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Initial Lexus RC F Orders in Japan Surpass Two Year Sales Goal

In just one month, Lexus Japan has received 900 orders for the new RC F coupe, or roughly 30 times the estimated monthly sales goal of 30 units. In short, over two years of RC F inventory have been sold in 30 days. The same holds true for the RC 350 & RC 300h — …

Kevin · December 1st, 2014

Auto Express Comparison: Lexus IS 300h vs. Mercedes C300 BlueTEC Hybrid

Auto Express prefers the Lexus IS 300h over the new Mercedes C300 BlueTEC Hybrid: In the battle of the hybrid saloons, the IS 300h takes a narrow win. Its hybrid powertrain feels better resolved than the Mercedes’, as it relies on the electric motor more frequently to save fuel, is more refined and switches between …

Kevin · November 30th, 2014

Next-Generation Lexus RX to Debut at Detroit Auto Show?

Wards Auto is speculating that the next-generation RX could be one of two vehicles that Lexus debuts at the Detroit Auto Show in January: Meanwhile, [Lexus USA general manager Jeff] Bracken says Lexus will have at least one, if not two, models debuting at January’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit. He doesn’t divulge …

Kevin · November 27th, 2014

Guided Tour of the 2015 Lexus RC 350 & RC 350 F SPORT

Here’s Ming-Jou Chen from Lexus College with a guided tour of the RC 350 & RC 350 F SPORT: (Always enjoy these videos with Ming-Jou, they’re great for anyone interested in purchasing a new Lexus vehicle.)

Kevin · November 26th, 2014

Lexus to Offer New Safety Package Starting in 2015

Lexus has announced a new active safety package called the Lexus Safety System +, which will be offered on select models starting next year and on all models in Japan, North America, and Europe by 2017. Lexus Safety System + brings together four existing Lexus safety features and one new technology — here are videos …

Kevin · November 26th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus GS F SPORT Crafted Line Edition

While in Las Vegas for SEMA, I stopped by Lexus of Henderson for a quick visit. On display in front of the dealership was a Crafted Line GS 350 F SPORT — this was my first time seeing the special edition in person: The interior has red contrast stitching and Shimamoku wood trim: There’s some …

Kevin · November 25th, 2014

Lexus to Debut Two New Models at Detroit Auto Show?

In a speech to the Automotive Press Association, Lexus USA general manager Jeff Bracken suggested that two new models could be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show — from the Detroit Free Press: The growth plans for Lexus are focused on performance and high-end vehicles, including the global debut of a performance vehicle in January …

Kevin · November 25th, 2014

Lexus Europe Sales Jump 40 Percent in October

Lexus sales in Europe are growing — in October, the brand recorded a 40.1% increase over 2013, and are now up 24.7% on the year. Total sales from January to October are 24,679 units. (It’s going to be very interesting to watch European sales when the NX becomes less supply constrained — have to think …

Kevin · November 24th, 2014

Photo Gallery: The Lexus RC F in Ultra White

With the Lexus RC & RC F now being delivered to owners, the floodgate of photos has opened — here’s the first North American RC F, as photographed by my friend Ste Ho:

Kevin · November 24th, 2014

Report: No Production Model for Lexus LF-C2 Convertible Concept?

According to Motor Trend, the LF-C2 convertible concept will not be made into a production vehicle: In fact, under the original plan, the RC Convertible was set to be the next all-new car in Lexus’ lineup. As convertibles make up 1 percent of the total U.S. Market, though, the decision to not do a 3-row …

Kevin · November 23rd, 2014

A Closer Look at the Lexus LF-C2 Concept

It’s been two days since the Lexus LF-C2 concept was revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show, so there’s no better time to take a closer look at the “open-air” coupe design. Using these photos from Darren Yasukochi Photography, let’s start with that massive monster front grille: The front end is an amalgamation of RC …

Kevin · November 21st, 2014

Lexus RC F SPORT Parts Debut at LA Auto Show

Along with the LF-C2 concept, Lexus also debuted new F SPORT parts for the RC 350 — let’s start with some photos of the display: The parts are as follows: F SPORT Rear Bumper Exhaust Diffuser · F SPORT Performance Exhaust & Exhaust Tips · F SPORT 19-inch wheels · F SPORT Lowering Springs No …

Kevin · November 20th, 2014

Live Photos of the Lexus LF-C2 Concept

It’s one thing to see a car in the highly polished official images, and another to see photos straight from the show floor — here’s a Lexus LF-C2 gallery from my friend Ryan at Kaizen Factor:

Kevin · November 19th, 2014

Video: Introducing the Lexus LF-C2 Concept

Here’s the video shown at the debut of the Lexus LF-C2 concept today at the LA Auto Show: It’s funny the video mentions the past — the Lexus logo between the LF-C2’s rear seats immediately reminded me of the first-gen SC 400:

Kevin · November 19th, 2014

The Lexus LF-C2 Concept: Full Details & Information

The Lexus LF-C2 concept has been revealed at the LA Auto Show, and there’s plenty of new photos and details to get through — let’s start first with the official press release. Beautiful sunshine, warm weather, and winding roads are the perfect complements to the Lexus LF-C2 concept that made its global debut at the …

Kevin · November 19th, 2014

Live Video: The Lexus LF-C2 Reveal at the LA Auto Show

The Lexus LF-C2 convertible concept will be revealed today at 1:40pm PST/4:40pm EST at the LA Auto Show — here’s a live video stream to follow along:

Kevin · November 19th, 2014

Lexus USA December to Remember Commercials 2014

Lexus USA have released the latest round of their annual December to Remember holiday commericals: (Like this year’s commercials quite a bit — I could picture myself giving similar explanations to my daughter if there was a new car in the driveway this Christmas.)

Kevin · November 19th, 2014

The Lexus LF-C2 Convertible Concept: What We’ve Seen So Far

Over the last three days, Lexus International has been slowly revealing the Lexus LF-C2 convertible concept — here’s a recap of the images we’ve seen so far: From these three images, it’s a good guess that the LF-C2 will be a convertible based on the RC — there’s too much of the coupe’s shape to …

Kevin · November 18th, 2014

Photo Gallery: The Instabuilt Lexus RC F in Motion

Vossen Wheels have released a new video detailing their involvement with the #Instabuilt Lexus RC F that was displayed at SEMA: There’s also this fantastic photo gallery of the #Instabuilt RC F in Red Rock, Nevada: The #Instabuilt Lexus RC F was built by VIP Auto Salon based on voting from Lexus USA’s Instagram followers. …

Kevin · November 18th, 2014

Lexus RC F Teams Finish Second & Third Overall in Super GT Season

The KeePer TOMS’s racing team of Ito Daisuke & Andrea Caldarelli have won the Super GT Round 8 GT500 class in the #37 Lexus RC F. The race took place at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan. This was the final race of the season. Here are highlights from the race courtesy of the Super GT …

Kevin · November 18th, 2014

2015 Lexus RC 350 Configurator Now on USA Website

For those US readers interested in purchasing an RC, 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 rear-drive RC 350 will start at $42,790, with the all-wheel-drive RC 350 beginning at $45,025. Build your Lexus RC 350 …

Kevin · November 17th, 2014

Lexus LF-C2 Convertible Concept Revealed Slowly Hour-by-Hour

It’s been 18 hours since Lexus International slowly started revealing the LF-C2 convertible concept — here’s an animated GIF of the progression so far: Let’s take a closer look at that final frame with a little light added: Now let’s overlay the RC F SPORT on top with another animated GIF: The LF-C2 concept will …

Kevin · November 17th, 2014

Details on the Upcoming Lexus LF-LC Production Model

In a recent interview with Auto Express, Lexus Europe vice-president Alain Uyttenhoven recently discussed the production LF-LC and how it will compare to the LFA: “It will not be a full carbon car costing £350,000. It will be – in terms of construction – a more normal car, a car than can be manufactured in …

Kevin · November 16th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus at SEMA 2014

Now a week after SEMA ended, I’m finally able to decompress and share some thoughts & photos about the Lexus vehicles on display at the show. (It was the most crowded year in memory — getting good shots of the vehicles was near impossible, and the experiment of taking photos with just my iPhone 6 …

Kevin · November 14th, 2014

Lexus RC F Scores High in Motor Trend’s Car of the Year Award

The Lexus RC F was a finalist in the Motor Trend Car of the Year award rankings — here’s a quote from Jonny Lieberman’s write-up: “The overall proportion and package are not at fault but are let down by a collection of details,” said [Guest judge Tom] Gale. [Executive editor Ron] Kiino was more blunt: …

Kevin · November 13th, 2014

Lexus Determined to be Fourth Overall in Worldwide Luxury Automotive Sales

In an interview with Just Auto, Lexus Europe vice-president Alain Uyttenhoven discussed the brand’s worldwide ambitions: Alain Uyttenhoven, the head of Brussels-based Lexus Europe, has told just-auto that it is “impossible to catch the German three, worldwide” but that the brand is determined to be “number four”. Lexus Europe’s boss believes that the brand is …

Kevin · November 13th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus NX 200t F SPORT in Richmond, British Columbia

Not content to wait until the first NX SUVs reach North America, OpenRoad Lexus in Richmond, British Columbia have imported a NX 200t F SPORT from Japan to build on interest shown by prospective customers. To further promote the new model, the dealership also commissioned photographer Matt Kwok for a massive gallery. Exterior Interior Details …

Kevin · November 12th, 2014

Rocket Bunny Lexus RC & RC F Body Kits Now Available for Pre-Order

The Rocket Bunny Lexus RC body kit made its debut last week at SEMA, and it’s now available for pre-order on the GReddy website. The SEMA RC body kit will retail for $8,600 USD, and a modified version for the RC F will be $12,000 USD — here’s a look at the kit on the …

Kevin · November 12th, 2014

Lexus LF-C2 Convertible Concept to Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show

Just announced, Lexus will debuting the new LF-C2 convertible concept at the Los Angeles auto show next week — the above teaser image has been released, and here are all the details so far: On November 19, at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Lexus LF-C2 Concept will make its global debut. This exciting …

Kevin · November 11th, 2014

Next-Generation Lexus LS to Have “More Emotional” Design

Lexus Europe vice president Alain Uyttenhoven recently discussed the next-generation LS flagship with Autocar: Speaking to Autocar, Uyttenhoven said: “The LS will remain the pinnacle of the range and have the highest price point.” He also denied rumours that the luxury saloon was going to adopt a Porsche Panamera-style liftback: “You have to understand how our customers use …

Kevin · November 11th, 2014

10,000 Lexus NX Orders in First Month of European Sales

Right out the gate, the NX 300h has been a huge hit for Lexus in Europe — 10,000 orders have been placed across the continent in the very first month of sales. (For perspective, Lexus sold 43,281 vehicles across Europe in 2013. In a single month, the NX has sold nearly 25% of last year’s …

Kevin · November 10th, 2014

The Truth About the Cancelled Lexus RC Press Event in Japan

Last week, Hans Greimel from Automotive News reported that a Lexus RC press event in Japan was cancelled due to lack of interest: Toyota notified journalists last week that a long-scheduled new-car test-drive event was scrubbed — for lack of interest. The drive, which was to be held Friday in Yokohama just south of Tokyo, …

Kevin · November 10th, 2014

First Lexus RC F Delivered in North America

The very first North American Lexus RC F was delivered today at Erin Park Lexus in Mississauga, Canada — here are some photos: (The RC F was purchased by Norman Karkada, the corporate account manager at the dealership and a personal friend of mine — I’m going for a visit, so look for more photos …

Kevin · November 6th, 2014

Motor Trend Long Term Test Report on the 2014 Lexus IS

Scott Evans from Motor Trend has just wrapped up a year behind the wheel of the Lexus IS model range: A year with the Lexus IS line, then, confirms expectations. They’re comfortable, reliable cars that are also sporty in a corner. They’re not the most fun or emotional cars in the class, but they won’t …

Kevin · November 6th, 2014

Lexus Europe to Offer GS 300h Hybrid Taxi

Lexus has debuted a GS 300h taxi concept at the European Taxi Fair in Cologne, Germany — from Car Scoops: Lexus’ move to offer the GS 300h as a taxi in Europe mirrors that of parent company Toyota and its Prius that has been available as a cab for many years. Gross prices start from …

Kevin · November 5th, 2014

New Lexus RC F SPORT Commercial from USA

Lexus USA has released their first commercial for the RC 350: There’s also this behind-the-scenes look at how the commercial was created, and that includes real fireworks: (The RC commercial was directed by music video director Sophie Muller and features music by British electronic act UNKLE.)

Kevin · November 5th, 2014

Liveblog: Lexus at SEMA 2014

Lexus will be debuting a bunch of modified cars today at the SEMA Show, and I’m in Las Vegas to bring you live coverage from the floor.

Kevin · November 4th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus Vehicles at SEMA 2014

Lexus USA has released details on some of the tuned cars that will be shown at SEMA tomorrow in Las Vegas — here’s a breakdown of the information so far, along with a whole heap of images. Rocket Bunny Lexus RC F SPORT Custom Rocket Bunny wide body kit designed by TRA-Kyoto · Enkei custom …

Kevin · November 4th, 2014

Lexus October 2014 Sales Report

USA Lexus USA has reported 23,355 total sales for October 2014, a 2.8% improvement over last year — here’s the model-by-model breakdown: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2014 2013 % CHG* 2014 2013 % CHG* CT 1,158 842 37.5 14,743 12,282 20.0 HS 0 2 ‐100.0 0 5 ‐100.0 IS 3,771 3,570 5.6 40,809 25,630 …

Kevin · November 3rd, 2014

Behind-the-Scenes with the Instabuilt Lexus RC F

The Instabuilt crowdsourced Lexus RC F will be revealed at SEMA in Las Vegas this week, and the Lexus USA Instagram account has been posting photos of the build process all week: The Vossen wheels are from their Precision Series, and it’s an all-new forged design — here are some photos from their Flickr account: …

Kevin · November 3rd, 2014

Lexus CT Owner Blog: The CT 200h vs. IS 250

Before purchasing the CT 200h, I went through the process of choosing between the hybrid hatchback and a base-model IS 250 sedan. Why these two models? Price was the controlling factor — I had a definite budget and the base-model IS 250 with all-wheel drive was at the very top end. Here are the key …

Kevin · November 2nd, 2014

The New Car: Reasons for Choosing the Lexus CT 200h F SPORT

For the latest post in my CT 200h owner’s blog, I’ve outlined the reasons for choosing the hybrid hatchback over the IS 250 AWD sedan. (The top reason shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.) Read about my CT 200h vs IS 250 Decision

Kevin · November 2nd, 2014

Lexus USA Website Updated with RC 350 & RC F Information & Photos

The Lexus USA website has been updated with both the RC 350 and the RC F, including all new photos of the coupes. RC 350 & RC 350 F SPORT Photos RC F Photos Visit the Lexus USA RC website & RC F Website

Kevin · October 31st, 2014

Lexus USA Releases 2015 RC App for Apple & Android

Lexus USA has released an app for the 2015 RC — it’s similar in tone & features with previously released models, but for the first time it’s available for Apple and Android devices. My favorite feature with these apps are the side-by-side comparisons with competitors — here are screenshots with the RC 350 & BMW …

Kevin · October 30th, 2014

Video: Motor Trend Compares the Lexus RC F & BMW M4

Motor Trend has published a new video comparing the Lexus RC F & BMW M4, and it’s fantastic from start to finish: (Hard to fault anything in this video — it’s very matter-of-fact and even-handed. Really, the differences between the two cars seem so small, and that’s a victory for Lexus if you ask me.)

Kevin · October 30th, 2014

Lexus RC F Convertible Announced at Dealer Meeting?

Autoguide is reporting that an RC F convertible was announced at the Lexus USA National Dealer Meeting in Los Angeles this month: News of the new model was announced at the recent Lexus USA National Dealer Meeting in Los Angeles where the brand also celebrated its 25th anniversary a source, who wishes to remain anonymous, …

Kevin · October 29th, 2014

First Photos of the Lexus RC F CCS-R Race Car

The very first photos of the Lexus RC F CCS-R race car have been posted by Japanese website Response — here are some of the images: There are no solid details quite yet, but Lexus F chief engineer Yukihiro Yaguchi did discuss the track-optimized RC F with Motoring Australia: Yaguchi confirmed the two RC Fs …

Kevin · October 29th, 2014

Lexus Chief Engineer Wants NX F High Performance Crossover

Lexus NX chief engineer Takeaki Kato shares some interesting details in an interview with Australian website GoAuto: [The 2.0-litre turbo] engine looks set to provide sparkling performance in the NX 200t, but an even more potent version has not been ruled out by Mr Kato – an amateur motor racer in his spare time. He …

Kevin · October 28th, 2014

Lexus Dominates Consumer Reports Reliability Rankings

Lexus has finished first overall in the annual Consumer Reports Reliability rankings, with nearly every model leading in its respective category. The IS 350 took top spot in Luxury Compact Cars, and the CT 200h & ES 300h finished first and second in Hybrid/Electric Cars. The LS 460, ES 350, and GS 350 were first, …

Kevin · October 28th, 2014

Car & Driver Reviews the 2015 Lexus NX 300h

Steve Siler from Car & Driver has [reviewed the 2015 Lexus NX 300h]( Steve Siler from Car & Driver has reviewed the 2015 Lexus NX 300h: Hushed as a prep-school library, the NX300h lets a mere 71 decibels of noise into the cabin at wide-open throttle and only 68 when cruising at 70 mph (the …

Kevin · October 28th, 2014

Notes from the 2014 Lexus USA National Dealer Meeting

The Toyota Driver’s Seat blog has posted a recap of the recent Lexus USA National Dealer Meeting, which took place in Los Angeles and celebrated the brand’s 25th anniversary: There were enticing previews of commercials for the RC and NX, coming to Lexus showrooms within the next two months. There was Akio Toyoda inspiring …

Kevin · October 27th, 2014

Lexus Short Films 2014 Now Online

After a summer making the rounds at international film festivals around the world, this year’s Lexus Short Films are now available for viewing online. Operation Barn Owl The first film is Operation Barn Owl, directed by Satuski Okawa and co-written by Ken Ochiai. The story is tough to describe without giving too much away — …

Kevin · October 27th, 2014

New Lexus NX Commercial from Australia

Lexus Australia has released their new NX commercial, and it’s a good one: (Really like the end screen graphics on this commercial — very nice spindle grille to Lexus logo transition.)

Kevin · October 27th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus LFA at Fuji Speedway

German magazine Sport Auto travelled to the Fuji Speedway in Japan for one last lap with the Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition. The full German language article can be read here — I really liked the accompanying photos: See the full Sport Auto article (Thanks Jimbo!)

Kevin · October 26th, 2014

New Lexus RC F Video from Japan

The RC F has also officially launched in Japan — the Lexus Japan website has been updated, and there’s a new track video well worth watching:

Kevin · October 24th, 2014

TRD Japan Releases Lexus RC F SPORT Aero Kit

Official Lexus tuner TRD Japan has released images of the world’s first RC F SPORT aero kit: The kit starts off with a front underspoiler and side skirts: There’s a carbon fiber rear spoiler and a rear diffuser with a quad-exhaust muffler setup: A set of 19-inch forged aluminum wheels complete the options: The front …

Kevin · October 23rd, 2014

New Lexus RC F SPORT Video from Japan

The RC & RC F SPORT have officially launched in Japan — the Lexus Japan website has been updated, and a new (and unusual) video has been released:

Kevin · October 23rd, 2014

Lexus IS 350 F SPORT Participates in Car & Driver’s Lightning Lap Test

The Lexus IS 350 F SPORT participated in the 2014 edition of the Car & Driver Lightning Lap, and performed quite well: Finally, a world-class sports sedan from Lexus. Its weakness here is power, or lack of it, relative to weight. With 12.2 pounds for each one of its 306 quiet, Camry-hum horsepower (alas, it’s …

Kevin · October 22nd, 2014

Lexus NX Scores High in Motor Trend SUV of the Year Award Rankings

The Lexus NX was a finalist in the Motor Trend SUV of the Year award rankings — here’s a quote from Jonny Lieberman’s write-up: The looks were obviously polarizing, and that’s exactly the point. You don’t make your mini-ute look like a mashup of a Cylon and Predator because you want a wallflower. [Editor Angus] …

Kevin · October 22nd, 2014

Video Tour of the Lexus RC F

For anyone looking to purchase a Lexus RC F in the USA, here’s Ming-Jou Chen from Lexus College with a five-minute tour of the new super coupe:

Kevin · October 21st, 2014

More Photos of the Widebody Lexus RC Coming to SEMA

The Rocket Bunny Lexus RC will have its official reveal at the SEMA show in a couple weeks, but in the meantime, two new images have been released: (The first image was released last week — here’s the link in case you missed it.) The widebody RC is a collaboration between LexusTuned, GReddy, Toyo Tires …

Kevin · October 21st, 2014

2015 Lexus LS 460 Information

The USA edition of the Lexus LS 460 will have minor changes for the 2015 model year. The biggest update to the flagship sedan is the new navigation system with predictive traffic information, ETA calculation and low-fuel coordination with available fuel stations. Navigation also includes the subscription-free Lexus Enform App Suite and features bird’s eye …

Kevin · October 20th, 2014

Top Gear Magazine Reviews the Lexus RC F

Pat Devereux from Top Gear Magazine has reviewed the Lexus RC F: Driver friendly? Yep, pretty much. It might use some fearfully complicated electronic systems to make up for some of its chassis shortcomings, but they work perfectly on the road and almost perfectly on the track. That’s not a bad balance. The RC F …

Kevin · October 20th, 2014

Lexus Revisits Plans to Introduce Brand in India

Lexus has recently revived its plans to introduce the brand to India, where the luxury car market is booming due to a growing economy. The brand has been looking to enter the Indian market since 2007, but halted plans in 2012 due to high import taxes and a slow automotive market. Cars imported to India …

test · October 19th, 2014

Video: Lexus RC F Goes for Official Nürburgring Lap Time

Let’s finish up the week with this quick glimpse of a Lexus RC F & IS F on an attempt to set the coupe’s official Nürburgring lap time: (It’s all so subjective with a video like this, but doesn’t the RC F look so much faster than the IS F? Wow.)

Kevin · October 17th, 2014

Lexus Dealership Employees Sing Iggy Azalea’s Fancy

I attended the grand opening of the new Lexus of Oakville dealership last week, and just before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, owner Frank Apa had some fun and played this music video featuring the dealership employees: Funniest Lexus video I’ve seen in a while, and extremely well done to boot — great work by everyone involved! …

Kevin · October 17th, 2014

Lexus USA Releases NX 200t & NX 300h Pricing

USA pricing for the Lexus NX was announced today, with the NX 200t starting at $35,405 and the NX 300h at $40,645. Front-wheel drive is standard on both models, and adding all-wheel drive will add $1,400 to the price of the NX 200t and $1,590 to the NX 300h. Standard features include power seats, a …

Kevin · October 16th, 2014

Lexus Poland Celebrates NX Arrival with Donuts

NX shipments have started arriving across Europe, so Lexus Poland decided to celebrate the occasion with some GS 450h donuts around the delivery trucks:

Kevin · October 16th, 2014

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