Lexus Remote Touch Controller

New for the 2010 RX models is Lexus' "Remote Touch" controller for the Hard Disk Drive navigation system, a computer mouse-shaped device on the center console that sits right where your right hand normally rests. The device is similar to a joystick and controls a pointer on the navigation screen. Dedicated "menu," "map" and up and down scroll buttons are designed to make the device easy to use and Lexus has obviously worked to keep the number of screens to a minimum. The device can also be custom programmed to the level of feedback that the user prefers, allowing drivers to decide how "touchy" they want the pointer to be.

Free Shipping just announced www.KaizenMotoring.com

Free Shipping within Continental US just announced excluding Body Kit components and items special ordered from overseas. Go to www.KaizenMotoring.com

HKS Release Lexus IS-F Speed Delimiter

In other IS-F modification news, Japanese performance company HKS has released a speed delimiter that allows the IS-F to pass its computer imposed speed limit of 170mph (273km/h).

Dubbed the Velocity Advanced Computer, or the VAC, this tiny black box is wired into the IS-F's ECU and will let speed-crazy drivers test the upper limits of the 5.0L 416HP V8. So far, it's unclear just how much top speed the limiter is suppressing, but I'm sure we'll see some insane speedometer videos on Youtube any time now that will answer that very question.

The HKS speed delimiter is available in Japan for ¥157,500 ($1,550USD). Again, no word on North American release.

[Via: MotorAuthority]

2009 Lexus IS-F Changes

Though not as extensive as the Lexus IS, the

2009 IS-F will also be getting some changes. Let's summarize:

• Revised instrument panel cluster design
• Illuminated mirror controls & a new open/close moonroof switch
• A Piano-black center-cluster finish for navigation-equipped vehicles
• New terra cotta and black two-tone interior

(The IS-F will also see a price increase of 1.1%, bringing the base MSRP to $56,610 USD).

Semi Pro available on iTunes at www.KaizenMotoring.com

Will Ferrell stars in Semi-Pro, an outrageous comedy set in 1976 against the backdrop of the maverick ABA, a fast-paced, wild and crazy basketball league that rivaled the NBA and made a name for itself with innovations like the three-point shot and slam dunk contest. Ferrell plays Jackie Moon, a one-hit wonder who used the profits from the success of his chart-topping song "Love Me Sexy" to achieve his dream of owning a basketball team. Encourage your customers to rent ($3.99) or buy ($14.99) Semi-Pro on iTunes today!

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Lexus planning two dedicated hybrids?

Edmund's Inside Line blog has definitely living up to its name over the last couple days, first breaking the possibility of a $200,000 Lexus LF-A, and now revealing details that Lexus could be planning to bring out not one, but two hybrid-only vehicles in the near future:

Toyota's upscale Lexus brand is considering the addition of at least two dedicated hybrid vehicles to its rapidly expanding product portfolio, including a premium-priced companion to the Toyota Prius as well as a midsize crossover that could be the industry's first dedicated gas-electric CUV, industry sources tell Inside Line.

Inside Line has learned that the new Prius is expected to go on sale in North America in late spring 2009, as a 2010 model. The first dedicated Lexus hybrid won't arrive in dealerships until calendar year 2010, according to Japanese sources. A second Lexus hybrid is tentatively slated for production in 2011.

All three models reportedly will be built on an updated version of Toyota's corporate midsize platform, known internally as MC, which underpins the Camry as well as the Lexus RX. The RX currently is offered in both gas and hybrid variants.

The first dedicated hybrid was announced by Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe during the Detroit Auto Show, but there were no real details given. Rumors have long suggested that this would be a Lexus Prius, and that seems to be more and more the case every day.

This midsize hybrid crossover could be a retelling of the RAV4 rumor that surfaces every six months or so, though the new twist is that it would be built on a larger platform. Unfortunately, that makes little sense, as it would mean Lexus would be introducing a vehicle that directly competes with the RX. My feeling is that if Lexus does build another crossover, it will be RAV4 sized, and will be competing against the BMW X3.

Lexus trademarks IS 250C, IS 300C & IS 350C

Lexus trademarks IS 250C, IS 300C & IS 350C

May 12, 2008

The IS Coupe is one step closer to reality, as a moderator over at my.IS discovered some trademark applications filed by Lexus in both the USA and Canada: IS 250C, IS 300C and IS 350C.

These digits lead to some interesting speculation, particularly in the case of the IS 300C. The 102-hp gap between the IS 250 and 350 has long been a bone of contention, especially because the IS 250 is available with a manual transmission. Now, with this new IS 300C designation, this gap could very well be plugged with something along the lines of the 3GR-FSE V6 (from the 2006-2007 GS 300). Very good news, if that's the case.

One glaring omission is the IS-FC, though it seems more likely that there would be no differentiation between the coupe and sedan models.

All in all, a very positive development.

(Note: The above image is not the production IS coupe, but rather a rendering by a still-to-be-determined source.)

[Source: my.IS]

Lexus LF-A Racing Prototype confirmed for 24 Hour Nürburgring Race

Lexus LF-A Racing Prototype confirmed for 24 Hour Nürburgring Race

May 12, 2008

The Lexus LF-A Racing prototype has been confirmed as an entrant into the the Nurburgring 24 hour endurance challenge next month. The race, officially called the 36th ADAC Zurich 24h Race 2008, will take place in Germany on May 23-24.

Although it seems contrary to the idea of racing, Toyota also announced that they would not be looking to win the race, but rather will be using the experience to aid development of the supercar, with the hope to gain some new feedback of the production model.

Disappointingly, it doesn't look like the production model LF-A will be announced at the race, which had been rumored previously, but this is still an incredibly positive step in the right direction.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Race-Ready Lexus LF-A spotted near Nürburgring!

April 16th, 2008

The Lexus LF-A is certainly causing a stir with its return to Nürburgring, as spy photographers were treated to a special surprise today with the appearance of the prototype supercar decked out in a full assortment of racing trim. Here’s a breakdown:

• Super-large fixed rear wing
• Redesigned front bumper with stacked side plates and a more aggressive front airdam
• Reworked front headlights and lower, inset fog lamps
• LeMans-style rearview mirrors
• Hood pins
• And the telltale sign: A quick access fuel cap positioned behind the passenger-side window

World Car Fans (whose spy photographers are responsible for the image above) also received word that this Lexus could very well be part of the 24 Hours Nürburgring Race held in May, and that an official launch of the production model might happen at the same time. Entering the LF-A in such a legendary race would be quite daring on the part of Lexus, an incredible trial-by-fire if there ever was one.

For more photos of this raced-up LF-A, check out World Car Fans, and cross your fingers for the end of this epic development cycle.

Lexus Places Second in J.D. Power 2007

Lexus Places Second in J.D. Power 2007 Initial Quality Study

June 6th, 2007

J.D. Power & Associates published the results of their 2007 Initial Quality Study, and Lexus placed second in the overall rankings, behind Porsche:

As you can see, it was a very close race, with Lexus owners reporting 94 problems per 100 Vehicles as compared to Porsche’s 91.

The individual vehicle results were less flattering, with only the RX 350/400h placing first in its class.

Midsize Premium Car

1. Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2. Lexus GS 350/430/450h 3. Infiniti M-Series/Volvo S80

Large Premium Car

1. Audi A8/Mercedes-Benz S-Class 3. Lexus LS 460

Premium Sports Car

1. Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2. Porsche 911 3. Lexus SC 430

Midsize Premium MAV

1. Lexus RX 350/400h 2. Lincoln MKX 3. Lexus GX 470

As for the rest of the the Lexus lineup, the ES 350, IS 250/350 and GX 470 all failed to place in top three of their respective segments.

All in all, a strong showing for the brand, with just enough room for improvement to keep them on their toes.

[Source: J.D. Power]

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Turbonetics New 3 Year / 36K Powertrain Warranty 2001-2005 Lexus IS300 Turbo kit

Turbonetics Introduces 3-Year/36,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty

Continuing to offer its customers and distributors added benefits, Turbonetics now provides the opportunity to purchase peace of mind to go along with additional power. For only $295.00 consumers can receive a 3 year/36,000 mile powertrain warranty covering both the engine and transmission. Applicable to any forced induction "system or kit" that Turbonetics manufactures whether or gasoline or diesel powered. Good for any vehicles that are still currently covered under the factory warranty and have not exceeded the factory policy's limits. Turbonetics Powertrain Warranty applies to any vehicle 3 years or newer and having less than 36,000 miles, the coverage provides $3000.00 for engine costs and $2000.00 towards the transmission.
Kit available at www.kaizenmotoring.com

IS Convertible Spy Photos

Lexus IS convertible coupe has been spotted out in the wild, and was photographed by an unnamed German magazine. Here’s a blown-up image, for a better look:

As for the accompanying text, there’s some horsepower number ranging from 177 to 423, which translates right across the entire IS lineup, from the 220d to the IS-F. There’s also mention of a 2009 release, and if that’s true, it means there’s plenty more information coming down the pipeline very shortly.

[Source: Club Lexus]

Blitz GS430 Supercharged SEMA 2007

The tuned Lexus GS 430 by Blitz, created for SEMA, is a real sleeper. Done up in a tasteful custom body kit, the real action is under the hood, where Blitz equipped the GS with a supercharger, boosting the V8 up 73hp to 363hp total.

I’m really digging the embedded supercharger control in the console, which allows for three settings: off, low & high. Also included is a perfomance monitoring system, built to display through the nav screen.

Very nicely done.

Blitz parts available at a www.kaizenmotoring.com

Special Edition Japanese GS Interior upgrade

This interior is a limited run of 500, and there’s a choice of any GS, including the 450h. THe upgrade costs ¥780,000 ($7,300 USD) more than the regular GS, but in my mind, it’s a price fully justified. This is simply stunning, from the two wood trims to the blood-red carpeting.

Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept

Lexus unveiling a roadster version of last year's LF-A sports car concept. It equipped with a 500+hp 5.0l V10 engine unit as the LF-A coupe which was unveiled in 2007. Other then removed the roof and some structural reinforcements, the new roadster also install a speed adaptive rear wing.


Press Release

Lexus LF-A Takes on Roadster Form – An Open Version of the Supercar Concept Revealed

January 13, 2008 - Detroit, MI - The engineers and designers at Lexus continue to use their groundbreaking LF-A premium sports car concept as a medium for expressing their ideas about what a high-performance sporting vehicle not only can be, but should be. In this latest expression of the LF-A, they have removed the car's top to create a high-performance roadster.

The LF-A Roadster is based on the sturdy yet lightweight carbon-fiber and aluminum body used for the LF-A coupe, which helps maintain the structure's strength and rigidity even without a top.

Like its coupe counterpart, the LF-A Roadster is powered by a high-revving V10 engine that approaches 5.0 liters in displacement. The V10, capable of more than 500 horsepower and test-track speeds greater than 200 mph, is mounted in front of the passenger compartment but behind the front-axle centerline in what the LF-A's engineers refer to as a "front-mid" configuration.

The engine is connected via a torque tube and propeller shaft to a transaxle that is controlled by paddle shifters. The torque tube is a structural member that adds rigidity to the drivetrain and chassis while also reducing vibration.

Styling is rooted in the Lexus L-Finesse design philosophy, conferring the LF-A Roadster's front end with a compact, low-profile, aerodynamic shape. Like its coupe counterpart, the LF-A Roadster stands just 48 inches tall, but the Roadster configuration adds a speed adaptive rear wing.

The rear is marked by a pair of wrap-around, arrowhead-shaped taillights that bracket a pair of large grilles. These grilles vent the heated air from the car's two rear-mounted radiators into the LF-A Roadster's aerodynamic wake. The radiators are fed cool air by two large intake ducts mounted just above the rear wheel wells. This aft radiator positioning not only allowed the designers to keep the car's front profile low and tight but also aided the LF-A's chassis engineers in their search for optimal weight distribution.

Helping to provide balance and scale to the design, which features an overall length of 175.6 inches and a wheelbase of 102.6 inches, are high-performance tires on turbine-styled alloy wheels. The front tires are 265/35R20s, while the rears are 305/30R20s. Like the LF-A coupe, the brakes consist of 14.2-inch cross-drilled, vented discs up front, and 13.6-inch cross-drilled, vented discs at the rear. The front brake calipers are six-piston units and the rear calipers use four pistons each.

An "F" logo, located on each front fender of the Roadster, indicates the vehicle's status as a part of the new "F" marque. The name is derived from the original "F" designation for the first Lexus LS prototype. That vehicle was internally coded "Circle-F," with the "F" standing for "flagship." The Circle-F designation further evolved into the code name Flagship One, or F1, and the first F1 concept developed into Lexus' first vehicle, the LS. Since then, the "F" code has come to signify a special vehicle program within Lexus that falls outside the normal engineering and development process. In addition, Fuji Speedway is the IS F's home circuit, and the shape of the F-logo was inspired by many of the track's turns. The all-new Lexus IS F sport sedan is the first production vehicle to carry the F marque.

Wald aero kit for LS460

Picture from SEMA show of WALD aero kit for LS460
more performance parts available at Lexus Performance Parts

Lexus LF-A Tokyo Auto Salon

Pic of Lexus LF-A concept. Rumored to make production with a mid-mounted, 500 hp V10 and expected to cost more than $100,000.