The world at large may sometimes think that Lexus and passionate performance and enthusiasm are a mutually-exclusive oxymoron, but we know better, don't we? For years, our my.IS (née IS300.NET) members have shown the world that Lexus' smallest rear-wheel-drive platform series is a world-class enthusiast sports sedan (or 5-door hatchback or convertible coupe), be it stock or modified to its owner's personalized vision. Our brethren at Club Lexus have similarly shown that the larger GS, SC and even LS series models can be an enthusiast's dream machine. Lexus itself has stepped up to the plate with the IS F V8 sports sedan, the full F Sport accessory line for 2nd-generation IS and 3rd-generation GS models, the new-for-2010 LS 460 Sport and, of course, the pinnacle of Japanese automotive achievement, the LFA supercar. And now, Lexus invites you to share your enthusiasm for the 20-years-young marque by joining the Lexus Performance Registry.
A distinct subsection within the "Inside F" section of the Lexus USA official website, the highlight of the almost-a-microsite Lexus Performance Registry is, of course, the Registry itself, with its beckoning invitation: "PUTTING LEXUS PERFORMANCE ON THE MAP. LITERALLY. Welcome to the worldwide database of exhilarating Lexus performance vehicles. Here, you can... [Read More]
On Thursday 16 July 2010, the same day that Lexus revealed official information on the changes for the 2011 Lexus IS, IS C and IS F models (which we commented on in a recent my.IS Front Page story), the carmaker also quietly issued a Press Release with pricing information that bypassed the Toyota USA Newsroom's home page. Here's the pertinent info for the various 2011 IS models:
IS 250 and IS 350 sedans
In a pleaseant surprise after years of nominal annual and even biannual price increases that, over time, have really added up (does anyone remember when the IS 250 Manual's base MSRP hovered around the $30K mark?), Lexus has decided to hold the line on base pricing for its IS V6 sedans in the United States. This means that the base MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) for IS 250 sedans remains at $32,145 for the... [Read More]
There are a few names in the aftermarket industry known for building impressive show vehicles and one of the best-known is Fox Marketing. With a long-standing partnership with Lexus that has seen Fox Marketing develop two IS models for the SEMA Show over the past two years, we took company founder Brian Fox seriously when he announced plans on Facebook to build a custom CT200h and LS600h.
Fox has been partnering with Lexus since they first decided to showcase their cars at SEMA, helping the brand develop more appeal with a younger demographic. Lexus, in turn, did its part by delivering an F Sport line of performance goodies.
In a followup email with Brian Fox he confirmed that his company will build both models, starting with a twin-turbo LS600h – likely for this year's SEMA Show. As for the CT200h (which we have to admit we're more excited for), Fox is planning to roll out a turbocharged and widebody version of the luxury hatchback for next year's New York Auto Show. Fox says he intends to take his time with the CT, so he can, "really kill it with this car."
And if we know anything about Fox Marketing, expect some big wheels, custom interior and a brilliant paint job.
The 2011 model year promises, by and large, to be a quiet one for Lexus. The most notable news is the upcoming launch of the CT compact hybrid 5-door hatchback line and, conversely, the death of the SC convertible coupe, the first time in its 20+ year history that Lexus discontinues an entire model line. (The LFA debuts as a 2012 model year vehicle). Lexus' larger ES, GS and LS car lines, as well as its crossover RX and SUV GX and LX series all report inconsequential changes primarily centered around new exterior color choices. As to the IS, IS C and IS F models for 2011, they will receive updates that fall somewhere betwen these two extremes. Regular followers of our Front Page have already received broad hints as to what they are, since we have discussed and illustrated them in stories that appeared on June 4 and June 22. Nevertheless, with Lexus USA having just unveiled detailed and informative Press Releases, Product Information and Image Libraries, we certainly felt that a new article was in order.
IS 250 and IS 350 sedans
The most significant news is the addition of a fifth V6 sedan model, the IS 350 AWD (all-wheel-drive),... [Read More]
Score one for the good guys. While Toyota takes a lot of flack for having a product line that's geared more towards the common people than enthusiasts, most decent folk knew that the scandal regarding Toyota's unintended acceleration accusations was largely a combination of schadenfreude and political motivated rhetoric. People love to see the big guy take a fall, and this was no exception.
Now, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has analyzed vehicle data and their findings are consistent, showing that at the time of the incidents, the throttle was wide open while the brakes were not applied. This suggests that drivers mis-applied the pedals. Only one case, a fatal crashing involving a runaway Lexus ES350, where the throttle became stuck because of an improperly designed floormat. Toyota immediately issued a recall for the problem.
Lexus won't confirm if it will build the LFA Roadster, which we first saw in concept form at the Detroit Auto Show, but according to recent reports Toyota's luxury arm has no plants to bring the a drop-top version of its supercar to market any time soon.
Instead Lexus will focus on developing the coupe version, as well as the even higher-performance Nürburgring Edition.
Lexus has not indicated whether an open-top LFA is even possible. With the coupe model employing a carbon monocoque chassis, the entire cabin of the car is essentially an enclosed shell of carbon fiber. This means that a convertible version isn't as easy to do as just remove the roof and add in some extra supports.
Often automakers build convertible versions as a way to cash-in on a model, with drop-tops priced higher and allowing additional sales, while also reducing cost through economies of scale. Toyota's lack of interest in deliver an LFA Roadster speaks to a surprising shift away from mass-produced automobiles – at least as far as it's flagship sports car is concerned.
Toyota has announced that it will open six new product quality field offices (PQFOs) in different regions in North America next month, as it continues to reclaim its long-standing reputation for building quality vehicles. Earlier this year, Toyota opened its first such field office in New York and is set to open a second one in July in San Francisco.
Additional facilities are earmarked to be located in Jacksonville, FL to study heating, ventilation and air conditioning issues; Houston, TX to focus on trucks and chassis components; and Denver, CO to examine high altitude performance and SUV models. In addition two Canadian centers will be opened, with one in Calgary and one in Toronto.
Located with Toyota Motor Sales offices, Toyota wants to use the new PQFOs to investigate consumer complaints, with trained engineers and technicians working with local dealers and reporting to Toyota HQ. Toyota also says that the data it obtains from these new centers will be used in future quality improvement.
In yet another blow to the company's image, Toyota has announced that 270,000 of its vehicles are equipped with faulty engines. The problem is quite the opposite of the "unintended acceleration" issue, with Toyota stating that the engines could simply stall while the cars are in motion. No recall has been announced, but one is likely.
Toyota did not mention what specific vehicles are affected by the problem, but did indicate that some Lexus models are included. Japans Nikkei is reporting that the Lexus LS460 is one of the affected models, while the Wall Street Journal also includes GS and IS models.
Of the 270,000 vehicles involved, 180,000 were sold outside Japan.
Last week Lexus recalled the HS250h model after crash tests showed an excessive fuel leak occurred during those tests.
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The world at large may sometimes think that Lexus and passionate performance and enthusiasm are a mutually-exclusive oxymoron, but we know better, don't we? For years, our my.IS (née IS300.NET) members have shown the world that Lexus' smallest rear-wheel-drive platform series is a world-class enthusiast sports sedan (or 5-door hatchback or convertible coupe), be it stock or modified to its owner's personalized vision. Our brethren at Club Lexus have similarly shown that the larger GS, SC and even LS series models can be an enthusiast's dream machine. Lexus itself has stepped up to the plate with the IS F V8 sports sedan, the full F Sport accessory line for 2nd-generation IS and 3rd-generation GS models, the new-for-2010 LS 460 Sport and, of course, the pinnacle of Japanese automotive achievement, the LFA supercar. And now, Lexus invites you to share your enthusiasm for the 20-years-young marque by joining the Lexus Performance Registry. 
On Thursday 16 July 2010, the same day that Lexus revealed official information on the changes for the 2011 Lexus 
The 2011 model year promises, by and large, to be a quiet one for Lexus. The most notable news is the upcoming launch of the CT compact hybrid 5-door hatchback line and, conversely, the death of the SC convertible coupe, the first time in its 20+ year history that Lexus discontinues an entire model line. (The LFA debuts as a 2012 model year vehicle). Lexus' larger ES, GS and LS car lines, as well as its crossover RX and SUV GX and LX series all report inconsequential changes primarily centered around new exterior color choices. As to the IS, IS C and IS F models for 2011, they will receive updates that fall somewhere betwen these two extremes. Regular followers of our Front Page have already received broad hints as to what they are, since we have discussed and illustrated them in stories that appeared on 
