2010 Lexus ES 350 Official Information

Full information and photos of the refreshed 2010 Lexus ES 350 have been released—here’s a breakdown of the changes: Both the front and rear lights have been revised, along with a new front bumper, new foglights, a new grille. Chrome side molding has also been added. The new-look Lexus side mirrors with integrated turn signals …
Kevin · September 18th, 2009

2010 Lexus GX Spy Shots!

Even with the introduction of next-generation Lexus GX right around the corner, there have only been spy shots of the closely-related Toyota Prado—that is, until the real deal was caught out in the California desert yesterday. First, a couple photos from Edmunds: Also, some additional photos from Leftlane News: Not much detail is given away, …
Kevin · September 11th, 2009

Lexus LF-Ch US Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show

Some very positive news if you’re a North American interested in the new Lexus LF-Ch—the hatchback concept will be displayed at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show this December: Lexus has been leading the luxury hybrid market ever since we came out with the RX 400h in 2005,” said Mark Templin, Lexus division group vice …
Kevin · September 11th, 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

2010 Lexus HS 250h Commercials

Lexus has just released four mini commercials for the HS 250h that highlight the sedan’s non-hybrid technologies: Additionally, there’s a full length commercial that touches on all of the technologies at once (the sound seemed clipped, though): Drawing attention to the driver aids in the HS 250h is very smart—after all, even if you subtract …
Kevin · September 10th, 2009

Lexus USA August 2009 Sales Report

Lexus USA has reported their August 2009 sales, here’s the model-by-model breakdown: August Year to Date 2009 2008 % CHG 2009 2008 % CHG IS 4,855 6,318 -20.2 24,565 37,328 -33.5 HS 543 0 543 0 ES 5,629 7,881 -25.8 30,385 46,600 -34.2 GS 669 1,686 -58.8 4,776 12,042 -59.9 SC 34 187 -81.1 576 …
Kevin · September 2nd, 2009

Lexus HS 250h Japanese Success to Affect U.S. Launch?

While nothing has been confirmed, Automotive News is reporting that the US supply of Lexus HS 250h sedans to the US may be affected by the hybrid’s massive success in Japan: In its first month in Japan, the car racked up 10,000 orders or about 20 times Toyota Motor Corp.‘s initial sales target of 500 …
Kevin · August 25th, 2009

1992 Lexus SC 400 Dealership Video

After look at the present & future of the Lexus SC, I thought it might be interesting to look back at the model’s history—the following video is a dealership introduction for the first-generation SC 400, and is an important look back at what Lexus was trying to achieve with their first sports coupe: Amazing when …
Kevin · August 20th, 2009

Lexus Tops 2009 American Customer Satisfaction Index

Lexus has placed first in the American Customer Satisfaction Index, tying with Cadillac. Rounding out the top five was Buick, Honda and Lincoln-Mercury. Lexus scored 89 out of a possible 100 points, a 2.3% increase over last year. This marks the fourth year in a row that Lexus has placed first in the University of …
Kevin · August 19th, 2009

2010 Lexus SC 430 Changes

The second generation Lexus SC 430 will live for another year—Lexus USA has confirmed that the convertible coupe will be produced for a ninth year with some minor changes: New 18-Inch Six-Spoke Wheels (shown above) iPod/USB Connectivity 6th Generation HDD-based navigation with Voice Control, Lexus Enform and Bluetooth connectivity New side mirrors with integrated puddle …
Kevin · August 17th, 2009

2010 Lexus IS-F Changes

The Lexus IS-F will be seeing some changes in 2010, including: Limited Slip Differential New 19” BBS wheel design Optional 6th Generation HDD-based navigation with Voice Control, Lexus Enform and Bluetooth connectivity Folding Headrests USB/iPod connectivity The Limited Slip Differential is a good addition for anyone interested in taking the IS-F out on the track, …
Kevin · August 17th, 2009

Lexus LF-A vs. Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR: A Virtual Nürburgring Race

Similar to the virtual Lexus LF-A vs. Nissan GT-R race we saw a couple months ago, this split-screen racing footage has the LF-A (top) up against the 600bhp Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR on the Nürburgring: When you consider the traffic the LF-A has to deal with, there’s no telling how much faster it could have …
Kevin · August 14th, 2009

Lexus LS Takes First Place in 2009 Motorist Choice Awards

The Lexus LS was named the top vehicle of 2009 Motorist Choice Awards, a US joint survey by AutoPacific and Intellichoice that “recognizes new cars and trucks that give their owners both economic and emotional satisfaction”: “Clearly, consumers still get great satisfaction from large and luxurious cars, despite the economy, rising fuel costs and manufacturers’ …
Kevin · August 14th, 2009

2010 Lexus HS 250h Now on Lexus USA Website

The Lexus HS 250h is now on the Lexus USA website, which means plenty of information along with full option & package pricing. There are standard and premium variants, starting at $34,200 and $36,970 respectively. From there, it gets a little confusing: There is a $1,600 Touring package, with 18” wheels and a sport tuned …
Kevin · August 5th, 2009

Conan O’Brien Giving Away a Lexus HS 250h

Last night, Conan O’Brien announced a contest on The Tonight Show to give away a Lexus HS 250h, here he is to explain it: The contest runs until August 21st, 2009, and is only available to US residents. Visit the Tonight Show website for full details. (Thanks Stan!)
Kevin · August 4th, 2009

Lexus USA July 2009 Sales Report

July is over, and Lexus USA has reported their sales figures for the month: June Year to Date 2009 2008 % CHG 2009 2008 % CHG IS 4,029 4,750 -15.2 19,710 31,010 -36.1 ES 4,393 5,563 -21.0 24,756 38,719 -35.7 GS 551 1,297 -57.5 4,107 10,356 -60.1 SC 57 143 -60.1 542 1,373 -60.3 LS …
Kevin · August 3rd, 2009

More on Lexus USA’s Future Strategy

In an interview with BusinessWeek, Toyota’s new North American chief Yoshimi Inaba shared his view that Lexus needs to be “redefined and rethought for the future”: When it comes to Lexus, the issue is pretty clear: The luxury brand is far too dependent on just two of its nine models. The ES330/350 sedan and RX350 …
Kevin · July 28th, 2009

Lexus Enform Subscription Pricing

Also covered in the HS 250h pricing announcement was the cost of the new Lexus Enform telematics subscription: Complimentary one-year trial subscriptions of Lexus Enform and Safety Connect are included with all new HS 250h purchases. One-year renewal subscriptions to Safety Connect alone will be available for $139.95 and to Lexus Enform with Safety Connect …
Kevin · July 20th, 2009

Lexus HS 250h US Pricing

US Pricing for the 2010 Lexus HS 250h has been announced, from the press release: The 2010 HS 250h, Lexus’ first dedicated hybrid and the fourth offering in its lineup, is available in standard and Premium models.  The standard version will have an MSRP of $34,200, while the Premium model will carry an MSRP of …
Kevin · July 20th, 2009

The New Lexus of North Miami Dealership

No question about it, Lexus of North Miami has taken the idea of the mega-dealership and brought it to a whole other level: The nearly one million square feet dealership is equipped to provide customers with a full spa experience, including haircuts, massages, manicures, workout sessions—there’s even a “Zen Room” equipped with a waterfall and …
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

Lexus IS-C Demand Outpacing Production

The Lexus IS-C is off to a booming start in the US, with dealerships selling the new convertible faster than Lexus’s Kyushu plant in Japan can make them. Wards has the story: The facility is ramping up to produce at least 225 IS-C models a month just for the Northeast region of the U.S., Scott …
Kevin · July 8th, 2009

New Lexus RX 450h Commercials

With the 2010 Lexus RX 450h now available in US dealerships, it’s time for new commercials: This testimonial style commercial may be overdone, but it’s a safe and dependable choice—not unlike the RX hybrid. (Lexus looks to be staying the course with this model, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the hybrid RX outsold the …
Kevin · July 7th, 2009

Lexus USA June 2009 Sales Report

With June at an end, Lexus has published their monthly sales figures—and there’s finally something positive to report: June Year to Date 2009 2008 % CHG 2009 2008 % CHG IS 3,465 4,324 -23.1 15,681 26,260 -42.7 ES 3,918 5,726 -34.3 20,363 33,156 -38.2 GS 454 1,213 -64.1 3,556 9,059 -60.5 SC 82 154 -48.9 …
Kevin · July 1st, 2009

Lexus HS 250h Video with Mark Templin

This latest video from Lexus USA features General Manager Mark Templin talking up the new HS 250h: A quote from the video: “I like being at Lexus because we get to try new things, we get to change the world, we get to do things the right way instead of the same old way they …
Kevin · June 25th, 2009

Lexus Regains Top Spot in J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

After placing behind Porsche last year, Lexus has regained the the top spot of the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. Even more impressive are the model results, with LX 570 finished first overall with only 52 problems per 100 (PP100)—the best ever result since the study was revamped. The LS 460 wasn’t far behind, placing …
Kevin · June 22nd, 2009

More on the Baja 500 Lexus 570

Earlier this week, I posted about Joe Bacal, who raced in the 41st annual Tecate SCORE Baja 500 in a modified Lexus LX 570 and ended up winning the class. Now we have some more information on the race, courtesy of a Lexus press release: Assisted by first-time navigator Williamsen and a new but well-organized …
Kevin · June 11th, 2009

Lexus Enthusiast Contest Winners

The deadline is up, all the entries are in, and it’s time to announce the winners of the Lexus Enthusiast Second Anniversary Contest! There were over 500 contestants from around the globe—five names were randomly selected—here they are: USA Detailing Kit prize pack: Aaron Seligman USA Lexus Logos prize pack: Andrew Patterson Canadian IS-F prize …
Kevin · June 5th, 2009

Lexus USA May 2009 Sales Report

Lexus USA May 2009 sales are in, and while it’s not exactly a dramatic turnaround, there are some minor improvements over last month: April Year to Date 2009 2008 % CHG 2009 2008 % CHG IS 2,913 5,420 -44.2 12,216 21,936 -43.4 ES 4,125 6,831 -37.3 16,445 27,430 -39.1 GS 516 1,708 -68.6 3,102 7,846 …
Kevin · June 2nd, 2009

Lexus HS 250h US Sales Expectations

Lexus USA has their sights set on selling 25,000 HS 250h a year, according to a new report from Bloomberg. 25,000 units, or approximately 2,083 per month, would put the HS 250h just below the IS lineup in current sales, and is down from the initial expectation of 30,000 units sold given at January’s Detroit …
Kevin · June 1st, 2009

The Lexus Enthusiast Second Anniversary Contest

Hard to believe, but it was two years ago today that I started posting daily Lexus news at The Passionate Pursuit. Since then, the site has gone through a name change, four redesigns, eight million pageviews, over 1,000 news stories, and close to 5,000 comments on its way to becoming a premier source of Lexus …
Kevin · May 29th, 2009

New Lexus IS Convertible Mini-Site

As part of their IS convertible advertising campaign, Lexus USA has put together a mini-site that’s just as much fun as their new commercials: The website first demonstrates the new features of the IS-C, then asks how you would use each highlighted point—then rates your answer on the Live a Little scale. It’s easy to …
Kevin · May 20th, 2009

Lexus IS-C Commercials

Lexus USA’s advertising campaign for the IS convertible has hit Youtube, with three short, interconnected videos: Live a little, a lot looks to be the IS-C’s tagline—I wonder if there will be more episodes to this series. Neat idea.
Kevin · May 15th, 2009

Edmunds Reviews the Lexus IS 350C

If Edmunds’ initial review of the IS 350C is any indication, Lexus’ new convertible looks like it could be a real winner: When the top is down, sunlight floods the IS C’s cabin and you’re overcome with a sense of well-being, so different from the wretched life you lead locked away in the office during …
Kevin · May 15th, 2009

Lexus IS 350 Drift Car with Corvette Engine

Daijiro Yoshihara, one of the drivers in the Formula D series, has a new team and a new machine—a Lexus IS 350 with a Corvette Z06 LS6 engine: Looks like he’s going to need some more practice. [Via: Straight Line]
Kevin · May 12th, 2009

Lexus Japan’s IS-C Interior Color Options

The Lexus IS 250 was released in Japan last week with some extremely unique interior color options (click for slightly larger images): No word if these options will be available in other markets outside of Japan, but it looks like the USA is getting a solid blue option the blue & white option if the …
Kevin · May 11th, 2009

Photos of the Lexus GS Passionate Black Interior

Lexus enthusiast Harinder from Vancouver has done me two big favors—first he told me about the Passionate Black availability in Canada, and now he’s sent photos of his very own PB Lexus GS: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1126”} (The all-season mats are in place, but Harinder assured me that black carpet mats were also included. Also, in Canada, …
Kevin · May 5th, 2009

Lexus USA April 2009 Sales Report

April 2009 sales have been released by Lexus USA, here’s the model-by-model breakdown (plus the year-to-date): April Year to Date 2009 2008 % CHG 2009 2008 % CHG IS 2,324 4,550 -48.9 9,303 16,516 -43.1 ES 3,549 5,439 -34.7 12,320 20,599 -39.6 GS 468 1,568 -70.2 2,586 6,138 -57.5 SC 83 217 -61.8 310 860 …
Kevin · May 1st, 2009

Lexus USA Announces RX 450h, IS 250C & IS 350C Pricing

The US pricing for the Lexus RX 450h, IS 250C & IS 350C was announced today, let’s break it down: The starting price for the Lexus 450h FWD is $41,660, which amounts to $420 less than the outgoing first-generation hybrid. The AWD version of the 450h will have a MSRP of $43,250, $230 less than …
Kevin · April 23rd, 2009

Mine Magazine Launches

The New York Times has a good summary of the launch of Mine Magazine, the customized, print-on-demand venture put together by Time Warner & Lexus: Subscribers pick five of eight magazines, like Food & Wine or Sports Illustrated, and articles from those magazines appear in their custom magazines. Readers receive several issues with an article …
Kevin · April 22nd, 2009

A Deeper Look at Lexus USA’s 2009 Sales

Bloomberg has published a revealing look at the US Lexus auto sales and how it’s affecting Toyota’s bottom line: U.S. Lexus sales shrank 27 percent in Toyota’s fiscal year that ended March 31, versus a combined 23 percent drop for Toyota and Scion models. While the premium line accounts for 12 percent of Toyota’s overall …
Kevin · April 17th, 2009

Lexus GS Passionate Black Interior Now Available in North America!

In what could only be described as “my dreams come true”, Lexus USA and Canada have started offering the Passionate Black interior on select models of the GS! This unique blood red & black interior color combination was first seen in a Japan-only limited edition of 500 models—here are some more photos: In Canada, the …
Kevin · April 16th, 2009

Lexus USA March 2009 Sales Report

The Lexus USA March 2009 sales figures have been released, and it’s more of the same: 2009 2008 % Change IS250/350/F 2,432 4,798 -47.3 ES350 3,225 6,019 -44.3 GS350/460/450h 625 1,668 -61.0 SC430 78 271 -70.1 LS460/600h L 852 2,125 -58.3 Total Cars 7,212 14,881 -49.6 RX350/400h 6,177 7,737 -17.0 GX470 561 1,679 -65.3 LX570 …
Kevin · April 1st, 2009

Lexus USA Adjusts 2009 Model Prices

Lexus has bumped up the prices for most of its 2009 models, increasing the following models by $150: IS 250/350 ES 350 GS 350/460/450h LS 460/460L/600hL LX 570 This increase comes into effect on Wednesday, but the amount’s only significant in that every model is seeing the same price hike. Maybe a shared part? [Source: …
Kevin · March 30th, 2009

Michael Bay’s Lexus ES 330 Commercial

Loud, blurry and preposterous, this Lexus ES 330 commercial by Michael Bay would fit neatly into any one of his movies (jump to 1:02 to see the Lexus commercial directly): Somehow I doubt an airbag is going to save you from being hit by a tractor trailer.
Kevin · March 23rd, 2009

Lexus J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Results

J.D. Power has published the results of their latest Vehicle Dependability Study, and for the first time since its inclusion, Lexus did not place first, coming in third behind Buick and Jaguar. The study looks at the problems per vehicle for the 2006 model year and the problems encountered over the first three years of …
Kevin · March 19th, 2009

Lexus Sponsors Customized Mine Magazine

Lexus is sponsoring a unique print experiment by Time Inc.—a personalized magazine called “mine”. Published bi-weekly over 10 weeks, the magazine combines articles from an assortment of magazines customized to your tastes: Readers can select five titles from eight published by subsidiaries of Time Warner Inc. and American Express Co.: Time, Sports Illustrated, Food & …
Kevin · March 18th, 2009

Edmunds Reviews the 2010 Lexus RX 450h

With the new Lexus RX 350 now available in North American dealerships, the auto reviewers have been turning their sights on the upcoming RX 450h. Edmunds, who had plenty of good things to say about the non-hybrid version, didn’t end up all that impressed with the hybrid: The 2010 Lexus RX 450h hits 60 mph …
Kevin · March 12th, 2009

Lexus ES Commercial: Touch

I noticed earlier this week that Lexus was featuring the ES 350 heavily on their US site, and it seems to have extended to TV as well:
Kevin · March 21st, 2008

Future Taste of Lexus Events Cancelled

Beginning this year, Lexus USA will be replacing their annual Taste of Lexus travelling test drive events with a series of three separate tours, as they try to bring the focus back on the vehicles and not the event itself: “People were coming because we were giving three to four hours of entertainment value.” As …
Kevin · March 20th, 2008

Lexus ES & RX Pebble Beach Commercial, plus Pricing

Two pieces of Lexus Pebble Beach news today, first off, the much searched-for Pebble Beach commercial has surfaced on Youtube: Not much to the commercial, it’s strictly an announcement-style advertisement, but the Pebble Beach edition color really catches my attention. It’s nice to see it on more than just the SC 430. The other news …
Kevin · March 14th, 2008

Lexus February 2008 Sales Report

It’s another month of reduced sales for Lexus — January saw a 8.2% drop, and February was a touch worse, with a decrease of 9.3% when compared to last year. Here’s a model by model breakdown: 2008 2007 % Change IS250/350/F 3,906 3,906 -4.8 ES350 4,795 5,286 -12.9 GS350 1,201 1,388 -16.9 GS460/450h 221 175 …
Kevin · March 3rd, 2008

Consumer Reports names the Lexus LS 460L the #1 Luxury Sedan of 2008

Consumer Reports has released its top picks for 2008, and among the ten winners, the Lexus LS 460L was chosen as the #1 luxury sedan: With a score of 99 out of 100 in CR’s road test, the LS 460L ($77,000) is CR’s highest-rated vehicle. It provides a no-compromise environment of comfort and roominess, coupled …
Kevin · February 28th, 2008

2009 Lexus RX now on Lexus USA Website

The 2009 Lexus RX is now on the Lexus USA website, which should put all the rumors of an impending redesign to rest. The only difference from 2008, it seems, is the addition of the Pebble Beach edition, which brings with it the Truffle Mica exterior color, a limited edition 18″ wheel design, chrome grille …
Kevin · February 14th, 2008

Automotive News Interviews Lexus Dealer Advisory Council Chairman

Automotive News has a great interview with Stefan Smith, chairman of the Lexus National Dealer Advisory Council, which gives a very open view at how the dealerships feel about the recent increase in recalls and what kind of vehicles they’d like to see next: What challenges do Lexus dealers face in the next year? We …
Kevin · February 11th, 2008

New Lexus Power of H Commercial

The new Lexus Power of H commercial debuted yesterday, and today has surfaced on Youtube: After reading the synopsis released a couple days ago, I wasn’t sure how the commercial was going to pan out, but the idea is fairly strong and well executed. Most important is that Lexus has moved away from touting the …
Kevin · February 8th, 2008

Lexus January 2008 Sales Report

I was hoping to debut a cool graphing feature for Lexus sales data this month, but frustration and timing has finally gotten the best of me, so here’s the data in a plain old chart: 2008 2007 % Change IS250/350 3,262 3,395 -3.9 ES350 4,346 5,320 -18.3 GS350 1,270 1,368 -7.2 GS460/450h 210 183 14.8 …
Kevin · February 7th, 2008

Pebble Beach Editions for the Lexus ES, RX and LS Models

Once solely reserved for the SC 430, Lexus announced today at the Chicago Auto Show that three more models will be available in the Pebble Beach Edition. It starts with the release of a PBE RX 350 in mid-February, followed by an ES 350 in March and a LS 600hL sometime in the fall. Here’s …
Kevin · February 6th, 2008

New Lexus The Power of H Marketing Campaign

Focusing on the importance of the letter H, the new Lexus hybrid marketing campaign starts today. Here’s the synopsis, from Lexus’ press release: The multi-platform campaign, which debuts today, communicates Lexus’ hybrid leadership and highlights the significance of h on a Lexus vehicle—which distinguishes hybrid from non-hybrid vehicles and symbolizes Lexus’ commitment to alternative power …
Kevin · February 5th, 2008

Longo Lexus gets larger

Longo Lexus, the largest Lexus dealership in the western US, will be growing even larger with the help of some substantial grants from El Monte, California (the dealership’s home) and the federal government.  Along with the adjoining Toyota dealership, this grant of $3,000,000 will be used to construct a 50,000-square-foot service facility, additional parking, a …
Kevin · January 31st, 2008

1996 Lexus LX 450 Commercial with a Surprise Twist

It turns out the IS-F isn’t the first time Lexus has marketed a vehicle as the opposite of what you’d expect from the company, take a listen to the tagline of this 1996 LX 450 commercial: “It’s everything a Lexus is, and everything a Lexus isn’t.” sounds pretty close to the IS-F’s “Everything you thought …
Kevin · January 29th, 2008

Another Glimpse into the Future Direction of US Lexus Dealerships

Building off his presentation at the Automotive News World Congress, Lexus general manager Mark Templin outlined the future direction of Lexus dealerships in the US in an interview with Ward’s. There’s a lot of information hidden in the details, but the primary point made is that Lexus will start to take on some characteristics of …
Kevin · January 25th, 2008

Mark Templin on Improving US Lexus Dealerships

In a presentation at the Automotive News World Congress, Lexus General Manager Mark Templin outlined the automaker’s plans to enhance their US dealerships even further: ” We’re trying to create a feeling in our car dealerships more of a luxury hotel than a car dealership,” Templin said after his presentation. The dealerships also want to …
Kevin · January 22nd, 2008

Dedicated Lexus Hybrid = Hybrid ES?

In a short interview with Bloomberg, Lexus General Manager Mark Templin reiterated what he told the Free Press a couple days ago, though with a little more detail: “There is a whole section of the population that wants something different, and that’s high-efficiency,” Lexus general manager Mark Templin said in an interview at the Detroit …
Kevin · January 18th, 2008

Lexus Sales Projections for 2008

Considering the current climate of the US automotive market, Lexus US sales projections for 2008 are near identical to the 2007 totals. Lexus General Manager Mark Templin, speaking with the Free Press, announced that Lexus hopes to move 330,000 vehicles in 2008: Lexus was the best-selling luxury brand in the United States in 2007 with …
Kevin · January 16th, 2008

The Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept Live @ The Detroit Auto Show

There’s more than a few photo galleries sprouting up of the Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept on the floor of the Detroit Auto Show, but the most comprehensive I’ve seen so far is at Autoblog. There’s times when the official manufacturer photos make a car seem utterly flawless, but this super-convertible looks even more impressive in …
Kevin · January 13th, 2008

2008 Lexus IS-F Pricing Announced

After months of speculation, Lexus has released pricing for the IS-F, and it’s hard to find any fault with the totals. The base IS-F will carry a $56,000 USD price tag, which undercuts competitors significantly. The following amenities will be standard: Heated, leather-trimmed 10-way power front sport seats Dual-zone automatic climate control, a pollen filter …
Kevin · January 11th, 2008