Toyota and Lexus Hybrids Top One Million Sales in the U.S.

Toyota announced today that the company has now sold 1,000,000 hybrids in the USA since the Prius’ introduction in 2000. An extrodinary number to say the least, it’s certainly a clear indicator that hybrid technology is a strong selling point. From the press release: The sales milestone was achieved with an industry-leading six Toyota and …
Kevin · March 11th, 2009

Lexus RX Commercial Digital Effects Explained

Dexigner has posted an in-depth article detailing the production of the new 2010 Lexus RX commercials, including how some of the digital effects were created. This part was especially interesting: “City” opens on the RX sitting in traffic. But the vehicle has a secret weapon-XM real-time traffic monitoring that reveals driving conditions on the road …
Kevin · March 11th, 2009

Lexus RX 450h Test Drive Videos

Today we have two unique 2010 Lexus RX 450h videos that are the equivalent of an Internet test drive — no dialogue, POV angles, long ambling drives down deserted highways — all to give an insight into potential ownership. The first video is from Lexus Japan, and is likely taken from a promo DVD — …
Kevin · March 11th, 2009

Lexus Power of H Commercial: Solar Tree

Power of H, Lexus’ hybrid marketing campaign, has put out three non-product infommercials featuring example of green engineering. First, we watched homes being built from shipping containers, then a bridge that uses the passing cars to generate electricity, and now the final installment about a Solar “Tree” built in Italy: These videos may have been …
Kevin · March 10th, 2009

Rumor of a Lexus IS-F Evolution

According to Japanese auto magazine Best Car, Lexus continues to work on a lightweight version of the IS-F, dubbed the IS-F Evolution. The main focus on the IS-F Evolution would be reducing weight, where up to 300lbs could be dropped by using carbon fiber anywhere possible. Possible body panels would include the front bumper, front …
Kevin · March 10th, 2009

Lexus Canada February 2009 Sales Report

After a year of setting sales records in 2008, Lexus Canada is feeling the pinch of the shaky economic climate with sales in February dropping 24.4% compared to last year to 1,303 units sold. That said, the RX 350 continues to be a strong seller, and with the introduction of the 2010 model mid-month, sales …
Kevin · March 9th, 2009

Consumer Reports Names Lexus LS 460 Best Overall Vehicle of 2009

Consumer Reports’ love affair with the Lexus LS 460 continues — first was their astonishing 99/100 score in 2007, followed by a win as 2008’s top luxury sedan — and now CR has named the LS 460 the best overall vehicle of 2009: With a road-test score of 99 out of 100, this is our …
Kevin · March 9th, 2009

Healthy Start

Regular readers may have noticed that the Lexus news hasn’t been all that frequent lately, and I’d like to explain just what’s been happening “behind-the-scenes” here at TPP. First of all, I’ve been extremely sick these last three weeks, having been hit by an extremely nasty cold that made it hard to do much of …
Kevin · March 9th, 2009

Lexus Japan releases Red-Edge Black Interior for the IS

The IS also received an interior treatment from Lexus Japan, with the Red-Edge Black Special Edition, very similar to the Meteor Black GS edition: Loving that red stitching — it’s a great accent color, a real eye-catcher. (Still partial to the red carpet in last year’s Passionate Black interior, though.) This special edition interior is …
Kevin · March 5th, 2009

Lexus Japan releases Meteor Black Interior for the GS

Lexus Japan has been known to release some incredibly nice limited edition interiors, and they’re back at it again with the Meteor Black interior for the GS: The interior starts off with the default black semi-aniline leather, and then all of the stitching is two-tone black & red with silver accents. Also, both interior wood …
Kevin · March 5th, 2009

Building the Lexus Enform 3D City

This is just amazing — take a look at this byHook video that documents their construction of the 3D city in Lexus’ Enform presentation video: Watching 3D being built never fails to astonish me, especially when it’s viewed in 10X speed.
Kevin · March 4th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h Back in Disguise

After revealing the HS 250h for all to see at the Detroit Auto Show, Lexus is back to camouflaging its new hybrid sedan in public, which Motor Trend managed to snag on camera. Here’s another photo: The reasoning might be that this is a pre-Detroit mule with some new mechanical tweaks, or it might signal …
Kevin · March 4th, 2009

Lexus USA February 2009 Sales Report

The Lexus USA sales numbers for February have been released, and it’s just plain depressing: 2009 2008 % Change IS250/350/F 2,147 3,906 -42.7 ES350 2,575 4,795 -44.1 GS350/460/450h 595 1,422 -56.4 SC430 76 189 -58.1 LS460/600h L 700 1,891 -61.4 Total Cars 6,093 12,203 -48.0 RX350/400h 6,218 6,956 -6.9 GX470 516 1,549 -65.3 LX570 281 …
Kevin · March 3rd, 2009

2010 Lexus RX 450h Gas Mileage Europe/USA Comparison

Lexus UK has revealed the gas mileage of the 2010 Lexus RX 450h press release for the Geneva Auto Show: With a total system output of 220kW/299 DIN HP, the improved Lexus Hybrid Drive gives the RX 450h a maximum speed of 200kph. Via continuously variable transmission it will accelerate seamlessly from 0-100kph in just …
Kevin · March 3rd, 2009

Video of the Lexus Heads Up Display

At long last, here’s some user video of the new Heads Up Display technology built into the 2010 Lexus RX: At first, I didn’t understand the arrow columns to the right of the speedometer, then I released it was actual lane directions! Amazing. This might not be available in North America, but I don’t think …
Kevin · March 2nd, 2009

Toyota Considering Ultra-Luxury Brand?

How’s this for a rumor trail — according to an Autospies poster, Japanese magazine Carview has reported that Toyota is looking at creating a new ultra-luxury automotive brand above Lexus, here’s the article: Here’s the article, supposedly paraphrased an Autospies poster: A Lexus spokesman explained that Lexus had thoroughly researched the market and feels that …
Kevin · February 27th, 2009

Flickr Find: Jordan Fok Photographs the Lexus IS 250

It’s been quite the week for awesome Lexus photography on Flickr, first was William Stern’s fantastic LS desktops, and now we have this absolutely top-notch photo from Jordan Fok: Love it.
Kevin · February 26th, 2009

Lexus Tops J.D. Power 2009 Customer Service Index

Lexus has placed first in J.D. Power’s 2009 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study, which looks at satisfaction among vehicle owners who visit a service department for maintenance or repair work over the first three years of ownership: Lexus ranks highest in customer satisfaction with dealer service in 2009—improving from fourth rank position in 2008. Lexus …
Kevin · February 26th, 2009

Detroit News reviews the 2010 Lexus RX

Scott Burgess from the Detroit News is jumping from one Lexus to two — after reviewing the LX 570, he’s doubled up with the 2010 RX 350 & RX 450h: Really, Lexus does an excellent job catering to the driver. There’s remote key access, a power liftgate, an automatic tonneau cover that covers the back …
Kevin · February 25th, 2009

Edmunds IS 250 F-Sport Video

Last week, I wrote about Edmunds’ testing of a Lexus IS 250 with the full F-Sport accessory lineup installed, and now here’s the accompanying video, where we can watch proof of the IS F-Sport cutting up the slalom: The sway bar & shock absorber combination looks to be a fantastic addition to the IS, with …
Kevin · February 25th, 2009

Lexus Wallpapers of the Week: LS 360° Forged

Willam Stern, resident photographer over at 360° Forged and friend of TPP, has graciously allowed me to post up some of his recent photos as wallpapers — all three of these images feature a Lexus LS 460 with 360° Forged’s Brushed Spec Multi wheels: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 1680×1050 | …
Kevin · February 24th, 2009

Sponsor Thanks

I just wanted to pass on my thanks to this month’s sponsor, VAIS Technology: VAIS Technology manufactures audio/video integration solutions for Lexus, making it possible to connect almost any media device to your vehicle. Most importantly, VAIS Tech lets you manage these devices using your standard audio controls. An ideal solution!
Kevin · February 24th, 2009

The Detroit News Reviews the 2009 Lexus LX 570

Scott Burgess of the Detroit News took a real shine to the 2009 Lexus LX 570 when he reviewed it recently: During January’s heavy snowfall, I hopped into the new Lexus LX 570 and burrowed my way down the road without a problem. The full-time four-wheel drive ate up snow and ice like “Survivor Man” …
Kevin · February 24th, 2009

David Nordstrom & Charles Hubbard Talk about the 2010 RX

The Auto Channel has posted up a great feature on the new 2010 Lexus RX 350 & 450h. First, host Mark Fulmer takes a drive with Lexus USA’s Vice President of Marketing, David Nordstrom, who gives some very natural & fresh insight into the new RX, then switches over to the more technical Charles Hubbard …
Kevin · February 23rd, 2009

Lexus #1 in Online Customer Service

Lexus dealerships are the most responsive car brand on the Internet, according to the 2008 Automotive eShopper Experience Study, a survey that looks at the online customer service of car dealerships in the USA. In fact, Lexus scored a full 10 points higher (59.5) than 2nd place Chevrolet (49.4): When asking dealers for information on …
Kevin · February 23rd, 2009

LA Times Review of the 2010 Lexus RX 450h

Dan Neil has reviewed the Lexus RX 450h for the Los Angeles Times: Lexus has poured an astonishing amount of design and technology into the cabin, and both come together in the car’s unique asymmetric console, a flourishing loop of brightwork in the center of the dash that integrates the LCD display and climate and …
Kevin · February 20th, 2009

Flickr Find: Lexus LFA Roadster Au Naturel

This photo, taken by Car-Parazzi, shows the Lexus LFA Roadster concept at Pebble Beach, a much more natural setting than usual: Gives the impression of what the car would look like on the street — and what I wouldn’t give to be sitting in that driver’s seat!
Kevin · February 19th, 2009

Lexus Imitates Art

Yesterday it was Lexus creating art, and today it’s Lexus mimicking art — created by Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore, these print ads depict some of the world’s most famous painting using Lexus parts (click for larger versions): If possible, I would have that Warhol inspired print blown up huge to hang it in my office. …
Kevin · February 19th, 2009

Lexus @ Milan Design Week 2009

For the last few years, Lexus has been taking part in the Milan Design Week by creating a unique exhibit in collaboration with an artist. Last year, it was the Elastic Diamond with nendo, and this year Lexus has partnered with Huzimoto Takeshi, one of Japan’s up & coming architects, to create Crystallized Wind, or …
Kevin · February 18th, 2009

First 2010 Lexus RX Body Kit?

Japanese body kit manufacturer LX-Mode have wasted no time putting together some aero parts for the new 2010 Lexus RX. No details, only this photo to go on: Looks to be just the front bumper for now, but I’m sure the rest of the kit is on its way. [Source: LEXUS Times]
Kevin · February 18th, 2009

Flickr Find: More Lexus GS F-Sport Photos

I’ve been scouring Flickr for the last couple days, waiting for images of the F-Sport models at the Chicago Auto Show to appear — and my patience was rewarded today when I spotted this close-up of the GS taken by pcriso2: Great shot for sure — so I contact pcriso2 to see if he had …
Kevin · February 17th, 2009

Lexus GS F-Sport Photos

Here are some photos of the F-Sport equipped Lexus GS at the Chicago Auto Show, courtesy of Inside Line (again): This GS is also sporting a body kit along with a new grille (reportedly created by FiveAxis). No word if these accessories will also be offered in the F-Sport lineup. I would have liked to …
Kevin · February 17th, 2009

TAS 2009: The Lexus IS 350C in Silver

Now a few days removed from the Toronto Auto Show, I’ve been going through the virtual stack of photos that I took, and have compiled my first gallery — here’s the IS 350C in silver: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1044”} As I mentioned previously, convertibles just don’t do it for me (likely due to dealing with bitterly cold …
Kevin · February 16th, 2009

More 2010 Lexus RX Commercials

Lexus is preparing a barrage of commercials signaling the release of the new RX — first we had a set of more “traditional” commercials, and now there’s these six testimonial style videos to watch: Rear Seat Entertainment Cargo Space Airbag Voice Command Power Rear Door Intelligent Highbeams I like these significantly more when compared to …
Kevin · February 16th, 2009

2010 Lexus RX Commercials

Lexus USA has just posted up their new commercials for the 2010 Lexus RX 350 launch, which will start running nationally next week: Smart move by Lexus to reinforce the familiarity of the previous RX — it’s their best tactic and definitely something that can’t be overstated. These commercials are both surprisingly technical, though that’s …
Kevin · February 13th, 2009

Trying the Lexus Remote Touch System @ The Toronto Auto Show

After reporting stories and videos about the new Lexus Remote Touch system, I had the chance yesterday to try the technology for myself — and managed to record it despite my (noticeable) excitement: Being an interface technology, there’s really no way to describe the haptic feedback feeling, save to say that it’s intuitive and incredibly …
Kevin · February 13th, 2009

Toronto Auto Show Interview with John-Paul Farag

As I mentioned, I had an opportunity to talk with John-Paul Farag, Lexus Canada’s Advanced Technology & Powertrain Consultant, who answered some questions that have come up over the last few months. TPP: Where is the battery located on the HS, is it underneath the vehicle? John-Paul: It’s similar to the Camry, where it’s partially …
Kevin · February 12th, 2009

Lexus Expands F-Sport to Include the GS & All IS Models

Lexus announced at the Chicago Auto Show today that the full range of F-Sport accessories will now be available for the GS, IS 250 AWD, and the IS-C 250/350. These first-party mods, which were only available for the IS 250/350 RWD previously, add a much sportier edge and include options like front/rear brake upgrades, lowering …
Kevin · February 11th, 2009

Club Lexus California Meet Photos

I just discovered a pile of photos of various Club Lexus meets in California, all taken by The Perfect Exposure — take a look at some of these rides: Blacked out is my hands-down favorite look right now, and that IS is just proves the point. Love the red L wheelcaps. (And that’s just a …
Kevin · February 10th, 2009

Car & Driver Continues Lexus Bashing

The minute I heard the voiceover of this Car & Driver video preview of the Lexus HS 250h, I knew we were in for a treat: Jens Meiner, who put in one of the most derisive 2010 RX preview videos last year, clearly outdid himself with this preview of the HS — my favorite quote: …
Kevin · February 10th, 2009

2010 Lexus RX Features Video Demonstrations

Over the weekend, Lexus posted some short CGI videos on Youtube that show how some of the new 2010 RX features work: Heads-up Display and Available Remote Touch Double Wishbone Rear Suspension Intelligent Highbeam Headlamps Available Seat Functions Radar Cruise Control Advanced AWD VDIM Technology This fits well with Motor Trend’s RX comparison, it’s easy …
Kevin · February 9th, 2009

TPP @ The Canadian International Auto Show

Just wanted to post a quick update on some things that will be happening this week, namely the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. I’ll be attending the event during the Media Days, and will be able to spend some quality time with the new Lexus models. The HS 250h will be presented at Lexus’ …
Kevin · February 8th, 2009

Lexus Announces Pricing on 2010 RX 350

Lexus USA has announced the pricing for the 2010 RX 350, and it’s only good news for anyone that’s been waiting for this final detail. The 2010 RX 350 FWD will start at $36,800, $900 lower than the outgoing generation. The AWD version will begin at $38,200 — also $900 less than the 2009 model. …
Kevin · February 6th, 2009

Lexus Remote Touch Controller Details

Japanese tech website TechOn has published an article about the new Remote Touch system that’s set to debut with the 2010 RX this month: The “Remote Touch,” an HMI (human machine interface) for the car navigation system equipped in the “Lexus RX” released by Toyota Motor Corp, was developed by Denso Corp. …the haptic technology …
Kevin · February 5th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h Display @ TED

TED, the annual conference where “the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers…are challenged to give the talk of their lives” is happening this week in Long Beach, California, and Lexus has put up a display featuring an HS 250h — here’s a photo taken by Jon Wiley (It’s hard to see the image clearly here, …
Kevin · February 4th, 2009

New Lexus Power of H Commercial: Bridge

You might remember a Lexus infomercial from last December that detailed how architects were utilizing old boat shipping containers — well, the next of the series has been released and talks about the Shuto Expressway in Kyoto, Japan and how it generates electricity. You can watch here, or head over to Youtube for the HD …
Kevin · February 3rd, 2009

Lexus USA January 2009 Sales Report

It’s the first month of a new year, but it wasn’t a new story for US automotive sales. Here are Lexus’ numbers model by model: 2009 2008 % Change IS250/350/F 2,400 3,262 -29.3 ES350 2,971 4,346 -34.3 GS350/460/450h 898 1,480 -41.7 SC430 73 183 -61.6 LS460/600h L 904 1,906 -54.4 Total Cars 7,246 11,177 -37.7 …
Kevin · February 3rd, 2009

2010 Lexus LS Facelift?

Vince Burlapp, the same blogger that leaked an image of the possible 2010 ES facelift, now brings us some fuzzy photos of what could very well be the 2010 Lexus LS refresh: Leaked 2010 Image Current LS As far as I can see, the changes are mainly in the rear lights. The new reverse “L” …
Kevin · February 2nd, 2009

2010 Lexus RX 450h Colors (with Images)

While exploring Lexus Japan’s website, TPP commenter Eddie discovered images of all the 2010 Lexus RX colors: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1145”} The Cerulean Blue Metallic is a much nicer hue than Breakwater Metallic, though I’ll have to see it in person first. Also, here are the interior colors: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1146”} Personally, I’d probably go for Smoky Granite …
Kevin · January 29th, 2009

Lexus Pebble Beach Song Download

When the Pebble Beach editions of the RX, ES, & LS were announced last year, Lexus broadcast the following commercial: As is the case with many commercials, the accompanying music generated a lot of interest — so much that I did some research and discovered the musician responsible was Kael Alden, who works for a …
Kevin · January 29th, 2009

Lexus IS-F: Wald Sports Line Black Bison Edition Body Kit

No matter how much I wished it, these official photos of Wald International’s Lexus IS-F Sports Line Black Bison Edition haven’t yet disappeared from the Internet, so I have little choice but to post them here: Let’s get honest: the IS-F is not a vehicle that need any additional visual complexity, the stock look is …
Kevin · January 28th, 2009

Lexus SC on 26″

Just in case you’ve been wondering if 26″ wheels will fit on your first-gen Lexus SC, a Craigslist seller has proven it possible: No details on if the car is from Oakland or how you’re supposed to turn the wheels, but it can be yours for only $14,000! (For more photos, check out the seller’s …
Kevin · January 28th, 2009

Lexus LS V6 Coming?

According to Paul Tan, the Lexus LS may be getting a new engine option this year: This could happen when Lexus unveils the facelift for the LS, which would be due anytime soon as it was launched in the year 2007. A Lexus LS 350 could be powered by the 2GR-FSE 3.5 liter V6 engine …
Kevin · January 28th, 2009

The Lexamino

Seen on the Street has spotted what can only be called The Lexamino in Birmingham, Alabama — a first-gen LS 400 with a truck bed: I incorrectly assumed this poor LS400 was the victim of some type of accident, possibly involving a Ryder truck backing into the rear and smashing the back window and roof. …
Kevin · January 27th, 2009

Sports Executives see Tiger Woods as a Lexus driver

I thought this was interesting: In the January Turnkey Sports Poll of senior level sports executives and sports owners, Lexus was named as the best fit to replace Buick as Tiger Woods’ automotive sponsor. Here’s how the voting shook out: Lexus, 27.14% BMW, 22.11% Mercedes-Benz, 12.56% Cadillac, 12.56% Jaguar, 6.03% Audi, 5.03% To be honest, …
Kevin · January 27th, 2009

Lexus Detroit Auto Show Booth Details

Unforeseen circumstances caused a slowdown in posting last week, which means I haven’t had a chance to publish these final things of note from the Detroit Auto Show — First off, here’s a couple great photos of the Lexus booth at the Auto Show, courtesy of mikeh5856 & sjb4photos respectively: And lastly, here’s an interesting …
Kevin · January 26th, 2009

2010 Lexus RX Colors

Following the discovery of the Lexus IS-C colors, here are the hues of the upcoming 2010 RX: Exterior Starfire Pearl Smoky Granite Mica Tungsten Pearl Obsidian Matador Red Mica Golden Almond Metallic Truffle Mica Black Sapphire Pearl Cerulean Blue Metallic Interior Parchment Light Gray Black Wood: Dark Brown or Medium Brown Walnut Smoky Granite Mica, …
Kevin · January 22nd, 2009

Lexus IS 220d Now Delivering Better MPG & CO2 Emissions

The European-sold Lexus IS 220d will be seeing a raft of improvements starting this March. From the press release: Revised Lexus IS 220d produces lower emissions,  CO2 figure down from 163 to 148g/km Delivers significant savings in Benefit-in-Kind tax rates and Corporation Tax IS 220d moves into Band C for Vehicle Excise Duty Improved fuel …
Kevin · January 21st, 2009

Lexus Launches the 2010 RX in Japan

To commemorate the launch of the 2010 RX in Japan, Lexus staged an event at the RX Museum and included a guest appearance from Miss Universe 2007, a Miss Universe 2006 contestant and one very serious looking man: Lexus also updated their Japanese site to reflect the new addition, and it features a movie that …
Kevin · January 21st, 2009

Akio Toyoda Announced as New President of Toyota

Akio Toyoda, the driving force behind the Lexus LF-A & grandson of Toyota founder Kiichiro Toyoda, is scheduled to become the Japanese company’s next president & CEO. From the Automotive News: Toyoda will succeed current President Katsuaki Watanabe in June, the company said today, ending weeks of speculation. An executive vice president since 2005, Toyoda …
Kevin · January 21st, 2009

Lexus 2010 RX Heads-Up Display (HUD)

Lexus Canada has launched a very nice promo site for the upcoming 2010 Lexus RX release, and one of their photos clearly displays the new Heads-Up Display (HUD) feature, which features a great looking navigational aid: The photo is Photoshopped, but obviously entirely accurate. Creating such clear and precise directional cues directly in front of …
Kevin · January 20th, 2009

Lexus IS-C Convertible Colors

Turns out that the Lexus IS-C will indeed be released in IS-F Ultrasonic Blue — Joaquín over at My.IS discovered all the IS-C colors while playing with one of Lexus’ Detroit Auto Show kiosks. Here are the color options: Exterior Starfire Pearl Tungsten Pearl Cerulean Blue Metallic Ultrasonic Blue Pearl Matador Red Mica Smoky Granite …
Kevin · January 20th, 2009

Lexus Philippines Opens First Dealership

Lexus has opened their first dealership in the Philippines, and it’s a exceptionally beautiful facility built in Manila at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1054 “} It was designed a collaboration between Japanese firm Nomura Co. Filipino architectural firm Recio + Casas. I’m absolutely floored, it’s gorgeous. Lexus will be offering five models …
Kevin · January 19th, 2009

Lexus Enform Video Presentation

This CNet video walks us through the features of the new Lexus Enform telematics service: There’s some very interesting technical points here, particularly the natural language interface to traffic and stock information. The eDestination feature could be a great addition as well, depending on the quality of information provided by Lexus.
Kevin · January 18th, 2009

Lexus USA Issues Safety Recall

Lexus has issued a US safety recall of certain GS, LS, and IS models due to potential corrosion of the cars’ fuel delivery pipes. This recall affects a total of 214,500 vehicles. For the full problem, here’s a direct quote from the release: The involved vehicles are equipped with aluminum fuel delivery pipes (fuel rails). …
Kevin · January 18th, 2009

Lexus IS-F BRANEW Aero Kit

After seeing a side profile of the BRANEW aero kit for the Lexus IS-F, I had to find more photos. Now, I suspect it has more to do with the dropped suspension, but this kit almost settles the exterior design down: More than anything, the reworked side-steps minimize the visual impact of the fender vents, …
Kevin · January 16th, 2009