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Lexus ES 350 Commercial: Panoramic

This Lexus ES 350 commercial highlights my favorite feature of the car, and perhaps one of my favorite optional features of all time, the panoramic glass roof: The glass roof is perfectly suited to the overall design of the ES, and really the only Lexus I could picture with it. Perhaps it’s only because I’ve …

Kevin · September 24th, 2007

Motor Trend: Long-Term Lexus LS 460 Update 2

Now five months into their long-term test, Motor Trend continues to appreciate what the Lexus LS 460 brings to the table: [Truck Trend art director] Voehringer, a guitar-playing rock aficionado, adores the 19-speaker Mark Levinson reference surround-sound system, observing that it “supplies a lush spectrum of highs, mids, and especially bass” — the ideal setup …

Kevin · September 24th, 2007

Lexus LS 460 with Air Runner Suspension

Ridiculously dropped suspensions can be a great look, but not without a huge sacrifice of ride quality and the potential for some serious body damage. However, for every problem there is a (expensive) solution, as evidenced by this video of an LS 460 with an Air Runner suspension system, which allows for variable ride height …

Kevin · September 23rd, 2007

Flickr Find: A Scenic Lexus GS 400

Flickr photographer capt4inslow has posted up some incredible shots of a second-gen GS 400, here’s a couple of my favorites: I’ve always been a big fan of this GS generation, with its equally elegant and aggressive styling. More than anything, though, these photos remind me of the tough decision I had to make when choosing …

Kevin · September 22nd, 2007

SEMA 2007: Lexus IS-F Events

Also announced for 2007 SEMA Show is a host of events centering around the Lexus IS-F, which will be available for test drives for the first time ever. The car will also be mounted on a dynamometer, just like the recent Taste of Lexus events, where attendees can spin the wheels to their heart’s content …

Kevin · September 21st, 2007

Behind-The-Scenes of a New Lexus RX Commercial

Yesterday, I received an anonymous email containing photos from the production of a new RX commercial being filmed in Los Angeles, with the following information: The commercial filmed in Los Angeles in August and will feature the giant pages of a pop-up book being operated by actors playing stage hands. I believe the ad is …

Kevin · September 20th, 2007

Lexus GS 450h Completes Targa Newfoundland Rally

Targa Newfoundland, a 2,200 km (1,367 miles) rally through the winding province of Newfoundland, Canada, had an interesting entry this year, a 2007 Lexus GS 450h. The course is so grueling that it’s an accomplishment to finish, which the GS 450h did, coming in 18th overall, eight minutes behind the leader, a 1969 BMW 2002. …

Kevin · September 19th, 2007

Lexus IS-F & LF-A Together on Nürburgring

This spy video montage, which shows a collection of upcoming cars taking their turn at Nürburgring, has an interesting segment featuring the Lexus IS-F and the LF-A taking a lap together (skip to 3:09 in the video for the action): The LF-A sounds like a monster compared to the IS-F, and I’m sure the additional …

Kevin · September 19th, 2007

Lexus IS-F in Silver!

As if on cue, photos emerged today on Club Lexus of a silver Lexus IS-F, taken by Claude Feltz at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. Without a doubt, my point is proven, the IS-F doesn’t just look a little better in colors other than blue, it looks fantastic! (Special thanks to Claude for letting me …

Kevin · September 18th, 2007

Lexus IS-F Preview @ Edmunds

With all of the negative opinion circulating around the IS-F, this Edmunds preview seems almost upbeat: On paper the 2008 Lexus IS-F stacks up well against the M3, not to mention the Audi RS4 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. In the metal, the IS-F’s appearance is polarizing (“F stands for FUGLY! The car looks wack,” said …

Kevin · September 17th, 2007

Japanese Lexus LS 600h/L Commercial: Blue Lines

In the same vein as the LS 600h/L advert posted earlier this month (and which turned out to be part of Lexus’ new UK hybrid marketing campaign), this Japanese commercial also features a practically invisible LS hybrid, though this time it’s a case of speed: Wonderfully done, I was very impressed by it.

Kevin · September 17th, 2007

Flickr Find: The Lexus LF-A @ Concours D’Elegance

It may be the processing, but this photo of the Lexus LF-A concept, taken by John Hietter at this year’s Concours D’Elegance, really shows the supercar in a different light: The over-saturation makes the LF-A look almost menacing, with the muted audience in the back finally giving me some perspective as to the size of …

Kevin · September 16th, 2007

The Lexus Body Kit Series: GX 470

At first, the latest part in my Lexus Body Kit Series seemed to be taking the same road as my last feature, the ES 350, which yielded no kits at all. However, it turns out that there are a couple body kits for the GX 470. Two of the kits come from Toyota, built for …

Kevin · September 11th, 2007

A Look at the Lexus LS 600h/L’s Driver Monitoring System

When released next month, the Lexus LS 600hL will be equipped with a group of technologies, collectively dubbed the Driver Monitoring System, that takes automotive safety to an entirely new level. From the Lexus press release: The system uses an algorithm to map the position of the driver’s facial features and monitors movement of the …

Kevin · September 8th, 2007

2008 Lexus GS Press Release Confirms the Rumors

Lexus has issued a press release regarding the upcoming 2008 GS models, which confirms the previously leaked GS 460 details: All 2008 GS models will feature a revised front-end, with a new bumper, deeper intakes, and a subtly changed chrome grille. Other exterior changes: The alloy wheels have been redesigned, and turn signals have been …

Kevin · September 7th, 2007

Flickr Find: Mike IS

This black & white photo, by Flickr user toyangel immediately caught my attention because of the perfectly captured wheels, looking exceptionally crisp. From my own experiments, it’s difficult to photograph a car-in-motion, and this photo does a fantastic job of just that.

Kevin · September 4th, 2007

Lexus LS 600h Commercial: Hybrid Drive

The Lexus 600h is available only in Japan and Europe, which might explain why this commercial hasn’t made it to North American shores: It’s funny, because the invisible digital effect featured here reminds me of the car option I’m looking most forward to: the portable force field. Sure, there’s deeper, more important applications for the …

Kevin · September 3rd, 2007

The Lexus Body Kit Series: ES 350

My initial thought was to pass over it without mention, but the more I think about it, it’s quite surprising that the ES 350 has absolutely no body kits. Why is that? I think the major reason has to be that the ES 350 is no longer available in Japan, where most Lexus kits come …

Kevin · September 1st, 2007

2008 Lexus GS Facelift Revealed

Lexus has announced that the 2008 Lexus GS 450h will be debuting at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. In preparation of the event, a press photo, shown above (higher resolution here), has been released, revealing the expected front-end redesign that will be applied to all GS models. The changes are subtle, but numerous. First …

Kevin · August 30th, 2007

China Gets Lexus LF-A Pricing & Release Information

It’s been less than two weeks since the LS 600hL was released in China, and now the latest news is that the LF-A is next in line: “We are planning to import the latest Lexus models to the Chinese market at the earliest time possible,” said Zeng Lintang, vice president of Toyota Motor (China) Investment …

Kevin · August 30th, 2007

Official Specifications for the Lexus GS 460

Lexus has issued a press release with the specs for the new GS 460, and there’s some serious disappointment ahead if you were hoping for similar numbers to the LS 460. The GS 460 will be getting the LS 460’s 1UR-FSE V8 engine, but detuned from 380hp to 342hp, and if you can believe it, …

Kevin · August 29th, 2007

Lexus GS-F News!

Fantastic news has emerged regarding the existence of a Lexus GS-F: According to Motortrend, the GS-F will be receiving the LF-A’s V10 engine, meaning 500-plus horsepower, making it a worthy entry into the super sedan class. The next-gen GS, scheduled for a 2011 release, is being designed to allow for the V10 engine, which could …

Kevin · August 29th, 2007

2008 GX 470 Now on Lexus USA Website

The 2008 Lexus GX 470 has been added to the Lexus USA website, and as expected, the changes are minimal and completely cosmetic. What has changed? New dark metallic finish on the front grille Chrome roof rack side rails Liquid graphite on the standard 17-inch alloy wheels Clear rear combination lamp turn signal lens cover …

Kevin · August 28th, 2007

Tony Soprano & The Lexus LS 400

It’s always a blast seeing your favorite cars featured in TV and movies, and what what an appearance the Lexus LS 400 made in the first episode of the Sopranos (Warning: Contains coarse language and violence, viewer discretion advised): I don’t even like my girlfriend driving my car, and she’s not in the habit of …

Kevin · August 28th, 2007

Lexus IS 250 Commercial: The Valet

There’s something about the sound in this Lexus IS 250 commercial that really commanded my attention, the overprocessed blues music, the paddleshift click, the breathlessness, it all comes together so well: I wonder why the IS 250 and IS 350 have separate commercials, wouldn’t it make more sense to market them as a single model?

Kevin · August 27th, 2007

The Lexus Body Kit Series: SC 430

The next part of my Lexus Body Kit Series is up, this time for the SC 430. For a car closing in on seven years of production, and a purported sports coupe at that, there’s surprisingly few body kits to choose from, and the kits that are available are low in options, with most consisting …

Kevin · August 24th, 2007

Wald International Releases Lexus IS 250/350/220d Body Kit

Wald International has just released their IS 250/350/220d body kit, and it’s a marked improvement over the photoshop mockups: The sports fender ducts are still in development, and will hopefully stay that way. As it stands, the kit consists of a front spoiler, side step, a rear skirt and a trunk lid spoiler. The front …

Kevin · August 23rd, 2007

Lexus Working on GS Facelift?

A taped-up GS was recently seen in Europe, sporting a revised front bumper, which could indicate that there’s a refresh in the pipeline. The changes are admittedly subtle, and focus around the bottom grille, which has been reduced in size and given some extra height. The openings around the grille have been deepened as well. …

Kevin · August 23rd, 2007

Lexus Russia’s GS 450h Interactive Experience

Brandstudio, a Russian design firm, has been creating some wonderful websites for Lexus Russia, where each model has a separate Internet presence. Their latest work, for the GS 450h, is a incredibly interactive experience, though slightly confusing if you lack understanding of the Russian language. Still, with the extensive use of video, and a very …

Kevin · August 22nd, 2007

Some Quality Time with the New LX 570

Agent 001 of Autospies was busy this weekend, first discovering the the new GS 450h Bridgehampton Concept, then spending a few minutes with the Lexus LX 570: I’m reserving my judgment of the LX 570 exterior until I see it up close and personal, which looks to me to be rather “bubbly”, particularly around the …

Kevin · August 20th, 2007

Lexus GS 450h Bridgehampton Concept

Lexus debuted a special edition this weekend at The Quail Event: The GS 450h Bridgehampton Concept: From the display plaque: In the late 1950’s, and through the “glory” days of the ‘60s, affluenty sports car racers descended on a unique racing circuit near Sag Harbor on Long Island to test their mettle and their machines. …

Kevin · August 19th, 2007

The Lexus Body Kit Series: IS 250/350/220d

For the fourth part of my Lexus Body Kit Series, I bring you the IS 250/350/220d. I was surprised to find that the IS 250/350/220d had less body kits available than the third-gen GS, as I was expecting far, far more. Thinking on it, I figure it must have something to do with the great …

Kevin · August 17th, 2007

Lexus SC 430 Commercial with Andy Roddick for the U.S. Open

This SC 430 commercial featuring Andy Roddick and Christopher Fairbanks defies the usual Lexus formula of heightened drama and takes an altogether different route: This went completely over my head, with such a strange combination of elements. A famous tennis player, a comedian, a tree frog story and a sixties era green-screen, how could these …

Kevin · August 16th, 2007

2008 Lexus SC 430 Special Editon to Debut at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

In what has now become an annual tradition, Lexus will be debuting a special 2008 SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. With a limited run of only 360, the Pebble Beach SC 430 will have the exclusive color combination of a Smokey Granite Mica exterior and a two-tone Camel and …

Kevin · August 16th, 2007

Classic 1992 Lexus LS Commercial: Money in the Bank

As an LS 400 owner, I always get a kick out of seeing the old commercials pop up on Youtube: It’s interesting that Lexus has maintained a very distinctive look to their advertising over the years. Save for the grainy VHS look and the car featured, this commercial could easily appear on TV today. Now …

Kevin · August 15th, 2007

Federal Government Continues Lexus ES 350 Investigation

The U.S. federal government is continuing its investigation into the Lexus ES 350, which has been linked to 40 separate complaints of unintended acceleration, causing eight crashes and twelve injuries. What’s the cause? All-weather floor mats: Toyota Motor Corp. told NHTSA [National Highway Traffic Safety Association] it sent a mailing to ES 350 owners in …

Kevin · August 15th, 2007

Insider Reveals 2009 Lexus RX Details (Including the RX-F?!)

James Fabin, Senior Product Manager for MyRide.com, has dropped some major news regarding the 2009 RX on his blog. Here’s the specifics: The 2009 RX will be offered in two versions, a five-passenger model similar to the current model, and a new seven-passenger long wheelbase model. A six-speed transmission will be standard. The RX 350’s …

Kevin · August 14th, 2007

The Lexus Body Kit Series: GS 300/350/430/450h

I’ve just posted the third part of my Lexus Body Kit Series, the GS 300/350/430/450h. With eighteen different body kits, it was the largest collection so far. Most are in the VIP style, evidenced by the tilted rear wheels. The additional styling brought by the kits change the GS appearance significantly, and bring a much …

Kevin · August 13th, 2007

Another Wild (but Formal) Japanese Commercial for the Lexus RX 300/Harrier

It would be remiss of me not to post this second lion-man Lexus RX 300/Harrier commercial, considering how floored I was by the first one: This one is even better than the first, as we get to see lion-man lounging by the pool, reading a report, while his beauty swims in the pool. I’m so …

Kevin · August 11th, 2007

The Lexus Body Kit Series: RX 330/350/400h

The second part of my Lexus Body Kit Series has been posted, this time with the

Kevin · August 9th, 2007

More Information on the 2009 Lexus RX

Today is full of next-gen RX news, this time from Auto Express. There’s the rather swell artist rendering (shown above), along with some speculation on the spy shots released last week: At first glance, it looks like any other RX, but close inspection reveals that the rear lights no longer sit flush with the bodywork. …

Kevin · August 8th, 2007

2009 Lexus RX in the Wild

The redesigned Lexus RX, scheduled for release in 2009, has been caught on camera for the first time, but not without a healthy amount of camouflage cladding that’s very successful at keeping most of the particulars a secret. There are a few details that can be discerned, the most obvious being the significant drop in …

Kevin · August 8th, 2007

Wild (but Formal) Japanese Commercial for the RX 300/Harrier

I’m unsure exactly how this commercial would have been pitched, “You see, there’s this lion-man, ok, and he rescues this damsel in distress, all while driving a Harrier! Wild but Formal!”: Seriously, a lion-man? (Thought it was very cool to see a body kit advert at the end of the commercial, though.)

Kevin · August 7th, 2007

Car Magazine Takes a First Look at the Lexus LS 600hL

Car Magazine has posted up their initial impressions of the LS 600hL, and while they were impressed by the car overall, their verdict was hardly glowing: The LS could quite possibly convert gas-guzzlers to battery power, so impressive and addictive is the power pack’s extra boost. On paper the performance and economy stats aren’t too …

Kevin · August 7th, 2007

The Lexus Body Kit Series: LS 460/460L/600hL

The first vehicle to be featured in my new Body Kit series is the Lexus LS 460/460L/600hL. If anything can be said about the majority of the available body kits for Lexus’ latest flagship model, it would be that they exhibit a very strong subtlety. None of the kits change the vehicle’s look substantially, and …

Kevin · August 6th, 2007

A Rendition of the Possible IS Coupe & Convertible

Since the comments made by John Roca, the Lexus Australia District Manager, that there’s a possible IS Coupe in the pipeline, there’s been a resurgence in interest in the idea, along with a potential convertible version. In light of that, egmcartech.com has dug up some renderings of the cars, created by Christian Shulte Design. In …

Kevin · August 4th, 2007

A Video Introduction to the Upcoming Lexus LX 570

The Lexus LX 570 is still about six months away from release, but it’s close enough to get revisit its new features over the outgoing LX 470. Luckily, Edmunds has published a video that does just that: This new edition of the LX has been redesigned from the ground up, and includes a host of …

Kevin · August 3rd, 2007

Mitsuoka Orochi, The Japanese Mutant Supercar

At first glace, the Mitsuoka Orochi may seem like the Japanese answer to Ferrari, but there’s an unflattering surprise under the hood, the car is powered by a Lexus 3.3-litre V6 engine. With only 231bhp and 327Nm of torque, it’s a powerplant that has no business being in a car with such wild style. This …

Kevin · August 3rd, 2007

The LS 460 Symphony Orchestra Takes the Stage

Twelve LS 460’s will be filling in for a symphony orchestra this August for two very special performances in Britain: The twelve vehicles will be arranged onstage to emulate a typical orchestral layout of individual instruments, with strings, brass, woodwind, basses and percussion being performed by each section. In essence each LS 460 will be …

Kevin · August 2nd, 2007

Analyzing the Chemical Properties of the Lexus RX 400h Advert

The new Lexus RX 400h print ad may be a good looker, but according to the Chemist’s Laboratory Notebook blog, it’s just a pretty picture: Whenever I see chemical information or structures in real world situations, it makes me excited that non-chemists are getting a little exposure to what I work with every day. Usually …

Kevin · August 1st, 2007

Lexus Class Action Lawsuit over ES 350 Airbags

According to the BusinessWire, a civil action lawsuit has been filed against Lexus/Toyota, with the claim that the ES 350’s front passenger seat fails to register occupants, meaning that in the event of a crash, the front passenger airbag would not deploy: At issue is the ES350’s airbag system, and specifically the systems’ airbag occupant …

Kevin · August 1st, 2007

The Driving Woman Reviews the 2008 RX 350

It’s no secret that Lexus’ RX SUV is a hit with women drivers, so the fact that The Driving Woman’s review of the 2008 RX 350 is so positive really doesn’t surprise me: The first time I drove a Lexus SUV, I was so excited that I decided to put on red lipstick at a …

Kevin · July 31st, 2007

Spy Shots of the Next Gen RX

WorldCarFans has scored some spy shots of next generation Lexus RX SUV, which give some hints of what to expect in the vehicle’s future. Judging by the ill-fitting body panels and the extensive taping, the vehicle will be expanding in width and length. The cut bumpers and rear doors would indicate a shift in the …

Kevin · July 31st, 2007

News on the Upcoming Lexus IS-F & GS 460

A user at Autospies has posted up some information on the new IS-F and GS, taken from the latest issue of Motor Trend: Lexus IS/IS-F:”…The first offering in the new Lexus F-series of ultra-perfomance cars, expect the IS-f to have 400-425-hp version of the 5.0L V-8 from the LS 600h, eight-speed paddle-shifted automatic, Brembo ABS …

Kevin · July 30th, 2007

An Argument for Painted Brake Calipers

Painted brake calipers are a nice enough touch, but they take on new significance when you see a photo like this: Taken from a feature on the G2 website, makers of caliper paint, this indigo ink Lexus IS 300 belongs to Brian Torak. The wheels are 18″ Katana ZR5’s, you can get a better look …

Kevin · July 29th, 2007

The Times Reviews the Lexus LS 600hL

I’ll admit, it was somewhat disappointing that the Lexus LS 600hL review in The Times wasn’t written by Jeremy Clarkson, but Stuart Birch gives it his best shot, including some interesting stats on the customers Lexus plans to reel in, along with a rather interesting question: Lexus says that about 10 per cent of buyers …

Kevin · July 27th, 2007

Comparison: Lexus LS 460 vs. Volkswagen Phaeton

A member of German Car Zone was nice enough to translate an article from German car magazine Auto Motor Und Sport pitting the Volkswagen Phaeton against the Lexus LS 460. (The full text appears on Autospies, if you don’t feel like signing up for GCZ account.) Now, whether it’s a case of German bias or …

Kevin · July 26th, 2007

Flickr Find: Rolling

I’ve featured a IS 350 photo from Flickr user J.Garrido before, but this image was simply too stunning to ignore: I’m a sucker for streaking blurs, night shots and glowing instrument panels, and this shot has to rank right up there with the best. Brilliant.

Kevin · July 26th, 2007

Super Street Magazine Reviews the Lexus LS 460

It’s far and few between to find an genuinely amusing car review, but Super Street Magazine manages just that with their review of the Lexus LS 460. Here’s a few of the more salient passages: Enter the LS 460. Right off the bat, this car is pimp. Scratch that, capital P-I-M-P. Plush roomy leather interior …

Kevin · July 25th, 2007

Andy Rooney Tracks Down His Old Lexus

When I started this site, never did I think I would see the day where I’d be writing about Andy Rooney, but the world’s a funny place, and I go where the Lexus news takes me. I’m sure that most people, after selling or trading in a car, have wondered where it ended up, who …

Kevin · July 24th, 2007

Lexus IS 250 Commercial: Ball Bearing Precision

The IS 250 may lack the IS 350’s power, but it definitely has a trump card if you need traction, namely All-Wheel Drive: The IS series is a confusing one, the IS 250 has the option of a manual transmission and AWD, while the IS 350 gets the bigger engine (with an extra 100hp) but …

Kevin · July 23rd, 2007

Lexus to Release IS 250X in Australia

Having to make due without the IS 350, Australians will have now have another IS option, the IS 250X. Limited to a run of 260, the IS 250X boasts the following upgrades over a base IS 250: Sports Tuned Suspension 18″ Alloy Wheels Revised Front Spoiler Alloy Pedals X Badging Starting at $64,390 AUD with …

Kevin · July 23rd, 2007

The GS 350 Exploding Donut

Two GS Donut videos in one day? Seriously? This second video continues on the grand tradition of Russian Lexus Destruction, only this time there’s blood and exploding rubber: For the life of me, I don’t understand why the cameraman inside the car didn’t pull back when he started seeing sparks. Crazy Russians!

Kevin · July 22nd, 2007

Lexus GS 300 Super Criminal Donut

For sheer volume, there’s few things I come across more on Youtube than Lexus’ doing donuts. Practically an everyday event, I’ve never thought to feature a single one until now. Crazy speed, residential area, tight turning radius: To top it off, if the description is to be believed, the car’s stolen, meaning this whole video …

Kevin · July 22nd, 2007

Site of the Week: LexLS.com

For any old-school LS 400 owners handy with a torque wrench and a willingness to get their hands dirty, there is no site better than Lexls.com: This site is jampacked with a range of useful information, with everything from changing your oil to replacing your timing belt/water pump. Each tutorial is extremely well written and …

Kevin · July 21st, 2007

Hyundai’s Veracruz vs. RX 350 Commercial

Hyundai has taken Motor Trend’s rather irksome comparison of the new Veracruz and the Lexus RX350 and ran with it, producing this cute but flawed commercial: Now, Hyundai can’t be faulted for wanting to draw attention to the Motor Trend results, but is it really a smart idea to celebrate the copycat styling of the …

Kevin · July 21st, 2007

Lexus Exploiting Hybrid Hype?

The NY Times article panning the LS 600h L has created quite a negative stir, with numerous claims that Toyota’s “green movement” is nothing but a farce. This is perhaps addressed most vehemently by The Auto Extremist, one of my favorite automotive opinion sites: It’s clear that the mainstream media is finally – finally – …

Kevin · July 20th, 2007

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