Lexus CT 200h F-Sport Desktop Wallpaper

Lexus USA has published this photo of the 2012 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport package equipped with the optional 17″ alloy wheels, and I just had to publish it as a wallpaper.
Kevin · September 16th, 2011

2012 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport in Nebula Gray Pearl

When I spotted a 2012 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport during the Pebble Beach Concours a couple weeks back, it was notable for two reasons — not only was it my first look at the F-Sport option package, it was also showing off the new Nebula Gray Pearl exterior paint.
Kevin · August 29th, 2011

Lexus LS & RX Next in Line for F-Sport Model?

Motoring.com.au recently discussed the future of F-Sport with Lexus Australia’s corporate manager Peter Evans, and came away with an idea of which models will be next to receive the performance treatment.
Kevin · August 25th, 2011

2012 Lexus IS & IS Convertible Information

After its updates in 2011, the Lexus IS 250 & IS 350 enter 2012 with only some exterior colour changes, with Nebula Gray Pearl replacing Smoky Granite Mica and Fire Agate Pearl replacing Glacier Frost Mica.
Kevin · August 16th, 2011

2012 Lexus GS Interior Photo Gallery

There was a torrent of information about the next-generation Lexus GS released today, so while I'd like to take my time reading through each of the reviews, I also thought it would be a good idea to collect all the interior photos in one convenient gallery.
Kevin · July 22nd, 2011

Bizarre Motor Trend Review of the Lexus LFA

For whatever reason, Motor Trend has published a half-baked editorial slamming the Lexus LFA, which they've disguised as an impartial review -- just to highlight some reasons you shouldn't even bother reading it, here are just a few of my "favorite" quotes.
Kevin · July 19th, 2011

What should be the next Lexus F Model?

We already have the IS-F, and it's a pretty safe bet that we'll see a GS-F, but which Lexus model should come next? The LS-F? The CT-F? The ES-F? Vote for your choice.
Kevin · June 9th, 2011

Car Advice Reviews the Lexus CT 200h F-Sport

Car Advice is the second Australian website to turn in a review of the Lexus CT 200h F-Sport, and it’s a much more in-depth article than the first. The review points to the exterior design, big trunk space and fuel economy as the top positives, though they were decidedly less enthused about the navigation display …
Kevin · May 10th, 2011

The Motor Report Reviews the Lexus CT 200h F-Sport

Australian website The Motor Report has published what I believe is the first english-language review of the Lexus CT 200h F-Sport package. Outside of some exterior design tweaks, the CT F-Sport is equipped with a firmer suspension — too bad the review glosses over this fact, only mentioning that might be too stiff for Australian …
Kevin · May 4th, 2011

Lexus IS F-Sport Featured on Two Guys Garage

For those with The Speed Channel, Two Guys Garage will be installing a selection of F-Sport parts on a Lexus IS 250 tomorrow — should be interesting to anyone curious about the modifying their Lexus using OEM parts. Showtimes may vary, please check the Speed Channel website for further details. Check the Speed Channel Schedule
Kevin · May 3rd, 2011

Edmunds Inside Line Spending a Week with the Lexus LFA

Starting today, the Edmunds Inside Line editors have the enviable task of driving the Lexus LFA for a full week road test, with plans to put the supercar through its paces on a California mountain road and make the trip to Las Vegas for a Wednesday night car meet. The IL editors will updating both …
Kevin · April 11th, 2011

Lexus IS F Racing the Fuji Speedway

The Fuji Speedway is a an central part of Lexus‘ new sporting history, with the F-Sport performance brand named after Japan’s most famous racetrack — here’s a nicely done IS F video that shows every twist and turn of the course: Love the slide around the :55 mark — must have watched it five times …
Kevin · March 31st, 2011

Lexus CT 200h F-Sport Desktop Wallpaper

Speaking of the CT 200h & Australia, here’s a great photo of the CT F-Sport from Lexus Australia that I had to convert into a desktop wallpaper: Select Resolution: 2560×1600 | 1920×1080 | 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 I’m such a huge fan of the F-Sport edition, and it’s a great …
Kevin · March 28th, 2011

Next-Generation Lexus IS F?

Along with their photochop of the next-generation Lexus IS, Best Car also tried their hand at the future IS F (click for a larger image): From the Japanese blurb, it looks like Best Car is suggesting the engine output will remain unchanged in the next-gen IS F, which is something I doubt very much. It …
Kevin · February 23rd, 2011

Lexus IS 350C F-Sport Special Edition

Lexus USA has announced that a special edition IS 350C F Sport will be arriving in dealerships this month. Limited to just 175 units, this F-Sport equipped convertible will be available in either Obsidian or Starfire Pearl, and includes these modifications above and beyond the usual IS-C: 19-inch forged alloy wheels with dark graphite finish …
Kevin · February 21st, 2011

#017 Pearl Blue Lexus LFA Arrives in USA

The Pearl Blue #017 Lexus LFA has arrived in the USA, and The Octane Report was there to film its unloading: Really impressed with the interior color scheme for the most part, though I’m not quite sure about the blue leather seats: I wonder which State this LFA is destined for? [Source: The Octane Report] …
Kevin · February 17th, 2011

Lexus IS Precision Tour Dates

After taking December & January off, the Lexus IS Precision Tour will be starting back up in February with stops at some of the USA’s best tracks — here’s a full listing: Auto Club Speedway Fontana, California Saturday, February 19, 2011 Infineon Raceway Sonoma, California Saturday, February 26, 2011 Texas Motor Speedway Fort Worth, Texas …
Kevin · January 28th, 2011

Lexus LFA with Blue Interior & No Remote Touch

While looking through the Lexus LFA owner’s manual, I came across this very unique interior configuration (click for a larger image): While it’s nice to see a different color scheme after the sea of red we saw with the first North American LFAs, the biggest thing about this interior isn’t the color, but the lack …
Kevin · January 28th, 2011

Silver Lexus LFA Desktop Wallpaper

As per request, here is the Metallic Silver Lexus LFA photo from the last post as a desktop wallpaper: Select Resolution: 1920×1080 | 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 The LFA owners manual has a bunch of great photos. Just wait until you see the interior later today — it’s something special. …
Kevin · January 27th, 2011

Details on the Lexus LFA Launch Control

Although we’ve known for some time that the Lexus LFA is equipped with Launch Control, details have been far & few between. This system, which optimizes fast starts off the line by holding the transmission at a higher RPM, is essential for racing and providing the best track times. Now, with the first production models …
Kevin · January 26th, 2011

Pure Lexus LFA Sound

Here’s something to get your week started off on the right foot — the LFA launch video with a V10-only soundtrack: Hard to believe my excitement now that the LFAs are being delivered to their new owners — can’t wait for all the LFA spottings around the world as the supercar hits the public roads.
Kevin · January 24th, 2011

The Man Behind the Lexus LFA Manufacturing

Lexus Magazine has a new feature on the man responsible for leading the LFA Works manufacturing team, Shigeru Yamanaka: Shigeru Yamanaka, manufacturing manager at the LFA Works, sums it up with characteristic precision: “We are actually a Takumi team.” Within Lexus, a Takumi—literally, “artisan”—is one of the 10 to 12 top guns of manufacturing. To …
Kevin · January 19th, 2011

Tokyo Auto Salon: Lexus CT 200h F-Sport with Modellista Body Kit

Not only has the Tokyo Auto Salon brought us two Lexus IS-F concepts, here’s our first real-life look at the new Modellista body kit for the CT 200h — once again, here are some photos from AutoGuide’s Colum Wood: I’m all over that rear diffuser — it really bumps up the rear design. I’m also …
Kevin · January 17th, 2011

The First Production Lexus LFA

The Lexus LFA website has been updated to include a very important milestone — the manufacturing of the very first production LFA: December 15th, 2010. The production of the Lexus LFA begins at the Motomachi Factory LFA Plant. The LFA will be produced by a total of 170 people including the CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced …
Kevin · January 17th, 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 Japan CT 200h F-Sport Details

The Lexus CT 200h F-Sport also launched today in Japan, and like the regular CT, there’s been some new details revealed by way of the Lexus Japan website. Here’s a good look at some of the package upgrades: Lexus Japan will also be offering some unique interior options with the F-Sport package — really impressed …
Kevin · January 13th, 2011

Lexus CT 200h Launches in Japan

The 2011 Lexus CT 200h went on sale in Japan today, and with it comes a fresh new website with plenty of new Japan-only details — but first, here’s some new photos: Here’s a chart with the full exterior color choices — note the F-Sport package in the middle: Here’s Japan’s range of interior options, …
Kevin · January 12th, 2011

Lexus LFA Donuts with Scott Pruett

Here’s a quirky Lexus LFA feature from Autoweek Magazine, featuring Scott Pruett really hooning it up behind the wheel: Amazing to think of all the miles Scott has put on these LFA prototypes — after all that tough work, it’s good to see him having a little fun on the job. (Thanks RollaXRS!)
Kevin · January 11th, 2011

More Autoart Lexus LFA Photos

Here’s a couple live shots of the insanely detailed Autoart Lexus LFA 1/18 scale model: Just fantastic — can’t wait for this model to go on sale. Update: TLE commenter primatives has discovered that a yellow Autoart LFA will also be available — at least in Australia.
Kevin · January 10th, 2011

More Orange Lexus LFA Photos

Here we have some more photos of the orange Lexus LFA first seen earlier this week: From the looks of things, the LFA is being loaded for its trip to the Detroit Auto Show next week, where it’s scheduled to be the centerpiece of the Lexus display — meaning we can expect plenty more photos …
Kevin · January 5th, 2011

Production Lexus LFA Delivery

Just last week, the Lexus LFA started production at the special Motomachi factory in Japan, and here we see one of the first production LFAs being delivered to a Japanese dealership: I can only assume that’s a protective white plastic and not a two-tone paint job: Pretty exciting! Update: After the original video went missing …
Kevin · December 21st, 2010

Lexus’ Global Strategy

Automotive News has published a very interesting article with Karl Schlicht, the general manager in charge of global Lexus marketing and product planning, where he reveals fresh new details about what the future holds for the brand: Toyota is pushing a new global theme of “progressive luxury” for its Lexus brand, including a greater focus …
Kevin · December 20th, 2010

Matte White Lexus IS-F

These Matte White Lexus IS-F photos from Import Bible are the next instalment of my unofficial Vinyl Wrap week: Matte white is funny — white is hardly the most reflective paint color to begin with, but that extra opacity just gives the surface a subtle boost that I really like. (Thanks for the idea, Mark!)
Kevin · December 10th, 2010

2012 Lexus GS-F?

Road & Track sure are rumor-happy this week — first there was their report that the next-generation Lexus IS will be built in 2013 on a modified FT-86 platform, and now today they’re back with news of the 2012 GS-F: Our sources tell us that [the GS-F] will come with a 5.0-liter V-8 that will …
Kevin · December 1st, 2010

Lexus IS Precision Tour in New York

If you’re anywhere near Monticello Motor Club in New York, I have some excellent news — this Saturday, Lexus USA is kicking off the IS Precision Tour, which means track-time with both the 2011 IS 350 & IS F! There will be six two-hour sessions throughout the day, and one lucky participant from each group …
Kevin · November 8th, 2010

Red Lexus LFA in Toyota City

Last month, the red Lexus LFA made an appearance in Toyota City, Japan — here’s a couple videos from the event: No matter how many videos I watch of this red Lexus LFA, it’s never enough — absolutely breathtaking. [Via: Club Lexus]
Kevin · November 5th, 2010

Lexus SEMA Video Preview

SEMA starts in an hour, but before the doors open, here’s a great HD video preview of the Lexus SEMA cars: I’ll be at the show today with a plan to update throughout the day and take plenty of photos, so if you have any picture requests, please let me know!
Kevin · November 2nd, 2010

CEC Wheels Dresses Up the Lexus LFA for SEMA

In preparation for its feature spot at the CEC Wheels SEMA display, the Pearl Grey Lexus LFA will be getting some new shoes — here’s a sneak peek: Hard to judge without seeing the full vehicle, but right now, it’s tough to imagine any else but the original wheels on the LFA. (Thanks Allison!) Update: …
Kevin · October 31st, 2010

2010 SEMA Lexus Show Car Lineup

Lexus have announced their SEMA show car lineup, and it’s a hybrid-exclusive affair — here’s what to expect next week: CT 200h F Sport Concept HS 250h by VIP Auto Salon GS 450h by 0-60 Magazine RX 450h by Paul Tolson of EST LS 600hL by Fox Marketing LS 600hL by VIP Auto Salon Joining …
Kevin · October 29th, 2010

Lexus LX 570 with 22″ F-Sport Wheels

Speaking of the Lexus LX 570, a photo on the Lexus USA website shows the SUV in optional 22″ F-Sport forged aluminum polished wheels: Here’s another look: I’m pretty impressed with the design and the size — hard as it is to believe, the standard 20″ wheels look small, and this extra two inches is …
Kevin · October 26th, 2010

Lexus LFA Footage from Forza Motorsports 3

Tomorrow, the Lexus LFA will be available in the Forza Motorsport 3 Ultimate Collection, and we’re now starting to see footage from the game, including this pretty flawless run around Circuit de la Sarthe: Check out the detail in these screenshots: Even the interior is fully detailed (minus the key): As mentioned earlier this month, …
Kevin · October 25th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h F-Sport Video

By way of Car@Nifty, here we have the very first video of the Lexus CT 200h F-Sport in (super slow) motion: Also posted was a video of the Japanese CT press presentation, which didn’t have much that we haven’t seen before, but did include this slide on the available CT wheels in Japan: Interesting to …
Kevin · October 22nd, 2010

Paddle Shifters Offered on Japanese Lexus CT 200h F-Sport

Japanese car site Car@Nifty has posted up a Lexus CT 200h F-Sport photo gallery, and it looks like the JDM CT F-Sport will be equipped with paddle shifters: From my understanding, the paddle-shifters will only be offered in Japan, which would explain why there was no mention of the option when the CT F-Sport debuted …
Kevin · October 20th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h F-Sport Package

We knew it was coming — today, Lexus pulled the covers off and revealed the CT 200h F-Sport package at the the Australian International Motor Show — some photos first of all: As for specific changes, here’s a direct quote from the Lexus Australia press release: F Sport CT 200h receives a number of visual …
Kevin · October 14th, 2010

New Lexus IS & ES Commercials

Two new Lexus commercials have debuted online — one for the IS, the other for the ES — with both commercials focusing on the differences between Lexus models and their competitors. First up is the ES 350, which is once again being taken apart for the cameras: Next up is this commercial for the IS …
Kevin · October 12th, 2010

2011 Lexus IS F Instrument Panel in Action

I’ve been curious to see the Lexus IS F’s new instrument panel in action, and this video shows just that: I like the trailing light that follows the tach needle — it’s a nice visual cue of the current revs. I wasn’t sold on this new display right away — in photos, it can look …
Kevin · October 7th, 2010

Lexus CT Body Styles & Engine Options

Autocar is reporting that the Lexus CT 200h will not offered in a coupe or estate/wagon version: The new hybrid, being shown as a production car for the first time, will not be sold in sufficient numbers to justify a coupé or estate version, according to Toyota Europe boss Didier Leroy. However, the article does …
Kevin · October 6th, 2010

Next-Gen 2012 Lexus GS Mule Spotted!

At long last, the first spy-shots of the next-generation Lexus GS have been published after a prototype-mule was spotted in Germany: Admittedly, with the shell of the current GS covering much of the action, there’s not much to go on — one thing that’s clear from the taped-up fenders is that the next-gen GS will …
Kevin · October 5th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h F-Sport Accessories

Today was my first day at the Lexus CT 200h press launch event in Paris, France, and there’s been some pretty exciting new details announced for the hybrid hatchback. Let’s start with something big — Lexus USA will be offering a number of F-Sport accessories for the CT 200h. Here’s the only image released so …
Kevin · September 28th, 2010

Motor Trend Drives the 2011 Lexus IS F

Peter Lyons recently had some track time with the 2011 Lexus IS F, and talks up the changes in the new model year quite nicely: Although the powertrain and the car’s 3800-lb curb weight remain the same, the suspension settings have been totally recalibrated…An unexpected byproduct of this revision is the car’s more compliant ride, …
Kevin · September 17th, 2010

Behind-the-Scenes Look at New Lexus IS Commercial

The latest IS commercial from Lexus USA required a stunt car driver, a mathematician, a composer, and a whole lot of precision — check out the full story in this behind-the-scenes video: It was clear from the actual commercial that the IS was actually playing the drums, but it’s always amazing to see just how …
Kevin · September 8th, 2010

Lexus USA F Sport Coupon

Lexus USA just sent over a coupon that can be used towards the purchase of F-Sport parts — here’s a breakdown of the savings: $100 off of F Sport purchases between $500-$999 $200 off of F Sport purchases between $1,000 – $1999 $300 off of F Sport purchases more than $2,000 This coupon, which is …
Kevin · September 2nd, 2010

New Lexus IS 200d Arrives in Europe for 2011

For 2011, the Lexus IS 220d in Europe the UK will be replaced by the IS 200d, which will be using an updated version of the same 2.2L diesel engine that brings better fuel economy, lower CO2 emissions and a more refined and smoother drive: The new 148bhp version of the 2.2-litre diesel engine benefits …
Kevin · August 30th, 2010

Next-Gen Lotus Esprit to use Lexus LFA Engine?

Edmunds’ Inside Line is reporting that the next generation Lotus Esprit may be powered by the same V10 engine used in the Lexus LFA: The next-generation Lotus Esprit supercar, details of which will be announced at the2010 Paris Auto Show next month, could be powered by the 552-horsepower Lexus LFA V10, says a source close …
Kevin · August 30th, 2010

2011 Lexus IS F Gets LFA-Style Instrument Panel

The 2011 Lexus IS F was also revealed as part of Lexus Japan’s big website update yesterday, and it looks like the super-IS will be getting a variation of the LFA’s instrument panel: Let’s zoom up a bit: Here’s an alternative view, once again zoomed up due to image size: From the looks of it, …
Kevin · August 26th, 2010

The Lexus CT 200h’s Seating Position

Lexus UK has issued an interesting press release outlining the steps taken to ensure the CT 200h has the “ideal” driving position for the sporty new hybrid. The key points: Lexus configures ideal driving position for new CT 200h full hybrid – the sportiest set-up of any regular Lexus production model Driver hip point brought …
Kevin · August 19th, 2010

First Lexus LFA Speeding Ticket

Claus Ettensberger, owner of CEC Wheels and past Bullrun winner, has the “honor” of being the first person to get a speeding ticket in the Lexus LFA, or at least the first person to do so and post about it on Youtube: For the record, Mr. Ettensberger was going 91mph in a 35mph zone — …
Kevin · August 18th, 2010