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Car & Driver Reviews the Lexus CT 200h

Let’s continue on with Lexus CT 200h reviews, with the next instalment coming from Car & Driver, who were impressed by the exterior design and fuel economy, but not so much with the drive: In the real world, the CT200h offers three driving modes: Eco has a very lazy throttle map, Normal is slightly less …

Kevin · October 14th, 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

Autoblog Reviews the Lexus CT 200h

Damon Lavrinc of Autoblog also attended the Lexus CT 200h press launch in France, and today he shares his thoughts on the new hatchback hybrid: …it’s obvious the CT’s suspension tuning has been canted towards the comfortable side of sporty. Not a bad thing when trying to eat up the miles. On the highway, it’s …

Kevin · October 13th, 2010

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 …

Kevin · October 13th, 2010

Edmunds Inside Line Drives the Lexus CT 200h

Edmunds Inside Line has published their first impressions of the Lexus CT 200h — here’s some key quotes: Apart from its lack of hurry, the 2011 Lexus CT 200h doesn’t feel much like a Prius. Indeed, its character reminds us more of an A3 or a Volkswagen GTI. Like the HS 250h, the CT has …

Kevin · October 13th, 2010

2011 Lexus CT 200h: First Drive

Over the past month, I’ve had two occasions to drive the Lexus CT 200h — first time up was at the NYC stop of the CT 200h World Tour, where I found the CT 200h to be a perfect fit on the busy New York streets, easily absorbing the rough edges of city driving without …

Kevin · October 12th, 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

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 …

Kevin · October 11th, 2010

Lexus USA Rebates Coming?

Earlier this week, Lexus USA held its National Dealership meeting in Las Vegas, and now some details have been made public by way of The Wall Street Journal: Toyota Motor Corp. plans to offer rebates of up to $3,000 as well as subsidized financing on certain models in its Lexus brand as part of a …

Kevin · October 8th, 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 …

Kevin · October 8th, 2010

Pearl Grey Lexus LFA Photos

Here’s some photos of the Pearl Grey Lexus LFA from its time at the Lexus of Glendale dealership: These photos give us a much better idea of the Pearl Grey paint, check out these detail shots: Special thanks to Club Lexus member Joe Z. and his friend for allowing me to share these photos. [Source: …

Kevin · October 7th, 2010

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 …

Kevin · October 6th, 2010

More Details on the Pearl Grey Lexus LFA

Last week, we caught our first glimpse of Lexus USA’s color-changing LFA — which now sports a Pearl Grey exterior after spells of being Matte Black & Starfire Pearl — and now Inside Line has published the first set of photos: There’s also a shot of the reworked interior: As for the reasoning behind painting …

Kevin · October 4th, 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 …

Kevin · October 4th, 2010

Lexus September 2010 Sales Report

USA September’s now in the books, and Lexus USA has reported their sales figures for the month — here’s the full model-by-model breakdown: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2010 2009 % CHG* 2010 2009 % CHG* ES 3,697 3,046 21.4 33,960 33,431 2.0 HS 711 1,242 -42.8 7,962 1,785 348.0 LS 712 777 -8.4 8,287 …

Kevin · October 1st, 2010

Lexus CT 200h F-Sport Accessories

Today was my first day at the Lexus CT 200h press launch event in Paris, France, and there’s been some pretty exciting new details announced for the hybrid hatchback. Let’s start with something big — Lexus USA will be offering a number of F-Sport accessories for the CT 200h. Here’s the only image released so …

Kevin · September 28th, 2010

Pearl Grey Lexus LFA in California

Lexus USA’s original LFA has been repainted once again — first was Matte Black, then Whitest White Starfire Pearl, and now Pearl Grey — here’s our first look from its debut at Lexus of Glendale: Hard to get a really good feel for the color, but I’m sure we’ll see some event photos soon — …

Kevin · September 25th, 2010

Motor Trend Drives the Lexus CT 200h

Motor Trend snuck into the Lexus CT 200h event in Los Angeles yesterday, and today have published their first thoughts on Lexus’ new hybrid hatchback: The best way to think of the CT 200h is as a better-looking Prius Sport, if such a model existed. It shares the Prius’ hybrid drivetrain, with its 1.8-liter four-cylinder …

Kevin · September 23rd, 2010

Lexus Wins Five Motorist Choice Awards

The fifth annual Motorist Choice Awards have been announced, and Lexus has making a serious showing in the winner’s circle, taking 5 of the 15 premium categories. Now, these aren’t your typical segment awards, instead, winners are chosen by a group of 42,000 consumers, who rate the vehicles based on “lifestyle categories” — here are …

Kevin · September 23rd, 2010

Joel Bacal & Lexus LX 570 Take Off-Road Championship

In just their first year of off-road competition, Joe Bacal and his Lexus LX 570 have dominated their class, winning this year’s SCORE championship: …an unbroken streak of wins and podium finishes that on Saturday culminated in their first off-road championship with a dominant Stock Full-class win at the SCORE Terrible’s Las Vegas Primm 300. …

Kevin · September 23rd, 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

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 …

Kevin · September 21st, 2010

Fox Marketing Preparing Lexus LS 600hL for SEMA

After their stellar Lexus IS-C custom in 2009, Fox Marketing will be going big for SEMA this year with the LS 600hL — here’s some photos of the work-in-progress: So far, the Artisan Spirits body kit has been installed, and there’s a plan for custom brakes — can’t wait to see where this goes. [Source: …

Kevin · September 20th, 2010

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!

Kevin · September 15th, 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

Photos from the NYC Lexus CT 200h Event

While my driving impressions of the Lexus CT 200h will have to stay under wraps until my article is published by Lexus Magazine later this month, I do have some photos to share from the event in NYC this past weekend (click on any image for a larger version): Like anything in New York, space …

Kevin · September 14th, 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 …

Kevin · September 13th, 2010

NYC Lexus CT 200h Event Update

The Lexus CT 200h World Tour has stopped in New York City, and here’s a little promo for the event: Set up at High Line Park, today’s is the final day to test-drive the Lexus CT prototypes — here’s some initial impressions from a couple attendees: I drove the road course yesterday and it’s just …

Kevin · September 11th, 2010

Lexus LFA Plug-in Hybrid Mule Spotted in Death Valley

The strange looking Lexus LFA prototype that was spotted earlier this year has made another appearance, this time in California’s Death Valley for some hot weather testing: The velcro patches on both front fenders could mean that this vehicle is a plug-in hybrid, as this is usually the location of the battery charger plug. Naturally, …

Kevin · September 9th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Event in New York City

Two Lexus CT 200h prototypes are making their way around North America, and this weekend’s stop will be High Line Park in New York City. This event, which is one of just four tour stops in the US, is open to everyone, and provides an unique opportunity to drive Lexus’ newest hybrid months before its …

Kevin · September 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 Name Badge Removed on 2011 USA Models

The sharp eyes over at Club Lexus have spotted a badge change on 2011 Lexus models sold in the USA: After spending twenty years on the trunk lid of every Lexus made, the LEXUS name badge has been removed, leaving the Oval-L as the sole brand identifier — here are some other 2011 examples: Considering …

Kevin · September 7th, 2010

New 2011 Lexus IS Commerical: Music Track

This new IS commercial from Lexus USA is a musical masterpiece: Such a great concept, so well done — love it.

Kevin · September 3rd, 2010

Lexus USA F Sport Coupon

Lexus USA just sent over a coupon that can be used towards the purchase of F-Sport parts — here’s a breakdown of the savings: $100 off of F Sport purchases between $500-$999 $200 off of F Sport purchases between $1,000 – $1999 $300 off of F Sport purchases more than $2,000 This coupon, which is …

Kevin · September 2nd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h in Chicago This Week

The Lexus CT 200h North American tour arrives in Chicago tomorrow for a four-day stay — here are the event details: Thursday, September 2 Location: Big Star 1531 N. Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60622 Hours: 2:00pm-10:00pm Friday, September 3 Location: Big Star 1531 N. Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60622 Hours: 7:00pm-10:00pm Saturday, September 4 Location: …

Kevin · September 1st, 2010

Lexus August 2010 Sales Report

USA Here’s the full model-by-model breakdown of Lexus USA’s August 2010 sales: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2010 2009 % CHG* 2010 2009 % CHG* ES 4,161 5,629 -23.1 30,263 30,385 0.1 HS 594 543 13.8 7,251 543 1241.9 LS 939 880 11.0 7,575 6,611 15.1 SC 35 34 7.1 257 576 -55.2 GS 619 …

Kevin · September 1st, 2010

NY Times Reviews the Lexus LFA

Lawrence Ulrich of the New York Times travelled down to Millville, NJ to take the Lexus LFA around the track, and he brought some very choice quotes back with him, including this info on LFA buyers: So far American buyers are exclusively men, and on average are in their mid-50s. Many have owned a Lexus, …

Kevin · August 25th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h USA Pricing Update

Last week, I took a swing at guessing the Lexus CT 200h price in the USA based on some UK rumors, and today, I received a note from Lexus USA offering something a little more definitive: “In the United States, Lexus intends for the all-new CT 200h to become the gateway model for the brand, …

Kevin · August 24th, 2010

Flickr Find: Yellow Lexus LFA in the Wild

When photographer (& Flickr user) Gideon Gillard happened upon the yellow Lexus LFA out on the highway during the Pebble Beach Concours, he chased it down and made sure to get some absolutely fantastic photos of the supercar (click for larger images): My favorite though, has to be this shot: Highly recommend going through the …

Kevin · August 23rd, 2010

Lexus Advisory Board

This spring, Lexus USA started an online invite-only initiative called the Lexus Advisory Board, which will be used to survey existing customers about the brand. With a current membership of 20,000 owners, this group will be polled regularly on marketing and even product planning — here’s some details from The Automotive News: Lexus is still …

Kevin · August 23rd, 2010

All Pink Lexus LS 460L

While we’re on the topic of Lexus LS 460s with crazy paint jobs, here’s an absolutely unreal pink LS from Florida Memphis that takes it to a whole other level: Words fail me — be sure to check out the rest of photos on Club Lexus for the full effect.

Kevin · August 20th, 2010

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 — …

Kevin · August 18th, 2010

Photos of the Lexus CT Umbra Art Sculpture

We’ve seen video of the Lexus CT Umbra art sculpture that accompanied the Darker Side of Green debates around the USA, but these photos from The Cool Hunter show the installation in a much more vivid light: The installation was created by Los Angeles-based design studio Nondesigns, who really managed to create something exceptionally beautiful …

Kevin · August 16th, 2010

Yellow Lexus LFA at Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance

The yellow Lexus LFA made an appearance this weekend at the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance, and Autoguide was there to snap a few photos: Even better, the LFA was also filmed arriving at the event, making this the first known video of the sunshine yellow supercar: That yellow is impossible to miss, sure makes for …

Kevin · August 15th, 2010

Official Yellow Lexus LFA Photos

Last week, we saw the first photos of Lexus USA’s new yellow LFA, and today we have official photos from the very same photoshoot: As it turns out, the black leather/silver stiching interior features black alcantara seats and a bronze center console: The LFA is definitely getting more refined with every new prototype — here’s …

Kevin · August 12th, 2010

Lexus & Tumi to Partner on Exclusive LFA Luggage

Lexus has partnered with Tumi to create a special set of luggage that fits perfectly into the LFA: The unique line of Tumi cases for the LFA supercar has a hybrid construction, and is styled using components that are directly related to the appearance of the car. Never before have a hard shell, aluminum and …

Kevin · August 12th, 2010

Black Lexus CT 200h Photos!

Club Lexus’ Flipside909 was at Lexus HQ in Torrance, California and spotted two CT 200hs in the parking lot — one was Matador Red and gone like a flash, and the other was this one in Obsidian: This CT shows some new details like the (likely) standard projector front lights and exposed rear wiper — …

Kevin · August 10th, 2010

Lexus IS F Daily Driver Dominates NASA Time Trials

This weekend, Dave Schotz raced his daily driver Lexus IS F in National Auto Sport Association (NASA) Time Trials at the Auto Club Speedway in California and proceed to dominate against dedicated racecars — Jalopnik has the full story: NASA Time Trials allow for almost any car to compete for the fastest lap time on …

Kevin · August 10th, 2010

Lexus USA Revises LFA Purchase Options

Lexus USA has revised their LFA purchasing options, and will now offer outright purchase of the $375,000 supercar rather than the mandatory two-year lease that was initially required. This new purchase option does come with one condition, however — the Lexus dealership where the LFA was purchased will retain the first right of refusal to …

Kevin · August 5th, 2010

Lexus Manufacturing Master of Paint

Lexus Magazine has published a fascinating article on Kimihiro Sakakibara, one of the 10 Lexus Takumi Masters that oversee factory production: For anyone still unfamiliar with the term, Lexus Takumi are the automotive equivalent of a 10th Dan black belt. Each of the ten Takumi specializes in a key area of the vehicle—and each commands …

Kevin · August 4th, 2010

Lexus Golden Opportunity Commercial

Lexus USA is in the middle of their giant Golden Opportunity summer sales event right now, and have put out this colorful ES commercial: Cracks me up the way the ES doors open & close to the beat — seems so out of character. Update: Here’s another commercial from this campaign — this time it’s …

Kevin · August 4th, 2010

First Photos of the Yellow Lexus LFA

Just received photos of Lexus USA’s new LFA prototype, which is just about as bright as the sun (click for larger images): It’s hard to top yellow in terms of vibrance, it’s literally impossible to take my eyes off this LFA. Such a bold color really shows off the shape of the LFA, I especially …

Kevin · August 4th, 2010

Lexus July 2010 Sales Report

USA The Lexus USA sales numbers are in for July 2010, here’s the model-by-model breakdown: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2010 2009 % CHG* 2010 2009 % CHG* ES 4,093 4,393 -10.3 26,102 24,756 5.4 HS 165 0 N/A 6,657 0 N/A LS 986 874 8.6 6,636 5,731 15.8 SC 36 57 -39.2 222 542 …

Kevin · August 3rd, 2010

Lexus LX 470 Recall Announced

A voluntary safety recall has been announced for certain 2003-2007 Lexus LX 470s due to an issue with the steering shaft: Lexus has determined that the construction of the steering shaft on involved LX 470s is such that the snap ring on the shaft may disengage when the vehicle experiences an unusually severe impact to …

Kevin · July 29th, 2010

Swift CC Lexus GS

I remember posting this super-modified Lexus GS at some point, but something this wild deserves a second viewing: Pretty sure that if I saw this in real life, my head would spontaneously explode — that is if the speakers didn’t do the job first.

Kevin · July 28th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h USA Driving Tour Rescheduled

Due to some unexpected shipping changes, Lexus USA has rescheduled their previously announced CT 200h Driving Tour — here are the revised dates: Chicago Sept. 2, 3, 4 Location TBA New York Sept. 9, 10, 11 Location TBA Miami Sept. 15, 16, 17 Location TBA Los Angeles Sept. 22, 23 Slow Clothing, 7474 Melrose Ave., …

Kevin · July 27th, 2010

2011 Lexus Release Schedule

Lexus USA has published a general schedule for their 2011 lineup — here’s what we can expect for the rest of this year: Summer The 2011 GS arrives at dealers with no changes from the 2010 model, save for the new brake override system. Late Summer The new IS 350 AWD will debut along with …

Kevin · July 21st, 2010

Lexus CT 200h U.S. Driving Events

Update: These tour dates have been moved, here are the new dates. Last week, Lexus announced that Los Angeles residents would get be getting a chance to drive the CT 200h prototype — and now it’s been confirmed that this event will be making its way to three other cities around the country. Here are …

Kevin · July 19th, 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

1997 Lexus GS Commercial: Something Wicked This Way Comes

To introduce the second generation GS, Lexus played up a sinister theme to match what was then “the world’s fastest automatic sedan”: After the modest success of the first GS, the second generation was a massive hit right from the start, with over 30,000 first year sales and a strong reception from the automotive press …

Kevin · July 15th, 2010

NHTSA Update on Lexus Sudden Acceleration Investigation

According to the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. Department of Transportation has analyzed a number of Toyota & Lexus black boxes taken from vehicles involved in “sudden acceleration” accidents, and have discovered that drivers were accidentally pushing the acceleration pedal instead of the brake: The results suggest that some drivers who said their Toyota and …

Kevin · July 13th, 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

Drive the Lexus CT 200h in Los Angeles!

Lexus is holding a three day CT 200h event in Los Angeles & Venice, California to showcase their newest hybrid and give attendees the chance to actually drive the prototype — here are the full event details: Be among the first in the world to experience the new CT 200h prototype at a location near …

Kevin · July 13th, 2010

Lexus SC 430 Drift

Although it ends production this month, the Lexus SC 430 is the platform for a new Lexus-sponsored drifting program: Built by A’PEXi USA & VIP Auto Salon and driven by Ryuji Miki, the Lexus SC430 Drift debuted last month at a Formula D event in Wall, NJ, and will be competing throughout this racing season. …

Kevin · July 12th, 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 Darker Side of Green Debates

Lexus will be hosting more environmental debate/dance parties as part of the “Darker Side of Green” campaign for the CT 200h: Designed to inspire a new audience to consider luxury hybrid vehicles, the debates will be moderated by some of entertainment’s most intriguing personalities, including Andy Samberg, Jamie Kennedy, Tracey Morgan, and Mark McGrath. They …

Kevin · July 7th, 2010

Lexus LFA Commercial: Octave Harmony

There’s a new Lexus LFA commercial to watch: Although it’s strictly a remix of the previous commercial and the LFA launch video, it does a great job at explaining a key element of the LFA’s appeal — the wonderful sound of that engine.

Kevin · July 5th, 2010

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