Lexus & Five Axis Team Up for Project CT Show Car

Just in time for the Chicago Auto Show, Lexus has once again teamed up with Five Axis to produce a concept car — this time based on the CT 200h. Here’s a teaser sketch released today (which I’ve made to fit wallpaper size): Select Resolution: 1920×1080 | 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | …
Kevin · February 1st, 2011

Tokyo Auto Salon: Lexus Collection

While the official Lexus display at the Tokyo Auto Salon held most of our attention this last week, there was also a number of Lexus vehicles spread out among various body kit manufacturer displays — TLE reader & Flickr member CLF shares some photos: I may not be a fan of Wald’s Black Bison LS …
Kevin · January 20th, 2011

Tokyo Auto Salon: Lexus Desktop Wallpapers

Lexus UK has published some high-resolution images featuring three of the cars shown at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon — here they are in all the usual desktop wallpaper sizes: Lexus CT 200h F-Sport with Modellista Body Kit Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 Lexus IS-F CCS-R Racing Concept Select …
Kevin · January 17th, 2011

Tokyo Auto Salon: Lexus CT 200h F-Sport with Modellista Body Kit

Not only has the Tokyo Auto Salon brought us two Lexus IS-F concepts, here’s our first real-life look at the new Modellista body kit for the CT 200h — once again, here are some photos from AutoGuide’s Colum Wood: I’m all over that rear diffuser — it really bumps up the rear design. I’m also …
Kevin · January 17th, 2011

Tokyo Auto Salon: Lexus IS-F Club Performance Accessory by TRD

In addition to the IS-F CCS-R concept, Lexus is also displaying the IS-F Club Performance Accessory at the Tokyo Auto Salon, which is sporting performance parts from Toyota tuner TRD — once again, here’s some photos from AutoGuide’s prolific Colum Wood: Here’s the full list of accessories: Dino over at SpeedHunters also posted a photo …
Kevin · January 14th, 2011

Lexus IS-F CCS-R Racing Concept at Tokyo Auto Salon

Lexus has unveiled the IS-F CCS-R racing concept at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon — here are some photos from Autoguide’s Colum Wood: The IS-F CCS-R, or IS-F Circuit Club Sports Racer, is tuned for the track, with a gutted interior, a roll-cage, and plenty of carbon fiber, which was used for the front splitter, …
Kevin · January 14th, 2011

Lexus @ 2011 Detroit Auto Show

The press days at the Detroit Auto Show are in full swing, and Lexus has gone all out with their exhibit, which includes a massive 5,000-ft LED display — here’s the Fox Marketing LS 600hL illuminated by the light: Of course, the centerpiece of the Lexus display is the orange LFA, and Auto Evolution has …
Kevin · January 10th, 2011

2008 Lexus LFA Roadster Video

Hard to believe it’s been three years since the introduction of the Lexus LFA Roadster at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show — I watched the European launch video again today and just loved it: How fantastic is that? Absolutely stunning.
Kevin · January 6th, 2011

More Orange Lexus LFA Photos

Here we have some more photos of the orange Lexus LFA first seen earlier this week: From the looks of things, the LFA is being loaded for its trip to the Detroit Auto Show next week, where it’s scheduled to be the centerpiece of the Lexus display — meaning we can expect plenty more photos …
Kevin · January 5th, 2011

Orange Lexus LFA for Detroit Auto Show

By way of the Lexus Magazine Twitter account, here’s a sneak peek at an orange Lexus LFA making its way to the Detroit Auto Show next week: No further details just yet, but what a wild color — just perfect for the middle of winter in Detroit. [Source: Twitpic]
Kevin · January 4th, 2011

Lexus LFA Challenge Event at Fuji Speedway

Stop what you’re doing and watch this video — it’s pure LFA madness: Just to count them off: There’s a Black, White, Red, Yellow and a brand new (what looks to be) Grey LFA all racing the Fuji Speedway in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Toyota Motorsports Festival. Absolutely amazing — that Black …
Kevin · November 30th, 2010

Repainting the Lexus LFA

The Pearl Grey Lexus LFA revealed at SEMA earlier this month has led an eventful life — going from its Matte Black days at the 2009 LFA launch in Miami to its commercial appearance in Starfire Pearl — and now we can see just how the supercar transforms from shade to shade, courtesy of Lexus …
Kevin · November 23rd, 2010

Lexus Project GS on Air Runners

The Lexus Project GS by 5Axis also made an appearance at SEMA earlier this month, and it was sporting a new Air Runner suspension — here it is in action: Seeing this car at the Air Runners booth was one of my highlights of Las Vegas — in fact, during my visit to Lexus of …
Kevin · November 15th, 2010

More Lexus SEMA Photos

After two intense days at SEMA and a poorly thought-out red-eye flight, I’m now back at home safe & sound — there’s been plenty of Lexus news released over the last few days that I’ll be working through, but first I want to point you towards some photos I took at SEMA for Lexus Magazine …
Kevin · November 4th, 2010

SEMA: Day 1 Photos

Perhaps I should have expected it, but SEMA has turned out to be a whirlwind of activity, with little time to do much but take photos and move along to the next exhibit. First off, the LFA was unveiled at the CEC booth yesterday with two different wheel styles: The passenger-side ten-spoke alloys were a …
Kevin · November 3rd, 2010

Lexus SEMA Video Preview

SEMA starts in an hour, but before the doors open, here’s a great HD video preview of the Lexus SEMA cars: I’ll be at the show today with a plan to update throughout the day and take plenty of photos, so if you have any picture requests, please let me know!
Kevin · November 2nd, 2010

CEC Wheels Dresses Up the Lexus LFA for SEMA

In preparation for its feature spot at the CEC Wheels SEMA display, the Pearl Grey Lexus LFA will be getting some new shoes — here’s a sneak peek: Hard to judge without seeing the full vehicle, but right now, it’s tough to imagine any else but the original wheels on the LFA. (Thanks Allison!) Update: …
Kevin · October 31st, 2010

Lexus SEMA 2010 Show Cars in Detail

Here’s a full breakdown of the models along with their descriptions, all courtesy of Lexus: CT200h F SPORT CONCEPT Description How do you take a fun to drive sporty five-door premium compact hybrid that has a combined EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 42 mpg to the next level? Build a CT200h F Sport Concept. Although …
Kevin · October 29th, 2010

2010 SEMA Lexus Show Car Lineup

Lexus have announced their SEMA show car lineup, and it’s a hybrid-exclusive affair — here’s what to expect next week: CT 200h F Sport Concept HS 250h by VIP Auto Salon GS 450h by 0-60 Magazine RX 450h by Paul Tolson of EST LS 600hL by Fox Marketing LS 600hL by VIP Auto Salon Joining …
Kevin · October 29th, 2010

SEMA Preview: Lexus LS 600hL by Fox Marketing

With just a couple weeks before SEMA, Fox Marketing has unveiled their modified LS 600hL that will be shown as part of the Lexus display: Like what was done to the front grille: Here’s probably the best look at the real color: I like the blacked/greened-out look well enough, especially in the way it tones …
Kevin · October 18th, 2010

Paris Photos: Lexus CT 200h in Smoky Granite Mica

The lights surrounding the Smoky Granite Mica Lexus CT 200h on display at the Paris Motor Show made for some strong contrast: I also ventured out onto the rotating platform for some pics of the interior, which just so happened to be a wild red & black fabric almost impossible to photograph: Much to my …
Kevin · October 4th, 2010

More Details on the Pearl Grey Lexus LFA

Last week, we caught our first glimpse of Lexus USA’s color-changing LFA — which now sports a Pearl Grey exterior after spells of being Matte Black & Starfire Pearl — and now Inside Line has published the first set of photos: There’s also a shot of the reworked interior: As for the reasoning behind painting …
Kevin · October 4th, 2010

Lexus Press Conference at 2010 Paris Motor Show

I have plenty of photos of the Lexus display at the Paris Motor Show, but first, let’s start off by taking a look at the opening press conference from Lexus Europe Vice President Andy Pfeiffenberger: Important points on the CT 200h: Lexus lineup will be fully hybrid in Europe by 2015. The CT 200h is …
Kevin · October 4th, 2010

Miami Lexus CT 200h Event

After stops in Chicago & NYC, the Lexus CT 200h World Tour sets up shop in Miami this week, starting today — here are the full event details: Wednesday, September 15 Location: Bayside Market Place 410 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, FL 33132 Hours: 2:00pm-10:00pm Thursday, September 16 Location: Mary Brickell Village 901 S. Miami Avenue Miami, …
Kevin · September 15th, 2010

Flickr Find: Yellow Lexus LFA in the Wild

When photographer (& Flickr user) Gideon Gillard happened upon the yellow Lexus LFA out on the highway during the Pebble Beach Concours, he chased it down and made sure to get some absolutely fantastic photos of the supercar (click for larger images): My favorite though, has to be this shot: Highly recommend going through the …
Kevin · August 23rd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Event in Toronto

The Lexus CT 200h is coming to Toronto, Ontario at the end of this month, and Lexus Canada is throwing a big party to welcome the newest addition to the lineup. The first public reveal of the CT 200hs spotted in California will be marked with three days of free concerts in Toronto’s Distillery District …
Kevin · August 17th, 2010

Photos of the Lexus CT Umbra Art Sculpture

We’ve seen video of the Lexus CT Umbra art sculpture that accompanied the Darker Side of Green debates around the USA, but these photos from The Cool Hunter show the installation in a much more vivid light: The installation was created by Los Angeles-based design studio Nondesigns, who really managed to create something exceptionally beautiful …
Kevin · August 16th, 2010

Yellow Lexus LFA at Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance

The yellow Lexus LFA made an appearance this weekend at the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance, and Autoguide was there to snap a few photos: Even better, the LFA was also filmed arriving at the event, making this the first known video of the sunshine yellow supercar: That yellow is impossible to miss, sure makes for …
Kevin · August 15th, 2010

Lexus LFA & Toyota 2000GT Meet in Germany

While one white Lexus LFA was doing donuts in Japan, another white LFA made an appearance at the Classic Days Motorfestival in Schloss Dyck, Germany, where it met face to face with its one true predecessor — the Toyota 2000GT. Auto journalist Richard Meaden did us all a favor and posted a photo to Twitter: …
Kevin · August 3rd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h USA Driving Tour Rescheduled

Due to some unexpected shipping changes, Lexus USA has rescheduled their previously announced CT 200h Driving Tour — here are the revised dates: Chicago Sept. 2, 3, 4 Location TBA New York Sept. 9, 10, 11 Location TBA Miami Sept. 15, 16, 17 Location TBA Los Angeles Sept. 22, 23 Slow Clothing, 7474 Melrose Ave., …
Kevin · July 27th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Art Installation

Lexus has commissioned an CT 200h art installation to be displayed at this summer’s Darker Side of Green debates: Entitled CT Umbra, the installation shifts in color as the viewer circles it, from gold to tints of green and blue, which brings a nice touch of the LF-Ch concept. The art installation was created by …
Kevin · July 13th, 2010

Red Lexus LFA @ Japanese Auto Show

Not only does this video from a Japanese auto show feature the red Lexus LFA, it also demonstrates a couple details about the supercar that I haven’t seen before (skip to 5:23 to get to the goods): The two things I noticed were the turn signal and the massive, single-blade windshield wiper — admittedly, these …
Kevin · May 24th, 2010

TLE Exclusive Interview with Lexus CT 200h Chief Designer

Yesterday, I posted an interview-by-email with the Chief Engineer of the new Lexus CT 200h that was arranged by Lexus Europe during the Geneva Auto Show—and now today I bring you a Q&A with the Lexus CT 200h’s Chief Designer, Takeshi Tanabe, about the challenges of translating the LF-Ch concept into a production model: TLE: …
Kevin · April 6th, 2010

Lexus IS 350C F-Sport Photos from Auto Guide

Auto Guide has posted up some photos of the Lexus IS 350C F-Sport special edition announced last month, which means we can get a good look at the new grille & wheels: My guesses were fifty-fifty—the wheel design is the same one from the TRD IS-C from SEMA, but the grille isn’t a direct pull …
Kevin · April 6th, 2010

Photos from the Lexus Exhibit at the New York Auto Show

TLE friend and Consumer Reports contributor Davis Adams was nice enough to send over some photos of the overall Lexus exhibit at the New York Auto Show: From the Lexus press release describing the exhibit: This year, the exhibit has a modern and stylish feel, with a three-sided marquee emblazoned with Lexus and a sophisticated …
Kevin · April 1st, 2010

Lexus to Display at Salon Privé London

Lexus is set to attend the Salon Privé London supercar event this year for the first time, along with luxury marques Jaguar, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Maserati, and Audi. The fifth annual Salon Privé London will be held on July 21-23 at the Hurlingham Club, with event tickets costing £175.00 (Wednesday) and £150.00 (Thursday and Friday) …
Kevin · March 29th, 2010

Lexus LFA to Attend Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elegance

The second annual Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elegance will be held this May 16, 2010, and it has been reported that the production Lexus LFA will be making its appearance there. Event announcements state that the vehicle is the “only one in the U.S.”, with the event held that Sunday from 9AM to 4PM at the …
Kevin · March 24th, 2010

Sarah Silverman to Host Lexus Climate Change Debate

Sarah Silverman will be moderating a Lexus-sponsored The Darker Side of Green hybrid debate on March 30th at the New York Auto Show. The debate will be between hybrid skeptic Phelim McAleer and renewable energy advocate Amanda Little, and will be part of the Lexus CT 200h’s North American debut at the autoshow. Check Ecorazzi …
Kevin · March 24th, 2010

More Lexus CT 200h Details

The Lexus CT 200h will have its North American debut at next week’s NY Auto Show, and to promote the fact, Lexus issued a press release that highlights some interesting information: The CT 200h will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2011. As part of an integrated launch in the U.S., Lexus will …
Kevin · March 23rd, 2010

Auto Express Lexus CT 200h Video

Auto Express had their turn at the CT 200h Geneva display, and put together a video that shows plenty of interior footage: The CT 200h’s door grip and handle design remind me a lot of the recently-released GX 460, which makes me wonder if this will be a shared design cue on new models.
Kevin · March 10th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h to Make North American Debut at New York Auto Show

Fresh off the news that Lexus will be offering the CT 200h in North America, it was announced today that the hatchback will be making its official US debut at the New York Auto Show, which takes place from March 31st through April 11th. Read the Lexus Press Release
Kevin · March 3rd, 2010

Journalist Reactions to the Lexus CT 200h

Here’s something new—Lexus interviewed some of the journalists attending the Geneva Auto Show to get their opinion on the new CT 200h hatchback: Best response: “The fact that it’s a hybrid will tick so many people’s boxes.”
Kevin · March 3rd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Size Comparison

Even with all the photos of the Lexus CT 200h at the Geneva Auto Show, it’s hard to get a good idea of just how big it really is, so I put together this chart showing the newest Lexus as compared to the IS, HS & ES: Put into perspective, the CT 200h looks bigger …
Kevin · March 2nd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Live Video from Geneva Auto Show

Here’s the first live video of the Lexus CT 200h at the Geneva Auto Show: With only 15 minutes to the CT 200h press conference, I have yet to find a live video feed—I’ll continue to look, and will update this post if I have any luck. The Lexus CT 200h press conference is now …
Kevin · March 2nd, 2010

Autoblog Lexus CT 200h Photos

Only moments after I linked to Lexus Europe’s Facebook photo of the CT 200h, Autoblog posted up a massive photo gallery from the preview event—check this car out: Also mentioned on Autoblog: Interestingly, though Lexus has yet to confirm what markets the CT will enter, our men on the scene report back, “Lexus executives were …
Kevin · March 1st, 2010

Lexus CT 200h at Geneva VIP Preview

With little more than twelve hours before the Lexus CT 200h’s debut at the Geneva Auto Show, Lexus hosted a VIP sneak peek of the compact hatchback—here are some photos from the event: These CT 200h photos at the Geneva Auto Show are just the first of a massive onslaught we can expect over the …
Kevin · March 1st, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Coming to North America

Big news for North America—according to the Lexus Europe Twitter account: CT 200h will be offered for sale in ALL markets where Lexus is present While I never had real doubt that the CT would be North America bound, it’s still a relief that there’s been some official verification. This model will do wonders for …
Kevin · February 26th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Video!

The first Lexus CT 200h video has been released: There may not be any footage of the car in motion, but the video does illustrate the interior blue-to-red color change when activating sport mode as well as showing some closer detail shots of the stitching and art piece shift stalk. I’m really falling for this …
Kevin · February 26th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Press Release

KEY POINTS Lexus’s first  premium compact model Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain with 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and powerful but compact electric motor Full hybrid system with selectable EV mode for emissions-free electric running Further selectable ECO, NORMAL and SPORT driving modes ECVT intelligent electronic continuously variable transmission Expected to deliver class-leading CO2  emissions Significantly lower …
Kevin · February 26th, 2010

Official Lexus CT 200h Photo Gallery

Two days after the Lexus CT 200h was leaked by way of a press brochure, official images of the new hatchback have been released: I’m very impressed with how the designers were able to incorporate the LF-Ch’s grille into the final design, in fact, I like the entire front-end. The LED headlights are a highlight, …
Kevin · February 25th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Brochure Leak!

The Lexus CT 200h brochure has been leaked by way of World Car Fans, let’s get straight to the images: Some talking points: The CT is built on an all new platform with a double-wishbone rear and tuned McPherson strut front suspension The 1.8L VVT-i engine found in the Prius is confirmed as the engine …
Kevin · February 23rd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Arrives in Geneva

The Lexus CT 200h has arrived for its introduction at the Geneva Auto Show: Click for a larger image This image comes courtesy of Lexus Europe, who are updating their Flickr account every day with a new image from the Geneva Auto Show floor. As expected, the photos so far show the Lexus exhibit to …
Kevin · February 22nd, 2010

Photos from the Miami Lexus Mega Meet

You may remember mention of the Lexus Mega Meet that happened last month in Florida—well, Eric Ho of PS Photos was there and ended up taking hundreds of photos and posting them to Flickr. Here’s just a small sample: Love this photo with every Lexus GS generation: From all accounts, the Mega Meet was a …
Kevin · February 22nd, 2010

Lexus LF-Ch Interior Photos

At last week’s Toronto Auto Show, I had a chance to take some interior photos of the Lexus LF-Ch, and it was an amazing opportunity to get a close-up look at the handcrafted and one-of-a-kind concept car. Before entering, I was asked not to touch anything—the interior is delicate and not built to be handled—even …
Kevin · February 16th, 2010

Lexus LFA & Toyota 2000GT Photoshoot

While looking for a article photo earlier today, I stumbled across this image from Japanese Nostalgic Car: I missed it the first time around, but the folks at Japanese Nostalgic Car managed to secure both the LFA and a 2000GT for a photoshoot after a chance meeting at last year’s SEMA: Like everyone else at …
Kevin · February 15th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Photo Leak

Earlier today, Lexus released a teaser image of the upcoming CT 200h hatchback’s rear tail light—and now we have another photo, this time from the front and extremely blurry—I tried brightening it up a bit: If this photo is accurate, the production model looks to have a more traditional grille and the Lexus Hybrid LED …
Kevin · February 12th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Confirmed for Geneva Auto Show

Lexus has confirmed that the LF-Ch concept will be released as a production model at the Geneva Auto Show in March—named the CT 200h, the luxury compact hatchback will be equipped with Lexus’ second-generation Hybrid Drive, bringing the total number of hybrids in the lineup to five and opening the Lexus brand to a whole …
Kevin · February 12th, 2010

Lexus LF-Ch @ The Toronto Auto Show

Click for a larger image I had an unexpected surprise today while attending the Toronto Auto Show today—turns out the LF-Ch concept was set to receive its Canadian debut, which meant I had a chance to take some interior photos like this: Click for a larger image The concept’s interior is handmade and essentially left …
Kevin · February 11th, 2010

Toronto Auto Show Coverage

I’ll be attending the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto today and will be bringing you coverage of the Lexus exhibit along with plenty of photos (as usual). My major focus will be taking interior photos—every single interior picture I snapped at the Detroit Auto Show didn’t turn out due to my insistence on using …
Kevin · February 10th, 2010

Under the Lexus LF-Ch’s Hood

Here’s a little video of the Lexus LF-Ch puttering its way across a parking lot: Not a lot of pep in the concept car—which reminded me of some photos I forgot to post from the Detroit Auto Show : I have a feeling the engine in the production model will be a little more advanced …
Kevin · February 10th, 2010

Wald’s Executive Line Lexus LS 460

For the Tokyo Auto Salon, Japanese tuner company Wald International outfitted a 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport with their Executive Line body kit and Renovatio wheels: Wald’s tendency to overcomplicate the simple Lexus design is too over-the-top for my tastes, especially with the front-fender vents and the massive 22” Renevatio wheels, but it isn’t hard …
Kevin · February 5th, 2010

Japanese Launch of Lexus CT 200h in May?

Japanese newspaper Chunichi Shimbun is reporting that the new Lexus CT200h will be on sale in Japan starting in May, adding credibility to rumors of a LF-Ch production model debuting at the Geneva Auto Show in March. The newspaper also claims the new hybrid hatchback will be powered by same hybrid engine as the third-gen …
Kevin · January 22nd, 2010

More Lexus GS-F Rumors

Pistonheads has published some very interesting quotes from Lexus representatives at the Detroit Auto Show about possible applications of the LFA’s V10 engine: “It’s not a straightforward job, because although the V10 is very compact its dry sump design means you have to find space under the bonnet for the oil tank,” said one insider. …
Kevin · January 21st, 2010

Lexus LFA @ The Detroit Auto Show

After a concentrated effort, I finally got through all of my Lexus LFA photos from the Detroit Auto Show—seeing the LFA for the first time was a funny experience. After all the hours writing about it, poring over photos, watching videos, there wasn’t much room for surprise—or so I thought. From a distance, the LFA …
Kevin · January 20th, 2010

Production Lexus LF-Ch Spotted!

It’s been rumored that the production Lexus LF-Ch would see its debut at the Frankfurt Geneva Auto Show in March, and now Autoblog has the first spyshots that may very well prove the point: For comparison, here’s a similar photo of the LF-Ch concept: It looks like the aggressive wheel arch has been retained, though …
Kevin · January 19th, 2010

VIP Auto Salon Lexus HS 250h @ The Detroit Auto Show

The modified Lexus HS 250h at the Detroit Auto Show was the centerpiece of the entire Lexus exhibit. Put together by Clark Ishihara and VIP Auto Salon, the HSh is decked out in Branew—front under-spoiler, side skirts, rear under-spoiler, trunk spoiler, stainless steel muffler, and the 20” wheels all come from the Japanese tuning company. …
Kevin · January 18th, 2010

2010 Lexus GX 460 @ The Detroit Auto Show

The Detroit Auto Show was only my second time seeing the 2010 Lexus GX 460, and I came away just as impressed as the first time—it’s the side profile with the muscular wheel wells that makes the new GX so appealing: Now, I didn’t mind that the side-opening rear door was retained from the previous …
Kevin · January 17th, 2010