Lexus Europe Offers Two-Tone CT 200h Special Edition
There's a new Lexus CT 200h two-tone special edition now available in Europe.
Kevin · February 2nd, 2015
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Photo Gallery: The Lexus LF-LC GT Vision Gran Turismo Concept
After a brief teaser last week, the Lexus LF-LC GT Vision Gran Turismo concept has been fully revealed.
Kevin · February 2nd, 2015
Lexus Adds Two More Superbowl Commercials
With separate commercials for NX, RC, LS, & GS, it will be a Lexus marketing blitz during the Superbowl today.
Kevin · February 1st, 2015
New Lexus Super Bowl Commercial Features Remote Control RC F
A new Lexus commercial will be a last minute addition to the Super Bowl pre-show, and the star will be a remote control RC F
Kevin · January 30th, 2015
Lexus Racing Announces 2015 Schedule with Super GT & Nürburgring 24 Hour Race
Lexus Racing has announced their schedule for 2015, and it includes the Super GT series in Japan and two cars in the Nürburgring 24h race.
Kevin · January 30th, 2015
EVO Comparison: Lexus RC F vs. BMW M4 vs. Audi RS 5
EVO has a new article comparing the Lexus RC F, BMW M4, and the Audi RS 5 -- just wait to s
Kevin · January 30th, 2015
What will the 2016 Lexus GS Update Look Like?
Now that everyone's seen the Lexus GS F, it's time to think what the new design might mean for updates to the current model.
Kevin · January 28th, 2015
Welcome to the New Lexus Enthusiast
After years of planning and months of development, the new Lexus Enthusiast website is here. Here are the details on the new features and changes.
Kevin · January 28th, 2015
Video: Alex Wurz Drives the Lexus RC F for Top Gear
It's going to be a big week, so let's start it off right with this Top Gear video of two-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Alex Wurz driving the Lexus RC F.
Kevin · January 25th, 2015
Lexus Dominates KBB 2015 Best Resale Value Awards
For the fourth year in a row, Lexus has been named the top Luxury Brand in the Kelly Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards.
Kevin · January 23rd, 2015
Lexus NX Customization Options Available in Japan
As a followup to yesterday’s post, it turns out Lexus Japan offers color-coded wheel arches for the NX: It’s a ¥151,200 ($1,275 USD) option, and just one of the many customizations Lexus Japan offers. There’s also a door garnish, door handle garnish, plated side door molding, and a chrome trunk lip: I was also pointed …
Kevin · January 22nd, 2015
Custom Color-Coded Lexus NX Spotted in Japan
An eagle-eyed reader in Japan spotted this Lexus NX with color-coded wheel arches: No information on if this was a custom job or an aftermarket accessory — hopefully someone out there has more details. I’ve always wondered how the NX would look without its dark grey wheel arches, and to be honest, I don’t know …
Kevin · January 21st, 2015
Lexus Europe Sales Up 23% in 2014
Lexus Europe has released its sales data for 2014, and it was an excellent year for the brand — here’s a model-by-model breakdown for all Western, Central and Eastern European countries, including Turkey and Russia: 2013 Sales Hybrid Percentage CT 10,340 100% IS 11,521 79.4% ES 3,038 3.9% GS 3,880 54.7% LS 480 46.3% RX …
Kevin · January 20th, 2015
Videos: The Lexus RC F GT3 Race Car on Fuji Speedway
Lexus Japan has released two expertly filmed videos of the RC F GT3 race car: The RC F as a consumer car is a necessary vehicle in the Lexus lineup, but it’s arguably more important as a racing platform — nothing will bring more performance credibility to the brand than winning on the track.
Kevin · January 20th, 2015
Details on the Lexus RC F CCS Concept from Tokyo Auto Salon
Let’s circle back to the Tokyo Auto Salon earlier this month and take a closer look at the Lexus show booth. On display was the RC F GT3 car and something else entirely: the RC F CCS Parts Concept. Here are some photos from Japanese website Response: Most important is this graphic behind the RC …
Kevin · January 19th, 2015
Tomica Releases Lexus RC F Diecast Cars
Tomica released two Lexus RC F diecast cars in Japan this weekend, and in amazing Internet fashion, there are already unboxing videos on Youtube: The RC F diecast cars are available in Ultra White and Molten Pearl, both with the full carbon fiber package. Available only in Japan for the time being, they retail for …
Kevin · January 19th, 2015
Lexus Increases NX Production to 10,000 Units Per Month
Lexus has increased production of the NX compact crossover to 10,000 units per month in order to capitalize on the vehicle’s impressive launch. The initial expectation was for 80,000 NXs to be sold worldwide in 2015, but the forecast has now been raised to more than 100,000 units. The NX is produced at Toyota Motor …
Kevin · January 18th, 2015
Report: Next-Generation Lexus RX to Debut at New York Auto Show
Edmunds has now confirmed that the next-generation Lexus RX will be revealed at the New York Auto Show in April: The RX 350 is expected to be larger, a strategy that will separate it in terms of size and price from the recently introduced 2015 Lexus NX 200t SUV, which shares a platform with the …
Kevin · January 15th, 2015
Video: New Lexus NX Commercial for Superbowl XLIX
Lexus returns to the Superbowl advertising game with a commercial for the new NX compact crossover: The commercial was created by Walton Issacson — Variety talked with one of the ad agency’s founders about the spot: The Lexus ad is remarkable for what it lacks. The spot features no surprise appearances by a movie star …
Kevin · January 15th, 2015
Lexus will have “Nine Product Stories” in 2015
Lexus will have nine “product stories” in 2015 — here’s what Lexus USA general manager Jeff Bracken had to say in an interview yesterday at the Detroit Auto Show: “In addition to the four new or mid-cycle product refreshes that I revealed at the show this morning, there will also be an all-new generation introduction …
Kevin · January 14th, 2015
Lexus Introduces New Global Racing Program
Lexus revealed details on their new racing program during their Detroit Auto Show press conference yesterday. Alongside a continued presence in the Japanese Super GT series, the brand plans to introduce the RC F GT3 race car into the FIA GT3 category in Europe this year, with plans to race in a “yet-to-be-determined series” in …
Kevin · January 14th, 2015
Seventy New Photos of the Lexus GS F
Lexus released a massive photo gallery of the GS F high-performance sedan, here’s all seventy images presented in high resolution:
Kevin · January 14th, 2015
Video: Introducing the Lexus GS F
Here’s the Lexus GS F introductory video shown at the Detroit Auto Show this morning: There’s also seven minutes of B-roll video footage — it’s completely silent, but shows off a lot of good angles: Finally, here’s the full press conference from earlier today with Lexus USA general manager Jeff Bracken introducing the GS F …
Kevin · January 13th, 2015
No Next-Generation Lexus RX at the Detroit Auto Show After All?
After spending the day at the Detroit Auto Show, I can say with some confidence that the next-generation Lexus RX will not debut tomorrow. Speculation started last year with the rumor that two models would debut in Detroit — Edmunds then followed this up with a definitive statement that the RX would be revealed alongside …
Kevin · January 12th, 2015
Drift-Modified Lexus LFA on Display at Tokyo Auto Salon
The Tokyo Auto Salon wrapped up yesterday, and one of the Lexus vehicles on display was a drifting-build LFA — here are photos from Auto Culture Japan: Details are far and few between, but judging from the booth display, the D1-spec LFA was built by Lexus dealership group Osaka Toyopet in partnership with Falken Tires. …
Kevin · January 12th, 2015
Liveblog: Lexus at the Detroit Auto Show 2015
The Detroit Auto Show starts today, and I’m here in Detroit to bring you live Lexus updates from the show floor. Update: Lexus will be streaming the reveal live — here’s the video player: (What to expect over the next two days? The next Lexus high performance model, the GS F sedan.)
Kevin · January 12th, 2015
Road & Track Reviews the Lexus RC F
Road & Track have reviewed the Lexus RC F, praising the coupe for its uniqueness: Instead of trying to beat the Bavarians around a racetrack, Lexus has gone its own way with a playful alternate to the über-sports-coupe blueprint. Forget “clinical” and “precise.” This new flagship thumbs its nose at the BMW M4, then pokes …
Kevin · January 9th, 2015
Lexus Japan Releases F SPORT X LINE Special Editions
To celebrate 10 years in Japan, Lexus has released a special edition X LINE trim level for the LS, GS, IS, & CT. Here are photos of all four models (nameplates added for easy identification): Similar to Lexus USA’s CRAFTED LINE, the X LINE features a heavy-contrast black/white exterior and a red/black leather interior — …
Kevin · January 8th, 2015
2016 Lexus RX Coming to the Detroit Auto Show?
Fresh off the spy photos of the next-generation Lexus RX comes the above rendering from photochopper Theophilus Chin and rumors that the new model may debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week. In a recent Detroit rumor rounded-up, Edmunds suggests the latest edition of the bestselling Lexus crossover will be unveiled in the Motor …
Kevin · January 7th, 2015
Next-Generation Lexus RX Prototype Spotted!
Spy photographers for Autoweek have spotted a camouflaged prototype of the next-generation Lexus RX — let’s take a look, starting with the front: The camouflage may be elaborate around the grille, but there’s no denying the NX influence in the hood shape and headlight placement. It’s worth noting that grille itself appears quite small in …
Kevin · January 7th, 2015
More Lexus GS F Photos from Road & Track
Road & Track had a sneak peek at the new Lexus GS F sedan: Say what you will about the gaping maw of the Lexus F cars. This GS has presence. The giant biting hourglass was first thing I saw when I walked into the studio, and the last thing I saw when I walked …
Kevin · January 6th, 2015
The Lexus GS F Revealed: First Photos & Information
Lexus has revealed the 2016 GS F high-peformance sedan a week before its official debut at the Detroit Auto Show. Details are limited right now, but one thing is for sure — the GS F will share the RC F’s 5.0-liter 467 horsepower V8 engine. Four photos in total were released, here they are in …
Kevin · January 6th, 2015
Jeremy Clarkson Reviews the 2015 Lexus NX 300h
Jeremy Clarkson has reviewed the 2015 Lexus NX 300h for The Sunday Times: So, a crossover hybrid with an N in its name and low-rent underpinnings from a company that’s capable of turning out a howler from time to time. This is not looking good. But here’s the thing: it does…It’s one of those cars …
Kevin · January 6th, 2015
Lexus December 2014 Sales Report
USA Lexus USA finished the year with 39,879 total sales for December 2014, a 10.3% improvement over last year and the best selling month ever for the brand — here’s the model-by-model breakdown: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2014 2013 % CHG* 2014 2013 % CHG* CT 1,608 1,787 -13.5 17,673 15,071 17.3 HS 0 …
Kevin · January 5th, 2015
Lexus USA Releases Two NX F SPORT Commercials
Lexus USA has released two commercials for the NX compact crossover: These first two ads will begin airing on network television today, and will be followed by two additional commercials shortly thereafter.
Kevin · January 5th, 2015
Lexus RC F Gets Five-Star Review from The Sunday Times
Giles Smith of The Sunday Times has given the Lexus RC F a full five-star review: The new Lexus RC F is expensive, cumbersome, blazingly immodest, fundamentally impractical, comes fitted with an unnecessarily large and uneconomical engine and is altogether, in a naggingly high number of ways, boilingly inappropriate. I can’t think of many cars …
Kevin · January 4th, 2015
Happy New Year from Lexus Enthusiast!
A fresh new year is here, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank my readers for their support over the past twelve months. 2015 is going to be an exciting year — the redesigned Lexus Enthusiast website will be launching in January with member forums and all-new features, and that’s just the …
Kevin · January 1st, 2015
Happy Holidays from Lexus Enthusiast
As we enter the festive season, and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of my readers a safe and happy holidays! Like every year, I’ll be taking some time off over the holidays. Regular posting will resume on January 5th — a little longer than usual, but for good reason. Along …
Kevin · December 24th, 2014
Festive Photo Gallery with the Lexus RC F SPORT
With the holiday season just about here, there’s no better time to feature this festive Lexus RC photo gallery from Kevin King Uy: The photos were taken at Granville Island in Vancouver, British Columbia, and really capture the spirit of the area. Great work, Kevin!
Kevin · December 23rd, 2014
More Fuel Cell Lexus LS Rumors
Lexus will introduce a fuel cell version of the LS flagship, according to a new Motoring Australia article from Peter Lyon: According to one source, the LS’s nose section will be redesigned with larger air intakes to ventilate the hydrogen powered electric system. The car will incorporate a fuel-cell unit under the front seat, a …
Kevin · December 22nd, 2014
Lexus IS 200t Turbo Prototype Spotted in Colorado?
A camouflaged Lexus IS prototype with emissions testing equipment and manufacturer plates was spotted in the Colorado Rocky Mountains by The Fast Lane Car: As suggested by TFLCar, a plausible possibility for this IS prototype is the testing of the 2.0L turbo engine first introduced with the NX 200t. Lexus has already trademarked IS 200t …
Kevin · December 19th, 2014
Photoshop: Experimenting with the Lexus Teaser Image
One of the funnest things about automotive teasers is trying to pull something unexpected from the image, and that’s what reader Michael Pannone did with the Lexus photo from yesterday (click for a larger image): Flipping the original image and photoshopping a mesh grille from the RC F to fill in the gaps, Michael was …
Kevin · December 18th, 2014
New Lexus High Performance F Model Coming to Detroit Auto Show
Lexus has released two teaser images for new model set to debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January — here they are (click for a larger version): Here’s the full press release: Lexus announced it will be adding a second vehicle to its growing stable of F brand high performance models. Earlier this year, …
Kevin · December 17th, 2014
Toyota to Transform Scion into Small-Premium Brand?
Toyota North America CEO Jim Lentz believes that Scion should become a small-premium brand, according to an interview with Wards Auto: “I still personally believe small-premium is the direction we should be going,” he tells WardsAuto in a recent interview here during a Toyota press event. “I think that (the) Toyota channel, itself, with vehicles …
Kevin · December 16th, 2014
The Lexus RC F Biometrics Test: How the Body Reacts to Driving the Lexus Coupe
AoL video series Translogic has bypassed the subjective parts of an automotive review and gone straight to the hard data — here’s host Jonathon Buckley hooked up to biometric equipment while driving the Lexus RC F: (Thanks Mohammad!)
Kevin · December 16th, 2014
The Lexus NX: Focus on the Details
Some interesting details on the Lexus NX development have been shared by Australian website GoAuto: Items such as body shake induced by windscreen wiper movement and changes in vehicle geometry due to differences in tyre tread were studied and addressed for the utmost refinement under a system dubbed microscopic force control. The engineers said almost …
Kevin · December 15th, 2014
Lexus Interested in Tesla’s Mall Showroom Strategy
Lexus USA general manager Jeff Bracken believes the Tesla shopping mall showrooms are “clever”, according to a recent interview with Wards Auto: “The model that Tesla has to open up their outlets in shopping malls is a clever one, (and) I think they’re getting a lot of folks to stop in and learn about Tesla,” …
Kevin · December 15th, 2014
Photo Gallery: Lexus RC F & LFA Together
Last weekend, I travelled to Erin Park Lexus in Mississauga to visit my friend Norman and his Ultra White RC F. While at the dealership, I had a chance to photograph the RC F and LFA #34 in the showroom: Side by side, you can see just how much of the RC F’s design was …
Kevin · December 14th, 2014
New Lexus RC F Commercial from Japan
Lexus Japan have released a new commercial for the RC F that draws on their recent success in the Super GT racing series: Not to be outdone, there’s also this RC commercial featuring a female minotaur (?!?):
Kevin · December 11th, 2014
Car Advice Comparison: The Lexus RC 350 F SPORT vs. BMW 435i
CarAdvice in Australia have compared the Lexus RC 350 F SPORT & BMW 435i in a realistic review: Lexus has thrown the gauntlet down to the opposition, pricing the RC350 F Sport at $74,000 – just $1000 over the IS350 sedan with which it shares its interior and rear suspension. The 435i coupe, meanwhile, costs …
Kevin · December 11th, 2014
Lexus NX 200t AWD: By the Numbers
Car & Driver has put the Lexus NX 200t AWD to the test and reports the results: The numbers we got at the track won’t exactly light your hair on fire, the NX accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and hitting the quarter-mile in 15.3 seconds at 92 mph. That 60-mph time …
Kevin · December 10th, 2014
Next Generation Lexus LS to be a Fuel Cell Vehicle?
According to Japanese magazine Best Car, the next-generation Lexus LS will be a Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) powered at least in part by hydrogen. Not being able to read Japanese, I can only go by the pictures on the page — here’s the key illustration: Let’s compare it to the Toyota Fuel Cell System found …
Kevin · December 10th, 2014
Lexus Considering V8 Supercars Racing Series in Australia
Lexus Australia recently confirmed its interest in taking part in the country’s V8 Supercars touring car championship series — from Car Advice: “We’ve had very high-level discussions with V8 Supercars,” Hanley told CarAdvice at the local launch of the Lexus RC350 in Melbourne today. “V8 Supercars never approached me, any interest we have shown has …
test · December 9th, 2014
Lexus IS Named Best Executive Car in Scottish Car of the Year Awards
The Lexus IS has been named Executive Car of the Year in the Scottish Car of the Year Awards: Alasdair Suttie, [Association of Scottish Motoring Writers] President, said: “In a marketplace dominated by German offerings, the Lexus IS delivers a unique take on the compact luxury theme. It feels fresh and different to the more …
Kevin · December 9th, 2014
More Details on the Production Lexus LF-C2 Convertible
Automotive News has more details on the Lexus LF-C2 and its chances of reaching production: Bracken says the LF-C2 was “purely a concept” and not slated for production. But according to a person familiar with Lexus’ planning, the brand is considering whether to produce a version of it to sell as the convertible RC — …
Kevin · December 9th, 2014
Lexus CT Owner Blog: The CT 200h F SPORT in Winter
Winter has arrived, and I’m getting my first exposure to driving the CT 200h in the snow & ice. The cold weather has given me real appreciation for the product planners at Lexus Canada, who have outfitted the CT F SPORT package with heated front seats and side mirrors. I’ve driven Lexus press cars in …
Kevin · December 8th, 2014
Motor Trend Comparison: Lexus RC F vs BMW M4
Motor Trend has published a comparison between the Lexus RC F & BMW M4, and it’s a total mess of conflicting information: We preferred the Lexus around town, as it’s a more interesting car to sit in thanks to its wealth of technical and visual details. The styling may be a large miss, but we …
Kevin · December 8th, 2014
Video Comparison: Lexus RC F vs. BMW M4 & Audi RS 5
AMCI Testing, one of the most respected independent automotive testing companies in the world, has conducted a comparison between the Lexus RC F, BMW M4, and Audi RS 5: Considering the video is being hosted on the Lexus USA Youtube page, it would be easy enough to write off the results — however, this quote …
Kevin · December 8th, 2014
2015 Lexus RC F Configurator Now on USA Website
For those US readers interested in purchasing an RCF, the Lexus USA website has been updated with an online configurator to help you build the exact car you want. As detailed earlier, pricing for the RC F will start at $63,325 — unfortunately, it appears the carbon fibre Performance Package has been delayed, as it’s …
Kevin · December 7th, 2014
Interview with Lexus International President Tokuo Fukuichi
The Lexus UK blog has an insightful interview with Tokuo Fukuichi, the president of Lexus International — here he is talking about the brand’s current design direction: Within the premium brands, there are the German three: Mercedes, BMW, and Audi. We have to consider how Lexus should position itself against the German three. So I …
Kevin · December 5th, 2014
Lexus Trademarks LC 500 & LC 500h in Canada, USA, and Australia
Lexus has just trademarked LC 500 & LC 500h in the USA, Canada, & Australia, giving us the first clear indication of what to expect from the upcoming production LF-LC coupe. This is huge news on multiple levels — there had been talk that the production LF-LC could resurrect the SC nameplate, but it appears …
Kevin · December 4th, 2014
Lexus NX Receives Five Star Safety Rating in Europe
The Lexus NX has received a Euro NCAP five-star rating with scores well above the necessary minimum, making the new compact crossover one of the safest vehicles in its segment. Testing focuses on four areas: Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Pedestrian Protection and Safety Assist technologies — here are two NX crash-test videos: Here are the …
Kevin · December 4th, 2014
Video: Lexus and the Future of Hybrid Technology
In a collaboration between Lexus & TED, here’s Paul Williamsen from Lexus International and Alex Shen from Calty Design discussing the future of Lexus vehicles, including some insight into the production LF-LC: (From Paul’s comments, we can definitely cross off the LF-LC production model from the list of potential debuts at the Detroit Auto Show …
Kevin · December 3rd, 2014
Photo Gallery: Lexus RC F SPORT, NX F SPORT, and IS F SPORT All Together
Ace photographer Ste Ho pulled together the Lexus RC F SPORT, NX F SPORT, and IS F SPORT for a tidy little photoshoot: There’s a great shot with all three models together: (Before seeing all these models side-by-side, I would have said the spindle grille was different on every vehicle — surprised by how similar …
Kevin · December 3rd, 2014
The Lexus RC F: By The Numbers
Car & Driver have gone technical with the Lexus RC F, measuring its performance and sharing how it performs against its competitors: In a three-way drag race, the Bimmer walks away, with the [RC] F and RS5 keeping pace through the quarter-mile. By 130 mph, the RC F has eked out a nearly two-second lead …
Kevin · December 2nd, 2014
Lexus November 2014 Sales Report
USA Lexus USA has reported 27,472 total sales for November 2014, a 11.6% improvement over last year — here’s the model-by-model breakdown: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2014 2013 % CHG* 2014 2013 % CHG* CT 1,322 1,002 37.2 16,065 13,284 21.4 HS 0 2 ‐100.0 0 5 ‐100.0 IS 4,610 3,973 20.7 45,419 29,603 …
Kevin · December 2nd, 2014
Lexus Japan Offers RC F with Orange & Black Leather Interior
Lexus Japan is offering a unique orange & black leather interior colorway with the RC F — here’s some photos from Japanese website Response.jp: There’s also some official photos on the Lexus Japan website: For the moment it appears only Japan will be getting this interior color option, which is a real shame — pairing …
Kevin · December 2nd, 2014
Lexus will Sell 300,000 Vehicles in the USA This Year
Lexus will sell over 300,000 vehicles in the USA this year, marking the first time the brand has hit the 300k mark since 2007. Lexus USA general manager Jeff Bracken confirmed the sales figure in an interview with Automotive News last week, also stating that the company’s goal is to once again be the best-selling …
Kevin · December 1st, 2014