Lexus Moving Global Marketing Division to California
Automotive News is reporting that Lexus will moving its global marketing office from Japan to California.
Kevin · December 6th, 2011
Latest News
Video Interview with Lexus GS Chief Engineer Yoshihiko Kanamori
This video interview with Lexus GS Chief Engineer Yoshihiko Kanamori proves the fact that there’s always something new to learn about the next-generation GS.
Kevin · December 5th, 2011
Lexus LFA Diorama Display at Tokyo Motor Show
Along with more images of the "naked" Lexus LFA at the Tokyo Motor Show, *Inside Line* has shared photos of an extraordinary diorama on display that illustrates the major stages in building the Lexus supercar.
Kevin · December 2nd, 2011
TTAC Interviews Lexus LFA Chief Engineer
Bertel Schmitt, one of the great writers over at TTAC, spent some time at the Tokyo Motor Show with Lexus LFA Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi, and came away with some great insight.
Kevin · December 2nd, 2011
Official: BMW & Toyota to Form Technology Partnership
Turns out the rumors were true — it was announced today that BMW & Toyota have agreed to form a partnership.
Kevin · December 1st, 2011
Akio Toyoda Introduces the Lexus GS at the Tokyo Motor Show
Although Lexus didn’t debut anything new at the Tokyo Auto Show this week, it still marked the home country debut of the next-generation GS — Lexus president Akio Toyoda was on hand to reveal the car to the assembled press.
Kevin · November 30th, 2011
2013 Lexus GS Concept Drawings
Included in the press information given out at the 2013 Lexus GS press launch were these two concept drawings.
Kevin · November 28th, 2011
Interview with Lexus GS Designer Katsuhiko Inatomi
As luck would have it, right after my post examining the next-generation Lexus GS exterior design, I stumbled across a very informative interview with Katsuhiko Inatomi, the designer responsible for the spindle grille that forms the new “face” of Lexus.
Kevin · November 27th, 2011
2013 Lexus GS First Drive Reviews
Over the past three weeks, Lexus has been bringing in automotive journalists from all over the world to the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel in Dana Point, California, for the global press launch of the all-new fourth-generation GS.
Kevin · November 23rd, 2011
Next-Generation Lexus IS Photochops from Japan
Shamiz, our source for Japanese magazine rumors, can come through again with these Best Car renderings of four possible next-generation IS variants.
Kevin · November 22nd, 2011
Japanese Lexus GS 350 F Sport Lighting
While the North American Lexus GS 350 F Sport package won’t be equipped with fog-lamps, that won’t be the case in other parts of the world.
Kevin · November 22nd, 2011
Lexus “Journey of Seasoning” Nürburgring Video
As this new video from Gazoo Racing details, the famed Nürburgring track in Germany now plays a very important role in Lexus vehicle development, due to its ability to “season” the automotive character.
Kevin · November 21st, 2011
Lexus Reveals GS 250 Horsepower Details
Lexus has announced that the GS series — including the GS 250, GS 350 F Sport & GS 450h — will be joined by the LFA Nürburgring Edition for the brand’s display at the Tokyo Motor Show in December.
Kevin · November 16th, 2011
Lexus Japan Tops JD Power’s 2011 Sales Satisfaction & Customer Service Index
Lexus Japan has been named the top brand in JD Power’s 2011 Japan Sales Satisfaction Index and 2011 Customer Service Index.
Kevin · November 15th, 2011
Lexus IS F CCS-R Video
The Lexus IS F CCS-R made an appearance at the 2011 Motorsport Japan festival in Odaiba, and the resulting video footage is worth watching just for the sound alone.
Kevin · November 11th, 2011
More Details on the Lexus/Aston Martin Racing Weekend
The story of how Toyota President Akio Toyoda & Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez raced together at Nürburgring.
Kevin · October 18th, 2011
The Lexus IS 350C Heli-Cop-Car
To counteract the travesty of the last video, here’s something from the opposite end of the emotional spectrum — a Lexus IS 350C with cartoon robot arms and a remote-control helicopter mounted to the roof.
Kevin · October 17th, 2011
Lexus Magazine Compares the 2013 GS 350 & GS 450h
Lexus Magazine’s Doug Knox recently travelled to Japan, where he became the first journalist to directly compare the new GS 350 and GS 450h back-to-back on the auto track.
Kevin · October 11th, 2011
Lexus Japan Offers HS 250h Special Edition
The Lexus HS 250h has proven popular enough in Japan to warrant two special Harmonious Leather Interior color combinations.
Kevin · October 10th, 2011
Lexus GS F-Sport Spotted
My man Shamiz in Japan has sent over another photo from one of Japan’s many auto magazines — this time it’s a spy shot of what looks to be the upcoming Lexus GS F-Sport
Kevin · October 3rd, 2011
Imagining the Lexus RX F-Sport
TLE reader Shamiz has just sent me some cellphone quick pics from an as-of-yet unidentified Japanese magazine that show a rendering of the rumored Lexus RX F-Sport.
Kevin · September 22nd, 2011
Is Lexus Building a More Powerful CT?
Also included with the recent CAR Magazine LFA rumors was mention of a possible Lexus CT engine upgrade.
Kevin · September 20th, 2011
Lexus LFA Tokyo Special Edition?
CAR Magazine is reporting that a new Lexus LFA Toyko Edition will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show this winter.
Kevin · September 19th, 2011
Quick Look at the Lexus GS Bamboo Interior Option
Stumbled across this Response.jp photo of a 2013 Lexus GS with the bamboo trim option.
Kevin · September 8th, 2011
Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition Laps Nordschleife in 7:14
Some significant news broke today on Twitter — according to EVO writer Chris Harris & Lexus Europe, Lexus driver Akira Iida posted a 7:14 lap time of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a LFA Nürburgring Edition.
Kevin · September 2nd, 2011
TRD Releases Lexus IS F Circuit Club Sports Parts
Toyota’s TRD performance division has unleashed a serious set of upgrades for the Lexus IS F, all based on CCS Concept shown at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon.
Kevin · August 30th, 2011
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
Report: Lexus GS Almost Cancelled by Akio Toyoda
Have to share this excellent AutoWeek article by Mark Rechtin that details how the Lexus GS was almost cancelled due to internal bureaucracy.
Kevin · August 23rd, 2011
Fabio Drives the Lexus LFA in Crazy Yamaha Racing Video
Yamaha is celebrating their 50th Anniversary of MotoGP Racing, and mark the occasion, they brought together racers from throughout their history in a hilarious video that also features Fabio (yes, Fabio) driving a Lexus LFA in what must be one of the zaniest cameos I've seen in a while.
Kevin · July 29th, 2011
Supercharged Lexus LS 460 Sport Drifting in the Rain
Nothing like Hot Version for some craziness, here's a supercharged Lexus LS 460 Sport drifting in the rain.
Kevin · July 22nd, 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
TOM’S Releases Lexus CT 200h Cup Holders?
TOM'S, the factory-authorized Lexus tuner in Japan, has taken a break from designing aero kits and turbochargers to release two CT 200h cup holders.
Kevin · July 8th, 2011
Lexus Magazine Photo Essay: Landfall
Lexus Magazine has published a photo essay detailing the intricate procedure each Lexus goes through once it lands in North America after being manufactured and shipped from Japan.
Kevin · July 4th, 2011
New Gazoo Racing Concept Powered by Lexus Hybrid Drive
Although it's not really a Lexus, this sports car concept by Gazoo Racing does share the same hybrid powertrain as the RX 450h.
Kevin · June 24th, 2011
Air Runners Reveals Lexus CT 200h Air Suspension
Air Runner Systems have just announced their bolt-on Lexus CT 200h air suspension -- here's some action shots by way of the company's Facebook page.
Kevin · June 22nd, 2011
Iida Akira Shows Off Lexus LFA Drifting Skills
Lexus race car driver Iida Akira put on a show for spectators at a recent Video Option event in Japan.
Kevin · June 16th, 2011
Two Short Lexus CT 200h Commercials from Japan
Here's two 15 second CT 200h commercials from Lexus Japan -- these spots do a great job of cutting to the quick by highlighting the CT's handling capabilities, easily one of the hatchback's strongest selling points. Short and sweet.
Kevin · June 13th, 2011
Looking at Lexus Sales in Japan
While there's no question that the Tōhoku earthquake has affected Lexus production, Bloomberg has used some sleight-of-hand reporting in their recent article about the brand's Japanese sales, making it appear much worse than it really is.
Kevin · June 8th, 2011
Next-Generation Lexus LS Rumors
By way of the Japanese Car Design Corner, the latest issue of Best Car has some new rumors on the next-generation Lexus LS.
Kevin · June 6th, 2011
Meet the Elite: Interviews with the LFA Manufacturing Team
Lexus Magazine is running an interesting feature that looks at some of the men responsible for handcrafting the Lexus LFA at the Motomachi plant in Japan.
Kevin · June 6th, 2011
Lexus SC 430 Commercial: Perfect Day
Music notwithstanding, this Lexus SC 430 commercial sums up exactly what I'd love to be doing this weekend -- driving with the top down.
Kevin · June 3rd, 2011
Driving Lessons with Lexus Driving Guru Yoshiaki Ito
Lexus Magazine is running an article featuring Lexus' Drive Meister Yoshiaki Ito, who has helped develop eight Lexus models while working in the company's experimental division.
Kevin · May 29th, 2011
Best Motoring Laps with the Lexus LFA Nürburgring Race Car
One of the thoughts that ran through my head while watching Best Motoring supercar battle was: How would an Lexus LFA with the Nürburgring package have performed?
Kevin · May 19th, 2011
Best Motoring Comparison: Lexus LFA vs. Nissan GT-R vs. Porsche GT2 RS vs. Ferrari F430 GT3 vs. Corvette ZR1
Japan's Best Motoring series may have been cancelled, but not before putting together a superstar supercar comparison featuring the Lexus LFA, Nissan GT-R, Porsche GT2 RS, Corvette ZR1 & Ferrari F430 GT3 on the Fuji Speedway.
Kevin · May 18th, 2011
Behind-the-Scenes Look at Building the Lexus LFA
Lexus Magazine has put together an absolutely stunning photo essay that illustrates the process of building the LFA at the Motomachi plant in Japan.
Kevin · May 11th, 2011
Creating the Music for the Lexus International Gallery Aoyama in Tokyo
Here’s a 2008 video of Japanese composer Masato Hatanaka and his efforts to create the ambient music playing at the Lexus International Gallery Aoyama in Tokyo: Admittedly, the video and the concept are a little out of the ordinary — but it also displays the uniqueness that I would expect at a Japanese Lexus dealership. …
Kevin · May 1st, 2011
Automobile Magazine Comparison: Lexus LX 570 vs. Infiniti QX56
Automobile Magazine recently compared the Lexus LX 570 against the Infiniti QX56 and found the QX56 to be the superior Japanese SUV based on handling, price & a drag race (?!?) — my own priorities when buying a full-size SUV would be much different (comfort, interior quality, exterior design). (This entire comparison must have been …
Kevin · April 28th, 2011
Wald International Lexus LX 570 Black Bison Edition
While on the topic of Wald International body kits, the Japanese tuner has released a Sports Line Black Bison package for the Lexus LX 570 — here’s the full gallery: Have to give Wald some credit for coming up with a style and sticking with it, but this gives the ASI Invader some competition as …
Kevin · April 28th, 2011
Lexus Unlikely to Remain #1 in U.S. Luxury Sales
Mark Templin, general manager of Lexus USA, has told the Automotive News that due to earthquake-related vehicle shortages, he does not expect Lexus to retain its position as the #1 luxury car manufacturer in the USA for an eleventh year: Lexus dealers will begin to feel shortages of cars this week, and definitely in May, …
Kevin · April 26th, 2011
2013 Lexus LS Photochop by Mag-X
Using elements of our sneak peek at next-generation GS LF-Gh Concept, Japanese magazine Mag-X has put together this rendering of the 2013 Lexus LS (click for a larger image): Not much to look at for the most part, but this rendering does a good job at turning the LF-Gh’s massive pinched grille into something that …
Kevin · April 11th, 2011
TOM’s Planning Lexus CT 200h Body Kit & Exhaust System?
According to the CT 200h Club of Malaysia, long-time Japanese Lexus tuner TOM’s is looking into creating a CT 200h body kit — here’s some mockups: The kit follows the pattern set by the Modellista body kit with a fairly plain front and a rear diffuser, though the TOM’s rendition is more angular. TOM’s does …
Kevin · April 6th, 2011
Lexus IS F Racing the Fuji Speedway
The Fuji Speedway is a an central part of Lexus‘ new sporting history, with the F-Sport performance brand named after Japan’s most famous racetrack — here’s a nicely done IS F video that shows every twist and turn of the course: Love the slide around the :55 mark — must have watched it five times …
Kevin · March 31st, 2011
Lexus LFA, Ferrari F430, Nissan GT-R & Porsche 911 Racing the Fuji Speedway
From the looks of this video, we can expect a Lexus LFA appearance on a future episode of Japan’s Best Motoring, where it will be competing against the Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911 GT3 & a Ferrari F430 on the Fuji Speedway — the very course that the LFA was named for. Watch the Video
Kevin · March 31st, 2011
Kazama Auto’s 2JZ Lexus IS
Speaking of matte black Lexus IS 350s, here’s a great Speedhunters feature on a two-tone IS built by Kazama Auto that’s out-of-this-world: It’s not just the exterior that’s been remade, but the entire car from top to bottom. Check out this engine setup: That’s a 2JZ-GTE Supra engine pumping out 620hp and mated to a …
Kevin · March 30th, 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 …
Kevin · March 30th, 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 …
Kevin · March 11th, 2011
Lexus February 2011 Sales Report
USA Lexus reported total sales of 13,814 units, which essentially matches sales from last February — here are the model-by-model stats: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2011 2010 % CHG* 2011 2010 % CHG* ES 2,598 2,349 10.6 4,813 5,272 -8.7 HS 183 712 -74.3 469 1,959 -76.1 LS 706 799 -11.6 1,440 1,891 -23.8 …
Kevin · March 1st, 2011
Next-Generation Lexus IS F?
Along with their photochop of the next-generation Lexus IS, Best Car also tried their hand at the future IS F (click for a larger image): From the Japanese blurb, it looks like Best Car is suggesting the engine output will remain unchanged in the next-gen IS F, which is something I doubt very much. It …
Kevin · February 23rd, 2011
Next-Gen Lexus IS Hybrid?
Japanese magazine Best Car is reporting the next-generation Lexus IS will be coming this September, and will be available as a V6 hybrid capable of 58 MPG (4l/100kms) — here’s their photochop attempt at the third generation IS (click for a larger version): Considering the huge marketing push for the 2011 IS update, I have …
Kevin · February 22nd, 2011
2012 Lexus GS Photochops
An as-yet-unknown Japanese magazine has put together their rendition of the fourth-generation Lexus GS: While it may be a modified version of this CT 200h photo and a poor photochop all round, I’ll give it some points on the clever headlights. Also included was an attempt at the GS F: Again, it’s another riff on …
Kevin · February 18th, 2011
Lexus LS 460/600hL Replacement Grille by Wald
Here’s something interesting that I came across on the Wald website last week while looking at their new LS Sports Line Black Bison body kit — the Japanese tuner is also offering a LS replacement grille: I’ve been driving a LS 600hL for the last week, and have to say, this replacement grille would be …
Kevin · February 14th, 2011
Lexus LS 600hL Sports Line Black Bison Body Kit by Wald
Japanese tuner Wald International has released a new Sports Line Black Bison body kit for the Lexus LS 600h/hL: The full kit is extensive, and includes a front bumper spoiler, side steps, sports fender ducts, LED daytime running lights, a rear bumper spoiler, roof spoiler, trunk spoiler (Version 2), plus a new exhaust system. The …
Kevin · February 9th, 2011
Blue Lexus LFA Flyby
This video featuring a blue Lexus LFA in Japan is just the right amount of scary: Barrelling towards the camera and changing course at the very last second is a great demonstration of the LFA’s performance and handling, if not just a little terrifying for the one doing the filming. *** As a special bonus, …
Kevin · February 8th, 2011
Pearl Red Lexus LFA Gets Final Inspection
Lexus Magazine has just posted their Photo of the Week, and it’s an outtake from their recent article featuring Shigeru Yamanaka, the master craftsman in charge of LFA manufacturing: That Pearl Red exterior is really something special. [Source: Lexus Magazine]
Kevin · January 25th, 2011
Lexus Japan’s CT 200h Harmonious Driving Navigator
The Japanese Lexus CT 200h comes equipped with a very interesting new feature: the Harmonious Driving Navigator, a service that connects the car to the Internet and gives the ability to track fuel efficiency online and compete against other CT 200h drivers. I only have the translation of the Japanese webpage for information, but looks …
Kevin · January 24th, 2011
Lexus IS Manufacturing Video
The combination of seeing the Lexus LFA manufacturing process and the recent Hard Way commercials reminded me of this 2005 video about the IS assembly line at the Kyushu plant: The level of precision shown in every Lexus never ceases to amaze me — this is the Pursuit of Perfection at work.
Kevin · January 23rd, 2011
Tokyo Auto Salon: Lexus Collection
While the official Lexus display at the Tokyo Auto Salon held most of our attention this last week, there was also a number of Lexus vehicles spread out among various body kit manufacturer displays — TLE reader & Flickr member CLF shares some photos: I may not be a fan of Wald’s Black Bison LS …
Kevin · January 20th, 2011
Lexus LFA Buyer Tours the LFA Manufacturing Facility
While on the topic of the Lexus LFA production facility, Club Lexus member gengar recently visited the Motomachi plant to see his LFA being built, and recounts the experience in vivid detail — here are some quotes: The tour was led by LFA production manager Shigeru Yamanaka. Accompanying him was LFA chief engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi …
Kevin · January 20th, 2011