2013 Lexus LS First Impressions

The 2013 Lexus LS debuted earlier this week in San Francisco, and while I did post live updates from the event, I also want to share some photos and early impressions of the new Lexus flagship sedan.
Kevin · August 3rd, 2012

2013 Lexus ES 350 Photos

After posting the official photos of 2013 Lexus ES 300h exterior & interior, next up is the exterior of the ES 350.
Kevin · June 4th, 2012

Lexus USA Website Updated with 2013 GS

Lexus USA have updated their website to include the 2013 GS, and in the process have completely redesigned how their model information is presented.
Kevin · January 30th, 2012

No Plans for BMW-Powered Diesel Lexus in Europe

Last week, when BMW & Toyota announced a technology partnership to develop next-generation lithium-ion batteries together, a key part of the deal was that BMW would begin supplying diesel engines for Toyota vehicles in Europe.
Kevin · December 9th, 2011

New Lexus GS 450h Photo Gallery

The next official photo gallery stars a Starfire Pearl Lexus GS 450h at the beach, along with some shots of the beautiful bamboo trimmed interior.
Kevin · November 24th, 2011

2013 Lexus GS 350 Brochure

Arriving in February 2012, the 2013 Lexus GS 350 will be in dealerships before we know it — but if you’ve been anxiously waiting to buy one, February can’t come soon enough.
Kevin · October 20th, 2011

New Lexus LFA Driver Development Program in November

Good news for anyone that’s ever wanted to drive the Lexus LFA — I’ve just been told that Lexus USA will be hosting another LFA Driver Development program at the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, from November 2-5th.
Kevin · September 28th, 2011

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition Laps Nordschleife in 7:14

Some significant news broke today on Twitter — according to EVO writer Chris Harris & Lexus Europe, Lexus driver Akira Iida posted a 7:14 lap time of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a LFA Nürburgring Edition.
Kevin · September 2nd, 2011

2012 Lexus RX 350 & RX 450h Information

Lexus has announced the 2012 Lexus RX 350, which will see two changes from the 2011 model: first, like all 2012 Lexus models, Nebula Grey Pearl will replace Smoky Granite Mica, and second, the fuel recommendation has been lowered from 91-octane to 87-octane.
Kevin · August 24th, 2011

2013 Lexus GS 350 Wheel Options

Also part of the 2013 Lexus GS display in Pebble Beach were examples of the available wheel options for the new model
Kevin · August 23rd, 2011

2013 Lexus GS Official Debut Tomorrow!

With less than 24 hours before the much-anticipated reveal of the 2013 Lexus GS in Pebble Beach at Parc du Concours, I wanted to give everyone a breakdown of your options for following the action online.
Kevin · August 18th, 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 ES 350 Information

Official information on the 2012 Lexus ES 350 has been released, and with the exception of a 1 MPG improvement in its calculated highway fuel economy, the model is mechanically identical to the 2011 model.
Kevin · August 15th, 2011

Upcoming: Lexus Hybrid Art Exhibition in Moscow

Later this month, Lexus Europe will be holding their second annual Hybrid Art Exhibition in Moscow to “showcase the work of artists who create Lexus’ vision of tomorrow”. Featuring the works of artists like Scott Pagano, Studio WOW & Masato Tsutsui, the event takes place at the Red October Chocolate Factory from May 19-22. Get …
Kevin · May 8th, 2011

The Lexus LF-Gh Launch Event, Revisited

Lexus has released a short video from the LF-Gh launch event in NYC, which includes a smart interview with Marketing National Manager Brian Bolain: One thing that’s been emphasized from all Lexus executives is how the LF-Gh is not just a preview of the next-gen GS, but an indicator of where the Lexus design will …
Kevin · May 2nd, 2011

Lexus CT 3D Projection in Hollywood Tonight

As a way to celebrate Earth Day & promote the CT 200h at the same time, Lexus will be holding a special 3D projection mapping display tonight (Friday April 22) at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. 3D projection mapping is created using multiple projectors that are able to display a three-dimensional video without needing special …
Kevin · April 22nd, 2011

Lexus Photos from the New York Autoshow

The NY Auto Show started early this morning, and center stage at the Lexus display was the LF-Gh & Brian Fox’s CT design project — here’s a few photos from today: More to follow!
Kevin · April 20th, 2011

Lexus LF-Gh Official Reveal Video

While we may have seen photos of the Lexus LF-Gh last week, the concept car was officially revealed tonight at a gallery in New York City — here’s a video of the event along with reaction from some leading design minds: I was lucky enough to attend the reveal, and there’s no question that the …
Kevin · April 19th, 2011

Lexus NY Auto Show Coverage Starts Tomorrow

With the NY Auto Show and the introduction of the brand new LF-Gh concept, it’s going to be a busy week in New York City for Lexus, and I’m going to be here in the city to cover all the events. The fun starts tomorrow morning with a special caravan that’s going to be touring …
Kevin · April 18th, 2011

Lexus LFA Driver Development Program Video

Have to admit, it feels a little surreal linking to this Lexus-produced video of me attending the LFA Driver Development program — feels like I’ve broken the fourth wall: What a day this was — the first comment on the Youtube video page pretty much sums up how I feel. Have to thank everyone that …
Kevin · April 14th, 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 Launches CT 200h Website

The Lexus CT 200h now has its very own section on the Lexus USA website, and it contains full specifications, available options, product details, and most importantly, new and highly stylized photos — here’s a sampling: Along with the more standard information pages, there’s also an additional mini-site that gives a full point-by-point 360° view …
Kevin · March 2nd, 2011

Lexus LS 430 Promotional Video

It’s been over 10 years since the third generation Lexus LS 430 debuted, and as this promotional launch video details, it was considerably ahead of its time: It was love at first sight when I spotted the LS 430 at my local dealership for the first time, and today it sits as one of my …
Kevin · February 27th, 2011

Lexus CT 200h Challenge in Los Angeles

Lexus has teamed up with Los Angeles Clippers star point guard Baron Davis and his Rising Stars of America charity for a celebrity CT 200h Challenge in Los Angles next week. For every celebrity that Baron Davis can get to attend, Lexus will donate $1000 to RSOA — here he is to explain: The event …
Kevin · February 11th, 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

Massive Lexus Die-Cast Model Collection

Today, I would like to share a very special article from Eric Janssen, a retired Sales & PR Manager from Lexus Belgium, who has been collecting Lexus models since the very introduction of the brand, and was gracious enough to share a full history and photos of his collection. The history of Lexus scale models …
Kevin · December 29th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Spending Christmas at Harrods of London

A white Lexus CT 200h will be spending the Holiday season in the window of Harrods of London, the UK’s most famous luxury store: From now until 15 January Knightsbridge shoppers will be among the first to enjoy a close-up view of the new CT 200h as part of a four-window Lexus display. It is …
Kevin · December 14th, 2010

Lexus USA CT 200h Pricing!

The U.S. pricing for the Lexus CT 200h has been announced by way of Nevada’s Lexus of Reno dealership, who have posted the full details to their blog one day before the official announcement. To start with, the MSRP of the Entry-Level CT will be $29,120 USD ($29,995 after delivery charges), and includes standard equipment …
Kevin · December 14th, 2010

Los Angeles Lexus CT 200h Event

The Lexus CT 200h tour is making its final North American stop in California this week when it visits Los Angeles & Venice — here are the dates: Wednesday, September 22 Location: Slow Clothing 7474 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90046 Hours: 12:00pm-8:00pm Thursday, September 23 Location: Slow Clothing 7474 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, CA …
Kevin · September 22nd, 2010

Miami Lexus CT 200h Event

After stops in Chicago & NYC, the Lexus CT 200h World Tour sets up shop in Miami this week, starting today — here are the full event details: Wednesday, September 15 Location: Bayside Market Place 410 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, FL 33132 Hours: 2:00pm-10:00pm Thursday, September 16 Location: Mary Brickell Village 901 S. Miami Avenue Miami, …
Kevin · September 15th, 2010

Two New Lexus Hybrids by 2012

There were two separate stories today regarding Lexus’ future hybrid plans that just so happen to tie together quite nicely. First off, the New York Times reports that Toyota will release 6 new hybrids by 2012: [Toyota] did not provide details about the coming hybrids, though it provided a chart indicating that four of the …
Kevin · September 14th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Art Installation

Lexus has commissioned an CT 200h art installation to be displayed at this summer’s Darker Side of Green debates: Entitled CT Umbra, the installation shifts in color as the viewer circles it, from gold to tints of green and blue, which brings a nice touch of the LF-Ch concept. The art installation was created by …
Kevin · July 13th, 2010

Full Lexus Engine Recall List

Lexus USA has filed its official papers (PDF Link) for the LS/IS/GS valve spring recall, here is the full list of affected vehicles: Also included in the recall document is a timeline of how the valve spring fault was discovered, which I’m reprinting here in full after the jump. (Thanks FYI!)
Kevin · July 8th, 2010

Lexus Performance Registry Now on Lexus USA Website

After our week and a half preview here at The Lexus Enthusiast, Lexus has launched the Performance Registry on their website as part of a larger Inside F performance section. Inside F, as you would imagine, is dedicated to the Lexus’ growing performance lineup, with information on the LFA, IS F, LS Sport, and all …
Kevin · June 4th, 2010

Autocar Drives 20-year-old Lexus LS 400

In a nod to their 20th anniversary in the UK, Lexus put automotive journalists behind the wheel of an old LS 400 at the annual Society of Motor Manufacturers Test day. Purchased off eBay, the LS 400 had 103,000 miles on the odometer and still plenty of life — here’s a quick review from Autocar: …
Kevin · June 1st, 2010

Lexus Performance Registry

Major news today! Next month, Lexus USA will be launching a worldwide Performance Registry on their website — but it’s been opened early for Lexus Enthusiast readers! The registry will be an online resource that will let enthusiasts share information on their Lexus vehicles and connect with other owners — making it easy to tap …
Kevin · May 24th, 2010

Lexus Straight Talk about Safety

Lexus Magazine has an interview with Charles Hubbard & Paul Williamsen of Lexus College, the company’s technical training center, about the various safety systems that Lexus uses in their vehicles. It’s just a quick overview, but I thought this question says it all: LEXUS: First of all, we can’t have a discussion about safety without …
Kevin · May 13th, 2010

Lexus Europe Nürburgring Reporter Contest!

Lexus Europe is holding a very special contest to find a reporter to cover the Nürburgring 24h race next weekend: We are looking for a racing enthusiast – a true Lexus supercar fan – to report on the event. Someone who will come along with us and who will keep the rest of the world …
Kevin · May 7th, 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 Hybrid Art Exhibit in Moscow

Lexus Russia held a new Hybrid Art exhibition at the Vetoshny Arts Centre in Moscow in early April, and here’s the official video: The Hybrid Art official site listed multiple exhibits ranging from camera obscura (darkened room) displays to software-generated art and interactive sculpture. Additional exhibit images are on the official Facebook page along with …
Kevin · April 8th, 2010

Lexus F-Sport Event at New Jersey Motorsports Park

Lexus will be hosting an F-Sport event at the New Jersey Motorsports Park on April 29th—if you’re in the area, here’s your chance to drive the IS F and F-Sport-equipped GS & IS models, and even better, all attendees will have a chance to win a hot-lap in the LFA! Attendance is limited—be sure to …
Kevin · April 5th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Dark Ride Trailer

In early March, Lexus USA teased the CT 200h launch announcement with a promised Dark Ride, an “upcoming movie experience that allows you to virtually drive the all-new CT 200h”, and now here’s a new trailer: There’s also a new dedicated mini-site,  the Darker Side of Green, which teases, “Be the navigator. Bring the CT …
Kevin · March 30th, 2010

Lexus to Display at Salon Privé London

Lexus is set to attend the Salon Privé London supercar event this year for the first time, along with luxury marques Jaguar, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Maserati, and Audi. The fifth annual Salon Privé London will be held on July 21-23 at the Hurlingham Club, with event tickets costing £175.00 (Wednesday) and £150.00 (Thursday and Friday) …
Kevin · March 29th, 2010

Lexus LFA to Attend Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elegance

The second annual Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elegance will be held this May 16, 2010, and it has been reported that the production Lexus LFA will be making its appearance there. Event announcements state that the vehicle is the “only one in the U.S.”, with the event held that Sunday from 9AM to 4PM at the …
Kevin · March 24th, 2010

Lexus LX 570 Wins San Felipe 250 Race

Continuing his success at off-road race events, LX 570 owner Joe Bacal has scored another victory in Mexico this past weekend at the 24th Annual MasterCraft Safety Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250, where he won the Stock Full class. Here’s a description of how the LX 570 performed: As with all of the races Bacal …
Kevin · March 17th, 2010

Journalist Reactions to the Lexus CT 200h

Here’s something new—Lexus interviewed some of the journalists attending the Geneva Auto Show to get their opinion on the new CT 200h hatchback: Best response: “The fact that it’s a hybrid will tick so many people’s boxes.”
Kevin · March 3rd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Press Release

KEY POINTS Lexus’s first  premium compact model Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain with 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and powerful but compact electric motor Full hybrid system with selectable EV mode for emissions-free electric running Further selectable ECO, NORMAL and SPORT driving modes ECVT intelligent electronic continuously variable transmission Expected to deliver class-leading CO2  emissions Significantly lower …
Kevin · February 26th, 2010

Official Lexus CT 200h Photo Gallery

Two days after the Lexus CT 200h was leaked by way of a press brochure, official images of the new hatchback have been released: I’m very impressed with how the designers were able to incorporate the LF-Ch’s grille into the final design, in fact, I like the entire front-end. The LED headlights are a highlight, …
Kevin · February 25th, 2010

Lexus RX Superbowl Commercial

I’m late to the party on this Lexus RX commercial that debuted at this year’s Superbowl: I’ve been driving an RX 450h for the better part of three months, and I have to admit, this commercial captures much of what my final review will focus on. The RX’s best feature is how well it fits …
Kevin · February 18th, 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 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

Lexus RX 450h Long Term Review: Week 5

I’m now halfway through my time with the 2010 Lexus RX 450h— after six weeks, the interior controls and options has become second nature, and that familiarity has increased my appreciation of the design decisions throughout the cabin, particularly with the steering wheel layout.
Kevin · January 26th, 2010

Lexus F-Sport Event in Miami This Week

Lexus is hosting an F-Sport event this Wednesday at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida—if you’re in the area, get yourself some free tickets and take the the F-Sport IS, GS and the IS F around the track. Even better, one person from every session will be randomly selected to take a lap with Scott Pruett …
Kevin · January 24th, 2010

Lexus LF-Ch Fashion Shoot

Not content just to sit at the Los Angeles Auto Show last month, the Lexus LF-Ch took part in a fashion photoshoot at the Hollywood & Highland Center, resulting in some rather racy images—first off, here’s a quick video behind the scenes, which has the bonus of showing the LF-Ch in motion: The finished photos …
Kevin · January 15th, 2010

Lexus Milan Design Week Retrospective

When Lexus’ L-Finesse design language debuted in 2005, it also marked the first year of the the company’s involvement with the annual Milan Design Week in Italy—and now, Lexus Magazine has posted a retrospective of the various exhibits over the last five years. It was at the Milan Design Week last year that the transparent …
Kevin · January 6th, 2010

Lexus LFA Sound Gallery

The Lexus LFA mini-site has been updated to include a Sound “Gallery”, where you can listen to the LFA in its various aural states—and lucky for us, Youtube user supercargasm has posted up each soundclip for our listening pleasure: Engine Start Acceleration Full Flight Downshift Every time I almost get used to Lexus having a …
Kevin · December 10th, 2009