Lexus Display at the Toronto Motorexpo

There’s one more day left to attend the Toronto Motorexpo, a giant (and free) motoring event where Lexus Canada has set up a display that includes the 2013 GS & RX.
Kevin · June 28th, 2012

Lexus May 2012 Sales Report

Lexus USA has reported total sales of 21,463 for May 2012, up a staggering 61.0% compared to last year.
Kevin · June 1st, 2012

Lexus April 2012 Sales Report

Lexus USA has reported total sales of 17,551 for March 2012, which is up 12.3% compared to last year.
Kevin · May 1st, 2012

Lexus Meet in Toronto Tomorrow

Just a quick note: I’ll be attending the local Lexus meet at the Lexus of Richmond Hill dealership in Toronto tomorrow.
Kevin · April 14th, 2012

Lexus March 2012 Sales Report

Lexus USA has reported total sales of 20,140 for March 2012, which is down 6.1% compared to last year.
Kevin · April 3rd, 2012

Lexus February 2012 Sales Report

February is in the books, and Lexus has reported total sales of 16,678 units for the month, for a 15.9% increase over 2011.
Kevin · March 1st, 2012

Lexus November 2011 Sales Report

For the first time since the Japanese tsunami in March, Lexus USA has reported a year-over-year sales increase for November.
Kevin · December 1st, 2011

2013 Lexus GS First Drive Reviews

Over the past three weeks, Lexus has been bringing in automotive journalists from all over the world to the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel in Dana Point, California, for the global press launch of the all-new fourth-generation GS.
Kevin · November 23rd, 2011

2011 Lexus RX 350 Recalled for VDIM Issue

Lexus has issued a recall for a small number of RX 350s equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) systems. The issue stems from improper calibration of the hydraulic control valves, which may cause the front right wheel to function incorrectly during ABS (Antilock Braking System) or VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) activation
Kevin · August 3rd, 2011

Lexus July 2011 Sales Report

After dismal sales in May & June due to the Tōhoku earthquake in Japan, the USA July sales figures show Lexus starting their climb back to normal volume
Kevin · August 2nd, 2011

Driving the 2011 Lexus IS 350 AWD

Last week, I picked up a 2011 Lexus IS 350 AWD from Lexus Canada HQ for a road test, and so far, I've found it a very easy car to drive fast. I don't know if it's the AWD system or the memory of the LFA driving school, but there's some serious confidence happening in this car.
Kevin · June 17th, 2011

Lexus CT Challenge Contest at Northwest Lexus

Longtime TLE reader Jarrett Henshaw just sent me an email about a fun contest that's happening at Northwest Lexus in Brampton, Ontario -- if you can correctly guess how many kilometres their CT 200h can travel on one tank of gas, you can win your own weekend with the hybrid hatchback. Very cool idea. (The contest is only open to people in the Toronto Area.)
Kevin · May 24th, 2011

Two Kids Discussing the Lexus LFA

After seeing the little boy giggling about the Lexus LFA’s exhaust sound in the recently featured Goodwood video, it brought to mind this funny clip of two kids talking about the Lexus supercar at the Toronto Auto Show: Kid 1: “This is awesome, but it’s not turbo.” Kid 2: “This is awesome!” Kid 1: “It’s …

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Kevin · May 4th, 2011

Lexus April 2011 Sales Report

USA Lexus reported total sales of 17,576 units, a 7.8% drop from last April — here are the model-by-model stats: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2011 2010 % CHG* 2011 2010 % CHG* ES 3,493 4,396 -23.5 12,038 13,528 -12.8 CT 875 0 N/A 3,074 0 N/A HS 279 1,076 -75.0 978 4,529 -78.8 LS …

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Kevin · May 3rd, 2011

Lexus March 2011 Sales Report

USA Lexus USA has reported the brand’s March 2011 sales, which includes the CT 200h for the first time ever — here are the model-by-model stats: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2011 2010 % CHG* 2011 2010 % CHG* ES 3,732 3,860 -6.9 8,545 9,132 -7.7 CT 2,199 0 N/A 2,199 0 N/A HS 230 …

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Kevin · April 1st, 2011

Lexus Canada CT 200h Commercial

Lexus Canada has revealed their CT 200h launch commercial, and it’s a racy affair: Just in case you miss it — it’s a different girl at the end (you can tell from the necklace). Scandalous! Update: There’s also a shorter 15 second spot: I’m willing to bet that the CT 200h becomes Canada’s best selling …

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Kevin · March 7th, 2011

Lexus February 2011 Sales Report

USA Lexus reported total sales of 13,814 units, which essentially matches sales from last February — here are the model-by-model stats: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2011 2010 % CHG* 2011 2010 % CHG* ES 2,598 2,349 10.6 4,813 5,272 -8.7 HS 183 712 -74.3 469 1,959 -76.1 LS 706 799 -11.6 1,440 1,891 -23.8 …

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Kevin · March 1st, 2011

Canadian Debut of the Lexus LFA

Last week, I attended the Canadian debut of the Lexus LFA at the Exhibition Place in Toronto. On display was a white LFA, which has been sent on loan from Lexus Japan and has arrived just in time to make stops at all of Canada’s major auto shows (including this week’s Toronto Auto Show). The …

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Kevin · February 16th, 2011

Lexus January 2011 Sales Report

USA Lexus USA has reported their January 2011 sales — here they are, broken down by model: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2010 2009 % CHG* 2010 2009 % CHG* ES 2,215 2,923 -24.2 2,215 2,923 -24.2 HS 286 1,247 -77.1 286 1,247 -77.1 LS 734 1,092 -32.8 734 1,092 -32.8 SC 7 24 -70.8 …

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Kevin · February 1st, 2011

A Look at the Lexus LFA Customization Process

Globe & Mail writer Peter Cheney recently had an opportunity to see just what it’s like to customize a Lexus LFA, from the exterior right down to the interior stitching — here’s some quotes from his experience: …Lexus asked me if I’d like to see what it was like to pick out a brand-new LFA …

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Kevin · January 6th, 2011

Lexus ES 300h Hybrid Trademark Registered

Once again, the North American Trademark offices have given us a glimpse into the future, as both Lexus USA & Lexus Canada have filed for the ES 300h trademark (Canadian Trade-Mark 1507011 & U.S. Trademark No. 85193249, both registered on December 8, 2010.) Although it’s hardly a full confirmation, this certainly points to a hybrid …

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Kevin · December 17th, 2010

Lexus Canada CT 200h Pricing

Lexus Canada has announced CT 200h pricing today, with the new hybrid hatchback starting at $30,950 CAD. Standard features on the Canadian CT 200h will include the six-speaker audio system with MP3/WMA capability, Bluetooth for phone and music streaming capabilities, integrated XM satellite radio, USB/iPod connectivity, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and heated front seats — …

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Kevin · December 15th, 2010

Lexus October 2010 Sales Report

USA A little late to the party, but here are the Lexus USA sales figures for October 2010: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2010 2009 % CHG* 2010 2009 % CHG* ES 5,153 4,413 21.1 39,113 37,844 4.2 HS 792 1,527 -46.2 8,754 3,312 166.4 LS 1,202 804 55.0 9,489 8,192 16.7 SC 15 41 …

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Kevin · November 4th, 2010

Lexus September 2010 Sales Report

USA September’s now in the books, and Lexus USA has reported their sales figures for the month — here’s the full model-by-model breakdown: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2010 2009 % CHG* 2010 2009 % CHG* ES 3,697 3,046 21.4 33,960 33,431 2.0 HS 711 1,242 -42.8 7,962 1,785 348.0 LS 712 777 -8.4 8,287 …

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Kevin · October 1st, 2010

Photos from the Lexus CT 200h Toronto Event

Last weekend, Lexus Canada held a concert series in Toronto that also provided the first public look at the latest CT 200h prototypes, one a Euro-spec Matador Red Mica and the the other an Obsidian CT built for the US market. Living only a couple hours away from Toronto, I spent the weekend in the …

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Kevin · September 2nd, 2010

Lexus August 2010 Sales Report

USA Here’s the full model-by-model breakdown of Lexus USA’s August 2010 sales: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2010 2009 % CHG* 2010 2009 % CHG* ES 4,161 5,629 -23.1 30,263 30,385 0.1 HS 594 543 13.8 7,251 543 1241.9 LS 939 880 11.0 7,575 6,611 15.1 SC 35 34 7.1 257 576 -55.2 GS 619 …

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Kevin · September 1st, 2010

Red Lexus CT 200h in Toronto

Yesterday was the public unveiling of the red & black Lexus CT 200hs, and I was on hand to take some photos — here’s a few of my early favorites: The Matador Red Mica is an absolutely brilliant color on this car — perfectly suited and great to look at. The black CT was also …

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Kevin · August 28th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Event in Toronto This Weekend

Just a reminder that the black & red Lexus CT 200h’s will be debuting tonight in Toronto as part of a Lexus-sponsored concert weekend — here’s the flyer: The fun starts at 7pm, and I’ll be there early to take some CT photos — can’t wait to see it in Matador Red Mica. Photos to …

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Kevin · August 27th, 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 …

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Kevin · August 17th, 2010

My.IS TO2kX Meet in Toronto

Members of My.IS & Club Lexus gathered last weekend in Toronto, Ontario for some time at the track and a highway cruise: There’s plenty of photos to look through in the My.IS thread — this one caught my eye with the red: Looks like a fun event, I’m hoping to attend myself next year. (Thanks …

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Kevin · July 14th, 2010

Lexus May 2010 Sales Report

USA USA May sales are in — here’s a full model-by-model breakdown: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2010 2009 % CHG* 2010 2009 % CHG* ES 5,115 4,125 24.0 18,643 16,445 14.3 HS 1,360 0 N/A 5,889 0 N/A LS 944 830 13.7 4,911 4,051 22.2 SC 34 93 -63.4 147 403 -63.2 GS 771 …

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Kevin · June 2nd, 2010

Sleek New IS Website from Lexus Canada

Last month, we saw behind-the-scenes footage for a new Lexus commercial featuring all versions of the IS — now here’s the finished product as part of a new IS section on the Lexus Canada website: Lots of energy to the site, and definitely worth clicking through — the video quality is just fantastic. Very sleek, …

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Kevin · May 28th, 2010

Lexus LS to be Recalled for VGRS Issue

Lexus is preparing to issue a recall of Lexus LS models equipped with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS): This matter has been under investigation by TMC since March this year who have received approximately 10 complaints in Japan.  No accidents have been reported relating to this issue and we have received no reported cases of …

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Kevin · May 19th, 2010

Driving the Lexus LFA

Picture the most intense, heart-pounding roller-coaster ride of your life, only instead of rails and a cart, you’re strapped into a prototype supercar driven by a race car driver. That was the scene two weeks ago at the New Jersey Motorsports Park, where I found myself in the passenger seat of Lexus USA’s (formerly matte …

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Kevin · May 17th, 2010

Lexus April 2010 Sales Report

USA The April sales numbers for Lexus USA are in: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2010 2009 % CHG* 2010 2009 % CHG* ES 4,396 3,549 23.9 13,528 12,320 10.9 HS 1,076 0 N/A 4,529 0 N/A LS 1,182 765 54.5 3,967 3,221 24.4 SC 32 83 -61.4 113 310 -63.2 GS 514 468 9.8 …

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Kevin · May 3rd, 2010

Updated Lexus GX 460 Resumes Sales and Production

Today Lexus announced that the Vehicle Stability Control update for the 2010 GX 460 is now available at all U.S. and Canadian dealerships. Dealers have begun contacting owners to set up service appointments for the software fix, and most should receive messages within the next week. Concurrently, sales of the GX 460 are resuming, as …

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Kevin · April 29th, 2010

Lexus New Jersey F-Sport Event Next Week

A couple weeks back, Lexus USA announced an April 29th F-Sport event at the New Jersey Motor Park, and today, I’m happy to say I will be attending. I didn’t want to miss my chance at a hot-lap in the LFA with Scott Pruett, so I’ll be making the eight-hour drive down to New Jersey …

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Kevin · April 21st, 2010

Lexus GX 460 Recall Remedy Demonstration

Lexus Japan has released a video demonstrating the stability control update: This video was accompanied by a press release which details the exact circumstances that caused the stability control issues discovered by Consumer Reports last week: The following conditions combine to cause the problem: In the GX 460 and Land Cruiser Prado, heavy components, such …

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Kevin · April 20th, 2010

Lexus HS 250h Inside Story

CanadianDriver has put up an interesting piece on the HS 250h interior as part of the website’s “Inside Story” series. Billed as a 7-day “review of interior comfort features, cabin controls, storage options, trunk space and under-hood accessibility,” this review features a non-Remote Touch equipped HS 250h, and describes the storage options available instead: At …

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Kevin · April 18th, 2010

More on the Consumer Reports Lexus GX 460 Test

Various new details today in the continuing story of the Lexus GX 460 & Consumer Reports—here’s some articles of interest: ***** By way of TTAC, Japan’s Nikkei Daily is reporting that Lexus has a solution has been found to the oversteer exhibited by the GX 460 in the Consumer Reports test, and involves a reflash …

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Kevin · April 15th, 2010

Lexus USA & Canada Temporarily Halt GX 460 Sales

Both Lexus USA & Lexus Canada have issued a sales stoppage on the new GX 460 until the stability problem discovered by Consumer Reports is resolved—here is the full press statement from Mark Templin, Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager: “For more than 20 years, Lexus has made customer safety and satisfaction our highest …

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Kevin · April 13th, 2010

Making of Lexus IS “Hangar” Commercial

A unique behind-the-scenes video of the making of a new Lexus IS commercial for Lexus Canada has surfaced: The commercial features multiple Lexus IS models, and was shot in Miami, FL.  The video goes into detail about the background and the effort involved, days of shooting, to produce the IS ad, along with some outtakes …

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Kevin · April 5th, 2010

Lexus March 2010 Sales Report

USA The March sales numbers for Lexus USA are in: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2010 2009 % CHG* 2010 2009 % CHG* ES 3,860 3,225 15.1 9,132 8,771 5.5 HS 1,494 0 N/A 3,453 0 N/A LS 894 852 0.9 2,785 2,456 14.9 SC 30 78 -63.0 81 227 -63.8 GS 645 625 -0.8 …

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Kevin · April 1st, 2010

Lexus RX 450h Service Appointment

Last week, right before my long-term Lexus RX 450h loaner was set to be returned to Lexus Canada, I had the opportunity to bring it to my local Lexus dealership, Performance Lexus in St. Catharines, Ontario, for its 8,000km oil change.
Kevin · March 17th, 2010

Lexus February 2010 Sales Report

USA The February sales numbers for Lexus USA are in: February Year to Date 2010 2009 % CHG 2010 2009 % CHG ES 2,349 2,575 -8.8 5,272 5,546 -1.0 HS 712 0 N/A 1,959 0 N/A LS 799 700 14.1 1,891 1,604 22.8 SC 27 76 -64.5 51 149 -64.3 GS 488 595 -18.0 1,017 …

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Kevin · March 2nd, 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 …

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Kevin · February 26th, 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 …

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Kevin · February 16th, 2010

Interview with Toyota Canada’s Stephen Beatty

I had a chance at last week’s Toronto Auto Show to have a quick chat with Toyota Canada’s Managing Director, Steven Beatty, about the growing Canadian Lexus sales and the possibility of a production LF-Ch coming to Canada (keep in mind that this conversation took place before Lexus’ announcement of the CT 200h). TLE: In …

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Kevin · February 15th, 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 …

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Kevin · February 11th, 2010

2010 Lexus RX 450h Long Term Review: Week 8

Even with the winter weather, one of the real pleasures during my time with the 2010 Lexus RX 450h has been driving at night. It all starts with the on-demand all-wheel drive system—there hasn’t been a single slip, really nothing more than a flash of the yellow traction light, and that brings a lot of …

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Kevin · February 7th, 2010

Lexus RX 450h Long Term Review: Week 5

I’m now halfway through my time with the 2010 Lexus RX 450h— after six weeks, the interior controls and options has become second nature, and that familiarity has increased my appreciation of the design decisions throughout the cabin, particularly with the steering wheel layout.
Kevin · January 26th, 2010

Lexus December 2009 Sales Report (Plus Year-End Numbers)

USA Lexus USA has reported their sales numbers for December, putting 2009 in the books: December Year to Date 2009 2008 % CHG 2009 2008 % CHG IS 4,153 3,539 9.0 38,077 49,432 -23.0 HS 1,980 0 N/A 6,699 0 N/A ES 6,531 5,236 15.8 48,485 64,135 -24.4 GS 1,063 1,200 -17.7 7,430 15,759 -52.9 …

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Kevin · January 5th, 2010

2010 Lexus RX 450h Long Term Report: Weeks 2 & 3

Travelled: 1077km (669 miles) Gas Mileage: 8.8l/100kms (26.7 mpg) The second and third week of my 2010 Lexus RX 450h road test blended in together as I powered through day after day of holiday visiting, a pile of snow and ice, and a lengthy head cold. It was in this blur of activity that I …

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Kevin · January 4th, 2010

Chromed Lexus LS 460

The shiny foil is usually reserved for the Lexus LX, but someone in Kuwait went ahead and decided to give it a go with an LS 460: Chrome-wrapping is a disturbing trend, though there’s some solace in the fact that it’s unlikely to catch on in North America—too much potential for vandalism and public humiliation. …

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Kevin · January 4th, 2010

2010 Lexus RX 450h Long Term Report: Week 1

Last week, I took the delivery of my first long-term road test vehicle from Lexus Canada—a 2010 Smoky Granite Mica RX 450h: This is the full deal—an RX 450h with the Ultra Luxury package that includes Heads-Up Display, rear entertainment system, LED headlights, and fifteen-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. As far as I can tell, …

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Kevin · December 21st, 2009

Lexus GX 460 First Impressions

I wanted to wait a little while after the Lexus GX 460’s introduction before weighing in with my own impressions of the SUV, which I had a chance to see for myself at a Lexus Canada sneak peek dinner a couple weeks ago. Much like the RX redesign, the new GX is a more masculine …

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Kevin · December 3rd, 2009