Motor Trend Interview with Akio Toyoda on the Future of Lexus

From his presentation at the debut of the fourth-generation GS last week, it was pretty clear Toyota President Akio Toyoda has big plans for Lexus, but in this new interview with Motor Trend (of all places), Toyoda-san shares some very candid comments about the brand’s future.
Kevin · August 25th, 2011

Kyle Busch Loses License for Lexus LFA Speeding Ticket

As you may recall from earlier this year, NASCAR driver Kyle Busch was caught speeding in a Lexus LFA, posting 128mph in a 45mph zone while in North Carolina -- well, yesterday he received his punishment.
Kevin · August 24th, 2011

2012 Lexus RX 350 & RX 450h Information

Lexus has announced the 2012 Lexus RX 350, which will see two changes from the 2011 model: first, like all 2012 Lexus models, Nebula Grey Pearl will replace Smoky Granite Mica, and second, the fuel recommendation has been lowered from 91-octane to 87-octane.
Kevin · August 24th, 2011

2013 Lexus GS Revealed!

Just two days before its official unveiling, the 2013 Lexus GS has been spotted without camouflage by Chinese spy photographers.
Kevin · August 16th, 2011

2012 Lexus ES 350 Information

Official information on the 2012 Lexus ES 350 has been released, and with the exception of a 1 MPG improvement in its calculated highway fuel economy, the model is mechanically identical to the 2011 model.
Kevin · August 15th, 2011

Lexus Magazine Column: Undercover GS

The next generation Lexus GS is almost here, and to mark the occasion, I've put together a brief timeline of all the car's public appearances (accidental or otherwise) for the latest edition of my monthly *Lexus Magazine* column.
Kevin · August 13th, 2011

Paris Hilton’s Lexus LFA

Photos of Paris Hilton and her white Lexus LFA surfaced this weekend -- and I have to say, it has a super interior color combo.
Kevin · July 18th, 2011

Lexus Manufacturing Status Update

Lexus USA general manager Mark Templin gave an update on the state of Lexus manufacturing at a recent media event in Chicago.
Kevin · July 12th, 2011

Is the Lexus LFA Really a Sales Failure?

Every once and a while, I'll read a review or article about Lexus and notice an inaccuracy -- usually a minor technical point or some obscure historical fact. Mistakes happen, no problem. What's unusual is to see an article built on nothing but mistakes, where even elementary facts are ignored -- but that's what I found with Nelson Ireson's Motor Authority editorial on how the Lexus LFA is a failure.
Kevin · June 2nd, 2011

Kyle Busch Caught Doing 128 mph in Lexus LFA

Apparently caught up in a perfect moment, Nascar driver Kyle Busch was clocked doing 128 mph in 4 5mph zone while driving a Lexus LFA in Troutman, North Carolina.
Kevin · May 24th, 2011

Lexus Places Tenth in Global Automotive Brand Study

The 2011 edition of the Brandz annual ranking of the world’s most valuable brands has been released, and Lexus has once again cracked the top ten in the Automotive category after missing from the list in 2010. The global study relies on data collected by more than 1 million consumer interviews, and has pegged Lexus’ …

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Kevin · May 10th, 2011

Upcoming: Lexus Hybrid Art Exhibition in Moscow

Later this month, Lexus Europe will be holding their second annual Hybrid Art Exhibition in Moscow to “showcase the work of artists who create Lexus’ vision of tomorrow”. Featuring the works of artists like Scott Pagano, Studio WOW & Masato Tsutsui, the event takes place at the Red October Chocolate Factory from May 19-22. Get …

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Kevin · May 8th, 2011

Scott Pruett Shifts Gears to Winemaking

Although we primarily know him as a successful race car driver and the go-to pilot of the Lexus LFA, Scott Pruett (with the help of his wife, Judy) has also branched out to winemaking with his Pruett Vineyard label. Circling this back to our favorite car brand, Scott was one of the featured winemakers at …

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Kevin · May 8th, 2011

Lexus CT Remix Music Project (Plus USB Stick Giveaway!)

I thought this was pretty cool — Lexus has announced the CT Remix Project, which takes the songs from the four CT 200h launch commercials (link 1, link 2, link 3, link 4) and has them remixed by top DJs and producers. Here’s the artists involved (taken from the press release): At the foundation of …

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Kevin · April 13th, 2011

Lexus Becomes Official Supplier to the Sovereign Prince of Monaco

It has been announced that Lexus has been awarded a royal warrant to become the Official Supplier to His Serene Highness, the Sovereign Prince Albert II of Monaco — a honored appointment that will could see a LS 600hL as the official wedding car of the Price’s marriage to Miss Charlene Wittstock on Saturday 2nd …

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Kevin · April 6th, 2011

Akio Toyoda Tours Japan Disaster Zone

Toyota President Akio Toyoda toured Japan’s earthquake disaster zone last week to survey the damage done to the company’s assembly plants, which have remained closed for the most part since the quake. I recommend this excellent recap of Toyoda-san’s visit at Autoweek, which talks in detail about the current challenges that Toyota is facing. (Toyota-san …

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Kevin · March 30th, 2011

Lexus & Microsoft Present Fresh Perspectives

Lexus has teamed up with Microsoft for an interesting project called Fresh Perspectives, which takes six extremely talented artists, presents them with their choice of three concepts, and gives them 24 hours to create an all-new original work. Meant to promote the CT 200h, the series is set to start April 18th — check out …

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Kevin · March 25th, 2011

Lexus USA Tops J.D. Power’s 2011 Customer Service Survey

Lexus placed first for customer satisfaction among U.S. automotive luxury brands in J.D. Power’s annual Customer Service Index — first, here’s an explanation of what the survey covers: The study examines satisfaction among vehicle owners who visit a service department for maintenance or repair work. The CSI rankings are based on dealer performance during the …

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Kevin · March 17th, 2011

Regarding Japan’s Tragic Earthquake

As everyone should know by now, a terrible earthquake rocked Japan to the very core early this morning, bringing with it a tsunami that has caused immeasurable tragedy and heartbreak. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this devastation — I encourage everyone that visits this website to donate anything they can …

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Kevin · March 11th, 2011

Lexus Recall Issued for 06-07 GS 300/350, 04-07 RX & 08-11 LX 570

Lexus announced a voluntary safety recall on approximately 20,000 GS 300/350s made from 2006 to early 2007 to modify a plastic pad under the driver side carpet: In the event that the floor carpet around the accelerator pedal is not properly replaced in the correct position after a service operation, there is a possibility that …

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Kevin · February 24th, 2011

Paris Hilton Receives Lexus LFA for 30th Birthday

The Daily Mail is reporting that Paris Hilton has been given a yellow Lexus LFA by boyfriend Cy Waits for her 30th birthday: Can’t say I’m totally surprised, this rumor has been floating around for quite some time — though it was expected that Paris would have Passionate Pink as her exterior color. This may …

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Kevin · February 16th, 2011

NASA: No Issues with Toyota Electronics

After a ten-month study, the USA’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) & NASA have concluded that there are no issues with Toyota & Lexus electronics that would cause unintended acceleration — from a statement by U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood: NHTSA has already identified the only two known real-world causes of high-speed unintended …

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Kevin · February 9th, 2011

Meet the Journalist Who Influences Lexus Development

Lexus Magazine is running a new article written by Jean-Jacques Cornaert, an automotive journalist who just so happens to get access to unreleased and in-development Lexus vehicles — here’s an excerpt: The [Lexus IS-F] is a masterpiece, the result of several years of thought about what a Lexus can be. It’s also a car that, …

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Kevin · February 4th, 2011

Lexus Recalls 06-07 GS 350 & 06-09 IS 250/350 Over Fuel Pressure Sensor

Lexus has announced a voluntary safety recall on the select 2006-2007 GS 300/350, 2006-2009 IS 250, & 2006-2008 IS 350 models due to the possibility of a loose fuel pressure sensor — from the Lexus USA press release: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving …

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Kevin · January 26th, 2011

Interview with “Lexus Performance Meister” Hirokazu Koga

There’s a brilliant interview over at Lexus Magazine with “Lexus Performance Meister” Hirokazu Koga, the man responsible for each Lexus’ feel: You see, Koga’s longtime job was to oversee a seemingly intangible aspect of any car: how it feels to drive, or perhaps, more accurately, how you’re supposed to feel when driving Lexus vehicles. What, …

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Kevin · January 6th, 2011

Lexus December to Remember Song

After receiving numerous inquiries about Lexus’ old December to Remember commercial music, I did a little research and found a Youtube version by the original composer, Steve Kujala: Crazy video aside, I also found this press release with more information — turns out this song has been used by Lexus for 12 years, no wonder …

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Kevin · December 21st, 2010

Lexus’ Global Strategy

Automotive News has published a very interesting article with Karl Schlicht, the general manager in charge of global Lexus marketing and product planning, where he reveals fresh new details about what the future holds for the brand: Toyota is pushing a new global theme of “progressive luxury” for its Lexus brand, including a greater focus …

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Kevin · December 20th, 2010

Comparison: 1990 Lexus LS 400 vs. 2010 Lexus LS 600hL

Lexus is celebrating their 20th anniversary in the United Kingdom, and to show how far the brand has come in twenty years, they’ve released a video comparing the first-gen LS & the current LS hybrid: Here’s a chart that details the differences, just in case they went by too fast: In some ways, it’s hard …

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Kevin · December 13th, 2010

More Details on Lexus Customer Dinner Parties

In order to gain insight into consumer perception of the brand, Lexus USA General Manager Mark Templin has been arranging dinner parties for both current and previous buyers in their own homes — Automotive News has the details: Lexus Division boss Mark Templin figures the best way to get up close and personal with his …

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Kevin · November 29th, 2010

Online Chat with Lexus USA’s Mark Templin (Live)

With the Facebook & Twitter online chat with Lexus USA General Manager Mark Templin scheduled to begin in just under a hour from now, I thought it would be a good idea to set up a place to follow along. I will be updating this post with direct quotes from the Q&A session, along with …

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Kevin · November 12th, 2010

Dinner with Lexus USA General Manager Mark Templin

Speaking of meals with Lexus General Manager Mark Templin, he recently made a visit to a customer’s home to discuss Lexus & its competitors, along with sharing a meal — here’s a short clip of the visit: Between this and tomorrow’s online chat, we’re certainly seeing an evolution in the conversation between Lexus & its …

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Kevin · November 11th, 2010

Virtual Lunch with Lexus USA General Manager Mark Templin

This Friday, Lexus USA Vice President and General Manager, Mark Templin, will be taking part in a special online chat on Facebook & Twitter, and will be available to answer any questions you may have about Lexus, past, present or future. Even better, Lexus has asked me to provide a question to start off the …

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Kevin · November 10th, 2010

Lexus USA Rebates Coming?

Earlier this week, Lexus USA held its National Dealership meeting in Las Vegas, and now some details have been made public by way of The Wall Street Journal: Toyota Motor Corp. plans to offer rebates of up to $3,000 as well as subsidized financing on certain models in its Lexus brand as part of a …

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Kevin · October 8th, 2010

Lexus Advisory Board

This spring, Lexus USA started an online invite-only initiative called the Lexus Advisory Board, which will be used to survey existing customers about the brand. With a current membership of 20,000 owners, this group will be polled regularly on marketing and even product planning — here’s some details from The Automotive News: Lexus is still …

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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 …

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Kevin · August 17th, 2010

Lexus LX 470 Recall Announced

A voluntary safety recall has been announced for certain 2003-2007 Lexus LX 470s due to an issue with the steering shaft: Lexus has determined that the construction of the steering shaft on involved LX 470s is such that the snap ring on the shaft may disengage when the vehicle experiences an unusually severe impact to …

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Kevin · July 29th, 2010

NHTSA Update on Lexus Sudden Acceleration Investigation

According to the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. Department of Transportation has analyzed a number of Toyota & Lexus black boxes taken from vehicles involved in “sudden acceleration” accidents, and have discovered that drivers were accidentally pushing the acceleration pedal instead of the brake: The results suggest that some drivers who said their Toyota and …

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Kevin · July 13th, 2010

Full Lexus Engine Recall List

Lexus USA has filed its official papers (PDF Link) for the LS/IS/GS valve spring recall, here is the full list of affected vehicles: Also included in the recall document is a timeline of how the valve spring fault was discovered, which I’m reprinting here in full after the jump. (Thanks FYI!)
Kevin · July 8th, 2010

Keeping Perspective on Lexus Recall

Bloomberg is reporting that Lexus has been aware of the engine problems behind the recent recall since 2007: The carmaker received the first customer complaints in March 2007 in Japan regarding defective valve springs that may cause engines to stall, Toyota spokeswoman Ririko Takeuchi said by phone today from Tokyo. The problem occurs when foreign …

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Kevin · July 7th, 2010

Lexus Confirms Engine Recall

Toyota has announced that there will be a recall on 270,000 Lexus (and one model Toyota) worldwide — from The New York Times: Toyota will recall a total of 90,000 Lexus and Crown sedans in Japan, and is “making preparations to take similar, appropriate actions” for 180,000 more cars that carry the same engine worldwide, …

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Kevin · July 1st, 2010

Potential Lexus Engine Recall

Toyota has announced today that they may be recalling 270,000 Lexus cars after discovering a problem with the 4.6L V8 and 3.5L V6 engines used throughout the lineup — from the Wall Street Journal: The auto maker has found a problem with the valve spring of 4.6 liter V8 engines and 3.5 liter V6 engines …

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Kevin · July 1st, 2010

Akio Toyoda on the Passing of Hiromu Naruse

Toyota President Akio Toyoda has shared his grief over the passing of mentor Hiromu Naruse on his blog — and even though I’m only able to read a rough Google translation, his message shows not only a deep sadness, but a strong resolve to continue on in Naruse’s spirit. Read the translated text (Original Text)
Kevin · June 24th, 2010

In Memory of Hiromu Naruse

Today, the automotive world lost an icon — Toyota’s Chief Test Driver Hiromu Naruse was killed in an accident outside of the Nürburgring racetrack while driving a Lexus LFA Nürburgring prototype. Naruse-sama was influential in the development of every production sports car produced by Toyota, from the 2000GT to the MR-S, and was so widely …

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Kevin · June 23rd, 2010

Lexus Chief Test Driver Hiromu Naruse Dies in LFA Crash

German newspaper Rhein-Zeitung is reporting that the Lexus LFA Nürburgring edition featured yesterday has been involved in a serious crash with another car. Details are still emerging and nothing has been confirmed, but it’s believed that Toyota Chief test driver Hiromu Naruse was behind the wheel, and that both the driver and passenger in the …

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Kevin · June 23rd, 2010

Lexus LFA Still Available in USA

Despite reports to the contrary, Lexus USA has told Edmunds that there are still LFAs available in the USA: In response to a query Thursday from [Edmunds Inside Line], Toyota said: “As a result of additional allocation being dedicated to the U.S. market, some production spots still remain for the LF-A supercar’s 500-unit global build. …

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Kevin · June 3rd, 2010

Akio Toyoda Profile

Admittedly, this is the third time in a row that I’ve linked to The Automotive News, but today’s profile on Toyota President Akio Toyoda is not to be missed — some choice quotes: […]Toyoda embarked on a quest to become one of the company’s top certified test drivers and its top car critic. That challenge …

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Kevin · May 31st, 2010

Lexus LS Recall Video Demonstration

Here’s a video demonstrating the steering issue that made the current Lexus LS recall necessary: All in all, this LS steering issue looks to be relatively non-critical — something that should be fixed and deserving of a recall, to be sure, but of minor importance to anyone outside of the affected owners. Still, good on …

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Kevin · May 27th, 2010

LA Times Reports on 4th Generation ES Transmission Issues, Lexus Responds

This weekend, the LA Times published another chapter in their long-running battle against Toyota & Lexus, this time asserting that the transmission issues experienced by some 2002-2006 Lexus ES owners was indicative of a bigger problem: The documents show that Toyota repeatedly tried to solve the lurching problem by modifying the car’s computer software. But …

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Kevin · May 24th, 2010

Lexus LS Recall FAQ

Lexus has officially issued a recall on late 2009 & certain 2010 Lexus LS vehicles equipped with the Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system. This recall affects the LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600h, and LS 600hL, but no other Lexus models. All owners affected by the recall will be contacted via mail when the …

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Kevin · May 23rd, 2010

Consumer Reports Removes Lexus GX 460 Safety Warning

Consumer Reports has lifted its Don’t Buy: Safety Risk rating on the Lexus GX 460 after testing the stability control software update — from the press release: CR contacted the Lexus dealership from which they had anonymously bought the vehicle and made an appointment to have the recall work performed. The work took about an …

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Kevin · May 7th, 2010

Lexus LFA Carbon Fiber Leads to Future Possibilities

Ward’s Auto has published an article summarizing Lexus LFA project manager and vehicle materials expert Nobuya Kawamura’s recent presentation at the JEC Composite exposition in Paris, France. Kawamura talked about the “never-ending process” of the supercar’s carbon fiber development, which ultimately led to Lexus engineers learning multiple techniques for producing several types of the material, …

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Kevin · April 23rd, 2010

Lexus Global Executive Changes

Lexus parent Toyota Motor Corporation announced key executive changes, which will be formally enacted in June at the company’s annual shareholder meeting. Of interest to the luxury division, Toshio Furutani is retiring as Senior Managing Director on the corporate board of directors. Furutani has overseen Lexus’ worldwide operations in recent years, initially as Managing Officer …

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Kevin · April 22nd, 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

More on Lexus Visit to the Consumer Reports Test Track

The Wall Street Journal has followed up on Toyota’s visit to the Consumer Reports test track: …engineers went to Consumer Reports testing track in Connecticut to try to see what the magazine’s auto engineers had found. Unfortunately, it was a rainy day, canceling the opportunity for testing. In addition, the Consumer Reports tester informed the …

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Kevin · April 14th, 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 …

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Kevin · March 24th, 2010

Akio Toyoda Not Participating in Nürburgring 24h Race

In a break from the recent past, Toyota president Akio Toyoda will not be one of the Lexus LFA drivers during this year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours race in May. Making the announcement himself on his personal blog, President Toyoda says that although he test-drove one of the race-prepped LFAs, “unfortunately, [I] won’t participate in this …

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Kevin · March 16th, 2010

Lexus HS 250h “Good” in IIHS Frontal Crash Test

In the latest round of crash safety tests conducted by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), the Lexus HS 250h has received the agency’s highest rating of “Good” on its first evaluation, the frontal offset crash test.  In this test, vehicles are accelerated towards a barrier at 40 mph. Approximately 40 percent of the …

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Kevin · March 10th, 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

No Lexus CT 200h for USA?

Edmund’s Inside Line is reporting that the new Lexus CT 200h may not be coming to the USA: The curious got a first glance at the Lexus CT 200h on Friday via a teaser shot of the car’s cat’s-eye taillight, ahead of the full hybrid compact’s debut at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show in March. …

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Kevin · February 15th, 2010

Lexus HS 250h Voluntary Recall Announced

A voluntary recall of the 2010 Lexus HS 250h has been announced by Toyota USA—from the press release: The ABS, in normal operation, engages and disengages rapidly (many times per second) as the control system senses and reacts to tire slippage. Some 2010 model year Prius and 2010 HS 250h owners have reported experiencing inconsistent …

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Kevin · February 8th, 2010