Sponsor: OpenRoad Lexus Cars & Coffee in Richmond

Lexus Enthusiast sponsor OpenRoad Lexus in Richmond, BC, is having a Cars & Coffee event at the dealership this weekend: We invite Lexus owners from around the Lower Mainland to start their day with delicious coffee and pastries, and meet other Lexus Enthusiasts for an engaging morning of cars and coffee. Where:  OpenRoad Lexus Richmond …

Read more…

Kevin · August 14th, 2014

Lexus RC & Lexus NX Nominated for European Car of the Year

Despite not yet being available for sale, both the Lexus RC & Lexus NX have been nominated for the 2015 European Car of the Year award. The annual award is decided by a jury of automotive journalists representing publications throughout Europe. There are currently are 32 candidate vehicles — a shortlist of seven nominees will …

Read more…

Kevin · August 13th, 2014

Video: Exclusive Features of the Lexus RC F SPORT

Lexus International has released a video outlining the exclusive features included with the RC F SPORT, and in the process revealed the first look of the standard RC in the new orange exterior color: (So this new orange will be known as Nova Orange internationally, Solar Flare in the UK, and Molten Pearl in the …

Read more…

Kevin · August 13th, 2014

Is Lexus Building a Next-Generation LFA Supercar?

Last week, a Bloomberg article from Craig Trudell suggested that Lexus is building a successor to the LFA supercar: Toyota Motor Corp.’s Lexus, which ended a two-year production run of the $375,000 LFA in 2012 after manufacturing 500 units, will build a successor to the 552-horsepower car, Executive Vice President Mark Templin told reporters today. …

Read more…

Kevin · August 12th, 2014

Lexus Enthusiast Membership Drive Starts Today

Hello all, Since launching in 2007, the Lexus Enthusiast website has become the single best independent source for daily news and insider information on all things Lexus. This fall, the site will be going through a large scale redesign that will introduce important & frequently requested new features — it’s an ambitious goal with plenty …

Read more…

Kevin · August 11th, 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 …

Read more…

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 Enthusiast: A New Chapter Begins on Monday

Hello everyone — my name is Kevin Watts, and I’m the founder and editor of the Lexus Enthusiast website. I’ve been writing Lexus Enthusiast since 2007, starting it as a hobby after buying my first car, a 1994 LS 400. Seven years later, and the site has been visited by millions of people and is …

Read more…

Kevin · August 7th, 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 …

Read more…

Kevin · August 7th, 2014

Lexus IS C Convertible Returns for 2015 Model Year

While the Lexus IS F has just ended its production run, the IS C will live to see another year — Lexus will continue to build the six-year-old convertible despite being based on the previous generation IS sedan. (This decision can be easily explained — while the RC F will succeed the IS F in …

Read more…

Kevin · August 6th, 2014

Three New Lexus RC F Videos

Lexus International has released three new RC F videos, with the first focusing on the 5.0L V8 engine: Next up is an overview of the Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD) and its three settings: Normal, Slalom, and Track: The final video is straight driving footage of the RC F — never a bad thing, that’s for …

Read more…

Kevin · August 6th, 2014

Video: Guided Tour of the Lexus NX

For anyone looking at purchasing a Lexus NX in the USA, this two-part video with Ming-Jou Chen of Lexus College is an excellent overview of the new crossover: (The new door handle is a real improvement over the current design — very stylish and functional. Look forward to seeing it on other models.)
Kevin · August 5th, 2014

Will.i.am to Design Limited Edition Lexus NX

Lexus Europe has teamed up with artist Will.i.am for the NX crossover marketing campaign — the first collaboration is a music video for the song “Dreaming about the Future”, which features the NX heavily: Will.i.am will star in the very first European NX commercial later this year, and will also be designing a limited edition …

Read more…

Kevin · August 4th, 2014

Lexus Owners Meet in Toronto This Tuesday

Local event announcement — Erin Park Lexus in Mississauga will be hosting a Lexus owner’s meet this Tuesday night from 4-7pm. All Lexus owners are welcome — there will be some special vehicles on display, including an LFA and some other potential surprises. I’ll be attending with my new CT 200h F SPORT (which I …

Read more…

Kevin · August 3rd, 2014

Lexus July 2014 Sales Report

USA Lexus USA has reported 27,333 total sales for July 2014, a 14.1% improvement over last year — here’s the model-by-model breakdown: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2014 2013 % CHG* 2014 2013 % CHG* CT 1,979 1,306 45.7 10,316 8,858 16.5 HS 0 2 ‐100.0 0 5 ‐100.0 IS 4,542 3,641 19.9 28,115 14,427 …

Read more…

Kevin · August 1st, 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 …

Read more…

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 …

Read more…

Kevin · July 30th, 2014

Lexus GS 450h F SPORT Coming to America

Starting with the 2015 model year, Lexus USA will begin offering the GS 450h with the F SPORT package. Lexus USA has traditionally stayed away from offering the F SPORT package on hybrid models, with the hybrid-only CT 200h being the one exception. Hybrid F SPORT models have been available in other parts of the …

Read more…

Kevin · July 30th, 2014

Lexus Future Model Timeline?

Mark Rechtin at Automotive News has attempted to piece together the timeline for future Lexus vehicles, along with the changes that could accompany these new models. Here’s a summary — be prepared, it’s a heavy mix of dates and unverified information: CT: It may be spring 2017 before a new CT, as the model shares …

Read more…

Kevin · July 29th, 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 …

Read more…

Kevin · July 29th, 2014

Imagining the 600 Horsepower Twin-Turbo Lexus RC FS Coupe

Automotive artist Wild-Speed has created a rendering of the rumored 600 horsepower twin-turbo Lexus RC FS coupe by merging the “standard” RC F with elements of the LFA Nürburgring Edition. The rumor of this ultra-performance coupe comes from Motor Trend, who suggest the RC FS will arrive in 2017 with a price tag of $120,000 …

Read more…

Kevin · July 24th, 2014

Video: Lexus RC F SPORT Driving Dynamics

Lexus International has released a new video interview with RC chief engineer Eiichi Kusama, focusing on the driving dynamics of the RC F SPORT:
Kevin · July 23rd, 2014

Next-Generation Lexus LS in 2016?

Jonny Lieberman of Motor Trend is keeping the rumor train running with new speculation on the next-generation Lexus LS: While the LS has traditionally been something of a rival to the Mercedes S-Class, people I spoke with at Lexus have been hinting that the new big Lexus will in fact target the sportier end of …

Read more…

Kevin · July 22nd, 2014

Lexus is the Fastest Growing Luxury Automotive Brand in Europe

Lexus Europe have released their sales report for the first half of 2014, and the results are encouraging — 24,586 vehicles have been sold across Europe so far this year, an increase of 25.4 percent compared to the same period last year. Leading the pack is the new IS, with sales up nine-fold at 6,923 …

Read more…

Kevin · July 22nd, 2014

600 Horsepower Lexus RC FS Coming in 2017?

More rumors from Motor Trend, this time regarding a special edition ultra-performance Lexus RC F: In 2017 you can expect to see a super version of the RC F packing the 600-hp twin-turbo V-8. Think of it as an Infiniti Eau Rogue-fighter with a price tag to match — about $120,000. However, since Johan de …

Read more…

Kevin · July 21st, 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 …

Read more…

Kevin · July 21st, 2014

Lexus to Build a Twin-Turbo 600-Horsepower LF-LC Coupe?

Motor Trend has the scoop on possible engines powering the new Lexus coupe based on the LF-LC concept: Word on the Tokyo street is that there’s a Lexus LF-LC Coupe mule running around Japan packing a 600-hp twin-turbo version of the upcoming RC F’s 5.0-liter V-8. That power rating may be on the conservative side. …

Read more…

Kevin · July 20th, 2014

Lexus Considering a Compact Crossover Below the NX?

Lexus is considering a crossover even smaller than the NX, according to an Autocar interview with Lexus Europe vice president Alain Uyttenhoven: Uyttenhoven said the launch of a small SUV was “not impossible” for Lexus and such a model “made sense” for the brand, but he stopped short of confirming it for production. Lexus is …

Read more…

Kevin · July 18th, 2014

New Lexus Model Every Year Until 2020?

New information today about the Lexus coupe based on the LF-LC concept — from Autocar: The dramatic LF-LC was first seen at the Detroit motor show in 2012, and [Lexus Europe’s vice-president Alain] Uyttenhoven said that company boss Akio Toyoda “doesn’t want the production car to look any different from the concept”. Uyttenhoven said that …

Read more…

Kevin · July 17th, 2014

My New Car: The 2014 Lexus CT 200h F SPORT

Time for a major announcement — after seven years of driving a 1994 Lexus LS 400, I took delivery of a 2014 CT 200h F SPORT last week at OpenRoad Lexus Richmond in British Columbia. While I have plenty of experience driving Lexus vehicles, this will be my first time being a new owner. The …

Read more…

Kevin · July 17th, 2014

Kelley Blue Book Drives the 2015 Lexus NX

Jack Nerad from Kelley Blue Book has a positive review of the 2015 Lexus NX: Designed to look like it was poured from a single batch of molten metal, the all-new NX isn’t just the right size, but it is also so filled with technical innovation and engineering sleight of hand that it is hard …

Read more…

Kevin · July 16th, 2014

A Closer Look at the Lexus RC F Instrument Panel

Let’s take a closer look at the RC F instrument panel in this new video from Lexus International: The video goes by in a blur, so here’s a static video showing the RC F instrument panel:
Kevin · July 16th, 2014

Lexus Unconcerned with LS Sedan Sales Decline

WardsAuto has an interesting interview with Brian Smith, the Lexus USA vice-president of sales, regarding the current LS sedan and its sales struggle against new competitors: “We don’t feel it’s a problem with the car,” Brian Smith, vice president-marketing for Lexus in the U.S., tells WardsAuto here during a Lexus NX media event. “Many of …

Read more…

Kevin · July 15th, 2014

Video: Car Advice Drives the 2015 Lexus NX

Car Advice Australia have published their video preview of the Lexus NX: There’s also a text review for a more in-depth assessment of the new compact crossover: The German brands have worried about rival Lexus models since the LS made a noise in 1989 with its hushed refinement. The Lexus NX isn’t going to upset …

Read more…

Kevin · July 15th, 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 …

Read more…

Kevin · July 15th, 2014

Lexus CT Owner Blog: The New Car

Time for a major announcement — after seven years of driving a 1994 Lexus LS 400, I took delivery of a 2014 CT 200h F SPORT last week at OpenRoad Lexus Richmond in British Columbia. While I have plenty of experience driving Lexus vehicles, this will be my first time being a new owner. The …

Read more…

Kevin · July 14th, 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 …

Read more…

Kevin · July 14th, 2014

Video: Lexus RC F Racing at Goodwood

Lexus UK has released a final wrap-up video of the RC F at the Goodwood Festival of Speed: One thing that went unmentioned in the video was a spinout by Didier Auriol during the race days — here’s a photo from GT Spirit: The spinout had no lasting effect — the RC F prototype was …

Read more…

Kevin · July 12th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Up Close with the Lexus NX

Lexus Europe released a rather artistic set of NX photos on their Facebook page: Included in the photos is the best shot yet of the NX panoramic roof: Disappointing that this option won’t be coming to North America, it looks great on the NX. [Source: Lexus Europe Facebook]
Kevin · July 10th, 2014

Driving the 2015 Lexus NX

Two weeks ago, Lexus invited me to Whistler, British Columbia, where I was able to test drive the all-new NX compact crossover in all its various forms. I posted a technical overview of the new model on Monday, and now it’s time for some personal impressions. Lexus describes the new NX compact crossover as Premium …

Read more…

Kevin · July 9th, 2014

More Photos of the Lexus RC F in Solar Flare

Autoguide has some more photos of the Solar Flare orange Lexus RC F parked at the Lexus headquarters in California: The orange doesn’t seem as overwhelming compared to the previous photos, but it’s still way more color that I could ever handle. (And how about that carbon fiber detail? Looks great!) See more photos of …

Read more…

Kevin · July 9th, 2014

New Lexus RC F Video: Designed to Inspire

Lexus International has released a new cut of their excellent RC F video, and it’s just about perfect for people excited about the new super-coupe:
Kevin · July 9th, 2014

Road & Track Drives the 2015 Lexus NX

Ben Stewart of Road & Track has published his first impressions of the 2015 Lexus NX: It may not be as aggressive as other F Sport models, but the NX 200t F Sport is still the one you want. It gets beefy strut tower braces that aren’t like any you’ve ever seen before. Instead of …

Read more…

Kevin · July 8th, 2014

Lexus Australia Wants Diesel-Powered LX

Two weeks after trademarking the LX 450d nameplate, Lexus Australia has confirmed that they are actively campaigning for a diesel version of the flagship SUV — from Drive Australia: “We’re certainly trying hard to bring that to our market,” said [Lexus Australia CEO Sean] Hanley. “In that large SUV there’s a certain market demand for …

Read more…

Kevin · July 8th, 2014

Autoweek Drives the 2015 Lexus NX

Blake Z. Rong of Autoweek has driven the 2015 Lexus NX, and preferred the hybrid to the new turbo: Despite all the fanfare of the 2.0-liter, direct-injection, 235-hp, 258-lb-ft torque, 17-psi of boost, 0-60 in seven seconds dead (in AWD form: 7.2 with the FWD drivetrain), twin-scroll-turbocharged engine in the NX200t…we’d go for the hybrid …

Read more…

Kevin · July 8th, 2014

Extensive Video Review of the 2015 Lexus NX

Just finished watching the extensive 23-minute Lexus NX video review from Alex on Autos and really enjoyed it — if you’re interested in the new Lexus compact crossover, I recommend you sit back, relax, and prepare yourself for a whole heap of detail:
Kevin · July 7th, 2014

Motor Trend Drives the 2015 Lexus NX

Jonny Lieberman of Motor Trend was one of the auto journalists that drove the 2015 Lexus NX last month: Color me a convert. The NX’s ride is first-class, a strong engineering feat for a vehicle with such a small wheelbase. This is particularly true of the non-F Sport model. The steering is properly weighted and …

Read more…

Kevin · July 7th, 2014

2015 Lexus NX & NX F SPORT Preview

Two weeks ago, Lexus invited me to Whistler, British Columbia, where I was able to test drive the all-new NX compact crossover in all its various forms. The following is a technical overview of the new model — my personal impressions will posted on Wednesday. As the vehicle that established the luxury crossover market, the …

Read more…

Kevin · July 7th, 2014

Massive Photo Gallery of the Lexus NX & NX F SPORT

Before the first reviews of the Lexus NX compact crossover start showing up on the Internet tomorrow, here are a new set of official photos presented without comment. (Big shoutout to David Dewhurst Photography for an amazing job with these images!) NX 200t Exterior NX 200t Interior NX 300h Exterior NX 300h Interior NX F …

Read more…

Kevin · July 6th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Ultra White Lexus RC F in California

An Ultra White Lexus RC F has been delivered to Lexus HQ in California, and my friend Ryan from Kaizen Factor managed to get a nice collection of exterior and interior photos: The interior looks great in Roja Red, the exterior looks great in Ultra White — I actually like the RC F more without …

Read more…

Kevin · July 4th, 2014

STROBE: The New Commercial from Lexus International

Lexus International has released the third film in their ongoing Amazing in Motion global branding project — the new video is called STROBE, and it’s quite something: The major themes of the first two films (see STEPS & SWARM) are carried into this third installment — all the action takes place in real life, with …

Read more…

Kevin · July 2nd, 2014

Video: Focus on the Lexus RC F Design

Designer Yasuo Kajino is the subject in the latest installment of the Lexus RC F Key Person Interview video series: (The RC F has really benefited from being developed hand-in-hand with the standard RC coupe — the trademark F cues like the side fender vents and the quad stacked exhausts are well integrated into the …

Read more…

Kevin · July 2nd, 2014

Lexus June 2014 Sales Report

USA Lexus USA has reported 23,518 total sales for June 2014, a 19.3% improvement over last year — here’s the model-by-model breakdown: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2014 2013 % CHG* 2014 2013 % CHG* CT 1,521 1,513 8.9 8,337 7,552 11.1 HS 0 1 ‐100.0 0 3 ‐100.0 IS 3,932 1,919 122.0 23,573 10,786 …

Read more…

Kevin · July 1st, 2014

Orange Lexus RC F Spotted in California

A Lexus RC F in Solar Flare (aka orange) is now at the Lexus USA headquarters in California — here are some photos, including two from Instagram user Integress: Lexus really went all out with this shade of orange, it’s much brighter than I was expecting. Too wild for me, what do you think? [Source: …

Read more…

Kevin · June 30th, 2014

2015 Lexus IS 250 & IS 350 Information

The US-spec 2015 Lexus IS has been announced, and there’s been some minor updates to the second-year sedan: LED fog lamps Siri Eyes Free technology from Apple; compatible with iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 models AWD models gets heated steering wheel Heated/ventilated front seats added to F SPORT Revised interior trim, including piano black on …

Read more…

Kevin · June 30th, 2014

Video: The Lexus RC F at Goodwood Festival of Speed

The Lexus RC F made its driving debut this weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed — here’s video from the initial test run: RC chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi was there for the real run up the hill, and filmed this quick video: Former World Rally Champion driver Didier Auriol was the one behind the …

Read more…

Kevin · June 29th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus RC F & LFA Together Again

In advance of the Lexus runs at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Lexus UK has released some photos of the LFA & RC F together: Later today, the Lexus RC F will make its first-ever public driving appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the annual world-famous hill climb in England. [Source: Lexus UK Blog]
Kevin · June 27th, 2014

More Photos of the Supercharged Lexus LX 570 in the Middle East

Motoring Middle East has posted photos of the Supercharged Lexus LX 570 now available in the Middle East: The supercharger bumps up the standard LX 570 from 362 hp to 450 hp, increasing the torque to 520 lb. ft in the process. There’s also some minor exterior modifications, including a new set of wheels and …

Read more…

Kevin · June 26th, 2014

Video: Spotlight on the Lexus RC

There’s a new Lexus RC video from Lexus International, and it’s pretty heavy with style — definitely a must-watch:
Kevin · June 25th, 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 …

Read more…

Kevin · June 24th, 2014

Lexus RC F to Participate in Goodwood Festival of Speed

The Lexus RC F will make its first-ever public driving appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this week in England. The event will run from June 26-29, and the RC F is expected to make the climb on Thursday. The Goodwood Festival of Speed is an annual world-famous hill climb that features a rare …

Read more…

Kevin · June 24th, 2014

Lexus to Introduce Manual Transmission RC F & IS F?

Lexus may release a IS F and RC F with a manual transmission, according to recent Motoring Australia interview with Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) business operations director Rob Leupen: One project Leupen revealed was the development of what he called a manual-shift gearbox (presumably a dual clutch) for the new generation RC F/IS F drivetrain. …

Read more…

Kevin · June 23rd, 2014