More Details on the Lexus LC 500h’s New Transmission
The new Lexus LC 500h combines a continuously variable transmission with a four-speed automatic gearbox.
Kevin · February 18th, 2016
Latest News
Beat-Sonic Brings Apple Carplay to Lexus Vehicles
Beat-Sonic has just announced a plug-and-play interface that will enable the Apple CarPlay infotainment system in Lexus vehicles.
Kevin · January 18th, 2016
Lexus LC 500 to Feature Next-Generation Michelin Run-Flat Tires
When the Lexus LC 500 arrives in spring 2017, it will feature Michelin Pilot Super Sport ZP tires with next-generation run-flat technology.
Kevin · January 13th, 2016
Details on the Next-Generation Lexus Infotainment System
This week at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Toyota announced an agreement with Ford to use the SmartDeviceLink platform in future versions of their infotainment systems.
Kevin · January 7th, 2016
How It’s Made: Lexus F High Performance Wheels
BEYOND BY LEXUS has a detailed story on BBS Wheels, the company responsible for the wheels found on the high-performance Lexus vehicle lineup.
Kevin · January 6th, 2016
Lexus Committed to Turbocharged Engines
Turbocharged engines are necessary to compete with BMW, Mercedes, and Audi.
Kevin · January 5th, 2016
New Lexus RX Awarded Five Star Safety Rating by Euro NCAP
The new fourth-generation Lexus RX has been awarded a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, making it one of the safest SUVs on the market.
Kevin · December 2nd, 2015
Report: Lexus Fully Committed to Fuel Cell Vehicles
Lexus is fully committed to offering fuel cell vehicles, according to a Motoring Australia interview with the brand’s executive vice-president Mark Templin.
Kevin · November 16th, 2015
Is Satellite Internet Connectivity Coming to Lexus Vehicles?
Toyota is reportedly working on satellite broadband Internet connectivity for Lexus vehicles, and could be introduced in the near future.
Kevin · November 10th, 2015
Lexus Russia Announces LX 450d with Twin-Turbo Diesel Engine
Lexus Russia has just announced the 2016 LX 450d, marking the first time the flagship full-size SUV has been offered with a diesel engine.
Kevin · October 15th, 2015
Sponsor: Special Beat-Sonic Group Buy for Lexus Enthusiast Members
Lexus Enthusiast sponsor Beat-Sonic is offering a very special deal for site members — their new Navigation/DVD bypass module is now available for as little as $109 USD shipped.
Kevin · October 12th, 2015
Lexus Moving to Turbo Engines for Next-Generation High Performance Models
Lexus will move to turbocharged engines in the next generation of its high-performance F models, according to a Motoring Australia interview with GS F deputy chief engineer Akio Iwasaki.
Kevin · October 12th, 2015
More Details on the Lexus GS Autonomous Driving Prototype
Some publications had a chance to try out the Lexus GS equipped with new autonomous vehicle technology from Toyota.
Kevin · October 8th, 2015
Lexus GS Demonstrates New Toyota Autonomous Driving Project
A Lexus GS is being used to demonstrate Toyota’s next-generation autonomous driving program called Highway Teammate currently under trials in Japan.
Kevin · October 7th, 2015
Lexus USA Launches New Remote Service Assistant
Starting this month, Lexus will begin offering a service called Enform Service Connect, a new part of the Enform telematics platform that will allow dealers to remotely look into a check engine light or any other warning light on the instrument panel.
Nik · September 28th, 2015
No Current Plans for Lexus RX Plug-In Hybrid
Australian website Car Advice spoke with Lexus RX chief engineer Takayuki Katsuda about the lack of a plug-in hybrid option for the new crossover.
Kevin · September 22nd, 2015
Lexus USA Releases Fuel Economy Estimates for IS 200t & IS 300 AWD
The 2016 Lexus IS 200t will return up to 33 MPG on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid Lexus sedan in the lineup.
Michael · September 13th, 2015
Lexus Remains Lukewarm on Diesel
While Lexus is most commonly associated with hybrid technology, RX chief engineer Takayuki Katsuda discussed the possibility of Lexus adopting diesel technology with Australian website CarAdvice.
Michael · September 10th, 2015
2016 Lexus RX Models Sold in USA to Miss Out on Latest Lighting Technology
No Lexus vehicle in the USA will have the progressive turn signals due to federal regulations.
Michael · September 9th, 2015
Fuel Cell Lexus LS to be Built for 2020 Tokyo Olympics?
The rumored fuel cell Lexus LS may be part of a major new product initiative from Toyota in preparation for their 2020 Tokyo Olympics sponsorship.
Kevin · August 24th, 2015
Lexus Global Design Manager: An Interview with Takeshi Tanabe Part One
Last month, I was lucky enough to talk with Takeshi Tanabe, the Global Design manager for both Toyota and Lexus, in a wide-ranging interview on a number of topics.
Kevin · July 13th, 2015
Inside the Lexus ED2 Design Studio in France
BEYOND Magazine has a revealing profile of the Lexus ED2 design studio in France.
Kevin · June 9th, 2015
Toyota & Lexus Look to Ford for Infotainment Solution
Toyota and Ford are exploring a collaboration in regards to smartphone vehicle intergration, using Ford’s SmartDeviceLink (SDL) technology.
Kevin · June 4th, 2015
Digital Manufacturing: How the Lexus RC F was created for the Forza Horizon 2 Videogame
Lexus UK has a feature on how the Lexus RC F was digitally recreated in the Forza: Horizon 2 videogame.
Kevin · May 26th, 2015
2016 Lexus RX to Feature Long-Lasting Michelin Premier Tires
When it arrives at US dealerships later this year, the 2016 Lexus RX will feature a new Michelin tire that wears in a way that maintains its grip.
Kevin · April 6th, 2015
Next-Generation Lexus RX to Debut New Safety System+ Package
The new package will integrate several of the brand's existing active safety technologies.
Kevin · March 30th, 2015
Lexus Releases Immersive 360-Degree RC F Racing App
This new Apple & Android app brings the full racing experience to your smartphone.
Kevin · March 27th, 2015
Behind-the-Scenes: Inside the Lexus Wind Tunnel
There's a new feature from the Lexus BEYOND Magazine showing off the wind tunnel developed for Lexus vehicle testing.
Kevin · March 25th, 2015
Lexus LF-LC GT Vision Concept Now Available in Gran Turismo 6
The concept race car is part of the latest Gran Turismo 6 update.
Kevin · March 18th, 2015
The Details Behind the Wild Lexus LF-SA Wheels
Goodyear previews a new tire concept on the Lexus LF-SA called the Triple Tube.
Kevin · March 5th, 2015
Lexus USA has “No Plans” to Use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto Systems
Toyota and Lexus "prefer to use our in-house proprietary platforms" for infotainment systems.
Kevin · February 23rd, 2015
Virtual Lexus RC F Now Available for Forza Horizon 2
The Lexus RC F has been released for Forza Horizon 2 as part of a new Top Gear car pack.
Kevin · February 5th, 2015
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 …
Kevin · December 10th, 2014
Lexus USA Releases 2015 RC App for Apple & Android
Lexus USA has released an app for the 2015 RC — it’s similar in tone & features with previously released models, but for the first time it’s available for Apple and Android devices. My favorite feature with these apps are the side-by-side comparisons with competitors — here are screenshots with the RC 350 & BMW …
Kevin · October 30th, 2014
Create Virtual Lexus RC F with New Augmented Reality App
Lexus Japan has released a very cool augmented reality app featuring the RC F GT500 — here’s how it works: The required app for your smartphone is called DAUB, and it’s available for both iOS & Android devices — you also need to download & print this PDF. I tried it out with my daughter, …
Kevin · October 9th, 2014
Lexus Creates Virtual Reality RC F Simulator
Lexus has created a virtual RC F simulator using the Oculus Rift headset — here’s a look at the video experience in stereo: The RC F Rift simulator will be playable at upcoming auto shows, beginning at the Orange County Auto Show this week. There will also be stops at SEMA & the LA Auto …
Kevin · October 2nd, 2014
Updated Lexus RC F Performance Numbers
Lexus provided Motor Trend with an RC F updated with its final powertrain tuning for a raw performance test: It turns out we were able to achieve faster numbers than in the previous test. This time, our RC F hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.3 seconds, a 0.2 second improvement over the …
Kevin · September 22nd, 2014
Video: The Lexus NX Surround View Panoramic Monitor in Action
While unavailable in North America, the Lexus NX will have an available 360° panoramic view monitor in some markets around the world — here’s a quick demonstration of the system in action: The camera system works with four high-definition cameras in each corner of the vehicle, giving a full overview of the surroundings — very …
Kevin · September 9th, 2014
Video: Lexus IS F CCS-R Race Car Added to Gran Turismo 6
The Lexus IS F CCS-R has been added to Gran Turismo 6 as part of a major game update — here are some videos featuring the Lexus race car: (Also joining the IS F CCS-R is the Toyota TS030 Hybrid race car — looks like it’s time to dust off the Playstation 3.)
Kevin · June 19th, 2014
Lexus NX Configurator Now on Lexus International Website
Lexus International has updated their website with a basic NX configurator, showing off four grades, ten colors, and five wheel options. Available Grades: NX 200t · NX 200t F SPORT · NX 300h · NX 300h F SPORT Colors: Sonic Quartz · Mercury Grey Metallic · Platinum Silver · Sonic Titanium · Black · Starlight …
Kevin · June 13th, 2014
Video: The Lexus RC F Development Story
Here’s an extensive video interview with Lexus RC F vehicle dynamics engineer Akihiro Osaka, who details the efforts made in developing the vehicle’s handling and performance: This is the second video that Lexus has released that profiles the key personalities behind the RC F development — if you missed it, be sure to watch the …
Kevin · May 29th, 2014
360 Degree Tour of the Lexus RC & RC F SPORT
The Lexus International RC product page has a nice 360 degree rotation of both the RC & RC F SPORT, showing off the coupe from all angles. (The RC F may be the star of the show, but the RC F SPORT is a real looker — can’t wait to see this car on the …
Kevin · May 29th, 2014
New Technology Could Boost Lexus Hybrid Fuel Efficiency by 10 Percent
Toyota has developed a new semiconductor that will improve the fuel efficiency of their hybrid technology by 10 percent — from Automotive News: The new semiconductors eat up only a tenth of the energy of today’s chips and enable the PCU to be 80 percent smaller, Toyota engineers said today at a briefing. The technology …
Kevin · May 21st, 2014
Riding Along in Google’s Self-Driving Lexus RX 450h
Casey Newton of The Verge recently spent an afternoon riding around the Bay Area in Google’s self-driving Lexus RX 450h: It’s a warm day in Mountain View, and just outside the Computer History Museum, Lexus SUVs are pulling up to the curb. The Lexus RX450h is a beautiful car, but today my eye travels immediately …
Kevin · May 16th, 2014
Google Makes Improvements to Self-Driving Lexus RX 450h
Google has made some significant improvements to their self-driving car, which just so happens to be a Lexus RX 450h: The level of intelligence and capability of these Google vehicles is astounding — very easy to see a future where self-driving cars make up the majority of vehicles on the road. (Worth pointing out that …
Kevin · May 1st, 2014
Video: The Lexus Four-Cylinder Turbo Engine in Detail
Here’s a video overview of the new 2.0L turbo engine installed in the Lexus NX 200t: The NX 200t will be the first model to get the 8AR-FTS 2.0L engine, which is equipped with a twin-scroll turbo and generates 235 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm. The engine can flip between the …
Kevin · April 27th, 2014
New Information on the Supercharged Lexus LX 570
A source at Lexus emailed me with more information on the supercharged Lexus LX 570 that will be available in the Middle East: The Supercharged LX 570 being offered in the Gulf is a limited factory job with the approval of chief engineer Sadayoshi Koyari. This is based on the TRD USA blower kit for …
Kevin · April 23rd, 2014
Lexus to Sell Supercharged LX 570 in the Middle East?
Lexus will apparently begin selling a supercharged LX 570 in the Gulf Arab States — here are the first photos, found on the Toyota4Arab forum: There’s also an image of the supercharged engine: According to Club Lexus poster UZJ100GXR, this is an limited edition factory package and not an aftermarket or dealer installed option. There …
Kevin · April 22nd, 2014
Lexus NX Key Features: A Video Tour
Here’s a video overview of the key features found in the Lexus NX: The level of detail on the NX is impressive — the compact crossover makes a strong statement at the new Lexus design movement, but even more important is the focus on functionality. This is a vehicle that will fit very comfortably into …
Kevin · April 21st, 2014
Details on the Lexus NX 200t Turbo Engine
Auto Week has some finer detail on Lexus NX 200t and its Lexus-first turbocharged engine: The NX 200t will feature Lexus’ first turbo engine, a 2.0-liter four with VVT-iW. Yes, that W is new. It signifies advance and retard of the intake cam. At low loads and rpm it can operate as an Atkinson cycle …
Kevin · April 14th, 2014
New Information on the Lexus RC F Instrument Panel
The Lexus RC F instrument panel is a standout feature of the new high-performance coupe, and today we have details on the deeper functions — here’s a graphic from Diario Motor with the various modes (click for a larger version): In addition to three different tachometer designs, there appears to be a built-in G sensor, …
Kevin · March 25th, 2014
New Lexus Remote Touch Controller to Get a Back Button?
The RC F SPORT displayed at the Geneva Motor Show may have quietly introduced a major improvement in Lexus infotainment controls — a video from the auto show reveals the Remote Touch controller in the white coupe has (what looks like) a back button: This three button layout is different than the RTI controller seen …
Kevin · March 19th, 2014
New Lexus IS Receives European 5-Star Safety Recommendation
The Lexus IS 300h has been given a five-star safety ranking from Euro NCAP, making it the safest new car in the Large Family category and one of the top performing cars of 2013. Here’s a video of the crash tests: The IS scored the maximum points in the side barrier test for adult occupants …
Kevin · February 19th, 2014
Lexus to Enter Modified LFA CODE X in Nürburgring 24 Hour Race
Lexus & Gazoo Racing have announced that an “enhanced sports car research vehicle” called the LFA Code X will be racing in this year’s Nürburgring 24 hour race: Compared to the LFA’s base 4.8-liter V10 engine, the research vehicle’s engine displacement has been increased to 5.3 liters and system output and torque has been fine-tuned …
Kevin · January 10th, 2014
Lexus Concept Car Coming to Gran Turismo 6?
As part of the Vision Gran Turismo festival celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Gran Turismo video game, Lexus designers will be creating a two-door grand-touring concept car — here’s an advanced preview (click for a larger version): With the exception of the LFA-style hood vents, this image is identical to the LF-LC concept — …
Kevin · December 23rd, 2013
Video: Introducing the Lexus RTI Touchpad Controller
The next-generation Lexus infotainment controller, the Remote Touch Interface touchpad, debuted last week in the RC coupe at the Tokyo Motor Show — while there’s little detail on how the system works, Lexus did release a quick video demonstration: Perhaps the most interesting thing about this new touchpad is the haptic feedback, which should make …
Kevin · November 26th, 2013
Lexus to Introduce Full Range of Turbocharged Engines?
Motoring Australia has some details on the future of turbo engines in the Lexus lineup: Little technical information was released in Tokyo and no outputs confirmed, however Lexus group manger engine product design Teru Ogawa told motoring.com.au that a family of engines was being developed. Asked what capacities would be offered, he said “both larger …
Kevin · November 25th, 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 …
Kevin · November 14th, 2013
2.0L Turbo Powered Lexus CT on the Way?
In an interview with Motoring Australia, Lexus International executive vice president Mark Templin makes the case for a higher powered CT hatchback sometime in the future: “I think the CT got a reputation for its handling steering and suspension system. If we had had a second powertrain in that car, I think sure we would …
Kevin · November 11th, 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 …
Kevin · November 6th, 2013
Lexus RC Coupe to Introduce Next-Generation Remote Touch Controller
Looking over the photo of the Lexus RC interior, it shows a design very similar to the third-generation IS — in fact, the only noticeable difference is the new Remote Touch controller: As seen in previous spy photos, the earlier mouse-like puck has been replaced with a touchscreen divided into four quadrants, with the HOME, …
Kevin · November 4th, 2013
Artist Creates Lexus IS F SPORT That Can Paint Pictures
Lexus Belgium has collaborated with artist Sergio Albiac to build an IS capable of painting pictures of its driver — best watch this video for a better explanation: It’s not for everyone, but there’s something very cool about a car that can generate images based on how you drive — I’d like to see the …
Kevin · October 24th, 2013
Lexus IS 350 F SPORT Now Available on Real Racing 3 for iOS & Android
For a limited time, the 2014 Lexus 350 IS F SPORT is available for free in Real Racing 3, a smartphone racing game from EA Games. Here are some screenshots: The level of detail is amazing — hard to believe this is possible on a smartphone screen. If you do try it out, be sure …
Kevin · October 23rd, 2013
Lexus Europe to Offer Internet Hotspot in Select Models
Select Lexus models in Europe are now available with an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, providing Internet connectivity to the car’s passengers: Always available and immediately activated when the car is switched on, Lexus Hotspot allows for the simultaneous use of up to five Wi-Fi devices on board. It also enables in–car interaction between them for both …
Kevin · October 17th, 2013
Lexus Shares Details on Future Engines
Koei Saga, the Toyota senior managing officer in charge of drivetrain research & development, shared some details with Automotive News on the company’s future engine plans: …Lexus recently trademarked “NX 2.0T” for a two-liter turbo version of its upcoming Lexus compact crossover [but] Saga is not convinced that Toyota will emphasize turbocharging across many product …
Kevin · October 15th, 2013
Toyota to Debut Fuel Cell Vehicle at Tokyo Motor Show, Will Not be a Lexus
The year-long mystery of the Lexus HS 250h hydrogen fuel-cell prototype has been (at least partially) solved, as Toyota brought journalists to Japan this week to drive the still-camouflaged vehicle — from Bloomberg: To demonstrate how far hydrogen cars have come since the early 2000s, Toyota gave test drives of a small, prototype sedan in …
Kevin · October 11th, 2013
Next-Generation Lexus Automated Driving Assist System Announced
The Toyota Motor Corporation has announced their next-generation advanced driving support system, Automated Highway Driving Assist (AHDA), which is made up of two new automated driving technologies: Cooperative-adaptive Cruise Control In contrast to standard radar cruise control (which uses millimeter-wave radar to detect other vehicles), Cooperative-adaptive Cruise Control uses 700-MHz band vehicle-to-vehicle ITS communications to …
Kevin · October 10th, 2013
2014 Lexus IS iPad App
Finally had a chance to download the Lexus IS iPad app, and it’s a surprisingly comprehensive tool for showing how the new Lexus sedan stacks up against the competition. There are full 360° exterior and interior interactive comparisons of 2014 IS, Audi A4, Mercedes C250, & BMW 328i — here’s a couple sample screenshots: There’s …
Kevin · September 23rd, 2013