TLE Exclusive Interview with Lexus CT 200h Chief Designer

Yesterday, I posted an interview-by-email with the Chief Engineer of the new Lexus CT 200h that was arranged by Lexus Europe during the Geneva Auto Show—and now today I bring you a Q&A with the Lexus CT 200h’s Chief Designer, Takeshi Tanabe, about the challenges of translating the LF-Ch concept into a production model: TLE: …
Kevin · April 6th, 2010

Lexus IS 350C F-Sport Photos from Auto Guide

Auto Guide has posted up some photos of the Lexus IS 350C F-Sport special edition announced last month, which means we can get a good look at the new grille & wheels: My guesses were fifty-fifty—the wheel design is the same one from the TRD IS-C from SEMA, but the grille isn’t a direct pull …
Kevin · April 6th, 2010

Lexus IS 250C Consumer Reports Convertible Test

Consumer Reports has published a comparison test of five convertibles: the Audi A5, Infiniti G37c, Lexus IS 250C, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and Mini Cooper S. The Lexus IS and Infiniti G convertibles tied for first place, with an overall score of 77, followed by the A5 at 74—previous tests of the BMW 328i and Volkswagen …
Kevin · April 6th, 2010

Exclusive Interview with Lexus CT 200h Chief Engineer

Although I wasn’t able to attend the Geneva auto show and see the Lexus CT 200h debut in person, I did get a very special chance to virtually interview the two men central to the creation of Lexus’ new hatchback model. By way of the good folks at Lexus Europe, I sent questions by email …
Kevin · April 6th, 2010

Lexus F-Sport Event at New Jersey Motorsports Park

Lexus will be hosting an F-Sport event at the New Jersey Motorsports Park on April 29th—if you’re in the area, here’s your chance to drive the IS F and F-Sport-equipped GS & IS models, and even better, all attendees will have a chance to win a hot-lap in the LFA! Attendance is limited—be sure to …
Kevin · April 5th, 2010

Making of Lexus IS “Hangar” Commercial

A unique behind-the-scenes video of the making of a new Lexus IS commercial for Lexus Canada has surfaced: The commercial features multiple Lexus IS models, and was shot in Miami, FL.  The video goes into detail about the background and the effort involved, days of shooting, to produce the IS ad, along with some outtakes …
Kevin · April 5th, 2010

CNN Comparo: Lexus HS 250h vs. Audi A3 TDI

It may be a class-defying comparison (probably should’ve waited till the CT 200h comes out), but CNN put up a comparison of the 35 mpg HS 250h and the 34 mpg Audi A3 TDI. While a sportier character and fold-down seats work in the A3’s favor, the HS has a more techno-rich cabin, produces 15% …
Kevin · April 5th, 2010

Gran Turismo Creator to Race Lexus IS F at Nürburgring 24h

Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi, along with Auto Express’ Owen Mildenhall and ex-Indy 500 star Hideshi Matsuda, will be racing a modified Lexus IS F in the Nürburgring 24 hour race this May. The Lexus-customized IS F—which includes modifications to the suspension, a roll cage, Yokohama tyres, and aero parts like a front splitter, flat …
Kevin · April 4th, 2010