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Watch Lexus SEMA showcars get crushed

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 28 May 2012 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Etc., Videos, Lexus

Anyone familiar with the annual SEMA show should recognize the name Fox Marketing. After all, the company shows up to the tuning show in Las Vegas every year with an interesting creation or two. But now, we're going to watch two of those modded vehicles meet their demise.

In the video, Brian Fox talks about the two vehicles being sent to the crusher - a twin-turbocharged Lexus IS F and special IS C - saying that all manufacturers crush their media fleet vehicles. That's not entirely true, though. Yes, many press vehicles are crushed, but they're commonly of the pre-production sort or are simply cars that were never issued VINs. Show cars, like these SEMA one-offs, are usually crushed, as well.

Scroll down to see the action unfold, though we recommend jumping ahead to the 2:00 mark - that's where things start to get interesting. Click through the gallery below, as well, to see some still shots from Fox Marketing's day at the crusher.

Continue reading Watch Lexus SEMA showcars get crushed

Watch Lexus SEMA showcars get crushed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 May 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Lexus IS 350C F Sport Special Edition limited to 175 units, priced from $55,120*

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Lexus, Luxury

2011 Lexus IS 350C F Sport Special Edition - Click above for high-res image

Lexus has just released a limited-edition version of the IS 350C convertible that will go on sale later this month. Called the F Sport Special Edition, the droptop is limited to a scant 175 units, priced from $55,120, not including delivery and processing fees.

To set it apart from other IS 350Cs, the F Sport Special Edition benefits from a few visual tweaks. It rides on 19-inch forged alloy wheels with a dark graphite finish and the only two exterior colors available are Starfire Pearl (pictured) or Obsidian. Other F Sport touches include Bilstein shocks and lowering springs that bring the IS one inch closer to the ground, and a unique sway bar set has been added, too.

The interior is padded with black and red leather surfaces, and both heated and cooled seats are standard. Navigation is also part of the Special Edition package, encompassing things like a rearview camera, Lexus Enform and the full host of XM infotainment features. Hit the jump for the official press blast.

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading 2011 Lexus IS 350C F Sport Special Edition limited to 175 units, priced from $55,120*

2011 Lexus IS 350C F Sport Special Edition limited to 175 units, priced from $55,120* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Lexus preparing soft-top SC430 successor

Noah Joseph — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Lexus, Rumormill

2009 Lexus SC430 Pebble Beach Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the Lexus IS C is enjoying strong early sales and the luxury Toyota marque prepares to launch a version with the 5.0-liter V8 from the IS F, the top-of-the-line SC 430 grows increasingly irrelevant and long-in-the-tooth. However, contrary to reports that surfaced this time last year - 'tis the season for convertibles, after all - Lexus is indeed planning a successor to the range-topping coupe-cabrio.

Reports indicate that, far from the IS C replacing the aging SC 430, a clean-slate successor to the big roadster is in the planning stages. Because the SC has been around so long, Toyota's designers and engineers are reportedly going back to the drawing board. What they're apparently coming up with eschews the current model's complex folding hard top - one of the first on the market after the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 Spyder and Mercedes SLK - in favor of a simpler, lighter folding soft top.

With a new SC 430, an IS F convertible and a potential LF-A roadster all in the pipeline, the forecast looks sunny for Lexus.

[Source: Car and Driver]

REPORT: Lexus preparing soft-top SC430 successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Lexus launches new TV ads for IS C

John Neff — Tue, 19 May 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Marketing/Advertising, Lexus

Lexus IS C commercials - Click above to watch after the jump

Not since Ice Cube and Mark Wahlberg famously argued in the movie Three Kings about whether or not Lexus made a convertible have we cared this much about the existence of a drop top from the italicized L gang. Check out our First Drive of the IS250 C and IS350 C published yesterday, however, and you'll realize that it's all relative. The IS C is a nice addition to Lexus' model lineup, but we're not sure we agree with the brand's new marketing campaign that attempts to highlight the car's "mischievous" side. Mischievous for Lexus? Maybe.

The new campaign is spearheaded by three new commercials that focus on the IS C itself and one that highlights the entire IS line. The tag line for the three IS C ads is "Live a little... a lot." Titled "Hop In", "Running" and "Look Out", the three new commercials are a bit strange for our tastes - not in WTF? way, more than an artsy fashion. Strangeness, however, may help disassociate the IS C from other Lexus models that have been pursuing perfection in TV ads for some time now. Check out all four commercials after the jump and let us know what you think in the comments.

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lexus launches new TV ads for IS C

VIDEO: Lexus launches new TV ads for IS C originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 May 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus IS C starts at $38,490, RX450h at $41,660

Chris Shunk — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Green, Crossover, Lexus

Lexus has been struggling like every other automaker in the US, but it's hoping to get some help at the showroom floor with the all-new RX450h and the new IS convertibles. With the IS C launch scheduled for late May and the RX450h in line for a mid-summer debut, Toyota's luxury arm has announced pricing to help keep interest strong.

The RX450h starts at $41,660 for the base front-wheel drive model, and $43,250 if you want all-wheel drive. The 2010 RX hybrid is upgraded in almost every way, yet its base price will drop versus the 2008 model. The FWD is $420 cheaper, while the AWD model is $230 less. The newest Lexus hybrid will achieve 32 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, 16-20% better than the outgoing RX400h. The new standard-bearing hybrid crossover will also add 27 more horsepower versus the 2009 model, with a combined 295 hp split between the electric motor and Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6.

The all-new IS hard top convertibles are also en-route to your local Lexus dealer, starting at $38,490. That price will net you a base 2.5 model with a six-speed manual transmission. With a six-speed auto, the IS250C will cost $39,660. The 306 hp IS350C will have an MSRP of $43,940. The IS convertible three-piece hardtop is made of light weight aluminum and it retracts in a mere 20 seconds. Other changes to the IS convertible include new fog lamps and a revised front air dam. The rear overhand also increases by two inches, allowing the trunk to swallow a full-size golf bag.

The IS C and RX hybrid also carry an $875 destination charge. Hit the jump to read the very detailed Lexus press release.

Gallery: 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h

Gallery: 2009 Lexus IS250C

Continue reading Lexus IS C starts at $38,490, RX450h at $41,660

Lexus IS C starts at $38,490, RX450h at $41,660 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2009: Lexus expands F-sport parts to includes GS, IS convertible and IS AWD

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:42:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Chicago Auto Show, Tuners, Convertible, Sedan, Lexus

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lexus F-Sport vehicles and accessories

Lexus wasn't doing much in the Windy City this week, so it used the opportunity to release a new line of F-Sport accessories for the GS, IS AWD and upcoming IS C.

Thankfully, Lexus is keeping the majority of its F-Sport items focused on performance, beginning with 18- or 19-inch wheels and six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes, each equipped with stainless steel lines and uprated brake pads. Bilstein shocks, lowering springs, sway bars, a chassis brace, clutch set, short shifter kit, intake and stainless steel exhaust round out the performance options, while a carbon fiber engine cover, shift knob and floor mats appease the dress-up crowd.

When installed by an authorized dealer, the TRD-developed performance parts carry a 12-month warranty on their own or for the balance of the new car warranty. We're looking forward to getting some seat time in a fully-kitted IS 350 equipped with all the F-Sport goodies, so stay tuned for a thorough review. Make the jump for a listing of all the F-Sport parts.

Gallery: Lexus F-Sport Accessories

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Lexus expands F-sport parts to includes GS, IS convertible and IS AWD

Chicago 2009: Lexus expands F-sport parts to includes GS, IS convertible and IS AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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