Report: Lexus Plug-in Hybrid Unlikely

Green Car Reports spoke with Lexus International executive vice-president Mark Templin about the potential of a Lexus plug-in hybrid.
Kevin · April 15th, 2015

Video: Lexus and the Future of Hybrid Technology

In a collaboration between Lexus & TED, here’s Paul Williamsen from Lexus International and Alex Shen from Calty Design discussing the future of Lexus vehicles, including some insight into the production LF-LC: (From Paul’s comments, we can definitely cross off the LF-LC production model from the list of potential debuts at the Detroit Auto Show …

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Kevin · December 3rd, 2014

The New Car: Reasons for Choosing the Lexus CT 200h F SPORT

For the latest post in my CT 200h owner’s blog, I’ve outlined the reasons for choosing the hybrid hatchback over the IS 250 AWD sedan. (The top reason shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.) Read about my CT 200h vs IS 250 Decision
Kevin · November 2nd, 2014

Global Lexus Hybrid Sales Since 2005

Toyota announced today that the company’s total hybrid sales have passed the 7 million unit mark, and have released a complete model-by-model breakdown for all regions. Here’s how Lexus hybrid models have sold since their introduction in 2005: Model Global Sales Japan North America Europe LS 600h/LS 600hL 37,700 25,400 3,000 4,600 GS 450h/GS 300h …

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Kevin · October 15th, 2014

Lexus Studying High-Performance Hybrids

Lexus is studying high-performance hybrids for inclusion in the F brand lineup — from Motoring Australia: However, F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi told motoring.com.au that the sub brand’s high performance and circuit driving requirements meant hybrid technology still had issues. “In order to put the hybrid on track they need a little more development as …

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Kevin · September 15th, 2014

New Technology Could Boost Lexus Hybrid Fuel Efficiency by 10 Percent

Toyota has developed a new semiconductor that will improve the fuel efficiency of their hybrid technology by 10 percent — from Automotive News: The new semiconductors eat up only a tenth of the energy of today’s chips and enable the PCU to be 80 percent smaller, Toyota engineers said today at a briefing. The technology …

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Kevin · May 21st, 2014

Google Makes Improvements to Self-Driving Lexus RX 450h

Google has made some significant improvements to their self-driving car, which just so happens to be a Lexus RX 450h: The level of intelligence and capability of these Google vehicles is astounding — very easy to see a future where self-driving cars make up the majority of vehicles on the road. (Worth pointing out that …

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Kevin · May 1st, 2014

Lexus Korea Launches CT 200h Art Project

The updated Lexus CT 200h has lead to some pretty interesting marketing experiments — first, there was Lexus Japan’s stellar Trick Photography project, and now Lexus Korea has followed it up with a graphic design showcase: This video shows how the designers put together some of these images: There’s a lot of creativity in these …

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Kevin · March 20th, 2014

New Lexus Hybrid Technology Coming?

In a recent Drive Australia article about Lexus and its “No Diesel” position, brand vice-president Mark Templin hints that new hybrid technology is on the way: Templin said about 80 per cent of Lexuses sold in western Europe are hybrids, similar to the percentage in Japan, where the desire for cutting edge technology is partially …

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Kevin · March 16th, 2014

Four New Lexus CT 200h Commercials

With the release of the updated Lexus CT 200h, there are new commercials springing up around the world — let’s start with three from the USA: Here’s the CTh commercial for European markets, like the music in this one: (Any other regional Lexus CT commercials out there that I’ve missed? Leave a link in the …

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Kevin · February 12th, 2014

Autocar Reviews the 2014 Lexus GS 300h

The European press have started driving the all-new Lexus GS 300h, and finding it a compelling alternative to its German competitors — here’s the first review from Autocar: Until now, Lexus’s E-segment saloon had been without a [Benefit in Kind]-friendly car capable of competing with the ultra efficient diesel-engined offerings of the Big Three at …

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Kevin · December 10th, 2013

Hybrid Lexus LX in 2016?

According to Reuters, the Nikkei newspaper in Japan reports that Toyota will release hybrid versions of its large SUVs in 2016: Toyota Motor Corp plans to roll out hybrid versions of its large sport utility vehicles from 2016 to prepare for tougher environmental regulations, the Nikkei reported, quoting sources. The automaker intends to develop hybrid …

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Kevin · November 7th, 2013

Autoweek Comparison: Lexus IS 300h vs. BMW 320i EDE

Autoweek, the largest car magazine in The Netherlands, tested the IS 300h against the BMW 320i EDE in their latest issue — by way of a trusty translator, here’s how the two cars compared: Can the new IS be compared to the 3-series? If you are only after driving experience, you should opt for the …

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Kevin · September 20th, 2013

Lexus Reveals the LF-NX Compact Crossover Concept

Less than a week before its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Lexus has revealed their LF-NX compact crossover concept. Let’s start with the full press release (click on any image for a high resolution version). A new Lexus mid-size crossover concept, the LF-NX, will make its world debut at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show, …

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Kevin · September 4th, 2013

Two New Lexus Hybrid Models in 2014

Speaking at the CAR Management Briefing Seminars in Michigan this week, Lexus International’s Paul Williamsen announced that Lexus will offer nine hybrid models worldwide by the end of 2014.
Kevin · August 9th, 2013

New Details on the Lexus RC Coupe

Mag-X from Japan is reporting that the Lexus production model based on the LF-CC concept will be available by August 2014.
Kevin · March 20th, 2013

New Details on 2014 Lexus IS 300h Engine

On December 25th in Japan, the all-new Toyota Crown was introduced with the 2.5L hybrid engine that’s expected to power the 2014 Lexus IS 300h.
Kevin · December 31st, 2012

Edmunds Reviews the 2013 Lexus ES 300h

Edmunds has reviewed the 2013 Lexus ES 300h, and believe “you’ll be hard-pressed to top the Lexus ES hybrid” with its blend of fuel economy and comfort.
Kevin · December 19th, 2012

No Higher Powered Lexus CT Until 2017?

According to a GoAuto interview with Lexus International general manager Andrew Kirby, a more-powerful Lexus CT will not be offered until (at least) 2017.
Kevin · December 10th, 2012

Autocar Drives the Next-Generation Lexus IS 300h

In advance of next-generation Lexus IS launch at the Detroit Auto Show in January, some automotive magazines have been given an advance look at the next-generation sedan.
Kevin · December 4th, 2012

Lexus LF-LC Blue Coming to LA Auto Show

Car & Driver reports that the Lexus LF-LC Blue concept revealed last month in Australia will be getting its North American debut at the LA Auto Show in two weeks.
Kevin · November 15th, 2012

Lexus LF-CC Concept Coming to SEMA

The Lexus LF-CC concept will be making its North American debut at SEMA next week, joining the jet-racing Lexus LFA Nürburgring & IS F CCS-R race car at the Lexus booth.
Kevin · October 23rd, 2012

A Closer Look at the Lexus LF-LC Blue Concept

When Lexus introduced the LF-LC Blue last week at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, it wasn’t just the colors that were changed from the original concept.
Kevin · October 23rd, 2012

Lexus LF-LC Blue Concept Photo Gallery

Now that we’ve read the press release about the Lexus LF-LC Blue concept that debuted in Australia earlier today, let’s jump to the full photo gallery.
Kevin · October 18th, 2012