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Japanese Lexus LFA Commercial!

I wasn’t expecting this—Lexus Japan has released an actual commercial for the LFA: Also from Lexus Japan is this new cut of the LFA’s launch video, featuring new music and some 3D animation of the supercar’s engine and brakes: The Roar of an Angel—what a tagline. (Both of these videos were posted by O.N.O., who …

Kevin · December 17th, 2009

Lexus Japan IS 250 Black X Orange X-Edition

Lexus Japan has announced a new Lexus IS 250 X-Edition with a custom black interior with orange contrast stitching: I’d like to see some higher resolution images to be sure, but I’m such a fan of these custom interiors. I hope this makes it to North America like the Passionate Black GS interior. Japanese customers …

Kevin · December 11th, 2009

Lexus IS F Lap with Gran Turismo’s Kazunori Yamauchi

Another day, another virtual lap—only this time it’s the esteemed Gran Turismo creator, Kazunori Yamauchi, driving a race-modifed Lexus IS F in the 8th round of the VLN series at Nürburgring: Back in August, Mr. Yamauchi and a team of two others (Motor Journalist Peter Lyon and racing driver Hideshi Matsuda—all three judges for the …

Kevin · November 19th, 2009

Two Lexus HS 250h Commercials

Here’s two Lexus HS 250h commercials—the first is from Japan, and involves saving the world: This second commercial shows the HSh’s Heads-up Display in greater detail: The HUD isn’t available in the HSh in Canada, so this is the first time I’ve seen the upgraded graphics and display information. Very impressed to see the steering …

Kevin · November 9th, 2009

2010 Lexus LS 600h Commercial

There’s a new 2010 Lexus LS 600h commercial from Lexus Japan: This LS features an L-Select bright-red & black interior—don’t know if that would be my first pick with a white exterior. (On a side note: Why do all the press photos & video have to feature the same color car? I certainly wouldn’t mind …

Kevin · November 5th, 2009

Lexus LFA Carbon Fiber Creation Video

Here’s a video that shows the machine responsible for the Lexus LFA’s dual-carbon fiber A-pillars: Called a rotary weaver, this machine is of only two such devices in existence, and is used expressly for the creation of the carbon fiber components of the LFA. Hard to imagine what else this machine will create—the possibilities are …

Kevin · November 1st, 2009

Lexus L-Select Customization Video

This video gives some detail on the new L-Select customization program currently offered with the Lexus LS in Japan (warning: the accompanying music is unique): If switching internal LS components is as easy as it’s displayed in this video, I don’t see any reason why L-Select couldn’t make it’s way to other markets. More likely, …

Kevin · October 29th, 2009

The Lexus HB (Hybrid Bicycle) Concept

Here’s a curious item from the Tokyo Motorshow—Gizmag discovered the Lexus HB (Hybrid Bicycle) concept, built entirely out of carbon weave: I really like the L-badging on the handlebars and the overall shape, though I’ll admit to knowing nothing about bicycle design. Here’s some closeups of the body: [Source: Gizmag]

Kevin · October 27th, 2009

Lexus LFA Carbon Weave Closeup

Car website Speedhunters managed to get a number of great Lexus LFA photos at the Tokyo Motor Show, including images of the car with an unpainted roof and spoiler, which shows the carbon weave base: Also included in the photo set is some closeups of the engine and the underside of the hood—be sure to …

Kevin · October 27th, 2009

Official Lexus LFA Introduction Video

This official Lexus LFA video, which was shown right before the supercar’s introduction at the Tokyo Motor Show, is hands-down the best thing you will see today, I promise: The production value of both this video and the official press photos is absolutely fantastic—they really show the LFA in the best possible light. As a …

Kevin · October 21st, 2009

Full Lexus LFA Press Release

The Lexus LFA was launched late last night, and the deluge of information today is expectedly overwhelming. There’s plenty to get through, so let’s start off today with the full press release from Lexus GB. KEY POINTS Lexus’s 21st century supercar delivers extreme, race-bred performance, with advanced technologies and absolute exclusivity Powered by mid-front mounted …

Kevin · October 21st, 2009

Lexus LFA Press Launch Video

The Lexus LFA press conference at the Tokyo Motorshow just ended minutes ago, and already a video of the launch has been posted online: I’m looking forward to a translation of Akio Toyoda’s speech—I’ve been told that an official video will be published online at 6pm JDT (3am PST/6am EST)—which should have some subtitles. Look …

Kevin · October 20th, 2009

Lexus LFA Uncovered!

Only hours before its official launch at the Tokyo Motor Show, a video has been posted showing the uncovered Lexus LFA in all its glory: Not only that, two Lexus LFAs has been spotted in Miami by NAGTROC member Adrey, presumably for a press launch tomorrow: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1391”}

Kevin · October 20th, 2009

Lexus LFA World Premiere

After five long years of development, Lexus will be announcing the production model LFA at the Tokyo Motor Show on October 21st, 11:10am Japan Standard Time—which translated to North American time, means October 20th, 7:10 PST/10:10 EST. Less than 24 hours away! Hopefully, a live stream of the event will be somewhere online—if not, a …

Kevin · October 19th, 2009

Extraordinary Lexus Meetup in Japan

There isn’t much in the way of details, but I had to post these photos taken at a Lexus owners meetup in Japan: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1386”} Simply boggles my mind—it looks like the world’s largest Lexus dealer lot until you start noticing all the various mods and body kits. Absolutely amazing. These photos are from this …

Kevin · October 19th, 2009

The Lexus L-Select Customization Program

The new L-Select Lexus customization program has launched in Japan. This program, which is currently limited to the LS, makes it possible to pick and choose your leather, wood trim, even your roof material. Here’s a small sampling of the possible interior combinations: These are some serious interior options, I’m all over that IS-F inspired …

Kevin · October 13th, 2009

Lexus LFA Supercar Drift!

As part of this weekend’s Motor Sport 2009 in Odaiba, Japan, Lexus brought out one of their LFA racing prototypes this weekend for some supercar drifting, and was videotaped by numerous members of the crowd: And the best one of the bunch: Bringing out a supercar concept to do donuts for an enthusiast crowd in …

Kevin · October 12th, 2009

Lexus Supercar Confirmed for Tokyo Motor Show

Lexus has announced that “a revolutionary two-seat supercar” will be unveiled later this month at the Tokyo Motor Show—the full brief: Two-seat supercar (world premier) This concept vehicle epitomizes the purest form of driving exhilaration and performance. (Details to be announced at the Lexus press briefing on October 21.) This “two-seat supercar” is, of course, …

Kevin · October 7th, 2009

Toyota President Apologizes For Recent Troubles

During a speech to the Japan National Press Club on Friday, new Toyota president Akio Toyoda was frankly apologetic over the company’s recent troubles: He expressed grief over a fatal crash that led to a recall of 3.8 million cars, regrets about an expected second consecutive annual loss and sorrow over the decision to close …

Kevin · October 4th, 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 HS 250h with LX-Mode Wheels

It was only a matter of time before a modded Lexus HS 250h would show up on the Internet, and appears Japanese tuner company LX-Mode is first out the gate with new wheels on a dropped HSh (click for a larger version): It’s amazing how a minor drop and wheel swap can have such an …

Kevin · September 4th, 2009

More 2010 Lexus GS 450h Photos

After poring over the tiny 2010 Lexus GS 450h images taken from the Lexus Japan website, it’s nice to be able to look at some larger photos of the refreshed sedan (click the first three images for larger versions): The ascending thickness of the front grille’s chrome bars is very classy, and looks to be …

Kevin · August 31st, 2009

2010 Lexus GS 450h Changes

Like the Lexus LS hybrid, the 2010 GS 450h will also be receiving a mild refresh, including a new grille, new chrome-circled tail lights and new wheels: This was the only good shot I could find of the new tail lights: As far as I can decipher from the Lexus Japan website, where these photos …

Kevin · August 28th, 2009

2010 Lexus LS 460, LS 600hL & LS SZ Revealed!

A brochure for the 2010 Lexus LS has leaked, and there are now images of the LS 460, the LS Hybrid, and the new LS “Version SZ”—let’s start with the hybrid: 2010 Lexus LS 600hL So it turns out the image from last week was indeed correct, and the LS 600hL will be sporting a …

Kevin · August 25th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h Japanese Success to Affect U.S. Launch?

While nothing has been confirmed, Automotive News is reporting that the US supply of Lexus HS 250h sedans to the US may be affected by the hybrid’s massive success in Japan: In its first month in Japan, the car racked up 10,000 orders or about 20 times Toyota Motor Corp.‘s initial sales target of 500 …

Kevin · August 25th, 2009

Lexus Japan Hits 10,000 HS 250h Orders in First Month

Even after tripling production, Lexus will have a hard time keeping up with the HS 250h demand in Japan: Orders for Lexus’ first dedicated hybrid, the HS250h, reached 10,000 units in its first month, smashing its sales target of 500, parent company Toyota Motor Corp. said. The waiting list for the HS250h is now six …

Kevin · August 20th, 2009

Next-Gen Lexus SC Photochop

With the release of the 2010 Lexus SC 430, we’ve likely seen the end of the second generation Sports Coupe—so what’s next? Could it look something like this? Found in a thread on Club Lexus, this unsourced Photochop shows the potential of the third-generation SC. Sure, there’s some awkward creases in the hood & side …

Kevin · August 18th, 2009

Info on the Lexus LF-A Driving Modes (plus a Name-Change Rumor)

Japanese auto magazine Holiday Auto has published some new information on the LF-A, including details on the four Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) modes: Auto, Normal, Sport and Wet. Normal & Wet modes are fairly self-explanatory, but here’s what’s mentioned about the other two: Sport mode will allow for 0.2 second gear shifting. Auto mode will …

Kevin · August 16th, 2009

Is this the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL?

An image of what’s claiming to be the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL facelift has popped up (click for a larger image): The most obvious change is the front grille, and the front bumper intakes have also been reworked and would resemble both the GS & IS designs. The turn signals are also integrated into the …

Kevin · August 13th, 2009

Lexus to Triple HS 250h Production

In order to keep up with the Japanese demand for the HS 250h, Lexus will be tripling production of the new hybrid. As reported by the Nikkei (by way of The Green Car Congress), even after producing 2,000 units in July, there are still 8,600 pre-orders for the hybrid sedan. This is seventeen times the …

Kevin · August 8th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h Launches in Japan with 1,500 Pre-Orders

The Lexus HS 250h has been launched in Japan, where it has racked up an astounding 1,500 pre-orders, three times the expected monthly sales. One interesting fact from the Lexus press release: Based on the brand’s core principle of “pursuing the essence of luxury”, Lexus aimed to develop a luxurious “harmonious sedan”, hence the “HS” …

Kevin · July 14th, 2009

Lexus IS-C Demand Outpacing Production

The Lexus IS-C is off to a booming start in the US, with dealerships selling the new convertible faster than Lexus’s Kyushu plant in Japan can make them. Wards has the story: The facility is ramping up to produce at least 225 IS-C models a month just for the Northeast region of the U.S., Scott …

Kevin · July 8th, 2009

Lexus LFA to be offered in 30 colors?

Motor Trend is now in the business of translating and republishing Japanese auto magazines, and that includes a Best Car feature on the upcoming Lexus LFA: Their translation: In addition to showing a rendered final form, insiders quoted by Best Car say Toyota officials are looking to rename the car to ‘SS550’. The ‘SS’ standing …

Kevin · July 6th, 2009

Ward’s Looks at Lexus Manufacturing

One of the defining characteristics of Lexus has always been the care taken in assembling their vehicles, and the Toyota Tahara Plant is the very definition of that attention to detail—Ward’s Auto takes a closer look at some of the manufacturing processes that go into building a Lexus: Toyota Motor Corp.’s Tahara plant, now in …

Kevin · June 30th, 2009

Lexus LS Sport Rumors

Late last year, there was a rumor that Lexus was planning a performance-oriented variant of the LS 460, and today there’s more information to back it up. According to Japanese magazine Best Car (by way of 4wheelnews), there are plans to release the curiously named LS SZ, which will be an LS souped up with …

Kevin · June 23rd, 2009

New Rumors on the Production Lexus LFA

Japanese magazine Best Car has published the above computer rendering of a possible look for the Lexus LFA production model, and has also included some new information: The LFA will be receiving a new name, possibly the SS (for Super Sport) or GT (Gran Turismo/Tourer). The numeric designation could be 500 or 550, though it’s …

Kevin · May 26th, 2009

Lexus Japan’s IS-C Interior Color Options

The Lexus IS 250 was released in Japan last week with some extremely unique interior color options (click for slightly larger images): No word if these options will be available in other markets outside of Japan, but it looks like the USA is getting a solid blue option the blue & white option if the …

Kevin · May 11th, 2009

Lexus RX 350 & 450h Body Kit by LX Mode

LX Mode has updated their website to include the brand new Lexus 3G RX body kit: All in all, it’s a nice looking kit—but what I’m really impressed by is the front grille replacement. Looking to be lifted directly of the LS 460, it changes the front-end significantly. Here’s a breakdown of the different options, …

Kevin · May 8th, 2009

Music from Lexus Japan’s Aoyama Gallery

Last year, Lexus Japan opened the Lexus International Gallery Aoyama in Tokyo’s Aoyama area as a display space for introducing residents to the Lexus brand. This space has a unique feature—an immersive sound environment by Yamaha created especially to block out the surrounding city. To better illustrate this, here’s a video created by composer Masato …

Kevin · April 30th, 2009

Lexus GS 450h Commercial from Japan

Let’s start off the week with this GS 450h commercial from Lexus Japan, brimming with the positive message “ON and GO!”: One thing I noticed is the alternative markings for the kW energy gauge: Japanese Energy Gauge North American Energy Gauge While the North American version is much more exact, the Japanese gauge gives more …

Kevin · April 27th, 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 IS 250C Promotional Video

From Lexus Japan comes this new promotional video for the IS 250C: I know that the IS 250c is essentially killing two birds with one stone, as Lexus gets a new coupe and a new convertible in the lineup, but there’s some angles in this video that make me wish a coupe-only version was available. …

Kevin · April 23rd, 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

Rumormill: The Lexus IS-F Evo Strikes Again

JDM blog 7tune has pushed out a rumor that the Lexus IS-F Evolution, the unconfirmed, carbon-fiber-covered editon of the IS-F, will be limited to 500 units and will cost a staggering $250,000USD. From the source: Focus has not changed much either with previous reports of the new body losing 140kg all round and dropping to …

Kevin · April 20th, 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

Flickr Find: Soarer Rocket

Posting the Lexus SC 400 review from TTAC yesterday reminded me of a Flickr photo by Jon Sylvester (best viewed in original size): Love the panoramic feel and the lighting—great location as well. (This, of course, is the Japanese version of the SC 400, the Toyota Soarer, which uses a griffin as its logo.)

Kevin · April 3rd, 2009

Wald Body Kit for the 2010 Lexus RX 350

Wald International has released a Black Bison body kit for the new Lexus RX—first off, here’s the photo gallery: All the things that made the Black Bison design look so awkward on the IS-F end up adding some real character to the RX. There are minor complaints: the IS-F style grille looks great but clashes …

Kevin · March 26th, 2009

Production Lexus LFA to debut at Tokyo Auto Show?

This year’s Toyko Motor Show could be the location for a major moment in Lexus history—according to an Edmunds insider, the production version of the Lexus LFA will debut at the October autoshow. Of course, at this point it’s still a rumor, but when you consider that Toyota’s new president, Akio Toyoda, has been the …

Kevin · March 25th, 2009

Lexus Japan’s RX Museum Party Video

Should we need any proof that Lexus is being marketed differently in Japan as compared to North America, look no further than this video from the Japanese RX launch party, featuring DJ No+Chin in a “battle” with visual artist Saori Kanda: Feels more like Scion than Lexus, color me impressed by how uniquely Japanese this …

Kevin · March 23rd, 2009

Lexus Pre-Collision Technology Upgrade

Toyota has announced two new safety technology systems that are expected to appear in Lexus vehicles some time in the near future. The first, illustrated above, is an improvement on the current pre-collision radar system that detects probable collisions. The system, which uses millimeter-wave radar, can sense moving objects in the vehicle’s path, and now …

Kevin · March 12th, 2009

Rumor of a Lexus IS-F Evolution

According to Japanese auto magazine Best Car, Lexus continues to work on a lightweight version of the IS-F, dubbed the IS-F Evolution. The main focus on the IS-F Evolution would be reducing weight, where up to 300lbs could be dropped by using carbon fiber anywhere possible. Possible body panels would include the front bumper, front …

Kevin · March 10th, 2009

Lexus Japan releases Red-Edge Black Interior for the IS

The IS also received an interior treatment from Lexus Japan, with the Red-Edge Black Special Edition, very similar to the Meteor Black GS edition: Loving that red stitching — it’s a great accent color, a real eye-catcher. (Still partial to the red carpet in last year’s Passionate Black interior, though.) This special edition interior is …

Kevin · March 5th, 2009

Lexus Japan releases Meteor Black Interior for the GS

Lexus Japan has been known to release some incredibly nice limited edition interiors, and they’re back at it again with the Meteor Black interior for the GS: The interior starts off with the default black semi-aniline leather, and then all of the stitching is two-tone black & red with silver accents. Also, both interior wood …

Kevin · March 5th, 2009

Toyota Considering Ultra-Luxury Brand?

How’s this for a rumor trail — according to an Autospies poster, Japanese magazine Carview has reported that Toyota is looking at creating a new ultra-luxury automotive brand above Lexus, here’s the article: Here’s the article, supposedly paraphrased an Autospies poster: A Lexus spokesman explained that Lexus had thoroughly researched the market and feels that …

Kevin · February 27th, 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

First 2010 Lexus RX Body Kit?

Japanese body kit manufacturer LX-Mode have wasted no time putting together some aero parts for the new 2010 Lexus RX. No details, only this photo to go on: Looks to be just the front bumper for now, but I’m sure the rest of the kit is on its way. [Source: LEXUS Times]

Kevin · February 18th, 2009

Lexus Remote Touch Controller Details

Japanese tech website TechOn has published an article about the new Remote Touch system that’s set to debut with the 2010 RX this month: The “Remote Touch,” an HMI (human machine interface) for the car navigation system equipped in the “Lexus RX” released by Toyota Motor Corp, was developed by Denso Corp. …the haptic technology …

Kevin · February 5th, 2009

New Lexus Power of H Commercial: Bridge

You might remember a Lexus infomercial from last December that detailed how architects were utilizing old boat shipping containers — well, the next of the series has been released and talks about the Shuto Expressway in Kyoto, Japan and how it generates electricity. You can watch here, or head over to Youtube for the HD …

Kevin · February 3rd, 2009

2010 Lexus RX 450h Colors (with Images)

While exploring Lexus Japan’s website, TPP commenter Eddie discovered images of all the 2010 Lexus RX colors: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1145”} The Cerulean Blue Metallic is a much nicer hue than Breakwater Metallic, though I’ll have to see it in person first. Also, here are the interior colors: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1146”} Personally, I’d probably go for Smoky Granite …

Kevin · January 29th, 2009

Lexus IS-F: Wald Sports Line Black Bison Edition Body Kit

No matter how much I wished it, these official photos of Wald International’s Lexus IS-F Sports Line Black Bison Edition haven’t yet disappeared from the Internet, so I have little choice but to post them here: Let’s get honest: the IS-F is not a vehicle that need any additional visual complexity, the stock look is …

Kevin · January 28th, 2009

Lexus Launches the 2010 RX in Japan

To commemorate the launch of the 2010 RX in Japan, Lexus staged an event at the RX Museum and included a guest appearance from Miss Universe 2007, a Miss Universe 2006 contestant and one very serious looking man: Lexus also updated their Japanese site to reflect the new addition, and it features a movie that …

Kevin · January 21st, 2009

Akio Toyoda Announced as New President of Toyota

Akio Toyoda, the driving force behind the Lexus LF-A & grandson of Toyota founder Kiichiro Toyoda, is scheduled to become the Japanese company’s next president & CEO. From the Automotive News: Toyoda will succeed current President Katsuaki Watanabe in June, the company said today, ending weeks of speculation. An executive vice president since 2005, Toyoda …

Kevin · January 21st, 2009

More Lexus Photos from the Tokyo Motor Salon

Website Speedhunters also posted some photos from the Tokyo Motor Salon, including this rather unique Mercedes/Lexus love child: Well, considering this is Japan, I should have said Soarer/Mercedes love child, but let’s move along. Take a look at this Artisan Spirits SC 430: I’m not usually a fan of such high contrast two-tones, but that …

Kevin · January 16th, 2009

Lexus Photos from Toyko Motor Salon

Photographer Anthony Carbone attended the Tokyo Motor Salon and came away with some great photos of the Lexus in attendance (click the photos to go to the full gallery): Wald International Lexus IS-F Black Bison Edition Club Linea Lexus LX 570 DAD Lexus LS 460 I had to do a double take on that DAD …

Kevin · January 15th, 2009

Lexus RX Museum in Japan

Lexus Japan has built a museum to display the new RX before its launch in February, though I think it’s safe to say it’s more of an art installation. Take a look at some of these photos: The site is certainly unique, unfortunately it’s also entirely in Japanese so there I can’t really grasp more …

Kevin · December 27th, 2008

Lexus Cuts Production in December

To cope with the worldwide automotive sales slump, Lexus will be cutting its management bonuses by 10% and will be taking its Japanese manufacturing plants offline for two days: According to Automotive News, Toyota will idle one of its three assembly lines at its Tahara plant in Japan for two days, wiping about 5,000 vehicles …

Kevin · December 4th, 2008

New Lexus LF-A Videos

Here’s a couple new Lexus LF-A Racing Concept videos for you — first up is some stellar footage of a rocketing LF-A, which perfectly captures the engine belting it out full-force: The other video of note is from the LF-A’s appearance at last week’s Toyota Motorsports Festival in Japan. As you might remember, the supercar …

Kevin · December 4th, 2008

Lexus IS-F Body Kit by Wald International

Wald International, the Japanese bodykit manufacturer that’s made aero-parts for every Lexus out there, has taken a shot at the IS-F. The results, however, are not too pretty — take a look at this rear spoiler/under-spoiler combo: Luckily, the whole thing’s still in the photochop development stage, which leaves the door open for some improvement. …

Kevin · November 10th, 2008

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