Conan O’Brien Giving Away a Lexus HS 250h

Last night, Conan O’Brien announced a contest on The Tonight Show to give away a Lexus HS 250h, here he is to explain it: The contest runs until August 21st, 2009, and is only available to US residents. Visit the Tonight Show website for full details. (Thanks Stan!)
Kevin · August 4th, 2009

1997 Top Gear Feature on the Lexus LS 400 & GS 300

From 1997, here’s a Top Gear feature on the freshly updated Lexus LS 400 and the brand new GS 300: It’s no surprise that presenter Quentin Wilson is extremely positive about Lexus in this feature, the refreshed second-generation LS and the just released second-generation GS were quite a formidable pairing. However, I was surprised by …

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Kevin · July 31st, 2009

Twin-Turbo Lexus IS-F Video

It’s one thing to mod out your Lexus IS-F with carbon-fiber spoilers and a blacked-out roof, but it’s something else entirely to have a twin-turbo installed and then post a Youtube video driving it around in your pajamas (video also contains some swearing): Actual quote from the video: “This thing just sounds super-killer.”
Kevin · July 29th, 2009

Fifth Gear Drives the Lexus LFA

The Lexus LFA test-drives at Goodwood continue to stream in, and next up is Fifth Gear‘s video feature, as driven by Vicki Butler-Henderson (skip to 6:40 to watch the video directly): These reviews are all bringing a very clear message, and in this video Vicki sums it up perfectly: “This is really a user-friendly racing …

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Kevin · July 20th, 2009

Lexus LFA Goodwood Videos

Today saw not one, not two, but three new videos of the Lexus LFA at the Goodwood Festival of Speed—the first two are produced by Lexus Europe, and show the super-race-car-prototype bombing around the circuit from both the exterior and the interior (click on the images to go to the videos): The picture in these …

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Kevin · July 15th, 2009

New Lexus RX 450h Commercials

With the 2010 Lexus RX 450h now available in US dealerships, it’s time for new commercials: This testimonial style commercial may be overdone, but it’s a safe and dependable choice—not unlike the RX hybrid. (Lexus looks to be staying the course with this model, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the hybrid RX outsold the …

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Kevin · July 7th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h Video with Mark Templin

This latest video from Lexus USA features General Manager Mark Templin talking up the new HS 250h: A quote from the video: “I like being at Lexus because we get to try new things, we get to change the world, we get to do things the right way instead of the same old way they …

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Kevin · June 25th, 2009

Lexus RX Discovery Special Now on Lexus.com

Last night, the Discovery Channel show Factory Made had a short behind-the-scenes feature on the 2010 Lexus RX 350 manufacturing process, and today that video has been posted on the Lexus USA website. As the video shows, the RX 350 is built in Cambridge, Ontario, and is an incredibly detailed process—even painting the RX takes …

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Kevin · June 20th, 2009

2010 Lexus RX Named IIHS Top Safety Pick

The 2010 Lexus RX has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), along with the 2009 Audi Q5, 2009 Toyota Venza, and 2009 Volkswagen CC. To be given this top safety mark, vehicles must rank as Good in front, side and rear impacts, as well as being equipped …

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Kevin · June 17th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h Press Presentation Videos

This Lexus HS 250h video press presentation posted by The Auto Network is quite dry, but it’s hard to beat in terms of information if you’re interested in the upcoming hybrid sedan. Of special note is the second video, which is a technical overview of the vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems—too bad there’s an audio …

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Kevin · June 9th, 2009

Lexus Enform Video Demonstration

This video preview of the Lexus HS 250h by The First Lemming has something we haven’t seen before, an actual demonstration of the new Lexus Enform telematic system: The demonstration is obviously a simple case—the drivers could have entered the destination directly into the navigation—but it’s hard to discount the exceptional convenience that this voice …

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Kevin · June 2nd, 2009

New Lexus LFA Spy Video

Stop everything and watch this video of the close-to-production Lexus LFA howling round Nürburgring: This car looks and sounds demonic, very exciting when you consider how close this will be to the real thing. Can not wait to see the production LFA. (Thanks Roberto!)
Kevin · May 19th, 2009

Lexus IS-C Commercials

Lexus USA’s advertising campaign for the IS convertible has hit Youtube, with three short, interconnected videos: Live a little, a lot looks to be the IS-C’s tagline—I wonder if there will be more episodes to this series. Neat idea.
Kevin · May 15th, 2009

Lexus LS 460 Crashes, Audience Claps

As a rule, I avoid posting any crash videos, but I suspect the only thing injured in this Tatry Donau Cup race footage is the driver’s pride: At least the crowd was entertained. Really though, who enters a race in a LS? Update: Looks like the LS driver wasn’t the only one who had a …

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Kevin · May 13th, 2009

Lexus IS 350 Drift Car with Corvette Engine

Daijiro Yoshihara, one of the drivers in the Formula D series, has a new team and a new machine—a Lexus IS 350 with a Corvette Z06 LS6 engine: Looks like he’s going to need some more practice. [Via: Straight Line]
Kevin · May 12th, 2009

Lexus GS 450h Commercial from Japan

Let’s start off the week with this GS 450h commercial from Lexus Japan, brimming with the positive message “ON and GO!”: One thing I noticed is the alternative markings for the kW energy gauge: Japanese Energy Gauge North American Energy Gauge While the North American version is much more exact, the Japanese gauge gives more …

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Kevin · April 27th, 2009

Crystallized Wind LFA @ Milan Design Week

Here’s a new image of the acrylic Lexus LFA, or Crystallized Wind, currently on display during Milan’s Design Week: Still impressed by the very idea of this transparent art piece, and would love to see it in person. For a couple more quick glimpses of the model, and a full Japanese interview with designer Sou …

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Kevin · April 24th, 2009

Lexus IS 250C Promotional Video

From Lexus Japan comes this new promotional video for the IS 250C: I know that the IS 250c is essentially killing two birds with one stone, as Lexus gets a new coupe and a new convertible in the lineup, but there’s some angles in this video that make me wish a coupe-only version was available. …

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Kevin · April 23rd, 2009

New Lexus HS 250h Videos

Lexus has published some new HS 250h videos: These videos give a better insight into just how important the ecological aspect was in the design and production of the HS—I’d say it’s the very definition of the vehicle, right down to how it looks.  Speaking of which, take a look at this new photo of …

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Kevin · April 21st, 2009

New Lexus RX Commerical: We’ve Never Been Closer

This new RX 350 commercial from Lexus Australia is an absolutely literal interpretation of the slogan “The Pursuit of Perfection”: Just what is that Lexus RX going to do when it catches perfection?
Kevin · April 20th, 2009

Javier Quiros Racing the Lexus IS-F @ Nürburgring

This is just plain wild—here’s Javier Quiros, one of the drivers of the recent Lexus LFA race win and owner of a Lexus dealership in Costa Rica, piloting an IS-F around Nürburgring on a practice run: Crazy how you can almost feel the downshifts, especially with that rough audio blip. An interesting perspective, it also …

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Kevin · April 15th, 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 …

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Kevin · April 13th, 2009

Lexus RX 450h Commercial from Canada

Last up is a Lexus RX 450h commercial from Canada, which also manages to feature a canine (however brief): Strange that it’s taken me so long to post this, considering that I’ve seen this commercial repeatedly over the last month or so. Filmed in Vancouver, the song is Clair de Lune by Debussy. I’m always …

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Kevin · April 7th, 2009

Lexus RX 350 Commercial from the Middle East

Next up, here’s a Lexus RX 350 commercial that borders on the just-plain weird: From what I can gather, the central point seems to be that using the Remote Touch controller won’t distract away from driving, but why a coyote? (What’s funny is that this has actually happened to me, driving home late at night …

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Kevin · April 7th, 2009

Lexus RX 450h Video Promo

Three Lexus RX videos to post today, let’s start with the longest: This really is an almost pitch-perfect marketing promo, and goes a long way to infusing the RXh with some real personality. Also, I’m assuming that Welcome to Forward Living will be RXh’s tagline, and this video certainly captures the sentiment. [Via: iMotor] Update: …

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Kevin · April 7th, 2009

Edmunds Lexus RX 450h Video Review

Here’s the companion video to Edmunds’ review of the Lexus RX 450h: As with the written review, Edmunds wasn’t all that impressed with the hybrid RX, though most of the complaints seem to be against hybrids in general. I’m interested to compare the new hybrid technology against the system in the RX400h, surely there has …

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Kevin · April 6th, 2009

Michael Bay’s Lexus ES 330 Commercial

Loud, blurry and preposterous, this Lexus ES 330 commercial by Michael Bay would fit neatly into any one of his movies (jump to 1:02 to see the Lexus commercial directly): Somehow I doubt an airbag is going to save you from being hit by a tractor trailer.
Kevin · March 23rd, 2009

Lexus Japan’s RX Museum Party Video

Should we need any proof that Lexus is being marketed differently in Japan as compared to North America, look no further than this video from the Japanese RX launch party, featuring DJ No+Chin in a “battle” with visual artist Saori Kanda: Feels more like Scion than Lexus, color me impressed by how uniquely Japanese this …

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Kevin · March 23rd, 2009

Lexus RX Commercial Digital Effects Explained

Dexigner has posted an in-depth article detailing the production of the new 2010 Lexus RX commercials, including how some of the digital effects were created. This part was especially interesting: “City” opens on the RX sitting in traffic. But the vehicle has a secret weapon-XM real-time traffic monitoring that reveals driving conditions on the road …

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Kevin · March 11th, 2009

Lexus RX 450h Test Drive Videos

Today we have two unique 2010 Lexus RX 450h videos that are the equivalent of an Internet test drive — no dialogue, POV angles, long ambling drives down deserted highways — all to give an insight into potential ownership. The first video is from Lexus Japan, and is likely taken from a promo DVD — …

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Kevin · March 11th, 2009

Lexus Power of H Commercial: Solar Tree

Power of H, Lexus’ hybrid marketing campaign, has put out three non-product infommercials featuring example of green engineering. First, we watched homes being built from shipping containers, then a bridge that uses the passing cars to generate electricity, and now the final installment about a Solar “Tree” built in Italy: These videos may have been …

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Kevin · March 10th, 2009

Building the Lexus Enform 3D City

This is just amazing — take a look at this byHook video that documents their construction of the 3D city in Lexus’ Enform presentation video: Watching 3D being built never fails to astonish me, especially when it’s viewed in 10X speed.
Kevin · March 4th, 2009

Video of the Lexus Heads Up Display

At long last, here’s some user video of the new Heads Up Display technology built into the 2010 Lexus RX: At first, I didn’t understand the arrow columns to the right of the speedometer, then I released it was actual lane directions! Amazing. This might not be available in North America, but I don’t think …

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Kevin · March 2nd, 2009

Edmunds IS 250 F-Sport Video

Last week, I wrote about Edmunds’ testing of a Lexus IS 250 with the full F-Sport accessory lineup installed, and now here’s the accompanying video, where we can watch proof of the IS F-Sport cutting up the slalom: The sway bar & shock absorber combination looks to be a fantastic addition to the IS, with …

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Kevin · February 25th, 2009

David Nordstrom & Charles Hubbard Talk about the 2010 RX

The Auto Channel has posted up a great feature on the new 2010 Lexus RX 350 & 450h. First, host Mark Fulmer takes a drive with Lexus USA’s Vice President of Marketing, David Nordstrom, who gives some very natural & fresh insight into the new RX, then switches over to the more technical Charles Hubbard …

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Kevin · February 23rd, 2009

2010 Lexus RX Commercials

Lexus USA has just posted up their new commercials for the 2010 Lexus RX 350 launch, which will start running nationally next week: Smart move by Lexus to reinforce the familiarity of the previous RX — it’s their best tactic and definitely something that can’t be overstated. These commercials are both surprisingly technical, though that’s …

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Kevin · February 13th, 2009

Trying the Lexus Remote Touch System @ The Toronto Auto Show

After reporting stories and videos about the new Lexus Remote Touch system, I had the chance yesterday to try the technology for myself — and managed to record it despite my (noticeable) excitement: Being an interface technology, there’s really no way to describe the haptic feedback feeling, save to say that it’s intuitive and incredibly …

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Kevin · February 13th, 2009

Car & Driver Continues Lexus Bashing

The minute I heard the voiceover of this Car & Driver video preview of the Lexus HS 250h, I knew we were in for a treat: Jens Meiner, who put in one of the most derisive 2010 RX preview videos last year, clearly outdid himself with this preview of the HS — my favorite quote: …

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Kevin · February 10th, 2009

2010 Lexus RX Features Video Demonstrations

Over the weekend, Lexus posted some short CGI videos on Youtube that show how some of the new 2010 RX features work: Heads-up Display and Available Remote Touch Double Wishbone Rear Suspension Intelligent Highbeam Headlamps Available Seat Functions Radar Cruise Control Advanced AWD VDIM Technology This fits well with Motor Trend’s RX comparison, it’s easy …

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Kevin · February 9th, 2009

New Lexus Power of H Commercial: Bridge

You might remember a Lexus infomercial from last December that detailed how architects were utilizing old boat shipping containers — well, the next of the series has been released and talks about the Shuto Expressway in Kyoto, Japan and how it generates electricity. You can watch here, or head over to Youtube for the HD …

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Kevin · February 3rd, 2009

Lexus HS 250h Youtube Video

So far, the only video I’ve seen of the Lexus HS 250h was the Mark Templin Introduction speech, so I was looking forward to this Youtube footage: At least we know two full-grown men can fit in the trunk! On a serious note, the last 15 seconds show a cross-section version of the HS’ Hybrid …

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Kevin · January 13th, 2009

Belated Lexus Christmas Commercial

It comes a little late, but this Lexus December to Remember commercial makes an interesting contrast to the other adverts that ran this season: Per usual, the music selection is fantastic, and the animation is certainly cute, but I have to admit some disappointment that the RX wasn’t actually growing underneath the bow.
Kevin · December 30th, 2008

Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson Destroys a Lexus

Just in case you didn’t know how Jeremy Clarkson felt about Lexus, his position should be abundantly clear after viewing this excerpt from his new DVD Thriller: Sure, we’ve heard him refer to the SC 430 as the “worst car currently available”, and last month he refused to even admit he liked the IS-F, but …

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Kevin · December 23rd, 2008

The Power of H

Turns out, the Lexus shipping crate video that I posted earlier this week is the first part of a series of green movement infomercials. Here’s a small intro to The Power of H: More details on the next two parts showed up in Brandweek: “Landfill,” which is currently online at NBC.com, details Wilkinson and De …

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Kevin · December 17th, 2008

New Lexus Power of H Commercial: Landfill

Not really a Lexus commercial in the traditional sense, this video illustrates the growing movement towards sustainable reusable manufacturing: It’s a good direction, and I understand the idea here is to associate Lexus with the sustainable manufacturing process, but if Lexus plants have earned Zero Landfill status, why not explain that further? I’d certainly like …

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Kevin · December 15th, 2008

Woodfield Lexus’ Service Veosk

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 …

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Kevin · December 8th, 2008

New Lexus LF-A Videos

Here’s a couple new Lexus LF-A Racing Concept videos for you — first up is some stellar footage of a rocketing LF-A, which perfectly captures the engine belting it out full-force: The other video of note is from the LF-A’s appearance at last week’s Toyota Motorsports Festival in Japan. As you might remember, the supercar …

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Kevin · December 4th, 2008

Top Gear Video Review of the Lexus IS-F

The Lexus IS-F finally made its Top Gear appearance this weekend, competing against the BMW M3: Also part of the episode was the Stig pushing the IS-F around the Top Gear track: The results were a forgone conclusion, I can’t imagine anyone’s all that surprised that Jeremy Clarkson preferred the BMW M3 over the IS-F. …

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Kevin · December 1st, 2008

Bizarre 2010 Lexus RX Feature from Car & Driver

This Car & Driver video preview of the new 2010 Lexus RX is worth watching if only for the last ten seconds: The all-German diesel comparisons were funny enough, but I had to rewind the closing remarks three times before I could watch it without laughing. Seriously, what strange circumstances had to occur where an …

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Kevin · November 30th, 2008

Lexus December to Remember 2008 Commercials

You knew it was coming — Lexus kicks offer their annual December to Remember event in the US with their Red Bow commercials. Have no fear, this year’s crop is especially excellent: Very well done. Given the economic climate and overall auto market meltdown, it’s no surprise that a slightly different tact was taken. Getting …

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Kevin · November 30th, 2008

Behind the Scenes of the Lexus ES Commercial: Cards

Last week, I posted up a new Lexus ES commercial that featured the talents of Bryan Berg, a professional cardstacker. Well, now we have a backstage pass at the making of this video: I can’t imagine the tension that must have existed on this set, considering that if the filming of the collapsing cards had …

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Kevin · November 26th, 2008

Lexus Remote Touch Controller Demonstration

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 …

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Kevin · November 24th, 2008

Video of the 1997 Lexus RX300 SLV Concept

On the eve of the new 2010 Lexus RX debut, I thought it would be a good time to reach back and take a look at the introduction of the original RX, including some footage of the Lexus SLV concept, courtesy of Motor Week: Would the RX have been as successful with that trunk spoiler …

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Kevin · November 18th, 2008

Lexus ES 350 Commercial: Cards

This new Lexus ES commercial continues the “behind every detail, there’s a detail” marketing campaign: It might not be as successful as the first riff on this theme, but the nod to the original LS champagne glass commercial more than makes up for it.
Kevin · November 17th, 2008

The Quantum of Lexus

I found this promo video for the Lexus LS 600hL a few days ago, but decided to wait on posting it until today’s release of Quantum of Solace — while they’re totally unrelated, but the music is straight out of a James Bond movie: (Been looking forward to this movie for months — so much …

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Kevin · November 14th, 2008

D Motor Comparison: Lexus IS-F vs. Mercedes C63

German TV Show D Motor compared the Lexus IS-F and Mercedes C63 in their latest episode, and no matter how tired you might be of this duel, this english-subbed feature is tops: Just to be clear, host Tim Schrick did use the adjective “super cool” four times to describe the IS-F, you couldn’t fake that …

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Kevin · November 7th, 2008

Lexus @ SEMA 2008: Day 2 Video

These designer interview videos from Lexus provide some great insight into their SEMA lineup, it’s really quite impressive how much effort must have went into the co-ordination of all these different teams — once again, dig up the headphones because the audio is really low: That super-charger in the 0-60 Magazine IS-F looks insane.
Kevin · November 6th, 2008

Lexus @ SEMA 2008: Day 1 Video

Get out your earphones, because the sound on this Lexus SEMA video recap from the first day is incredibly quiet: It’s always interesting listening to the people behind these cars talk about their creations — I’m especially impressed by Troy Sumitomo and Five Axis, both their Project GS & Project IS-F cars really managed to …

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Kevin · November 5th, 2008

SEMA 2008: Video Feature on the Icon Lexus LX 570

This video feature on the Icon modified Lexus LX 570 currently showing at SEMA is a great in-depth look at the matte-black, TRD braked, faux-carbon-fiber-fitted stealth SUV: Very interesting way of applying the carbon fiber pattern to the OEM interior wood, but it does diminish the appeal. I have a feeling this is a vehicle …

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Kevin · November 4th, 2008

Video of Artisan’s Twin Turbo Lexus IS-F

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.
Kevin · October 31st, 2008

Custom Lexus IS-F Greddy Supercharger & Exhaust in Action

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 …

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Kevin · October 15th, 2008

Lexus LS 600hL Commercial: Kite

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]
Kevin · October 13th, 2008

2001 Lexus IS 300 Commercial: Sufficiently Radical

With all the economic doom & gloom, let’s indulge in some stress of an entirely different sort: Joe’s a little too risky, if you ask me. His little move has backfire written all over it.
Kevin · October 8th, 2008

Collection of Live Lexus IS 250C Video Clips

I thought it would be good to post up all the different video segments of the Lexus IS 250C I’ve come across since the convertible’s introduction last week: Update: More videos: Have you seen any others? Post it in the comments and I’ll update the page.
Kevin · October 6th, 2008

Video of the Lexus IS 250C Convertible Roof

I’ve dug up the video that’s currently being displayed with the IS 250C at the Paris Auto Show, which shows the new Lexus IS 250C’s roof in action! What’s more, it’s a substantial 15 minutes in length, more than enough to satisfy even the most diehard retractible roof fans (my apologies with the autostarting video, …

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Kevin · October 2nd, 2008

1998 Motorweek Review of the Lexus GS 400

Youtube user bajabusta is back with another round of Lexus clips from Motorweek, this time a review of the then-newly released GS 400: The last-gen GS is still a great looking car, but this video really demonstrates just how much the LCD screen improved the interior. The inside of the featured test-model doesn’t look much …

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Kevin · September 29th, 2008

Mr. Bill Commercial for the 1999 Lexus GS 400

Keeping with the commercial I posted yesterday, this 1999 Lexus GS 400 commercial featuring Mr. Bill is in the self-same vein: I guess 1999 was the comedic years of Lexus advertising! (I’m almost surprised the commercial didn’t end like this Mr. Bill SNL skit):  
Kevin · September 24th, 2008