Lexus: No Plans to Release Sub-$30k Models

Lexus will not be heading downmarket to compete with its German competitors, says Lexus USA general manager Jeff Bracken in an interview with Automotive News: “We will not head down below $30,000,” said Bracken in an interview here. “We have Toyota and Scion to handle that price level for us.” Bracken acknowledges the CLA and …

Read more…

Kevin · December 10th, 2013

Lexus November 2013 Sales Report

USA Lexus USA has reported 25,611 total sales for November 2013, a 8.4% improvement over last year — here’s the model-by-model breakdown: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2013 2012 % CHG* 2013 2012 % CHG* CT 1,002 1,264 -23.8 13,284 16,075 -17.7 HS 0 3 -100.0 5 647 -99.2 IS 3,973 1,988 92.2 29,603 25,211 …

Read more…

Kevin · December 3rd, 2013

Lexus December to Remember 2013 Commercials

As we enter the holiday season, Lexus USA has launched their annual December to Remember Sales Event, along with the inevitable “Red Bow” commercials — here’s the full collection: All in all, it’s a fairly harmless round of commercials — the only thing I really noticed is how great the updated GX looks in white. …

Read more…

Kevin · December 2nd, 2013

Lexus IS F CCS-R to Participate in 25 Hours of Thunderhill Endurance Race

Lexus USA has announced an official IS F CCS-R team will be participating in the 25 Hours of Thunderhill, an annual endurance race at the Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, California. Lexus released details on the three-driver team: Jeff Westphal: Leader of the Lexus team at Thunderhill.  Jeff is well-known for setting nearly a dozen …

Read more…

Kevin · November 25th, 2013

Lexus October 2013 Sales Report

USA Lexus USA has reported 22,719 total sales for October 2013, a 10.2% improvement over last year — here’s the model-by-model breakdown: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2013 2012 % CHG* 2013 2012 % CHG* CT 842 1,199 -32.4 12,282 14,811 ‐17.1 HS 0 3 ‐100.0 5 644 ‐99.2 IS 3,570 2,116 62.5 25,630 23,223 …

Read more…

Kevin · November 1st, 2013

Lexus Ranks First in Consumer Reports 2013 Reliability Rankings

Lexus has placed first in the annual Consumer Reports Reliability Rankings, ranking ahead of Toyota & Acura. The rankings are based on data from the 1.1 million vehicles owned by the magazine’s subscriber experiences. All eight Lexus models in the survey received an above average reliability score. Six models received the Consumer Reports “Recommended” rating, …

Read more…

Kevin · October 28th, 2013

Lexus LFA Owners Event Today in New Orleans

A very special event is happening today in New Orleans — 20 Lexus LFA owners have gathered at the NOLA Motorsport Park for a day of racing. While there’s sure to be official Lexus coverage in the days to come, people attending the track day have been posting photos on social media networks — here’s …

Read more…

Kevin · October 23rd, 2013

Lexus USA Dealership Stories

The Toyota Driver’s Seat blog has shared three Lexus dealership customer stories, including this very impressive completed sale at Lexus Escondido in California: A Maryland driver wanted a 2013 ES 300h in a specific color with a specific set of options. He found it online – at Lexus Escondido in Southern California. “Within minutes, we …

Read more…

Kevin · October 23rd, 2013

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition Up for Auction with No Reserve

A Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition will be put up for auction with no reserve at the RKMCCA Collector Car Auctions in Charlotte next week. The #296 Whitest White LFA only has 366 miles on the odometer, and is expected to sell for $500,000 to $600,000. The car was built for NASCAR MWR team owner Rob …

Read more…

Kevin · October 20th, 2013

Lexus is the Second Most-Loved Brand in the USA

According to the 2013 LEAP Brand Index, Lexus is the second most-loved brand in the United States, behind only the iPhone. Lexus climbed 22 spots in 2013, jumping from 24th in 2012 to 2nd overall. Debuting in 2010, the LEAP, or Leveraging Emotional Attachment for Profit Brand Index, uses a proprietary methodology to gauge consumers’ …

Read more…

Kevin · October 9th, 2013

Lexus Releases Four Commercials for 2014 SUV Lineup

Lexus has released a new commercial for each of their SUVs — here’s the complete set: 2014 Lexus GX Commercial 2014 Lexus RX Commercial 2014 Lexus LX Commercial There’s also a super-cut that splices together scenes from all three commercials:
Kevin · October 8th, 2013

Lexus LS, ES 350, & IS Convertible Get Minor Updates in 2014

Much like the rest of the lineup, the Lexus LS, ES 350 & IS C convertible all received minor updates for the 2014 model year — here is a list of changes for the models sold in the USA. 2014 Lexus LS Siri Eyes-Free mode. Revised auto headlamp on/off Ability to open trunk lid without …

Read more…

Kevin · October 7th, 2013

Guest Review: 2013 Lexus RX 350 F SPORT

The following is a review of the 2013 Lexus RX 350 F SPORT by guest author Tim Esterdahl, an associate editor for the Tundra Headquarters enthusiast website. The new F Sport package for the Lexus RX 350 is an interesting new addition to the luxury SUV product line, and after spending a week driving it …

Read more…

Kevin · October 6th, 2013

2014 Lexus IS Nominated for North American Car of the Year Award

The Lexus IS has been nominated for the 2014 North American Car of the Year, an annual award given by a jury of 50 North American auto writers. The IS is currently up against 12 competitors, including the BMW 4-Series, Cadillac CTS & Corvette Stingray — the next round of voting will pare down the …

Read more…

Kevin · October 2nd, 2013

Lexus September 2013 Sales Report

USA Lexus USA has reported 19,522 total sales for September 2013, a 4.1% improvement over last year — here’s the model-by-model breakdown: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2013 2012 % CHG* 2013 2012 % CHG* CT 798 1,195 -27.4 11,440 13,612 -15.6 HS 0 8 -100.0 5 641 -99.2 IS 3,201 2,248 54.8 22,060 21,107 …

Read more…

Kevin · October 1st, 2013

Lexus RX 350, RX 450h, & ES 300h Get Minor Updates in 2014

The Lexus RX 350, RX 450h & ES 300h all received minor updates for the 2014 model year — let’s break down the changes for the models sold in the USA. The 2014 RX 350 The available Pre-Collision System now features Pre-Brake technology and forward collision warning system. Luxury Package adds rear-seat 115v AC power …

Read more…

Kevin · October 1st, 2013

2014 Lexus GS 450h Gets Reprogrammed Transmission & New Climate Control System

The 2014 Lexus GS 450h will receive many of the same updates as the GS 350 — here’s a full list of the new changes: Siri Eyes Free technology licensed from Apple; compatible with iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 models Flush-mounted sensors for Intuitive Parking Assist Full-color display added to Head-Up Display Climate Concierge feature …

Read more…

Kevin · September 30th, 2013

2014 Lexus IS F Announced with Minor Updates

The 2014 Lexus IS F has been announced, and for the fourth year in a row, the high-performance model has received some updates: LED foglamps (bulbs changed to LEDs) Carbon fiber rear spoiler All headrests embossed with “F” logo Alcantara trim (black) added to doors and center console cover Black full semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats (replaces …

Read more…

Kevin · September 26th, 2013

LIVE: Lexus F SPORT Event in Las Vegas

This morning, I’m in Las Vegas to drive Lexus F SPORT performance models at the Las Vegas Speedway, as part of the #WhatstheF media event. Every Lexus F model is here, from the CT F SPORT to the LFA — the IS F CCS-R will also be making an appearance with pro driver Ken Gushi. …

Read more…

Kevin · September 25th, 2013

Special Lexus Event in Las Vegas Tomorrow

Heads up to everyone in the Las Vegas area — Lexus is planning a video shoot on tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday September 25th, and they’re looking for some Lexus enthusiasts to attend. Perfect for Sin City, Lexus will be playing Drift Roulette with an IS F — attendees will place (non-monetary) bets on a giant wheel, …

Read more…

Kevin · September 24th, 2013

Lexus to Create Live Comedy Commercials During Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

Starting tonight during Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Lexus will be staging two live IS commercials performed by improvisational comedy troupes: In an intriguing ploy meant to harness both TV advertising and social media, NBC will allow Lexus to run a live commercial in two different ad breaks accompanying the show. In the first, set …

Read more…

Kevin · September 19th, 2013

Lexus August 2013 Sales Report

Lexus USA has reported 29,792 total sales for August 2013, a 18.5% improvement over last year.
Kevin · September 4th, 2013

Lexus July 2013 Sales Report

Lexus USA has reported 23,031 total sales for July 2013, a 21.2% improvement over last year.
Kevin · August 1st, 2013

Revisiting the 2003 Lexus HPX Crossover Concept

With yesterday’s rumor of an upcoming Lexus seven-seat crossover, it’s a good time to take a look back at the HPX concept first shown at the 2003 New York Auto Show.
Kevin · July 31st, 2013

Lexus Ranks Fifth in 2013 J.D. Power APEAL Study

Lexus has ranked fifth overall in the 2013 J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout(APEAL) study, which serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle appeal.
Kevin · July 25th, 2013

The Lexus IS Design Contest

How would you like to customize a new Lexus IS and have your work shown at SEMA in Las Vegas?
Kevin · July 17th, 2013

Lexus June 2013 Sales Report

Lexus USA has reported 21,355 total sales for June 2013, a 10.8% improvement over last year.
Kevin · July 2nd, 2013

Lexus IS Ad Campaign = Illuminati Plot?

Website Prison Planet has a very interesting critique of the new Lexus USA IS commercials, suggesting the new ad campaign is “filled with Illuminati symbolism.”
Kevin · June 21st, 2013

Lexus May 2013 Sales Report

Lexus USA has reported 22,229 total sales for May 2013, a 3.6% improvement over last year.
Kevin · June 3rd, 2013

Official: Lexus ES 350 to be Built in North America

At a press conference today in New York City, Toyota president Akio Toyoda & North American CEO Jim Lentz officially announced that the Lexus ES 350 will be built at the Georgetown manufacturing plant in Kentucky.
Kevin · April 19th, 2013

Lexus March 2013 Sales Report

Lexus USA has reported 23,190 total sales for March 2013, a 19.4% improvement over last year.
Kevin · April 2nd, 2013