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EVO Takes the Lexus IS-F to Germany

EVO has a 2008 Lexus IS-F as one of their long-term vehicles, and recently took the sedan on a trip to Germany to test out its upper limits: Our chosen section is bone dry, bright and mercifully light on traffic. Time to let the 5-litre V8 strut its stuff. What follows is the longest sustained …

Kevin · October 8th, 2009

Lexus RX 450h Enters MPG Marathon

Every year, UK magazine Fleet World holds the MPG Marathon, a fuel economy “race” where the best MPG result wins. As part of the event this year, Lexus UK entered a RX 450h, and turned in a very good result: … the full hybrid Lexus returned an average 54.75mpg over more than 350 miles of …

Kevin · October 5th, 2009

White Lexus LF-A on Nürburgring Video

Here’s another quick video of the Lexus LFA—this time taken on the track at Nürburgring and more importantly, completely undisguised: Here’s a quick screenshot of the full front-end: It’s impossible to make any real judgment from a 16 second video, except when it comes to the sound. What a roar! SAVAGE! (Thanks WorldofLuxury!)

Kevin · September 27th, 2009

Two Lexus LFAs Caught at a Gas Station

Here’s a quick super-video of both the white & black Lexus LFAs filling up at a gas station: Savage! (Thanks Rob!)

Kevin · September 26th, 2009

Five Lexus LF-Ch Videos

The Lexus LF-Ch has received plenty of video coverage, and rather than post them one by one, I thought it best to collect them into a single post. This first video, from WhatCar?, claims that the LF-Ch won’t see production until late 2011, and will cost £20,000: Next up is Which?: Then there’s the lone …

Kevin · September 23rd, 2009

Lexus LF-A in Matte Black

Autocar has published a bunch of new Lexus LF-A spy shots, this time painted in matte black: Judging by the Recaro front seats, this is likely the rumored track-ready version of the Lexus supercar—there’s a few more images in the Autocar gallery, be sure to check them out. Between this and the white LFA seen …

Kevin · September 22nd, 2009

Lexus LF-Ch Photo Gallery

Flickr user Lexusaddicted has taken some very nice shots of the Lexus LF-Ch concept car, including some detail photos like these: I find these up-close photos reveal the time and consideration that goes into creating a concept car, and how every element of the vehicle is envisioned from scratch. Case in point, it’s unlikely that …

Kevin · September 21st, 2009

2010 Lexus GS 450h Official Information

Also announced this week at the Frankfurt Auto Show was the revised 2010 Lexus GS 450h, which sports a new grille, among other small changes: The pre-crash collision system has been revised to include a pre-crash seatbelt and brake assist functions. The GSh navigation system has been upgraded to the Lexus 6th-gen system, which runs …

Kevin · September 20th, 2009

2010 Lexus LS 600h & 600hL Official Information

After pouring over images of the 2010 Lexus LS 600h for a couple weeks, official information on the flagship hybrid has been released, and changes have turned out to be more extensive than just a new front grille. First some photos, then a breakdown of the new features: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1345”} Performance The LS hybrid will …

Kevin · September 18th, 2009

White Lexus LF-A Spotted!

The news never stops when it comes to Lexus & Germany—it’s not enough that the LF-Ch and refreshed versions of the LS, GS, and IS debuted, but now a practically-production LF-A has been photographed at Nürburgring (click for larger versions): Although the expertly-applied white tape does hide the final details, this is the best look …

Kevin · September 17th, 2009

Two Lexus LF-Ch Videos

Lexus has released a launch video for the LF-Ch: There’s some nice interior shots of the concept hatchback, but no driving footage. On the other hand, I did find some video from the Frankfurt auto show floor, showing what the LF-Ch would look like at a disco: (I wonder why concepts never get proper rear …

Kevin · September 17th, 2009

Lexus LF-Ch Photos from Frankfurt Auto Show

As per usual, Autoblog has delivered the goods—check out their gallery of Lexus LF-Ch photos from the Frankfurt Auto Show (click to go to full photos): My immediate reaction to the photos is that the wheels are just too flashy for the concept, but everything else seems entirely in line with the press photos from …

Kevin · September 16th, 2009

Live Lexus Frankfurt Auto Show Press Conference

Just a quick announcement: The Lexus LF-Ch will be debuting at the Frankfurt Auto Show today at 10am EST/7am PDT, and as luck would have it, the entire press conference will be streamed live on the Lexus Europe website. Plenty of photos of the hatchback concept are bound to surface soon after the press conference, …

Kevin · September 15th, 2009

Lexus Considering Mini Competitor?

With the LF-Ch likely to be reach production as Lexus’ entry into the C-Premium market, Autocar decided to see where the brand stood on the B-Premium “Supermini” sector: “This segment will grow,” [A Lexus marketing specialist] said, “as more premium marques begin to build cars in this size. We already have the Mini and the …

Kevin · September 14th, 2009

Leaked Lexus LF-Ch Photo Gallery

With just one day less than one week to go before the official launch of the Lexus LF-Ch, low resolution of the press images have leaked out: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1330”} I’m trying to temper my excitement about this model, but it’s getting more and more difficult with every image. The concept has plenty of showcar flair, …

Kevin · September 9th, 2009

Front View of the Lexus LF-Ch Concept

After Lexus teased us with a cropped rear view of their upcoming hatchback concept, a new image has leaked revealing a full front view (click for a larger version): There’s so much to like about this concept—particularly the grille and headlights, which manage to fit in line with the new Lexus hybrid style but still …

Kevin · September 8th, 2009

New 2010 Lexus IS F-Sport Package

The Frankfurt auto show will also mark the debut of this new F-Sport package for the Lexus IS—here’s a photo (click for a larger version): No mention of which F-Sport accessories will be making it into the package, but from the image alone, it looks like a new grille, lowering kit, and new wheels are …

Kevin · September 2nd, 2009

Official 2010 Lexus LS Hybrid Photo

In addition to the LF-Ch concept, Lexus will also be debuting its refreshed 2010 LS hybrid at the Frankfurt Auto Show later this month. As a teaser, an official image has been released (click for a larger image): Needless to say, the much maligned grille looks much better than it did in those blurry brochure …

Kevin · September 2nd, 2009

Lexus LF-Ch Hatchback Concept Teaser

A new image of the Lexus premium compact hatchback has been released (click for a larger image): In keeping with Lexus’ concept naming convention, the compact hatchback has been named the LF-Ch. It sports the usual concept car conceits like massive chromed wheels and tiny video-camera rearview mirrors, along with a elaborately sculptured rear bumper …

Kevin · September 1st, 2009

Lexus LS & GS Going Hybrid-Only in UK

According to Autocar, Lexus UK will be dropping the conventional gas versions of the LS & GS: The GS and LS ranges now consist of one model each – the GS450h and L600h – and Lexus will only sell the new RX as a hybrid in the UK (it is available with the petrol V6 …

Kevin · August 26th, 2009

Car & Driver: Lexus LF-A Test Drive

Car & Driver sent a journalist out to test out the Lexus LF-A race car, and the resulting article is so positive that I had to double-check that it was really on the C&D website: …the engine feels stronger than 500 horsepower, more like 550. A Lexus spokesman provides a torque figure: 369 pound-feet. We …

Kevin · August 21st, 2009

Lexus Confirms Premium Compact Hatchback, Releases Sketch

Lexus has officially confirmed that a premium compact hatchback concept will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), and have released this design sketch (click for a larger image): A compact hatchback with an IS-F front-end design and a panoramic glass roof?!? Holy ****. The full press release: Lexus has unveiled the first official …

Kevin · August 16th, 2009

Lexus LF-A vs. Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR: A Virtual Nürburgring Race

Similar to the virtual Lexus LF-A vs. Nissan GT-R race we saw a couple months ago, this split-screen racing footage has the LF-A (top) up against the 600bhp Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR on the Nürburgring: When you consider the traffic the LF-A has to deal with, there’s no telling how much faster it could have …

Kevin · August 14th, 2009

Lexus Hatchback Rendering by Auto Express

Using the Lexus HS & RX as inspiration, Auto Express has put together a rendering of what the upcoming Lexus CT compact hatchback may look like: I’m really impressed by the side-panel creasing, the Z jog in the sheet metal is quite stylish. Both the front and rear look too small for the body, but …

Kevin · August 3rd, 2009

Lexus to Debut Compact Hatchback in September

Autocar is reporting that Lexus will be debuting a five-door compact hatchback concept at this year’s Frankfurt Auto Show: Company insiders suggest that the car was signed off late last year, largely at the behest of European execs who insisted that the Europe’s premium C-segment was an area of the market “too lucrative not to …

Kevin · July 24th, 2009

Lexus IS Hybrid for Europe?

According to Autocar, the Lexus HS 250h will not be available in Europe because of an upcoming IS hybrid: Lexus has ruled out bringing the HS 250h to the UK because it will clash with an upcoming IS hybrid model. …a company source said the model will not come to Europe because both the Avensis …

Kevin · July 22nd, 2009

CAR Magazine First Drive of the Lexus IS 250C

CAR Magazine’s first drive report on the Lexus IS 250C may be short, but it does have some information on European availability: Subjective looks aside, the Lexus IS 250C appeals on many levels. It’s a Lexus – so you can expect royal butler-levels of care and attentiveness from the dealer – and it is extremely …

Kevin · June 25th, 2009

Lexus LFA & Nissan GT-R Virtual Race on Nürburgring

What started as a video comparison between Nissan Falken Z33 and GT-R Nürburgring laps ends up giving a small taste of how the Lexus LFA stacks up against Nissan’s Godzilla. Quick explanation before watching the video—the screen is divided into top and bottom portions: the top is a front-view of the Falken Z33 and the …

Kevin · June 17th, 2009

Lorinser Prepares Lexus LS 460 Body Kit

Long-time Mercedes tuner Lorinser has taken its first step into the Lexus body kit market by releasing an aero-kit for the LS 460. Here are the photos: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1206”} Breaking down the kit, it starts off with a new front bumper with squared-off edges and round foglights, then adds side-skirts, a rear trunk spoiler, a …

Kevin · June 16th, 2009

Lexus Belgium Hybrid Live Concert Contest

Lexus Belgium is holding a very unique contest—choose two Dutch musicians from a group of seven, try to get as many votes for your grouping as possible, and you could win a private concert from your two selections—a concert that is piped through the sound system of a Lexus RX 450h: Reminds me of the …

Kevin · June 3rd, 2009

Lexus LFAs Finish 87th, 101st in Nürburgring 24h Race

Various mechanical troubles kept the pair of Lexus LFAs racing in the Nürburgring 24h race from placing too high in the standings, with the #14 LFA finishing 87th and the #15 LFA finishing 101st. The race started off well enough, with #14 getting as high as 15th place, but ended up spending three hours getting …

Kevin · May 25th, 2009

Lexus LFAs Racing in Nürburgring 24h Race Today

Just a reminder, the Nürburgring 24h race has started, and the two Lexus LFAs are in the field. You can follow the race results for the Lexus LFAs on the Gazoo website with a very nice interface showing the remaining race times and positions. Good luck drivers!

Kevin · May 23rd, 2009

Behind-the-Scenes Video of the Racing Lexus LFAs

It’s been Lexus LFA week here at The Lexus Enthusiast, and it looks like we’ve saved the best for last—this behind-the-scenes video detailing the long road to the 24h Nürburgring race this weekend is nothing short of fantastic: It’s great not only to see the supercar, but the people behind it. You can see their …

Kevin · May 22nd, 2009

Live Lexus LFA Racing Photos

Take a look at these Lexus LFA photos from today’s qualifying sessions for the weekend’s Nürburgring 24h race: As for the results of today’s sessions—the twin LFAs finished 17th and 30th out of 194. Tomorrow is the final qualifying before the race this weekend. [Source: Lexus Europe]

Kevin · May 21st, 2009

Lexus LFA Racing Supercars Revealed

With the Team Gazoo Lexus LFA team readying for their 24-Hour Nürburgring Race this weekend, new photos of the supercar pair are in order (click for larger images): From the accompanying press release: Entered by Gazoo Racing, the team hopes to repeat its class winning form in the 4-hour race earlier in the year. The …

Kevin · May 20th, 2009

Lexus Hybrid Challenge with Serena Williams & Juan Martin del Potro

How’s this for a challenge: As part of the Madrid Tennis Open happening this week in Spain, Lexus sponsored a contest between Serena Williams and Juan Martin Del Potro to see who could use the least amount of fuel driving the RX 450h over 100m—all while balancing a tennis ball on the hood: I’m not …

Kevin · May 14th, 2009

Autocar Reviews the Lexus RX 450h

Autocar’s quick review of the Lexus RX 450h is very complimentary of the hybrid’s new driving experience, and contains a very interesting passage I thought worth pointing out: And because this is the Euro-spec RX, it gets retuned suspension and a retuned power management unit that will provide better off the line acceleration but still …

Kevin · May 13th, 2009

Details on Lexus’ 1-Series Competitor

Details are emerging about Lexus’ compact car—according to Top Gear’s Foreman blog, the 1-series competitor will be a hatchback based on the Prius platform and only available as a hybrid: A Prius is designed to get small-car economy from a bigger car. But Lexus hybrids all have higher performance than their standard counterparts. Lexus has …

Kevin · May 6th, 2009

Akio Toyoda Will Drive Lexus LFA in Nürburgring 24h Race

Akio Toyoda, incoming president of Toyota and grandson of the company’s founder, has been confirmed as one of the drivers in the upcoming 24h Nürburgring race: The grandson of Toyota founder Kiichiro Toyoda is one of four drivers on a Toyota team entering the May 21-24 Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race in Germany, company spokesman Paul …

Kevin · April 24th, 2009

Lexus LFA to Compete in Nürburgring 24h Race

For the second year in a row, the Lexus LFA will be taking part in the 24h Nürburgring Race, the full-day endurance race to take as many laps ‘round The Ring as possible: Based on a prototype of the LF-A being developed with an eye toward commercial release, the race vehicle, entering the Nürburg event …

Kevin · April 21st, 2009

Javier Quiros Racing the Lexus IS-F @ Nürburgring

This is just plain wild—here’s Javier Quiros, one of the drivers of the recent Lexus LFA race win and owner of a Lexus dealership in Costa Rica, piloting an IS-F around Nürburgring on a practice run: Crazy how you can almost feel the downshifts, especially with that rough audio blip. An interesting perspective, it also …

Kevin · April 15th, 2009

Jeremy Clarkson Reviews the Lexus IS 250

In a comment on my last post, TLE reader Jay wanted to know if the current Lexus IS had ever made it onto the Top Gear show. The answer, it turns out, is “No” (though their magazine counterpart did name it the Best Executive/Luxury Car in 2005). Later on, I found something much more interesting—in …

Kevin · April 14th, 2009

Classic Top Gear: 1999 Lexus IS 200 Review

In keeping with the IS theme from yesterday, here’s a throwback Top Gear segment from 1999, with James May test-driving the first-generation Lexus IS 200: James May certainly looks quite young—but still exhibits that special “Captain Slow” driving style. It does sound like IS 200 suffered the same sort of low-band power deficiency that I …

Kevin · April 13th, 2009

More on the Lexus LFA Win @ Nürburgring

As mentioned, the Lexus LFA racing concept won its class (SP8: 4000cc ~ 6200cc) in the Nurburgring 4 hour race this weekend—and now sponsor Gazoo has posted some photos from the race: Here’s a photo of drift champion Iida Akira, soon-to-be Toyota President Akio Toyoda, and dealer owner/racer Javier Quiros with their trophies: I also …

Kevin · April 8th, 2009

Lexus LFA Makes a Nürburgring Appearance

For the first time this year, the Lexus LFA racing concept car has been spotted at Nürburgring, likely due to its upcoming appearance in the upcoming 56. ADAC Westfalenfahrt being held this weekend at the Nordschleife—the same four-hour long distance race on the Nürburgring grand prix circuit that the LFA won last year. Here’s the …

Kevin · April 6th, 2009

2010 Lexus RX 450h Gas Mileage Europe/USA Comparison

Lexus UK has revealed the gas mileage of the 2010 Lexus RX 450h press release for the Geneva Auto Show: With a total system output of 220kW/299 DIN HP, the improved Lexus Hybrid Drive gives the RX 450h a maximum speed of 200kph. Via continuously variable transmission it will accelerate seamlessly from 0-100kph in just …

Kevin · March 3rd, 2009

Lexus @ Milan Design Week 2009

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

Kevin · February 18th, 2009

Lexus IS 220d Now Delivering Better MPG & CO2 Emissions

The European-sold Lexus IS 220d will be seeing a raft of improvements starting this March. From the press release: Revised Lexus IS 220d produces lower emissions, CO2 figure down from 163 to 148g/km Delivers significant savings in Benefit-in-Kind tax rates and Corporation Tax IS 220d moves into Band C for Vehicle Excise Duty Improved fuel …

Kevin · January 21st, 2009

No Lexus HS 250h in Europe, but IS Diesel Update Coming

In a follow-up to yesterday’s post, Lexus confirmed to the Automotive News that the HS 250h will not be sold in Europe. No reason was given, but an insider told me that the CO2 emissions weren’t low enough to justify the expense of introducing the model. However, on the plus side, I was also told …

Kevin · January 13th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h Not Available in Europe?

Looks like I was wrong, both Car Magazine and Auto Express are reporting that the Lexus HS 250h won’t be offered in Europe. If true, this is a real head scratcher. Here’s a 2007 quote from Lexus UK Chief Steve Settle talking about the HS in no uncertain terms: “We’ll add a specific hybrid model …

Kevin · January 12th, 2009

Top Gear Video Review of the Lexus IS-F

The Lexus IS-F finally made its Top Gear appearance this weekend, competing against the BMW M3: Also part of the episode was the Stig pushing the IS-F around the Top Gear track: The results were a forgone conclusion, I can’t imagine anyone’s all that surprised that Jeremy Clarkson preferred the BMW M3 over the IS-F. …

Kevin · December 1st, 2008

2009 Lexus IS UK Pricing

Somehow this slipped by me, but the UK prices for the 2009 Lexus IS were announced earlier this week and show some significant savings over last year’s model. Here’s a full table breakdown, courtesy of 4WheelsNews: CURRENT IS MODEL OTR PRICE 2009 IS MODEL (equivalent) OTR PRICE CUSTOMER SAVING IS 220d £23,192 IS 220d SE …

Kevin · November 13th, 2008

D Motor Comparison: Lexus IS-F vs. Mercedes C63

German TV Show D Motor compared the Lexus IS-F and Mercedes C63 in their latest episode, and no matter how tired you might be of this duel, this english-subbed feature is tops: Just to be clear, host Tim Schrick did use the adjective “super cool” four times to describe the IS-F, you couldn’t fake that …

Kevin · November 7th, 2008

Lexus Confirms Compact Model

In an interview with German newspaper WirtschaftsWoche, Lexus Europe Managing Director Tadashi Arashima confirmed that Lexus will indeed be launching a compact entry-level model. From Motor Authority: “We will offer a Lexus in the compact class,” he told reporters, explaining that the company needs “smaller and more efficient vehicles” to meet Europe’s CO2 emissions regulations. …

Kevin · October 20th, 2008

Europa Press Interviews Lexus Europe Vice-President

Some interesting facts came out of a Europa Press interview with Lexus Europe vice-president Andy Pfeiffenberger — from the translated text: …the vice president of the European subsidiary of Toyota said his company expected its sales this year on the European continent will be reduced by about 11%, to about 48,000 units, due to economic …

Kevin · October 7th, 2008

Lexus Hybrid Advertisement Banned in UK

In a replay of last year, a Lexus RX 450h 400h advertisement has been banned by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority: (Click for a larger version) The press ad, for the Lexus RX 400h, made the claim: “perfect for today’s climate. (And tomorrow’s) … Driving the world’s first luxury hybrid SUV makes environmental, and economic, …

Kevin · September 24th, 2008

2009 Lexus IS 220d Photos

Lexus Europe’s press release about the new IS 250 C Convertible also included some information regarding the Europe-only 2009 IS 220d: Refreshed interior and exterior styling represents a further evolution of Lexus’ unique L-finesse design philosophy. Modifications to suspension, steering, transmissions and paddle shift technology offer notable improvements to driving dynamics. Aerodynamics and transmission enhancements …

Kevin · September 12th, 2008

Fifth Gear Comparison: Lexus IS-F vs. BMW M3

In terms of sheer entertainment, this clip from Fifth Gear judging the Lexus IS-F and the BMW M3 by how high they get a woman’s heartrate is pure dead brilliant: A very enjoyable piece (and it’s duly noted that Tiff has to cheat at the end to get the M3 above the IS-F). Update: Didn’t …

Kevin · September 10th, 2008

Lexus RX 400h Sales Growing in United Kingdom

Although no exact numbers are mentioned, The Auto Channel is reporting that Lexus RX 400h sales have increased in the UK by 28% over last July, which is especially impressive given the current SUV climate in the country: That [28%] growth stands in stark contrast to the fortunes of rival luxury brands, which suffered an …

Kevin · August 12th, 2008

Lexus LF-A Engine on display at London Motor Show

Even if there’s nothing really new to look at, this Car Magazine video clip of the London Motor Show does feature the LF-A’s engine suspended in glass: Looks smaller than I would expect.

Kevin · July 23rd, 2008

Lexus Europe 2008 YTD Sales

Lexus Europe have reported their 2008 January to June sales, and the result is very similar to the US numbers. For the first six months of the year, 24,859 vehicles have been sold, a 14% decrease from last year. The press release also mentions that 35% of all Lexus’ sold in Europe are hybrids, which …

Kevin · July 21st, 2008

The Fonz & The Lexus Hybrid

The Fonz is trading in his motorcycle for a Lexus RX 400h, as Henry Winkler is making his way across Britain on a children’s book tour to support the government’s 2008 National Year of Reading: Winkler, world famous for his role as “The Fonz” in the hit television show Happy Days., is now the author …

Kevin · July 3rd, 2008

Paul McCartney’s Lexus LS 600h Spotted

Considering the furor it created, I had fully expected the LS 600hL gift that Lexus airfreighted to Paul McCartney would never see the light of day. However, Sir Paul was recently spotted being chauffeured around London in the dark maple red hybrid. Also of note: Such is vegetarian Sir Paul’s passion for issues surrounding animal …

Kevin · July 3rd, 2008

Top Gear builds a Lexus LS 400 Police Car

Top Gear was in top form for the start of their eleventh season last night, turning a very entertaining episode that managed to squeeze a ‘93-‘94 Lexus LS 400 into their first challenge of the year. Each presenter had to choose a sub-£1000 used car that could replace the Vauxhall Astra as the British Police …

Kevin · June 23rd, 2008

Flickr Find: Lexus LF-A vs. Honda Civic

No matter how evenly matched they might be, I still had a chuckle over of this photo of the Lexus LF-A up against a Honda Civic: (This photo comes from Flickr user nordschleifenfan, my favorite Nürburgring photographer.)

Kevin · June 17th, 2008

Extended Video of the Lexus LF-A during Nürburgring 24h Race

Japanese racing website Start Your Engines has posted some extended footage of the Lexus LF-A in last month’s Nürburgring 24hour race, with plenty of mysterious Japanese commentary: The racing prototype certainly didn’t seem to struggle against its competitors on the track, which makes me wonder just how well the prototype would have finished without the …

Kevin · June 16th, 2008

Lexus RX 400h Commercial: Hybrid Drive

I’ve featured a variation of this Lexus UK commercial before, but I like the concept enough to show it again: It might be missing the rain footage of the first version, but any invisible automobile video is good by me.

Kevin · June 9th, 2008

Lexus LF-A Prototype Crash

Details have been revealed today that the Lexus LF-A Racing Prototype was involved in some kind of crash during the qualifying session prior to the actual race. Autoblog has some more photos of the smash, but the damage seem to be around the driver-side front and rear bumper. Here’s what it looked like from the …

Kevin · May 27th, 2008

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