Saturday, April 19, 2008

Race-Ready Lexus LF-A spotted near Nürburgring!

Race-Ready Lexus LF-A spotted near Nürburgring!

April 16th, 2008

Lexus LF-A Racing Prototype

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.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

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:

J.D. Power's 2007 Initial Quality Study Results

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]