Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[BREAKING: Toyota to recall 3.8M vehicles to reshape and replace pedals]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/breaking-toyota-to-recall-3-8m-vehicles-to-reshape-and-replace/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/breaking-toyota-to-recall-3-8m-vehicles-to-reshape-and-replace/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/breaking-toyota-to-recall-3-8m-vehicles-to-reshape-and-replace/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Toyota has announced that it will recall some 3.8 million cars and trucks to reshape and/or replace their accelerator pedals. The action is the result of fears that loose floormats may cause the accelerator pedal to stick, increasing the risk of an accident. The recall will be the largest in the Japanese automaker's history, and it will cover a wide range of vehicles from the 2004 model year through 2010 - a complete list is available after the jump. The move comes after an earlier action where Toyota announced it would recall 3.8 million vehicles to only swap floor mats.

Working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Toyota will effect the recall by sending letters to owners of its Avalon, Camry, and Lexus ES 350 models by year's end. Five other models, including the Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, and Lexus IS 250/IS 350 will receive similar notices sometime in 2010.

The plan includes training dealer service representatives to reshape gas pedals, and Toyota will develop and ship redesigned gas pedals beginning in April. Those customers who have elected to have their pedals initially reshaped will still be able to have the pedal replaced when the updated unit becomes available. Vehicles fitted with Toyota or Lexus-made all-weather floor mats will also receive a new set of redesigned front mats.

Interestingly, Toyota will also install a a brake override system that will turn off the engine if both the accelerator and the brake are depressed simultaneously. According to Automotive News, this update will occur on "involved Camry, Avalon, and Lexus ES 350, IS 350 and IS 250 models 'as an extra measure of confidence.'" This action appears to be limited to vehicles that employ Toyota's push-button start system, but interestingly its hybrid-only Prius has apparently been excluded.

For its part, Toyota says the cost of the action will come entirely from its dedicated recall fund, a $5.6 billion dollar stash, and therefore, the recall will have "no effect" on its business. The news come on the heels of yesterday's announcement that Toyota will recall 2000-2003 Tundra pickups over frame rust issues.

A complete list of vehicles covered under the action and both NHTSA and Toyota's official press releases are available after the jump.

[Sources: Reuters; Automotive News; NHTSA; Toyota]

Continue reading BREAKING: Toyota to recall 3.8M vehicles to reshape and replace pedals

BREAKING: Toyota to recall 3.8M vehicles to reshape and replace pedals originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreakingnewsCamryfloor matfloormatfloormat recallFloormatRecallfloormatsfloormats recallFloormatsRecallLexus ISLexus IS 250Lexus IS 350Lexus IS250Lexus IS350LexusIsLexusIs250LexusIs350PriustoyotaToyota AvalonToyota CamryToyota PriusToyota TacomaToyota TundraToyotaAvalonToyotaCamryToyotaPriusToyotaTacomaToyotaTundratoyta recallToytaRecallWed, 25 Nov 2009 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo 2009: Rear-wheel drive Toyota Mark X had us at "mite-suppressing agent"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/tokyo-2009-rear-wheel-drive-toyota-mark-x-had-us-at-mite-suppr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/tokyo-2009-rear-wheel-drive-toyota-mark-x-had-us-at-mite-suppr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/tokyo-2009-rear-wheel-drive-toyota-mark-x-had-us-at-mite-suppr/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Toyota Mark X - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember back when Toyota actually offered rear-wheel drive cars? Sure, a production version of the FT-86 concept is on the way, and yes, you can get a Toyota-branded truck or plump for a Lexus that routes its power out back - but when was the last time Americans could get a proper rear-driver from the Japanese automaker? It had to be back in 2005 when the third-generation MR2 petered out. And for something with four doors? Let's just say it's been a lot longer.

For Japan's Toyota faithful, however, the rear-drive picture has stayed altogether brighter. Since 2004, the brand has offered the Mark X, a sedan that has shared much of its architecture with the Lexus GS and IS - including its rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. For 2010, the Mark X has come in for a freshening, and the conservatively handsome model has us wishing that Toyota would reconsider offering the model Stateside more than ever.

Sadly, we can't get too excited just yet, because Toyota isn't exactly coughing up all of the key dynamic details. Oh, we know that the second-generation Mark X will be available with either a 2.5-liter or a 3.5-liter V6 paired to a standard six-speed automatic transmission. But Toyota isn't talking much in the way of power or performance metrics, although it does admit that the smaller-engined model will still hit 62 mph in 8.4 seconds.

Further changes beneath the reworked skin include a tweaked suspension with lower-friction parts and beefed-up locating arms. An optional "sports type model" also adds a computer-controlled suspension, different power delivery settings (Sport, Snow, and Eco modes), paddle shifters, as well as variable-ratio electric power steering - a feature we don't normally associate with this class of vehicle. Did we mention the tinted head- and tail-lamps for added sports aggression?

Of course, it wouldn't be a JDM press introduction without some suitably improbable press release verbiage, and the Mark X doesn't disappoint. Toyota's design theme for the new model is "glam tech" which duals "the visual glamour conveyed by the vehicle with the 'high-tech' expression of its modern and precise feel." Not ambitious enough? The lux-oriented "Premium type" model features "refined velour-moquette seat covers... treated with mite-suppressing agent that also prevents static electricity."

"Mite-suppressing agent?" Toyota, even after all these years, you still know the way to our hearts...


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Toyota Mark X


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Rear-wheel drive Toyota Mark X had us at "mite-suppressing agent"

Tokyo 2009: Rear-wheel drive Toyota Mark X had us at "mite-suppressing agent" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allergydust mitedust mitesDustMiteDustMitesJDMLexus GSLexus ISLexusGsLexusIsMark XMarkXrear-drive ToyotaRear-driveToyotarear-wheel driveRear-wheelDriveRWDtokyotokyo auto showtokyo motor showtokyo2009TokyoAutoShowTokyomotorshowtokyomotorshow2009toyotaToyota Mark XToyotaMarkXThu, 22 Oct 2009 09:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Lexus at it again with tennis ball fuzz-covered IS350]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/lexus-at-it-again-with-tennis-ball-fuzz-covered-is350/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/lexus-at-it-again-with-tennis-ball-fuzz-covered-is350/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/lexus-at-it-again-with-tennis-ball-fuzz-covered-is350/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lexus IS350 Tennis Ball Edition - Click above for an image gallery

Andy Roddick, your new ride awaits. Lexus has followed up its golf ball-dimpled LS 460 L built to commemorate the automaker's sponsorship of the U.S. Open earlier this year with another uniquely-finished car that's got us scratching our heads. In this case, the Lexus in question is covered in tennis ball fuzz in the traditional yellow-green hue.

This fuzzy fluorescent IS350 was on display last weekend in New York City during the ongoing US Open festivities. Sorry tennis fans, we don't imagine this will be a factory option, though we do wonder if the finish could alleviate the pesky unmanned shopping carts that leave dents and scratches in our cars at the local grocery store. See? There is a practical application after all.

The boys from Kicking Tires happened to be in town while the Open was going down and they snapped off a few shots of the car in question. Take a look at a few of the shots in our gallery below and then check out Kicking Tires for the rest.


Gallery: Lexus IS350 - Tennis Ball Edition

tennis-lexus-1tennis-lexus-2tennis-lexus-3

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Lexus at it again with tennis ball fuzz-covered IS350 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lexuslexus islexus is 350lexus is350LexusIsLexusIs350tennis balltennis ball lexustennis ballsTennisBallTennisBallLexusTennisBallsus openus open tennisUsOpenUsOpenTennisTue, 08 Sep 2009 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[DetNews: Will Lexus become Toyota's Buick? Is it already?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/detnews-will-lexus-become-toyotas-buick-is-it-already/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/detnews-will-lexus-become-toyotas-buick-is-it-already/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/detnews-will-lexus-become-toyotas-buick-is-it-already/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Lexus HS250h - Click above for high-res image gallery

With a median buyer age of 56 years old and its reputation for longevity, today's Lexus ES350 may be the very last car many of the brand's buyers purchase. It's not like Lexus hasn't tried to attract younger buyers - those who may actually buy another car before being planted. Since its inception, the IS sedan has been a calculated shot at capturing the fancy of BMW buyers, especially the high performing IS-F. Youthful, eco-minded buyers will soon find the hybrid HS250h, but the marque's biggest seller is the RX350 crossover, something of an acknowledged yuppie mommy mobile.

An entry-level crossover slotting under the RX would give Lexus something to lob at the GLK, X3, and Q5, but that's not yet in the pipeline, says Mark Phelan of The Detroit Free Press. There's nothing wrong with selling cars to people who care most about reputation, quietude, and comfort instead of the car person's holy trinity of acceleration, handling, and styling. Lexus cars are fussed-over and the brand's buyers care about quality, so Lexus has that angle sewn up, but attracting younger buyers seems to be an increasingly important item on the punch list. Perhaps a leather-lined Sienna variant with a Mark Levinson entertainment system to grab the parent dollar?


Gallery: 2010 Lexus HS250h


[Source: Detroit Free Press]

DetNews: Will Lexus become Toyota's Buick? Is it already? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lexus agelexus buicklexus buyerlexus buyer agelexus islexus lflexus median agelexus oldlexus rxLexusAgeLexusBuickLexusBuyerLexusBuyerAgeLexusIsLexusLfLexusMedianAgeLexusOldLexusRxTue, 01 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[UK police replace Imprezas with Lexus IS-F cruisers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/uk-police-replace-imprezas-with-lexus-is-f-cruisers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/uk-police-replace-imprezas-with-lexus-is-f-cruisers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/uk-police-replace-imprezas-with-lexus-is-f-cruisers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Lexus IS-Force - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Objects you do not want to see in your rear-view mirror: Hungry dinosaurs, pissed-off exes holding rifles, mushroom clouds and this guy. Indeed, you're looking at a Lexus IS-Force, an IS-F that's been converted to a cruiser for police duty in the English county of Humberside, which includes the notoriously criminally minded port city of Hull. For the past few years, Humberside bobbies have been chasing baddies in Subaru Imprezas, but the AWD cars just weren't up to the task at hand. What to replace 'em with? Here's what the cops were thinking, according to Sergeant Mike Peck:

"The Lexus was tested during a 12-month period along with similar vehicles and proved itself to be ideally suited in providing a dynamically safe high performance chassis along with an electronically stable platform for the computer equipment. In the past this equipment has placed huge demands on vehicles but the Lexus IS-F easily met with our requirements. The final product provides a most formidable package and is undoubtedly one of the most advanced police vehicles in the world which in turn enables my officers to deal with the criminals who use the roads for serious and organized crime."

We're actually a little weak-kneed at the very thought of the IS-Force's existence. 416-horsepower 5.0-liter V8s with the power to yank your license tend to have that effect. Even on crooks.


Gallery: Lexus IS-F Cop Car

UK police replace Imprezas with Lexus IS-F cruisers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CopsIS-FJapanLexusLexus Cop CarLexus ISLexus IS-FLexus IS-F Cop CarLexus IS-F Police CarLexus IS-ForceLexusCopCarLexusIsLexusIs-fLexusIs-fCopCarLexusIs-forceLexusIs-fPoliceCarPoliceMon, 27 Jul 2009 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Lexus reportedly aiming to please younger generation, compete with entry-level BMWs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/lexus-reportedly-aiming-to-please-younger-generation-compete-wi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/lexus-reportedly-aiming-to-please-younger-generation-compete-wi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/lexus-reportedly-aiming-to-please-younger-generation-compete-wi/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Lexus IS350 C - Click above for a high-res image gallery

When Lexus was founded in 1989, it appealed to the staid sensibilities of its 45-year-old demographic. Now, those buyers are in their mid-sixties, and Lexus, faced with a 34.1% sales slip for the first six months of the year - more than its primary rivals from Germany - is rethinking its line-up and consumer experience to appeal to younger buyers.

Speaking with Automotive News, Lexus execs admitted they've grown too dependent on sales of the RX crossover, and in an attempt to right the ship - and score sales from BMW 3 series coupe and convertible buyers - they've begun a new push for the IS sedan, and in particular, the new IS convertible.

In addition to the droptop and recently released HS 250h hybrid sedan, Lexus wants to add an array of entry-level models into its line, including more "green" vehicles and sports-oriented models. The automaker's Taste of Lexus events held around the country to woo buyers into showrooms with ride-and-drives and hors d'oeuvres - reportedly costing around $1 million per city - are going by the wayside, and instead, Lexus is pushing its dealer training program to ensure top-notch service, along with a focus on tech-rich features and new, edgier ad campaigns.

Although the RX is still outselling all of its nearest competitors in the luxury crossover segment, Lexus realizes that it has to offer buyers more, particularly those in the coveted 25-35-year-old demographic. Hopefully, that means more high-performance and fuel efficient models, and less confusing (if artsy) advertising campaigns.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lexus IS250 C and IS350 C


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Lexus reportedly aiming to please younger generation, compete with entry-level BMWs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>IS-CLexusLexus adsLexus commercialsLexus HS250Lexus ISLexus IS-Clexus RXLexusAdsLexusCommercialsLexusHs250LexusIsLexusIs-cLexusRxMon, 13 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORTS: Lexus to build IS F convertible; existing IS droptops selling ahead of supply]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/report-early-lexus-is-c-orders-outstripping-supply/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/report-early-lexus-is-c-orders-outstripping-supply/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/report-early-lexus-is-c-orders-outstripping-supply/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Lexus IS250 C and IS350 C - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lexus has high hopes for its new IS250 C and IS350 C convertibles, and early returns give the Japanese automakers cause for optimism. Car and Driver is reporting that Toyota's upscale division will build a droptop version of its bonkers IS F sports sedan, and plans for that model are surely buttressed by brisk initial sales of the new IS convertible models. Wards Automotive says that IS250 C and IS350 C folding hardtop convertibles are being picked up faster than they can be made, prompting Toyota to increase production at its Kyushu plant in Japan to 1,200 units per month. The ISC is so hot in the Northeast that the region will begin receiving 225 units per month.

Scott Wracher, general manager of the brand's eastern area, says 85% of the convertible IS models will have the 204 hp, 2.5-liter V6, while only 15% will have the more potent 306 hp 3.5-liter V6. The manual transmission 250C stickers at $38,480, and $43,940 will net you the auto transmission-equipped IS 350 C (plus $875 for destination). The IS convertibles also have a lengthy list of expensive options, which will easily push the MSRP up to (and over) $50,000.

In related news, C&D's sources suggest that hopes for a roadster version of the on-again/off-again LF-A supercar (currently 'on again,' for those keeping tabs) are increasingly unlikely.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lexus IS250 C and IS350 C


Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc
[Sources: Car and Driver; Wards Automotive]

REPORTS: Lexus to build IS F convertible; existing IS droptops selling ahead of supply originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>IS-FIS250IS250cIS350IS350CISCLexusLexus ISLexus IS-CLexus IS250Lexus IS350Lexus ISCLexusIsLexusIs-cLexusIs250LexusIs350LexusIscToyotaWed, 08 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Lexus IS F pursues perfection, might need more personality]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/review-2009-lexus-is-f-pursues-perfection-might-need-more-personality/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/review-2009-lexus-is-f-pursues-perfection-might-need-more-personality/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/review-2009-lexus-is-f-pursues-perfection-might-need-more-personality/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2009 Lexus IS F - Click above for high-res gallery

The Lexus IS F is the sole Japanese contender in a crowd of compact high-performance sport sedans. Boasting a full complement of performance upgrades, including a 5.0-liter V8 mated to a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, the 416-horsepower sedan blasts to 60 mph in well under five seconds. But the stats only tell part of the tale. Do the sum of the IS F's parts make it a contender against the best from Germany and America? Let's find out.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Lexus IS F


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Lexus IS F pursues perfection, might need more personality

Review: 2009 Lexus IS F pursues perfection, might need more personality originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Lexus IS F2009LexusIsFfeaturedIn the Autoblog GarageInTheAutoblogGarageIS FIS-FIsFLexusLexus ISLexus IS FLexus IS-FLexusIsLexusIs-fLexusIsFReviewreviewsTestTest DriveTestDriveFri, 05 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Lexus IS250 C and IS350 C prove that going topless isn't always freeing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/first-drive-2010-lexus-is250-c-and-is350-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/first-drive-2010-lexus-is250-c-and-is350-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/first-drive-2010-lexus-is250-c-and-is350-c/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Lexus IS250 C and IS350C - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Lexus researched the target demographic for its IS 250C and IS 350C, respondents were asked what they wanted to do with - and in - their convertibles. When the answers came back, Lexus discovered that no matter how much driving and champagne and sun and moonlight were involved, the scenario always included at least two people doing one thing: engaging in NSFW activities. So the new IS convertible was designed to fulfill those dreams, and according to Lexus, this duo of folding tin-tops represents the automaker's wild side. But does Lexus even have a wild side? Make the jump to find out.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lexus IS250 C and IS350 C


Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc
Shot with a Nikon D70 and Nikon 18-200 lens

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Lexus IS250 C and IS350 C prove that going topless isn't always freeing

First Drive: 2010 Lexus IS250 C and IS350 C prove that going topless isn't always freeing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 May 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredfirst driveFirstDriveis 250 cis 350 cIs250CIs350Clexuslexus islexus is 250 clexus is 350 cLexusIsLexusIs250CLexusIs350CMon, 18 May 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Lexus unveils IS 250 Sports Concept in Sydney]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/12/lexus-unveils-is-250-sports-concept-in-sydney/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/12/lexus-unveils-is-250-sports-concept-in-sydney/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/12/lexus-unveils-is-250-sports-concept-in-sydney/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Lexus IS 250 Sports Concept

At the ongoing Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, the same show where Australian sportscar-maker Elfin took the wraps off its new Type 5 Clubman, Lexus unveiled a new version of its IS 250 sports sedan called the Sports Concept.

So what, you ask is the Lexus IS 250 Sports Concept? Think of it as IS F-light, but not quite as light on substance as appearance packages from its German rivals (think Audi S-line or Mercedes AMG sport packages). The show car has been outfitted with 19" wheels hiding cross-drilled two-piece rotors clamped by six-pot calipers up front and four-pots in the rear, painted trademark Lexus F blue. It also sports Billstein shocks and springs; sway bars and chassis braces; an enlarged air intake and cat-back exhaust; a new clutch and short-shift kit; a carbon fiber engine cover and an assortment of spoilers and skirts.

In short, what we're looking at is an IS F, only without the 5-liter V8. The revised breathing systems squeeze out a modest 1.5 percent increase in output from the 2.5-liter V6 for a total of about 213hp. The add-ons are currently being considered for the Australian market, but we're sure there are plenty of fans of the IS F on this side of the globe who don't need to hit 60 in the fours and wouldn't mind a more affordable alternative given the current economic climate.

Gallery: Lexus IS 250 Sports Concept


[Source: Lexus]

Lexus unveils IS 250 Sports Concept in Sydney originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Oct 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaisis 250is 250 sports conceptIs250Is250SportsConceptlexuslexus australialexus islexus is 250lexus is 250 sports conceptlexus is flexus sports conceptLexusAustraliaLexusIsLexusIs250LexusIs250SportsConceptLexusIsFLexusSportsConceptsydneySun, 12 Oct 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Updated 2009 Lexus IS images arrive on web]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/03/updated-2009-lexus-is-images-arrive-on-web/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/03/updated-2009-lexus-is-images-arrive-on-web/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/03/updated-2009-lexus-is-images-arrive-on-web/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view gallery of the 2009 Lexus IS

While work is reportedly be done on developing a cabrio version of the Lexus IS and a lighter-weight version of the fire breathing IS-F, the IS 250 and 350 need some attention too. They're receiving mild updates for the 2009 model year, images of which have found their way onto the web. Though not expected to officially bow until the Paris Motor Show in October, the '09 IS will be sporting an ever so slightly revised front end, new side mirrors with turn signal indicators, redesigned taillamps with integrated L-shaped reverse lights and a new wheel design. In true Lexus tradition, the exterior changes are about as minimal as they get and require close comparison with an '08 model to appreciate. We can see that the front bumper, lower air intakes and fog lights have been softened, but that's about it. While we don't know anything official about mechanical changes, Carscoop reports that a revised electronic stability control system will be part of the '09 package. Check out all the pics in our gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 Lexus IS


[Source: Carscoop]

Updated 2009 Lexus IS images arrive on web originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 lexus is2009LexusIsisis 250is 350Is250Is350lexus islexus is 250lexus is 350LexusIsLexusIs250LexusIs350Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[The heat IS on: Lexus planning IS cabrio, lightweight IS-F]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/the-heat-is-on-lexus-planning-is-cabrio-lightweight-is-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/the-heat-is-on-lexus-planning-is-cabrio-lightweight-is-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/the-heat-is-on-lexus-planning-is-cabrio-lightweight-is-f/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Lexus IS-F

The higher-ups at Toyota may have decided to axe the replacement for the Lexus SC convertible, but don't get too used to the idea of a world without a wind-in-your-hair Lexus. Word has it they've given the green light to a convertible version of the current IS sedan. Of course, lopping off the doors and roof of a four-door is hardly unheard of, as that's just what Audi did to make the A4 convertible, but while that 'vert is set to be replaced by the A5 cabrio, Lexus is going the opposite direction.

The IS cabrio is tipped to come in 250 and 350 varieties, with Lexus reasoning that there'd be no market for an IS-F convertible. But fret not, as the same reports suggest that a lightweight IS-F sedan is on its way, again going the opposite way of the Germans as BMW just canceled the M3 CSL program. Things are about to get a whole lot busier at the Lexus plants in Tahara and Ky?sh?.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Lexus IS F


[Source: AutoTelegraaf via eGMCarTech]

The heat IS on: Lexus planning IS cabrio, lightweight IS-F originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lexuslexus islexus is cabriolexus is convertiblelexus is-flexus is-f lightweightLexusIsLexusIs-fLexusIs-fLightweightLexusIsCabrioLexusIsConvertibleThu, 28 Aug 2008 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: the 2008 Lexus IS F]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/16/first-drive-the-2008-lexus-is-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/16/first-drive-the-2008-lexus-is-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/16/first-drive-the-2008-lexus-is-f/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the image above for a hi-res gallery of Lexus IS F pics

So we recently got some seat time in the Lexus IS F, and we can proudly report that it's not anything Lexus has ever been before. Does it really compare to the M3 and C63 AMG? In a little-kid-from-down-the-street-trying-to-get-in-the-game way, yeah. But that doesn't mean it shouldn't be in the game. Follow the jump for the full story, and check out the new gallery of Lexus IS F pics below.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Lexus IS F

Gallery: Lexus IS-F




Continue reading First Drive: the 2008 Lexus IS F

First Drive: the 2008 Lexus IS F originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Mar 2008 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredfirst driveFirstDrivelexuslexus first drivelexus islexus is flexus test driveLexusFirstDriveLexusIsLexusIsFLexusTestDrivetest driveTestDriveSun, 16 Mar 2008 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2007: Lexus F-Sport performance accessories]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/sema-2007-lexus-f-sport-performance-accessories/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/sema-2007-lexus-f-sport-performance-accessories/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/sema-2007-lexus-f-sport-performance-accessories/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click above image for high-res pics of the entire F-Sport line of accessories

Lexus is using the F brand to launch itself into the arena of premium luxury sports cars. Hitched to the wagon of the recently introduced IS-F is the next salvo: F-Sport performance accessories. Presumably, if you like to tune your cars with manufacturer-backed parts, or if you have a 2006 or newer IS 250 or IS 350 and want to hook up a home-cooked IS-F, this is where you should look first.

Parts include: 19" forged alloy wheels, front and rear brakes with cross-drilled discs and blue calipers and carbon-rotored beauties with yellow calipers, a carbon fiber engine cover, performance air intake, lowering spring set, performance shock absorber kit, sway bar kit, and lower rear chassis brace, among other goodies. Follow the jump for the full press release, and be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res pics.

Gallery: Lexus F-Sport performance accessories


Continue reading SEMA 2007: Lexus F-Sport performance accessories

SEMA 2007: Lexus F-Sport performance accessories originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f motorsportf sport accessoriesFMotorsportFSportAccessorieslexuslexus f accessorieslexus islexus is-fLexusFAccessoriesLexusIsLexusIs-fsemasema 2007Sema2007Wed, 31 Oct 2007 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Finalists announced for 2006 World Car of the Year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/24/finalists-announced-for-2006-world-car-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/24/finalists-announced-for-2006-world-car-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/24/finalists-announced-for-2006-world-car-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



May I have the envelope, please? Not quite yet.

However... the finalists are:

  • BMW 3-Series
  • Honda Civic/Civic Hybrid
  • Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  • Lexus IS
  • Mazda MX-5
  • Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  • Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  • Porsche Cayman S
  • Suzuki Swift
  • Volkswagen Passat

The finalists were selected by a jury of 46 international automotive journalists in a secret ballot. To pick the winner, the jury will rate each finalist in terms of overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal, and significance. The winner will be announced at the New York International Auto Show in April. (Last year's winner was the Audi A6.)

Three specialty awards will also be handed out by the WCOTY program: World Performance Car, World Green Car, and World Car Design of the Year. (Finalists in these categories are selected separately from the WCOTY finalists.) Check out the WCOTY website for details.

Finalists announced for 2006 World Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2006 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-seriesawardcar of the yearCarOfTheYearHonda CivicHondaCivicLexus ISLexusIsMazda MX-5MazdaMx-5Mercedes M-ClassMercedes S-ClassMercedesM-classMercedesS-classnew york auto showPorsche CaymanPorscheCaymanRange Rover SportRangeRoverSportSuzuki SwiftSuzukiSwiftVolkswagen PassatVolkswagenPassatworld car of the yearFri, 24 Feb 2006 16:00:00 EST