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Lexus CT 200h now on Lexus USA Website

Lexus USA has added official press photos and information to a new CT 200h page on its website: Billed as “the darker side of green,” the CT 200h sportback will be heading to the US market once it becomes available—the site also shows different angle views of the white CT 200h, with the rear 3/4 …

Kevin · March 8th, 2010

Autoblog Reviews the Lexus GS 450h

Autoblog recently published a review of the Lexus GS 450h, detailing their impressions of the performance hybrid sedan. Along with favorable mentions for the silent electric mode capability and interior design, the review raved about the 340 hp V6 hybrid’s performance: The GS 450h is the world’s first performance luxury hybrid, and we loved its …

Kevin · March 7th, 2010

More Lexus SC 600h Rumors

Included as part of Motor Trend‘s Lexus GS-F rumor coverage was this Holiday Auto Magazine rendering of a possible look for the next generation SC: This sketch manages borrows all the right elements from the existing lineup and puts together with some real potential, and the windshield-to-IS-F-air-vents is just brilliant, but I can’t imagine for …

Kevin · March 5th, 2010

Lexus Hybrids Commercial: Milestones

Lexus heralds its expanded hybrid lineup with this commercial featuring a synchronized display of the Lexus hybrid models: The 5.5 billion mile figure quoted in the video is based on an average of 10,000 miles per year, which is less than the typical figure used in the U.S. It’s also worth noting that the luxury …

Kevin · March 4th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h USA Price Guessing Game

The New York Times (and many other outlets) is reporting that the Lexus CT 200h will start with a €21,000 when it goes on sale in Europe next year. The natural question turns to how that translates into the North American price—a direct, euro-to-dollar conversion would currently mean a starting MSRP of $28,755 USD, putting …

Kevin · March 4th, 2010

Two New Lexus Models to Use CT 200h Platform?

Among the numerous media reports covering the launch of the CT 200h, some interesting details about the new Lexus hatchback’s platform have emerged—Autocar reports (emphasis added): The CT200h is 4320mm long, 1765mm and 1430mm high, meaning it is longer, wider and taller than the A3 and 1-series. Its 2600mm wheelbase is only eclipsed by the …

Kevin · March 3rd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h to Lead Lexus Europe Sales

The new Lexus CT 200h is a purpose-built hybrid hatchback for the European market, and that reportedly has Lexus executives optimistic about its sales prospects. With Lexus Europe pursuing a hybrid-centered strategy, the CT 200h is expected to spearhead the brand’s lineup as its entry-level and highest volume model. According to a Bloomberg article, Lexus …

Kevin · March 3rd, 2010

Lexus LFA Official US Pricing Details

Lexus USA has formally announced the LFA’s base price of $375,000, and has revealed additional information regarding the LFA two-year lease and purchase process in North America: All LFAs will be hand-built to customer specifications and production will begin December 2010. Customers will be able to choose from three-configurations included in the base MSRP: Configuration …

Kevin · March 3rd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h to Make North American Debut at New York Auto Show

Fresh off the news that Lexus will be offering the CT 200h in North America, it was announced today that the hatchback will be making its official US debut at the New York Auto Show, which takes place from March 31st through April 11th. Read the Lexus Press Release

Kevin · March 3rd, 2010

Journalist Reactions to the Lexus CT 200h

Here’s something new—Lexus interviewed some of the journalists attending the Geneva Auto Show to get their opinion on the new CT 200h hatchback: Best response: “The fact that it’s a hybrid will tick so many people’s boxes.”

Kevin · March 3rd, 2010

Lexus February 2010 Sales Report

USA The February sales numbers for Lexus USA are in: February Year to Date 2010 2009 % CHG 2010 2009 % CHG ES 2,349 2,575 -8.8 5,272 5,546 -1.0 HS 712 0 N/A 1,959 0 N/A LS 799 700 14.1 1,891 1,604 22.8 SC 27 76 -64.5 51 149 -64.3 GS 488 595 -18.0 1,017 …

Kevin · March 2nd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Size Comparison

Even with all the photos of the Lexus CT 200h at the Geneva Auto Show, it’s hard to get a good idea of just how big it really is, so I put together this chart showing the newest Lexus as compared to the IS, HS & ES: Put into perspective, the CT 200h looks bigger …

Kevin · March 2nd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Live Video from Geneva Auto Show

Here’s the first live video of the Lexus CT 200h at the Geneva Auto Show: With only 15 minutes to the CT 200h press conference, I have yet to find a live video feed—I’ll continue to look, and will update this post if I have any luck. The Lexus CT 200h press conference is now …

Kevin · March 2nd, 2010

Autoblog Lexus CT 200h Photos

Only moments after I linked to Lexus Europe’s Facebook photo of the CT 200h, Autoblog posted up a massive photo gallery from the preview event—check this car out: Also mentioned on Autoblog: Interestingly, though Lexus has yet to confirm what markets the CT will enter, our men on the scene report back, “Lexus executives were …

Kevin · March 1st, 2010

Lexus CT 200h at Geneva VIP Preview

With little more than twelve hours before the Lexus CT 200h’s debut at the Geneva Auto Show, Lexus hosted a VIP sneak peek of the compact hatchback—here are some photos from the event: These CT 200h photos at the Geneva Auto Show are just the first of a massive onslaught we can expect over the …

Kevin · March 1st, 2010

More Lexus CT 200h Photos

Autocar has published several additional studio photographs of the white Lexus CT 200h. Compared with computer-processed look of the first photos, these are different, and show the exterior lighting: The forward shots showcase the CT 200h’s headlamp illumination, complete with LED strip accents similar to those introduced with the LS 460 refresh. These LED accents …

Kevin · March 1st, 2010

Road & Track Reviews the 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport

Road & Track has posted their driving impressions of the LS 460 Sport, which features a sport-tuned air suspension, Brembo brakes, and the Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission from the IS-F, all intended to give the Lexus flagship a more performance-oriented demeanor: Seemingly small changes add up to big differences out on the road—especially if …

Kevin · March 1st, 2010

Lexus RX 270 to Launch in China

It appears that another smaller-displacement Lexus model will be joining the ES 240 in the Chinese market after spyshots were captured during a domestic road test: According to Chinese website Sohu, the RX 270 will become the entry-level model in Lexus China‘s RX lineup, and will feature a 2.7L 1AR-FE inline-four gasoline engine, producing 187 …

Kevin · February 27th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Coming to North America

Big news for North America—according to the Lexus Europe Twitter account: CT 200h will be offered for sale in ALL markets where Lexus is present While I never had real doubt that the CT would be North America bound, it’s still a relief that there’s been some official verification. This model will do wonders for …

Kevin · February 26th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Video!

The first Lexus CT 200h video has been released: There may not be any footage of the car in motion, but the video does illustrate the interior blue-to-red color change when activating sport mode as well as showing some closer detail shots of the stitching and art piece shift stalk. I’m really falling for this …

Kevin · February 26th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Press Release

KEY POINTS Lexus’s first premium compact model Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain with 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and powerful but compact electric motor Full hybrid system with selectable EV mode for emissions-free electric running Further selectable ECO, NORMAL and SPORT driving modes ECVT intelligent electronic continuously variable transmission Expected to deliver class-leading CO2 emissions Significantly lower …

Kevin · February 26th, 2010

Official Lexus CT 200h Photo Gallery

Two days after the Lexus CT 200h was leaked by way of a press brochure, official images of the new hatchback have been released: I’m very impressed with how the designers were able to incorporate the LF-Ch’s grille into the final design, in fact, I like the entire front-end. The LED headlights are a highlight, …

Kevin · February 25th, 2010

Lexus Ranks #1 in JD Power’s Customer Service Index

J.D. Power and Associates has released the results of its annual Customer Service Index Study (CSI), and Lexus was again the top-ranked luxury brand, plus the #1 brand overall in customer service. According to J.D. Power: The study examines satisfaction among vehicle owners who visit a service department for maintenance or repair work. The CSI …

Kevin · February 24th, 2010

Lexus GS-F in 2013?

Autocar is reporting that the Lexus GS-F is on deck for 2013 and will be powered by the LFA’s V10: Lexus engineers are working on reducing the engine’s capacity by around 200cc to 4.6 litres and power to 450bhp. The idea is to improve low-range torque, although even with the reduced power output the GS-F …

Kevin · February 24th, 2010

Lexus IS 350 to Debut in Australia

Lexus Australia has announced that the IS 350 sport sedan will be joining its lineup in the fourth quarter of 2010. With its debut Down Under, the IS 350 gains a fourth national market after Canada, Japan, and the U.S., and also addresses the power differential between Lexus Australia’s other IS offerings, the IS 250 …

Kevin · February 24th, 2010

EVO Magazine Reviews the 2010 Lexus IS F

For 2010, the Lexus IS-F gained a Torsen Limited Slip Differential (LSD), and EVO magazine has put the revised model to a road test. The Torsen LSD helped shave 2 seconds off the IS-F’s track times at Fuji Speedway, and on UK roads, EVO seemed impressed with the results. Here’s how they described it: In …

Kevin · February 23rd, 2010

Lexus LS 460L Named Consumer Reports 2010 Top Pick

Consumer Reports has announced its annual Top Picks for 2010, and the Lexus LS 460 L was named Best Overall Car and the #1 luxury sedan for the third consecutive year. The LS retained its top score of 99 out of 100 in Consumer Reports road tests, making it the highest-rated vehicle ever tested by …

Kevin · February 23rd, 2010

New TLE Writer

Today’s been quite a day—first the CT 200h was revealed a week before its offical debut, and now I get to announce that The Lexus Enthusiast is adding a new writer! To ensure that TLE is providing the best Lexus news coverage on the Internet, current comment moderator Dan will now be regularly posting news …

Kevin · February 23rd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Brochure Leak!

The Lexus CT 200h brochure has been leaked by way of World Car Fans, let’s get straight to the images: Some talking points: The CT is built on an all new platform with a double-wishbone rear and tuned McPherson strut front suspension The 1.8L VVT-i engine found in the Prius is confirmed as the engine …

Kevin · February 23rd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Arrives in Geneva

The Lexus CT 200h has arrived for its introduction at the Geneva Auto Show: Click for a larger image This image comes courtesy of Lexus Europe, who are updating their Flickr account every day with a new image from the Geneva Auto Show floor. As expected, the photos so far show the Lexus exhibit to …

Kevin · February 22nd, 2010

Photos from the Miami Lexus Mega Meet

You may remember mention of the Lexus Mega Meet that happened last month in Florida—well, Eric Ho of PS Photos was there and ended up taking hundreds of photos and posting them to Flickr. Here’s just a small sample: Love this photo with every Lexus GS generation: From all accounts, the Mega Meet was a …

Kevin · February 22nd, 2010

The Lexus GX 460 in Starfire Pearl

Couldn’t help but notice how great the Starfire Pearl Lexus GX 460 looks in these photos that were part of a (uniquely written) review in The Gulf News: While I’m partial to Starfire Pearl on almost every vehicle in the lineup, it really gives the GX some extra definition, especially in the side profile. Don’t …

Kevin · February 21st, 2010

Lexus RX Superbowl Commercial

I’m late to the party on this Lexus RX commercial that debuted at this year’s Superbowl: I’ve been driving an RX 450h for the better part of three months, and I have to admit, this commercial captures much of what my final review will focus on. The RX’s best feature is how well it fits …

Kevin · February 18th, 2010

On the Road with the Lexus LFA

We saw the video portion of Chris Harris’ Lexus LFA review for EVO Magazine, and now we have the written instalment as shared by Edmunds: The only engine as free-revving and responsive as this that we’ve ever experienced has been the Porsche Carrera GT’s 612-hp 5.7-liter V10. The resemblance is uncanny, from the heavy, lash-free …

Kevin · February 18th, 2010

Lexus Middle East Pursuit of Perfection Commercial

Huge fan of this Lexus commercial from the Middle East: Reminds me of the classic LS launch commercial—though obviously for a different part of the world. Love this type of lifestyle commercials when they’re done right.

Kevin · February 17th, 2010

Lexus RX & IS Win Best Overall Value Awards

Intellichoice announced their annual Best Overall Values of the Year awards at the Chicago Auto Show last week, and Lexus was well represented. The IS took the Luxury Sports Sedan/Wagon category and the RX was named the best overall value in the Luxury Crossover category and the Best Crossover/SUV value over $28,000. Read the Lexus …

Kevin · February 17th, 2010

Lexus LF-Ch Interior Photos

At last week’s Toronto Auto Show, I had a chance to take some interior photos of the Lexus LF-Ch, and it was an amazing opportunity to get a close-up look at the handcrafted and one-of-a-kind concept car. Before entering, I was asked not to touch anything—the interior is delicate and not built to be handled—even …

Kevin · February 16th, 2010

Lexus LFA & Toyota 2000GT Photoshoot

While looking for a article photo earlier today, I stumbled across this image from Japanese Nostalgic Car: I missed it the first time around, but the folks at Japanese Nostalgic Car managed to secure both the LFA and a 2000GT for a photoshoot after a chance meeting at last year’s SEMA: Like everyone else at …

Kevin · February 15th, 2010

Interview with Toyota Canada’s Stephen Beatty

I had a chance at last week’s Toronto Auto Show to have a quick chat with Toyota Canada’s Managing Director, Steven Beatty, about the growing Canadian Lexus sales and the possibility of a production LF-Ch coming to Canada (keep in mind that this conversation took place before Lexus’ announcement of the CT 200h). TLE: In …

Kevin · February 15th, 2010

No Lexus CT 200h for USA?

Edmund’s Inside Line is reporting that the new Lexus CT 200h may not be coming to the USA: The curious got a first glance at the Lexus CT 200h on Friday via a teaser shot of the car’s cat’s-eye taillight, ahead of the full hybrid compact’s debut at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show in March. …

Kevin · February 15th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Photo Leak

Earlier today, Lexus released a teaser image of the upcoming CT 200h hatchback’s rear tail light—and now we have another photo, this time from the front and extremely blurry—I tried brightening it up a bit: If this photo is accurate, the production model looks to have a more traditional grille and the Lexus Hybrid LED …

Kevin · February 12th, 2010

Lexus LFA Video Review by EVO Magazine

Here’s a video review of the Lexus LFA by EVO Magazine’s Chris Harris : The video watches almost as a love letter to the LFA—some select quotes: “The fit and finish, and just the sheer levels of fetishism, that have been lavished on this interior, I think, know no equal. It’s just stunning. The materials …

Kevin · February 12th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Confirmed for Geneva Auto Show

Lexus has confirmed that the LF-Ch concept will be released as a production model at the Geneva Auto Show in March—named the CT 200h, the luxury compact hatchback will be equipped with Lexus’ second-generation Hybrid Drive, bringing the total number of hybrids in the lineup to five and opening the Lexus brand to a whole …

Kevin · February 12th, 2010

Lexus LF-Ch @ The Toronto Auto Show

Click for a larger image I had an unexpected surprise today while attending the Toronto Auto Show today—turns out the LF-Ch concept was set to receive its Canadian debut, which meant I had a chance to take some interior photos like this: Click for a larger image The concept’s interior is handmade and essentially left …

Kevin · February 11th, 2010

Toronto Auto Show Coverage

I’ll be attending the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto today and will be bringing you coverage of the Lexus exhibit along with plenty of photos (as usual). My major focus will be taking interior photos—every single interior picture I snapped at the Detroit Auto Show didn’t turn out due to my insistence on using …

Kevin · February 10th, 2010

Jayson Pizarro’s LS1 Powered Lexus GS

Great story in Modified Magazine about Jayson Pizarro and his heavily modified LS1-powered Lexus GS 300—absolutely no compromises in this build, and it shows down to every detail. One of the complete custom 2GS’ I’ve ever seen. Read this Story

Kevin · February 10th, 2010

Under the Lexus LF-Ch’s Hood

Here’s a little video of the Lexus LF-Ch puttering its way across a parking lot: Not a lot of pep in the concept car—which reminded me of some photos I forgot to post from the Detroit Auto Show : I have a feeling the engine in the production model will be a little more advanced …

Kevin · February 10th, 2010

(Re)Introducing the New TLE Comment Moderator

Much to my excitement, The Lexus Enthusiast community has been growing steadily over the last few months. There’s now dozens of frequent commenters with diverse insight and strong opinions, and it’s been one of my favorite things to watch as the site builds in popularity. In order to best serve this community, I’ve asked frequent …

Kevin · February 9th, 2010

VAISTech Releases Lexus VLine LED Lights

VAIS Technology, makers of the premier Lexus iPod integration kits, have announced that their VLine LED light kit is now for sale—here are some photos: LED daytime running lights are finding their way into all sorts of cars since Audi pioneered the look—the 2010 LS is even sporting a similar strip. Best part about these …

Kevin · February 9th, 2010

Lexus HS 250h Voluntary Recall Announced

A voluntary recall of the 2010 Lexus HS 250h has been announced by Toyota USA—from the press release: The ABS, in normal operation, engages and disengages rapidly (many times per second) as the control system senses and reacts to tire slippage. Some 2010 model year Prius and 2010 HS 250h owners have reported experiencing inconsistent …

Kevin · February 8th, 2010

Lexus Japan RX 350 & RX 450h Special Options

Lexus Japan is offering a two unique customization options for the Lexus RX 350 & RX 450h, starting with this aggressive under-spoiler: Hard to judge with only the front-end visible, but it’s similar to the LX 570 Sport Luxury package we saw last week in that it doesn’t seem to fit all that well. The …

Kevin · February 8th, 2010

2010 Lexus RX 450h Long Term Review: Week 8

Even with the winter weather, one of the real pleasures during my time with the 2010 Lexus RX 450h has been driving at night. It all starts with the on-demand all-wheel drive system—there hasn’t been a single slip, really nothing more than a flash of the yellow traction light, and that brings a lot of …

Kevin · February 7th, 2010

Looking at Lexus Design

There’s an interesting column by Eddie Alterman at Car & Driver—I recommend reading the whole thing, but here’s some choice quotes: …try to figure out what an IS F could possibly be doing next to an HS250h hybrid. Or why the LFA, a bona fide super-premium super-GT, looks like somebody’s old Supra that crashed into …

Kevin · February 7th, 2010

Wald’s Executive Line Lexus LS 460

For the Tokyo Auto Salon, Japanese tuner company Wald International outfitted a 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport with their Executive Line body kit and Renovatio wheels: Wald’s tendency to overcomplicate the simple Lexus design is too over-the-top for my tastes, especially with the front-fender vents and the massive 22” Renevatio wheels, but it isn’t hard …

Kevin · February 5th, 2010

Lexus HS 250h to be Part of Toyota Prius Brake Investigation

Taking the upmost caution in the face of increasingly ridiculous media attention, Toyota has announced that the Lexus HS 250h will be investigated alongside the 2010 Toyota Prius for a software glitch that is causing problems with Toyota’s hybrid braking—even though the two models don’t even use the same software: The mechanical parts that make …

Kevin · February 5th, 2010

Four Seasons Lexus IS F Review from Car Magazine

Car Magazine has just wrapped up its Four Seasons review of the Lexus IS-F, and like most of these long-term test drives, it’s interesting to see what the year brings (although it does sound like the author and the IS F fit together like a square peg in a round hole). Read this review

Kevin · February 4th, 2010

Lexus LX 570 Sports Luxury Package Released in Australia

The 2010 Lexus LX 570 is getting the sports treatment down under, as Lexus Australia is releasing the supersize SUV with a muscular body kit as part of new Sports Luxury package: There’s something ill-fitting about that front bumper and the way it overlaps, but I do like the reverse trapezoid air intake mirroring the …

Kevin · February 4th, 2010

A Note on the Recent Toyota Recall

In order to head off the emails I’ve been receiving over the last couple days regarding Toyota’s recent accelerator pedal recall—it is important to note that this is strictly a Toyota issue and does not affect any Lexus car or SUV. There was a Lexus ES 350 & IS 250/350 recall announced in December regarding …

Kevin · February 3rd, 2010

BILD Builds a Blue Lexus LF-Ch

As part of their article on the Lexus LF-Ch today, German newspaper BILD did a little photochopping and came up with a blue production rendering, with real side mirrors and some minor softening of the front-end—I can see the production model retaining a variation on the concept’s grille, but think the front bumper will be …

Kevin · February 2nd, 2010

Lexus January 2010 Sales Report

USA The January sales numbers for Lexus USA are in: January Year to Date 2010 2009 % CHG 2010 2009 % CHG IS 2,203 2,400 -0.6 2,203 2,400 -0.6 HS 1,247 0 N/A 1,247 0 N/A ES 2,923 2,971 6.6 2,923 2,971 6.6 GS 529 898 -36.2 529 898 -36.2 SC 24 73 -64.4 24 …

Kevin · February 2nd, 2010

Next-Generation Lexus SC Rendering

With the Lexus SC 430 in its final months of production, our attention turns to what happens next—and Top Speed is more than happy to oblige with this rendering of the next-generation SC put together by photochopper Avarvarii: This rendering hits a lot of the right notes—the next generation SC has a lot of potential …

Kevin · February 1st, 2010

Inside Lexus Hybrid Drive

Note: The following interview with Lexus Hybrid Drive chief Shinichi Abe was written by Doug Knox for Lexus Magazine, and is reprinted with permission. WHEN THE LEXUS Hybrid Drive project first received the green light in the early 2000s, Shinichi Abe, the man about to inherit the biggest thing at Lexus at the time, admits …

Kevin · January 31st, 2010

Lexus Mega Meet in Miami This Weekend

Looks like this is the week for Lexus enthusiasts in the Miami area—first there was the F-Sport event at the Homestead-Miami Speedway on Wednesday, and now this Sunday, the JM Lexus dealership will be hosting the Lexus/Supra Mega Meet, a massive Lexus gathering with hundreds of cars on display. View the Event Flyer or Visit …

Kevin · January 29th, 2010

Lexus F-Sport Event @ Homestead-Miami Speedway

Wednesday’s Lexus F-Sport Event at the Homestead-Miami Speedway has come and gone, but some of those lucky enough to attend have published their photos & videos from the track, including some beautiful LFA shots from Eric Ho: Be sure to check out his full gallery on Flickr—some very nice 1SC & 2GS photos from the …

Kevin · January 29th, 2010

Looking at the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL Instrument Panel

I really love the look of the new TFT instrument panel in the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL: There was also these images from yesterday’s L-Select LS 600hL photo gallery from Japan: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1543”} The IP’s central circle theme is a much cleaner approach than the traditional two dial display, and brings to mind the LFA’s …

Kevin · January 28th, 2010

Lexus LFA Roadster Rendering

Dutch website Autogespot has put together a photochop of a production Lexus LFA Roadster, merging elements of the final production car and the 2008 LFA roadster concept: How far of a stretch would it be to expect an LFA Roadster to follow the LFA coupe? It would certainly help to recoup the V10 engine development …

Kevin · January 28th, 2010

Lexus L-Select LS 600hL from Japan

Photos of the L-Select customization program offered by Lexus Japan have been hard to come by—that is, until I was sent the link to this absolutely massive LS 600hL gallery with one of the unique L-Select trims. Here’s just a small selection: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1539”} Just look at these detail shots: I’m not sold on the …

Kevin · January 27th, 2010

Lexus LF-Ch Survey Results

If you’re a regular TLE reader, you may remember the LF-Ch online survey that Lexus USA conducted last September—here are the final results: Very clearly, the front-end design is a hit with the 3,281 voters—more than half liked a combination of the front and front 3/4 angles. No surprises here—the LF-Ch is certainly sporty & …

Kevin · January 27th, 2010

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