Motorweek Reviews the Lexus GX 460

Motorweek has posted up their 2010 Lexus GX 460 video review: You can definitely see the effect of the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) on the handling—the lack of body roll is surprising given the speed in the corners—which is a nice counter-balance, bringing that expected Lexus luxury to the body-on-frame underpinnings. As a bonus, …
Kevin · January 25th, 2010

Autospies Reviews the Lexus LS 460L AWD

Agent 00R of Autospies drove from New York City to the Detroit Auto Show in a 2010 Lexus LS 460 AWD, and has shared some observations on how the sedan handled the trip. Read this story
Kevin · January 21st, 2010

2010 Lexus RX 450h Long Term Report: Weeks 2 & 3

Travelled: 1077km (669 miles) Gas Mileage: 8.8l/100kms (26.7 mpg) The second and third week of my 2010 Lexus RX 450h road test blended in together as I powered through day after day of holiday visiting, a pile of snow and ice, and a lengthy head cold. It was in this blur of activity that I …
Kevin · January 4th, 2010

Lexus LFA on Top Gear

Earlier today, the Lexus LFA made its Top Gear appearance—first off, you can watch The Stig’s lap around the track (likely on Youtube for a limited time only): The LFA, in wet track conditions, made it around the track in 1:22.3, which beat the Lamborghini Gallardo as the fastest wet lap on the show so …
Kevin · January 3rd, 2010

Autoblog Reviews the 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport

Autoblog has posted their review of the 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport, where they were pleasantly surprised by the sedan’s newfound sportiness: Approaching the first tight turn along this curvy hillside ribbon of asphalt, we instinctively wanted to tap into the upgraded Brembos to scrub off some momentum. Expecting a fair amount of body roll, …
Kevin · December 16th, 2009

Lexus LFA Review from The Sunday Times

Jason Barlow has reviewed the Lexus LFA for The Sunday Times: You can make up your own mind about the LFA’s looks, but it is aerodynamically efficient, authentically Japanese and more chunky Transformer than curvy Megan Fox. The sci-fi theme continues inside…after 10 minutes of fiddling I felt as befuddled as Bill Murray in Lost …
Kevin · December 13th, 2009

Autoblog Reviews the 2010 Lexus GX 460

Autoblog has just published their first drive of the 2010 Lexus GX 460—here’s a excerpt of their impressions: The engine feels strong on the road and the new six-speed transmission makes the most of that power. The cabin is quiet even when matting the throttle to the floor, and over the course of a 30-minute …
Kevin · December 9th, 2009

Lexus GX 460 First Impressions

I wanted to wait a little while after the Lexus GX 460’s introduction before weighing in with my own impressions of the SUV, which I had a chance to see for myself at a Lexus Canada sneak peek dinner a couple weeks ago. Much like the RX redesign, the new GX is a more masculine …
Kevin · December 3rd, 2009

Lexus LFA Review from jruhi4

jruhi4 from My.IS, who you may remember was responsible for an epic Lexus IS convertible review, has taken it one step further with his latest—a Lexus LFA review so large and full of detail, it had to be split into two parts: The 1LR-GUE 4.8-liter V10 is such an all-new, clean-paper engine for Lexus that, …
Kevin · December 2nd, 2009

Automobile Magazine Reviews the 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport

Automobile Magazine sure did fall for the 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport: A previously geriatric sedan is finally alive with youthful vigor and enthusiasm for twisty roads. Lexus has revealed an inner self we never knew existed. The LS platform has the moxie to handle much more power, speed, and throttle pressure. This toe dipped …
Kevin · November 30th, 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Car & Driver Reviews the 2010 Lexus RX 450h

Car & Driver has a short review of the 2010 Lexus RX 450h, and it’s a mostly positive affair—which is rather surprising considering the source: Despite a fourth-place finish in a recent comparison of luxury crossovers, the RX does impress. As with the RX350 we tested earlier this year, it was a struggle to find …
Kevin · September 11th, 2009

Popular Mechanics Compares the 2010 Lexus HS 250h vs. BMW 335d

Popular Mechanics has posted a rather awkward fuel economy comparison between the hybrid Lexus HS 250h and diesel BMW 335d—what starts off as a fuel economy showdown ends up being a driving contest that’s over before it even begins: Our drive took up through the Santa Monica Mountains high above Malibu to test the handling …
Kevin · September 4th, 2009

NY Times Comparison: 2010 Lexus IS 350C vs. Infiniti G37 convertible

The New York Times has published a comparison between the Lexus IS 350C and the Infiniti G37 convertible: While the Infiniti manages to look reasonably pert from behind, the Lexus has a wicked case of Solara butt. But if the Lexus is no swan, dropping the roof does make it less of a waddling goose. …
Kevin · August 24th, 2009

Car & Driver: Lexus LF-A Test Drive

Car & Driver sent a journalist out to test out the Lexus LF-A race car, and the resulting article is so positive that I had to double-check that it was really on the C&D website: …the engine feels stronger than 500 horsepower, more like 550. A Lexus spokesman provides a torque figure: 369 pound-feet. We …
Kevin · August 21st, 2009

Automobile Magazine’s Four Seasons Review of the Lexus IS-F

Automobile Magazine has just published the results of their four-seasons road test of the 2009 Lexus IS-F, where it was well-received: Particularly in our test car’s livery of ultrasonic blue mica, the IS-F is far from the typical, shy, retiring Lexus. It’s an intense and, in places, highly successful attempt to vault into the demanding …
Kevin · August 10th, 2009

2009 Lexus IS-F Review

As the story goes: the Lexus IS-F began as a secret project by Lexus chief designer Yukihiko Yaguchi, who wanted to build a Lexus that could rival Europe’s top sports sedans. Yaguchi, who also worked on the last Toyota Supra and the first generation LS 400, saw a unique opportunity to extend the Lexus brand …
Kevin · August 5th, 2009

Edmunds Reviews the Lexus IS 350C F-Sport Accessories

Edmunds took a Lexus IS 350C and outfitted it with every F-Sport accessory available, all to determine which of the upgrades are really worth the money—here’s their verdict: If you’re looking to spend good money on a modified IS convertible, look no further than the $2,346 wheel/tire upgrade and add it to the $1,588 for …
Kevin · August 4th, 2009

Edmunds Drives the Lexus LFA

As it turns out, Edmunds also had the chance to drive the Lexus LFA at Goodwood, where the supercar prototype continued to impress: The Lexus LF-A is the sort of car in which you could spend hours whittling away at your lap times while confident it would never misbehave. You would emerge fresh from your …
Kevin · July 21st, 2009

Lexus LFA First Drive in The Sunday Times

Another of the journalists to drive the Lexus LFA at the Goodwood Festival of Speed was The Sunday Times’ Andrew Frankel: At the beginning of the hillclimb I hit the start button expecting a massive roar but . . . silence. Through my helmet and at idle the engine is Lexus-quiet. I put it in …
Kevin · July 13th, 2009

2009 Lexus LX 570 Review

The 2009 Lexus LX 570 is, at its very heart, a contradictory vehicle. After all, Lexus’ flagship SUV attempts to bridge together two contrary styles — ultimate luxury and ultimate utility. It seats eight, yet has a fixed rear axle and can tow up to 8,500 lbs(3,856 kg). It’s packed with every conceivable automotive luxury …
Kevin · July 10th, 2009

Autocar Drives the Lexus LF-A

Autocar journalist Steve Sutcliffe was also had a chance to drive the Lexus LF-A at last weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed: There’s a clonk from the transaxle when first gear engages, and as I pull away the ride immediately feels firm but refined, not at all racing car hard. Another faint but disappointing clonk as …
Kevin · July 9th, 2009

Pistonheads Drives the Lexus LF-A

During the Goodwood Festival of Speed last weekend in Great Britain, a group of journalists were given the opportunity to drive the Lexus LFA racing prototypes that raced last month in the Nürburgring 24h. One of these journalists was Chris Rosamond, and he’s written a stellar account of the experience: The racing car accelerates flat …
Kevin · July 9th, 2009

Edmunds Reviews the Lexus HS 250h (Again)

Edmunds may have been lukewarm on the Lexus HS 250h at first, but it appears some additional time behind the wheel has changed that opinion—their full review is extremely positive: The creamy propulsion fits right in with a very solid structure and smoothly suppressed ride motions delivered by the sport suspension settings that accompanied our …
Kevin · July 8th, 2009

My.IS Reviews the Lexus HS 250h

With the release of the Lexus HS 250h coming closer and closer, there will be more and more reviews of the new hybrid sedan to pore over, but it’s unlikely any of them will touch the depth and detail shown by My.IS editor Joaquín Ruhi. Weighing in at over 5,000 words, his review has plenty …
Kevin · July 8th, 2009

Automobile Magazine Compares the Lexus LS 600hL vs. Mercedes S400 Hybrid

Automobile Magazine has an article up on the Lexus LS 600hL and the Mercedes S400 Hybrid and how their approach to hybrid technology compares: The biggest benefit of the Lexus hybrid system is its smoothness. The two electric motors and two planetary gearsets allow the big V-8 to loaf except during hard acceleration. Flat-out, the …
Kevin · July 7th, 2009

Popular Mechanics Compares the Lexus RX 350 vs. Cadillac SRX

After Motor Trend’s misguided comparison of the Lexus RX 350 and the new Cadillac SRX, I was looking forward to a more honest take on the battling crossovers—and that’s what Popular Mechanics has delivered: As much as Cadillac may have had its crosshairs set on Lexus, it built a much different car. The design character …
Kevin · July 6th, 2009

Motor Trend Compares the Lexus RX 350 vs Cadillac SRX

It’s always been obvious that Motor Trend has an anti-Lexus bias, but their latest RX 350 vs. Cadillac SRX comparison is a disservice to anyone looking to the magazine for realistic advice: No doubt we could option these two out with similar equipment for similar pricing. Point is, adding all the equipment to the Cadillac …
Kevin · June 29th, 2009

CAR Magazine First Drive of the Lexus IS 250C

CAR Magazine’s first drive report on the Lexus IS 250C may be short, but it does have some information on European availability: Subjective looks aside, the Lexus IS 250C appeals on many levels. It’s a Lexus – so you can expect royal butler-levels of care and attentiveness from the dealer – and it is extremely …
Kevin · June 25th, 2009

Jalopnik Reviews the Lexus IS Convertible

Jalopnik had a chance to drive the Lexus IS Convertible, and their biggest complaint was the lack of rigidity in the body: The ‘vert gets beefed up in nearly every way, with side sills 50% taller, cross-vehicle beams under the rear seats and behind the rear seatbacks, a heftier A-pillar and substantial cross bracing underneath…Despite …
Kevin · June 24th, 2009

Jalopnik Reviews the Lexus HS 250h

Considering the site’s general tone, Jalopnik’s review of the Lexus HS 250h is surprisingly light on insults and quite heavy with praise: If you ignore the proclivities of the CVT, the car is actually not a total dud, accelerating to 60 MPH in about 8.7 seconds, handling corners in a way we didn’t think a …
Kevin · June 16th, 2009

NY Times Reviews the Lexus RX 450h

If NY Times Automotive reviewer Lawrence Ulrich has been unimpressed with Lexus hybrids in the past, his review of the 2010 RX 450h practically reads like a love letter—here are a couple of passages: This is the first Lexus hybrid that lives up to the hype and puts up big numbers: an impressive 35 miles …
Kevin · June 10th, 2009

Lexus LX570 Photo Gallery: Industrial Waterway

Next up in my 2009 Lexus LX 570 photo galleries is a collection of three different locations—Lake Ontario (looking more like a windy Hawaii), an abandoned steel mill, and along the Welland Canal: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1192”} One of my favorite things about taking LX photos was trying to make it look as tiny as possible. Image …
Kevin · June 9th, 2009

Autoblog Reviews the 2009 Lexus IS-F

Autoblog recently reviewed the 2009 Lexus IS-F and along the way displayed an evenhanded & thorough approach that the US auto magazines could learn from: The Lexus IS F is not the fastest, not the most nimble, and certainly not the most comfortable of the clan. It may be the least expensive for now, but …
Kevin · June 9th, 2009

2009 Lexus LX570 Photo Gallery: Out in the Wilderness

There are some tight & twisty roads in my area, and this first set of Lexus LX 570 photos are taken at the only stop on one of my favorites: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1188”} The LX 570 engine roared climbing some of the massive hills, like driving the world’s smoothest, best handling tank.
Kevin · June 8th, 2009

Lexus LX Week

Yesterday, I returned the 2009 Lexus LX 570 to Lexus Canada, much to the chagrin of my entire extended family. Being able to seat eight turned every drive into an event, and everyone was sad to see the giant SUV go. Over the course of ten days, I drove 1386 km (862 miles) and averaged …
Kevin · June 8th, 2009

My.IS Reviews the Lexus IS Convertible

It’s unlikely that we’ll see a more thorough review of the Lexus IS-C than the one by Joaquin from My.IS, who dives into every conceivable feature of the new convertible: We left the top down, intrigued to see if Lexus’ efforts to ensure that top-down motoring was a quiet, relaxing and unruffled experience were successful. …
Kevin · June 5th, 2009

Autobild Comparison: Lexus LS 600h vs. Mercedes S400 Hybrid

Usually, when a German magazine compares a Lexus to a Mercedes, BMW, or Audi, the results are laughable, but Autobild proves the exception with their comparison of the Lexus LS 600h against the new Mercedes S400 Hybrid (forgive the poor Google translation): The six-cylinder in the S 400 always feels rough and uncultured, it swallows …
Kevin · June 1st, 2009

Car & Driver Reviews the Lexus HS 250h

With all the reviews of the Lexus HS250h coming out, there was bound to be one that took the negative view—and surprise of surprises, it’s Car & Driver: The good news is that the HS250h offers a lot more luxury fitments than we usually associate with hybrids. Problem is, so does the 2010 Prius. The …
Kevin · May 27th, 2009

Edmunds Reviews the Lexus HS 250h

The Lexus HS 250h reviews keep coming—next up is Edmunds, who have heavy praise for the interior of the new hybrid: When it comes to cutting-edge features, the 2010 Lexus HS 250h leads its class. And it doesn’t hit you over the head with its hybrid nature. There’s no freakish space-pod Prius-esque dashboard. The numerous …
Kevin · May 27th, 2009

Autoblog Reviews the 2010 Lexus HS 250h

Autoblog has published an absolutely fantastic review of the 2010 Lexus HS 250h, full of new information and details—and it also tells a different tale in terms of how the hybrid handles: The steering rack is not mounted on rubber bushings to keep the line of feedback undulled, and the electric power steering is speed …
Kevin · May 26th, 2009

Next Autos Reviews the 2010 Lexus HS 250h

Next Autos has published one of the first reviews of the 2010 Lexus HS 250h, and it’s a mostly positive affair. There’s the expected praise of the interior, but what I was most interested in was the driving performance: The suspension gives a super smooth ride, and aimed totally at comfort. It’s still firm, and …
Kevin · May 26th, 2009

Motor Trend Comparison: Lexus RX 350 vs Volvo XC60 vs Audi Q5 vs Mercedes GLK350

Motor Trend has performed a comparison of the new 2010 Lexus RX 350 against the Volvo XC60, Mercedes GLK350 and the Audi Q5—the verdict: With all so evenly matched, small blemishes become colossal warts. Numb steering and Spartan digs doom the comfortably competent GLK350 to fourth place while unwieldy styling and soulless performance relegate the …
Kevin · May 25th, 2009

Edmunds Reviews the Lexus IS 350C

If Edmunds’ initial review of the IS 350C is any indication, Lexus’ new convertible looks like it could be a real winner: When the top is down, sunlight floods the IS C’s cabin and you’re overcome with a sense of well-being, so different from the wretched life you lead locked away in the office during …
Kevin · May 15th, 2009

Autocar Reviews the Lexus RX 450h

Autocar’s quick review of the Lexus RX 450h is very complimentary of the hybrid’s new driving experience, and contains a very interesting passage I thought worth pointing out: And because this is the Euro-spec RX, it gets retuned suspension and a retuned power management unit that will provide better off the line acceleration but still …
Kevin · May 13th, 2009

CAR Magazine Reviews the Lexus RX 450h

CAR Magazine has posted a review of the Lexus RX 450h, and offers some new figures about the upcoming hybrid SUV: The 3.5-litre V6 makes 246bhp on its own and two electric motors add the rest. One is solely responsible for powering the rear axle, and together they can propel the RX silently and unaided …
Kevin · May 4th, 2009

2009 Lexus GS 450h Review

The first time I saw the third-generation Lexus GS, I didn’t like it one bit. Compared to the previous generation’s sharp, aggressive lines, the current GS seemed to lack any real visual punch. In particular, I really disliked the rear third of the car, and constantly referred to it as “frumpy” at any opportunity. At …
Kevin · April 28th, 2009

Auto Guide Reviews the Lexus IS F-Sport Performance Parts

Auto Guide has put together a review of the F-Sport performance accessories available for the Lexus IS 350, and came away impressed with the results—here are some of their observations: We did note the sexy new timbre to the motor’s voice [due to the F-Sport intake & exhaust], however. Tipping the throttle produces an aggressive, …
Kevin · April 16th, 2009

Jeremy Clarkson Reviews the Lexus IS 250

In a comment on my last post, TLE reader Jay wanted to know if the current Lexus IS had ever made it onto the Top Gear show. The answer, it turns out, is “No” (though their magazine counterpart did name it the Best Executive/Luxury Car in 2005). Later on, I found something much more interesting—in …
Kevin · April 14th, 2009

Classic Top Gear: 1999 Lexus IS 200 Review

In keeping with the IS theme from yesterday, here’s a throwback Top Gear segment from 1999, with James May test-driving the first-generation Lexus IS 200: James May certainly looks quite young—but still exhibits that special “Captain Slow” driving style. It does sound like IS 200 suffered the same sort of low-band power deficiency that I …
Kevin · April 13th, 2009

2009 Lexus IS 250 AWD Review

The Lexus IS has a special place in my heart. It was the first Lexus I ever drove, back in 2000. It was my birthday, and my future-wife surprised me with a lengthy test drive of a yellow first-generation IS 300, courtesy of Performance Lexus in St. Catharines. I had only just received my driver’s …
Kevin · April 12th, 2009

Canadian Driver Reviews the Lexus LX 570 Interior

As part of their recurring Inside Story feature, Canadian Driver took a look at the Lexus LX 570’s interior, and it’s a fully detailed breakdown of the SUV’s internals. While extremely positive for the most part, the article is bookended by some unfortunate badge engineering rants: Before you start shouting, “well-heeled Sequoia,” there are a …
Kevin · April 6th, 2009

TTAC Review of the 1992 Lexus SC 400

The Truth About Cars has posted a review of the 1992 Lexus SC 400, a car many consider Lexus’s most influential design and perhaps the greatest Lexus ever made—here’s an excerpt: Combined with the four-speed electronic automatic transmission, the engine is just plain unkillable. It can literally out-diesel a diesel when it comes to longevity, …
Kevin · April 2nd, 2009

Car Magazine’s Long-Term Lexus IS-F

Car Magazine is issuing monthly website updates on their long-term Lexus IS-F, and this month the magazine editors had their first service stop: It took an hour to get there but when I arrived at Lexus Leicester I was greeted by a smart showroom, courteous staff and a decent cup of tea. I was even …
Kevin · March 31st, 2009