to pit the Lexus IS-F against the competition, throwing it into a test against the BMW M3, Mercedes C63 and the Audi RS4. It’s almost a forgone conclusion that the M3 is going to place first, but Auto Express puts in a curveball, calling the Mercedes C63 the best of …

Kevin · March 31st, 2008

Flickr Find: Rolling in a Pink Lexus

Flickr user senti-mental1 spotted, of all things, a pink Lexus LS 400 in San Jose: One thing’s for sure, the gold badging has never looked more appropriate.

Kevin · March 31st, 2008

Lexus IS Convertible Coupe Photochop

If you couldn’t tell from the watermarks, Leftlane News commissioned Brenda Priddy to put together a mockup of the previously

Kevin · March 28th, 2008

Lexus IS Elegant White Commercial from Japan

We’ve seen some photos of the Japanese special edition Elegant White Lexus IS, and now here’s a weird little commercial to go along with it: It wouldn’t be so strange if the cat didn’t seem to have such a bizarre pose, but it is what it is. (I still can’t stop thinking about the Passionate …

Kevin · March 28th, 2008

The Auto Enthusiast Reviews the Lexus IS-F

The Car Enthusiast has posted up a review of the Lexus IS-F, and it’s quite clear it wasn’t what they were expecting at all: For Lexus, this section is key to the IS F being taken seriously as a performance car for real driving enthusiasts. The competition is not only fierce, but established. Car nuts …

Kevin · March 27th, 2008

Lexus IS-F Commercials

A couple weeks ago, when it was announced that Lexus would be promoting the IS-F strictly through movie theaters rather than a traditional TV campaign, it had me doubting just how soon the adverts would show up online, but as it turns out, the wait wasn’t very long at all: If I had to choose, …

Kevin · March 26th, 2008

Lexus LF-A Video from European Debut

To mark the European debut of the Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show, Lexus put together a truly spectacular video, albeit with no actual in-motion footage. Click the photo below to be taken to the mini-site: I imagine this would have been used as a video introduction to the vehicle’s unveiling at …

Kevin · March 25th, 2008

Behind-the-Scenes Video of Lexus Car Manufacturing

This Lexus-produced video showing the manufacturing process of the IS is full-on fantastic: I’ll admit to a soft spot when it comes to this type of behind-the-scenes video footage, and no matter how many times I read about it, it’s mind-boggling just how quality-obsessed Lexus really is. I was particularly impressed by the electronic tools …

Kevin · March 24th, 2008

Video: Lexus IS-F vs Last-Generation BMW M3 (among others)

If you remember the Lexus IS-F vs Audi RS4 video that was posted online last week, this new video is from the same people, and it’s similar in results and sketchiness: Watching the IS-F demolish a host of older cars doesn’t really do much for me, and I don’t think there was a single fair …

Kevin · March 24th, 2008

Lexus ES Commercial: Touch

I noticed earlier this week that Lexus was featuring the ES 350 heavily on their US site, and it seems to have extended to TV as well:

Kevin · March 21st, 2008

New Job Design Lexus LS Body Kit

Job Design, a Japan tuning firm specializing in Lexus & Toyota modifications, has released a new body kit for the Lexus LS, consisting of front wheel vents, a super-dropped suspension and new front & rear bumpers. {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1133”} I think it’s only natural, in light of the LS’ rather somber and elegant design, that body …

Kevin · March 18th, 2008

Classic Top Gear 1990: Lexus LS 400 vs. Mercedes 420SE vs. Jaguar 4.0 vs. BMW 735i

Every once and a while, a classic Lexus LS 400 clip will show up on Youtube, showing the car up against its competitors, and it always amazes me just how throughly Lexus thought out their first model. Here we have a 1990 video clip from Top Gear, putting the LS 400 up against the Mercedes …

Kevin · March 18th, 2008

Timo Glock Driving the Lexus IS-F

Timo Glock, Toyota’s latest F1 driver, was filmed taking the Lexus IS-F out for a racetrack spin, and I’m not all that sure how comfortable he looks: Now that’s one serious driver, I would have liked to see him compete in the Best Motoring comparison. The result might have been quite different.

Kevin · March 17th, 2008

Lexus ES & RX Pebble Beach Commercial, plus Pricing

Two pieces of Lexus Pebble Beach news today, first off, the much searched-for Pebble Beach commercial has surfaced on Youtube: Not much to the commercial, it’s strictly an announcement-style advertisement, but the Pebble Beach edition color really catches my attention. It’s nice to see it on more than just the SC 430. The other news …

Kevin · March 14th, 2008

Motor Trend Comparison: Lexus IS-F vs. BMW M3 vs. Mercedes C63

The Lexus IS-F comparison tests keep pouring in, this time from Motor Trend, who pits the new super-sedan against its primary competitors, the BMW M3 and the Mercedes C63. Here’s some selected highlights: Steering feedback and response are everything in a car like this…The C63’s turn-in is crisp, with plenty of honest feedback and a …

Kevin · March 14th, 2008

More on Best Motoring’s Lexus IS-F/BMW M3 Comparison

Turns out there was more than one part to the Best Motoring comparison that I posted about a couple days ago. Get comfortable and and take a look at this 20 minute video (for quickness’ sake, the two main competitors as I see them, the BMW M3 and the IS-F, are at 1:25 and 13:36 …

Kevin · March 13th, 2008

Autoweek’s Long-Term Report on the Lexus LS 460L

Autoweek has turned in their long term report on the Lexus LS 460L, and the result was just what you’d expect, they didn’t like the prospect of returning the keys whatsoever: …when it comes to extended, over-the-road, full-zoot, family-vacation luxury, our long-term Lexus LS 460 L can’t get enough. Or it couldn’t. We turned in …

Kevin · March 13th, 2008

The Lexus IS-F: Coming to a theater near you

Rather than a national TV campaign, Lexus has decided to bring the IS-F to the big screen, using movie cinemas to advertise the new super-sedan: Brian Bolain, national interactive automotive events manager, says the F campaign will not use national TV ads at all. He says the cinema focus was appropriate because in no other …

Kevin · March 12th, 2008

In Motion: Project IS-F by FiveAxis

It’s coming close to four months since the FiveAxis Lexus Project IS-F show car appeared at SEMA, but this is the first time I’ve actually seen it in motion: Just looking at photos, it was hard to really get a sense of how wide this kitted-out IS-F really is, or how low it sat. Another …

Kevin · March 11th, 2008

Best Motoring: Lexus IS-F vs. BMW M3 vs. Nissan Fairlady Z vs. Honda S2000

When I found out about this Best Motoring video pitting the Lexus IS-F against the BMW M3, Nissan Z, and the Honda S2000, I didn’t expect to see a repeat of yesterday’s video result, with the IS-F blowing the doors off the other cars. Too bad the video plays like a poorly staged mock race: …

Kevin · March 10th, 2008

Lexus IS-F vs. Audi RS4 Race Video

I’m not sure about the validity of this racing video, in fact it seems downright sketchy, but pitting the Lexus IS-F against an Audi RS4 doesn’t seem like a fair fight at all: The reason for my doubt is in the second turn, it looks like the IS-F lets the Audi pass, only to absolutely …

Kevin · March 9th, 2008

Fifth Gear’s Tom Ford on the Lexus IS-F

From one Fifth Gear presenter to the next, this time we have Tom Ford raving about the Lexus IS-F, by way of Top Gear Magazine: The Merc C63 is properly mental. The RS4 (I know it’s out of production), is a brilliant, brilliant thing. The BMW M3 brings together so much tech and knowledge that …

Kevin · March 5th, 2008

Tiff Needell Drives the Lexus IS-F

Tiff Needell from British car show Fifth Gear got his hands on a Lexus IS-F, and despite his rather strange presentation style, turns in an enjoyable review: It’s funny, Needell’s biggest complaint is something that I thought myself — there’s an awful lot of beeping going on while driving the IS-F in its direct shift …

Kevin · March 4th, 2008

Consumer Reports names the Lexus LS 460L the #1 Luxury Sedan of 2008

Consumer Reports has released its top picks for 2008, and among the ten winners, the Lexus LS 460L was chosen as the #1 luxury sedan: With a score of 99 out of 100 in CR’s road test, the LS 460L ($77,000) is CR’s highest-rated vehicle. It provides a no-compromise environment of comfort and roominess, coupled …

Kevin · February 28th, 2008

Lexus UK updates RX Entertainment Package

Lexus UK has debuted an upgraded backseat entertainment package for the RX called ICE, which is short for In-Car Entertainment. It consists of two eight-inch LCD screens with an integrated DVD player, USB and SD card readers, plus more: Two pairs of infrared headphones are provided, which are about 20 per cent smaller than before, …

Kevin · February 28th, 2008

Lexus IS Convertible Spotted

A Lexus IS convertible coupe has been spotted out in the wild, and was photographed by an unnamed German magazine. Here’s a blown-up image, for a better look: As for the accompanying text, there’s some horsepower number ranging from 177 to 423, which translates right across the entire IS lineup, from the 220d to the …

Kevin · February 25th, 2008

Flickr Find: The Lexus IS-F @ The Toronto Auto Show

I’m having a devil of a time finding my digital camera cable to pull the photos off from my visit to the Toronto Auto Show, but I know for a fact that none of my photos are half as good as this one from Flickr user Rocky413: All in all, I was very impressed by …

Kevin · February 25th, 2008

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