Autoblog

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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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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How they made Lexus IS "Music Track" commercial

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Videos, Lexus, Luxury

The making of "Music Track" - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Lexus kicked off its "Wield Precision" campaign with a nice drum solo performed by a 2011 Lexus IS sport sedan. Now it's giving us a sneak peak into how the spot came together.

People from very different worlds collaborated to produce something unique. Engineers worked with a doctor of mathematics who in turn worked with a drum tech to figure out how to translate the vision of director Kevin Fitzgerald into reality. Once the piece was composed and the drums were placed, it was up to stunt driver Eddie Braun to precisely wield the Lexus through the course. Check out the making of "Music Track" after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Lexus IS

Continue reading How they made Lexus IS "Music Track" commercial

How they made Lexus IS "Music Track" commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2011 Lexus IS lives out Keith Moon fantasies

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Lexus, Luxury

2011 Lexus IS sport sedan in "Music Track" - Click above to watch the video after the jump

For 2011, the Lexus IS sport sedan is getting a mild exterior styling update. Up front, the grille and bumper are all new, while a new taillamp cover and tailpipe design update the posterior. Not one to be left out of a trend, the Lexus IS is also adding HID headlamps paired with LED daytime running lights. The upgraded lights are standard on the 2011 IS350 and are an option on the IS250. New color choices and wheel styles round out the exterior changes, but the most interesting update happens under the skin with the availability of all-wheel drive on the IS350. Thirty percent of customers opt for the all-wheel drive IS250, but now they can get the added traction along with an extra 102 horsepower.

Enthused about the updates, Lexus created a video of the IS sport sedan performing... a drum solo? In an apparent bid to highlight the precision handling of their IS sedan, fitted with F-sport parts, they pulled together a team which includes composers, a mathematician and a stunt driver. Music and driving go hand in hand and the beat this Ultrasonic Blue Lexus IS lays down is surprisingly good. See (and hear) for yourself after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Lexus IS

Continue reading Video: 2011 Lexus IS lives out Keith Moon fantasies

Video: 2011 Lexus IS lives out Keith Moon fantasies originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Toyota admits 270,000 cars have faulty engines worldwide

Zach Bowman — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Recalls, Safety, Lexus, Luxury

2010 Lexus LS460 Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

In 20 years, odds are few people will remember that 2010 was one of the worst years for Toyota in terms of recalls, but for now, it seems like the company just can't win for losing. The company has announced that it is currently preparing to recall a total of 270,000 Toyota Crown and Lexus LS, GS and IS models worldwide. As it turns out, some of the company's 4.6-liter V8 and 3.5-liter V6 engines were built using faulty valve springs that may cause the car to stall while driving. Around 180,000 of the faulty powerplants were sold outside of Japan.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the company says that some Toyota Crown, Lexus LS460, Lexus LS600h, Lexus LS600hL, Lexus GS350, Lexus GS450h, Lexus GS460 and Lexus IS350 models will be affected by the recall, and that it will initiate a procedure to fix the problem as soon as it can figure out a way to do so with the least amount of inconvenience to its customers.

The news comes as Toyota continues to try to put this year's bevy of recall issues behind it, including paying a $16.4 million fine to the U.S. government for delaying certain recalls. Thanks for the tip, everyone!

Gallery: Review: 2010 Lexus LS460 Sport

Photos by Frank Filipponio / Copyright (C)2009, Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

BREAKING: Toyota admits 270,000 cars have faulty engines worldwide originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:25:00 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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REPORTS: Lexus to build IS F convertible; existing IS droptops selling ahead of supply

Chris Shunk — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Lexus, Toyota

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.

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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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Welcome back to the rumormill: Toyota developing cheap RWD coupe

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 10:25:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Scion, Toyota

Back in March, Winding Road floated the idea that Toyota may be in the process of developing a rear-wheel drive vehicle in the same vein as the Corolla AE86 of the 80s. At the time, it was easy to pass it off as pure speculation. Now, the GTChannel says that its sources in the Land of the Rising Sun have also confirmed that a 2+2, front-engine, RWD vehicle is in the works and that if and when it comes to market its sticker will be "well under [$] 20k" - maybe even $16,000.

Considering that the Scion brand has quickly emerged as a cost-conscious means of stylish transport, it wouldn't be hard to imagine that such a vehicle would slot in nicely within the youth-oriented marque, even if its price would make it a direct competitor to the tC. The only rub is finding a suitable platform to build the new vehicle atop, and the only RWD vehicle that could fit the bill would be the Lexus IS. Granted, the $30,000+ sports sedan's underpinnings might be a bit of a stretch (or shortening, in this case) to make a budget performance car, but the ability to cut costs via platform sharing isn't out of the question. Maybe some of the old IS's architecture could even be used.

In the meantime, we're hoping to see spy shots of a tC-bodied mule making the rounds around the 'Ring, rear-wheels a blazing and powersliding into the Carousel.

[Source: GTChannel]

Welcome back to the rumormill: Toyota developing cheap RWD coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TOM'S does up the IS350

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 17:06:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Japan, Lexus

Although the upcoming IS-F has got many a Lexus enthusiast's blood boiling, those that are already content with their IS350 can benefit from one of Japan's top Toyota tuners: TOM'S.

The aftermarket firm specializes in all things ToMoCo, including campaigning a number of vehicles in Super GT, Formula Nippon and Formula 3. As with all good tuners, that extensive motorsports experience filters down to its consumer-grade products and has served, up until the introduction of the IS-F, as Toyota's unofficial M and AMG tuning house.

[Source: Nihon Car and Bike]

Continue reading TOM'S does up the IS350

TOM'S does up the IS350 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Lexus IS500

John Neff — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz

The Lexus brand was built on the idea that no segment is sacred, and for too long the German automakers have owned the high-performance entry-level luxury market. The BMW M3, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG, and the Audi S4/RS4 go at each other like Rottweilers fighting over the last piece of Kibble, and now Lexus is planning to stick its snout in the fray with this IS500 seen track testing at the Nurburgring in Germany.

The IS500 will be a more potent version of the IS sedan that currently tops out at 306 horsepower in IS350 trim (that's with a 3.5L V6). The photos reveal flared fenders, an aggressive face and oddly stacked quad-tailpipes. According to The Car Connection, the IS500 will probably receive the 4.6-liter V8 from the new Lexus LS460 (wouldn't that make it an IS460?), which would up the power to around 380 horsepower. That's not enough in some cases to compete nose-to-nose with the Germans, but apparently Lexus says it won't get dragged into a horsepower war. We're sure it will find other ways in which to tussle with its German competition.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Spy Shots: Lexus IS500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jul 2006 08:01:00 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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