New Information on the Lexus RC F Instrument Panel

The Lexus RC F instrument panel is a standout feature of the new high-performance coupe, and today we have details on the deeper functions — here’s a graphic from Diario Motor with the various modes (click for a larger version): In addition to three different tachometer designs, there appears to be a built-in G sensor, …
Kevin · March 25th, 2014

Japanese Lexus Dealership Builds Exclusive LS Owners-Only Lounge

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

Toyota Reaches $1.2 Billion Settlement in U.S. Investigation

Toyota will pay $1.2 billion to settle a U.S Justice Department criminal investigation into the carmaker’s handling of recalls linked with unintended acceleration nearly five years ago — from GoAuto: As a part of the deal – involving the largest criminal penalty paid by a car-maker in US history – Toyota will acknowledge wrongdoing, while …
Kevin · March 24th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus LFA Wrapped in Matte Silver

The Open Road Lexus dealership in Richmond, BC, has taken their #022 Pearl Read LFA and wrapped in matte silver for display at the Vancouver Auto Show — here’s another shot from the back: Open Road Lexus also posted some additional photos on their Facebook page: The Vancouver Auto Show starts tomorrow at the Vancouver …
Kevin · March 24th, 2014

Tomica Release Die-Cast Lexus IS F SPORT

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

Video: Inside the Lexus RC F GT500 Race Car

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

Lexus Korea Launches CT 200h Art Project

The updated Lexus CT 200h has lead to some pretty interesting marketing experiments — first, there was Lexus Japan’s stellar Trick Photography project, and now Lexus Korea has followed it up with a graphic design showcase: This video shows how the designers put together some of these images: There’s a lot of creativity in these …
Kevin · March 20th, 2014

Virtual Lexus RC F in New Orange

After a couple weeks curious about the Lexus RC F interactive ad in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, I finally had a chance to see it for myself. While it does require installing a new app, the ad works very well — I only have my iPhone for screenshots, but here’s the RC F in …
Kevin · March 20th, 2014

New Lexus Remote Touch Controller to Get a Back Button?

The RC F SPORT displayed at the Geneva Motor Show may have quietly introduced a major improvement in Lexus infotainment controls — a video from the auto show reveals the Remote Touch controller in the white coupe has (what looks like) a back button: This three button layout is different than the RTI controller seen …
Kevin · March 19th, 2014

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

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

New Lexus President on the Brand’s Design Future

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

2015 Lexus RC 350 & RC 350 F SPORT Pre-Order Brochure Released

Lexus dealerships in the USA have received the first edition of the RC & RC F pre-order guide, and there’s plenty of new information included in the four-page brochure. There’s no pricing information released, but here’s all the information regarding the RC 350, including the tentative packages available for TX, OK, LA, AR, MS, TN, …
Kevin · March 18th, 2014

Ultrasonic Blue Lexus RC F Spotted in California

It’s not just a black Lexus RC F cruising around California — Lexus Enthusiast reader Yoshi sent in a few highway shots of the model in Ultrasonic Blue: Definitely prefer this Ultrasonic Blue to the half-painted black RC F we’ve seen — looks much better on the road. (Thanks Yoshi!)
Kevin · March 17th, 2014

New Lexus Hybrid Technology Coming?

In a recent Drive Australia article about Lexus and its “No Diesel” position, brand vice-president Mark Templin hints that new hybrid technology is on the way: Templin said about 80 per cent of Lexuses sold in western Europe are hybrids, similar to the percentage in Japan, where the desire for cutting edge technology is partially …
Kevin · March 16th, 2014

Photo Gallery: The ENEOS Lexus RC F GT500

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

More Photos of the Black Lexus RC F

More photos of the black RC F in California arrived in my inbox today, this time from Lexus Enthusiast friend Guy from Endles Automotive: With the car stationary, we get a good look at a new set of previously unseen optional wheels — what do you think of the new design? (Thanks Guy!)
Kevin · March 13th, 2014

Review: The 2014 Lexus GX 460

The updated 2014 GX 460 has been out for a few months now, and Lexus has to be happy with the public response. A perennial slow-seller since the second generation debuted in 2010, this recent facelift has been a major success — in the last two months, sales have increased 125% in the USA and …
Kevin · March 13th, 2014

Should Lexus Build an Ultra Luxury Van for Asia?

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

More Information on the Lexus RC F’s Horsepower

Motoring Australia has more information on the ongoing mystery of the Lexus RC F’s final horsepower figure: “More than 450 horsepower” – or 335kW – is the inkling as to the new car’s performance. But even that number is due to change, with engineers still working on enhancements tipped to add another 10 or 15kW. Lexus …
Kevin · March 12th, 2014

Interview with Lexus CT Chief Engineer Chika Kako

The Lexus UK blog has an interview with Chika Kako, the chief engineer of the updated CT 200h and the very first female chief engineer in the Lexus brand’s history: How did consumer feedback shape the improvements that have been made to the CT? Chika Kako: Some customers complained about the CVT noise, and to …
Kevin · March 12th, 2014

Black Lexus RC F Prototype Spotted in California

Club Lexus member Rominl has posted photos of a black Lexus RC F prototype cruising the highways of Southern California — here’s a couple shots from the gallery: Not much in the way of detail, but these are likely only the first photos to be seen online — I’ve been looking forward to seeing the …
Kevin · March 11th, 2014

Lexus LX Offroad Racing Program Cancelled

After five seasons, the Lexus LX offroad racing program has been discontinued — driver Joe Bacal posted the following message on his Facebook page: We were informed yesterday by Lexus USA that they will not be continuing the off-road racing program. It has been an awesome 5 years with much success including 3 Baja 1000 …
Kevin · March 11th, 2014

First Live Photo of Full Lexus RC F Carbon Fiber Package

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

Lexus USA & St. Baldrick’s Foundation Partner for Head Shaving Contest

Would you shave your head for a chance to win $2,500? Lexus USA has partnered with the childhood cancer research charity St. Baldrick’s Foundation to create the Lexus Bold IS contest anyone brave enough to participate — here’s a video with the full details: The deadline to submit a video is March 18, 2014, with …
Kevin · March 10th, 2014

Lexus to Build Le Mans GT Racecar for 2016

Lexus will build a new GT race car capable of racing at the Le Mans 24 hours in 2016, according to a Racecar Engineering interview with RC F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi: The firm surprised many by revealing an all new GT3 car at the Geneva motor show, but the car is the starting point …
Kevin · March 10th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Ultrasonic Blue Lexus IS F SPORT & the Canadian Sunset

Lexus Canada has just posted an Ultrasonic Blue IS F SPORT gallery from photographer Kevin King Uy: I’ve been a huge fan of Kevin King Uy ever since his LFA/Supra photoshoot a couple years back — happy to see his work featured on the Lexus Canada Facebook page.
Kevin · March 9th, 2014

Interview with Lexus RC F Chief Engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi

As mentioned earlier this week, Lexus RC F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi participated in a Q&A during the Geneva Motor Show, answering questions from enthusiasts about the new Lexus high-performance coupe. The final interview has been posted by Lexus Europe — here’s some of the questions Yaguchi-san answered: Erich Kerner: Is the RC F Coupe …
Kevin · March 7th, 2014

Japanese Fashion Designers Create Lexus Miniature Models

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

Lexus LFA Meet in New Orleans: One Owner’s Experience

Last year, Lexus invited LFA owners for a day at the New Orleans Motorsport Park — one of the LFAs participating is owned by Robert & Charity Lee, who are the subject of this new Lexus video feature: Robert is a good friend of mine, and has previously shared his experiences on Lexus Enthusiast — …
Kevin · March 6th, 2014

Photo Gallery: The ZENT CERUMO Lexus RC F GT500

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

More Photos of the Lexus RC F SPORT

Here are some more photos of the Lexus RC F SPORT from the Geneva Motor Show floor — first off, a friend at Lexus Europe sent over these shots: There’s also a photo gallery of the RC F SPORT at Autoblog — here’s a selection of images: (Thanks David!)
Kevin · March 5th, 2014

Production Lexus NX Compact Crossover to Debut at Beijing Motor Show

During a press conference today in Geneva, new Lexus Europe general manager Alain Uyttenhoven announced the NX production compact crossover will debut at the Beijing Motor Show in April: The LF-NX Concept, presented last year in Frankfurt, showed the Lexus design direction for a mid-size crossover, positioned below our RX. Today I can confirm that …
Kevin · March 4th, 2014

Q&A with Lexus RC F Chief Engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi

Is there anything you would like to know about the Lexus RC F or the new RC F GT3 race car? You could get your questions answered tomorrow during a Lexus Europe interview with chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi, the man responsible for both cars. To participate, you can leave a comment on the Lexus Europe …
Kevin · March 3rd, 2014

Lexus February 2014 Sales Report

USA Lexus USA has reported 18,855 total sales for February 2014, a 8.7% improvement over last year — here’s the model-by-model breakdown: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2014 2013 % CHG* 2014 2013 % CHG* CT 1,230 1,182 4.1 2,520 2,183 15.4 HS 0 1 ‐100.0 0 1 ‐100.0 IS 3,517 1,532 129.6 6,565 2,918 …
Kevin · March 3rd, 2014

Interview with Lexus Design Award Winner James Fox

The Lexus UK blog has an interview with James Fox, one of the winners of the 2014 Lexus Design Award: “The theme of the Lexus competition was ‘Curiosity’ and I think the idea of doing things and play connects really well. I loved building dens when I was younger, so I did a bit of work …
Kevin · March 2nd, 2014

The Lexus RC F GT3 Racing Concept

Lexus will debut the RC F GT3 racing concept at the Geneva Motor Show next week, as the first step in the brand’s plan to support GT3 sports car racing in 2015 — here are the first published photos: Developed over two years by Lexus International and subsidiary Techno Craft, the RC F GT3 concept …
Kevin · February 28th, 2014

Photo Gallery: The 2015 Lexus RC F SPORT

Lexus has released new information about the Lexus RC F SPORT, including this full photo gallery: The front end and wheel design may be the only changes, but this RC F SPORT is a near-perfect balance between the standard RC and the RC F — Lexus has done an excellent job creating a wide range …
Kevin · February 28th, 2014

2015 Lexus RC F SPORT Information

Lexus has released more information on the RC F SPORT set to debut in Geneva next week — here’s the full press release along with a selection of fresh new photos. The RC 350 F SPORT, based on the RC 350, will feature exclusive design elements and enhanced driving performance. The F SPORT’s dynamic upgrades …
Kevin · February 28th, 2014

2015 Lexus RX 350 & RX 450h Information

Lexus USA has announced the 2015 Lexus RX 350 & RX 450h, and the new model year brings some new standard equipment and changes to the option packages: All RX models will now come standard with a seven-inch display screen and backup camera The Remote Touch infotainment controller has been revised for improved ease of …
Kevin · February 27th, 2014

Lexus International Leadership Changes

Changes to the Lexus International executive management team have been announced, with current executive vice-president Tokuo Fukuichi taking over as president. Fukuichi-san, who is also the design chief for Toyota & Lexus models, will be the first designer to lead the Lexus brand. He has also been named to the Toyota board of directors. Current …
Kevin · February 27th, 2014

A Closer Look at the Lexus RC F

Lexus revealed the RC F coupe at the Detroit Auto Show last month. It’s the brand’s first high-performance production car since the release of the LFA supercar in 2010, and will play a leading role in the brand’s new “fun to drive” direction. While much of the RC F still remains a mystery, here are …
Kevin · February 26th, 2014

Should the Production Lexus LF-LC Look Like This?

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

Lexus Named Top Brand in Consumer Reports Car Brands Report Card

For the second year in a row, Lexus has been named the top brand in the Consumer Reports Car Brands Report Card. Using road-test scores and scores for predicted reliability, Consumer Reports graded every mainstream auto manufacturer — Lexus finished with 79 points, ahead of second place Acura (75 points) & third place Audi (74 …
Kevin · February 25th, 2014

Wald International Releases Lexus RX Body Kit

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

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

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

Lexus China Sales Up 14% in 2013

Lexus China sales increased 14% in 2013, for a total of 73,000 vehicles sold — here’s more information from Chinese website Gasgoo: According to Lexus China statistics, the brand has sold 73 thousand in Chinese market, which has increased 14%. Hybrid cars take more than 20 thousand, and grow up to 43%. Hybrid car sales …
Kevin · February 24th, 2014

Video: Glowing Lexus LFA Art Installation in Japan

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

Lexus GS Named Top Luxury Car in 2014 Canadian Black Book Retained Value Awards

For the third consecutive year, the Lexus GS was named the best value in the Luxury Car category of the 2014 Canadian Black Book Retained Value awards. For this year’s awards, Canadian Black Book analyzed 2010 model year cars and trucks and determined the vehicles that retained the highest percentage of their original MSRP after …
Kevin · February 20th, 2014

New Lexus IS Receives European 5-Star Safety Recommendation

The Lexus IS 300h has been given a five-star safety ranking from Euro NCAP, making it the safest new car in the Large Family category and one of the top performing cars of 2013. Here’s a video of the crash tests: The IS scored the maximum points in the side barrier test for adult occupants …
Kevin · February 19th, 2014

Video: Lexus RC F Engine installed in the IS F CCS-R

As previously mentioned, the Lexus IS F CCS-R race car that participated in both the Pikes Peak Hill Climb & 25 Hours of Thunderhill was powered by the 450+ horsepower 5.0L V8 engine from the upcoming RC F — here’s a video of Lexus mechanics swapping the engine: No two ways about it, the sound …
Kevin · February 18th, 2014

Lexus Sets Middle East Sales Record in 2013

Lexus was the #1 luxury automotive brand in the Middle East for 2013, with sales growing 19% for a total of 37,284 vehicles sold. New IS sales jumped 63% to 1,864 vehicles in 2013, yet Lexus’ entry-level sedan was still outsold by the LS, which increased 55% to 2,171 units sold. (Although it goes unmentioned …
Kevin · February 18th, 2014

Lexus Sponsors Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

Once again, Lexus will be one of the sponsors of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue — here’s a video with the RC F and Brazilian supermodel Lisalla Montenegro: This is the fourth year in a row that Lexus has been involved in the annual magazine — here’s the details on this year’s sponsorship: Sponsorship of …
Kevin · February 17th, 2014

A Visit to the World’s Most Northernly Lexus Dealership

Martyn Collins from the Lexus UK blog recently visited the city of Tromsø in Norway, home to the world’s most northernly Lexus dealership: The sales manager at Lexus Tromsø is a colourful character named Trond Johansen, a man who has enjoyed previous careers as a professional footballer before becoming coach for Norwegian Premiere League team Tromsø IL. Trond …
Kevin · February 17th, 2014

BEYOND Magazine: Roadtrip with the Lexus IS 300h

Official Lexus publication BEYOND Magazine has a featured road trip across the Shikoku island in Japan with architect Hironaka Ogawa and a Ultrasonic Blue IS 300h F SPORT: The journey that Ogawa is embarking on across the island of Shikoku begins here, and a metallic blue Lexus IS is peacefully parked outside. The vehicle’s bright …
Kevin · February 16th, 2014

Unique Yellow Lexus LFA Spyder on Display in Japan

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

INTERSECT BY LEXUS New York to Open in 2015

The Villager reports that the New York INTERSECT BY LEXUS gallery space will be located at 411 W. 14th St. in the Meatpacking district. Like the first INTERSECT in Tokyo, the space will be designed by Masamichi Katayama and his company Wonderwall, and is expected to share much of the same look & feel. INTERSECT …
Kevin · February 13th, 2014

2012-2013 Lexus RX 350 Recalled for Potential Braking Software Issue

Lexus USA has issued a voluntary safety recall for certain 2012-2013 RX 350 models due to a potential issue with its braking software. Lexus will update the skid control ECU software in order to address an electronic circuit condition that can cause the Vehicle Stability Control, Anti-lock Brake, and Traction Control functions to intermittently turn …
Kevin · February 13th, 2014

Lexus RC F SPORT & RC F GT3 Concept to Debut at Geneva Motor Show

The Lexus RC F SPORT will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, according to a new press release — here are the details: Based on the striking Lexus RC coupe, the F SPORT model features exclusive, even more sporting and aggressive exterior and interior design features, and enhanced driving dynamics. This announcement comes …
Kevin · February 13th, 2014

Lexus RC F SPORT Prototype Spotted?

A blue Lexus RC 350 has been spotted in California sporting a covered up fender badge — here a couple more photos: The coupe is near identical to the standard RC, but look closely at the fender and there’s a piece of blue tape covering up what I would assume is an F SPORT badge: …
Kevin · February 12th, 2014

Lexus Named Top Brand in 2014 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study

For the third year in a row, Lexus has been named the top brand in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study. Lexus absolutely dominated the study, which examines problems experienced during the past year by owners of 2011 model-year vehicles. Each brand’s overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per …
Kevin · February 12th, 2014

Four New Lexus CT 200h Commercials

With the release of the updated Lexus CT 200h, there are new commercials springing up around the world — let’s start with three from the USA: Here’s the CTh commercial for European markets, like the music in this one: (Any other regional Lexus CT commercials out there that I’ve missed? Leave a link in the …
Kevin · February 12th, 2014

Lexus IS Nominated for 2014 World Car of the Year Award

The Lexus IS has been nominated for the prestigious 2014 World Car of the Year award. The twelve finalists are the Audi A3, BMW 4 Series, BMW i3, Cadillac CTS, Citroen C4 Picasso, Ford Fusion, Infiniti Q50, Jeep Cherokee, Lexus IS, Mazda3, Peugeot 308 and the Skoda Octavia. The IS has also been nominated for …
Kevin · February 11th, 2014

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Featured in Japanese Art Installation

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

2014 Lexus IS Wins Russia’s Golden Klaxon Award

The Lexus IS has won the 2014 Golden Klaxon award as the best midsize luxury car in Russia. (This marks the eighth win by a Lexus since the Golden Klaxon awards were established in 2000 — the ES was last year’s winner in the Business Class category.) See the other 2014 Golden Klaxon winners
Kevin · February 11th, 2014