Tech – Page 6

Future Tech USA

Lexus Enform Video Presentation

Posted by krew on January 18th, 2009

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

Autoshows Future Hybrids Photos Tech

Lexus HS 250h Cross-Section

Posted by krew on January 14th, 2009

After yesterday’s blocky video screencap of the Lexus HS 250h cut-away that’s being displayed at the Detroit Auto Show, TPP commenter TimeToy posted links to these three images from Autoblog (click for larger versions): From the looks of things, the battery pack seems to be tiered, with part behind the back seat and part under …

2010 Lexus RX 350/450h Gas Mileage Figures

Posted by krew on January 9th, 2009

We’ve known since the LA Auto Show that the 2010 Lexus RX would be returning better gas mileage, but a press release issued yesterday gave us the exact EPA figures, which I’ve compared with last year’s numbers (broken down as city/highway/combined): Model 2010 2009 Change RX 350 FWD 18/25/21 18/23/20 +0/2/1 RX 350 AWD 18/24/20 …

Lexus Voice Command & Lexus Insider Service

Posted by krew on January 8th, 2009

There were two new features included in yesterday’s Lexus Enform press release that I thought needed special attention. The first feature is Lexus’ new voice control system: This new casual-speech voice recognition system, called voice command, features VoiceBox Technology’s award-winning, patented Conversational Voice Search, and allows drivers to speak more flexible, conversational commands for easier …

Lexus Enform: The New In-Car Telematics Service

Posted by krew on January 7th, 2009

Lexus has announced Lexus Enform, their replacement for Lexus Link in-car service. Referred to as a telematics service, this integrated system will be introduced with the new 2010 Lexus RX and adds a new layer of convenience and utility. There are the expected features, outlined here: Automatic Collision Notification (ACN): Safety Connect’s ACN will help …

Custom Lexus IS-F Exhaust by Royal Muffler

Posted by krew on December 22nd, 2008

Listen to this custom Lexus IS-F exhaust treatment from Royal Muffler, a company based out of California: This design is unique among the current IS-F options as it’s using four race mufflers rather than the more typical muffler/resonator combination. According to Club Lexus, the price is $2,300, which includes install and lifetime warranty. Certainly on …

Lexus IS’ V6 Named to 2009 Best Engines List

Posted by krew on December 9th, 2008

The Lexus IS 350’s V6 engine has once again been selected to the Ward’s Auto 10 Best Engines award: Toyota Motor Corp. scores its fourth consecutive 10 Best Engines win with its Lexus 3.5L DOHC V-6, a brilliant design that employs a unique, combination direct- and port-injection fueling system that helps generate 306 hp and …

Dealerships Tech USA Videos

Woodfield Lexus’ Service Veosk

Posted by krew on December 8th, 2008

I have no idea if it’s exclusive to Woodfield Lexus in Chicago, but the kiosk shown in this video would be a great addition to every dealership: There’s certainly a strong case for this to become company-wide. It wouldn’t just be informative to the customer, but it would definitely cut down on the misunderstandings and …

Features Hybrids Tech

Lexus Hybrid Primer

Posted by krew on December 2nd, 2008

Since starting this website, I’ve been asked numerous times about the overall benefits of Lexus hybrid technology, so I thought it would be a good idea to put together a basic primer. First off, here’s a direct-from-Lexus video explanation on how a hybrid engine works: Now, everyone knows the primary advantage that (most) hybrids have …

Autoshows Tech USA Videos

Lexus Remote Touch Controller Demonstration

Posted by krew on November 24th, 2008

CNet has posted a LA Auto Show recap of the Lexus RX 450h, which includes a demonstration of the new Remote Touch controller: Looks to be a very impressive solution — my experience with haptic control is limited to the Nintendo Wii, but the continual feedback moving from menu item to menu item is intuitive …

Autoshows Mods Special Editions Tech Videos

Video of Artisan’s Twin Turbo Lexus IS-F

Posted by krew on October 31st, 2008

We’ve seen the official photo and technical breakdown of the Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance Lexus IS-F that’s debuting at SEMA next week, and now here’s the twin turbo kicking it on a dyno: It’s a good thing this thing is strapped to the dyno, because I don’t imagine it would be easy to video otherwise.

Future Hybrids In the News Tech

Lexus to Move to Hybrid-Only?

Posted by krew on October 15th, 2008

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 — …

Autoshows Body Kits Mods Tech Videos

Custom Lexus IS-F Greddy Supercharger & Exhaus...

Posted by krew on October 15th, 2008

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 …

Advertising Commercials Hybrids Tech Videos

Lexus LS 600hL Commercial: Kite

Posted by krew on October 13th, 2008

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]

Mods Tech Videos

700hp Lexus IS Engine Explosion

Posted by krew on August 27th, 2008

Not every day you get to see a souped 700hp Lexus IS engine blow up (make sure to turn the sound down, loud rap music ahead): Not sure on the full story, but I can’t help but think whoever made this video of must have wanted to rub it in — either that or it …

Lexus LS 460 AWD Introduced at Moscow Auto Show

Posted by krew on August 26th, 2008

When it comes to the release of the Lexus LS 460 AWD version, this picture says it all: As expected, the LS 460 AWD was introduced at the Moscow International Auto Show today, and the folks at Autoblog have a full photo gallery of the model. The only thing? That AWD badge in the photo …

Italdesign Quaranta Hybrid Concept

Posted by krew on August 22nd, 2008

It may not be a Lexus supercar prototype, but the Italdesign Quaranta concept is powered by a Lexus engine, namely the….RX 400h? Massage the right button, and the rear decklid opens to reveal a powertrain cribbed from what we know as the Lexus RX 400h. Italdesign and Toyota have an ongoing relationship; their first project, …

Body Kits Mods Special Editions Tech Websites

Custom Lexus IS-F by 0-60 Magazine Coming to ...

Posted by krew on August 21st, 2008

We’ve seen the finished version of the the Fox/Artisan Lexus IS-F that will be displayed at this year’s SEMA, and now another has surfaced — this time it’s a work-in-progess by 0-60 Magazine: So far, the plan looks to be replacing the hood, front fenders, side skirts and the trunk lid with carbon fiber versions, …

Lexus LS 460 AWD to Debut at Moscow Auto Show

Posted by krew on August 18th, 2008

It was only last week that we heard of Lexus’ plans to release an All-Wheel Drive version of the LS 460/L, and now it’s been confirmed for introduction at the Moscow International Motor Show: The new model, to be sold along side the existing LS 460 and LS 460 L, features permanent all wheel drive …

Autoshows Body Kits Mods Photos Tech USA

SEMA 2008 Lexus IS-F from Fox/Artisan

Posted by krew on August 15th, 2008

The Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance Lexus IS-F project car scheduled for display at SEMA 2008 has been unveiled early, and brings with it some very exciting news for IS-F owners: The vehicle will be debuted at SEMA 2008 in Las Vegas alongside 3 other IS-F’s from different aftermarket companies. These companies will be showcasing and developing …

2nd Generation F SPORT Lexus IS Mods Reviews Tech

Motor Trend tests the Lexus F-Sport Mods

Posted by krew on July 9th, 2008

Motor Trend took delivery of a Lexus IS 250 deked out with the entire F-Sport catalog, and was generally impressed with the difference the factory modifications made: The brakes, for example, are of the same six-piston front, four-piston rear, two-piece ventilated and drilled rotor design found on the IS F — and they’re brilliant, hauling …

The Secrets of Car Camouflage

Posted by krew on June 29th, 2008

It may not be Lexus-specific, but Car & Driver has a very interesting article on one of the companies responsible for creating the wild camouflage used to hide pre-production vehicles: Dan owns Autocanvas, one of only two independent U.S. companies that create camouflage to thwart the public—and rival automakers—from eyeing preproduction cars. When Dan reluctantly …

1st Generation Audio Canada Lexus IS-F Tech Websites

Lexus IS-F Ringtone

Posted by krew on June 4th, 2008

The Lexus Canada website is just full of surprises — first we had the web game that led to a secret video, and now TPP reader Jarrett mentions that there’s also an IS-F ringtone available for download. Here’s a preview, though I recommend turning your speakers down: Granted, it’s pretty intense, and only spent about …

2nd Generation Advertising Commercials Lexus IS Tech Videos Websites

Lexus Web Game Video

Posted by krew on June 2nd, 2008

I may have linked to the Lexus Canada’s IS 350 paddleshift game last year, but it turns out I didn’t do well enough to see this secret super revving video: I’m a big fan of these types of sound visualizations, and near the end it almost looks like the inside of an engine, which in …

2nd Generation F SPORT Lexus IS Mods Tech Videos

Lexus F-Sport Air Intake Video

Posted by krew on May 19th, 2008

After seeing the video of the Lexus F-Sport exhaust system, I did some research into the other performance accessories offered in the line. Lo and behold, I found a very extensive video of the F-Sport air intake being installed and tested (along with a Tanabe exhaust system): In terms of sound, it’s hard to determine …

Autoshows Tech USA

The Lexus/Gran Turismo Exhibit @ The NY Auto Show

Posted by krew on March 24th, 2008

Jalopnik has posted up a report on the various video game exhibits at this year’s New York Auto Show, including a Lexus IS-F special edition of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue: Lexus had three driving simulators set up running the highly anticipated Gran Turismo 5 Prologue that’s due out in mid-April. Since it was obviously a …

Europe Lexus RX Lexus RX: Second Generation Special Editions Tech

Lexus UK updates RX Entertainment Package

Posted by krew on February 28th, 2008

Lexus UK has debuted an upgraded backseat entertainment package for the RX called ICE, which is short for In-Car Entertainment. It consists of two eight-inch LCD screens with an integrated DVD player, USB and SD card readers, plus more: Two pairs of infrared headphones are provided, which are about 20 per cent smaller than before, …

Lexus LS Lexus LS: Fourth Generation Tech Videos

Video of the Lexus LS 460L in Test Drive Unlimited

Posted by krew on January 30th, 2008

I have yet to play the Test Drive Unlimited video game, but my interest just went up ten-fold after discovering that the Lexus LS 460L is an available car. This video clip from the game is pretty funny, it even includes a fully-virtual Lexus dealership showroom: I don’t understand the inclusion of a flagship full-size …

Awards Lexus IS Lexus IS: Second Generation Tech

Lexus IS 350 V6 Engine Named as one of 2008’s Best

Posted by krew on January 21st, 2008

The 3.5L DOHC V-6 engine found in the Lexus IS 350 has been named as one of 2008’s top engines by Wards: As it earns its third consecutive 10 Best Engines award, Associate Editor Byron Pope sums up the Lexus-exclusive engine’s execution: “Good luck beating this in any category.” …where the IS 350 application really …

1st Generation Dealerships Lexus IS-F Manufacturing Previews Tech Videos

Lexus’ IS-F Presentation Videos

Posted by krew on January 2nd, 2008

The Auto Network has served up another Lexus presentation, this time a full blown dissertation about the IS-F. This presentation, along with the previously noted LX 570 breakdown, took place in Point Clear, Alabama, and provided the automotive press with an opportunity to learn about the vehicles to an extraordinary level of detail. The first …

Dealerships Lexus LX Lexus LX: Third Generation Manufacturing Reviews Tech USA Videos

Lexus’ LX 570 Presentation Videos

Posted by krew on January 1st, 2008

The Auto Network has posted up the full LX 570 presentation given by Lexus to the press in late 2007, and it’s a incredible collection of facts and information, detailing every aspect of the vehicle, from its technical specifications to its marketing plan. The first part is a general overview of the LX 570, presented …

Lexus LX Lexus LX: Third Generation Previews Tech

Motor Trend First Drive: The 2008 Lexus LX 570

Posted by krew on December 20th, 2007

As the Lexus LX 570 gets closer and closer to the dealerships, the test drives are starting to come in. First one to the press is Motor Trend, and it’s heavy in praise: This largest Lexus has no more business vamoosing through chicanes than it does scaling 45-degree slopes, fording two-foot-deep streams, or straddling nine-inch-tall …

Lexus GS Lexus GS: Third Generation Special Editions Tech

Drive Jack Bauer’s Lexus GS 430 (sorta)

Posted by krew on December 18th, 2007

Having only seen bits and pieces of the TV show 24, I didn’t know Jack Bauer drove a Lexus GS 430, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting this RC version of his car: After posting about the die-cast GS 430 last month, I’ve toyed with buying some 1:18 replicas, but better sense has prevailed. …

Europe Japan Lexus LS Lexus LS: Fourth Generation Tech United Kingdom Videos

Lexus LS 460 Lane Keep Assist Video Demonstration

Posted by krew on December 16th, 2007

The Lane Keep Assist feature, which effectively locks you into a highway lane, may only available on the European & Asian Lexus LS, but it’s incredibly effective, at least in the context of this video: I’m of two minds with this feature. You can never discount added safety, but the movement towards automated driving makes …

Concepts Lexus LFA Racing Tech

Did the Lexus LF-A Set a Nürburgring Record?

Posted by krew on December 14th, 2007

If Japanese magazine Holiday Auto is to be believed, the Lexus LF-A has put in a dominant performance on Nürburgring, lapping the track in 7:24. If true, it would make the LF-A the fastest production car to run the ring. This comes on the heels of Pagani Zonda F setting the record in October of …

Lexus LS Lexus LS: Fourth Generation Reviews Tech Videos

CNet Reviews Lexus LS 460 Technology

Posted by krew on December 7th, 2007

No doubt it’s a little old, but this video from CNet detailing the technology in the LS 460 is quite entertaining: Being such a fan of the LS 460, I didn’t even get bored during the inevitable parking assist demonstration.

Lexus LX Lexus LX: Third Generation Tech Videos

2008 Lexus LX 570 can see around corners

Posted by krew on November 29th, 2007

The 2008 Lexus LX 570 is packed to the gills with some very interesting new technology, including a camera that gives the driver a full 180-degree view of what’s in front of the vehicle, effectively letting you look around corners. There’s a passenger-side camera that points down, as well, and when combined with the rear …

Japan Tech Videos

Video of the Toyota Driving Simulator

Posted by krew on November 28th, 2007

A video demonstration of the Toyota Driving Simulator has been posted on Youtube: Bit disappointed they didn’t show any virtual accidents. I know the simulator was built to examine potential safety features, but with that music in the background, they could probably test the driving characteristics of someone going insane. (Thanks Dan!)

Japan Photos Tech

Toyota Builds New Driving Simulator

Posted by krew on November 27th, 2007

Toyota has built a new driving simulator at their Higashifuji Technical Center in Japan, and it looks straight out of science fiction. Inside the 15-foot-high, 23-foot-wide sphere is a Lexus IS attached to an elaborate rail system and surrounded by a 360-degree video screen that displays a virtual driving environment: The internal surrounding sides of …

Hybrids Lexus RX Hybrid Lexus RX Hybrid: First Generation Photos Tech

The 2008 Lexus RX 400h’s Illuminated Scuff Plates

Posted by krew on November 27th, 2007

While browsing Club Lexus for details on the 2008 Lexus RX 400h’s updates, I found this great photo by tomv, a new hybrid owner, which shows off the illuminated scuff plates: Just to be clear, these would be visible when opening the doors. Great effect, I’m very impressed.

Lexus Technical Training Session Video

Posted by krew on November 17th, 2007

It may run a little long, but this video of the installation of a slippery surface for test driving Lexus’ is still pretty neat: From the video description, this was for a technical training session in Spain, and looks like it would be a lot of fun. Strangely enough, I played a PS3 game today …

Concepts Lexus LFA Tech

Lexus LF-A Development Hits a Bump

Posted by krew on November 13th, 2007

When the same-old Lexus LF-A concept was displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show instead of the expected production model, it was a clear sign that something was amiss in the supercar’s development. There’s no official word, but according to a Winding Road source, there’s certainly been some bumps in the road: Rumblings from inside Toyota …

1st Generation Lexus IS-F Photos Tech

New Info on Lexus IS-F Quad Exhausts

Posted by krew on November 7th, 2007

The Lexus IS-F has taken a lot of flak from the automotive community regarding its looks, but when Edmunds revealed the stacked quad “resonators” weren’t connected to the exhaust system, it became a flashpoint for criticism. Well, turns out the quad exhausts are functional after all — Autospies had the pleasure of spending a few …

1st Generation Lexus IS-F Photos Reviews Tech

The Lexus IS-F Engine Uncovered

Posted by krew on November 7th, 2007

Perhaps the most amusing part of Jalopnik’s review of the IS-F, and something I forgot to mention in my post, was their removal of the engine cover, revealing this jumbled up pile: You can check out more photos of the engine innards at the Jalopnik site. *** Another thing I missed, or rather didn’t realize, …

Autoshows Lexus IS Lexus IS: Second Generation Mods Tech

A Summary of the New Lexus F-Sport Performance Acc...

Posted by krew on October 31st, 2007

As expected, Lexus debuted their new F-Sport Performance Accessory Line at SEMA, and there’s no shortage of products to choose from, that is, if you have an IS 250/350. Here’s a summary of the offerings: * The most significant upgrades are for the suspension and handling, including a lowering spring set, a sway bar set …

1st Generation Lexus IS-F Tech

Lexus IS-F in New PS3 Gran Turismo 5 Demo

Posted by krew on October 22nd, 2007

A downloadable demo of Gran Turismo 5 was made available to Playstation 3 owners this weekend, and more to the point, the Lexus IS-F is one of the seven playable cars! The realism is nothing short of astounding, it even shows through in this filmed TV video clip:

Advertising Canada Lexus IS Lexus IS: Second Generation Tech Websites

Lexus IS 350 Paddleshift Mini-Game

Posted by krew on October 5th, 2007

I found a neat little Lexus IS 350 mini-game today after clicking on a banner while reading the New York Times article on the BMW M Division. There isn’t much to it, you’re only in control of up/down shifting as you race other IS 350’s through a super short course, but there’s a leaderboard and …

1st Generation Lexus IS-F Tech

The Official Lexus IS-F Numbers

Posted by krew on October 4th, 2007

It’s official, the Lexus IS-F was announced in Japan today at the Fuji Speedway, here are the details: The V8 5-litre engine will have 417hp and produce 373 ft-lb of torque. The Is-F will be available in Japan on December 25th, and will retail for ¥7,660,000 ($65,742 USD). The Japanese version will be limited to …

1st Generation Lexus LS Lexus LS Hybrid Lexus LS: Fourth Generation Tech

A Look at the Lexus LS 600h/L’s Driver Monitoring...

Posted by krew on September 8th, 2007

When released next month, the Lexus LS 600hL will be equipped with a group of technologies, collectively dubbed the Driver Monitoring System, that takes automotive safety to an entirely new level. From the Lexus press release: The system uses an algorithm to map the position of the driver’s facial features and monitors movement of the …

Audio Dealerships Mods Tech

New Official Lexus iPod Integration Kit

Posted by krew on September 6th, 2007

If you’ve been bemoaning the lack of official iPod options in your Lexus, there’s some good news: An iPod Integration Kit, approved by Apple, will be available for all current Lexus and Toyota models in early 2008. Retailing for $300, the kit allows you to use your factory stereo (and any steering wheel controls) to …

Branding Sponsorships Tech USA

The Lexus Virtual Tennis Open

Posted by krew on August 21st, 2007

Lexus will be sponsoring a “Virtual Tennis Open” to go with its sponsorship of the real-life U.S. Tennis Open taking place next month in New York City. The three-day virtual tournament will use the Nintendo Wii as the gaming platform, and will take place on a scaled down tennis court, pictured below: The winner of …

Lexus IS-F: 415hp = Disappointment?

Posted by krew on August 6th, 2007

While attending the Orange County Taste of Lexus, a travelling showcase of Lexus autos, an Autospies member questioned a Lexus representative on the IS-F, who revealed the super-IS will be packing 415hp, a single horse more than the BMW M3. It’s quite possible that the representative was incorrect, though the number does fall inline with …

How Much Horsepower will the Lexus IS-F Have?

Posted by krew on July 16th, 2007

There’s a survey over at Autospies right now asking: How much horsepower with the new IS-F debut with? As of this writing, the leading guess is 440bhp to 450bhp with 23% of the votes, but what I found more interesting than the survey is the write up that accompanies it: A few months ago Car …

Advertising Branding Lexus IS Lexus IS: Second Generation Tech USA

The Lexus IS Holographic Display

Posted by krew on June 27th, 2007

In 2005, Lexus created an holographic installation in a rented Times Square storefront, and even two years later, it’s an absolute marvel: This is an amazing application of technology, spectators were able to rotate, change the hologram’s color, set it in motion. Created quite a scene, by the looks of it. I wish I had …

Lexus LS Lexus LS: First Generation Tech

Autospeed Aero Tests the 1991 LS 400

Posted by krew on June 22nd, 2007

One of the major design considerations when the first LS 400 was being prototyped was reducing its drag co-efficent (Cd), or the amount of wind turbulence the car experienced when in motion. A low drag helps with fuel efficiency and reduces the amount of energy needed to keep the car moving, and when the car …

1st Generation Lexus LS Hybrid Reviews Tech

Cnet Reviews the Lexus LS 600h

Posted by krew on June 16th, 2007

The latest review of the LS 600h comes from the techs at Cnet, and although it didn’t get a perfect score like the previously reviewed LS 460L, the car still came away with an exceptionally high score of 9.7/10. Mini-marks were taken away for exterior styling: And while the LS 600h is a very handsome, …

1st Generation Lexus LS Lexus LS Hybrid Lexus LS: Fourth Generation Tech Videos

Lexus LS 460 Hold Button Demonstation

Posted by krew on June 12th, 2007

Youtube user h4×0r0x was nice enough to post a demonstration of rather unique LS series feature found on the steering wheel, namely the Hold button: As you can see, this button allows you to hold your brakes, meaning that you can rest your feet while at a stoplight. In essence, we’re looking at the anti-cruise …

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