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.
Higher Powered, More Expensive Lexus LFA II in the Works?
Autoguide is reporting a rumor that Lexus plans to build a higher-performance, even more expensive LFA.
More Photos of the Custom Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition
Our source for Lexus LFA photos, Flipside909 over at Club Lexus, has the full scoop on the custom Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition seen yesterday.
First Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition Delivered to USA
The very first (known) production Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition has been delivered in the USA, and it’s absolutely amazing.
More Lexus RX F Sport Rumors
Backing up previous rumors out of Australia & Japan, Taiwanese website Autonet is reporting that Lexus plans to release a RX F Sport package this year.
CAR Comparison: Lexus LFA vs. Lamborghini Aventador
The CAR Magazine showdown between the Lexus LFA and Lamborghini Aventador has been posted online, and the results are spectacular
Russian Lexus LX 570 with TRD Supercharger
In order to bring some heavy power to the Lexus LX 570, a Lexus Technical Center in Moscow installed a TRD supercharger for some impressive results
TRD Releases Lexus IS F Circuit Club Sports Parts
Toyota’s TRD performance division has unleashed a serious set of upgrades for the Lexus IS F, all based on CCS Concept shown at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon.
EVO Comparison: Lexus LFA vs. Ferrari 599 GTO [w/ Video]
EVO Magazine has brought together Lexus UK’s Pearl Blue LFA and a Ferrari 599 GTO for a matchup in their latest issue — and while it may not hit newstands until next Wednesday, here’s a fun little video showing the two cars battling for top speed bragging rights.
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.
NFL Star Larry Fitzgerald Jr. Drives the Lexus LFA
Lexus Magazine has published an interview with Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr., who recently had the chance to test-drive the Lexus LFA.
Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition Laps Nordschleife in 7:22.85
Right before we jump into coverage of this weekend's Nürburgring 24h race, a new video has surfaced showing Team Manager Akira Iida taking a Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition around the Nordschleife in 7:22.85 (be warned, the video is not of the highest quality).
Lexus LS 460 Touring Edition Announced
Lexus USA has announced a Touring Edition of the LS 460 that borrows heavily from the LS Sport, taking all of its cosmetic appearance but none of its mechanical improvements (i.e. the Brembo brakes, revised suspension, paddle shifters).
Rumor: Lexus Working on LFA II
According to Japanese magazine Best Car (by way of leblogauto), Lexus is now working on a new LFA special edition meant to be even more performance-oriented than the Nürburgring Edition package.
Driving Lessons with Lexus Driving Guru Yoshiaki Ito
Lexus Magazine is running an article featuring Lexus' Drive Meister Yoshiaki Ito, who has helped develop eight Lexus models while working in the company's experimental division.
Best Motoring Comparison: Lexus LFA vs. Nissan GT-R vs....
Japan's Best Motoring series may have been cancelled, but not before putting together a superstar supercar comparison featuring the Lexus LFA, Nissan GT-R, Porsche GT2 RS, Corvette ZR1 & Ferrari F430 GT3 on the Fuji Speedway.
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 …
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 …
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
Lexus LFA Official Pace Car of the Grand Prix Long Beach
The Lexus LFA will be the official pace car this weekend at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, and it’s been done up in a white & black wrap that looks straight from the Gazoo Racing Nürburgring LFAs. Scott Pruett will be the man behind the wheel — it’s bound to be a fun …
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 …
Lexus LFA Desktop Wallpaper: Through the Back Window
The next Lexus LFA wallpaper is this abstract photo of the Lexus LFA’s interior — I must have taken it through the back window: Select Resolution: 1920×1080 | 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 I’ve never had my hands on a better steering wheel in my life, it felt like it was …
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 …
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 …
Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition Desktop Wallpapers
In addition to the massive photo gallery of the Lexus LFA Nürburgring edition that I featured yesterday, there were nine images that I just had to make into desktop wallpapers for everyone: Select Resolution: 1920×1080 | 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 Select Resolution: 1920×1080 | 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | …
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 …
#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] …
Lexus LFA Launch Control Video
Here it is, the first recorded use of the Lexus LFA’s Launch Control feature: It almost looks like the driver was startled by the Launch Control and let’s up a bit, but no matter, the speed here is just plain insane. Going by a guesstimate time, it looks like the LFA hits 260km (163 mph) …
Lexus LFA Driver Development Program
Lexus announced today that it will be offering a full-day Lexus LFA driver development program at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, from March 8 to 15. This unique opportunity is for current LFA owners, potential LFA owners or any sports car enthusiast that wants a full day of high-performance driving behind the wheel of the …
Motor Trend Comparison: Lexus LS 460 vs. Audi A8 vs. Me...
Motor Trend recently compared the Lexus LS 460 Sport with the Audi A8, Mercedes S400 Hybrid, Hyundai Equus, BMW 740i & Porsche Panamara, and ranked the LS fourth overall — here’s what they had to say about the Lexus flagship: Bad boy genes must be migrating up the Lexus line from the IS-F, or down …
Photo: Lexus LFA Launch Control Activated
The yellow Lexus LFA prototype paid a visit to Sewell Lexus in Dallas yesterday, and sales associate Jeff Hazelwood was nice enough to send over this photo of the digital dash with Launch Control activated: Just seconds after seeing this, I had to load up my favorite LFA speedometer video: We know that the LFA’s …
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 …
Tokyo Auto Salon: Lexus CT 200h F-Sport with Modellista...
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 …
Tokyo Auto Salon: Lexus IS-F Club Performance Accessory...
In addition to the IS-F CCS-R concept, Lexus is also displaying the IS-F Club Performance Accessory at the Tokyo Auto Salon, which is sporting performance parts from Toyota tuner TRD — once again, here’s some photos from AutoGuide’s prolific Colum Wood: Here’s the full list of accessories: Dino over at SpeedHunters also posted a photo …
Interview with “Lexus Performance Meister” Hirokazu Koga
There’s a brilliant interview over at Lexus Magazine with “Lexus Performance Meister” Hirokazu Koga, the man responsible for each Lexus’ feel: You see, Koga’s longtime job was to oversee a seemingly intangible aspect of any car: how it feels to drive, or perhaps, more accurately, how you’re supposed to feel when driving Lexus vehicles. What, …
A Look at the Lexus LFA Customization Process
Globe & Mail writer Peter Cheney recently had an opportunity to see just what it’s like to customize a Lexus LFA, from the exterior right down to the interior stitching — here’s some quotes from his experience: …Lexus asked me if I’d like to see what it was like to pick out a brand-new LFA …
Joe Bacal’s Lexus LX 570 Tire Test
While on the topic of Joe Bacal’s Lexus LX 570, here’s a look at the super-modified SUV testing out a new set of tires: What a monster.
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 …
Lexus Gran Turismo 5 Car List
To say I’m excited about the upcoming release of Gran Turismo 5 would be an extreme understatement, and now these in-game screenshots of the Lexus LFA have me calculating the seconds until the game hits stores on November 24th: The LFA isn’t the only Lexus available in GT5, here’s the full list of the eighteen …
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]
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, …
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 …
EVO Magazine Reviews the Lexus CT 200h
The next CT 200h review comes from EVO Magazine, who didn’t come away all that impressed with the hybrid hatchback: [The CT 200h is] Rather dull, unfortunately. For all the claims of being ‘authentically Lexus’, this is certainly no mini-iSF. You sit low – the hip-point is lower than that of an Auris, a car …
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 …
GT-R Owner Takes the Lexus LFA for a Spin
The yellow Lexus LFA is currently touring the Eastern USA, and recently made a stop at Forged Performance in Georgia, where it was driven by NAGTROC member Sharif@Forged — here’s what he had to say about the experience: I kept heading southbound on Cobb Parkway on my way to my favorite “test track” also known …
Top Gear’s Supercar Showdown
At long last, some kind soul at Toyota Nation has scanned the Top Gear magazine article that pitted the Lexus LFA against the Mercedes SLS AMG, Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera & Porsche 911 GT3 RS. As it turns out, the LFA doesn’t really get a fair shake — for reasons confusing at best, …
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, …
Auto Express Parallel Parks the Lexus LFA
Here’s a fun review of the Lexus LFA from Auto Express that even includes a spot of parallel parking: By now, we’re all fairly used to seeing the LFA in high-performance mode, so these reviews that have a touch of the real world are enjoyable in their rareness — can hardly blame the reviewer for …
Yellow Lexus LFA at Monticello Motor Club
The yellow Lexus LFA spent some time at the Monticello Motor Club in New York last week — let’s take a quick look & listen: The video was taken by Jason Thorgalsen, who also snapped this super photo: Savage!
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 — …
Lexus LFA to Enter FIA GT1 Series?
According to Motor Trend, Lexus will be taking the LFA and the experience they gained at the Nürburgring into the FIA GT1 Championship: In a series that is widely considered to be the pinnacle of sports car racing, Toyota will come up against the likes of Aston Martin, Corvette, Ford, Lamborghini, Nissan and Maserati. LFA …
More Black Lexus LFA Videos
It’s now time for our weekly look at the black Lexus LFA that’s being tested in Japan — this time it’s three videos, and in an exciting development, we get our first glimpse of the front end: Here’s a freeze-frame: I wonder when we’ll see this LFA’s first public appearance — can not wait for …
New Black Lexus LFA Spotted!
A shiny black Lexus LFA has been spotted in Japan: I’m thunderstruck — that’s one sinister supercar.
Bangkok Post Interviews Lexus LFA Chief Engineer
There’s a quick interview with Lexus LFA Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi in the Bangkok Post, and part of it addresses the decision to use an automated manual gearbox in the supercar instead of a DSG: – Have you considered a dual-clutch automatic gearbox for the LFA? I’ve tried Volkswagen’s DSG around Nurburgring. Although it must …
2011 Lexus IS F Details
After adding a limited slip differential last year, Lexus continues to improve the IS F in the 2011 model year by refining the power steering and improving the suspension: To improve responsiveness and ride comfort, in addition to providing the driver with more control, engineers revised the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system and suspension. With …
Lexus LFA Scrollbroaaaar
As part of the Lexus LFA media blitz, German auto website Sport Auto received a new scrollbar: I’ve tried my best to see myself on the Sport Auto website, but to no avail — cute idea, though I wonder how well it would bear up to repeated exposure. [Via: Ads of the World]
Car Magazine: Lexus LFA vs. Mercedes SLS
Car Magazine has a supercar comparison we’ve all been waiting for as they pit the Lexus LFA against the Mercedes SLS — some choice quotes: The LFA in particular is infamous for its insane intonations of raw power. Redlined at 9000rpm where the rev counter changes colour from snow white to devil´s red, the V10 …
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 …
Lexus LFA Still Available in USA
Despite reports to the contrary, Lexus USA has told Edmunds that there are still LFAs available in the USA: In response to a query Thursday from [Edmunds Inside Line], Toyota said: “As a result of additional allocation being dedicated to the U.S. market, some production spots still remain for the LF-A supercar’s 500-unit global build. …
Lexus LFA Commercial
Lexus USA has just put out a commercial for the Lexus LFA: It’s a nice play on the one of the inaugural LS 400 commercials (and was revisited during the LS 460 launch), and will be part of a wider campaign promoting the halo supercar. The NY Times has more details: The online elements, scheduled …
Automotive News Talks with German Lexus LFA Owners
Automotive News has some details on Lexus LFA sales in Europe: […]a third of the orders from Europe were placed in Germany. Lexus brought eight of those buyers to this year’s Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race in Germany to wine and dine them as two LFAs competed at the legendary circuit. Each buyer already had plunked …
Interview with Hiromu Naruse, Chief Test Driver for Lexus
Lexus Magazine has a brilliant interview with Hiromu Naruse, chief test driver for Lexus, about his experience in helping develop the LFA: Lexus: What was it like to drive the Lexus LFA prototype the first time out? Naruse: I have to say, when I drove the LFA for the first time, it was scary. It …
200 MPH in a Lexus LFA
As part of Motor Trend’s coverage of the Lexus LFA, the supercar was strapped onto a dynometer and pushed to its upper limits: 200.2 MPH is something else, even on a dyno — it’s amazing just how smoothly the LFA ramps up, and judging from the footage, it gets there with hardly any vibration at …
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 …
Red Lexus LFA @ Japanese Auto Show
Not only does this video from a Japanese auto show feature the red Lexus LFA, it also demonstrates a couple details about the supercar that I haven’t seen before (skip to 5:23 to get to the goods): The two things I noticed were the turn signal and the massive, single-blade windshield wiper — admittedly, these …
Road & Track Lexus LFA Video
Seems like a day can’t go by without posting a Lexus LFA video — today, it’s a feature from Road & Track: The LFA was a laserbeam through that slalom course!