Lexus LF-Gh Equipped with Night Vision?

TLE reader Vogel spotted something interesting in one of the Lexus LF-Gh interior photos — it looks like the concept might just be equipped with Night Vision. Here’s the button in question, highlighted in red: Not much to look at, but here it is zoomed up: Compare it with this Night Vision button from a …
Kevin · April 15th, 2011

Lexus LF-Gh Video

Also released yesterday was this seven minute B-roll video of the Lexus LF-Gh, which is just moving footage of the photos released today and meant for TV: One specific segment that starts at 3:47 shows the full front light display, including the vertical foglights — makes for a crazy nighttime impression: Looks straight out of …
Kevin · April 13th, 2011

Lexus LF-Gh Desktop Wallpapers

Although I promised a Lexus LFA desktop wallpaper today, I didn’t exactly expect to wake up to full photos of the LF-Gh — so instead of a supercar today, here’s three shots of Lexus’ newest concept car cropped for your consumption: Select Resolution: 1920×1080 | 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 Select …
Kevin · April 12th, 2011

Lexus LF-Gh Concept to Debut at New York Auto Show

The rumors are true — Lexus will be unveiling a new concept at the New York Auto Show! Dubbed the LF-Gh, this concept will provide a stylized look at the next-generation GS. The current generation, which has just entered its sixth year of production, is expected to be replaced in 2012. While there’s nothing in …
Kevin · March 21st, 2011

Lexus IS-F CCS-R Racing Concept at Tokyo Auto Salon

Lexus has unveiled the IS-F CCS-R racing concept at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon — here are some photos from Autoguide’s Colum Wood: The IS-F CCS-R, or IS-F Circuit Club Sports Racer, is tuned for the track, with a gutted interior, a roll-cage, and plenty of carbon fiber, which was used for the front splitter, …
Kevin · January 14th, 2011

Lexus 2054 Ads

3D designer Artur Szymczak took a model of the Lexus 2054 featured in the movie Minority Report and built some spectacularly beautiful concept ads: Amazing to think that Minority Report is now eight years old and the 2054 still looks like it’s forty-four years in the future. (Be sure to check out the rest of …
Kevin · August 30th, 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, …
Kevin · April 27th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h now on Lexus USA Website

Lexus USA has added official press photos and information to a new CT 200h page on its website: Billed as “the darker side of green,” the CT 200h sportback will be heading to the US market once it becomes available—the site also shows different angle views of the white CT 200h, with the rear 3/4 …
Kevin · March 8th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Arrives in Geneva

The Lexus CT 200h has arrived for its introduction at the Geneva Auto Show: Click for a larger image This image comes courtesy of Lexus Europe, who are updating their Flickr account every day with a new image from the Geneva Auto Show floor. As expected, the photos so far show the Lexus exhibit to …
Kevin · February 22nd, 2010

Lexus LF-Ch Interior Photos

At last week’s Toronto Auto Show, I had a chance to take some interior photos of the Lexus LF-Ch, and it was an amazing opportunity to get a close-up look at the handcrafted and one-of-a-kind concept car. Before entering, I was asked not to touch anything—the interior is delicate and not built to be handled—even …
Kevin · February 16th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Confirmed for Geneva Auto Show

Lexus has confirmed that the LF-Ch concept will be released as a production model at the Geneva Auto Show in March—named the CT 200h, the luxury compact hatchback will be equipped with Lexus’ second-generation Hybrid Drive, bringing the total number of hybrids in the lineup to five and opening the Lexus brand to a whole …
Kevin · February 12th, 2010

Lexus LF-Ch @ The Toronto Auto Show

Click for a larger image I had an unexpected surprise today while attending the Toronto Auto Show today—turns out the LF-Ch concept was set to receive its Canadian debut, which meant I had a chance to take some interior photos like this: Click for a larger image The concept’s interior is handmade and essentially left …
Kevin · February 11th, 2010

Under the Lexus LF-Ch’s Hood

Here’s a little video of the Lexus LF-Ch puttering its way across a parking lot: Not a lot of pep in the concept car—which reminded me of some photos I forgot to post from the Detroit Auto Show : I have a feeling the engine in the production model will be a little more advanced …
Kevin · February 10th, 2010

BILD Builds a Blue Lexus LF-Ch

As part of their article on the Lexus LF-Ch today, German newspaper BILD did a little photochopping and came up with a blue production rendering, with real side mirrors and some minor softening of the front-end—I can see the production model retaining a variation on the concept’s grille, but think the front bumper will be …
Kevin · February 2nd, 2010

Lexus LF-Ch Survey Results

If you’re a regular TLE reader, you may remember the LF-Ch online survey that Lexus USA conducted last September—here are the final results: Very clearly, the front-end design is a hit with the 3,281 voters—more than half liked a combination of the front and front 3/4 angles. No surprises here—the LF-Ch is certainly sporty & …
Kevin · January 27th, 2010

Japanese Launch of Lexus CT 200h in May?

Japanese newspaper Chunichi Shimbun is reporting that the new Lexus CT200h will be on sale in Japan starting in May, adding credibility to rumors of a LF-Ch production model debuting at the Geneva Auto Show in March. The newspaper also claims the new hybrid hatchback will be powered by same hybrid engine as the third-gen …
Kevin · January 22nd, 2010

Production Lexus LF-Ch Spotted!

It’s been rumored that the production Lexus LF-Ch would see its debut at the Frankfurt Geneva Auto Show in March, and now Autoblog has the first spyshots that may very well prove the point: For comparison, here’s a similar photo of the LF-Ch concept: It looks like the aggressive wheel arch has been retained, though …
Kevin · January 19th, 2010

2010 Detroit Auto Show: Lexus LF-Ch Photos

The Lexus LF-Ch was a cornerstone of Lexus’ Detroit Auto Show exhibit, its yellow exterior a beacon among the silver of the other Lexus cars on display. The aggressiveness of the front end is cartoonish with its muscular styling and the cute car-face, but that’s nothing a new bumper wouldn’t fix. The exaggerated design boosts …
Kevin · January 15th, 2010

Lexus USA General Manager talks with Ward’s Auto

Lexus USA General Manager Mark Templin recently spoke with Ward’s Auto on a number of different subjects, including the LFA’s “value pricing” and a possible X3 competitor. I recommend reading the whole article, but here are some choice quotes: On Lexus LFA Pricing “If you think of the other carbon-fiber supercars, Enzo Ferraris and Porsche …
Kevin · December 8th, 2009

Lexus LF-Ch Launch in 2012?

Paul Eisenstein of The Detroit Bureau had an opportunity to talk with Lexus USA General Manager Mark Templin on the future of the LF-Ch hatchback concept: “There is a group of buyers growing up now who won’t buy cars by the pound,” noted Templin, adding that, “We have already seen a structural shift” to the …
Kevin · November 20th, 2009

The Lexus LF-Ch Design Story

Also out today is a video from Toyota’s Calty Design Research on the design of the Lexus LF-Ch: Nice to see the people behind the designs, even if the video plays like an automotive design school advertisement. (A funny thought: even though the LF-Ch has taken a back seat to the LFA in recent days, …
Kevin · November 10th, 2009

The Lexus HB (Hybrid Bicycle) Concept

Here’s a curious item from the Tokyo Motorshow—Gizmag discovered the Lexus HB (Hybrid Bicycle) concept, built entirely out of carbon weave: I really like the L-badging on the handlebars and the overall shape, though I’ll admit to knowing nothing about bicycle design. Here’s some closeups of the body: [Source: Gizmag]
Kevin · October 27th, 2009

Autoblog’s First Drive of the Lexus LFA

Autoblog’s first drive writeup of the Lexus LFA does a great job of putting the reader in the drivers seat: Nestled into the stylish yet supremely comfortable seats, Toyota’s attention to detail continued to assault every fiber of my being. I can’t remember the last time I was excited about seat controls (never?), but the …
Kevin · October 26th, 2009

Road & Track Drives the Lexus LFA

Road & Track has turned in their first impressions of the 2011 Lexus LFA: On the roads around the Nürburgring, the LFA is docile. Even with 560 bhp on tap, the car doesn’t need to be driven in anger to appreciate its power and road-hugging ability. Put the paddle-shift transmission in the sportiest setting and …
Kevin · October 26th, 2009

Lexus LFA: “The Best Car I’ve Ever Driven…”

In a quick interview during a Lexus LFA press event, Dutch motoring journalist and race-driving instructor Thomas Bangma had some very, very complimentary things to say about the upcoming supercar: The best car that I’ve ever driven in my life as a car journalist. It is an absolute gem, it is amazing…and I think it’s …
Kevin · October 12th, 2009

Lexus LFA Supercar Drift!

As part of this weekend’s Motor Sport 2009 in Odaiba, Japan, Lexus brought out one of their LFA racing prototypes this weekend for some supercar drifting, and was videotaped by numerous members of the crowd: And the best one of the bunch: Bringing out a supercar concept to do donuts for an enthusiast crowd in …
Kevin · October 12th, 2009

Lexus Supercar Confirmed for Tokyo Motor Show

Lexus has announced that “a revolutionary two-seat supercar” will be unveiled later this month at the Tokyo Motor Show—the full brief: Two-seat supercar (world premier) This concept vehicle epitomizes the purest form of driving exhilaration and performance.  (Details to be announced at the Lexus press briefing on October 21.) This “two-seat supercar” is, of course, …
Kevin · October 7th, 2009

Photos of the Lexus Booth at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show

The Frankfurt auto show may be over, but I had to post these photos of the Lexus booth at the event: These were taken by Lexus Europe and uploaded to Flickr—there’s a few more over there as well, so be sure to check them out.
Kevin · September 30th, 2009

Fox Marketing Prepares Lexus IS 350c for SEMA

We first saw a rendering of the Fox Marketing Lexus IS 350c back in May—and it looks like that computer image was in very close proximity to the real thing: There’s also a buildlog photo set on Flickr, and for good measure, a video closeup: The IS-F front bumper and side vents look nicely done—I …
Kevin · September 28th, 2009

Lexus USA Looking for LF-Ch Feedback

Although it was designed primarily with Europe in mind, the LF-Ch concept has generated plenty of buzz on the North American shores—and Lexus USA is looking to gauge just how interested American customers are in the hatchback concept. To that end, a short survey has been added to the concepts page on the Lexus USA …
Kevin · September 28th, 2009

White Lexus LF-A on Nürburgring Video

Here’s another quick video of the Lexus LFA—this time taken on the track at Nürburgring and more importantly, completely undisguised: Here’s a quick screenshot of the full front-end: It’s impossible to make any real judgment from a 16 second video, except when it comes to the sound. What a roar! SAVAGE! (Thanks WorldofLuxury!)
Kevin · September 27th, 2009

Five Lexus LF-Ch Videos

The Lexus LF-Ch has received plenty of video coverage, and rather than post them one by one, I thought it best to collect them into a single post. This first video, from WhatCar?, claims that the LF-Ch won’t see production until late 2011, and will cost £20,000: Next up is Which?: Then there’s the lone …
Kevin · September 23rd, 2009

Lexus LF-A in Matte Black

Autocar has published a bunch of new Lexus LF-A spy shots, this time painted in matte black: Judging by the Recaro front seats, this is likely the rumored track-ready version of the Lexus supercar—there’s a few more images in the Autocar gallery, be sure to check them out. Between this and the white LFA seen …
Kevin · September 22nd, 2009

Lexus LF-Ch Photo Gallery

Flickr user Lexusaddicted has taken some very nice shots of the Lexus LF-Ch concept car, including some detail photos like these: I find these up-close photos reveal the time and consideration that goes into creating a concept car, and how every element of the vehicle is envisioned from scratch. Case in point, it’s unlikely that …
Kevin · September 21st, 2009

White Lexus LF-A Spotted!

The news never stops when it comes to Lexus & Germany—it’s not enough that the LF-Ch and refreshed versions of the LS, GS, and IS debuted, but now a practically-production LF-A has been photographed at Nürburgring (click for larger versions): Although the expertly-applied white tape does hide the final details, this is the best look …
Kevin · September 17th, 2009

Two Lexus LF-Ch Videos

Lexus has released a launch video for the LF-Ch: There’s some nice interior shots of the concept hatchback, but no driving footage. On the other hand, I did find some video from the Frankfurt auto show floor, showing what the LF-Ch would look like at a disco: (I wonder why concepts never get proper rear …
Kevin · September 17th, 2009

Lexus LF-Ch Photos from Frankfurt Auto Show

As per usual, Autoblog has delivered the goods—check out their gallery of Lexus LF-Ch photos from the Frankfurt Auto Show (click to go to full photos): My immediate reaction to the photos is that the wheels are just too flashy for the concept, but everything else seems entirely in line with the press photos from …
Kevin · September 16th, 2009

Live Lexus Frankfurt Auto Show Press Conference

Just a quick announcement: The Lexus LF-Ch will be debuting at the Frankfurt Auto Show today at 10am EST/7am PDT, and as luck would have it, the entire press conference will be streamed live on the Lexus Europe website. Plenty of photos of the hatchback concept are bound to surface soon after the press conference, …
Kevin · September 15th, 2009

Lexus Considering Mini Competitor?

With the LF-Ch likely to be reach production as Lexus’ entry into the C-Premium market, Autocar decided to see where the brand stood on the B-Premium “Supermini” sector: “This segment will grow,” [A Lexus marketing specialist] said, “as more premium marques begin to build cars in this size. We already have the Mini and the …
Kevin · September 14th, 2009

Lexus LF-Ch US Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show

Some very positive news if you’re a North American interested in the new Lexus LF-Ch—the hatchback concept will be displayed at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show this December: Lexus has been leading the luxury hybrid market ever since we came out with the RX 400h in 2005,” said Mark Templin, Lexus division group vice …
Kevin · September 11th, 2009

Official Lexus LF-Ch Photo Gallery (Plus New Information)

Lexus has released full, high resolution images of the LF-Ch hatchback concept: Some things that jump out right away: The LF-Ch has a great stance, and has one of the better Lexus side profiles. Couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the integrated iPhone docks in the front seat-backs. This car is missing the large …
Kevin · September 10th, 2009

Leaked Lexus LF-Ch Photo Gallery

With just one day less than one week to go before the official launch of the Lexus LF-Ch, low resolution of the press images have leaked out: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1330”} I’m trying to temper my excitement about this model, but it’s getting more and more difficult with every image. The concept has plenty of showcar flair, …
Kevin · September 9th, 2009

Front View of the Lexus LF-Ch Concept

After Lexus teased us with a cropped rear view of their upcoming hatchback concept, a new image has leaked revealing a full front view (click for a larger version): There’s so much to like about this concept—particularly the grille and headlights, which manage to fit in line with the new Lexus hybrid style but still …
Kevin · September 8th, 2009

Lexus LF-Ch Hatchback Concept Teaser

A new image of the Lexus premium compact hatchback has been released (click for a larger image): In keeping with Lexus’ concept naming convention, the compact hatchback has been named the LF-Ch. It sports the usual concept car conceits like massive chromed wheels and tiny video-camera rearview mirrors, along with a elaborately sculptured rear bumper …
Kevin · September 1st, 2009

Lexus Confirms Premium Compact Hatchback, Releases Sketch

Lexus has officially confirmed that a premium compact hatchback concept will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), and have released this design sketch (click for a larger image): A compact hatchback with an IS-F front-end design and a panoramic glass roof?!? Holy ****. The full press release: Lexus has unveiled the first official …
Kevin · August 16th, 2009

Akio Toyoda Confirms Production Lexus LF-A

While it’s been long-rumored that the Lexus LF-A supercar would be put into production, new Toyota President Akio Toyoda confirmed it last week during his speech at the Center For Automotive Research (CAR) Conference. From the transcript: You see…in a race…you have limited time and resources to work through countless challenges and problems that come …
Kevin · August 10th, 2009

Edmunds Drives the Lexus LFA

As it turns out, Edmunds also had the chance to drive the Lexus LFA at Goodwood, where the supercar prototype continued to impress: The Lexus LF-A is the sort of car in which you could spend hours whittling away at your lap times while confident it would never misbehave. You would emerge fresh from your …
Kevin · July 21st, 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 …
Kevin · July 15th, 2009

Lexus LFA First Drive in The Sunday Times

Another of the journalists to drive the Lexus LFA at the Goodwood Festival of Speed was The Sunday Times’ Andrew Frankel: At the beginning of the hillclimb I hit the start button expecting a massive roar but . . . silence. Through my helmet and at idle the engine is Lexus-quiet. I put it in …
Kevin · July 13th, 2009

Autocar Drives the Lexus LF-A

Autocar journalist Steve Sutcliffe was also had a chance to drive the Lexus LF-A at last weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed: There’s a clonk from the transaxle when first gear engages, and as I pull away the ride immediately feels firm but refined, not at all racing car hard. Another faint but disappointing clonk as …
Kevin · July 9th, 2009

Pistonheads Drives the Lexus LF-A

During the Goodwood Festival of Speed last weekend in Great Britain, a group of journalists were given the opportunity to drive the Lexus LFA racing prototypes that raced last month in the Nürburgring 24h. One of these journalists was Chris Rosamond, and he’s written a stellar account of the experience: The racing car accelerates flat …
Kevin · July 9th, 2009

Lexus LFA to be offered in 30 colors?

Motor Trend is now in the business of translating and republishing Japanese auto magazines, and that includes a Best Car feature on the upcoming Lexus LFA: Their translation: In addition to showing a rendered final form, insiders quoted by Best Car say Toyota officials are looking to rename the car to ‘SS550’. The ‘SS’ standing …
Kevin · July 6th, 2009

Lexus LFA & Nissan GT-R Virtual Race on Nürburgring

What started as a video comparison between Nissan Falken Z33 and GT-R Nürburgring laps ends up giving a small taste of how the Lexus LFA stacks up against Nissan’s Godzilla. Quick explanation before watching the video—the screen is divided into top and bottom portions: the top is a front-view of the Falken Z33 and the …
Kevin · June 17th, 2009

Lexus LFA Interior Spied!

The Lexus LFA is continuing on its path to production—the latest test vehicle running Nürburgring is not only riding on a new set of wheels, but also looks to be sporting a close-to-production interior—check out this photo (click for a larger version): Hard to get a true feel, considering the angle, but it looks like …
Kevin · June 17th, 2009

Latest on the Lexus LFA

Edmunds’ Inside Line has some new information on the upcoming Lexus LFA, including this new rendering (click for a larger version): (The front-end continues to be one of the remaining question marks about the LFA, this rendering has a lot of Ferrari in it.) Also reported is that the LFA engine will be controlled by …
Kevin · June 12th, 2009

Lexus LFA Concept in Next Need for Speed Video Game

Video game fans will be getting a chance to test-drive the Lexus LFA in the new Need for Speed SHIFT—here are some screenshots: Based on the 2007 LFA II Concept, this virtual supercar will be one of 65 vehicles in the next NFS when it’s released in September. (Also, Gran Turismo 5, the long awaited …
Kevin · June 4th, 2009

Lexus LFA to hit 220mph

Information about the upcoming Lexus LFA keeps coming—Edmunds is reporting that the Japanese supercar, which will be powered by a 550+hp 4.8L V10, is capable of 220mph (354km/hour): Channeled through a six-speed Aisin AMT transmission bolted to a transaxle, that 220-mph top speed is 27 mph faster that the production Nissan GT-R and even the …
Kevin · May 28th, 2009

New Rumors on the Production Lexus LFA

Japanese magazine Best Car has published the above computer rendering of a possible look for the Lexus LFA production model, and has also included some new information: The LFA will be receiving a new name, possibly the SS (for Super Sport) or GT (Gran Turismo/Tourer). The numeric designation could be 500 or 550, though it’s …
Kevin · May 26th, 2009

Behind-the-Scenes Video of the Racing Lexus LFAs

It’s been Lexus LFA week here at The Lexus Enthusiast, and it looks like we’ve saved the best for last—this behind-the-scenes video detailing the long road to the 24h Nürburgring race this weekend is nothing short of fantastic: It’s great not only to see the supercar, but the people behind it. You can see their …
Kevin · May 22nd, 2009

Live Lexus LFA Racing Photos

Take a look at these Lexus LFA photos from today’s qualifying sessions for the weekend’s Nürburgring 24h race: As for the results of today’s sessions—the twin LFAs finished 17th and 30th out of 194. Tomorrow is the final qualifying before the race this weekend. [Source: Lexus Europe]
Kevin · May 21st, 2009

Lexus LFA Racing Supercars Revealed

With the Team Gazoo Lexus LFA team readying for their 24-Hour Nürburgring Race this weekend, new photos of the supercar pair are in order (click for larger images): From the accompanying press release: Entered by Gazoo Racing, the team hopes to repeat its class winning form in the 4-hour race earlier in the year.  The …
Kevin · May 20th, 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

More Lexus LFA Spy Shots

More Lexus LFA photos are making their way online—World Car Fans has posted some additional images showing the supercar prototype at Nürburgring with its rear wing fully extended and the redesigned rear window air scoops visible: The LFA concepts have always been impressive, but this polishing towards production has the supercar looking better than ever. …
Kevin · May 12th, 2009

New Lexus LFA Spy Shots

A reworked Lexus LFA has been spotted, sporting some vinyl camouflage and looking much closer to production than ever before: Most of the changes over the last-seen mule are in the more aggressive front-end, but the whole vehicle looks more polished and sleek. Motor Authority also has some spy shots, including this brief look at …
Kevin · May 11th, 2009

Crystallised Lexus LFA Photo Gallery

I’ve been waiting for an actual photo gallery of the Crystallised Lexus LFA currently being shown in Milan, and Japanese magazine Openers has delivered just that—here’s a selection of images: Fantastic. The rest of the gallery can be viewed at the Openers website.
Kevin · May 7th, 2009

Details on Lexus’ 1-Series Competitor

Details are emerging about Lexus’ compact car—according to Top Gear’s Foreman blog, the 1-series competitor will be a hatchback based on the Prius platform and only available as a hybrid: A Prius is designed to get small-car economy from a bigger car. But Lexus hybrids all have higher performance than their standard counterparts. Lexus has …
Kevin · May 6th, 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 …
Kevin · April 24th, 2009