Video of the Next-Generation Lexus IS Sound Generator

In the Autoweek.nl preview of the next-generation Lexus IS, the presenter shows off the sedan’s user-adjustable sound generator (around 3:06) — it makes the IS sound like a slightly muted IS F.
Kevin · December 5th, 2012

Lexus GS NightView Video Demonstration

Before returning the Lexus GS 350 AWD I’ve been driving to Lexus Canada, I put together a short video demonstration of the NightView system.
Kevin · November 23rd, 2012

Lexus Launches Ignition Project

In coordination with their 2013 ES marketing push, Lexus USA has launched the Ignition Project, a program that will fund four start-up technology projects based on Facebook user votes.
Kevin · September 26th, 2012

2013 Lexus LS Preview

Earlier this week, I was invited to Palo Alto, California to drive the 2013 Lexus LS, and in the first part of my review, let's get into a technical overview.
Kevin · August 11th, 2012

Examining the 2013 Lexus LS Climate Concierge System

Lexus Magazine has a feature on the new Climate Concierge system in the 2013 LS, which uses the climate control, the heated/cooled seats, and even the steering wheel to maintain the correct temperature.
Kevin · August 6th, 2012

Details on the Lexus Display Audio Controller

Longtime Lexus Enthusiast reader & Flow Lexus of Greensboro employee Brendan Bogue has sent over a detailed description of the Display Audio controller first spotted in a 2013 ES promotional video.
Kevin · May 17th, 2012

Mystery Lexus ES Controller Explained

When Lexus released a video tour of the 2013 ES, some eagle-eyed Lexus Enthusiast readers spotted a mysterious knob in the centre console.
Kevin · May 1st, 2012

Lexus Releases Enform Emulator iPad App

Here’s something to check out if you have an iPad — Lexus has released an Enform Emulator app, which lets you test-drive the latest version of the telematics software found in the 2013 Lexus models.
Kevin · April 12th, 2012

Lexus Creates NFC Ad for Wired Magazine

In the latest issue of Wired, Lexus has again pushed the advertising boundries by creating the world’s first print ad to feature a near-field communications tag.
Kevin · March 23rd, 2012

2013 Lexus GS Night View System

Here’s the first photo I’ve seen of the 2013 Lexus GS’ Night View feature, courtesy of Lexus Norway.
Kevin · March 21st, 2012

Lexus GS 350 AWD in Black [Update]

Also debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show was the *All-Wheel Drive* version of the 2013 Lexus GS 350, which was on display in *Obsidian*.
Kevin · September 15th, 2011

First Look at 2013 Lexus GS 450h LED Headlights

The actual Auto Express preview of the 2013 Lexus GS prototypes may be short on details, but their accompanying photo gallery provides plenty of insight into the next-generation GS, including our first look at the hybrid LED headlights.
Kevin · July 26th, 2011

Site Update: Disqus Comments

In order to bring the comment system some much needed new features, I’ve decided to try out Disqus. Disqus is the same system used by Engadget & Mashable, and makes it easy to respond directly to other comments, along with being able to “like” comments, respond to comments via email, and edit your comments. Besides …

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Kevin · March 7th, 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 …

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Kevin · January 26th, 2011

Lexus Japan’s CT 200h Harmonious Driving Navigator

The Japanese Lexus CT 200h comes equipped with a very interesting new feature: the Harmonious Driving Navigator, a service that connects the car to the Internet and gives the ability to track fuel efficiency online and compete against other CT 200h drivers. I only have the translation of the Japanese webpage for information, but looks …

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Kevin · January 24th, 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 …

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Kevin · December 29th, 2010

VAIS Tech Updates Lexus iPod Integration Kits

If you’re looking to upgrade your Lexus iPod/Media Player integration, VAIS Technology has two new products that should provide the features you’re looking for. First up is the SoundLinQ2 SL2iC, which brings iPod-style navigation to most Lexus models from 2001-2009, including video display and navigation unlocking (super bonus feature!). If you have a 2009+ model …

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Kevin · December 17th, 2010

GT5 Lexus LFA Magazine Article

By now, we’ve all seen shots of the Lexus LFA cruising around the world of Gran Turismo 5, but here’s a unique take by GT Planet member Alejandro Gomez, who has created a full magazine article using only screenshots (click the pages to see a larger version): A brilliant job by Mr. Gomez — a …

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Kevin · December 3rd, 2010

Gran Turismo 5 Lexus LFA Video

Just in case you haven’t the Lexus LFA tearing up the track in Gran Turismo 5 yet, here’s a video by CoolColJ24 that shows the LFA buying process in the game and its dealer demo: Here’s a quick preview of the new photo creation option, along with a full behind-the-wheel lap of Nürburgring: I bought …

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Kevin · November 29th, 2010

Lexus IS F: Gran Turismo 5 vs. Reality

With Gran Turismo 5 being released today, auto writer Dan Lyons tells the story of his experience racing with Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi at this year’s Nürburgring 24h race, and how their laptimes compared in GT5: …while Yamauchi was playing out one of his dreams – to drive in a real Nürburgring 24-hour race …

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Kevin · November 24th, 2010

Forza 3 Lexus LFA Giveaway

Not to be outdone by the recent Gran Turismo screenshots of the Lexus LFA, here are some exceptional “photos” from the Forza 3 version of the supercar from Flickr user WeezyMac: Pure fantastic, the realism is just unbelievable — be sure to check out the other screenshots in WeezyMac Flickrstream. *** Speaking of the Stig’s …

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Kevin · November 17th, 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, …

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Kevin · October 25th, 2010

Lexus Builds Massive Driving Simulator

Lexus has created a new, extremely sophisticated simulator that fully mimics the driving experience: It’s hard to imagine what something of this magnitude would have cost, but as a way to gather precise data on otherwise dangerous driving experiences, it’s essentially priceless. Along with this commercial, a longer, more detailed explanation of the driving simulator …

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Kevin · October 11th, 2010

How to Make a Lexus Wood-Carved Steering Wheel

Lexus Magazine has a new photo feature up that details the steps necessary to build one of a Lexus wood-carved steering wheel — here’s a couple of the slides that show the workmanship: Anyone who’s worked with fine woods knows that polishing raw wood is a high art form. Hardness, density, and color will vary, …

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Kevin · October 10th, 2010

New Lexus Enform iPhone App

Lexus USA has released a new iPhone app that works directly with the Lexus Enform telematics system: The key feature with this Lexus owners app is the ability to send destinations and locations from your iPhone to your Lexus’ navigation system, bypassing the need to type it in manually. This is a natural extension of …

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Kevin · October 8th, 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 …

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Kevin · October 7th, 2010

Lexus LFA in Forza Motorsport 3 Ultimate Collection

The Lexus LFA will be coming to the Xbox 360 when the Forza Motorsport 3 Ultimate Collection arrives at the end of this month. The Lexus supercar will be one of the three cars in the “Stig’s Garage Car Pack”, a downloadable set put together in partnership with Top Gear that also includes the Koenigsegg …

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Kevin · October 4th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Horsepower & Fuel Economy

While I was travelling back to Canada after attending the Lexus CT 200h event in NYC, Lexus USA unleashed eight press releases and over 11,000 words on the new hybrid hatchback. Admittedly, it’s going to take some time to read through it all, but included in the all the information was some details on both …

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Kevin · September 13th, 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 …

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Kevin · August 30th, 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 …

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Kevin · August 19th, 2010

Updated Lexus iPod Integration Coming from VAIS Tech

Just received word from site sponsor VAIS Technology about their new SL2iC iPod integration unit — check out these photos: The SL2iC will feature a touchscreen iPod interface along with the ability to play videos directly on the nav screen — two fantastic features to be sure. Initially, only 5th generation Lexus navigation systems, but …

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Kevin · August 12th, 2010

Lexus LS Recall Video Demonstration

Here’s a video demonstrating the steering issue that made the current Lexus LS recall necessary: All in all, this LS steering issue looks to be relatively non-critical — something that should be fixed and deserving of a recall, to be sure, but of minor importance to anyone outside of the affected owners. Still, good on …

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Kevin · May 27th, 2010

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 …

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Kevin · May 26th, 2010

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 …

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Kevin · May 25th, 2010

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 …

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Kevin · May 24th, 2010

LA Times Reports on 4th Generation ES Transmission Issues, Lexus Responds

This weekend, the LA Times published another chapter in their long-running battle against Toyota & Lexus, this time asserting that the transmission issues experienced by some 2002-2006 Lexus ES owners was indicative of a bigger problem: The documents show that Toyota repeatedly tried to solve the lurching problem by modifying the car’s computer software. But …

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Kevin · May 24th, 2010

2010 Lexus iPod USB Upgrade from VAIS Technology

VAIS Technology have updated their VML MultiMediaLinQ to include 2010 Lexus models, and it’s just the thing for anyone looking to upgrade the iPod & USB integration: As you can see, the experience remains the same, but files are no longer auto-selected while scrolling. Also, the entire interface gets a 30% speed bump, and installation …

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Kevin · May 21st, 2010

GT Spirit Reviews the Lexus LFA

GTSpirit had a chance to drive the Lexus LFA in Monaco, and they created this fantastic video: Along with the video, there’s an exhaustive review on the GT Spirit website: The Monaco area gave the opportunity to experience the twisting roads in the hills surrounding the small country, but also the Formula 1 race track, …

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Kevin · May 20th, 2010

Lexus LS to be Recalled for VGRS Issue

Lexus is preparing to issue a recall of Lexus LS models equipped with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS): This matter has been under investigation by TMC since March this year who have received approximately 10 complaints in Japan.  No accidents have been reported relating to this issue and we have received no reported cases of …

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Kevin · May 19th, 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 …

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Kevin · May 13th, 2010

Consumer Reports Tests Lexus GX 460 Update

Consumer Reports have performed a test of the Lexus GX 460 software update: The magazine also posted a final comment on the safety issue they discovered, which ultimately led to current Lexus GX 460 recall: That’s what happened with the GX 460. The problem with the vehicle’s emergency handling capabilities was discovered by our auto …

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Kevin · May 11th, 2010

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 …

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Kevin · May 11th, 2010

Consumer Reports Removes Lexus GX 460 Safety Warning

Consumer Reports has lifted its Don’t Buy: Safety Risk rating on the Lexus GX 460 after testing the stability control software update — from the press release: CR contacted the Lexus dealership from which they had anonymously bought the vehicle and made an appointment to have the recall work performed. The work took about an …

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Kevin · May 7th, 2010

TLE Issues Resolved

Regular readers may have noticed some general weirdness with TLE since its move to WordPress a couple days ago — unfortunately, with a site move of this size, there were a number of unforeseen issues, including some problems with viewing articles and leaving comments. I’m happy to say that the most of these problems have …

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Kevin · May 6th, 2010

The Lexus Enthusiast 6.0

Welcome to The Lexus Enthusiast 6.0! Now running on the WordPress platform, this new edition of TLE was made necessary due to reasons too numerous and technical to mention, but rest assured, the switchover will be well worth it. The most obvious change is the content slider at the top of the homepage, which should …

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Kevin · May 5th, 2010

Lexus IS F CCS Concept Video

At the Tokyo Auto Salon earlier this year, Lexus showcased the IS F Club Circuit Club Sports Concept (or CCS Concept for short), an IS F done up in all sorts of carbon fiber, including some very nice detail work on the rear wing: As mentioned last month, Lexus has hinted that the carbon fiber …

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Kevin · May 3rd, 2010

Mystery Lexus LFA Prototype Video

New video footage has surfaced of the mysterious Lexus LFA prototype which was captured by spy photographers last week: Upon viewing the vehicle in motion on the streets of Southern California, more questions arise: is the quiet sound indicative of the media speculation that this is a plug-in hybrid prototype?  Are the aft-mounted radiators from …

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Kevin · May 1st, 2010