New Lexus Design Chief Announced

Following the semi-retirement of longtime Lexus and Toyota design chief Wahei Hirai in June 2009, company insiders and journalists have speculated on who his successor might be.  This week, they got a rather novel answer, with the appointment of an Englishman, Simon Humphries, to the top spot.  Humphries, who worked at Sony in product design …

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Kevin · April 28th, 2010

Lexus RX 450h Namaqualand Commercial

Lexus South Africa continues its analogous theme with this commercial for the RX 450h, comparing it to the Namaqualand flowers found in the country: The complexity of a hybrid system working in harmony finds a beautiful analogy in nature, with the setting also providing an ecologically-minded backdrop; still, the vehicle is billed as a performance …

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Kevin · April 28th, 2010

Lexus HB Concept and the Great British Bike Ride

Following its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, Lexus has brought one of its only two HB (Hybrid Bicycle) concept models in existence to the UK, highlighting the brand’s title sponsorship of the Great British Bike Ride charity event. Additional HB concept specifications have also been released, including a 240 watt electric motor, …

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Kevin · April 27th, 2010

Sundance Channel Visits Lexus’ U.S. Headquarters

The Sundance Channel’s “Big Ideas for a Small Planet” series received rare access to Lexus’ U.S. headquarters in 2008, and video clips have been posted online.  In its quest to find eco-friendly businesses, the program looked at Lexus’ environmental commitment as reflected in its headquarters, hybrid drive lineup, and future planning. For those enthusiasts interested …

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Kevin · April 27th, 2010

Lexus LFA Plug-in Hybrid Spotted?

Spy photographers have captured a strange looking Lexus prototype that almost looks like a plug-in hybrid LFA: The outer shell looks cast-off of an old LFA prototype, and has camouflaged section on the front left fender that could indicate a electric plug, though this area has also been used as an additional gas tank on …

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Kevin · April 27th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Australian Launch in 2011

Lexus Australia has confirmed that the CT 200h sportback will become the fourth hybrid model in its lineup, starting in mid 2011. It will be the country’s only full hybrid hatchback, and join the LS 600h L, GS 450h, and RX 450h in Lexus Australia’s petrol-electric hybrid range. Lexus Australia head Tony Cramb was quoted …

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Kevin · April 26th, 2010

Lexus LFA Participates in Nürburgring 52nd ADAC ACAS Race

As a final test leading up to the Nürburgring 24h race, Lexus participated in this weekend’s Nürburgring 52. ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup race. Only one LFA participated in the race, as Iceland’s volcanic ash prevented support personnel from getting to the track in time to run the second LFA—the IS F team also participated. Here are …

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Kevin · April 26th, 2010

Lexus LFA Display at Flagship Tokyo Dealership

Japanese blog レクサスとの道[LEXUS] made a recent trip to the flagship Lexus Takanawa dealership in Tokyo and snapped this photo of their new LFA display: Not only is there an actual LFA on display, there are color samples made from minature LFA models and examples of all the interior leather options—and check out the giant, fully …

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Kevin · April 23rd, 2010