What is Lexus Planning for the Next-Generation LS?

One of the most interesting exchanges in our podcast interview with Lexus International executive vice-president Mark Templin was a discussion on the definition of a Lexus halo car.
Kevin · May 14th, 2015

Three-Row Crossover a Top Priority for Lexus

In an Automotive News interview, Toyota North America CEO Jim Lentz admits that Lexus missed a sales opportunity by working on the RC coupe rather than a three-row seven-seat crossover.
Kevin · May 12th, 2015

Lexus IS 200t & GS 200t Coming Soon?

Lexus Australia CEO Sean Hanley strongly suggests that the new Lexus 2.0L four-cylinder turbo engine will be coming to the IS & GS.
Kevin · March 24th, 2015

Updated Lexus LX Coming This Year?

Automotive News has some details on what to expect from Lexus in 2015, and that includes an update to the flagship LX SUV.
Kevin · February 5th, 2015

Report: Next-Generation Lexus RX to Debut at New York Auto Show

Edmunds has now confirmed that the next-generation Lexus RX will be revealed at the New York Auto Show in April: The RX 350 is expected to be larger, a strategy that will separate it in terms of size and price from the recently introduced 2015 Lexus NX 200t SUV, which shares a platform with the …

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Kevin · January 15th, 2015

Lexus will have “Nine Product Stories” in 2015

Lexus will have nine “product stories” in 2015 — here’s what Lexus USA general manager Jeff Bracken had to say in an interview yesterday at the Detroit Auto Show: “In addition to the four new or mid-cycle product refreshes that I revealed at the show this morning, there will also be an all-new generation introduction …

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Kevin · January 14th, 2015

More Fuel Cell Lexus LS Rumors

Lexus will introduce a fuel cell version of the LS flagship, according to a new Motoring Australia article from Peter Lyon: According to one source, the LS’s nose section will be redesigned with larger air intakes to ventilate the hydrogen powered electric system. The car will incorporate a fuel-cell unit under the front seat, a …

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Kevin · December 22nd, 2014

Next Generation Lexus LS to be a Fuel Cell Vehicle?

According to Japanese magazine Best Car, the next-generation Lexus LS will be a Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) powered at least in part by hydrogen. Not being able to read Japanese, I can only go by the pictures on the page — here’s the key illustration: Let’s compare it to the Toyota Fuel Cell System found …

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Kevin · December 10th, 2014

More Details on the Production Lexus LF-C2 Convertible

Automotive News has more details on the Lexus LF-C2 and its chances of reaching production: Bracken says the LF-C2 was “purely a concept” and not slated for production. But according to a person familiar with Lexus’ planning, the brand is considering whether to produce a version of it to sell as the convertible RC — …

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Kevin · December 9th, 2014

Lexus Trademarks LC 500 & LC 500h in Canada, USA, and Australia

Lexus has just trademarked LC 500 & LC 500h in the USA, Canada, & Australia, giving us the first clear indication of what to expect from the upcoming production LF-LC coupe. This is huge news on multiple levels — there had been talk that the production LF-LC could resurrect the SC nameplate, but it appears …

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Kevin · December 4th, 2014

Next-Generation Lexus RX to Debut at Detroit Auto Show?

Wards Auto is speculating that the next-generation RX could be one of two vehicles that Lexus debuts at the Detroit Auto Show in January: Meanwhile, [Lexus USA general manager Jeff] Bracken says Lexus will have at least one, if not two, models debuting at January’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit. He doesn’t divulge …

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Kevin · November 27th, 2014

Lexus to Debut Two New Models at Detroit Auto Show?

In a speech to the Automotive Press Association, Lexus USA general manager Jeff Bracken suggested that two new models could be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show — from the Detroit Free Press: The growth plans for Lexus are focused on performance and high-end vehicles, including the global debut of a performance vehicle in January …

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Kevin · November 25th, 2014

Report: No Production Model for Lexus LF-C2 Convertible Concept?

According to Motor Trend, the LF-C2 convertible concept will not be made into a production vehicle: In fact, under the original plan, the RC Convertible was set to be the next all-new car in Lexus’ lineup. As convertibles make up 1 percent of the total U.S. Market, though, the decision to not do a 3-row …

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Kevin · November 23rd, 2014

Details on the Upcoming Lexus LF-LC Production Model

In a recent interview with Auto Express, Lexus Europe vice-president Alain Uyttenhoven recently discussed the production LF-LC and how it will compare to the LFA: “It will not be a full carbon car costing £350,000. It will be – in terms of construction – a more normal car, a car than can be manufactured in …

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Kevin · November 16th, 2014

Next-Generation Lexus LS to Have “More Emotional” Design

Lexus Europe vice president Alain Uyttenhoven recently discussed the next-generation LS flagship with Autocar: Speaking to Autocar, Uyttenhoven said: “The LS will remain the pinnacle of the range and have the highest price point.” He also denied rumours that the luxury saloon was going to adopt a Porsche Panamera-style liftback: “You have to understand how our customers use …

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Kevin · November 11th, 2014

Lexus RC F Convertible Announced at Dealer Meeting?

Autoguide is reporting that an RC F convertible was announced at the Lexus USA National Dealer Meeting in Los Angeles this month: News of the new model was announced at the recent Lexus USA National Dealer Meeting in Los Angeles where the brand also celebrated its 25th anniversary a source, who wishes to remain anonymous, …

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Kevin · October 29th, 2014

Lexus Chief Engineer Wants NX F High Performance Crossover

Lexus NX chief engineer Takeaki Kato shares some interesting details in an interview with Australian website GoAuto: [The 2.0-litre turbo] engine looks set to provide sparkling performance in the NX 200t, but an even more potent version has not been ruled out by Mr Kato – an amateur motor racer in his spare time. He …

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Kevin · October 28th, 2014

Is Lexus Planning a Sub-NX Compact Crossover?

Lexus International president Tokuo Fukuichi discussed the possibility of a crossover smaller than the NX with Australian website GoAuto: Meanwhile, discussing a possible sub-NX crossover for the Japanese luxury brand to compete against the Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1, Mr Fukuichi said it would depend on whether Toyota had the appropriate platform to share. “We …

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Kevin · October 14th, 2014

Lexus to Build a CT-Based Sedan?

Lexus is considering a CT-based compact sedan, according to a Motoring Australia interview with Lexus International president Tokuo Fukuichi: “This is also a new product that … we consider about the possibility in the market. We have a chance to develop something like this,” said Fukuichi, who is also the global design chief of Toyota …

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Kevin · October 3rd, 2014

Lexus Studying High-Performance Hybrids

Lexus is studying high-performance hybrids for inclusion in the F brand lineup — from Motoring Australia: However, F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi told motoring.com.au that the sub brand’s high performance and circuit driving requirements meant hybrid technology still had issues. “In order to put the hybrid on track they need a little more development as …

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Kevin · September 15th, 2014

Lexus Not Considering CT F or NX F High Performance Models

Lexus F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi has dismissed the idea of a high-performance CT hatchback — from Motoring Australia: “He is not interested in building with front-wheel drive configuration,” [Yaguchi-san’s] interpreter told motoring.com.au. Asked if F could develop an all-wheel drive version Yaguchi replied via his interpreter: “Basically they have to consider taking whatever is …

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Kevin · September 10th, 2014

Is Lexus Developing an RC Four-Door Coupe?

Along with their rumors on the Lexus GS F, Autocar also suggests a four-door RC F is on the way: Following the GS F will be a four-door version of the RC F, which will feature identical underpinnings to the coupé but extra practicality and a slightly lower price tag. Expect to see the saloon …

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Kevin · September 8th, 2014

Lexus GS F to Arrive Next Year with 500 Horsepower?

Lexus GS F news stories are picking up steam — last week, Motor Trend confirmed the production model, and now Autocar has some details on the upcoming super sedan: Power will be close to 500bhp with torque rated at just under 400lb ft. Expect a 0-60mph time in the mid-4sec region with a top speed …

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Kevin · September 8th, 2014

New Lexus Model to Debut at LA Auto Show in November?

The LA Auto Show has announced that twenty-five production & concept vehicles will have their world debut at this year’s show in November, and will include a new model from Lexus. Here’s a press release quote with all the details so far: This year’s debuts will deliver production and concept vehicles representing the ever-growing luxury, …

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Kevin · August 14th, 2014

Is Lexus Building a Next-Generation LFA Supercar?

Last week, a Bloomberg article from Craig Trudell suggested that Lexus is building a successor to the LFA supercar: Toyota Motor Corp.’s Lexus, which ended a two-year production run of the $375,000 LFA in 2012 after manufacturing 500 units, will build a successor to the 552-horsepower car, Executive Vice President Mark Templin told reporters today. …

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Kevin · August 12th, 2014

Lexus Future Model Timeline?

Mark Rechtin at Automotive News has attempted to piece together the timeline for future Lexus vehicles, along with the changes that could accompany these new models. Here’s a summary — be prepared, it’s a heavy mix of dates and unverified information: CT: It may be spring 2017 before a new CT, as the model shares …

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Kevin · July 29th, 2014

Imagining the 600 Horsepower Twin-Turbo Lexus RC FS Coupe

Automotive artist Wild-Speed has created a rendering of the rumored 600 horsepower twin-turbo Lexus RC FS coupe by merging the “standard” RC F with elements of the LFA Nürburgring Edition. The rumor of this ultra-performance coupe comes from Motor Trend, who suggest the RC FS will arrive in 2017 with a price tag of $120,000 …

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Kevin · July 24th, 2014

Next-Generation Lexus LS in 2016?

Jonny Lieberman of Motor Trend is keeping the rumor train running with new speculation on the next-generation Lexus LS: While the LS has traditionally been something of a rival to the Mercedes S-Class, people I spoke with at Lexus have been hinting that the new big Lexus will in fact target the sportier end of …

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Kevin · July 22nd, 2014

600 Horsepower Lexus RC FS Coming in 2017?

More rumors from Motor Trend, this time regarding a special edition ultra-performance Lexus RC F: In 2017 you can expect to see a super version of the RC F packing the 600-hp twin-turbo V-8. Think of it as an Infiniti Eau Rogue-fighter with a price tag to match — about $120,000. However, since Johan de …

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Kevin · July 21st, 2014

Lexus to Build a Twin-Turbo 600-Horsepower LF-LC Coupe?

Motor Trend has the scoop on possible engines powering the new Lexus coupe based on the LF-LC concept: Word on the Tokyo street is that there’s a Lexus LF-LC Coupe mule running around Japan packing a 600-hp twin-turbo version of the upcoming RC F’s 5.0-liter V-8. That power rating may be on the conservative side. …

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Kevin · July 20th, 2014

Lexus Considering a Compact Crossover Below the NX?

Lexus is considering a crossover even smaller than the NX, according to an Autocar interview with Lexus Europe vice president Alain Uyttenhoven: Uyttenhoven said the launch of a small SUV was “not impossible” for Lexus and such a model “made sense” for the brand, but he stopped short of confirming it for production. Lexus is …

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Kevin · July 18th, 2014

Lexus Unconcerned with LS Sedan Sales Decline

WardsAuto has an interesting interview with Brian Smith, the Lexus USA vice-president of sales, regarding the current LS sedan and its sales struggle against new competitors: “We don’t feel it’s a problem with the car,” Brian Smith, vice president-marketing for Lexus in the U.S., tells WardsAuto here during a Lexus NX media event. “Many of …

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Kevin · July 15th, 2014

Lexus Australia Wants Diesel-Powered LX

Two weeks after trademarking the LX 450d nameplate, Lexus Australia has confirmed that they are actively campaigning for a diesel version of the flagship SUV — from Drive Australia: “We’re certainly trying hard to bring that to our market,” said [Lexus Australia CEO Sean] Hanley. “In that large SUV there’s a certain market demand for …

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Kevin · July 8th, 2014

Lexus to Introduce Manual Transmission RC F & IS F?

Lexus may release a IS F and RC F with a manual transmission, according to recent Motoring Australia interview with Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) business operations director Rob Leupen: One project Leupen revealed was the development of what he called a manual-shift gearbox (presumably a dual clutch) for the new generation RC F/IS F drivetrain. …

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Kevin · June 23rd, 2014

Lexus LX 450d Trademarked in Australia

Lexus has trademarked the LX 450d nameplate in Australia, opening the door to speculation that the brand is readying their very first diesel SUV. The 450d designation would suggest a 4.5L diesel engine, likely the same 1VD-FTV twin-turbo diesel engine currently offered on the Australian Toyota Land Cruiser. This engine produces 261 hp and 479 …

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Kevin · June 16th, 2014

Lexus SC to Return in 2017?

According to Peter Lyon of Japanese magazine Holiday Auto, the Lexus SC nameplate will return with the production model based on the LF-LC concept car: The new Lexus SC seems to have it all: Styling to take on Europe’s best, two powerful engine choices, the world’s first 10-speed automatic, and a price tag hovering around …

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Kevin · June 11th, 2014

More Rumors on the Lexus/BMW Sports Car Collaboration

Georg Kacher from CAR Magazine has some new details on rumored sports car being developed by Lexus & BMW: Developed under the codename Silk Road 2, the proposed BMW Z7 and Lexus ZC/ZR are cutting-edge sports cars which will cost around €90,000, or £73,000. Slap bang in Porsche Carrera territory, then. This will be the …

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Kevin · June 10th, 2014

More Lexus & BMW Supercar Rumors

Japanese magazine Best Car remains convinced that Lexus & BMW are working together on a new LFA supercar, devoting their cover to the idea for the second time in six months. Here’s a better look at the rendering: The rumor of BMW & Lexus working on a next-generation supercar is a recurring theme, but it …

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Kevin · May 11th, 2014

Lexus to Add Three-Row Crossover in 2016?

Mark Rechtin of Automotive News recently spoke with Lexus USA general manager Jeff Bracken about adding a three-row seven-seat crossover to the Lexus lineup: “Third-row seating is the No. 1 issue we hear from dealers,” Lexus Division chief Jeff Bracken said at the auto show here. “We feel like we’re missing a 35,000-units-a-year opportunity. We’re …

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Kevin · April 28th, 2014

Lexus IS the Next Model to Get Turbocharged Engine?

AutoGuide reports that the IS will be the next Lexus model to get the turbo-charged 2.0L four-cylinder engine debuting the new NX crossover: Currently the base IS250 model makes use of an antiquated 2.5-liter V6 engine. Rated at 204 hp it’s not only down on power compared to turbocharged 4-cylinder rivals but it also offers …

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Kevin · April 16th, 2014

More Details on the Lexus NX Compact Crossover

An automotive site in Slovakia had an advance look at the upcoming Lexus NX compact crossover last month, and have published the above photo along with a text teaser (please excuse the paraphrased Google-assisted translation): Despite the fact that the public has not yet officially seen the new Lexus NX, we had the pleasure to …

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Kevin · April 7th, 2014

New Lexus Hybrid Technology Coming?

In a recent Drive Australia article about Lexus and its “No Diesel” position, brand vice-president Mark Templin hints that new hybrid technology is on the way: Templin said about 80 per cent of Lexuses sold in western Europe are hybrids, similar to the percentage in Japan, where the desire for cutting edge technology is partially …

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Kevin · March 16th, 2014

Should Lexus Build an Ultra Luxury Van for Asia?

Hans Greimel from Automotive News reports on an unusual rumor — Lexus dealers in Asia want Lexus to build a one-box van: The reasoning: Today’s chauffer-driven executive, politician or other high roller finds the cramped rear seats of the Lexus LS, the brand’s flagship, or the Toyota Century, the staid old-school V-12 limousine usually spotted …

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Kevin · March 12th, 2014

Should the Production Lexus LF-LC Look Like This?

Japanese magazine Best Car has published an attractive rendering of a production Lexus LF-LC coupe. Merging the best of the LF-LC concept with the design of the RC coupe, the “LC F” rendering above is quite believable with its extreme polish — I could definitely see the production LF-LC looking very similar. Best part of …

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Kevin · February 26th, 2014

Production Lexus NX Compact Crossover Leaked?

An unusual slide was shown during Toyota CEO Jim Lentz’s speech to the Society of Automotive Analysts prior to the Detroit Auto Show — while talking about Lexus in 2014, an image of what looks like a production LF-NX compact crossover was shown: There’s little reason to doubt the authenticity of this image, which is …

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Kevin · January 28th, 2014

Next-Generation Lexus IS F Planned?

Despite rumors of its cancelation, Japanese magazine Mag-X reports that Lexus plans to release a next-generation Lexus IS F after all. The first mention that the high-performance sports sedan would be discontinued came last year in an article from USA Today — the debut of the RC F coupe and spy shots of a GS …

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Kevin · January 23rd, 2014

Spied: Is Lexus Developing a Four-Door Coupe?

An unusual Lexus prototype has been spotted by Japanese magazine Mag-X, here it is from three angles: Despite wearing the front-end of what looks like a GS F SPORT, the long hood and short trunk suggest something else entirely — could Lexus be working a four door coupe to complete with the Mercedes CLS & …

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Kevin · January 20th, 2014

Lexus RC F to be Powered by 460 Horsepower V8?

The Lexus RC F will be powered by a V8 with 460 horsepower, according to a Detroit Auto Show VIP event invitation leaked by Autoblog — here’s the invite in full (click for a larger version): Judging by the website, this event looks to be hosted by local dealerships (RSVP page asks to select one …

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Kevin · December 30th, 2013

Production Lexus NX Compact Crossover to Debut at the Geneva Motor Show?

Auto Express is reporting that the production version of the Lexus LF-NX concept will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March: Previewed by the striking LF-NX concept, first shown at the Frankfurt show in September, the compact SUV will retain the concept’s stand-out styling, according to Lexus’ European director Paul Van der Burgh. “What …

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Kevin · December 4th, 2013

Lexus RC Convertible in the Works?

According to a Motoring Australia interview with Lexus RC chief engineer Junichi Furyama, the new coupe has a potential future as a convertible: However, while willing to reveal the rear-wheel drive two-door coupe boasted underbody bracing that would aid development of a replacement for the outdated IS 250C, Furyama was not prepared to confirm that …

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Kevin · November 29th, 2013

Will Lexus Ever Build a Diesel SUV?

Will Lexus ever make a diesel SUV? According to a Drive Australia interview with Lexus International executive vice president Mark Templin, there is a remote possibility: Templin also reaffirmed the brand’s aversion to diesel engines, despite soaring sales of diesels in other luxury marques. “At Lexus we don’t have plans for diesel at the current …

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Kevin · November 14th, 2013

Hybrid Lexus LX in 2016?

According to Reuters, the Nikkei newspaper in Japan reports that Toyota will release hybrid versions of its large SUVs in 2016: Toyota Motor Corp plans to roll out hybrid versions of its large sport utility vehicles from 2016 to prepare for tougher environmental regulations, the Nikkei reported, quoting sources. The automaker intends to develop hybrid …

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Kevin · November 7th, 2013

Lexus & BMW Working Together on a Hybrid Supercar?

Peter Lyon from Motoring Australia is reporting that BMW & Lexus are working on a next-generation LFA supercar: It’s been nearly two years since Toyota and BMW announced an agreement to co-develop sports cars using state-of-the-art hybrid technologies, and now a source close to the two companies says the pair has decided on its first …

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Kevin · November 6th, 2013

Lexus & BMW Working on Next-Generation LFA?

According to the November cover of Japanese magazine Best Car, Lexus & BMW are working on a joint-project to build the next-generation LFA — there’s even a rendering of what this LFA II might look like: This seems extremely unlikely (to put it lightly), but it should sell plenty of magazines when the issue comes …

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Kevin · October 29th, 2013

Updated Lexus CT 200h in 2014, Brand New CT in 2016?

In a recent interview with The Motor Report, Lexus Australia Sean Hanley confirmed that the CT 200h will receive a mid-cycle refresh ahead of an all-new model in 2016: Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley is refusing to admit defeat – or even disappointment – with the CT 200h baby hybrid. “We see the CT …

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Kevin · October 10th, 2013

Lexus to Reveal Production Coupe at Tokyo Motor Show?

Lexus will debut a new production coupe at the Tokyo Motor Show in November, according to the Australian GoAuto website: Get set for another two-door Lexus stunner when the doors open at the 43rd Tokyo motor show next month. Lexus is tight-lipped on the exact nature of its big expose, but you can expect it …

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Kevin · October 9th, 2013

Production Lexus NX Compact Crossover Released in August 2014?

Japanese magazine Mag-X has published some information on the upcoming Lexus NX compact crossover — here are the main points, roughly translated: The Lexus NX will use the same chassis platform as the RAV4. The production model could reach dealerships in August 2014. Measurements could be 4550 × 1845 × 1660mm (length x width x …

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Kevin · October 3rd, 2013