Lexus CT 200h Chief Designer Video Interview

Here’s two new Lexus CT 200h videos featuring the hatchback’s Chief Designer, Takeshi Tanabe: This HD footage really shows off the car in a very strong way, including our best look yet at the LED headlights. Top notch quality. For more from Tanabe-sama, you can check out my interview with him from the Geneva auto …
Kevin · May 11th, 2010

Lexus Takes Top Three Spots in Super GT GT500 Class

Missed this story last week, but Lexus took the top three spots in Round 3 of the 2010 Super GT series — from Road & Track: The GT500 class winner was the pole-starting MJ Kraft SC430 driven by Hiroaki Ishiura and Kazuya Oshima, who never lost the lead throughout the race. Joining them on the podium …
Kevin · May 10th, 2010

Lexus LX 570 Invader by ASI Tuning

Japanese tuner ASI has cut loose and created the craziest Lexus LX 570 you’ll ever see: Dubbed the ASI LX 570 Invader, ASI has tuned the LX to push out 600hp, which equals a 0-60mph in less than 5 seconds (the stock LX 570 need 7.4 seconds). Of course, there’s more obvious changes — the …
Kevin · May 6th, 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 …
Kevin · April 23rd, 2010

Blue Lexus LFA Spotted

A blue Lexus LFA has been filmed in Japan: This second video has some closeups, along with footage of the interior: Truth be told, I’m generally not a fan of blue, but on the LFA it looks super-fine—here’s the money shot: So we’ve seen white, black, matte-black, red & blue—what color’s next? (My guess: silver.) …
Kevin · April 21st, 2010

Stunning Red Lexus LFA Photos

Japanese website Carview has published some red Lexus LFA photos as part of an extensive review: I could post photos of that red LFA every day. These photos are part of a larger gallery that includes plenty of interior shots along with photos of an LFA in various stages of undress: Absolutely amazing—must see photos. …
Kevin · April 19th, 2010

Lexus LS 460 & Hideki Watanabe in Kyoto

There’s a wonderful photo-essay on Lexus Magazine by Doug Knox & Andrew Shaylor that takes you through Kyoto, Japan in a LS 460 driven by Chief Engineer, Hideki Watanabe—some example shots: Many miles later and comfortably at one with the LS, Watanabe patiently takes me to school, explaining how his team managed to eke out …
Kevin · April 19th, 2010

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition in Black & White

We’ve seen photos of the limited-edition Lexus LFA Nürburgring edition in orange, and now here’s the track-optimized supercar in two other color options, black & white: The LFA Nürburgring package is limited to just 50 units within the total LFA production run of 500, in effect creating rare version of an already extremely limited supercar. …
Kevin · April 16th, 2010

More Video of the Red Lexus LFA

The red Lexus LFA is so fantastic, I don’t even care how shaky this video footage is: Great to see the LFA in such a classic supercar color—can’t wait to see it in yellow for the first time.
Kevin · April 12th, 2010

Ad: TOM’s Lexus LS 460GT Body Kit

If you’re a Lexus LS 460 owner looking to go big on customizing your ride, Carson Lexus has just the thing: a rare full TOM’s LS 460GT body kit with custom fenders and a full exhaust: Separately, the body kit, fenders and exhaust retail for $12,189 USD, but by using the coupon code “LEXENT”, you …
Kevin · April 8th, 2010

Next Generation Lexus LS Rendering

By way of the Autoten blog, here’s a new Lexus LS rendering from Mag-X: Even though it’s far too small and understated to be the next LS, there’s something about these stylized line drawings that I just love, and I couldn’t resist posting it. (For what it’s worth, according to the rendering blurbs, the next-generation …
Kevin · March 31st, 2010

Red Lexus LFA Spotted

At long last, the production Lexus LFA has been spotted in something other than black or white: Some screenshots, because I can’t resist:
Kevin · March 29th, 2010

Lexus LFA to be offered in Nürburgring Track Edition

Japanese weblog レクサスとの道[LEXUS] is reporting that the Lexus LFA will be available in a track edition optimized for circuit driving: If Google’s translation serves, this Nürburgring edition looks to include a fixed rear wing, larger front spoiler, sports tuned suspension, high grip tires and a boost of 10 horsepower—and will only be available in four …
Kevin · March 14th, 2010

Lexus LFA & Toyota 2000GT Photoshoot

While looking for a article photo earlier today, I stumbled across this image from Japanese Nostalgic Car: I missed it the first time around, but the folks at Japanese Nostalgic Car managed to secure both the LFA and a 2000GT for a photoshoot after a chance meeting at last year’s SEMA: Like everyone else at …
Kevin · February 15th, 2010

Lexus Japan RX 350 & RX 450h Special Options

Lexus Japan is offering a two unique customization options for the Lexus RX 350 & RX 450h, starting with this aggressive under-spoiler: Hard to judge with only the front-end visible, but it’s similar to the LX 570 Sport Luxury package we saw last week in that it doesn’t seem to fit all that well. The …
Kevin · February 8th, 2010

Wald’s Executive Line Lexus LS 460

For the Tokyo Auto Salon, Japanese tuner company Wald International outfitted a 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport with their Executive Line body kit and Renovatio wheels: Wald’s tendency to overcomplicate the simple Lexus design is too over-the-top for my tastes, especially with the front-fender vents and the massive 22” Renevatio wheels, but it isn’t hard …
Kevin · February 5th, 2010

Lexus HS 250h to be Part of Toyota Prius Brake Investigation

Taking the upmost caution in the face of increasingly ridiculous media attention, Toyota has announced that the Lexus HS 250h will be investigated alongside the 2010 Toyota Prius for a software glitch that is causing problems with Toyota’s hybrid braking—even though the two models don’t even use the same software: The mechanical parts that make …
Kevin · February 5th, 2010

Inside Lexus Hybrid Drive

Note: The following interview with Lexus Hybrid Drive chief Shinichi Abe was written by Doug Knox for Lexus Magazine, and is reprinted with permission. WHEN THE LEXUS Hybrid Drive project first received the green light in the early 2000s, Shinichi Abe, the man about to inherit the biggest thing at Lexus at the time, admits …
Kevin · January 31st, 2010

Looking at the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL Instrument Panel

I really love the look of the new TFT instrument panel in the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL: There was also these images from yesterday’s L-Select LS 600hL photo gallery from Japan: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1543”} The IP’s central circle theme is a much cleaner approach than the traditional two dial display, and brings to mind the LFA’s …
Kevin · January 28th, 2010

Lexus L-Select LS 600hL from Japan

Photos of the L-Select customization program offered by Lexus Japan have been hard to come by—that is, until I was sent the link to this absolutely massive LS 600hL gallery with one of the unique L-Select trims. Here’s just a small selection: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1539”} Just look at these detail shots: I’m not sold on the …
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

Lexus SC 430 to End Production, Japanese Special Edition Revealed

Lexus has announced that the SC 430 will cease production in July, ending the nine-year run of the second generation sports coupe. To mark the occasion, Lexus Japan will be offering a special, limited edition dubbed The Eternal Jewel, which will bring an extreme level of customization to both the interior & exterior color choices, …
Kevin · January 20th, 2010

Lexus IS F CCS Concept @ Tokyo Auto Salon

Marking the end of a two year rumor, Lexus has debuted the IS F Circuit Club Sports (CCS) concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon—a lightweight IS F with loads of carbon fiber, including the roof, hood, trunk, ground effects—just look at this wild rear wing: Along with the carbon fiber weight savings and a new …
Kevin · January 17th, 2010

Rumor: Lexus GS F to have LFA V10 Engine

Japanese magazine Best Car is reporting that Lexus is working on a GS F that would pair the current sedan with the LFA’s 4.8L V10 engine. It seems unlikely to be true, especially the idea that Lexus would be working on a variant of the oldest sedan in the lineup, and is probably wishful thinking …
Kevin · December 30th, 2009

Japanese Lexus LFA Commercial!

I wasn’t expecting this—Lexus Japan has released an actual commercial for the LFA: Also from Lexus Japan is this new cut of the LFA’s launch video, featuring new music and some 3D animation of the supercar’s engine and brakes: The Roar of an Angel—what a tagline. (Both of these videos were posted by O.N.O., who …
Kevin · December 17th, 2009

Lexus Japan IS 250 Black X Orange X-Edition

Lexus Japan has announced a new Lexus IS 250 X-Edition with a custom black interior with orange contrast stitching: I’d like to see some higher resolution images to be sure, but I’m such a fan of these custom interiors. I hope this makes it to North America like the Passionate Black GS interior. Japanese customers …
Kevin · December 11th, 2009

Lexus November 2009 Sales Report

Note: I’m going to try something new this month and collect worldwide Lexus sales in one post. This will be updated as country numbers become available. USA Lexus USA has reported their sales numbers for November 2009: November Year to Date 2009 2008 % CHG 2009 2008 % CHG IS 2,851 2,749 12.7 33,924 45,893 …
Kevin · December 1st, 2009

Two Lexus HS 250h Commercials

Here’s two Lexus HS 250h commercials—the first is from Japan, and involves saving the world: This second commercial shows the HSh’s Heads-up Display in greater detail: The HUD isn’t available in the HSh in Canada, so this is the first time I’ve seen the upgraded graphics and display information. Very impressed to see the steering …
Kevin · November 9th, 2009

2010 Lexus LS 600h Commercial

There’s a new 2010 Lexus LS 600h commercial from Lexus Japan: This LS features an L-Select bright-red & black interior—don’t know if that would be my first pick with a white exterior. (On a side note: Why do all the press photos & video have to feature the same color car? I certainly wouldn’t mind …
Kevin · November 5th, 2009

Lexus LFA Instrument Panel Video

There were some quick shots of the Lexus LFA’s instrument panel in the official press video, but this autoshow simulator footage shows just how amazing the supercar’s display really is: With the moving chrome ring, there’s a real mechanical feel to the interface, making it look even more like it’s from the future—absolutely beautiful shutdown …
Kevin · November 3rd, 2009

Lexus LFA Carbon Fiber Creation Video

Here’s a video that shows the machine responsible for the Lexus LFA’s dual-carbon fiber A-pillars: Called a rotary weaver, this machine is of only two such devices in existence, and is used expressly for the creation of the carbon fiber components of the LFA. Hard to imagine what else this machine will create—the possibilities are …
Kevin · November 1st, 2009

Lexus L-Select Customization Video

This video gives some detail on the new L-Select customization program currently offered with the Lexus LS in Japan (warning: the accompanying music is unique): If switching internal LS components is as easy as it’s displayed in this video, I don’t see any reason why L-Select couldn’t make it’s way to other markets. More likely, …
Kevin · October 29th, 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

Lexus LFA Carbon Weave Closeup

Car website Speedhunters managed to get a number of great Lexus LFA photos at the Tokyo Motor Show, including images of the car with an unpainted roof and spoiler, which shows the carbon weave base: Also included in the photo set is some closeups of the engine and the underside of the hood—be sure to …
Kevin · October 27th, 2009

Official Lexus LFA Introduction Video

This official Lexus LFA video, which was shown right before the supercar’s introduction at the Tokyo Motor Show, is hands-down the best thing you will see today, I promise: The production value of both this video and the official press photos is absolutely fantastic—they really show the LFA in the best possible light. As a …
Kevin · October 21st, 2009

Full Lexus LFA Press Release

The Lexus LFA was launched late last night, and the deluge of information today is expectedly overwhelming. There’s plenty to get through, so let’s start off today with the full press release from Lexus GB. KEY POINTS Lexus’s 21st century supercar delivers extreme, race-bred performance, with advanced technologies and absolute exclusivity Powered by mid-front mounted …
Kevin · October 21st, 2009

Lexus LFA Press Launch Video

The Lexus LFA press conference at the Tokyo Motorshow just ended minutes ago, and already a video of the launch has been posted online: I’m looking forward to a translation of Akio Toyoda’s speech—I’ve been told that an official video will be published online at 6pm JDT (3am PST/6am EST)—which should have some subtitles. Look …
Kevin · October 20th, 2009

Lexus LFA Uncovered!

Only hours before its official launch at the Tokyo Motor Show, a video has been posted showing the uncovered Lexus LFA in all its glory: Not only that, two Lexus LFAs has been spotted in Miami by NAGTROC member Adrey, presumably for a press launch tomorrow: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1391”}
Kevin · October 20th, 2009

Lexus LFA World Premiere

After five long years of development, Lexus will be announcing the production model LFA at the Tokyo Motor Show on October 21st, 11:10am Japan Standard Time—which translated to North American time, means October 20th, 7:10 PST/10:10 EST. Less than 24 hours away! Hopefully, a live stream of the event will be somewhere online—if not, a …
Kevin · October 19th, 2009

Extraordinary Lexus Meetup in Japan

There isn’t much in the way of details, but I had to post these photos taken at a Lexus owners meetup in Japan: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1386”} Simply boggles my mind—it looks like the world’s largest Lexus dealer lot until you start noticing all the various mods and body kits. Absolutely amazing. These photos are from this …
Kevin · October 19th, 2009

The Lexus L-Select Customization Program

The new L-Select Lexus customization program has launched in Japan. This program, which is currently limited to the LS, makes it possible to pick and choose your leather, wood trim, even your roof material. Here’s a small sampling of the possible interior combinations: These are some serious interior options, I’m all over that IS-F inspired …
Kevin · October 13th, 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

Toyota President Apologizes For Recent Troubles

During a speech to the Japan National Press Club on Friday, new Toyota president Akio Toyoda was frankly apologetic over the company’s recent troubles: He expressed grief over a fatal crash that led to a recall of 3.8 million cars, regrets about an expected second consecutive annual loss and sorrow over the decision to close …
Kevin · October 4th, 2009

More 2010 Lexus GS 450h Photos

After poring over the tiny 2010 Lexus GS 450h images taken from the Lexus Japan website, it’s nice to be able to look at some larger photos of the refreshed sedan (click the first three images for larger versions): The ascending thickness of the front grille’s chrome bars is very classy, and looks to be …
Kevin · August 31st, 2009

2010 Lexus GS 450h Changes

Like the Lexus LS hybrid, the 2010 GS 450h will also be receiving a mild refresh, including a new grille, new chrome-circled tail lights and new wheels: This was the only good shot I could find of the new tail lights: As far as I can decipher from the Lexus Japan website, where these photos …
Kevin · August 28th, 2009

2010 Lexus LS 460, LS 600hL & LS SZ Revealed!

A brochure for the 2010 Lexus LS has leaked, and there are now images of the LS 460, the LS Hybrid, and the new LS “Version SZ”—let’s start with the hybrid: 2010 Lexus LS 600hL So it turns out the image from last week was indeed correct, and the LS 600hL will be sporting a …
Kevin · August 25th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h Japanese Success to Affect U.S. Launch?

While nothing has been confirmed, Automotive News is reporting that the US supply of Lexus HS 250h sedans to the US may be affected by the hybrid’s massive success in Japan: In its first month in Japan, the car racked up 10,000 orders or about 20 times Toyota Motor Corp.‘s initial sales target of 500 …
Kevin · August 25th, 2009

Lexus Japan Hits 10,000 HS 250h Orders in First Month

Even after tripling production, Lexus will have a hard time keeping up with the HS 250h demand in Japan: Orders for Lexus’ first dedicated hybrid, the HS250h, reached 10,000 units in its first month, smashing its sales target of 500, parent company Toyota Motor Corp. said. The waiting list for the HS250h is now six …
Kevin · August 20th, 2009

Next-Gen Lexus SC Photochop

With the release of the 2010 Lexus SC 430, we’ve likely seen the end of the second generation Sports Coupe—so what’s next? Could it look something like this? Found in a thread on Club Lexus, this unsourced Photochop shows the potential of the third-generation SC. Sure, there’s some awkward creases in the hood & side …
Kevin · August 18th, 2009

2010 Lexus IS-F Changes

The Lexus IS-F will be seeing some changes in 2010, including: Limited Slip Differential New 19” BBS wheel design Optional 6th Generation HDD-based navigation with Voice Control, Lexus Enform and Bluetooth connectivity Folding Headrests USB/iPod connectivity The Limited Slip Differential is a good addition for anyone interested in taking the IS-F out on the track, …
Kevin · August 17th, 2009

Info on the Lexus LF-A Driving Modes (plus a Name-Change Rumor)

Japanese auto magazine Holiday Auto has published some new information on the LF-A, including details on the four Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) modes: Auto, Normal, Sport and Wet. Normal & Wet modes are fairly self-explanatory, but here’s what’s mentioned about the other two: Sport mode will allow for 0.2 second gear shifting. Auto mode will …
Kevin · August 16th, 2009

Is this the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL?

An image of what’s claiming to be the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL facelift has popped up (click for a larger image): The most obvious change is the front grille, and the front bumper intakes have also been reworked and would resemble both the GS & IS designs. The turn signals are also integrated into the …
Kevin · August 13th, 2009

Lexus to Triple HS 250h Production

In order to keep up with the Japanese demand for the HS 250h, Lexus will be tripling production of the new hybrid. As reported by the Nikkei (by way of The Green Car Congress), even after producing 2,000 units in July, there are still 8,600 pre-orders for the hybrid sedan. This is seventeen times the …
Kevin · August 8th, 2009

More on Lexus USA’s Future Strategy

In an interview with BusinessWeek, Toyota’s new North American chief Yoshimi Inaba shared his view that Lexus needs to be “redefined and rethought for the future”: When it comes to Lexus, the issue is pretty clear: The luxury brand is far too dependent on just two of its nine models. The ES330/350 sedan and RX350 …
Kevin · July 28th, 2009

More on the Lexus LFA Engine

By way of 4WheelsNews, Japan magazine Best Car is reporting that the Lexus LF-A’s engine has been confirmed as a 4.8L V10 engine producing 550 hp, and will be designated as the 1LR-GEU. Also, we’re getting some indication of how the rumored 500 supercars will be divided up across world markets. Asssuming the numbers are …
Kevin · July 15th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h Launches in Japan with 1,500 Pre-Orders

The Lexus HS 250h has been launched in Japan, where it has racked up an astounding 1,500 pre-orders, three times the expected monthly sales. One interesting fact from the Lexus press release: Based on the brand’s core principle of “pursuing the essence of luxury”, Lexus aimed to develop a luxurious “harmonious sedan”, hence the “HS” …
Kevin · July 14th, 2009

Lexus IS-C Demand Outpacing Production

The Lexus IS-C is off to a booming start in the US, with dealerships selling the new convertible faster than Lexus’s Kyushu plant in Japan can make them. Wards has the story: The facility is ramping up to produce at least 225 IS-C models a month just for the Northeast region of the U.S., Scott …
Kevin · July 8th, 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

Ward’s Looks at Lexus Manufacturing

One of the defining characteristics of Lexus has always been the care taken in assembling their vehicles, and the Toyota Tahara Plant is the very definition of that attention to detail—Ward’s Auto takes a closer look at some of the manufacturing processes that go into building a Lexus: Toyota Motor Corp.’s Tahara plant, now in …
Kevin · June 30th, 2009

Lexus LS Sport Rumors

Late last year, there was a rumor that Lexus was planning a performance-oriented variant of the LS 460, and today there’s more information to back it up. According to Japanese magazine Best Car (by way of 4wheelnews), there are plans to release the curiously named LS SZ, which will be an LS souped up with …
Kevin · June 23rd, 2009

Lexus RX 350 Manufacturing Special on The Discovery Channel Tomorrow

Tomorrow night, Discovery Channel show Factory Made will be airing a behind-the-scenes look at the building of a Lexus RX 350—from the show description: Starting as 50-tons of steel and emerging as a precision driving machine, take the front seat to an amazing manufacturing process. Welcome to the Lexus plant where the new RX350 is …
Kevin · June 18th, 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 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

Lexus LFAs Finish 87th, 101st in Nürburgring 24h Race

Various mechanical troubles kept the pair of Lexus LFAs racing in the Nürburgring 24h race from placing too high in the standings, with the #14 LFA finishing 87th and the #15 LFA finishing 101st. The race started off well enough, with #14 getting as high as 15th place, but ended up spending three hours getting …
Kevin · May 25th, 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