SEMA 2008: Motorworld Hype’s Lexus IS-F

Lexus’ official car guide for SEMA 2008 was released today, and showcases six newly modified Lexus vehicles — and here’s Motorworld Hype’s IS-F: Click the image for a desktop wallpaper edition MotorworldHype has taken another path that is a bit less aggressive, yet more easily accessible for the average consumer. Lots of carbon to reduce …
Kevin · October 29th, 2008

SEMA 2008: 0-60 Magazine’s Lexus IS-F

Lexus’ official car guide for SEMA 2008 was released today, and showcases six newly modified Lexus vehicles — and rather than post them all up in a lump, I’m going to take it one at a time, starting with 0-60 Magazine’s Modifed IS-F: Click the image for a desktop wallpaper edition With track performance a …
Kevin · October 29th, 2008

Lexus GS Body Kit by Job Design

The super-dropped angled-wheel look notwithstanding, this Lexus GS bodykit from Job Design ranks right up there as one of the best looking body kits in a while. The GS body-style really benefits from this type of attention, and every component of this kit looks to be top-notch, though I prefer the rear spoiler to the …
Kevin · October 28th, 2008

Lexus IS-F Wins Big in AJAC Test Fest

When the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) gathered together for their annual event to name the best vehicles for 2009, they brought in two Lexus’ to compete: The IS-F in the Best New Sports/Performance Car over $50k, and the LX 570 in the Best New SUV/CUV over $60k. The LX 570 ended up being …
Kevin · October 27th, 2008

2010 Lexus RX 350 to Debut at LA Auto Show, In Dealerships in February 2009

According to The Car Connection, the next-generation Lexus RX will be making its debut at next month’s Los Angeles Auto Show. When you consider this alongside the Lexus SEMA lineup, November’s looking to be a big month for Lexus. Also, after confirming it with three separate sources, I can now able to say with certainty …
Kevin · October 24th, 2008

Matte Black Lexus LF-Xh Promotional Photos (Plus a Video)

At the request of TPP commenter WorldofLuxury, here is the full set of matte black Lexus LF-Xh photos from the Paris promotional kit suitable for use as background images. Also for your viewing pleasure is this short commercial-like footage of the LF-Xh:
Kevin · October 23rd, 2008

ICON’s Custom Lexus LX 570 Revealed!

When Lexus announced their SEMA lineup, I was especially interested in what ICON’s modified LX 570 would look like, especially given that it was described as the “anti-bling” version, subdued and super functional. Well, the cat’s out of the bag, I stumbled onto Icon’s project page at CarDomain and all the secrets were revealed. Here’s …
Kevin · October 23rd, 2008

2010 Lexus RX 350 Optional Equipment

Continuing in on the breakdown of the 2010 Lexus RX 350, here’s a list of newly available optional equipment: Bi-Xenon HID Headlamps Automatic High Beam Feature Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror with Integrated Backup Camera Wallet-Size Card Key 12-Speaker Premium Audio System USB Audio Input 15-Speaker Mark Levinson Audio System Voice-activated HDD Navigation System XM Real-Time Traffic …
Kevin · October 22nd, 2008

2010 Lexus RX 350 Standard Equipment

As I mentioned in the previous post, due to a forwarded dealership document, I have the full breakdown of the next-generation 2010 Lexus RX 350. In that first post, I covered the specification side of things, and now here’s a list of the new standard equipment, along with the standard equipment no longer offered: New …
Kevin · October 22nd, 2008

Full 2010 Lexus RX 350 Specs!

Early this morning, I was sent a dealership document outlining the full details of the North American Canadian 2010 Lexus RX 350, right down to the available packages (still no production model photos though, the pic above is the LF-Xh concept). I’m going to break up the information over a series of posts today, starting …
Kevin · October 22nd, 2008

HKS Release Lexus IS-F Speed Delimiter

In other IS-F modification news, Japanese performance company HKS has released a speed delimiter that allows the IS-F to pass its computer imposed speed limit of 170mph (273km/h). Dubbed the Velocity Advanced Computer, or the VAC, this tiny black box is wired into the IS-F’s ECU and will let speed-crazy drivers test the upper limits …
Kevin · October 21st, 2008

Prussian Blue Body Kit for the Lexus IS-F

It’s unfortunate that Japanese bodykit manufacturer Prussian Blue’s new front/rear lip underspoiler combo for the IS-F is overshadowed by what may be the strangest set of rims I’ve seen in a while. But let’s put them behind us and focus on the two spoilers: Not bad, I’m not all that impressed with the front end, …
Kevin · October 21st, 2008

Lexus Confirms Compact Model

In an interview with German newspaper WirtschaftsWoche, Lexus Europe Managing Director Tadashi Arashima confirmed that Lexus will indeed be launching a compact entry-level model. From Motor Authority: “We will offer a Lexus in the compact class,” he told reporters, explaining that the company needs “smaller and more efficient vehicles” to meet Europe’s CO2 emissions regulations. …
Kevin · October 20th, 2008

Classic Lexus SC Prototype Photos

During their visit to Toyota’s Automobile Museum in Torrance, California, Urban Racer took some photos of a Lexus prototype that would eventually become the first generation SC: While the basic shape remained the same, it’s a very good thing that rear light cluster was dropped, nevermind those rims. (But are they really much worse than …
Kevin · October 17th, 2008

Five Axis GS 460 Confirmed for SEMA (Plus More!)

Lexus & Five Axis will be making another big splash at next month’s SEMA — last year, the Project IS-F was the result of their collaboration, and this year, Five Axis is turning their attention to the Lexus GS 460 (click for a larger version): I know it’s a sketch and everything, but this is …
Kevin · October 16th, 2008

Lexus to Move to Hybrid-Only?

When I read Toyota Managing Officer Toshio Furutani’s comments in the Nikkei Business News last week that “in the medium to long term, Toyota was considering making the Lexus lineup hybrid-only”, it barely registered. Now, after seeing it reported over and over, I’ve come to release it might be an idea to post here — …
Kevin · October 15th, 2008

Custom Lexus IS-F Greddy Supercharger & Exhaust in Action

Last time we checked in on the 0-60 Magazine’s SEMA-bound IS-F, they had just started working on their modified entry. Fast forward until now, one week away from their deadline, and this video of the custom Greddy supercharger and exhaust system shows just how far things have come: Seriously, look at this thing: The 0-60 …
Kevin · October 15th, 2008

Lexus IS-F Australian Pricing Announced

Good things come to those who wait! Australia will finally be able to purchase the Lexus IS-F in late October, and even better, the super sedan’s pricing significantly undercuts the competition. Retailing for $129,000 AUD (approx. $89,700 USD), the IS-F will be $15,365 AUD less than the Mercedes C63 and as much as $33,901 AUD …
Kevin · October 14th, 2008

Lexus LX 570 Contending for Motor Trend SUV of the Year

The Lexus LX 570 is up for the Motor Trend SUV of the year: Since last year’s contest, a lot has changed with regard to the SUV market. Most manufacturers are going for the smaller, more fuel-efficient, and in some cases car based vehicles, the 2009 Lexus LX 570 is none of those, and it’s …
Kevin · October 14th, 2008

WedsSport Reveals Lexus IS Drift Racer

WedsSport, a Japanese performance tuner, has revealed its Lexus IS 350 drift car, which is destined to compete in the D1 Grand Prix,  the preeminent professional drifting series. NZ Performance Car has some details: …the company has been slowly developing this new car which is, not surprisingly, powered by a Supra derived 2JZ-GTE motor. The …
Kevin · October 13th, 2008

Lexus LS 600hL Commercial: Kite

What begins as a headscratcher ends up being a very effective commercial for some exclusive Lexus technology: My first time watching the commercial, I immediately though of one particularly weird commercial from a while back, but in actuality it was a very convincing application of the driver monitoring system. [Via: Steadywinds]
Kevin · October 13th, 2008

Fox Marketing Lexus IS-F in Dallas this weekend

The orange modded Lexus IS-F by Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance will be making an appearance at the Hot Import Night in Dallas this Saturday. Here’s a brand new photo of the car along with some other details: [Brian Fox will] have the car at the Dallas HIN on Saturday, and from there he plans to take …
Kevin · October 10th, 2008

Lexus IS 250C Showing at Australia International Auto Show

Fresh from its debut at the Paris Auto Show, the Lexus IS 250C is now making an appearance at the Australia International Auto Show. When asked about the new convertible, Lexus Australia GM John Roca had this to say: “For the first time in Lexus history we can now claim we have an IS range…[it] …
Kevin · October 9th, 2008

2001 Lexus IS 300 Commercial: Sufficiently Radical

With all the economic doom & gloom, let’s indulge in some stress of an entirely different sort: Joe’s a little too risky, if you ask me. His little move has backfire written all over it.
Kevin · October 8th, 2008

Lexus Global Sales Slipping

Responding to a report that Toyota may be unable to achieve its projected global sales target, Senior Managing Director Yoichiro Ichimaru shared some details about the current state of Lexus sales worldwide. According to Market Watch: …[Toyota] will open a showroom in Tokyo for its upscale Lexus brand vehicles that is designed to draw in …
Kevin · October 8th, 2008

Europa Press Interviews Lexus Europe Vice-President

Some interesting facts came out of a Europa Press interview with Lexus Europe vice-president Andy Pfeiffenberger — from the translated text: …the vice president of the European subsidiary of Toyota said his company expected its sales this year on the European continent will be reduced by about 11%, to about 48,000 units, due to economic …
Kevin · October 7th, 2008

Lexus Canada September 2008 Sales Report

Lexus Canada saw sales soar 37.6% in September, bucking the direction of country’s softening auto market and marking the ninth straight record month. Overall, the brand sold 1,351 units, and although Lexus Canada doesn’t publish it’s full model-by-model breakdown, there were a few choice tidbits in the press release: Lexus IS sales jumped 51.9% The …
Kevin · October 6th, 2008

Collection of Live Lexus IS 250C Video Clips

I thought it would be good to post up all the different video segments of the Lexus IS 250C I’ve come across since the convertible’s introduction last week: Update: More videos: Have you seen any others? Post it in the comments and I’ll update the page.
Kevin · October 6th, 2008

Lexus IS 350C confirmed for North America

According to both the Lexus USA press release and a post on Toyota’s Open Road Blog, there will be an IS 350C (at least in North America): Powered by the same powertrain as the IS sedans, the IS 250C features a2.5-liter, 204-hp V6 mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatictransmission; the IS 350C contains …
Kevin · October 5th, 2008

Lexus confirms Prius-based Hybrid (Plus a Second Hybrid Bonus!)

Details are sparse, but there’s news today regarding the upcoming Lexus hybrids. Yes, that’s correct, there’s two hybrids in the works! Of course, this has been rumored for some time, but now we have something more in the way of facts: Fact #1: The first Lexus dedicated hybrid will be based on the new Toyota …
Kevin · October 3rd, 2008

Lexus IS 250C Convertible Details

With the video and the photos out of the way, let’s get into the details of the new Lexus IS 250C: Scheduled for a late-spring 2009 release in the US, summer 2009 in Europe Features an aluminum three-panel roof that opens in just 21 seconds (currently the world’s fastest three-panel roof) Shares hood, headlamps, door …
Kevin · October 2nd, 2008

Video of the Lexus IS 250C Convertible Roof

I’ve dug up the video that’s currently being displayed with the IS 250C at the Paris Auto Show, which shows the new Lexus IS 250C’s roof in action! What’s more, it’s a substantial 15 minutes in length, more than enough to satisfy even the most diehard retractible roof fans (my apologies with the autostarting video, …
Kevin · October 2nd, 2008

Lexus IS 250C Photo Gallery

Well, that will teach me to get sick! The Lexus IS 250C was unveiled early this morning at the Paris Motor Show, and with it came plenty of interesting information. First thing’s first, there’s a ton of official photos, more details in my next post:
Kevin · October 2nd, 2008

Lexus USA September 2008 Sales Report

With a 27% decrease overall, September was the worst month-to-month percentage drop in US automotive sales since 1991. Lexus certainly wasn’t exempt from the ill effects, with sales down 33.4%. Here’s the model-by-model breakdown: 2008 2007 % Change IS250/350/F 3,044 3,757 -15.6 ES350 4,042 6,491 -35.1 GS350/460/450h 977 1,668 -39.0 SC430 129 297 -54.8 LS460/600h …
Kevin · October 1st, 2008

Lexus & The Global Brand Study 2008

Interbrand’s annual Best Global Brands study has been completed, and Lexus has ranked 90th overall, and 10th among automotive brands: When compared to last year’s study, Lexus is moving up the ladder, climbing two spots. The value of the brand, calculated from combination of analysts’ projections, company financial documents, and qualitative and quantitative analysis stands …
Kevin · September 30th, 2008

Car And Driver Reviews the Lexus LX 570

Car And Driver has posted a short and sweet review of the Lexus LX 570 which might very well sum up both the good and the bad: Never has it been more politically incorrect to sing the praises of a passenger vehicle that weighs 6180 pounds, attains observed fuel economy of 14 mpg, and costs …
Kevin · September 30th, 2008

Flickr Find: Lexus GS on 360 Forged Mesh Eights

It was only days ago that I posted a Flickr photo, but this new set from 360° Forged photographer William Stern (see previous feature here) is beyond stunning: The wheels are 360° Forged Mesh Eights, matte black and super. You can see the rest of the set here. (In fact, this car/wheel combo is right …
Kevin · September 29th, 2008

1998 Motorweek Review of the Lexus GS 400

Youtube user bajabusta is back with another round of Lexus clips from Motorweek, this time a review of the then-newly released GS 400: The last-gen GS is still a great looking car, but this video really demonstrates just how much the LCD screen improved the interior. The inside of the featured test-model doesn’t look much …
Kevin · September 29th, 2008

National Post Comparison: Lexus IS-F vs. Nissan GT-R

David Booth, a columnist with Canada’s National Post, has posted up his latest column comparing the Lexus IS-F with the Nissan GT-R, and it’s just as expertly written and to the point as I’ve come to expect: With the IS-F, you have time to prepare for the acceleration as the big 5.0-litre V8 gathers itself …
Kevin · September 26th, 2008

Flickr Find: Lexus LF-A Roadster Eye Level

Been a while since I featured an image from Flickr, and this photo of the Lexus LF-A by j.hietter is a perfect way to get back on track: The colors are great in this picture, the LF-A just seems to photograph so well, from any angle.
Kevin · September 25th, 2008

Mr. Bill Commercial for the 1999 Lexus GS 400

Keeping with the commercial I posted yesterday, this 1999 Lexus GS 400 commercial featuring Mr. Bill is in the self-same vein: I guess 1999 was the comedic years of Lexus advertising! (I’m almost surprised the commercial didn’t end like this Mr. Bill SNL skit):  
Kevin · September 24th, 2008

Lexus Hybrid Advertisement Banned in UK

In a replay of last year, a Lexus RX 450h 400h advertisement has been banned by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority: (Click for a larger version) The press ad, for the Lexus RX 400h, made the claim: “perfect for today’s climate. (And tomorrow’s) … Driving the world’s first luxury hybrid SUV makes environmental, and economic, …
Kevin · September 24th, 2008

Lexus Launches L Studio Broadband Channel

Lexus has launched an online entertainment “channel” today called L Studio, which looks to be a continuation of the company’s movement towards becoming a true lifestyle brand. From Reuters: The carmaker is launching an Internet-only branded channel Tuesday (September 23) stocked with a full slate of original programing headlined by [Lisa] Kudrow [from Friends] in …
Kevin · September 23rd, 2008

I Dream of Jeannie Lexus RX Commerical

It’s only nine years old, but this 1999 Lexus RX commercial featuring Jeannie from I Dream of Jeannie really feels like it’s from another era entirely: Lexus’ current phase of emotionally-driven advertising is interesting and all, but there’s definitely something to be said for some straight forward throwaway humor.
Kevin · September 23rd, 2008

SEMA 2008: Import Tuner’s Lexus IS-F (Work in Progress)

With four modified Lexus IS-Fs expected at SEMA this year, it’s only a matter of time before each and every one of them makes an Internet appearance. We’ve already seen the Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance IS-F, and now Import Tuner Magazine has posted some work-in-progress photos of their project car, including the shot above of an …
Kevin · September 22nd, 2008

Lexus GS 450h Finishes 6th in Targa Newfoundland

The Targa Newfoundland race concluded on Saturday, with Lexus GS 450h making a late push to finish 6th place. Here’s the summary written by Team Lexus’ driver, Mark Lachapelle: Team Targa Lexus chose to make a very different entrance and arrival. Co-driver Alan Ockwell and I simply drove up in total silence, running on electric …
Kevin · September 21st, 2008

Winding Road Takes on Tokyo, the Lexus IS-F and the Nissan GT-R

The latest issue of Winding Road magazine has a feature article that brings together the new class of Japanese performance cars for a test drive through Tokyo, and the Lexus IS-F is rewarded with a large helping of praise: The IS-F is almost as striking as the GT-R. The bulbous nose that struggles to contain …
Kevin · September 19th, 2008

Lexus GS 450h Targa Update

It’s been an up and down couple days for the Targa GS 450h — after completing Day 1 with zero errors, Team Lexus fell back to 15th place on Day 2. And now, yesterday, they surged forward and ended the stage in 8th position. This is quite a feat, though driver Marc Lachapelle stays humble …
Kevin · September 18th, 2008

Lexus LF-A Continues Nürburgring Testing

Regardless of the rumor Autoblog was circulating about the Lexus LF-A’s demise, prototype testing is still ongoing at Nürburgring, and Motor Authority has the photos to prove it. Here’s a sampling: Nothing we haven’t seen before, though I can never pass up the chance to post matte black paint jobs. That last photo is curious, …
Kevin · September 18th, 2008

Lexus LF-Xh Press Release Photo

Having debuted last year, the announcement that the Lexus LF-Xh concept would be at the Paris Auto Show didn’t really elicit a reaction from me — that is, until I saw this stunning photo released by Lexus Europe to mark the occasion: (Be sure to click on the image to get the full version, it’s …
Kevin · September 17th, 2008

Lexus GS 450h Targa Racer Video (Plus an Update)

Today, we have some seriously short video clips of the Lexus GS 450h currently racing around the Targa Newfoundland course. There’s quite a few on Youtube, but these two here are the best indication of the speed and conditions: As far as the race itself, Team Lexus had a great showing yesterday: Results for Day …
Kevin · September 16th, 2008

Lexus GS 450h Competes in Targa Newfoundland Race

The race-modified Lexus GS 450h has returned to the Targa Newfoundland race after competing last year. Running from September 13-20, the team behind the hybrid racer is keeping a great blog over at Autonet. Here’s an excerpt from yesterday’s post, after completion of the Prologue stage: And for our first pass through the much tighter …
Kevin · September 15th, 2008

2009 Lexus IS 220d Photos

Lexus Europe’s press release about the new IS 250 C Convertible also included some information regarding the Europe-only 2009 IS 220d: Refreshed interior and exterior styling represents a further evolution of Lexus’ unique L-finesse design philosophy. Modifications to suspension, steering, transmissions and paddle shift technology offer notable improvements to driving dynamics. Aerodynamics and transmission enhancements …
Kevin · September 12th, 2008

New Lexus LX 570 Print Ads

There’s a new set of Lexus LX 570 print ads making the rounds, and I can’t stress how impressed I am by them (click on the images below for a larger version): These ads highlight the LX’s 360° camera view, an elaborate system that even allows looking around corners. (I really like the abstract look …
Kevin · September 11th, 2008

Fifth Gear Comparison: Lexus IS-F vs. BMW M3

In terms of sheer entertainment, this clip from Fifth Gear judging the Lexus IS-F and the BMW M3 by how high they get a woman’s heartrate is pure dead brilliant: A very enjoyable piece (and it’s duly noted that Tiff has to cheat at the end to get the M3 above the IS-F). Update: Didn’t …
Kevin · September 10th, 2008

Lexus IS 250 C Convertible to be Introduced at Paris Motor Show

It’s been a rumor for a while now, but Lexus today confirmed that the IS 250 Convertible, or the IS 250 C, will be making its official debut at the Paris Motor Show. Details are sparse, the only thing the press release was clear about was the introduction date: Further information and images will be …
Kevin · September 10th, 2008

SEMA 2008: Fox Marketing/Artisan Lexus IS-F will produce 600hp

There’s been some new(ish) details released regarding the Fox Marketing/Artisan Lexus IS-F that’s scheduled to be shown at SEMA. As is my tendency these last couple days, let’s outline the mods in convenient bullet-points: The engine will be pumping out an abundant 600hp (estimated) due to a twin-turbo setup using compressed air, JE pistons, Crower …
Kevin · September 9th, 2008

Assorted Lexus 2009 Price Changes

The remaining 2009 Lexus model updates & US price changes are small, so let’s just put them all together: ES 350: Unchanged for 2009, the ES 350 will see a fractional price increase of $200, bringing the base MSRP to $34,320. GS 350/460: All versions of the gas engine GS will have a $300 price …
Kevin · September 8th, 2008

2009 Lexus IS-F Changes

Though not as extensive as the Lexus IS, the 2009 IS-F will also be getting some changes. Let’s summarize: Revised instrument panel cluster design Illuminated mirror controls & a new open/close moonroof switch A Piano-black center-cluster finish for navigation-equipped vehicles New terra cotta and black two-tone interior The new interior is a bizarre combo, I …
Kevin · September 8th, 2008

2009 Lexus IS Pricing

The upcoming changes to the 2009 Lexus IS won’t be causing much in the way of a price increase in the United States. The new facelift will only see a $300 jump in price, regardless of which version is purchased. In Canada, the 2009 IS 250 RWD & IS 350 will both see a $400 …
Kevin · September 5th, 2008

2009 Lexus IS Commercial from Japan

The new 2009 Lexus IS facelift has certainly started picking up some steam this week, and now we have a commercial from Japan that shows the updated model carting around Cinderella: Nice to see the integrated turn signals in action, however brief.
Kevin · September 5th, 2008

Lexus Tops in Customer Loyalty

J.D. Power’s has released a first quarter report on Customer Loyalty, a study that determines what percentage of car buyers stick with the same manufacturer when purchasing a new vehicle. In the study, Lexus lead the way at 48%, four points higher than BMW and nearly four points over Mercedes. I find this to be …
Kevin · September 4th, 2008

2009 Lexus IS Information & Photos

Official 2009 Lexus IS photos have surfaced today, along with a promise that the mid-cycle facelift will debut at the Paris Auto Show. Before getting to the photos, though, let’s do a full breakdown of the various nips & tucks: Exterior Revised front bumper with reworked lower air intake and fog lights Expanded front grille …
Kevin · September 3rd, 2008

Lexus USA August 2008 Sales Report

Lexus’ August sales numbers are in, and it’s not that bad, considering the year so far: 2008 2007 % Change IS250/350/F 6,318 5,381 17.4 ES350 7,881 8,646 -8.8 GS350/460/450h 1,686 2,300 -26.7 SC430 187 298 -37.2 LS460/600h L 1,772 3,164 -44.0 Total Cars 17,844 19,789 -9.8 RX350/400h 8,969 10,032 -10.6 GX470 1,720 2,157 -20.3 LX570 …
Kevin · September 3rd, 2008

Lexus ES 350 Commercial: Perspective

This latest Lexus commercial for the ES is a riff on the automobile-as-art-piece, displaying a blown up cross section in what looks like an art gallery: I loved this commercial tagline the first time around, and hearing it the second time makes me wonder why it isn’t played up in more commercials. Works really well.
Kevin · September 2nd, 2008

Lightweight Lexus IS-F Planned

Although it seems like a rehash of known information, German Dutch magazine Autotelegraaph reports that Lexus will not only release a coupe/convertible version of the IS in 2009, but that work continues on a lightweight IS-F. Motor Trend summarizes: Autotelegraaph reports that Lexus has been channeling Lotus and already has a lightened test model running …
Kevin · September 1st, 2008

2009 Lexus IS Photos

No question now, this is the upcoming 2009 Lexus IS facelift: These photos, posted on the same site that leaked the 2009 IS brochure, reveal the new IS in some sort of Japanese Korean Lexus showroom, presumably where unreleased models are displayed for anyone to see. Enough talk, here’s the full gallery: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1138”} [Source: …
Kevin · August 29th, 2008

Policeman Talks about the Oakland Lexus SC Style

This is hilarious. You may remember me posting up photos of some first generation Lexus SCs done up in grand style, like the one above. Well, it seems like they’ve also been noticed by local police, including Officer “Smith”, who blogs the following: The latest fad to strike the Bay Area is the uncontrollable urge …
Kevin · August 27th, 2008