Lexus IS-R Race Car in the Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic Lexus distributor Delta Comercial has built the Lexus IS-R, an IS-based race car that’s doing very well in this year’s Dominican Touring Series.
Kevin · September 11th, 2012

Fox Marketing Lexus IS F & IS-C Get Crushed

The last few days have not been kind to Lexus automobiles — first it was the Belgian hacksaw attack on a LS 400, and now we have two SEMA show cars built by Fox Marketing being destroyed due to federal regulations.
Kevin · May 28th, 2012

Examining Lexus IS F Sport Performance

Here’s a thorough twelve-minute video that details the various levels of the Lexus IS F Sport family, with in-depth analysis from race car driver Joe Bacal.
Kevin · April 24th, 2012

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

Driving the 2011 Lexus IS 350 AWD

Last week, I picked up a 2011 Lexus IS 350 AWD from Lexus Canada HQ for a road test, and so far, I've found it a very easy car to drive fast. I don't know if it's the AWD system or the memory of the LFA driving school, but there's some serious confidence happening in this car.
Kevin · June 17th, 2011

TTAC Reviews the 2011 Lexus IS 350 AWD

The Truth About Cars reviewed the Lexus IS 350 AWD a couple months back, and found a lot to like about the new all-wheel drive system, which they found suited the the drivetrain and chassis quite well. On the negative side, the usual complaints surface: super-small back seats, average fuel economy, and the fact that …
Kevin · May 5th, 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

Kazama Auto’s 2JZ Lexus IS

Speaking of matte black Lexus IS 350s, here’s a great Speedhunters feature on a two-tone IS built by Kazama Auto that’s out-of-this-world: It’s not just the exterior that’s been remade, but the entire car from top to bottom. Check out this engine setup: That’s a 2JZ-GTE Supra engine pumping out 620hp and mated to a …
Kevin · March 30th, 2011

Matte Black Lexus IS 350

Club Lexus member DarkDuke has put together a stunning matte black Lexus IS 350 — take a look at this pro job: Those WedsSport SA-55M wheels are pure insane — love the blue accents. Brilliant piece of work, be sure to check out the rest of the photos over at Club Lexus. [Photographer: Brent Zheng]
Kevin · March 30th, 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 Recalls 06-07 GS 350 & 06-09 IS 250/350 Over Fuel Pressure Sensor

Lexus has announced a voluntary safety recall on the select 2006-2007 GS 300/350, 2006-2009 IS 250, & 2006-2008 IS 350 models due to the possibility of a loose fuel pressure sensor — from the Lexus USA press release: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving …
Kevin · January 26th, 2011

Lexus IS Manufacturing Video

The combination of seeing the Lexus LFA manufacturing process and the recent Hard Way commercials reminded me of this 2005 video about the IS assembly line at the Kyushu plant: The level of precision shown in every Lexus never ceases to amaze me — this is the Pursuit of Perfection at work.
Kevin · January 23rd, 2011

Interview with Lexus IS Chief Engineer Junichi Furuyama

Lexus Magazine has an interview with IS Chief Engineer Junichi Furuyama and his thoughts on the new 2011 update– here are some select quotes: “There is more emphasis on the car’s individuality than before,” says Furuyama. “Take the headlights. The daytime running lights, where fitted, use L-shaped LEDs that are constantly illuminated when you’re driving …
Kevin · November 16th, 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

Customized Lexus IS Billboards

The New York Times reports about a new IS billboard campaign from Lexus USA customized by highway: Toyota’s Lexus division recently mind-melded this contradiction in an outdoor advertising campaign that declares in supersize lettering that the 2011 Lexus IS is “overqualified for the B.Q.E.,” as the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway is known locally. That was just in …
Kevin · October 25th, 2010

Graffiti Lexus IS

Let’s switch up the CT reviews with this Lexus IS done up in a schizophrenic graffiti paint job: From one extreme to the next — here’s what the finished IS looked like: For more photos, including some detail shots, be sure to check out the Drive Culture website. [Source: Drive Culture] Update: Johnson Jeng, owner …
Kevin · October 13th, 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

Hilarious Lexus IS Commercial from China

There’s just no way to describe this Lexus IS commercial from China — you’ll simply have to watch for yourself: I suppose if I went crazy and had to describe driving an IS convertible, I’d probably equate it to pulling the tabs of fifty shaken pop cans strapped to my back.
Kevin · October 8th, 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 Japan Art Works: IS in Sunrise

As part of their new Art Works initiative, Lexus Japan has teamed up with design studio Stone Designs to create some extremely unique interior options — the first of which is this Lexus IS in Sunrise: The IS in Sunrise is the only design we’ve seen previously, and it features a decidedly oceanic color scheme: …
Kevin · August 25th, 2010

Insane Lexus IS/Toyota Crown/Honda Civic Mashup

Take a Lexus 2IS rear-end and a Toyota Crown front-end and meld them with the body of a Honda Civic, and what do you get? A crazy modder from Thailand just had to find out: Regardless of personal taste and the fact the Crown front-end is two sizes too big, it’s hard not to admire …
Kevin · August 13th, 2010

2011 Lexus IS F-Sport Package

Lexus USA will be offering an F-Sport option package on all RWD IS 250/IS 350s that borrows from the IS F — here’s what’s included: An all-new suspension with tuned steering New 18″ alloy wheels with a dark super-chrome finish A front lip spoiler and a rear deck spoiler Dark super-chrome front grille F Sport …
Kevin · July 16th, 2010

2011 Lexus IS Official Details

Lexus USA has announced details on the 2011 IS, and as expected, the model will be receiving some minor updates for new year: The HID headlights have been redesigned and now include LED daytime running lights. Update: HID lights are optional on the IS 250 and standard on the IS 350. The front grille & …
Kevin · July 16th, 2010

My.IS TO2kX Meet in Toronto

Members of My.IS & Club Lexus gathered last weekend in Toronto, Ontario for some time at the track and a highway cruise: There’s plenty of photos to look through in the My.IS thread — this one caught my eye with the red: Looks like a fun event, I’m hoping to attend myself next year. (Thanks …
Kevin · July 14th, 2010

Keeping Perspective on Lexus Recall

Bloomberg is reporting that Lexus has been aware of the engine problems behind the recent recall since 2007: The carmaker received the first customer complaints in March 2007 in Japan regarding defective valve springs that may cause engines to stall, Toyota spokeswoman Ririko Takeuchi said by phone today from Tokyo. The problem occurs when foreign …
Kevin · July 7th, 2010

Lexus Confirms Engine Recall

Toyota has announced that there will be a recall on 270,000 Lexus (and one model Toyota) worldwide — from The New York Times: Toyota will recall a total of 90,000 Lexus and Crown sedans in Japan, and is “making preparations to take similar, appropriate actions” for 180,000 more cars that carry the same engine worldwide, …
Kevin · July 1st, 2010

2011 Lexus IS Interior Option: Sunrise

Another detail about the 2011 Lexus IS has emerged — check out this brand new interior option, Sunrise, which is almost certainly limited to the Japanese market: This is pushing at the very outer limits of interior color combinations, but I have to admire the very idea of these special editions — especially something so …
Kevin · June 25th, 2010

The 2011 Lexus IS

Earlier this month, we saw some leaked photos of the possible 2011 Lexus IS, and now Japanese weblog レクサスとの道 has published proof (click images for larger images): For the most part, the changes are minor — LED daytime running lights, revised bumpers, some small interior updates — however, let’s take a closer look at this …
Kevin · June 21st, 2010

Lexus IS Helicopter Ballet

Not every day you watch a video featuring forty-four Lexus IS 250s performing a choreographed routine that’s filmed by helicopter: Filmed at the Ampthill Millbrook Proving Groundvehicle proving ground (presumbly for the launch of the IS in 2005), this Lexus UK presentation is strikingly similar to their LS 460 orchestra that took place in 2007, …
Kevin · June 11th, 2010

2011 Lexus IS Update?

By way of Chinese website Sohu, here’s a sneak peek at what’s just may be the 2011 Lexus IS: There’s plenty of tweaks here: The LED daytime running lights first seen on the 2010 LS have been incorporated into the headlights. The steering wheel will be getting some new accents, and a chrome strip has …
Kevin · June 4th, 2010

Sleek New IS Website from Lexus Canada

Last month, we saw behind-the-scenes footage for a new Lexus commercial featuring all versions of the IS — now here’s the finished product as part of a new IS section on the Lexus Canada website: Lots of energy to the site, and definitely worth clicking through — the video quality is just fantastic. Very sleek, …
Kevin · May 28th, 2010

Lexus New Jersey F-Sport Event Next Week

A couple weeks back, Lexus USA announced an April 29th F-Sport event at the New Jersey Motor Park, and today, I’m happy to say I will be attending. I didn’t want to miss my chance at a hot-lap in the LFA with Scott Pruett, so I’ll be making the eight-hour drive down to New Jersey …
Kevin · April 21st, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Size Comparison

Even with all the photos of the Lexus CT 200h at the Geneva Auto Show, it’s hard to get a good idea of just how big it really is, so I put together this chart showing the newest Lexus as compared to the IS, HS & ES: Put into perspective, the CT 200h looks bigger …
Kevin · March 2nd, 2010

Flickr Find: Lexus IS Dark Knight

I love this atmospheric Lexus IS photo by Jiaren Hui that I found on Flickr: Looks straight out of a getaway movie. [Source: Jiaren Hui’s Flickr Photostream]
Kevin · December 15th, 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 ES 350 & IS 250/350 Recall Extended to Canada

The Lexus ES 350 & IS 250/350 safety recall that was announced in the USA has been extended to Canada. The recall will address the possible risk of unintended acceleration due to improperly installed floor mats by installing a new accelerator pedal and by installing a brake override system that will cut engine power went …
Kevin · November 27th, 2009

Lexus ES 350 & IS 250/350 Recall Announced

Toyota has announced the recall of the Lexus ES 350 & IS 250/350 models to have their accelerator pedals reshaped and/or replaced. This recall is to be a permanent solution to the risk of unintended acceleration, no matter what floor mat is being used. Starting in early 2010, dealerships will be equipped to reshape the …
Kevin · November 25th, 2009

Lexus ES & IS to be Recalled over Floor Mats

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recommendation that 2007-2010 Lexus ES 350 & 2006-2010 Lexus IS 250/IS350 owners remove their drivers side floor mat, which may cause the accelerator to become stuck open under certain conditions: “This is an urgent matter,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “For everyone’s sake, we strongly …
Kevin · September 29th, 2009

Great Lexus IS Convertible Billboard in Toronto

Check out this cool Lexus IS-C digital billboard in downtown Toronto: What’s interesting is that the position of the IS-C roof changes depending on the current weather, which is also displayed underneath the car. Very nicely executed! (Hopefully this is still in place the top is down when I’m in Toronto next week…) [Source: DSE]
Kevin · September 21st, 2009

The Tennis Ball Lexus IS 350

After creating a dimpled golfball version of the LS 460 for the U.S. Open, Lexus is at it again with a yellow felt covered IS 350 for the U.S. Tennis Open: These one-off theme cars are just brilliant, what a unique way to promote a sponsorship. For more photos of the tennis ball IS, check …
Kevin · September 10th, 2009

New 2010 Lexus IS F-Sport Package

The Frankfurt auto show will also mark the debut of this new F-Sport package for the Lexus IS—here’s a photo (click for a larger version): No mention of which F-Sport accessories will be making it into the package, but from the image alone, it looks like a new grille, lowering kit, and new wheels are …
Kevin · September 2nd, 2009

Lexus IS-GTF Race Team for Sale

If you’ve ever wanted to have your own racing team, you will be interested to learn that the DRC Motorsports Lexus IS-GTF race cars are now for sale. This trio of super-modified IS 350s (one fully assembled, parts for two more), which you may remember from last year, originally belonged to Team Lexus, and can …
Kevin · August 19th, 2009

Lexus IS Family Commercial

This Lexus IS convertible commercial from Australia is pure fantastic: Each transition is breathtaking, and the IS-F roof popping off to make the IS-C is sensational. Loved it. (Thanks Charles!)
Kevin · August 12th, 2009

2009 Lexus IS-F Review

As the story goes: the Lexus IS-F began as a secret project by Lexus chief designer Yukihiko Yaguchi, who wanted to build a Lexus that could rival Europe’s top sports sedans. Yaguchi, who also worked on the last Toyota Supra and the first generation LS 400, saw a unique opportunity to extend the Lexus brand …
Kevin · August 5th, 2009

Lexus IS Hybrid for Europe?

According to Autocar, the Lexus HS 250h will not be available in Europe because of an upcoming IS hybrid: Lexus has ruled out bringing the HS 250h to the UK because it will clash with an upcoming IS hybrid model. …a company source said the model will not come to Europe because both the Avensis …
Kevin · July 22nd, 2009

White Lexus IS 250 F-Sport Photos

Gabriel Forcier from the Spinelli Lexus Lachine in Quebec sent me this great photo of an IS 250 with all the F-Sport trimmings: I’m a huge fan of the Starfire Pearl, and it goes well with the F-Sport wheels. Gabriel also included some other photos of the IS, I’ve included them here: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1256”}
Kevin · July 17th, 2009

A Look at Lexus USA’s Strategy

With BMW taking the #1 sales lead in the US and Mercedes not far behind, a new Automotive News story asks “What’s wrong with Lexus?”: For one thing, company executives admit that they depend too much on RX crossover sales at a time when luxury buyers are seeking smaller cars, including entry-level coupes and convertibles. …
Kevin · July 14th, 2009

20% Off Lexus F-Sport Accessories

If you’re in the continental USA and been holding off on purchasing F-Sport accessories for your IS or GS, the waiting looks to have paid off. For the entire month of July, Lexus is offering a 20% off coupon for all F-Sport purchases—redeemable at any dealership in the 49 states. Click to get the full …
Kevin · June 29th, 2009

Details on the Fox Marketing Lexus IS-F Convertible

In May, I posted a computer render of Fox Marketing’s next Lexus SEMA project, which looked the part of an IS-F convertible. Beyond that, there wasn’t much in the way of details, until My.IS editor Joaquin went straight to the source to find out more: First off, in spite of the obvious IS F-style front …
Kevin · June 26th, 2009

CAR Magazine First Drive of the Lexus IS 250C

CAR Magazine’s first drive report on the Lexus IS 250C may be short, but it does have some information on European availability: Subjective looks aside, the Lexus IS 250C appeals on many levels. It’s a Lexus – so you can expect royal butler-levels of care and attentiveness from the dealer – and it is extremely …
Kevin · June 25th, 2009

Jalopnik Reviews the Lexus IS Convertible

Jalopnik had a chance to drive the Lexus IS Convertible, and their biggest complaint was the lack of rigidity in the body: The ‘vert gets beefed up in nearly every way, with side sills 50% taller, cross-vehicle beams under the rear seats and behind the rear seatbacks, a heftier A-pillar and substantial cross bracing underneath…Despite …
Kevin · June 24th, 2009

Will there be a Lexus IS Coupe or IS-F Convertible?

With the Lexus IS convertible arriving in dealerships, two questions have started to come up—Will there be an IS coupe? And what about an IS-F version of the convertible? The first question was posed to Lexus USA General Manager Mark Templin by Jalopnik, here was his reply: “Since all the hard work of getting a …
Kevin · June 15th, 2009

Autoblog Reviews the 2009 Lexus IS-F

Autoblog recently reviewed the 2009 Lexus IS-F and along the way displayed an evenhanded & thorough approach that the US auto magazines could learn from: The Lexus IS F is not the fastest, not the most nimble, and certainly not the most comfortable of the clan. It may be the least expensive for now, but …
Kevin · June 9th, 2009