Autoblog

Lexus gives Jay Leno a shot at driving its 2014 IS

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Videos, Lexus, Celebrities, Luxury

After we drove a prototype of the 2014 Lexus IS, we were told that Lexus was shipping it back to Japan. As it turns out, late-night funnyman Jay Leno was already in the motherland with the coming sport sedan, and he lapped it around Fuji Motor Speedway with Chief Engineer Junichi Furuyama.

This was probably during his LFA drive two months ago, actually, when Furuyama-san was even more tight-lipped about the IS than he was a week ago, so Leno has to make the best guesses he can. Leno goes over the whole car, then takes it out for a casual spin, so at least you get to see it in action. As for Jay's take, you'll just have to watch the video below to find out.

Continue reading Lexus gives Jay Leno a shot at driving its 2014 IS

Lexus gives Jay Leno a shot at driving its 2014 IS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Lexus IS prototype

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Lexus, First Drives, Luxury

No one was comparing the IS to the BMW 3 Series, and for Lexus that was a problem.

At the beginning of 2011, we rocked up to the parking lot at Southern California's Santa Anita Raceway to test the 2012 Lexus GS. This was the first sedan in the luxury brand's lineup to reset its intentions on the balance of sport and luxury. The previous GS had blanched into mute tepidity, and the new generation we drove on an autocross course and on a canyon road corrected just about everything; we liked its looks, and the Variable Gear Ratio Steering- and Adaptive Variable Suspension-equipped car moved its abilities into the realm of a true sports sedan, and it was great to drive. They absolutely nailed it.

In our review of that car, we wrote that the only other sporty Lexus was the IS, and that our favorite among its rank and file is the IS 250 with the six-speed manual. Specifically, we called it "a spirited little weakling of a car." Down on power but also on weight, it rewarded commitment and skill - it didn't have the gumption to compensate for missed shifts and bad lines, and because it was so easy to get wrong, the momentum carried through right to the smiles when you got it right.

Yet no one was ever seriously comparing the IS - Lexus' third-best-selling car - to the BMW 3 Series, and for Lexus that was a problem. You can't have your entry-level sports sedan omitted entirely from the conversation. So now, finally, it is time for the IS to get its dip into Lexus' spindle-grille-and-F-Sport-performance bath.

Continue reading 2014 Lexus IS prototype

2014 Lexus IS prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus bringing next-gen IS to Detroit

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:44:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

With ES, GS and LS models all now minty fresh at your local Lexus showroom, it was only a matter of time before we had official word that the company's IS had a replacement in the wings. That word has come down today in an ultra brief press release that names the date and venue that the sheet will be pulled on the new car: January 15th in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show.

Don't pay too much attention to the test mule in these dusty spy shots, we're told that the small Lexus has been "completely redesigned" from the inside out and that it has drawn inspiration from the sultry LF-CC concept car. In LA we learned that the LF-CC has been green-lit for production, so we'd expect to see a lot of cues from that car (in the gallery below) lifted directly for the all-new IS. New fang-face, here we come.

While a coupe and a convertible version of the next IS are undoubtedly in the cards, too, we'd guess that the sedan will be first to go on stage at Detroit next month.

Continue reading Lexus bringing next-gen IS to Detroit

Lexus bringing next-gen IS to Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus prices updated RX among other models

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Lexus, Luxury

So a new front-drive Lexus RX 350 will now set you back $40,185, but that's really not the most interesting pricing news from Lexus. That would be the RX 350 F Sport, which debuts for the 2013 model year in July, carrying a base sticker of $47,875.

While all versions of the RX get the new spindle grille, the F Sport packs Lexus' eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a performance-tuned suspension that employs Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, akin to what's available on the GS line. Cosmetic enhancements include a mesh grille and F Sport badges, aluminum pedals and black leather seats with contrasting white stitching. A unique set of 19-inch wheels completes the package, which we look forward to getting our hands on.

Lexus has also announced the base price of its hybrid RX, which will start at $46,805, and the hybrid GS. When the 2013 GS 450h goes on sale in May, it will be priced from $59,845. Additionally, the 2012 Lexus IS will see the price bumped $200 across the board. Scroll down to read the full press release.

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Lexus prices updated RX among other models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2014 Lexus IS to ride on stretched Toyota FT-86 platform

Zach Bowman — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Lexus, Toyota, Rumormill, Luxury

If, like us, you've been racking your brain to figure out how Toyota is possibly going to be able to offer the FT-86 anywhere near its price target, Road & Track may have part of the answer for you. The magazine is reporting that the next-generation Lexus IS will ride on a stretched version of the low-dollar coupe's platform, allowing Toyota to spread the development costs between the two models. With the production version of the FT-86 due in dealerships in 2012, the IS is expected to bow shortly thereafter in 2013.

Of course, this also helps explain some of the IS Coupe rumors we've been hearing recently, too.

An added nugget of goodness in this news is that the next-generation IS may be a sharper car in every way thanks to its shared bloodline with the sporty FT-86. Toyota head honcho Akio Toyoda has already made it clear that he would like to see his company's products return to their sporty roots, and as a result, the new IS should be quite a bit more athletic than its predecessor. Don't expect to see the Subaru-sourced flat four in the nose of the Lexus, though. Chances are the four-door will still get its power from derivatives of the four- and six-cylinder options currently available.

[Source: Road & Track]

Rumormill: 2014 Lexus IS to ride on stretched Toyota FT-86 platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next-gen Lexus IS mule makes the rounds

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

Next-generation Lexus IS spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Much like the larger GS sedan that we recently spied, Lexus is apparently working on a substantial overhaul for its smaller rear-drive IS, as well.

Though still in early test mule stages, the next IS is expected to ride on a shorter version of the GS platform, which could give it a slightly wider stance than the car currently on the road. Expect the usual sedan and convertible variants to be on hand, as well as a forthcoming IS coupe set to battle the BMW 3 Series and upcoming Mercedes-Benz C-class two-door.

The reworked IS sedan will likely bow sometime in 2012 and the coupe is pegged to arrive shortly thereafter with the usual V6 powertrains as well as an eventual high-performance F variant in at least one bodystyle. The only question we have is, will a force-fed four powerplant also join the party?

Gallery: Spy Shots: Next-Generation Lexus IS

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Next-gen Lexus IS mule makes the rounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cut It Out: Toyota's recalled pedal modification remedy detailed step-by-step

Chris Paukert — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Lexus, Toyota

Toyota/Lexus gas pedal recall modification - click above for gallery

Late last month, Toyota announced that it would begin its biggest recall action ever, summoning 3.8 million cars and trucks back to its dealers to combat "pedal entrapment" by cutting down the accelerator pedals of customer cars to avoid them getting hung-up on floormats, resulting in "unintended acceleration." Although Toyota plans to eventually substitute redesigned units for the shaved pedals (beginning in April), for the moment, it's shaved pedals or nothing.

Up until now, we didn't know what went into the modification process or how the finished pedal looks, as Toyota has worked hard to keep this process confidential. However, thanks to an anonymous Autoblog reader who happens to work in service at a Lexus franchise, we now have a much better idea of what goes into the process. Our source reveals that he's only witnessed the alteration carried out on a ES350, not the IS or any other Toyota model, but we imagine the process is quite similar for other vehicles.

In any case, the procedure is surprisingly involved, with the automaker providing the following tools to every dealership: A cutter, an electric sanding wheel, a gauge to measure how much of the pedal is to be removed and a smaller foam block to go under the carpet. Lexus is disbursing people from its area offices to train dealer technicians on the process, and Toyota is undoubtedly doing the same.

We'll let our source take it from here:

"We will have to remove the gas pedal from the vehicle and place it on a vise. Using the gauge, we are to mark the amount to be removed and cut it off. After this, we take the sanding wheel and angle the edges to make a smooth contoured surface that both looks nice and will not stick to the floor carpet or floor mat.

Also included in the repair is to replace a foam block under the floor carpet with a smaller one to lower the height of the floor slightly behind the gas pedal. What was explained to us is the foam block is glued to the bottom of the floor carpet from the factory. The block will need to be removed by heating the top side of the floor carpet with a hair dryer - not a heat gun. This is to prevent burning of the floor carpet.

(Click through to the jump for the rest of the process and more details)

Gallery: Toyota/Lexus gas pedal recall modification

Continue reading Cut It Out: Toyota's recalled pedal modification remedy detailed step-by-step

Cut It Out: Toyota's recalled pedal modification remedy detailed step-by-step originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Lexus reveals four tuned IS Fs, IS 350 and LX570

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Sedan, SUV, Lexus

Click any image for a high-res gallery

Lexus decided that its presence at SEMA should revolve around its most tuner-friendly models, specifically its range of IS sedans. So in addition to the Five Axis IS F that's been making the rounds since late last year, Lexus has tapped some notable names in tuning, along with a few magazines, to create a handful of bespoke vehicles to populate its booth. But the IS 350 and four tweaked IS Fs won't stand alone. They'll be joined by another Five Axis creation built around the GS 460, along with an LX 570 SUV created by the crew at Icon 4x4 Design.

Click here for our take on each model, along with official details on each IS F, the Lexus' F-sport-tuned IS 350 and the big 'ute.

Gallery: Lexus at SEMA 2008

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Lexus reveals four tuned IS Fs, IS 350 and LX570

SEMA Preview: Lexus reveals four tuned IS Fs, IS 350 and LX570 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Lexus GS 460 by Five Axis

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Sedan, Lexus

Click above for a high-res image of the Five Axis Lexus GS 460

Lexus is gearing up for a big showing at SEMA. In addition to bringing four tuned IS Fs, including one from our friends at 0-60 magazine and another from Fox Marketing/Artisan Performance, long-time Toyota collaborator, Five Axis, will be debuting a heavily reworked GS 460 in Vegas.

Also on hand will be IS Fs from Import Tuner/Tein and MotorworldHype, along with an ICON-designed LX 570 sporting serious off-road upgrades, an IS 350 kitted out with F-Sport accessories and a prototype body kit, plus the 2009 IS F with a handful of upgrades and a new interior color. Hit the jump for all the details.

Gallery: Fox Marketing/Artisan 2009 Lexus IS-F

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Lexus GS 460 by Five Axis

SEMA Preview: Lexus GS 460 by Five Axis originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Updated 2009 Lexus IS images arrive on web

John Neff — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Lexus

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.

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Lexus IS 350 readies for American Le Mans Series debut

Stuart Waterman — Sun, 14 May 2006 13:08:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Lexus

Team Lexus has been working feverishly to develop the new IS 350 racecar for the ALMS GT2 class, and it looks like they're getting closer to the start line.

According to Lexus motorsports manager Philip Gaviola, the team expects to begin testing the new car in the next few weeks, ahead of a race debut in July. That means we can likely expect the Lexus to appear either at the Grand Prix of Utah in mid-July, or at the Grand Prix of Portland at the end of the month. In any event, its unlikely that Lexus will give the nod for the team to go racing until the car is able to turn competitive lap times in testing.

As you might expect, the specs for the IS 350 GT2 are being kept under wraps, but a press release suggests a racing weight of less than 2,800 pounds, propelled by a "more than 450 hp" production-based V6. Regardless of the level of preparation, Team Lexus will face an uphill battle joining the series mid-way through the season, particularly in the very tough GT2 class, where it will face a host of Porsche GT3s, the Panoz Esperante GTLM, BMW's M3 and the very quick Ferrari F430GT. No official word yet, but expect another newcomer to join the series later in the year - rumors are rampant that BMW will field a Z4 M Coupe.

[Source: American Le Mans Series via Paddock Talk]

Lexus IS 350 readies for American Le Mans Series debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 May 2006 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus considering high-performance driving school?

Chris Paukert — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Etc., Lexus, Toyota

Time was when the notion of "Lexus performance" was measured in terms of panel gaps and service intervals. But as part of Toyota's plan to add driving emotion to the brand, the upscale marque is reportedly considering opening a series of high-performance driving schools... not unlike that of Ferrari or Land Rover.

According to Inside Line, the academy could possibly focus on more driving-dynamics oriented models, like the 2006 IS 350.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Lexus considering high-performance driving school? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Mar 2006 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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