Autoblog

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

Michael Harley — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Performance, Lexus, Reviews

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

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.

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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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Rumormill: Lexus IS F Evolution coming next summer, not-for-U.S. price

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus, Rumormill, Specialty

Progress to create a hotter, lighter Lexus IS F is ongoing, and according to recent reports from Japan, the IS F Evolution is slated to arrive in the summer of 2010.

Details on the Evolution are still unconfirmed, but as reported previously, Lexus is focusing more on weight reduction and handling than it is on power modifications. According to 7Tune, the harder IS F is likely to shed over 300 pounds, dropping the overall curb weight to around 3,400 pounds. Carbon fiber will be used extensively both inside and out, with more prominently blistered fenders fore and aft, and the costly weave used liberally throughout the interior, including the console and seats. Output will rise to around 422 hp and carbon-ceramic brakes are rumored to be fitted at all four corners. A total of 500 examples will be available worldwide, but with a price of around $250,000 U.S., most Evolutions will be sold in Japan.

If our green tea leaf reading is correct, we'd expect the Evolution to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show this year, although judging by the price, don't expect it to be available on U.S. shores.

[Source: 7Tune]

Rumormill: Lexus IS F Evolution coming next summer, not-for-U.S. price originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus IS F Evolution still rumored to be in the works

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Lexus

Lexus' attempt at a serious sports sedan has done its best to win hearts and minds, but that doesn't mean the IS F will soldier on unchanged through the economic Armageddon. Following up on a story that surfaced this time last year, Japan's Best Car magazine is reporting that although the Lexus IS F Evolution was initially delayed, Toyota is forging ahead with its hotter IS, and two test mules are currently undergoing testing across the Pacific.

Originally, the IS F Evolution was rumored to be packing a tweaked version of the 5.0-liter V8 putting out approximately 435 hp, however, Lexus has decided to keep the engine the same and instead focus on weight reduction, handling mods and brake upgrades.

The front and rear bumpers, along with the front fenders, will supposedly be swapped out with carbon fiber pieces, while wider wheels coated in 245/35R19 rubber in front and 275/30R19 in the rear will cover new carbon ceramic brakes. A few new exterior hues will be available, while the interior will benefit from even more carbon fiber and a set of matching Recaro bucket seats.

All told, Best Car estimates a weight reduction of around 300 pounds and a price upwards of $180,000, making the Lexus IS F Evolution a JDM-only affair.

[Source: Best Car via 7Tune]

Lexus IS F Evolution still rumored to be in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:01:00 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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SEMA Preview: 600 hp, twin-turbo Fox Marketing/Artisan Lexus IS-F

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:59:00 EST

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

UPDATE: We've added three more pics to the gallery showing off the blacked-out logos, grille, headlamps and color-matched front emblem.

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Fox/Artisan Lexus IS-F.

The 2009 Lexus IS-F is slated to get some serious attention at SEMA, and Fox Marketing and Artisan are out to prove that show and go aren't mutually exclusive.

The plan is to create an IS-F that has the power to match its presence, and to that end, Artisan developed a twin-turbo setup that huffs compressed oxygen into a 5.0-liter V8 equipped with JE pistons and Crower rods. With a Mishimoto radiator, an Artisan exhaust, a healthy amount of boost and a thorough tune, Artisan is estimating over 600 hp at the rear wheels.

Aesthetically, the team sought to compliment the stock IS-F's styling, so they've fitted a bespoke body kit consisting of custom front and rear bumpers, and a set of side-skirts that cleanly integrate into the blistered rear fenders. iForged rollers fill the wheel wells, sized 20x9.5-inches in front and 20x11.5-inches in the rear, and wrapped in Toyo T1R tires (255/35R20 front and 305/30R20 rear). The Glasurit Sunset Orange hue is courtesy of BASF, and according to Brian Fox, they'll be blacking out the headlamps, grille and emblems to tie everything together.

Artisan plans to have its IS-F exhaust on sale next month, and when we check out the Lexus booth this November, we'll be able to see Fox/Artisan's efforts in person, along with a handful of other tuned and tweaked IS-Fs.

Gallery: Fox Marketing/Artisan 2009 Lexus IS-F

SEMA Preview: 600 hp, twin-turbo Fox Marketing/Artisan Lexus IS-F originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus IS-F gets tuned by Wald

Dan Roth — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Lexus

Click above for gallery of the Wald IS-F

The extrovert of the entire Lexus lineup, the IS-F isn't light on visual or actual horsepower. Japan's Wald Tuning hasn't let that fact get in their way of releasing the Sports Line Black Bison bodykit. Wald's setup adds some visual aggression through an increase in the number of strakes and vents, as well as a trunklid spoiler. Doubtless, this get-up will add weight, possibly offering contradictory real-world performance from a vehicle that certainly looks like it should be fast. The amped-up visuals also help distract from the controversial fender gills, and the Black Bison package for the IS-F manages tack-on without being overly tacky. Well, maybe just a little tacky.

Gallery: Wald IS-F Black Bison

[Source: Inside Line]

Lexus IS-F gets tuned by Wald originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus Performance Driving School: Dates are available and the price is right

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Lexus, First Drive

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

The introduction of the IS F proved that Lexus was serious about taking on its Germanic counterparts, but it's taking another page out of the BMW and Audi playbook by beginning to offer a high-performance driving experience to prospective owners. The Lexus Performance Driving Academy has announced dates and locations for 2008, giving attendees a choice of two courses to suit their needs and pocketbooks.

The first course consists of a two-hour session that puts you behind the wheel of the IS250, IS350, GS460, GS450h and the IS F. These basic sessions are available on Saturday and Sunday and here's the kicker: it's free. If you're willing to take a Friday off, you can upgrade to the "Ultimate" session that puts you behind the wheel of the IS F for a half-day, and includes your basic chalk talk (racing lines, grip dynamics, etc.), a team time attack, timed autocross session and a lead/follow exercise around the racetrack. Not a bad deal for $295.

Four tracks are available, including the Autobahn Circuit in Joliet, Illinois; the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California; the Summit Point Motorsports Park in West Virginia; and the Atlanta Motor Speedway, in Hampton, Georgia. You can head over to the Lexus Performance Driving Academy website for all the details.

Gallery: Lexus IS-F

Lexus Performance Driving School: Dates are available and the price is right originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: WebRidesTV pits IS-F against RS4

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Audi, Lexus

Click above to view the WebRidesTV shootout.

It's tough to top Top Gear (as Gear producers are about to find out), but until Clarkson, Hamster and Captain Slow get back on schedule, the crew at WebRidesTV is back to cure our insatiable lust for all things automotive and in motion. Sure, it doesn't have TG's production value, but everything looks cooler with heavy vignetting.

This latest installment pits the Audi RS4 against the Lexus IS F, in what could be their best shootout to date. It's the battle of the middleweights and you can view the film in full after the jump.

Continue reading VIDEO: WebRidesTV pits IS-F against RS4

VIDEO: WebRidesTV pits IS-F against RS4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Lexus IS-F racer unveiled

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Japan, Lexus, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon

click above for high-res images of the IS F Racing Concept from TAS

Lexus quietly trotted out its IS-F Racing Concept last week at the Tokyo Auto Salon, but despite the official unveiling, more questions than answers remain about the future of the DTM-inspired sedan.

According to Winding Road, the racer was the brainchild of the IS-F's chief engineer, Yukihiko Yaguchi, who wanted to create a vehicle that further expanded the credentials of the IS-F. Unfortunately, when Peter Nunn questioned the Toyota folks about what plans it had for the concept, he was met with resounding silence.

Rumors are swirling that this particular concept is nothing more than a design study, with no intention of campaigning a similar IS-F competitively. However, Lexus is supposedly working on an IS-F to campaign in the SuperGT GT300 series in Japan, with the SC430-based racer soldiering on in the GT500 class. More surprising is that the IS-F currently being developed by the Japanese Bandoh team might be sporting a mid-engine configuration. We're not sure if that's going to sit well with SuperGT officials, but testing of the race car is expected to begin at Suzuka towards the end of February and we'll know more then.

Autoblog Chinese snapped off a handful of images of the IS-F Racing Concept in person while at the Tokyo Auto Salon and you can check them out in the gallery below.

[Source: Winding Road]

Gallery: Lexus IS F Racing Concept

2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Lexus IS-F racer unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Sneak Peak: Lexus IS-F

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 20:22:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Lexus

This past Monday's article in Automotive News, let loose that Lexus was in the process of developing a new line of vehicles that seeks to compete in the luxury performance market currently occupied by BMW, Audi and Mercedes.

Well, word is that Lexus will be unveiling its IS-F sedan tomorrow, ahead of its official debut in Detroit, and decided to drop this teaser image on us. We're not salivating quite yet, but the thought of a 400+ horsepower IS that's ready to do battle with the RS4 and upcoming M3 certainly has our interest piqued. And that stacked, dual exhaust outlet is kinda cool too.

Click the image for an enlarged version.

Detroit Sneak Peak: Lexus IS-F originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Dec 2006 20:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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