Keeping Perspective on Lexus Recall

Bloomberg is reporting that Lexus has been aware of the engine problems behind the recent recall since 2007: The carmaker received the first customer complaints in March 2007 in Japan regarding defective valve springs that may cause engines to stall, Toyota spokeswoman Ririko Takeuchi said by phone today from Tokyo. The problem occurs when foreign …

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Kevin · July 7th, 2010

Lexus LS 400 Hooning with Fifth Gear

Just before using it as a prop in a Fifth Gear segment, presenter Jonny Smith decided to give this LS 400 a most un-Lexus-like farewell: A twenty-year-old car that sat untouched in a barn for two years and started up no problem — and this is how it’s rewarded: That’s just plain sad.
Kevin · July 6th, 2010

Lexus LFA Commercial: Octave Harmony

There’s a new Lexus LFA commercial to watch: Although it’s strictly a remix of the previous commercial and the LFA launch video, it does a great job at explaining a key element of the LFA’s appeal — the wonderful sound of that engine.
Kevin · July 5th, 2010

Lexus LFAs at 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed

The Lexus LFA made an appearance at the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed in England this weekend, were it took part in the event’s famous hillclimb (driven by James Baggott from Car Dealer Magazine): The #50 LFA from the Nürburgring 24h race was also there, and both sported black armbands in honor of deceased test …

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Kevin · July 4th, 2010

More on the Lexus Engine Recall

Lexus USA will be formally submitting their recall of approximately 138,000 Lexus vehicles next week with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall will apply to certain 2006, 2007 & 2008 GS, IS, and LS models equipped with 4.6 and 5.0L V8 and 3.5L V6 engines. Here’s the full breakdown: GS 350: 2007-2008 GS …

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Kevin · July 2nd, 2010

Drifting the Lexus ES 350

In what is only the latest automotive craziness to come out of the Middle East, I bring you the drifting Lexus ES 350: I don’t even know if you could call that drifting — more like absolute utter madness. (Totally off-topic, but Starfire Pearl with panoramic glass roof is probably my favorite ever color/option combo.)
Kevin · July 2nd, 2010

Lexus Confirms Engine Recall

Toyota has announced that there will be a recall on 270,000 Lexus (and one model Toyota) worldwide — from The New York Times: Toyota will recall a total of 90,000 Lexus and Crown sedans in Japan, and is “making preparations to take similar, appropriate actions” for 180,000 more cars that carry the same engine worldwide, …

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Kevin · July 1st, 2010

Lexus June 2010 Sales Report

USA USA June sales are in — here’s a full model-by-model breakdown: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2010 2009 % CHG* 2010 2009 % CHG* ES 3,366 3,918 -14.1 22,009 20,363 8.8 HS 603 0 N/A 6,492 0 N/A LS 739 806 -8.3 5,650 4,857 17.1 SC 39 82 -52.4 186 485 -61.4 GS 539 …

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Kevin · July 1st, 2010