Tokyo 2010: Lexus IS F Circuit Club Sport Concept

Lexus’ offerings for the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon included a lightweight concept version of the firm’s performance-minded sports sedan. Dubbed IS F Circuit Club Sport or CCS for short, the prototype Lexus comes in an attention-grabbing bright orange finish and more carbon fiber than a NASA warehouse.

And we’re talking about a lot of carbon fiber as the lightweight material is used for the newly designed hood, rooftop, rear wing, exterior mirrors, trunk, front spoiler lips, right down to the rear diffuser.

The same material is also found on the Lexus IS F’s engine cover as well as in the interior on the door panels, center and lower console, steering wheel trim, and the transmission lever.

Unfortunately, Lexus did reveal the weight gains from the extensive use of carbon fiber parts on the sports car.

Other mods include the forged magnesium wheels and sport tires, high-performance carbon ceramic brakes, sport suspension, new exhaust system with a titanium sports muffler and the two-tone bucket seats inside.

Lexus said that the standard IS F’s 5.0-liter V8 engine with 423HP (in JDM spec) has been left intact.

BREAKING: Lexus recalls HS250h over risk of excessive fuel leakage

Back in the 1970s, the Ford Pinto was the focus of many headlines due to a fuel tank issue which caused excessive amounts of gasoline to leak during a rear-end collision. Now, three decades later, Lexus is having a similar problem with its HS250h hybrid, and has filed a report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a voluntary recall of these vehicles. Up to 17,000 of the luxury hybrids are affected.

In the case of the HS, excessive fuel leakage occurred during rear-end collisions at speeds of 50 miles per hour. We don’t need to remind you about the dangers of excessive fuel spillage, but let’s just say that the end result can be very, very bad.

As of this writing, Lexus has not advised NHTSA about what steps will be taken to fix the defective HS models. Make the jump for the full details.

Lexus Safety Experience: Enthusiast knowledge made common

You’re an auto enthusiast. You know what all the acronyms on the buttons around your dash stand for. You understand that braking power can beat engine power 99% of the time. That feeling you get from activating the anti-lock braking system? It’s not “scary” and you know you should keep your foot down. The problem is that the average driver or new-car shopper is not an enthusiast. Lexus knows this and it has created an event to help educate its salesmen around the country, who in turn can better explain the safety systems available on the cars in the showroom.

The Lexus Safety Experience is a half-day event that highlights the safety tech fitted to most Lexus vehicles (some 2010 models and all 2011s). In short, it decodes the aforementioned acronym alphabet soup and then demonstrates exactly what each one does. What does VSC stand for? What is TRAC and VDIM? Is EBD something I should get tested for?

Lexus CT 200h

Good news for lexus fans: luxury automaker has announced that it will unveil the production version of the first full hybrid vehicle that bears the name CT 200h at the Geneva Auto Show in the beginning of March.

The five-door model is designed to go against the Audi A3 and the BMW 1-Series hatches with Lexus claiming that it will offer “new levels of refinement and attention to detail, without compromising style or driving pleasure”.

The Lexus CT 200h will equipped with second-generation Hybrid Drive technology and that it can be driven exclusively in all-electric mode.

Even though it is speculated that the CT 200h will use the same FWD hybrid powertrain as the Lexus HS 250h, this has not been officially confirmed.

BREAKING: Lexus recalls HS250h over risk of excessive fuel leakage

Back in the 1970s, the Ford Pinto was the focus of many headlines due to a fuel tank issue which caused excessive amounts of gasoline to leak during a rear-end collision. Now, three decades later, Lexus is having a similar problem with its HS250h hybrid, and has filed a report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a voluntary recall of these vehicles. Up to 17,000 of the luxury hybrids are affected.

In the case of the HS, excessive fuel leakage occurred during rear-end collisions at speeds of 50 miles per hour. We don’t need to remind you about the dangers of excessive fuel spillage, but let’s just say that the end result can be very, very bad.

As of this writing, Lexus has not advised NHTSA about what steps will be taken to fix the defective HS models. Make the jump for the full details.

2012 Lexus LFA

The production version of the Lexus’ LF-A concept, which has been renamed to LFA, made its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show today. Its a Lexus’ first-ever supercar which will go on sale at the end of 2010. The new Japanese supercar is powered by a front-mounted, purpose built 4.8-liter V10 engine that cranks out 553HP (560PS) at 8,700 rpm and 480Nm or 354 lb-ft of torque at 6,800 rpm.

Lexus claims a 0 to 100km/h sprint time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h for the LFA.

The chassis and body of the Lexus LFA are made largely of carbon-fiber composite. The 4,505mm long bolid weighs 1,480kg with a front-to-rear weight distribution of 48:52.

Lexus has already began accepting orders for the LFA with deliveries expected at the end of 2010. Production of the base model will be limited to 500 units with pricing set at $375,000.

In the beginning of 2012, Lexus will also launch two special versions of the LFA.

Lexus LFA Online Configurator Launched, and yes, 'Passionate Pink' is Offered on the Menu…

For a Ferrari and Lamborghini challenging supercar with a hefty $375,000 price tag, one would expect that Lexus and its parent company Toyota would at least avoid offering any sort of “Fast and Furious” style paint options as well as the ability to customize the vehicle’s interior with weird color combos on the all-new 553HP V10-powered LFA sports car. Well, think again.

As you can find out for yourselves by fooling around with the just launched LFA online configurator, you can “rice-up” the Japanese supercar in variety of eccentric exterior colors including ‘Passionate Pink’ and ‘Lavender’ that can be combined with colored calipers and three different shades for the alloy wheels.

And that’s not all. Lexus also offers the ability to customize the LFA’s interior by choosing diverse colors for the seats, the steering wheel, the carpet, the headliner, the door panels and lower part of the dashboard, just to mention a few.

Unfortunately for some, bobble heads, racing stripes and underbody neon lights are not available at the time…

Link: Lexus LFA

Lexus LFA Special Edition Officially Revealed – As if this NEEDED to Happen… [High-Res Photos]

Lexus feels the need to release a sub-model of its LFA. As if the car needs any more attention drummed up; enough people are drooling over this piece of engineering arrogance as it is.

Officially referenced as the SPECIAL EDITION (and not Nurburgring Edition) in the press release , it’ll be available in Black, Matte Black, “Whitest White”, or Orange.

The LFA SE will come with canards and a fixed wing in CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer); you know, to make it more unique than the other $375,000 Lexus down the street. Also, they’ll apparently help at the track aerodynamically.

Power is said to get a boost from 560 to 570 horsepower (ECU work, most likely), and the suspension is “high-power-only”, whatever that means. The Special Edition’s SWs (special wheels) will be shod in grippy rubber (Haiguripputaiya), which should help get the power to the ground through the re-calibrated transmission.

Whereas a regular LFA’s shift speed on a track day would be around 0.2 seconds, an SE owner’s rack day will get done just a hair quicker at 0.15 seconds.

There’s no word yet on pricing…this is the point where clever people would usually put “If you have to ask…”, but I’m not clever, I’m realistic. You just can’t afford it. That, or you don’t live in the right area with the right roads.

First Drive: 2011 Lexus CT 200h

“Stealing” seems a touch harsh, so let’s go with “uninformed borrowing” instead. After all, Lexus didhand me the keys to a U.S.-spec CT 200h hybrid, along with a vetted and approved route book through Northern France, but I had different plans. I was on a mini-mission.

You see, the wife doesn’t ask much when I travel abroad. A phone call or two a day, keep hydrated and avoid the brothels. A simple list. But when she caught wind I’d be in France for the Paris Motor Show, she requested one thing: macarons. Specifically, the meringue confections from Paris’ world-famous Ladurée.

So with a willing driving partner and the sat-nav set to a location a few blocks from the Arc de Triomphe, we headed south to snag some pastries and give Lexus’ hybrid hatch a thorough testing in its natural (read: European) environment.

Toyota Land Cruiser and the Lexus LX 570

The new Toyota’s “baby” was caught testing in southern Europe. The spied SUV will be a next-generation version of the Land Cruiser (or it might be the Lexus LX?). While the Land Cruiser is offered with a wide variety of gasoline and diesel six- and eight-cylinder engines worldwide, it’s likely it’ll come to the United States, as it does currently, solely with a V-8 under the hood. 

But the current 4.7-liter V-8 is likely to give way to the new American-made 5.7-liter, DOHC, 32-valve, VVT-i V-8 that’s being installed in the 2007 Tundra pickup truck. In the Tundra, it’s rated at 381 horsepower, and there’s no reason to think that’ll change much in the Land Cruiser. And as in the Tundra, the 5.7 will probably be mated to Toyota’s new six-speed automatic transmission.

The Lexus LX likely will get a name change to LX 570 to reflect the additional liter of displacement in the new engine, and the interior will be redesigned for something more elegant than what’s currently offered. But don’t expect a hybrid version for this largest Lexus.

The new Land Cruiser and LX 570 should be showing up at dealers before the end of this year as 2008 models.

Toyota issues stop sale on 2010 GX 460

It seems Toyota’s learned a few things from its recent spate of recalls – react quickly, react decisively and repeatedly reassure customers that their safety is a top priority.

To that end, Toyota has issued a stop sale on the 2010 Lexus GX 460 after Consumer Reportsdeemed the SUV a safety risk earlier today and added the ‘ute to its “Do Not Buy” list.

According to Toyota, the automaker is investigating CR‘s claims and using the consumer pub’s testing methodology to determine how the SUV’s emergency handling can be improved. Furthermore, any 2010 GX 460 owner concerned about their vehicle’s safety will be provided a loaner vehicle from Lexus until the automaker can find a solution. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Toyota and Lexus show off at Tokyo Auto Salon

You’ve seen the Toyota GRMN iQ Racing Concept (lucky you!), and now it’s time to divert your attention towards the rest of the Japanese automaker’s wares being shown off at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

First up is the Toyota Prius G Sports Concept, which features the kind of gaping maw only the Mama Cylon could love. Rounding out Toyota’s offerings is the TRD Auris GT Concept, which we think actually looks kinda nifty with its subdued body kit and blindingly bright yellow paint.

Lexus wasn’t left out of the proceedings either, and its machines are arguably more interesting than its mothership’s. There’s the F-Sport CT 200h (a future production model) taking center stage with its unique alloy wheels, body kit and Recaro seats, which is joined by the IS F Club Circuit Sports Racer and a set of Club Performance Accessories for the IS F that include front and rear spoilers and a carbon fiber hood.

Last but certainly not least is the Gazoo Racing Lexus LFA supercar that raced at last year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours race. See both sets of vehicular craziness in our high-res image galleries below, then check out all the details in the press releases after the break.

Wald International gives the Lexus RX350 – RX450h the Black Bison Treatment

Feast your eyes on one of Wald International’s latest Black Bison styling packages that give the Lexus RX350 and its hybrid counterpart, the RX450h an aggressive new look. The cosmetic makeover includes a new front bumper with large air-inlets, matching side skirts, a new rear bumper that houses a diffuser, different treatment for the grille and a pair of twin tail pipes.

A roof spoiler and Wald International’s multispoke alloy wheels shod in chunkier rubber help complete the new look for the Japanese automaker’s luxury SUV. Customers can also upgrade the car with interior enhancements such as an alloy pedal set and specific floor mats.

Via: Autoblog.nl , Source: Wald

Lexus LS named Chauffeur CotY

Already a favourite among CEOs in the city, the top of the range Lexus LS 600h L has been awarded chauffeur carof the year, by The Chauffeur magazine in the highly competitive $100,000 to $200,000 category.

Judged closely against the German flagship saloons from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi, Lexus won the top spot in the toughest category for the most popular vehicles chosen by the chauffeuring industry. Key factors behind the judges’ decision included the Lexus hybrid system which allowed for lower emission and competitive fuel economy, build quality, and the reclining and massaging rear seats which can adapt for shiatsu back and shoulder massages with varying intensity.

Also contributing to the award was the Lexus Chauffeur programme which offers unique finance packages, designated staff within the Lexus Centre network for sales and service, plus access to the loan of a PCO (Public Carriage Office) licenced Lexus enabling chauffeurs to continue working in the event of their own vehicle being off the road for any reason.

Paul Gibson, Editor of The Chauffeur magazine commented: “I am delighted to present this prestigious award to Lexus for its excellent LS 600h L, which easily fought off its rivals in this sector of the competition. The vehicle represents true luxury and gives the chauffeur everything he needs to carry out his job successfully.”

Andy Simpson, Lexus Manager for National, Corporate and Remarketing said, “We are delighted to win this award in such a competitive category. This helps to reinforce the significant benefits of Lexus hybrid drive for the business user whether as an individual car or vehicle fleet.”

A selection of Lexus cars including the LS 600h L will be on display at Chauffeur Drive 08 which takes place on 20 and 21 April at the Farnborough Five exhibition centre.

The ‘L’ signifies long wheel base over the standard LS 600h saloon and provides extra rear legroom and can also be specified with the rear seat relaxation package. This includes the massage functions mentioned above, independent rear DVD player, fixed centre console with removable table and body temperature sensing climate control.

Lexus Safety Experience: Enthusiast knowledge made common

You’re an auto enthusiast. You know what all the acronyms on the buttons around your dash stand for. You understand that braking power can beat engine power 99% of the time. That feeling you get from activating the anti-lock braking system? It’s not “scary” and you know you should keep your foot down. The problem is that the average driver or new-car shopper is not an enthusiast. Lexus knows this and it has created an event to help educate its salesmen around the country, who in turn can better explain the safety systems available on the cars in the showroom.

The Lexus Safety Experience is a half-day event that highlights the safety tech fitted to most Lexus vehicles (some 2010 models and all 2011s). In short, it decodes the aforementioned acronym alphabet soup and then demonstrates exactly what each one does. What does VSC stand for? What is TRAC and VDIM? Is EBD something I should get tested for?

Lexus ES350 Facelift with Mild Cosmetic Revisions and Interior Enhancements Officially Revealed

Apparently it’s that time of the year for Lexus. Only days after the unveiling of the gently facelifted LS and GS model series in Frankfurt, the Japanese luxury firm rolled out the North American market 2010 ES350 sedan. For the new model year, the ES350, which is nothing more than a tarted-up Toyota Camry, receives some minor cosmetic tweaks in the form of a more prominent grille with additional chrome surroundings, reworked headlamps and tail lights, a new front bumper with revised lower intake and integrated fog lamps and chrome body side moldings.

The newly designed 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a split five-spoke design and four new exterior colors (Truffle Mica, Peridot Mica, Satin Cashmere Metallic and Cerulean Blue Metallic) complete the exterior updates.

Inside, the ES350 facelift gets new steering wheel controls, updated trim choices and driver’s seat memory while the revised center console now offers more storage volume than before. Other changes include the rear coat hooks and an Eco Drive indicator that are now standard across the range while all models come equipped with a total of 10 standard airbags thanks to the addition of new rear seat-mounted side airbags.

Finally, Lexus updated the audio packages and added a new hard disc drive (HDD) navigation system to the ES350′s optional equipment list.

There are no changes under the hood as the ES 350 continues to be offered with an aluminum 3.5-liter V6 producing 272 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 254 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,700 rpm. Power is transfered to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission

The revised 2010 ES 350 sedan will arrive at U.S. dealerships later this month priced from $35,675 (including delivery, processing and handling fee) which represents an increase of $330 or 0.9 percent over the 2009MY

Lexus GX officially off Consumer Reports “Don’t Buy” lis

According to Consumer Reports, it’s officially safe to wade back into Lexus GX waters. The luxury SUV has been removed from the infamous “Do Not Buy” list after Toyota solved the handling issues that landed the high-riding people mover in time-out. The Japanese automaker has corrected a software issue that allowed the vehicle to lose control during emergency braking maneuvers. All new models will be sold with the fix, and current owners have been asked to bring in their vehicles so that the repair can be made free of charge.

About a month ago, Consumer Reports found that during testing, the stability control on the new GX failed to reign in wild slides, thereby creating a potential recipe for a roll-over. The magazine’s testing resulted in an internal investigation at Toyota that eventually produced the software fix. To date, no one has been injured due to the glitch.

While the Lexus GX is officially back in the game, it may take some time before buyers stop associating the truck with the Consumer Reports black list.