Lexus

2016 Lexus RX450h F Sport AWD – Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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Way back in 1998 Lexus introduced the RX model, and it was an instant hit.  In those days it was a unique blend of car and truck. It featured a high seating position for a command of the road, along with the cargo capacity of a large station wagon. The RX offered the smooth quiet ride of a Lexus sedan, along with the luxury interior appointments they’d come to expect from the Lexus brand, and better gas mileage than any truck based vehicle. The public snapped them up like hotcakes. In fact it became the first Lexus model to sell …

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2016 Lexus LX570 – Road Test Review + Sport Plus DRIVE VIDEO / 100 Photos

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Welcome to the shockingly good 2016 Lexus LX570! This mid-cycle upgrade brings new styling all around, a fresh cabin and a healthy new dose of F Sport-infused performance.  This all moves the Lexus flagship dramatically upmarket versus its Land Cruiser sibling from Toyota. And you are looking at more than just a crisp jawline, industry-best LEDs all around and ultra-lux cabin upgrade versus its much-cheaper sibling.  The improvements are truly substantive, despite the two trucks sharing much of their glasshouse and door shapes. First thing to note in the LX?  This bluff new face up front is gorgeous and sets …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Lexus CT200h – By Carl Malek

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  Looking for a luxury branded vehicle that can deliver Prius grade levels of fuel economy without telling the world that you’re driving a Prius? Lexus thinks that it has the solution with the 2016 Lexus CT 200h, but can this sporty looking eco warrior successfully deliver stellar fuel economy while also living up to the lofty expectations that comes with donning the iconic Lexus badge? The exterior styling of the CT certainly does a stellar job of hiding its Prius roots. Wheras the Toyota’s styling can be best described as being boring and outright amorphous, Lexus designers went for …

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Widescreen Gallery – 2016 Lexus GS-F Meets 1700s Carolina Angel Oaks

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The spidery shadows of the Angel Oak Trees lining the Carolina coastline make for a cool respite from 330 sunny days a year.  That was their purpose, of course, when planted in neat rows on the major plantation driveways around Charleston. Bursting with leaves year-round, these trees even wear a layer of Spanish Moss to keep things cool — centuries before AC made this climate live-able for a Chicagoan like myself. The GS-F is quite a sight under the speckles of sunrays that can break through. The intricate grille detailing, purity of surfaces and absolutely perfect proportions on the wide-body …

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Drive Review – 2016 Lexus GS-F – By Ben Lewis in Los Angeles

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  Not Godzilla. More like T-Rex. To paraphrase Sally Field, “Lexus likes us. They really, really like us!” At least enough to let us spend some more time in the GS F. But we have some different perspective here, as this time, your humble scribe spent a week partaking in the GS here in sunny LA-LA land. And it ends up netting some mixed results. First, a quick rehash of the technical pleasantries. Like BMW’s M division, with models ranging between M235i’s and M2,3,4, and 5, there are F-Sport cars, and then there are F-Sport cars. F-sport is Lexus’ catch-all …

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2016 Lexus GS-F – HD Road Test Review – F*** YES!

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Nothing prepares you for the GS-F. Even after weeks of heated anticipation, the GS-F’s arrival out front dropped jaws. And whipped heads around with its sonics for anyone within a mile radius of the highest-performance Lexus four-door of all time. The GS-F introduction for the 2016 modelyear joins a comprehensive GS revamp of the tech, style and powertrains up and down the lineup. A new turbo four kicks off a nine-strong model range as the GS200t, while and this monster 467HP V8 tops the broad new GS offering.  F Sport upgrades for the GS200t, GS350 and GS450h are all available, with the middle …

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Drive Review – 2016 Lexus RC200t F-Sport – By Ben Lewis

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  Lexus’ new 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder continues to be a surprise to us. Like most premium manufacturers, the boosted four is the gateway drug to European-style performance while using less gas and polluting fewer carbons than traditional larger engines. In Toyota’s luxury division, we’ve had a mixed bag of results with this engine. We found it friendly and well suited to the NX Crossover, but lacked oomph and charisma in the IS200. Which then surprised us with how well it worked in the larger GS200 sedan, giving plenty of performance and a very luxurious demeanor. So the count is …

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2016 Lexus GS-F – GoPro Adventures! 3 Full-Throttle Drive Videos, LED Walkaround and Startup/Exhaust Note

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Updated 4.29.16 We’re very aware that the HD drive reviews we post here are not world-class. Not anywhere close.  Sticking a GoPro up and heading out has basically been our gameplan.  The uploading the ginormous video files to YouTube virtually unedited whatsoever.  The real way to do this would be to do a script, many takes, and then refine it meticulously in the editing room.  By an expert editor. Alas, the videos so far have been more of ‘extra credit’ additions to written drive reviews. Then this GS-F came along, and we had to up our game.  Still no script …

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2017 Lexus IS Preview – New Noses, Wilder F-Sport Upgrades and Quicker Sprint Pace

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The new IS is half-way here!  The revised model just bowed in Beijing with fresh bumpers, lighting, transmissions and infotainment. Why half-way?  We have only seen a partial look so far at the new US-market IS based on this debut.  The IS shown here in F Sport guise is wearing China-exclusive LEDs that are not the design we’ll see stateside.  The other show vehicle in China shows the base IS face, with new arrowhead LEDs, a slice of LED inside the lamp itself, and projector-beam main lights.  All good stuff — especially as these new lights have auto highbeams — …

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2016 Lexus GS200t – By Ben Lewis

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    If you read our recent preview, or saw Tom’s video of the new Lexus GS-F, you know that Lexus is going after the German ‘Bahnstormers in a big way. How big?  A 5.0-liter V8 that pumps out 467 hp at a zinging 7,100 rpm, backed up by a chassis that could easily handle a good amount more. It’s an amazing machine. But allow me to play the devil’s advocate here. If you want the most German of the GS models, go for the entry level GS200t.  Yep, the one with the turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder. Allow me to explain. …

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Speed Fleet Intro! 2016 Lexus GS-F – First 70 Photos in Caviar Black

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One of the hottest new super-sedans just arrived out front! Then something magical happened.  They tossed me the keys … and said bon voyage.   We’re barely an hour into this week-long tryst, and I can tell it is going to get pretty steamy.  467HP, active intake and exhaust, standard torque-vectoring-differential in back.  And perhaps even four-wheel-steering in Sport + drive mode??! Only a few cautious prods of the GS-F’s throttle so far, and less than a block of driving.  200 photos later, and we can’t wait to share this stunning M5 rival with you.  Rushing this a bit, as you might …

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2018 Lexus LC500 Cabrio Rendering

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Full details on the new LC500h from Lexus! Very interesting advancements… conforming to few of the hypotheticals we initially posed below. For example, would it be a PHEV?  Would it run a V8? No and no on those fronts. But fear not: a new Li-ion battery system and four-speed EV transaxle in back complements the3.5-liter V6 up front to deliver a ballparked 4.7-second 4.2s sprint to 60-mph.  That is deeply impressive for a machine that also offers a new Hybrid manual gear-shift mode and far less CVT drone than possible before.  Lexus’s explicit promise of “well under 5 seconds to 100-kph” …

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2017 Lexus LC500h – Next-Gen Hybrid Is V6 Li-ion with 4-Speed eTransaxle

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Full details on the new LC500h from Lexus! Very interesting advancements… conforming to few of the hypotheticals we initially posed below. For example, would it be a PHEV?  Would it run a V8? No and no on those fronts. But fear not: a new Li-ion battery system and four-speed EV transaxle in back complements the3.5-liter V6 up front to deliver a ballparked 4.7-second sprint to 60-mph.  That is deeply impressive for a machine that also offers a new Hybrid manual gear-shift mode and far less CVT drone than possible before.  Lexus’s explicit promise of “well under 5 seconds to 100-kph” is …

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2017 Lexus LC500h Joins Geneva Roster with Next-Gen Performance Hybrid System

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  Lexus just released its big Geneva news: the 2017 LC500h! This super-sports variant introduces a next-gen hybrid that Lexus calls the Multi Stage Hybrid System. No details on what this entails as of yet, but the new hybrid system promises a big boost in actual sportiness versus just extra efficiency. How will they achieve that ? There are more than a few ways.  First off, Lithium-Ion batteries are expected — which may be their first excursion in the Lexus production hybrid.  Until now, Lexus has stuck to the proven nickel-metal-hydride battery packs so well-known from the Prius and Lexus …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Lexus IS200t F Sport

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2016 Lexus IS200t F Sport Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman The Lexus IS series gets a new engine for 2016, a 2-liter, twin-scroll turbocharged inline 4 cylinder that makes 241-hp @ 5800 rpm, and 258 ft.-lbs. of torque @ 1650 rpm.  It replaces last year’s entry level, small 2.5 liter V-6, that made a meager 204 horsepower and a weak 185 ft.-lbs.  of torque.  This new engine is rated for 22 City and 33 Highway mileage figures. If the 200t moniker sounds familiar, it’s because it the same engine designation from the Lexus NX 200t, their small Sport Ute crossover …

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2017 Lexus LC500 COLORS Visualizer + Black Chrome Looks [150 Shades]

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This post goes out to the bastards at Comcast Xfinity! Why? It was the ongoing eight-hour LAN outage today that spurred a moment of creativity in photoshop.  With whom? Our new favorite subject: the 2017 Lexus LC500! After many hours and nearly 150 shades of future super-Lexus… we are thrilled by the idea of a possible BMW collaboration under these delicious panels. The cabio also seems only a snip and slice away!  The floating roof and minimal pillars all around the back glass of the LC500 make clear this machine was designed.  HARD! The tumblehome — or that area between …

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Best of NAIAS – 2017 Lexus LC500 World Debut! ~$88k 911-Fighter Also Stalking Corvette, SL63 AMG

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We knew Lexus was bringing some kind of supercoupe to the Detroit show, but had no idea the LC500 would be SO DAMN SEXY! Far from a GS two-door as some have imagined, the new LC500 is actually an all-new supercar flagship for the marque. Seating is 2+2 in layout, while the roof looks ready for a cabrio conversion, the LC500 is far lower, meaner and more intense than even the cherished RC-F — our 2015 Car of the Year here at Car-Revs-Daily.com. What makes the new LC500 so special?  Forceful power from every angle: this machine is leaner, lighter …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Hyundai Genesis AWD 3.8

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2016 Hyundai Genesis AWD 3.8 Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman   With a major makeover in 2015, the second generation Hyundai Genesis continued it ascension in the ranks of luxury cars.  While there are few changes to the 2016 model year, the Genesis continues to amaze with its price, content, and quality. The sedan is quickly distancing itself from luxury models coming out of Japan and Germany, which it rightly rivals, in the “bang for the buck” category. Simply put, you can’t find another car in the marketplace that has the features and performance of the Genesis and not have …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Lexus RX350 F Sport AWD

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2016 Lexus RX 350AWD F Sport Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman   Sixteen years ago Lexus introduced us to the RX – a midsize luxury SUV that seated 5 people, had a very usable rear cargo area, and was based on a car chassis, so it drove more like a car than a truck.  It had a pleasant ovoid or jelly bean shape, and was reasonably priced.  It struck a chord with the buying public, and quickly became Lexus’ best-selling vehicle, and it has remains their top selling vehicle as it now launches the fourth generation for 2016.  The RX …

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Exclusive Animated Renderings – 2017 Lexus RX-L Is LWB 7-Seat Variant

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The new Lexus RX is already flying off showroom floors — with its devoted owner-base loving its all-new cabin inside, design outside and eight model variants.  With F Sports and Hybrids all available with or without AWD, the RX350 and RX450h are looking at a huge sales year in 2016. One thing Lexus mentioned at the launch of the new RX is that owners did not want the next-gen model to grow.  To that end, the new RX and its chopped roofline adds second row legroom over the 2015 models (plus powerfold and recline controls).  But the new RX is …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Lexus NX300h – Future-Proof Cruiser

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By now you have definitely done a double-take on seeing the 2015 Lexus NX on the road. At first, another of the RX cavalry. Then new creases, new LED graphics and a sleek and low roofline make clear this is no RX. With the lean and chic nose look off the RC and IS, the NX is a deeply stylish crossover in all three of its trimlines: NS200t, NX F Sport and the NX300h tested here.  Both the base turbo four and this uplevel Hybrid model share their appearances, with only the F Sport getting the aggressive front chin spoiler, …

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2016 Lexus RX – Reviews Roundup + 150 All-New RX350 F Sport Photos in Ultra White

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Yet more all-new and exclusive photos of the 2016 Lexus RX? Yes indeed!  This is the last batch: the RX350 F Sport. We have full reviews of the RX350 and RX450h over at the below links, plus drive videos of the F Sport versions of both engines. This F Sport RX350 is a nice sweet-spot in the RX range, priced between the $42k RX350 and $58k RX450h F Sport. The RX350 F Sport is also the one most enhanced by its F Sport-exclusive adaptive suspension and Sport Plus drive modes. We also really enjoyed the F Sport seats and shift …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Lexus RX450h F Sport AWD – A Plush Rush?!

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The new Lexus RX is one of the most eagerly-anticipated new SUVs for 2016.  This redesign proves the RX can be a style leader even while outselling entire luxury brands like Volvo and Jaguar in the USA. So far, the RX has been so ubiquitous on the roads that any sense of chic sexiness was seriously diluted.  The 2016 model wears all-new styles and new trimlines to bring variety to the efficiency, lux ride comfort and versatility its 2-million owners love so much. The upgrades for 2016 are extensive — with the entire cabin, exterior and some drivetrain parts refreshed …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Lincoln MKX – Tops New Lexus RX with Style, Power and Panache

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Lincoln MKX beats Lexus RX. You read it here first! True story. As one of the only car reviewers to have driven both 2016 models, we are surprised to report that the MKX is the better machine. First Drive Review – 2016 Lincoln MKX What a difference a few years can make! If you had told me in 2005 that Lincoln would be making globally-competitive cars, four SUVs and debuting exclusive tech like the new 3.0-liter V6TT making 400HP in the 2017 MKZ, we would have laughed right in your face. Sure, Lincolns have been “okay” for a while now …

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2016 Lexus RX350 Colors Gallery Inside and Out + 80 New Pics of New Eminent White Pearl Paint

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Best exterior color for the new 2016 Lexus RX?  Eminent White Pearl! Devoted an insane amount of hours today editing just half of the RX photos we have to share — and eager to show off this gorgeous set of the RX350 in new colors inside and out. Eminent White Pearl is the name of this breathtakingly beautiful new white. The semi-gloss finish really brings all the curves and creases of the RX’s new bodywork to life. Inside, this RX350 features the new Noble Brown leather choice, paired with the Grey Sapele woodwork. These are just one choice among the …

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Car of the Year Review – 2015 Lexus RC-F

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The RC-F was a true highlight among all the cars tested in 2015. And in the weeks since the Lexus sports flagship spent time in my garage, the deep longing and feelings for the car have not subsided. The first week was deep mourning at its absense, and the other seven stages of grief have passed over the CRD team like the eye of a hurricane. Finally, a bit of a light at the end of this tunnel: we must crown the RC-F the Car of the Year. In doing so, we honor its incredible strengths and the legacy it …

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First Drive Videos! 2016 Lexus RX350 and RX450h F Sport

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Huge drive day with the all-new 2016 Lexus RX lineup!  Very, very impressive design upgrades create a sexy and macho look, while the chiseled panels and floating glasshouse make the new RX look dramatically lower and wider than ever before. The new masculinity of the RX outside is reflected inside and on full throttle as well. Huge batch of photos and observations to share in the full reviews — but these three videos and 20 preview images are cool enough to share on the same day!  Near realtime media coverage! =] The drive videos below include a drive of the …

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2016 Lexus GS350 Facelift Brings GSF and RC-Inspired Nose +4WS and Active Intake

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The revised Lexus 2016 GS350 is offically sexy in this ultra white paintwork and fresh detailing all around. Regardless, we love the results of new-shape LED headlights, LED arrowhead DRLs flush-mounted within the painted bumper, and all-new lower bumper and grille look. This is the GS350 RWD, but an AWD model continues with a $2k bump in price from the $49k base for the GS lineup. We also expect a revised F Sport trim style for both the GS350 and the GS450h for 2016, as well as for the GS200t discussed below. The fresh GS450h was recently seen at the …

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Lexus LF-FC Flagship Concept Teases Next-Gen SuperLimo at Tokyo Auto Show

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Exciting day in Tokyo!  The Lexus LF-FC concept is official, with more than a few surpriss along the way! First off, what are we looking at? Our initial hunch about this previewing the 2017 LS sedan appears wide of the mark: the proportions of this LF-FC are actually very low and sporty, much like a 650 from BMW versus a 750.  Yet another wrinkle in the mystery: the LF-FC is huge with a length of 208-inches. This is up from the 192-inch length of the GS, or 203-in max length for the current LS600hL.  It is also five inches wider …

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2016 Lexus GS-F Lands in USA! Showroom Sales From January with ~$66k Price, Standard TVD and Active Acoustics

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‘Ultrasonic Blue’ F cars take on a new meaning when you think of Lexus chasing — and rapidly catching – BMW M and Mercedes-AMG supercars. Their rapid progress up the performance charts is much like the latest hypersonic cruise missile technology — aimed to strike anywhere in the world in less than an hour of flying time. We’re thrilled with the new hot-rod pace and style of the GSF, and can’t wait to see its performance stats. As a rear-drive model, expecting a 0-60-mph sprint in the 3’s is unrealistic. But in-gear power and thrilling performance are absolutely guaranteed — …

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Update1 – 2016 Lexus RX350 and RX450h Are All-New Inside and Out

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Updated 9.8.15 With 101 Real-Life Photos The all-new Lexus RX is here and stunning! As Lexus’ all-star sales champ, the RX redesign for 2016 is an all-important step in keeping the Big L’s sales and market share near the top of the luxury brand ranks. To fend of new competition from all sides in this five-seat crossover segment, the RX is dramatically redone in almost every way. First off, the style. DESIGN ANALYSIS Wearing Lexus’s new design brief and its interesting, unique and captivating creases and angles, the RX is far more exciting to look at than it has been …

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4K Drive Video 4-Pack – 2015 Lexus RC-F Hits State Park Twisties HARD!

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At one point declaring the RC-F the 2015 Car-Revs-Daily.com Car of the Year… these videos are dynamic evidence of a terrific car. And it speaks for itself more than ever. Direct correlation between YouTube video likes and less narration from your scribe?!  Perhaps! But works best when hanging the tail out on this 4.4-second stallion. Or running 0-100-mph sprints on desolate state park roads. Just you, the car and a GoPro! Watch this space for the full RC-F drive review in the coming weeks. Until then, the car does a mighty fine job making a case for a $73k Lexus …

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HD Road Test Review – 2015 Lexus IS250 Nails Apex-Carver Fundamentals

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  The 2015 Lexus IS250 nails the sport-sedan fundamentals so hard, you forget all about mainstream mid-size cars after a block in the driver’s seat. That is a fact. A pure-cornering, rev-loving fact. Drive position in the Daytona GTB/4-style tan seats is instantly flawless, as are the major pedal anc control inputs. Crank up the SXM, rotate to sport mode…. and never look back. 4K Drive Video – 2015 Lexus IS250 Review INTRO The 2015 IS250 is such a fantastic sports sedan that we wanted to drive a 320i right afterward to confirm the RWD love for this Lexus was …

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2016 Lexus LX570 Debuts Stunning New Cabin and Escalade-Proof Exterior Flash!

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The 2016 Lexus is now as stunning inside as a Range Rover!  This is big news for the unstoppable seven-seat SUV in the face of big competition from the new Escalade, Navigator and even the fresh QX80 Limited. Cabin tech and giant flatscreens look ready for South Beach and beyond inside the new LX570, which packs a host of new safety tech as well. The compact new steering wheel and fabulous finishes are perhaps the best ever seen from Lexus — befitting its place at the top of the Lexus lineup with the LS600h. The LX570 pricing is likely to …

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2016 Lexus GS Refresh Adds GS200t Turbo, More GS350 HP and 4WS on F Sport!

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The 2016 Lexus GS made a glamorous oceanfront debut tonight at Pebble Beach! A GS-F-inspired refresh outside includes standard bi-LED lighting and a fresh face for all six variants of the 5-series-fighter. New styling outside is only a part of the equation, though. The GS450h, GS350 and GS350 AWD are joined by a new engine choice: the GS200t with the 241-pony turbo four from the NX200t. Eight-speed automatics all around make the most of the power: even the entry-level turbo sprints to 60-mph in just 7.2 seconds. The GS350 does the benchmark launch in just 5.5 seconds for 2016, thanks …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Lexus ES350 with Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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2015 Lexus ES350 Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman Lexus has been making fine luxury cars for decades now. It’s what they are known for, and why the brand has been remarkably successful. They put high quality materials in their car’s interiors, and a long list of optional amenities to add to cabin comfort and entertainment. They provide smooth, quiet, soft, comfortable ride qualities, and smooth engines and transmissions. The big car magazine and web site journalists think they were Formula 1 drivers in a past life, so while they give Lexus props for those qualities, they always seem to temper …

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2016 Toyota FORTUNER Global SUV Previews US-Market 2018 Lexus GX460 Replacement

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  Here is an interesting global reveal that is being de-emphasized by Toyota USA and Toyota’s EU divisions. This makes sense when you think of where the new Fortuner SUV will be sold: in Southeast Asia, Australia and Middle Eastern markets. The Fortuner occupies a curious place in the Toyota global range: bigger than the 4Runner but also based on a ladder pickup frame. It is smaller than the big Land Cruiser and Sequoia, but will supplement the Land Cruiser Prado versus replace it. That Prado is the closest relative to the US-market Lexus GX460. So what is this truck? …

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2015 Lexus Hoverboard – Liq Nitro Cryostat MagLev Prototype – New Film at Barcelona Hoverpark Is Must-See

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Okay, you have probably seen the same headlines since the teaser of the Lexus Hoverboard concept a few weeks back. Well, this is the full reveal with award-winning film and much more technical explanation. And let me tell you, this is quite a project. Lexus developed this magnetic levitating skateboard to not be an April fools jest, or even a Popular Science look into the future. This is the future, and it is hovering around a custom skate park in Barcelona as we speak. So what were the goals? — Real rideability and fun — but sans friction and rolling …

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LARTE Design Lexus LX570 Alligator Bodykit Brings Exotic, Designer Feel to VIP Fave

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  Considering that the Lexus LX570 is the ride of choice for VIPs worldwide, the exterior of the truck is remarkably demure. Yes, the updated 2014 factory LEDs and grille design help distinguish the LX570 a bit from its Land Cruiser cousin — but where is the visual punch, the sex appeal and pure aggression of the hottest Cayennes, QX80s and Mercedes SUVs? For an LX570 that will take you (*and your family!) safely into and out of hot zones around the world — while looking exotic, exclusive and even more expensive than ever — the Larte Design ‘Alligator’ pack …

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2015 Lexus RCF Saatchi BPM Concept Debuts Stunning Biometric Paint

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rcf bpm video crop PART TWO: RCF BPM You can tell how excited Lexus is about their new RC Coupe from the global customs, concepts and performance packs galore. The latest wild upgrades to the RC come from opposite sides of the world, but are each pretty exciting in their own right.   RCF BPM The second upgrade is far more cosmetic, but just as exotic. This Australian creation displays a dynamic paint finish based on the driver’s heart rate. As his or her beats-per-minute go up, the electro-luminescent paintwork outside glows in unique cascading patterns. From 100-bpm upward, the …

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2015 Lexus RCF GT Concept Drops 900Lbs For Pikes Peak

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You can tell how excited Lexus is about their new RC Coupe from the global customs, concepts and performance packs galore. The latest wild upgrades to the RC come from opposite sides of the world, but are each pretty exciting in their own right. The first? An all-new 2015 Lexus RCF GT Concept, which raced up to 14,500 feet the other week at the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb. Billed as a true development prototype, the RCF GT is a race-ready lightweighting exercise. From the factory curb weight for the RCF at 4048-pounds, the RCF GT drops almost 1000 pounds to …

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Turbo 2016 Lexus IS200t and IS300 AWD Join Refreshed Range with F Sport Packs

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Two new Lexus IS powertrains are joining the rear-drive executive sedan ranks for 2016: the turbocharged IS200t and the AWD IS300. The 2.0-liter turbo puts out 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque from just 1650 RPM — ensuring it will have the fun drive manners of the NX200t. This is a really quick-boosting turbo with great character in its power delivery. Always charging ahead like a puppy. The IS200t replaces the IS250 to become the base model of the IS line — but also one of the friskiest. The turbo is rear-drive only and offered with or without the …

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2016 Lexus ES350 and ES300h Revealed In US-Spec With Fresh Nose, Tail + Updated Wheels, Paints and Cabins

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Updated 7.15.15 With Latest 41 US-Spec ES Photos The 2016 Lexus ES refresh is exceedingly safe and conservative — keeping the steady march of progress intact on a tentpole model in the Lexus model range. The new ES is instantly recognizable but tweaked and updated to match the new design ethos on some of Lexus’s more adventurous models. Changes include a new nose and grille design, fresh headlights and a relocation of the LED foglamps into a new, more stylized and higher-mounted bumper shroud. The ES has big chassis upgrades under the metal, with additional welds enhancing vehicle rigidity and …

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HD Road Test Review – 2015 Hyundai AZERA Limited Vastly Outhandles and Outcomforts Avalon, LaCrosse + 300

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Few automotive market segments have such a tightly defined target market as full-size sedans. And unlike minivans, SUVs and even musclecars, the real-life buyer profile of large cars is almost always this core set of consumers. The full-size sedan buyer is in their mid-50s, seeks limo-large back-seat space, and wants the latest premium tech. All with a price cap of $40,000. For their cash, full-size sedans typically deliver a huge bump in roominess versus their mid-size siblings, but sometimes with unintended consequences. After all, it is extremely tough for even the best carmakers to pack S-Class tech into a half-price …

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2015 Lexus RC Playdate Includes Vossen SEMA Showcar and APEX Radio-Controlled Drifters!

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  Two things you must drive ASAP to push the limits of your smile muscles? The 2015 Lexus RC Coupe and the matching Team Associated RCF radio-controlled car! A quick meeting with the rockstar team of the Lexus Southern region this week offers definitive proof that the RC marks a seachange for Lexus overall. The playful new mood of the Japanese luxury juggernaut is clear from first approach: five RC coupes to test drive, joined by a handful of the ultra-rapid RCF radio-controlled cars. The ‘RC-RCF’ is another stark reminder that your drive memory for Lexus (and all radio-controlled cars) …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Lexus NX200t F Sport AWD With Ken Glassman

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2015 Lexus NX200t F Sport AWD Review By Ken Glassman Lexus is breaking ground by introducing their first compact SUV crossover, and by putting their first turbocharged engine in it. And with engine technology improving, and stricter gas mileage rules fast approaching, I’m sure we’ll see a lot more turbos in the Lexus lineup soon. Lexus is certainly no stranger to SUV’s. Their landmark RX mid-size is the best selling luxury vehicle in the country with over 100,000 units sold each year. Only time will tell if the NX 200 will be able to match that, and if it does, …

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2015 Lexus RCF on VOSSEN VPS311 Forged Alloys – Customized by InstaBuilt VIP Auto Salon

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Updated 5.5.15 With 40 New Photos Thrilled to find a stunning photo set of the Vossen Lexus RCF customized by InstaBuilt and VIP Auto Salon. Even six months after the debut of this hot custom at SEMA 2014, the custom bodywork and Vossen VPS 311 wheels are still a visual thrill-ride.   2015 Lexus RCF on Vossen VPS 311 Forged Alloys   PREVIOUS Sometimes we really do not understand the tuner world. Here is a car created with Lexus and crowd suggestions across the last month and a half — but now that the vehicle is finished, there are exactly …

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LEDetails – 2015 Lexus NX300h – Up Close with the Triple-Beam LED Lights

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Met up with another sexy black Lexus NX recently, and spent some time starting deep into its LED eyeballs! Just kidding. Nothing weird here. The Lexus style has just taken a huge leap with these ultra-cool triple LED headlamp style. It is stunning on the roads as an option on the new RC and NX, as well as the upcoming RX replacement. Here is a very close look at the lights in real life. The interplay between the actual light output and my Nikon’s sensors is fairly interesting. The Nikon goes dark when the Lexus lights are shining right into …

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2016 Lexus ES Makes Shanghai Debut With Fresh Details + RX200t F Sport

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The 2016 Lexus ES refresh is exceedingly safe and conservative — keeping the steady march of progress intact on a tentpole model in the Lexus model range. The new ES is instantly recognizable but tweaked and updated to match the new design ethos on some of Lexus’s more adventurous models. Changes include a new nose and grille design, fresh headlights and a relocation of the LED foglamps into a new, more stylized and higher-mounted bumper shroud. The ES has big chassis upgrades under the metal, with additional welds enhancing vehicle rigidity and therefore handling and NVH smoothness. A pair of …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Lincoln MKC Black Label 2.3L AWD

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    2015 Lincoln MKC Review – HD Drive Video   INTRO The 2015 Lincoln MKC is the brand’s biggest launch in more than five years: an all-new crossover to compete head to head with the Audi Q5, BMW x3 and Lexus NX. A huge overhaul versus any shared components underneath that might be shared with Ford, the MKC delivers an all-new design inside and out, technology that is available with no Blue Oval vehicle, and a potent 2.3-liter turbo engine that also finds its first home in this stylish crossover. Lincoln has thrown out all the old brand stigmas …

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HD Road Test Review – 2015 Lexus RC350 F Sport – Ultra White in 2 Videos + 200 Photos!

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  INTRO These are hot times in the sports coupe business, my friends! Buyers have never had more choices for high-performance, rear-drive vehicles with racy rooflines and track-ready platforms. Diving head-first into the fray of BMW 4 series, Cadillac ATS, Audi A5 and Infiniti Q60 is the 2015 Lexus RC – a hot new design with five major models starting from $43,000 and hitting $64,000 in the RC-F. HD Drive Review Video Part One With standard and F Sport trim levels both offering rear or AWD, the RC350 comes in hot with a standard quad-cam V6 making 306-horsepower through a DirectShift …

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2016 Lexus RX350 and RX450h Are All-New Inside and Out in 84 Images!

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The all-new Lexus RX is here and stunning! As Lexus’ all-star sales champ, the RX redesign for 2016 is an all-important step in keeping the Big L’s sales and market share near the top of the luxury brand ranks. To fend of new competition from all sides in this five-seat crossover segment, the RX is dramatically redone in almost every way. First off, the style. DESIGN ANALYSIS Wearing Lexus’s new design brief and its interesting, unique and captivating creases and angles, the RX is far more exciting to look at than it has been in years. The noses are characterized …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Lexus NX200t F Sport Is Best New Crossover

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2015 Lexus NX200t F Sport Review INTRO The all-new Lexus NX is one of the best-looking new crossovers in the segment, and we’ve been big fans of its edgy and cool design since it was first shown as a concept last year. As the sportiest F Sport turbo model arrived for a week-long test, the excitement was writ large across my face. The F Sport styling upgrade makes the NX feel like a year 2020 concept sketch. Its hypercar creases across the entire bodyside of the truck makes this the most advanced, futuristic SUV ever made — yet it is …

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2015 Lexus LF-SA Concept Explores Mini Crossover Coupe of the Future

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  Exciting day in Geneva today! Just around the corner from Lexus’s ED2 design studio, the Geneva show is hosting an exciting Lexus concept car this week. Dubbed the LF-SA, this two-door crossover combines ultra-compact and city-friendly dimensions with go-anywhere ride height, cutting-edge tech and highly advanced design. Sharing rough dimensions with the iQ from Toyota, the LF-SA is most notable for its fascinating design ideas throughout. An all-new take on the Lexus spindle grille is now much deeper, with a double layer of surfacing around the lower edges. In profile, the LF-SA wears giant fender flares and contrast-color and …

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HD Road Test Review – 2015 Lexus ES350 – Still Quietly Excellent

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2015 Lexus ES350 Review     The Lexus ES350 is one of the brand’s all-time sales heroes. Over the last 20 years, the ES has been a staple on the best-selling, most-loved and best-resale-value ranks of all luxury cars. Since the most recent refresh of the ES350 in 2012, the car has averaged around 72,000 sales a year — which is a mighty impressive total that averages out to 25-percent of overall 2013 and 2014 Lexus brand sales. Year Lexus Brand Lexus ES ES Share of Total Lexus Sales U.S. Sales U.S. Sales U.S. Sales 2002      234,109        71,450 31% 2003      …

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First Drive Review – 2015 Lexus NX300h Is Swanky, Ultra-Smooth, 35MPG+ SUV!?

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2015 Lexus NX300h Review Is the Lexus NX the most impressive new luxury crossover with a base price under $40,000? After a week with the plucky and quick NX200t F Sport, we whole-heartedly say YES!! But even quick spin in the NX300h shows that the incredible (seriously otherworldly) smoothness and efficiency of the NX300h is not to be dismissed out of hand. With effiiency figures that are up about 10 on the turbo on city and highway to the mid-30s overall, the NX300h is seriously desirable as well. With 200-pounds of battery under the back seat, the NX300h handles with …

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2015 Lexus LF-LC GT Vision Gran Turismo Is Race-Ready With Fantasy Gound-Effect Aero

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  There are obviously a few routes a brand cane take with their Vision Gran Turismo prototype racers, and this makes sense. When you play GT6 (or any GT) the cars are classified by power to weight ratio, drivetrain layouts, and myriad other classifications. So it is not as if all these VGT cars just end up on a track together. With that in mind, the new Lexus LF-LC GT falls into a much more practical category that hyper-futuristic ideas like the Chevrolet Chaparral or the most recent Renault Alpine. This LF-LC GT is a down-to-earth look that is very, …

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Super Sedan Design Shootout – 2016 Lexus GS-F vs. 2016 Cadillac CTS-V vs. E63 AMG vs. M5

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  INTRO: How freaky does that sliced image montage look above!?  Despite the four car’s here not quite matching up in the photos we have at hand, they all share a great deal of buyer and market appeal. For shoppers needing supercar pace with room for five people, there have never been more choices. Very exciting times in the super-sedan business! In a segment that the BMW M5 once owned all to itself, the current M5 Jahre 30 Edition is a run-out special for 2015 that feels ancient versus the latest AMG, Cadillac and Lexus four-doors. To save the M5 …

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2016 Cadillac CT6 A No-Show in Detroit, but CTS-V Heals All Wounds

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How excited were we to see the new Cadillac CT6 flagship at the Detroit auto show press conference? *Very* We have been refreshing the Cadillac media website throughout the CTS-V introduction, hoping the new flagship photos would be live momentarily. After all, Cadillac announced months ago that the CT6 would make a Detroit reveal. But all that might have been before new Caddy President Johan de Nysschen (far right in below photo) took the reins of the brand. Our hunch is that he had some last-minute tweaks to the CT6 that are still being implemented. We hope one of them …

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2016 Lexus GSF – New Super Saloon Is E63-Seeking Missile

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‘Ultrasonic Blue’ F cars take on a new meaning when you think of Lexus chasing — and rapidly catching – BMW M and Mercedes-AMG supercars. Their rapid progress up the performance charts is much like the latest hypersonic cruise missile technology — aimed to strike anywhere in the world in less than an hour of flying time. We’re thrilled with the new hot-rod pace and style of the GSF, and can’t wait to see its performance stats. As a rear-drive model, expecting a 0-60-mph sprint in the 3’s is unrealistic. But in-gear power and thrilling performance are absolutely guaranteed — …

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Update1 – 2016 Lexus GS F Revealed! 467HP with Standard Torque-Vectoring Diff

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The new GSF is official! With the powertrain from the incredible RCF pushing out 467-horsepower, the GSF is sure to be a rocketship with sprint times approaching 4.2-seconds to 60-mph. Crucially, the GSF will run the torque-vectoring differential as standard. This bit of kit is available in the RCF’s performance carbon package — and totally transforms the vehicle’s handling attitude. Three switchable settings let you control how aggressively the F manages power entering, around and leaving corners. TVD gives a great feeling of potency and adds liveliness to the rear end of the car while also helping laptimes. This tech …

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2016 Lexus GS-F Teased Ahead of Detroit + Exclusive Digital Renderings

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Lexus has not specified exactly what new F model is coming to Detroit – preferring to leave a bit of mystery in the two teasers just revealed. We have a hunch it is the long-rumored GS-F in production form, arriving to Lexus showrooms in Summer 2015 as a 2016 model. But it could be a new IS-F, or perhaps even the expected LS revamp. We believe it is the GS-F from a close look at the front fenders, the hood length, and the fact that the GS would greatly benefit from the latest nose shown in the IS and RC. …

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2015 Lexus RC F Colors, Wheels and Cabins Visualizer

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We absolutely love driving the RC F Performance Pack around the track a few months ago — and know you will too. 2015 Lexus RC F Wheels Visualizer 2015 Lexus RC F Interiors 2015 Lexus RC F Colors Ultra White Nebula Gray Pearl Silver Lining Metallic   Obsidian Infrared Molten Pearl Ultrasonic Blue Mica

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Update1 – 2014 Lexus LFC2 Concept Cabrio Is Truly Miraculous – A Design So Beautiful It Makes Audi Weep

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 A design to make Audi weep? Yes indeed. The Lexus LFC2 made a huge splash today in LA as a highly stylized and clever look at a future RC convertible. But while the main proportions and packaging say RC very clearly, the detailing is divine and clever and fresh from all sides. Let’s break out nsome favorite elements, starting at the nose. Here, we have a very cool and chic interpretation of the RC’s singleframe grille — but this time with elegant waterfall elements flowing cleanly into the F Sport style of zig-zag lines in the lower portion. It is …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Lexus RX350 AWD

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2015 Lexus RX350 AWD Review By Ken Glassman   Let’s set our way-back machine to 1999, when Lexus created the mid-size luxury SUV market with the RX 300. It was an immediate success, and sent the rest of the industry scrambling to catch up. Within a few years, all the major luxury brands were turning out competitor vehicles, and they all got better and better. Today, the competition is fierce with Acura, BMW, Audi, Lincoln, Cadillac, and Infinity all vying for a share of the pie. But the RX has remained one of the most successful models of all time. …

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Holy Wow! Lexus LF-C2 Teasing RC350 Convertible Ahead of LA Show

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  On first glance at this exciting teaser image – we thought for a moment this might be a drop-top LF-A like seen below in the previous Concept Flashback article. But on further analysis, we have a strong hunch that this is the new Lexus RC in convertible form. Very exciting – stay tuned for the full details. What do we know so far from transparency analysis? It is definitely an RC. But it is not the RC-F based on the nose, which does not show the larger hood bulge of the RC-F. The Lexus RC350 Convertible and even an …

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2015 Lexus NX200t F Sport and RC350 Chrome Wrap by 360 Elite Motorworks

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How amazing is this NX200t from 360 Elite Motorworks for SEMA? Perhaps the best aspects are the custom bodywork elements – with the rear diffuser particularly cool. Overall the upgrade shows the huge style potential in the NX crossover’s design — which is unique and original from the factory but not nearly as bad-ass and cool as this one.  360 Elite was introduced to the Lexus world this summer with a gorgeous chrome-wrapped RC350 F Sport for NY fashion week — but this NX200t shows what the team can do with more time and budget flexibility!     2015 Lexus …

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Speculative Rendering – 2016 Lexus ES350 F Design

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The latest Lexus ES is an all-star for the company – and time in the seat tells you why. The car is simply astounding in how comfortable and smooth it makes even the worst roads, or the most tedious errands. Lexus is not likely to mess with the core competency of this perennial best-seller, but the ES could use an exterior refresh these days. Its xenon low-beams and halogen high-beams were once slim, but now look gaping and too-large versus the coolest cars out there. And what are these cool cars? Many of them are right in the Lexus showroom …

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InstaBuilt 2015 Lexus RC F by VIP Auto Salon: Coolest Wheels, Worst Photos

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  Sometimes we really do not understand the tuner world. Here is a car created with Lexus and crowd suggestions across the last month and a half — but now that the vehicle is finished, there are exactly zero real, high-res photos of the car. Anywhere. The Lexus media site has photos that are such unbelievably poor-quality video stills that we are reluctant to post them. Pretty embarrassing – because the car is really cool and the Vossen wheels are stunning. Oh, the kicker? @LexusUSA on Instagram shot a stop-motion video of the Seafoam green exterior wrap process. So where …

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Best of SEMA – 2015 Lexus RC350 F Sport Rocketbunny Widebody

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Could the Lexus RC be any hotter? We absolutely love the new RC Coupe – and this RC350 wearing a Rocketbunny widebody custom body and Greddy performance parts is sure to be a hero in Vegas this week. We are not personally a huge fan of air-ride and super-low machines with such stance as this example, but it is certainly visually arresting. Favorite detail? The long-tail spoiler. Awesome. 2015 Lexus RC350 F Sport Rocketbunny Widebody   2015 RC 350 F SPORT by Gordon Ting/Beyond Marketing Display Location: Lexus, 21601, Central Hall Description This RC 350 F SPORT hops low with …

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Best of SEMA – 2015 Lexus RC F by Gordon Ting in 27 High-Res Photos!

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Dear all other carmakers: this is how you launch a SEMA concept. Upgrade specs and 20-plus gorgeous photos! This year’s SEMA concept crop has been mostly awful renderings… which are barely credible versus a gorgeous photo set like this! 2015 Lexus RC F by Gordon Ting 2014 SEMA: 2015 Lexus RC F by Gordon Ting/ Beyond Marketing Fact Sheet   November 03, 2014 BODY: Custom Evasive Motorsports carbon fiber front lip and splitter and side diffusers WHEELS/TIRES: Yokohama Advan Wheels, AVS F50 Yokohama Advan Sport Front 255/30-20 Rear 285/30-20 BRAKES: Brembo Performance Front 6 piston monoblock calipers with 2-piece 405 …

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Hypercar Halloween! 202MPH 2012 Lexus LFA Nurburgring Pack in 110 Scary-Sexy Wallpapers

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Trick or treat! Criteria for being a Halloween Hypercar? Amazing performance, stunning design, delicious details and exclusivity for the ages. What meets these criteria in spades? The 2012 Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package — an orange stunner with V10 legs for miles and a bite to sate even the sweetest tooth. Enjoy these photos – we have never seen many of them published in their full glory, and they are worth considering in detail. Interspersed are the LFA’s official specs from Lexus.com. Overall, the Nurburgring pack brought a fixed rear wing, an extra 10-horsepower, firmer and remapped suspension and transmission, and …

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Concept To Reality – Part Two – 2007 Lexus LF-A Roadster

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PART TWO: THE ROADSTER Why show a nearly-identical roadster version of the LF-A Concept for the 2007 show season? Mainly, to show the potential of the front-engine supercar design, as well as to prove that the idea was still progressing nicely on the road to production. In lipstick red, the LF-A Roadster certainly got hearts racing. People we palpably excited for the car at this point — but would have to wait another two years for the production coupe to drop its silk robes. 2007 Lexus LF-A Roadster   PREVIOUS How time flies! Versus the 2010 Lexus LFA production supercar, …

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Concept To Reality – Part One – 2005 Lexus LF-A Coupe In 31 High-Res Photos

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How time flies! Versus the 2010 Lexus LFA production supercar, the 2005 Lexus LF-A Coupe is fairly shocking. Why? Not just its hyphen versus the hyphen-free production car? Yes, but there is more =] First of all, the production car is far more attractive.This is a rarity across almost every concept to reality series before, and shows how quickly the Lexus supercar idea was evolving alongside Lexus’s overall design aesthetic. And secondly, that this LFA concept seems so unbelievably early in the car’s evolution. Detail elements that are typically finished in most Toyota and Lexus concepts are very raw and …

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Concept Flashback – Lexus LF-LC in 77 High-Res Photos – Future LF-C?

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When looking closely at the 2011 and 2012 Lexus LF-LC concepts, you see clear influences all around toward the latest RC. You also see the design from these advanced studies throughout the Lexus line for 2015 – with everything from the GX to the ES and LS wearing a giant spindle frame grille and arrowhead lighting elements. There is more to these beauties than just the nose, however: they share the exact proportions and hard-points with the vaunted LF-A supercar. Are these designs intended as a second-generation LF-A? Something like an LF-C with hybrid power from the Toyota TS040 LeMans …

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50 New Photos! 2015 Lexus NX300h and NX300h F Sport Are Best-Looking SUVs of the Year

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Updated 10.24.14 with 50 New Photos These latest photos from the UK show the hybrid NX Lexus in an absolutely beautiful light. The complex and emotional creasing of the surfaces is endlessly entertaining to the eye, while the practicality of this mid-size crossover pair belies their base price in the mid-$30,000 ballpark. It is surprising and welcome to have an F Sport version of the Hybrid. This is definitely a car to worry both the BMW X3 and X5. The Lexus NX will be in dealerships in just a few months, with a December arrival projected nationwide. 2015 Lexus NX300h …

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Best of Awards – 2015 Lexus RC-F Review in 3 Videos, 170 Photos and 467 Reasons It Beats BMW M4

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TRACK DRIVE VIDEO     The downside of being the first guy in the seat of the amazing Lexus RC-F last month at a big track drive event in Chicago? We were part of the first laps around the track – barely scratching the surface of the RC-F’s abilities. But the upside? Driving one of the hottest and most-anticipated supercoupes in years. We absolutely love the RC-F and find it is a huge leap from the IS-F before in almost every way. Included here are: track drive video, pit lane intro video, an exhaust/startup video 30 all-new photos from Autobahn …

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Road Test Review – 2014 Lexus GS350 AWD Is Quick And Balanced with Killer 835W Audio System

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By Special Contributor Ken Glassman Photos Include the 2015 GS350 F Sport Crafted Line EXTERIOR Refreshed in 2013, the Lexus GS350 remains about the same for the 2014 model year. For whatever reason, the mid-size Lexus has never been a great selling model, maybe because it goes up against some stiff competition from the European models like the Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class, BMW’s 5-Series, and even the excellent Cadillac CTS. But the GS350 and its GS hybrid cousin are still very fine automobiles, and should appeal to anyone looking for a mid-size luxury car.     The power comes from …

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Road Test Review – 2014 Lexus IS350C F Sport – Convertible Coupe Perfection?

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The market for cabrios hit the skids hard during the financial crisis, when any wind in your hair seemed suddenly too-lavish, and too-decadent. Even luxury shoppers pulled back during that unprecedented stock market decline. This makes sense: those in the market were the most exposed to big on-paper losses. As such, it was a pretty inopportune time for Lexus to launch its best-ever convertible: the ISC. This amazing machine entered a soft market with competition from the all-star BMW 3 (and now 4 series) droptop, as well as the better-sounding Infiniti G37 (now Q60) Convertible. So what has Lexus done? …

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2015 Lexus RX350 CRAFTED LINE – Pebble Beach Debut In Detail

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The RX350 Crafted Line is the most subtle of the tweaks that are also offered on the IS, ES, GS and LS. Where the others have a deep and rich obsidian finish to many surfaces, the RX350 Crafted Line has graphite wheels and a less-thorough grille overhaul. Even so, this RX350 is clean and extremely handsome in real life. The latest Ultra White paint shade from all the Crafted Line cars is outstanding — with a rich white finish that is extremely bright even in low lights. The undertones are tan versus lavender for many whites — but the extreme …

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2015 Lexus ES350 CRAFTED LINE – Arriving in November from $42,500

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After such a smooth and relaxing experience with the 2015 ES300h this month, we are excited to introduce the latest and greatest ES: the Crafted Line. New for 2015 with a variety of sexy gloss black accents over Ultra White bodywork, the ES Crafted Line is quite a glamorous upgrade for this imminently practical luxury car. Check of the Pebble Beach launch photos below, plus the official details from Lexus below. 2015 Lexus ES350 CRAFTED LINE The Crafted Line by Lexus Debuts at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance with Exclusive TUMI Luggage Set LS 460, GS 350, IS 250, …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Lexus ES300h Delivers Industry-Best Value, Efficiency and Cabin Comfort

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The ES is by far the most-successful Lexus nameplate since the brand launched in 1989. These days, the ES is outsold only by the crossover king RX350 and RH Hybrid, so the ES flame is still burning bright in Lexus showrooms worldwide. The ES300h Hybrid is just about the opposite of the car most performance-sedan fans might pick for themselves, but the fact of the matter is: we absolutely adored the ES300h after spending a week together.   Intro: ES Bias? From an outsider perspective, one might write off the ES350 and ES300h as legacy models — cars sold to …

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LARTE Design Creates Killer ‘Alligator’ Upgrade Package for Lexus LX570

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The Lexus LX570 just joined the cool fleet over at Larte Design in California and Germany! This monster-truck makeover sees the family/luxury SUV become saomething altogether darker, more sinister and more exclusive. The trademark Larte Design style is present up front, where the makeover is the most significant with matte-effect dark trims and a newly-chiseled lower bumper. The Larte Design LX570 program is dubbed “Alligator” and just debuted this week at the Moscow auto show — where buyers give a first-hand look at this stylish upgrade for Lexus LX570 owners. LARTE Design Lexus LX570 Alligator LARTE DESIGN INTRODUCES “ALLIGATOR” TUNING …

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2015 Lexus RC350 Sends 306HP to 8-Speed Auto, AWD, 4WS and Adaptive Suspension!

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Updated 9.9.14 Now we have the comparison between the silver RC350 shown in these latest Lexus photos and the F Sport version from Pebble Beach! The final 2015 Lexus RC350 F Sport looks **thisclose** to as sexy and fast as the top-flight RC-F — which is a great thing for buyers and Lexus sales alike. Available AWD is new to the RC350, as is the paddle-shifted automatic with eight gears, the latest adaptive suspension with adjustable settings, and an all-new four-wheel-steering setup. Very promising indeed! The only change visible on this pre-production car is a lack of the LED low …

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467HP 2015 Lexus RC F Visits Monticello in Three New Colors + Tech Features

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The Lexus RC-F is here in action for the first time! A production car so hot that drew its own crowd at Pebble Beach — even when locked and off — now alive and ripping around US racetracks… A few features are optional on this all-star chassis and power upgrade: including the new TVD rear diff and the triple headlamp LED low and high-beams. But otherwise, what we see here is what is coming to US Lexus dealers in November! A few key details still missing on the rear-drive, 467-horsepower RC-F Coupe: including the price and 0-60-mph time. But we’re …

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2015 Lexus IS250 F Sport CRAFTED LINE in 32 All-New, High-Res Photos

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This might be the first-ever IS250 F Sport Crafted line in the world! Shown in the Lexus booth at Pebble Beach, the Crafted Line is fantastic on the IS. It brings the sporty F Sport grille in a rich gloss black versus the standard matte grey finishes available. The Crafted Line special-release IS250 F Sport will arrive in October-November to Lexus dealers nationwide, with two pieces of matching Tumi luggage already right in the trunk. 2015 Lexus IS250 F Sport CRAFTED LINE        

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2015 Lexus LS460 F Sport Crafted Line – Pebble Beach Debut in 30 New Photos

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Updated 8.27.14 The LS is perhaps the most enhanced by Lexus’s 2015 Crafted Line enhancements, but this is an entirely subjective assessment. In fact, every Lexus bar the CT200h and the new NX crossover are greatly benefitting from these new style upgrades. The LS benefits both in practice with the new grille and black wheels looking stellar on this luxury limo flagship, but also in theory. The Lexus LS has simply lost much of its top-three luxury car awareness in recent years to the resurgent S-Class and ever-popular Audi A8. The solution is not exactly easy to see for Lexus …

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2015 Infiniti Q60S Reveals its Sexy Gloss-Black Accents at Pebble Beach

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Updated 8.26.14 The Q60S revealed its gloss-black self at Pebble Beach — and it is definitely a sexy special edition package for this sweet-sounding coupe. 2015 Infiniti Q60S   The hotshot executive sport coupe market is always fun: the Lexus RC F and BMW M4 are already stars of the Detroit show – months and months ahead of their arrival to buyers. The Lexus RC F in production form this week in Detroit ups the ante quite a bit. So what’s missing?   Well, the Cadillac ATS Coupe – which is coming tomorrow – has room under than hood for …

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Video Ride-Along with Velocity Motorsports AMP Taxi! Lexus IS-F Trio Teaches Track Layout

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Just as the Nurburgring has the BMW M5 ‘Ring Taxi’ — the AMP has the Lexus IS-F three-pack from Velocity Motorsports. Atlanta Motorsports Park is a brand-new track about 30 minutes outside of Atlanta. Combining huge elevation change and sharp, Tilke-designed bends — the AMP track is not easy to learn quickly. A four-seat supercar is therefore critical to show rookies the lay of the land — both where to go fast and where to ease up. And where to hit the brakes hard at the end of the zero-visibility straight-away! The Lexus IS-F is obviously a favorite around here, …

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2015 Lexus RC350 F Sport EXCLUSIVE: 8-Speed Auto, AWD, 4WS and Adaptive Suspension!

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Updated 8.22.14 The final 2015 Lexus RC350 F Sport looks **thisclose** to as sexy and fast as the top-flight RC-F — which is a great thing for buyers and Lexus sales alike. Available AWD is new to the RC350, as is the paddle-shifted automatic with eight gears, the latest adaptive suspension with adjustable settings, and an all-new four-wheel-steering setup. Very promising indeed! The only change visible on this pre-production car is a lack of the LED low and high-beams shown on the final concepts, plus missing parking sensors. These two features are likely to be options on customer cars when …

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2015 Lexus GS350 Crafted Line Aces Style Mood in Bright White Over Gloss Black – 37 New Photos

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The GS350 F Spot Crafted Line is really dynamic and attractive in real life — with the custom two TUMI luggage pieces that are included a nice addition. Gorgeous news from Lexus for five lucky 2015 models! The Crafted Line by Lexus introduces a dark ultra-white/gloss-black glamor to the LS 460, GS 350, IS 250, ES 350 and RX 350. The Ultra White shade shared by all five cars is the latest and extremely amazing shade that was launched for 2014. The Crafted Line cars all vamp up with glossy dark wheels, trims, grilles and mirrors to match the stunning …

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2014 Lexus IS-F Review – Part Three – 170MPH 4-Door Supercar Is Future Classic: The Ideal Luxury Racecar

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2014 IS-F REVIEW – PART THREE of THREE   Simply put: the Lexus IS-F is one of the very best cars this author has ever driven. It is virtually flawless in its performance appeal — and addictive in its power delivery and handling eagerness. When cars like the E63 AMG and BMW M5 are in the competitive set, the IS-F feels every bit as special, and instantly more intoxicating. For drivers who want supercar power with velvet-glove luxury in a four-door, the IS-F will be your favorite car too. A future classic – one that beats its competition today and …

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2015 Lexus RC-F Ultra Sexy in Red – Flawless Animations + 122 Photos

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Updated 8.17.14 with 122 Pebble Beach photos. Lexus is the official vehicle of the Pebble Beach golf courses and the Lodge hotel – so a few delicious RC Coupes were on hand this week for the big concours. The RC-F is absolutely unreal in person. It looks like it wants to rip down from its shown stand and do a huge smokey burn-out. This is a supercoupe that out-muscles supercars. Previous: The hottest Lexus since the LFA has just landed in America: the RC F coupe takes all the race-ready V8 power and rear-drive performance from the previous IS F, …

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2014 Lexus IS-F Review – Part Two – 416HP 5.0L V8 Is Ferocious, Fast and Fun… Even on Rainy Day!

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2014 IS-F REVIEW – PART TWO of THREE     Falling hard and fast for a press loan car is an occupational hazard for car journalists – but that would never happen to me! Ha! Can you imagine? Being so thoroughly obsessed with a machine that I would turn over my personal 2005 Subaru Legacy GT wagon in a hearbeat!? Never going to happen to This Guy! But…  then it did. Like falling in love with a stripper – the end is never easy on a humble John when his time is up. IS-F PRECONCEPTIONS — Never loved the IS-F’s …

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2015 Lexus Crafted Line Debuts at Pebble Beach with Five TUMI-Styled Production Models

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  Gorgeous news from Lexus for five lucky 2015 models! The Crafted Line by Lexus introduces a dark ultra-white/gloss-black glamor to the LS 460, GS 350, IS 250, ES 350 and RX 350. The Ultra White shade shared by all five cars is the latest and extremely amazing shade that was launched for 2014. The Crafted Line cars all vamp up with glossy dark wheels, trims, grilles and mirrors to match the stunning new accent color. Bang-on the style that the most fashionable shoppers crave for 2014 and 2015 – the Crafted Line also includes an interior glam session and …

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2014 Lexus ISF Looking Sublime for Sunset Photo Shoot on the Bayou

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Very eager to share my newest supercar crush! If the 1997 Lexus GS400’s ad tagline was ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes,’ then the IS-F’s should be: “Once bitten, forever smitten…” I have been taking photos and video almost all day since the IS-F arrived in the driveway! An instant bond with the Lexus IS-F has lured me out to the driveway thrice to run ‘errands’ over and over. Such is the instant bond with this intense flood of brute Lexus power that we even ventured out to do a risque sunset photo shoot. Nighttime photos are a serious challenge for …

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