Lexus IS 350C confirmed for North America

According to both the Lexus USA press release and a post on Toyota’s Open Road Blog, there will be an IS 350C (at least in North America): Powered by the same powertrain as the IS sedans, the IS 250C features a2.5-liter, 204-hp V6 mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatictransmission; the IS 350C contains …
Kevin · October 5th, 2008

Lexus confirms Prius-based Hybrid (Plus a Second Hybrid Bonus!)

Details are sparse, but there’s news today regarding the upcoming Lexus hybrids. Yes, that’s correct, there’s two hybrids in the works! Of course, this has been rumored for some time, but now we have something more in the way of facts: Fact #1: The first Lexus dedicated hybrid will be based on the new Toyota …
Kevin · October 3rd, 2008

Lexus IS 250C Convertible Details

With the video and the photos out of the way, let’s get into the details of the new Lexus IS 250C: Scheduled for a late-spring 2009 release in the US, summer 2009 in Europe Features an aluminum three-panel roof that opens in just 21 seconds (currently the world’s fastest three-panel roof) Shares hood, headlamps, door …
Kevin · October 2nd, 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, …
Kevin · October 2nd, 2008

Lexus IS 250C Photo Gallery

Well, that will teach me to get sick! The Lexus IS 250C was unveiled early this morning at the Paris Motor Show, and with it came plenty of interesting information. First thing’s first, there’s a ton of official photos, more details in my next post:
Kevin · October 2nd, 2008

Lexus USA September 2008 Sales Report

With a 27% decrease overall, September was the worst month-to-month percentage drop in US automotive sales since 1991. Lexus certainly wasn’t exempt from the ill effects, with sales down 33.4%. Here’s the model-by-model breakdown: 2008 2007 % Change IS250/350/F 3,044 3,757 -15.6 ES350 4,042 6,491 -35.1 GS350/460/450h 977 1,668 -39.0 SC430 129 297 -54.8 LS460/600h …
Kevin · October 1st, 2008

Lexus & The Global Brand Study 2008

Interbrand’s annual Best Global Brands study has been completed, and Lexus has ranked 90th overall, and 10th among automotive brands: When compared to last year’s study, Lexus is moving up the ladder, climbing two spots. The value of the brand, calculated from combination of analysts’ projections, company financial documents, and qualitative and quantitative analysis stands …
Kevin · September 30th, 2008

Car And Driver Reviews the Lexus LX 570

Car And Driver has posted a short and sweet review of the Lexus LX 570 which might very well sum up both the good and the bad: Never has it been more politically incorrect to sing the praises of a passenger vehicle that weighs 6180 pounds, attains observed fuel economy of 14 mpg, and costs …
Kevin · September 30th, 2008