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Automobile Magazine Reviews the 2010 Lexus GX 460

Automobile Magazine has posted up a first drive of the 2010 Lexus GX 460, which reads like an obituary of body-on-frame luxury utility vehicles, and includes this suggestion: When this new GX got the green light four or so years ago, the world was a different place. Today, Lexus doesn’t really need two V-8-powered, body-on-frame …

Kevin · November 24th, 2009

Lexus LFAs Limited to 150 Units in USA, 10 in Canada

There’s news today on the USA’s allotment of Lexus LFAs—initially thought to be “undetermined” and dependant on worldwide demand, it has now been announced that the USA will receive 150 of the total run of 500 units: A Lexus spokesman told Inside Line only 150 cars will be coming to the U.S. Previously, Lexus said …

Kevin · November 24th, 2009

2010 Lexus GX 460 US Pricing

Arriving in US dealerships in late December, the 2010 Lexus GX 460 will be offered in two grades: The base model starts at $51,970, with standard features like power fold-flat third row seats, heated/ventilated front seats, rear backup camera, ten airbags,integrated XM, Bluetooth & iPod control, a 4.2” multi-information display, nine speaker audio system and …

Kevin · November 23rd, 2009

Edmunds First Drive of the 2010 Lexus GX 460

Only hours after its official introduction, Edmunds has posted their first-drive impression of the new 2010 Lexus GX 460, and its a nice overview of the new SUV: On paper, the 2010 GX’s extra 500 pounds looks like it could completely cancel out the gains in horsepower and torque. On the road, however, it’s not …

Kevin · November 23rd, 2009

Introducing the 2010 Lexus GX 460

The newly redesigned 2010 Lexus GX 460 has been announced today, which means plenty of information to cover—let’s start with some key points, followed by the official photo gallery and press release. Highlights of the second generation GX include: An all-new 4.6-liter V8 producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb.-ft. of peak torque, paired with a …

Kevin · November 23rd, 2009

Lexus Enthusiast 5.0

Welcome to the latest edition of The Lexus Enthusiast! Developed over a two-month period, this is the fifth redesign of the site since its debut in May 2007. First off, some key points: The entire site navigation has been simplified and reworked—gone is the needlessly complicated model database, and in its place is a simple …

Kevin · November 21st, 2009

Lexus LF-Ch Launch in 2012?

Paul Eisenstein of The Detroit Bureau had an opportunity to talk with Lexus USA General Manager Mark Templin on the future of the LF-Ch hatchback concept: “There is a group of buyers growing up now who won’t buy cars by the pound,” noted Templin, adding that, “We have already seen a structural shift” to the …

Kevin · November 20th, 2009

Lexus IS F Lap with Gran Turismo’s Kazunori Yamauchi

Another day, another virtual lap—only this time it’s the esteemed Gran Turismo creator, Kazunori Yamauchi, driving a race-modifed Lexus IS F in the 8th round of the VLN series at Nürburgring: Back in August, Mr. Yamauchi and a team of two others (Motor Journalist Peter Lyon and racing driver Hideshi Matsuda—all three judges for the …

Kevin · November 19th, 2009

More on the Lexus LFA Buying Process

Automobile Magazine has more on the Lexus LFA buying process: What I want to talk about is how a person might go about purchasing an LFA. Buying an exotic car, especially one in high demand, like most Ferraris, can be a very taxing experience even for the most battle-hardened business person. How do I get …

Kevin · November 17th, 2009

Auto Club Speedway Lap with the Lexus LFA

Keeping with the Lexus F-Sport event at the Auto Club Speedway, here’s a LFA lap around the track with driver Scott Pruett, as filmed by Flipside 909 from Club Lexus: Hard to believe the speed watching the track whip by—absolutely wild.

Kevin · November 17th, 2009

Lexus F-Sport Event at the Auto Club Speedway

If you may recall, there was an F-Sport event in Fontana, California last Thursday, and videos and photos of the event are making their way online—for a start, there’s this video put together by Unlimited Illuminations that features great footage of an IS F lap around the Auto Club Speedway: Too bad that poor guy …

Kevin · November 16th, 2009

2010 Lexus GX 460 to Debut in China Next Week

The next-generation Lexus GX will be unveiled in China next Monday at Auto Guangzhou 2009: The Lexus “GX460”, a midsize SUV, will make its world premiere at a press briefing scheduled for November 23. Also on display for Lexus will be the “ES240” and other models. Also being displayed is the 4-cylinder ES 240, which …

Kevin · November 15th, 2009

Behind-the-Scenes of Lexus ES 350 Slice Commercial

Speaking of “behind-the-scenes” and Lexus ES commercials—here’s a real backstage pass to the work that went into creating one of my favorite Lexus commercials. First, the commercial (in poor quality): Next, here’s the process of creating a real “sliced” ES 350: The lengths that (Lexus USA advertising agency) Team One goes through to get these …

Kevin · November 12th, 2009

Lexus ES 350 Commercial: 40,000 Hours

Here’s the new commercial for the 2010 Lexus ES 350: This commercial stays with the look of the latest LS commercial, and has a “behind-the-scenes” feel. Not sure I believe that’s what the Lexus test-facilities look like, though. (A note: I recently spotted a 2010 ES at my local dealership, and was pleased to see …

Kevin · November 12th, 2009

Racer Magazine Reviews the Lexus LX 570

Here’s a nice twist on the standard auto review—Racer magazine recently needed a hauler to transport their Mazda RX-8 race car from California to Nebraska, and they chose the Lexus LX 570: Having recently completed a project RX-8 build for SportsCar magazine, we were looking to transport the car from Southern California to the Sports …

Kevin · November 11th, 2009

Automobile Interview with Lexus’ Brian Bolain

As part of Automobile Magazine’s SEMA coverage, Editor-in-Chief Jean Jennings sat down and interviewed Lexus National Marketing Manager Brian Bolain on the LFA: I like how the LFA is described in terms of how it fits into the lineup—not just the plan to use the supercar to build out F-Sport, but how it builds on …

Kevin · November 11th, 2009

The Lexus LF-Ch Design Story

Also out today is a video from Toyota’s Calty Design Research on the design of the Lexus LF-Ch: Nice to see the people behind the designs, even if the video plays like an automotive design school advertisement. (A funny thought: even though the LF-Ch has taken a back seat to the LFA in recent days, …

Kevin · November 10th, 2009

Motor Trend: 2008 Lexus IS F Long Term Test

Motor Trend has just turned in the results of their year-long Lexus IS F road test—doesn’t sound like the car was well-liked: Naturally, our discerning staff found plenty to criticize about the IS F, notably high-performance Brembos that all too often emitted high-pitched squeaks (dealers either could not replicate the noise or told us it …

Kevin · November 10th, 2009

Lexus LFA Video Overview

If it hadn’t been for the boisterous voice over, I probably would have passed over this informative Lexus LFA video: (This video also includes the carbon fiber footage in case you didn’t see it the first time around.) I’m still marvelling at the LFA, it’s brought some much-needed energy to the brand. It also has …

Kevin · November 10th, 2009

Two Lexus HS 250h Commercials

Here’s two Lexus HS 250h commercials—the first is from Japan, and involves saving the world: This second commercial shows the HSh’s Heads-up Display in greater detail: The HUD isn’t available in the HSh in Canada, so this is the first time I’ve seen the upgraded graphics and display information. Very impressed to see the steering …

Kevin · November 9th, 2009

Automobile Magazine Reviews the Lexus LFA

I stopped reading Lexus LFA reviews for a while as they were starting to blend together, but Automobile Magazine’s Georg Kacher pulled me back in with his impressions of the new Lexus supercar: Codeveloped with Yamaha, the 552-hp, 4.8-liter V-10 is without a doubt a mechanical masterpiece. It has been skillfully engineered, with almost telepathic …

Kevin · November 9th, 2009

TRD-Tuned Lexus IS & GS from SEMA

We saw the official photos of the cars in Lexus’ SEMA showcase, and now Autoblog has posted a few photos of the TRD F-Sport GS & IS: I’m more impressed with these two cars by the day—- especially when I see new details like the matte tailights, which works well contrasting with the vibrant orange …

Kevin · November 8th, 2009

Homestead Hot Laps in the Lexus LFA

As part of their North American LFA press event in Miami, Lexus gave the journalists the opportunity to experience a hot lap around the Homestead Speedway with an experienced race car driver behind the wheel—here’s footage from two such runs: Love the interior sound, especially now that I know it was tuned by musicians.

Kevin · November 6th, 2009

10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Lexus LFA

Edmunds Inside Line has put together a great list of ten things you didn’t know about the Lexus LFA—here’s an example: Spectacular Sound Two separate ducts route intake noise into the firewall from the intake manifold, allowing two different octaves of engine music to penetrate the passenger compartment. As a result, the LFA’s engine note …

Kevin · November 6th, 2009

Auto Express Comparison: Lexus RX 450h vs. BMW X5 30d

Auto Express compared the 2010 Lexus RX 450h to the BMW X5 30d SE to see which SUV is the better buy: …which car more successfully mixes eco-friendly credentials with rugged versatility and luxury? There’s no denying the X5 still rules the roost for image and driving dynamics. Plus, the big boot and seven-seat potential …

Kevin · November 5th, 2009

2010 Lexus LS 600h Commercial

There’s a new 2010 Lexus LS 600h commercial from Lexus Japan: This LS features an L-Select bright-red & black interior—don’t know if that would be my first pick with a white exterior. (On a side note: Why do all the press photos & video have to feature the same color car? I certainly wouldn’t mind …

Kevin · November 5th, 2009

2010 Lexus LS 600hL Photos & Information

A large photo gallery of the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL has been released by Lexus USA: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1430”} One of the photos in particular gives us our best look at the grille and the new headlight design, which incorporates a thin light strip that mirrors the taillight design: I don’t know that these photos make …

Kevin · November 5th, 2009

2009 Lexus SEMA Showcase Video

Along with the usual press photos, Lexus has also put together a video showing their stable of customized SEMA cars: It’s a nice lineup of cars this year, though I would have preferred to see more done with the GS. Also, I hope the wheels on the TRD (orange) IS-C make it into the F-Sport …

Kevin · November 4th, 2009

Lexus F-Sport Event in California

Lexus USA is holding an F-Sport event November 12th at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California: One Day Only at Auto Club Speedway… An exclusive opportunity to experience the performance and appearance-enhancing F-Sport™ accessories on a custom autocross course at California’s premiere track- Auto Club Speedway.. Come out and experience racing inspired components that …

Kevin · November 4th, 2009

Lexus LFA Instrument Panel Video

There were some quick shots of the Lexus LFA’s instrument panel in the official press video, but this autoshow simulator footage shows just how amazing the supercar’s display really is: With the moving chrome ring, there’s a real mechanical feel to the interface, making it look even more like it’s from the future—absolutely beautiful shutdown …

Kevin · November 3rd, 2009

Lexus USA October 2009 Sales Report

The October sales numbers for Lexus USA are in, and both the car & truck divisions posted positive year-to-year gains: October Year to Date 2009 2008 % CHG 2009 2008 % CHG IS 3,162 2,772 10.0 31,073 43,144 -28.0 HS 1,527 0 3,312 0 ES 4,413 4,141 2.8 37,844 54,783 -30.9 GS 494 819 -41.8 …

Kevin · November 3rd, 2009

SEMA 2009 Lexus Car Guide

SEMA, the annual automotive specialty products tradeshow, starts tomorrow, and will feature seven Lexus automobiles, including the North American debut of the LFA and the winner of the SEMA Showcase contest—here’s a full breakdown of the participating vehicles: IS 300 by DAVID HUANG {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1421”} Description David Huang invested over $100,000 in his IS 300 …

Kevin · November 2nd, 2009

More Information on the Lexus LFA Buying Process

As time goes on, we’re going to find the process of selling the Lexus LFA will almost be as interesting as the car itself—case in point, the Toronto Star has published some background information for potential Canadian buyers: For the first time in mainstream automotive memory, a car is being brought to market that drivers …

Kevin · November 2nd, 2009

Lexus LFA Carbon Fiber Creation Video

Here’s a video that shows the machine responsible for the Lexus LFA’s dual-carbon fiber A-pillars: Called a rotary weaver, this machine is of only two such devices in existence, and is used expressly for the creation of the carbon fiber components of the LFA. Hard to imagine what else this machine will create—the possibilities are …

Kevin · November 1st, 2009

2010 Lexus GX 460 Photo (Plus New Information)

The quality may not be great, but here’s our first look at the front end of the 2010 Lexus GX 460: Well, it was expected that the next-gen GX would mirror the LX 570’s design, and that looks to be very much the case. In fact, the GX wears the overall design better than the …

Kevin · October 30th, 2009

Lexus LFA Wallpapers

I haven’t been able to take my eyes off the official Lexus LFA photos released last week, the macro shots in particular, so I cropped a selection of images for desktop wallpapers: Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 Select …

Kevin · October 29th, 2009

Lexus L-Select Customization Video

This video gives some detail on the new L-Select customization program currently offered with the Lexus LS in Japan (warning: the accompanying music is unique): If switching internal LS components is as easy as it’s displayed in this video, I don’t see any reason why L-Select couldn’t make it’s way to other markets. More likely, …

Kevin · October 29th, 2009

Autocar’s First Drive of the Lexus LFA

There’s still plenty of Lexus LFA reviews to cover—next up is the UK’s Autocar and their great hands-on video with the supercar in Germany: This footage does a great job showing the LFA’s speed in a real-world context—choice quote: “The engine is absolutely sensational…just think a cross between a M5 and Porsche Carrera GT.” (Thanks …

Kevin · October 28th, 2009

Lexus LS Commercial: Turntable

Loving this new Lexus LS commercial: What Lexus has achieved with the new LS is amazing, and it’s nice to see a commercial that focuses on just how exceptional a vehicle it is. As the (current) flagship model, I don’t think it gets enough attention—but then, maybe that’s the point? Oh, so subtle… [Source: Motiongrapher]

Kevin · October 27th, 2009

The Lexus HB (Hybrid Bicycle) Concept

Here’s a curious item from the Tokyo Motorshow—Gizmag discovered the Lexus HB (Hybrid Bicycle) concept, built entirely out of carbon weave: I really like the L-badging on the handlebars and the overall shape, though I’ll admit to knowing nothing about bicycle design. Here’s some closeups of the body: [Source: Gizmag]

Kevin · October 27th, 2009

Lexus LFA Carbon Weave Closeup

Car website Speedhunters managed to get a number of great Lexus LFA photos at the Tokyo Motor Show, including images of the car with an unpainted roof and spoiler, which shows the carbon weave base: Also included in the photo set is some closeups of the engine and the underside of the hood—be sure to …

Kevin · October 27th, 2009

Lexus Announces Drive HS Winner

Lexus USA has announced the winner of their Drive HS promotion: Mr. Michael David Valletta who resides in Pleasant View, Utah, and is currently stationed at Fort Rucker, Ala., is the Grand Prize Winner of the promotion which encouraged people to post a profile and a statement about why people should vote for them on …

Kevin · October 27th, 2009

Autoblog’s First Drive of the Lexus LFA

Autoblog’s first drive writeup of the Lexus LFA does a great job of putting the reader in the drivers seat: Nestled into the stylish yet supremely comfortable seats, Toyota’s attention to detail continued to assault every fiber of my being. I can’t remember the last time I was excited about seat controls (never?), but the …

Kevin · October 26th, 2009

Road & Track Interviews Lexus LFA Chief Engineer

Along with their driving impressions and technical analysis, Road & Track also had a chance to ask Lexus LFA chief engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi a few questions: What were the most difficult challenges you faced? This is difficult to answer. In Toyota, the highest-performance car we had in the past was the Supra. It had its …

Kevin · October 26th, 2009

Road & Track Drives the Lexus LFA

Road & Track has turned in their first impressions of the 2011 Lexus LFA: On the roads around the Nürburgring, the LFA is docile. Even with 560 bhp on tap, the car doesn’t need to be driven in anger to appreciate its power and road-hugging ability. Put the paddle-shift transmission in the sportiest setting and …

Kevin · October 26th, 2009

2010 Lexus LS on Lexus USA Website

The updated 2010 Lexus LS is now on the Lexus USA website: The first I checked out was the cost of the LS Sport package: The package, which is only available with the RWD LS 460, adds $6,185 USD to the $64,680 base price, and includes Brembo brakes, 19” 10-split-spoke alloy wheels, sport-tuned air suspension, …

Kevin · October 25th, 2009

Lexus LFA to make North American Debut Next Month

The Lexus LFA will be making its North American debut at November’s SEMA trade show in Las Vegas as it starts a serious cross country tour: The highly anticipated LFA supercar, which just made its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, will be on display for the first time in North America at two …

Kevin · October 22nd, 2009

Edmunds Drives the Lexus LFA

The Lexus LFA writeup at Edmunds Inside Line is a real delight to read: This is a staggering engine. It likes to be revved hard, but with 90 percent of the torque output available from 3,700 rpm there’s none of the low-rpm languor that blights other high-revving motors. Lexus claims the LFA with its six-speed, …

Kevin · October 22nd, 2009

More Lexus LFA First Drives

When the Lexus LFA launched yesterday, a media embargo was lifted and the gates sure opened up! Here’s a couple more first drive articles: Auto Week Auto Week’s Mark Vaughn gives a detailed description of what it’s like to drive the supercar, along with a great quote from the LFA chief engineer: “In our religious …

Kevin · October 21st, 2009

C&D Drives the Lexus LFA

Car and Driver has posted up their early impressions of the Lexus LFA: Lexus claims multiple justifications for the LFA program. The car, it says, casts a halo over the Lexus F line of performance machines. It’s also a way for Toyota to explore new technologies, particularly carbon-fiber construction. And since Lexus says it will …

Kevin · October 21st, 2009

Build Your Own Lexus LFA

Lexus has launched a global site for the LFA, and it includes a very fun configurator, which allows you to build your very own LFA: The exterior color selection alone is a wild spectrum of colors, including Passionate Pink and Lime Green—I tried my hand at my very own LFA: (If I was seriously buying …

Kevin · October 21st, 2009

Official Lexus LFA Introduction Video

This official Lexus LFA video, which was shown right before the supercar’s introduction at the Tokyo Motor Show, is hands-down the best thing you will see today, I promise: The production value of both this video and the official press photos is absolutely fantastic—they really show the LFA in the best possible light. As a …

Kevin · October 21st, 2009

Full Lexus LFA Press Release

The Lexus LFA was launched late last night, and the deluge of information today is expectedly overwhelming. There’s plenty to get through, so let’s start off today with the full press release from Lexus GB. KEY POINTS Lexus’s 21st century supercar delivers extreme, race-bred performance, with advanced technologies and absolute exclusivity Powered by mid-front mounted …

Kevin · October 21st, 2009

Lexus LFA Press Launch Video

The Lexus LFA press conference at the Tokyo Motorshow just ended minutes ago, and already a video of the launch has been posted online: I’m looking forward to a translation of Akio Toyoda’s speech—I’ve been told that an official video will be published online at 6pm JDT (3am PST/6am EST)—which should have some subtitles. Look …

Kevin · October 20th, 2009

Official Lexus LFA Photos (& Specs) Leaked!

It’s a full-on torrent of Lexus LFA information—first there was the leaked press video and photos from the streets of Miami—now it’s the official press photos leaked early by Italian website Omni Auto: Along with the photos was a breakdown of all the important performance specifications: 4.8L 72-degree V10 pushing out 560hp at 8,700 RPM …

Kevin · October 20th, 2009

Lexus LFA Uncovered!

Only hours before its official launch at the Tokyo Motor Show, a video has been posted showing the uncovered Lexus LFA in all its glory: Not only that, two Lexus LFAs has been spotted in Miami by NAGTROC member Adrey, presumably for a press launch tomorrow: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1391”}

Kevin · October 20th, 2009

Lexus LFA World Premiere

After five long years of development, Lexus will be announcing the production model LFA at the Tokyo Motor Show on October 21st, 11:10am Japan Standard Time—which translated to North American time, means October 20th, 7:10 PST/10:10 EST. Less than 24 hours away! Hopefully, a live stream of the event will be somewhere online—if not, a …

Kevin · October 19th, 2009

Lexus HS250h Photos from Winnipeg

Given the short time frame, I wasn’t able to take too many photos during the Lexus HS 250h event in Winnipeg, but what I lacked in quantity I made up for in quality: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1389”} I found the HS 250h in Matador Red very easy to photograph—unlike the Aurora White Pearl that absorbed all light. …

Kevin · October 19th, 2009

Extraordinary Lexus Meetup in Japan

There isn’t much in the way of details, but I had to post these photos taken at a Lexus owners meetup in Japan: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1386”} Simply boggles my mind—it looks like the world’s largest Lexus dealer lot until you start noticing all the various mods and body kits. Absolutely amazing. These photos are from this …

Kevin · October 19th, 2009

2010 Lexus GX 460 Interior Leaked!

A photo of the 2010 Lexus GX 460 interior has leaked (click for a larger image): The most noticeable element of the new interior is the massive touchscreen, but what’s most impressive is the improved usability and simplicity—compare the new GX interior with the current LX: All in all, it’s a very nice display of …

Kevin · October 18th, 2009

2010 Lexus HS 250h Canadian Preview

To mark the Canadian release of the Lexus HS 250h, Lexus Canada invited media from across the country to test drive the new hybrid sedan in Winnipeg, Manitoba, one of the most environmentally friendly cities in Canada. The event took place over two days, where we were blessed with some exceptionally wonderful weather and plenty …

Kevin · October 15th, 2009

The Lexus L-Select Customization Program

The new L-Select Lexus customization program has launched in Japan. This program, which is currently limited to the LS, makes it possible to pick and choose your leather, wood trim, even your roof material. Here’s a small sampling of the possible interior combinations: These are some serious interior options, I’m all over that IS-F inspired …

Kevin · October 13th, 2009

Lexus LFA: “The Best Car I’ve Ever Driven…”

In a quick interview during a Lexus LFA press event, Dutch motoring journalist and race-driving instructor Thomas Bangma had some very, very complimentary things to say about the upcoming supercar: The best car that I’ve ever driven in my life as a car journalist. It is an absolute gem, it is amazing…and I think it’s …

Kevin · October 12th, 2009

Lexus LFA Supercar Drift!

As part of this weekend’s Motor Sport 2009 in Odaiba, Japan, Lexus brought out one of their LFA racing prototypes this weekend for some supercar drifting, and was videotaped by numerous members of the crowd: And the best one of the bunch: Bringing out a supercar concept to do donuts for an enthusiast crowd in …

Kevin · October 12th, 2009

EVO Takes the Lexus IS-F to Germany

EVO has a 2008 Lexus IS-F as one of their long-term vehicles, and recently took the sedan on a trip to Germany to test out its upper limits: Our chosen section is bone dry, bright and mercifully light on traffic. Time to let the 5-litre V8 strut its stuff. What follows is the longest sustained …

Kevin · October 8th, 2009

Lexus Temporary Safety Recall Solution Announced

A temporary solution to the ongoing safety recall affecting the Lexus ES 350 & IS 250/350 has been announced—according to Automotive News, zip ties will be used to hold down the floor mats until a permanent solution is ready: “We have reviewed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration what we’re calling a semipermanent floor …

Kevin · October 8th, 2009

2010 Lexus GS 450h Photo Gallery

Along with photos and information on the 2010 GS 350/460, Lexus USA also published a set of 2010 GS 450h photos: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1376”} The refreshed GSh is easily the best Lexus hybrid facelift—the new front grille in particular stands out as a clean, modern design, and the rear taillamps also show some nice execution. I …

Kevin · October 7th, 2009

Lexus Supercar Confirmed for Tokyo Motor Show

Lexus has announced that “a revolutionary two-seat supercar” will be unveiled later this month at the Tokyo Motor Show—the full brief: Two-seat supercar (world premier) This concept vehicle epitomizes the purest form of driving exhilaration and performance. (Details to be announced at the Lexus press briefing on October 21.) This “two-seat supercar” is, of course, …

Kevin · October 7th, 2009

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