New Lexus HS 250 Special Edition Now Available in Japan

The Japan-only Lexus HS 250h will receive its second special edition of the year with this new Harmonious Leather Interior in Spindle Red: Any exterior color can be chosen (including Atomic Silver), and an exclusive Starlight Black option is available with the package. The HS 250h Harmonious Leather Interior II will launch in November and …
Kevin · September 19th, 2014

Giant Foam Obstacle Course at Lexus NX Launch Event in Japan

Lexus had a giant foam party at the Tokyo Tower last week to launch their new Japanese NX commercial — here’s some video from the event: My friend Danny was also in attendance, and sent over these photos: Automotive News writer Hans Greimel attended the event: While now a cringe-worthy memory for most hipsters in …
Kevin · September 1st, 2014

PETRONAS TOM’S Lexus RC F Wins Super GT Round 6

The PETRONAS TOM’S racing team of Kazuki Nakajima & James Rossiter have won the 2014 Suzuka Circuit Super GT Round 6 GT500 class in the #36 Lexus RC F. The ENEOS SUSTINA RC F team of Kazuya Oshima & Yuji Kunimoto were the next highest Lexus team at fifth place. Here are highlights from the …
Kevin · September 1st, 2014

Lexus NX Commercial from Japan

Lexus Japan has released a commercial for the new NX compact crossover, and it has that same quirky cleverness seen in their recent campaigns: There’s also this behind-the-scenes look at all those bubbles:
Kevin · August 26th, 2014

2015 Lexus GS to be Available in Atomic Silver

After debuting with the third-generation Lexus IS , the Atomic Silver exterior color will be coming to the 2015 GS. So far, Japan & the USA have confirmed the color’s availability, and I imagine other markets will follow suit. [Source: Lexus Global Newsroom]
Kevin · August 25th, 2014

More Photos of the Starfire Pearl Lexus RC 300h

After the request for more photos of the Starfire Pearl RC 300h, Japanese Lexus enthusiast Yuki Okada sent in this image gallery: This RC 300h is currently on display at the Lexus Midland Square showroom in Nagoya.
Kevin · August 21st, 2014

Photo: Lexus RC 300h in Starfire Pearl

Lexus Japan is currently showing an RC 300h with a Starfire Pearl exterior at their Midland Square showroom in Nagoya. This marks the first time the standard RC has been seen in a color other than Infrared, and it looks great in this low-resolution photo — hoping for better images to surface shortly. [Source: Toyota …
Kevin · August 20th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus NX in Japan

Japanese website Response has an excellent photo gallery of the Lexus NX: (The NX is destined to be a huge hit in Japan — dealerships in the country have already taken 6,500 preorders.) [Source: Response.jp]
Kevin · August 14th, 2014

No Podium Finish for Lexus Racing Teams at Super GT Round 5

The Lexus Racing teams missed a podium finish at the 2014 Super GT Round 5 at Fuji Speedway — the top team was fifth place PETRONAS TOM’S finishing 5th, followed by KeePer TOM’S team at 9th. Here are highlights from the race courtesy of the Super GT Youtube channel: Despite the 9th place finish, the …
Kevin · August 11th, 2014

First Production Lexus NX Rolls Off Assembly Line in Japan

Earlier today, the very first Lexus NX rolled off the assembly line at Miyata factory in Kyushu, Japan — here’s video from the line-off ceremony: A Matador Red Mica NX 200t F SPORT and Eminent White NX 300h were the first to be built — here’s some footage from the assembly line: [Source: Lexus International]
Kevin · August 8th, 2014

Lexus Japan to Offer Brand Experience Tour of Australia

Lexus Japan is offering an Amazing Experience tour of Australia, bringing together special luxury events with a driving tour of the country’s best roads. Open to owners, the eight day trip includes a day at the Melbourne Cup Carnival, a two-day driving experience through rainforests, and attending the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition. The Amazing …
Kevin · August 7th, 2014

End of an Era: Final Lexus IS F Rolls Off the Assembly Line

The very last Lexus IS F rolled off the assembly line last week at the Tahara plant in Japan, ending a seven-year production run. While the IS F never sold in large numbers — recent quotes suggest the worldwide sales were 12,000 units in total over its lifecycle — it was the very first Lexus …
Kevin · July 31st, 2014

New Lexus NX F SPORT Video from Japan

The Lexus Japan website has been updated to include the NX crossover, and this F SPORT driving video is part of the new marketing:
Kevin · July 31st, 2014

2015 Lexus NX F SPORT Body Kit by Modellista Japan

Official Lexus tuner Modellista has released images of their new NX body kit The body kit consists of a front under spoiler, side skirts, and a rear diffuser with a design that changes depending on the NX 200t or NX 300h. A rear spoiler add-on and 19-inch aluminum wheels are also available. Modellista has also …
Kevin · July 30th, 2014

Lexus NX F SPORT Body Kit by TRD Japan

Official Lexus tuner TRD Japan has released images of the world’s first NX aero parts: The kit is made up of a front under spoiler, rear diffuser, and a quad-exhaust muffler setup: There’s also aluminum forged 19-inch wheels: As with all things TRD, these aero parts are not cheap — the front spoiler is reasonable …
Kevin · July 29th, 2014

Zent Cerumo Lexus RC F Wins Super GT Round 4

The ZENT CERUMO racing team of Yuji Tachikawa & Hirate have won the 2014 Super GT Round 4 GT500 class in the #1 Lexus RC F. The KeePer TOM’S RC F team of Daisuke Ito & Andrea Caldarelli finished second. Here are highlights from the race courtesy of the Super GT Youtube channel: The next …
Kevin · July 21st, 2014

Lexus IS Aero Kit Released by Japanese Tuner TOM’S

Japanese tuner TOM’S has released their first aero kit for the third-generation Lexus IS: The full kit includes a front spoiler, side skirts, rear under spoiler and a trunk spoiler — a quad exhaust system is also being offered. Here’s a video with the car in motion: The TOM’S aero package will retail in Japan …
Kevin · July 15th, 2014

Special Edition Lexus RX Debuts in Japan

Lexus Japan have announced the [RX Radiant Aero Style special edition] package (http://lexus.jp/models/rx/ras/index.html) with some exterior modifications and a unique interior color scheme: The special edition includes a blacked out front bumper to match the spindle grille, LED fog lamps, 19-inch aluminum wheels, and a very nice black & red leather interior. The Radiant Aero …
Kevin · July 14th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Slammed Lexus GS F SPORT in Japan

Speedhunters wraps up their coverage of Japanese tuner LEXON with a feature on this slammed Lexus GS F SPORT in Matador Red Mica: The major update to the GS is the Airrunner air suspension, which makes the slammed stance a little more practical. There’s also a full LEXON carbon fiber aero package, including front spoiler …
Kevin · June 24th, 2014

Video: Black Lexus NX 200t F SPORT in Japan

Earlier this week, we saw some photos of a black Lexus NX 200t F SPORT at the Lexus International Gallery in Aoyama, Tokyo, and now we have some (very strangely filmed) video — be warned, turn the sound way down: An NX in Sonic Quartz was also on display, and the video also features the …
Kevin · June 12th, 2014

Photos: Black Lexus NX F SPORT in Japan

A black NX 200t F SPORT is now on display at the Lexus Aoyama Gallery in Tokyo: (NX pre-orders have started in Japan, and different models & colors are being displayed around the country, including a NX F SPORT in Matador Red Mica.) [Source: Club Lexus] (Thanks AndyL & corradoMR2!)
Kevin · June 8th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus NX F SPORT in Matador Red Mica

A Lexus NX 200t F SPORT in Matador Red Mica is currently on display at Midland Square in Nagoya, Japan — here are some photos from Japanese blogger Renoba: (Japanese consumers will be able to pre-order NX models starting this weekend, and different colors are being displayed all over the country — more photos shortly!) …
Kevin · June 5th, 2014

Photos: Lexus LFA on Vossen VFS-2 Wheels

Dino Dalle Carbonare from Speedhunters has an excellent photo feature on the Lexus LFA owned by Japanese tuner LEXON — here are just a couple images: Aftermarket wheels on an LFA is something of a rarity, but the Vossen VFS-2 wheels really work on the Lexus supercar — be sure to check out the rest …
Kevin · June 2nd, 2014

Lexus Racing Teams Stumble in Super GT Round 3

Super GT Round 3 at Autopolis in Kyushu was not a good race for Lexus teams — ranking highest was the KeePer TOM’s RC F team of Daisuke Ito & Andrea Caldarelli with a fourth place finish. The Petronas TOM’s team of James Rossiter & Ryo Hirakawa finished close behind in fifth. Here are the …
Kevin · June 2nd, 2014

Slammed Lexus IS F SPORT from Japanese Tuner Lexon

Dino Dalle Carbonare from Speedhunters has a nice feature on Japanese tuner Lexon and their Lexus IS F SPORT show car: Before the Lexon company was set up, its owner, Takemi-san, was more into the performance side of things and was primarlily building and supplying parts for circuit and drift cars. But with changing trends …
Kevin · May 27th, 2014

Lexus RC F GT3 Race Car Spotted in Japan

The first test of the Lexus RC F GT3 race car took place last week at the Okayama International Circuit in Japan: Developed over two years by Lexus International and subsidiary Techno Craft, the RC F GT3 concept is powered by a modified version of the RC F’s V8 engine that produces 540+ hp (397kw). …
Kevin · May 21st, 2014

Special Edition Lexus HS 250h Now Available in Japan

Lexus Japan will release a special edition HS 250h in June with the exclusive Harmonious Leather Interior II package. The interior features black & white leather with violet highlights, along with beautiful birds eye maple & ash wood trim — here are some photos: Any exterior color can be chosen, though an exclusive Starlight Black …
Kevin · May 15th, 2014

Lexus NX to Debut New Audio Improvement Technology

The Lexus NX will introduce a world-first audio technology from Harman called Clari-fi, which significantly improves the sound quality of compressed audio: Unlike other solutions in the market today, Clari-Fi does not simply add equalization and boost bass, or focus only on leveraging high-resolution file formats on a proprietary device, according to Harman. Harman said …
Kevin · May 7th, 2014

Two Lexus RC F Teams Reach the Podium in Super GT Round 2

The ZENT CERUMO RC F #1 racing team of Yuji Tachikawa & Kohei Hirate placed second in the 2014 Super GT Round 2 held at Fuji Speedway earlier today. The ENEOS SUSTINA RC F team of Kazuya Oshima & Yuji Kunimoto finished third. Here are highlights from the race, from the Super GT Youtube channel: …
Kevin · May 4th, 2014

Ultrasonic Blue Lexus LS F SPORT Spotted in Japan

An Ultrasonic Blue Lexus LS F SPORT has been spotted in Japan, and it’s something special — it may lack usual subtlety of the LS, but there’s a unique appeal in seeing the flagship Lexus in the now-signature F SPORT color. (No further details at this point, but I have to think this is a …
Kevin · April 24th, 2014

Details on the First Lexus LFA Owners Club Meet in Japan

Last weekend in Japan, 22 LFAs and 23 LFA owners participated in the inaugural meeting of the Lexus LFA Owners Club. The meet took place at the Lexus College campus inside of the Fuji Speedway. LFA Chief Engineer Tanahashi Haruhiko was in attendance, and the event was memorialized with a ceremonial planting of a Youkou-zakura …
Kevin · April 15th, 2014

Lexus LFA Code X Race Car Testing on Fuji Speedway

The Lexus LFA Code X race car had its final test at the Fuji Speedway in Japan before being shipped to Germany for the Nürburgring 24 Hour Race in June — Gazoo Racing posted some photos on Facebook: The LFA Code X is a significant new development in Lexus racing — the bigger 5.3L V10 …
Kevin · April 15th, 2014

KeePer TOM’s Lexus RC F Team Wins Super GT Round 1

The KeePer TOM’s racing team of Daisuke Ito & Andrea Caldarelli have won the 2014 Super GT Round 1 GT500 class in the #37 Lexus RC F. The ENEOS SUSTINA RC F team of Kazuya Oshima & Yuji Kunimoto finished second. Here are highlights from the race, from the Super GT Youtube channel: The next …
Kevin · April 6th, 2014

Lexus RC F GT500 Racing This Weekend in Super GT Round One

This weekend, the first race of the 2014 Super GT season takes place at the Okayama International Circuit in Mimasaka, Japan. This will mark the official debut of the RC F GT500 race car, which will be used by six teams — here are the six race cars in their final livery: The six teams …
Kevin · April 4th, 2014

More Photos of the Yellow Lexus LFA Spyder & Toyota 2000GT

Here’s some more photos of that one-off yellow Lexus LFA Spyder parked alongside the iconic Toyota 2000GT, this time from the Toyota UK blog: There’s also this photo of the LFA Spyder’s interior, sent to me by reader Okada Yuki: The yellow Lexus LFA Spyder will be displayed alongside a 1967 Toyota 2000GT as part …
Kevin · March 30th, 2014

Lexus IS F SPORT with Rear Wheel Steering Now Available in Japan

Lexus now offers the IS F SPORT with the Dynamic Handling System (DHS), which includes four-wheel steering — Motoring Australia spoke with IS chief engineer Junichi Furyama about the performance advantages this technology has over similar AWD systems: “All-wheel drive tends to be heavier and the behaviour tends to be understeer,” he explained via an …
Kevin · March 25th, 2014

Japanese Lexus Dealership Builds Exclusive LS Owners-Only Lounge

A Lexus dealership in Nagoya, Japan, has built a special lounge specifically for LS owners — Hans Greimel from Automotive News reports: Kazuo Oguri, CEO of Nagoya Toyopet Corp., is the only dealer in Japan — and he thinks the world — to create such a special hideaway just for customers of the brand’s flagship …
Kevin · March 24th, 2014

Tomica Release Die-Cast Lexus IS F SPORT

Japanese toy maker Tomica has produced two Lexus IS F SPORT die cast models — here’s a loyal fan unboxing the cars: The detail is decent for a 1/65 scale model — wish I could visit the nearest big-box store and pick up a couple for myself, but these will likely be rare outside of …
Kevin · March 23rd, 2014

Video: Inside the Lexus RC F GT500 Race Car

There’s a new Lexus Racing video with in-car footage of the RC F GT500 race cars: There are six Lexus RC F GT500 teams taking part in the 2014 SuperGT season, which starts April 6th at the Okayama International Circuit.
Kevin · March 21st, 2014

More Photos of the White Lexus RC F with Carbon Fiber Package

The carbon fiber Lexus RC F first spotted on a Japanese TV show has set up shop at INTERSECT in Tokyo — Lexus Europe shared some photos on Facebook: (Worth mentioning that the carbon fiber hood is only available as an option outside North America.) [Source: Lexus Europe Facebook]
Kevin · March 19th, 2014

New Lexus President on the Brand’s Design Future

Automotive News editor Dave Guilford had a chance to sit down with Tokuo Fukuichi, who takes over as president of Lexus International on April 1: In an interview at the Geneva auto show, Fukuichi, speaking through an interpreter, parried a question about Lexus’ design future by saying, “The honest and frank answer is we really …
Kevin · March 18th, 2014

Photo Gallery: The ENEOS Lexus RC F GT500

Autosport Web has a few photos of the ENEOS Lexus RC F GT500 from a recent fan appreciation day: ENEOS driver Kazuya Oshima also posted this photo from the paddock: There are six Lexus RC F GT500 teams taking part in the 2014 SuperGT season, which starts April 6th at the Okayama International Circuit. [Source: …
Kevin · March 14th, 2014

Should Lexus Build an Ultra Luxury Van for Asia?

Hans Greimel from Automotive News reports on an unusual rumor — Lexus dealers in Asia want Lexus to build a one-box van: The reasoning: Today’s chauffer-driven executive, politician or other high roller finds the cramped rear seats of the Lexus LS, the brand’s flagship, or the Toyota Century, the staid old-school V-12 limousine usually spotted …
Kevin · March 12th, 2014

First Live Photo of Full Lexus RC F Carbon Fiber Package

The latest episode of Japanese television show Super GT Plus featured the very first live look at the Lexus RC F in its full carbon fiber performance package — so far, this is the only image I’ve seen from the show: This RC F looks to be the same model featured in the official launch …
Kevin · March 10th, 2014

Japanese Fashion Designers Create Lexus Miniature Models

Japanese fashion brands Anrealage & Somarta have each created a miniature Lexus model as part of a new exhibition at INTERSECT in Tokyo. Anrealage took the Lexus RX and reduced it to 3D pixels: Somarta went even further, transforming the CT into a wild dragon dress: The two models will be on display at INTERSECT …
Kevin · March 7th, 2014

Photo Gallery: The ZENT CERUMO Lexus RC F GT500

The ZENT CERUMO Lexus RC F GT500 recently took part in a fan appreciation day at the Suzuka circuit in Japan — here are some photos from Racerlink & Autosport Web: There are six Lexus RC F GT500 teams taking part in the 2014 SuperGT season, which starts April 6th at the Okayama International Circuit.
Kevin · March 5th, 2014

Should the Production Lexus LF-LC Look Like This?

Japanese magazine Best Car has published an attractive rendering of a production Lexus LF-LC coupe. Merging the best of the LF-LC concept with the design of the RC coupe, the “LC F” rendering above is quite believable with its extreme polish — I could definitely see the production LF-LC looking very similar. Best part of …
Kevin · February 26th, 2014

Wald International Releases Lexus RX Body Kit

Japanese tuner Wald International has released an updated Executive Line body kit for the Lexus RX: The body kit is simple enough, adding a front lip spoiler and rear skirt to the Lexus crossover. Pricing has yet to be released. See more photos of the Wald Lexus RX
Kevin · February 25th, 2014

Photo Gallery: 2014 Lexus CT 200h F SPORT with *Redline* Exterior

Japanese website Car Watch has posted some photos of the updated 2014 Lexus CT 200h F SPORT in the new Redline exterior color: I saw the CT 200h in Redline a couple weeks back at the Toronto Auto Show, and thought it was a strong color that suited the CT perfectly — anyone else seen …
Kevin · February 24th, 2014

Video: Glowing Lexus LFA Art Installation in Japan

Video of the Lexus LFA Media Ambition art exhibit has surfaced: The earlier photos made the lightshow appear much more intense, but the installation by Rhizomatiks still has its moments — really liked the glowing tri-exhaust tips.
Kevin · February 23rd, 2014

Unique Yellow Lexus LFA Spyder on Display in Japan

The yellow Lexus LFA Spyder will be displayed alongside a 1967 Toyota 2000GT as part of a unique event at the Toyota Kaikan museum in Nagoya, Japan. First spotted during a Tokyo Motor Show event, this yellow LFA Spyder will be in the museum until the end of April. [Source: Toyota Japan Facebook]
Kevin · February 14th, 2014

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Featured in Japanese Art Installation

The Media Ambition Tokyo 2014 event features eighteen artworks by 16 of Japan’s most cutting-edge technological artists, and as a sponsor, Lexus is featured in an installation by Rhizomatiks The placement of long light tubes gives the LFA Nürburgring the appearance of movement, and makes for quite a spectacle — would be something to see …
Kevin · February 11th, 2014

A Closer Look at the CRAFTED BY LEXUS Collection

The Japan Times has an in-depth look at the CRAFTED FOR LEXUS accessory line currently available at INTERSECT in Japan: Intersect By Lexus nevertheless aims to likewise attract a new group of customers through their exhibition space, restaurant and store. Nakayama explains that the shop is a space where Japanese artisans, who have been commissioned …
Kevin · February 9th, 2014

Amazing Trick Photography with the Lexus CT 200h

In a continuation of their excellent CT commercial, Lexus Japan has sent a team of creatives on a road trip to take more trick photography — here are some examples: This is some seriously amazing work — there’s currently 19 trick photos (and accompanying videos), with 11 more still to come. So good. Visit the …
Kevin · February 3rd, 2014

Lexus 2014 SuperGT Teams Announced

At a press conference in Japan, Lexus announced the six SuperGT teams that will be racing the new RC F GT500 — here they are, along with the drivers: #1 Team ZENT CERUMO (Drivers Yuji Tachikawa & Hirate) #6 Team LEMANS ENEOS (Drivers Kazuya Oshima & Yuji Kunimoto) #19 Team WEDSPORTS BANDOH (Drivers to be …
Kevin · January 30th, 2014

Lexus Manufacturing Plant in Japan Displays Custom CT 200h at Local Auto Show

The Lexus manufacturing plant in Fukuoka, Japan, has built a custom Lexus CT200h for display at the 2014 Fukuoka Motor Show in last week. Inspired by traditional handicrafts, the interior of this special edition CT 200h incorporates local fabrics, ceramics, tortoiseshell and mat rush — here’s the only photo I’ve been able to find: This …
Kevin · January 27th, 2014

Next-Generation Lexus IS F Planned?

Despite rumors of its cancelation, Japanese magazine Mag-X reports that Lexus plans to release a next-generation Lexus IS F after all. The first mention that the high-performance sports sedan would be discontinued came last year in an article from USA Today — the debut of the RC F coupe and spy shots of a GS …
Kevin · January 23rd, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus RC F GT500 Racecar in Detail

At this point, we’ve all seen the Lexus RC F GT500 display from the Tokyo Auto Salon, but Lexus International has just posted up some great photos of the racecar and its super-stylish mannequin pit crew: Can’t wait to see how the Lexus Super GT teams customize their RC Fs, it’s going to be quite …
Kevin · January 22nd, 2014

More Photos of the Lexus LFA Code X Racecar

The Lexus LFA Code X was introduced at the Tokyo Auto Salon by Toyota president Akio Toyoda last week, here are some photos from Response.jp: The news of the LFA Code X was buried somewhat with the introduction of the new RC F, but it’s a significant new development in Lexus racing — the bigger …
Kevin · January 21st, 2014

Spied: Is Lexus Developing a Four-Door Coupe?

An unusual Lexus prototype has been spotted by Japanese magazine Mag-X, here it is from three angles: Despite wearing the front-end of what looks like a GS F SPORT, the long hood and short trunk suggest something else entirely — could Lexus be working a four door coupe to complete with the Mercedes CLS & …
Kevin · January 20th, 2014

More Information on the Lexus RC F Carbon Fiber Package

Outside of North America, the Lexus RC F carbon fiber package will also include the lightweight hood — here are some photos showing off the package with an Ultrawhite RC F: By utilizing the knowledge gained in creating the LFA, Lexus is able to augment their high-performance models with straight-from-the-factory carbon fiber — this is …
Kevin · January 19th, 2014

Three New Lexus CT 200h Videos from Japan

Along with their new CT 200h commercial, Lexus Japan has also released three additional videos with the updated hatchback: Lexus Japan has pulled out all the stops for the updated CT 200h — each video is super high quality, and any one of them could have been a commercial on its own.
Kevin · January 17th, 2014

New Lexus CT 200h Commercial from Japan

Lexus Japan has released a new commercial for the CT 200h, and it’s brilliant: It’s important to point out that commercial wasn’t made digitally, all the trick photography was real — here’s how it was made: (Really loving the commercials coming out of Japan — right now is a great time to revisit the black …
Kevin · January 16th, 2014

TRD Japan Announces Lexus CT 200h F SPORT Accessories

TRD Japan has announced their F SPORT package for the updated Lexus CT 200h — here’s photos of every option: The full kit includes a front spoiler, side skirts, a quarter-panel spoiler that sits above the taillights, plus a sports muffler and rear diffuser — these aero enhancements help control airflow and improve downforce: The …
Kevin · January 16th, 2014

More Photos of the Lexus RC F GT500 Race Car

Carview Japan has more photos of the Lexus RC F GT500 racecar on display this weekend at the Tokyo Auto Salon — here’s a selection: (There’s even more photos over at Autoguide & Response.) There’s also a video of the Lexus Racing booth, starring the two-tone Umbrella girl: (Booming music, tuxedo race suits & top …
Kevin · January 12th, 2014

Camouflaged Lexus RC F Prototype Shown in Official Video

One week before the debut of the RC F coupe at the Detroit Auto Show, Lexus International has released two videos with Yukihiko Yaguchi, chief engineer of the IS F and likely a key figure in the development of the new high-performance coupe: In the second video, a camouflaged RC F can been seen on …
Kevin · January 7th, 2014

Lexus Racing Announcement at Tokyo Auto Salon This Week?

Lexus has released a rendering of their Lexus Racing display for the Tokyo Auto Salon, a massive aftermarket event held in Japan — here’s the image in full (click for a larger version): While the press release mentions the Super GT racing series, the image shows a vehicle that looks more like an LFA than …
Kevin · January 6th, 2014