Lexus to finally debut LFA with exclusive Nürburgring package in Geneva

 

Typically, when an automaker launches a new car, or even a variant on an existing one, we get a chance to see it up close at a major auto show within a matter of months at most. But it will have been the better part of a year by the time we see the Lexus LFA with the Nürburgring package in the flesh.

The track-focused version of the Toyota luxury division’s supercar was released all the way back in May 2010, but Lexus has only now announced that it will make its public debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March of this year. For a quick refresher, the ‘Ring edition LFA upgrades the 4.8-liter V10 by ten horses to 562 and drops the shift times down by 50 miliseconds to 150. It also gets an upgraded aero package, all for a $70,000 premium over the “stock” LFA’s $375k sticker price.

With only 50 of the total run of 500 offered with the package, this could be one of our only chances to see the track-prep’d LFA in the flesh, so watch this space in a few weeks’ time for live shots from the Geneva Palexpo show floor.

 

Source:Autoblog

Lexus LFA launch control details revealed

As any drag racer will tell you, achieving the perfect launch is something of an art form. Or maybe it’s closer to a religion to the people constantly struggling to find exactly the right RPM, clutch technique and number of prayers to the God of the Quarter Mile.

Naturally, having a computer take all the guesswork out of the process (cheating? Not if everyone else is doing it… and they are) makes everything more than a little bit easier. The Lexus LFA is the latest supercar to get the technology here in the States. But how does it work?

Glad you asked. Lexus’ carbon fiber wonder-mobile is finally hitting the streets, and its handy-dandy owner’s manual outlines the launch controll process rather nicely. Nicely, but not exactly easily… as you might expect from a factory-installed technology that is known to be rather stressful on drivetrain components. See what we mean after the break.

 

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.

Chicago Show: Lexus ES 350 & RX 350 Pebble Beach Editions

Lexus introduced two limited versions of its ES 350 sedan and RX 350 crossover at the Chicago Auto Show. Both Pebble Beach editions of the RX and ES feature signature colors, extra options and unique badging and their production will be limited to 6,000 vehicles each.

Available from mid-February, the RX 350 Pebble Beach Collection will be offered in three colors: Classic Silver Metallic, Obsidian Black and Truffle Mica. The RX features included new 18-inch wheels, chrome grille, color-keyed rear spoiler, special interior trim combination, customized floormats and exterior badging with Pebble Beach Company’s signature logo. The base MSRP of the FWD RX 350 is $37,500 and $38,900 for the AWD model. -Continued

The ES 350 Pebble Beach Edition that will be available from mid-March is offered in the exclusive Truffle Mica color, as well as Tungsten Pearl Silver and Obsidian Black. The 7-spoke 17-inch wheels come with an exclusive liquid graphite finish while the interior of the ES features semi-aniline leather and a wood and leather steering wheel. The ES Pebble Beach Edition also features Pebble Beach Edition logoed floormats and special badging on the front fenders. Prices for the ES will be announced at a later date.

Lexus BS Compact Hatchback – Rendering

Just last week, Tokuichi Uranishi, a Toyota executive vice president, told German car magazine Auto Motor und Sport, that Lexus is interested in developing a compact hatch. “We can foresee a competitor to the BMW 1-Series” said Uranishi. This year, Lexus expects to sell around 55,000 units in Europe but its targeting annual sales of 150,000 units by 2015 and the addition of a lower priced (than the IS) entry-model would definitely help Lexus achieve that goal.

We’re not sure if this rendering of the so-called BS series that we discovered in the net has anything to do with reality, but we can tell you that if Lexus goes ahead and introduces the compact hatch, it’ll most likely be based on the IS platform and mechanics (front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout)

Lexus Announces Debut Of New Performance Accessory Line At SEMA

In addition to the presentation of nine projects tuned by the specialty-equipment industry, Lexus will also unveil an all-new performance accessory line at the SEMA Show on October 30. The Japanese firm didn’t give any details in its press release but expect something of the likes of Audi’s “S-Line” or BMW’s “M-Pack”. Also, Lexus added that the 400 HP IS-F will be available for test drives on the Motor Trend Proving Ground during the show. All you SEMA Show registered members can simply go to www.lexus.com/isfdrive and sign up for a lap around the circuit. -Press release after the jump.

Video: Lexus IS-F At The Laguna Seca

What a lovely day for p0rn0licious car videos here at Carscoop. Following our BMW M3 vs Bugatti Veyron and Ferrari F430 Scuderia video clips earlier today, here’s one featuring the all-new 400Hp Lexus IS-F. And it too, will lift you off your feet. The 1:20 minute long film includes awesome scenes from the California Taste of Lexus Event held back in August at the Laguna Seca Raceway.

Via: thepassionatepursuit (Thanks for sharing Kevin!)

Lexus SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition

At the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Lexus Fashion Preview on Friday, Aug. 17, Lexus will unveil a limited edition version of its SC 430 Coupe-Convertible. Dubbed “Pebble Beach”, the special edition SC 430 will be available in a limited production of 360 vehicles with sales kicking off in late August. Don’t expect any surprises though as the basic difference between the SC 430 “Pebble Beach” and a standard SC 430 is the exclusive exterior/interior color combination along with a few chrome badges here and there

Lexus Manager Forecasts Plans For An IS Coupe!

While we were taking a second look at the official press release on the Australian market only IS 250X, we boringly sat down and read Lexus Australia divisional manager, John Roca’s comments on the specific version. Thank God we did cause to our surprise, Mr Roca had something quite interesting to say about Lexus’ future plans on the IS line-up. Here’s the contentious part from Mr Roca’s quotes:

“We are very excited about some of the upcoming developments for the IS Line, including the V8-powered IS-F and potentially, an IS coupe in the future”

Despite the rumors, up until now, Lexus had remained tight-lipped on the possibility of the introduction of an IS Coupe. But should we take Mr Roca’s words for granted? In our opinion, that’s a crystal-clear yes as due to his position, Mr Roca has definitely been officially informed about Lexus’ future model line-up.

Lexus Australia Introduces Limited Edition IS 250X

Celebrating the milestone sale of more than 5000 IS 250′s in the land of Down Under Lexus Australia will release a limited edition model dubbed “IS 250X”. Due in showrooms in late July, the IS 250X will be available in only 260 examples. Despite its promising name though, the IS 250X’s unique features are limited to a set of five-spoke, 18″ alloy wheels, “X” badging and a one-off Vermilion (red) exterior colour (Metallic Silver and Onyx (black) will also be available, with all colours matched to black leather interior).

5th Gear Tests The Lexus IS220d And Compares It To BMW’s 320d : Video

In this episode, 5th Gear’s Tom Ford took the new Lexus IS220d to Rome to test it out. Fitted with a 2.2-liter, 4cylinder turbo-diesel engine that pumps out 177Hp /130kw, the IS200d can go from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 8,9 sec while it reaches a top speed of 218 km/h (135mph). Its avg. consumption is just 5.4 liters/100km or 44 mpg. It’s sexy and it’s cheaper than the BMW 320d. But does all this make it a car good enough to rival BMW’s ultimate sport salon? Check the video to find out what 5th Gear thinks. Via: thepassionatepursuit

Lexus IS By Wald International

apanese tuner Wald International has presented a new sport package for the Lexus IS 200 / 350 models. The “Elegance” sport kit includes a new front spoiler, side steps, a rear wing, a rear skirt, and a dark grille/ while 19-inch polished alloy wheels. Wald International also offers a wide-range of alloy wheels including these 19-inch polished rims that look deliciously sexy on the IS. The end result, especially in this particular black bodypaint, is one mean looking Lexus.

Fabulous (…) Lexus LS460

First of all let’s get this straight; we may find this supped-up LS460 impressive, but under no circumstances fabulous. That’s just the name of the Japanese tuner who offers this bodykit consisting of front and rear spoilers and a subtle rear wing. And oh yeah, just to spice things up Fabulous also threw in massive 22’’ alloys in 245/30 tires up front and… 295/22 on the rear axle. -More images after the jump (click “Read More”)

Via: Autoblog.nl

Lexus RX 400h Ad Banned For Misleading Low-Emissions Implications!

Our friendly British advertising watchdog has done it again by banning a Lexus magazine advert for the RX 400h on the grounds of false claims! For those of you with a hefty memory, the British Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) had banned Ford’s “Focus Zetec Climate” TV ad last year due to complaints from two viewers who said that it was misleading.

The magazine ad for the Lexus RX 400h was headlined “HIGH PERFORMANCE. LOW EMISSIONS. ZERO GUILT”. Following the picture of the SUV, there was a text stating “RX 400h. The world’s first high performance hybrid SUV … category-leading low CO2 emissions. A combination without equal. Or compromise”. In the small print, Lexus stated that the RX 400h’s carbon dioxide emissions figure was 192g/km CO2. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

ASA received 10 complainants stating that Lexus’ advert was misleading as it falsely implied that the SUV caused little or no harm to the environment. Lexus argued that the CO2 emissions of the RX 400h were very low compared to those of core competitors within its category and that the prominence of the illustration of the vehicle in the ad clarified the type of car the headline claims referred to and also the class of vehicle to which they applied.

The British advertising watchdog wasn’t convinced. In their release, they scold Lexus not to imply in future that a car caused little or no harm to the environment and had low CO2 emissions in comparison with all cars if that was not the case. Ouch…

Lexus IS Coupe-Cabrio: The Missing Link?

All kinky and wet? Too bad, cause the Lexus IS CC you’re looking at above is nothing more and nothing less than a CGI (Computer Generated Image), scanned from Japanese car magazine, “Car-Top”, and based on pure speculations. Bummer. Before we start sinking in our chair in shame, we’ll happily accept your props for the worst possible way to start an article concerning a scoop. Still haven’t scrolled down to our next post or even worse… to another blog? Guess then we should give you a reason for the article’s existence. Ok, here goes; speculations or not, we believe that the IS CC would be the perfect addition in Lexus’ line-up. Not only sales-wise but also image-wise.

Look at Lexus’ current range: IS, GS, LS, ES, SC, RX, LX and the GX. SC apart, it’s all about family sedans and SUV’s. Now, check out the competition. With the exception of Cadillac, every serious luxury car manufacturer has a mid-sized, 4seater coupe or/and a cabriolet in their line-up: BMW 3-Series Coupe & CC, Audi A5 Coupe, Mercedes CLK Coupe & Cabriolet and Infiniti G35 Coupe. Heck, even Volvo has one, the C70.

Agreed; the upcoming IS-F can boost Lexus’ sporty image -potentially cause don’t forget what happened to Volvo’s “R” range. Why not have a back-up plan with a mid-size coupe-cabriolet? Not only will it appeal to a wider audience than the IS-F, but also it can seriously help Lexus in its European conquest. Even if you look at it from a marketing point, take out the mid-sized, 4seater coupes and soft-tops and here’s what’s left: 3-Series Convertible & C70. Moreover, from those two, only the bimmer is considered to be sporty. It’s a win-win situation if you ask us. Picture via: Nihon

Lexus Sues Porn Web Site For Illegal Name Use!

Seem like Lexus Cash and her girlfriends Tasty Martina, Voluptuous Valerie and ginger haired Heidi finally ticked off Lexus’ parent Toyota Motor Company who filed a federal suit in Detroit yesterday, May 31, 2007, alleging LexusCash broke trademark laws by using “Lexus” as the name of a pornographic Web site and its star.

Mama Toyota had warned those “bad people” back in December, 2006 by sending a “cease and desist” letter to the owners of LexusCash, Mario Mendoza, 26, and Katie Lynn Krzywdzinski, 24, charging intellectual-property rights infringement. According to the suit, the porno site “uses the mark Lexus in an unwholesome and unsavory context” and “is likely to tarnish and blur the distinctive qualities” of Lexus.

Clearly for reporting reasons –one has to see both sides of a story (…), we took a tour of the porno site to investigate whether Lexus Cash and her voluptuous pals could potentially tarnish the luxury Japanese carmaker’s name. In all honesty, we couldn’t quite figure out how mama Toyota linked the porn site with its high-end baby. Heck, we wouldn’t have known that the Lexus Cash vixen ever existed if it wasn’t for the law suit. And say we did, we wouldn’t of have made the association. Things couldn’t have looked brighter for Lexus Cash. No thanks to mama Toyota’s free publicity stunt, hundreds of thousands will pay her (literally) a visit… Via: freep

Detroit Auto Show: Lexus IS-F

And the moment we’ve all been waiting for: Lexus finally joins in on the super-fast luxury compact sedan craze that began with the German trio (BMW M3, Audi RS4 and Mercedes C-Class AMG) followed by the American loner, the Cadillac CTS-V. Dubbed IS-F, Lexus’s sport sedan wears a 400 Hp+ 5.0-litre V8 engine with power transmitted to the rear wheels via an eight-speed “direct sport-shift transmission”. Lexus claims that the IS-F can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.9 seconds. Not bad at all. If only its designers had avoided those “Pimp my Ride” exterior elements like the side air-vents and the “hunchback” styled hood…-Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release and a high-res gallery