Is this the new Lexus LS?

Lexus' new design direction appears 

Could this be the long overdue Lexus flagship?

The top of the range Lexus LS has been around since 2006, which makes it a decade long in terms of production. Sometime in 2011, the LS received a major facelift and a new infotainment system, but the overall architecture, floor pan and engine have remained relatively unchanged. Which is to say, not changed at all.

So when this image appeared online, naturally, it caused a few stirs. Could this be the all-new Lexus LS? 

All the design cues are present and correct. Spindle grille with the latest chrome surrounds, like the ES. LED headlights courtesy of the Lexus RX and NX range. Day time running lights and large 19" rims. They're all there.

While we don't know for sure, it certainly seems this rendition isn't too outlandish or shocking to be a possible sneak preview into the next Lexus LS. When All Lexus finds out, you'll be the first to know. In the meantime, pore over this rendition. It's kind pretty, isn't it?

Cheers!

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Lexus to launch 'high output' hydrogen luxury car by 2020

Lexus to preview production-ready hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain technology and autonomous driving system in LF-FC concept at Geneva 2016

Lexus is pulling out all the stops ahead of the Geneva Motor Show. Not only will we be seeing the stunning Lexus LC 500h hybrid coupe, but the LF-LC saloon concept previews a production version hydrogen car for 2020.

We've been treated to the LC-FC concept previously at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, but Geneva at the start of next month will be its European debut. Ahead of the event, Lexus confirmed it provides a taster for a planned production hydrogen model due in the next four years.

Could you really live with a hydrogen car?

We knew already that a toned-down LF-FC will go on sale in the next few years to replace the LX luxury saloon, which was first launched in 2012. But this is the first time the Japanese luxury car maker has committed to a fuel-cell production model, following in the footsteps of parent company Toyota with the Mirai. The question is, can we live with a hydrogen fuel-cell car?

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Lexus LC 500h revealed - New Multi Stage Hybrid Drive System revolutionises performance and fuel economy

Lexus flagship coupe to be launched on 3 March 2016 at the Geneva Motor Show

The best just got better! When the President of the Toyota Motor Corporation and Chief Branding Officer of Lexus International Akio Toyoda lifted the covers off the mesmerising LC 500 at the Detroit Auto Show on 11 January 2016, the effect was akin to hammer breaking the glass ceiling on what Lexus engineers and designers could do. It seemed they did almost the possible: to translate the concept Lexus LF-LC into the LC 500 with as little changes as possible from what initially had our tongues wagging.

Now, we have details that the coolest Lexus ever, just got even better. We reported rumours that swirled around the auto grapevine in early December last year that there was a high possibility the Lexus LC 500 would also be offered as a hybrid. Well, it seems those rumours are now true as Lexus has just released details of the LC 500h and we can tell you it will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 3 March 2016!

What makes the Lexus LC 500h so different to warrant a separate launch on a different arena from the Lexus LC 500, the (slightly more prestigious) Geneva Motor Show? Interested? Great, let's roll up our sleeves and dig in.

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2018 Lexus LS to get "some cool interior stuff" - Lexus insider!

Floating seats might be carried over from the concept

In an interview with media journalists, Lexus International Executive Vice President Mark Templin revealed some interesting details about the next-generation Lexus LS which as we reported, is expected to launch in the market in 2017. He mentioned that the flagship sedan will feature "some cool interior stuff."

Showcased at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015, the Lexus LF-LC concept previewed the next generation LS and provided an insight into the future model's interior. In addition to 'floating' front seats, reclining rear seats, it featured a high-tech interior with a digital instrument cluster, hand gesture recognition technology to control the audio and climate control systems and a full length centre console with an array of touchscreen displays.

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Namaskar India! Lexus to finally launch in India ending months of speculation

Luxury marque to revolutionise Indian car market with three hybrid models initially; high performance naturally-aspirated models to follow up 

After endless speculations about its arrival, Lexus has confirmed they will enter the Indian market in August 2016, with a humble line-up of three models to usher their Indian operations to begin with. Tentatively, plans are afoot to open dealerships in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai.

All three models to inaugurate Lexus India are hybrid models; no naturally-aspirated petrol powered engine will be offered in the beginning. The models concerned are the Lexus RX 450h, Lexus GS 450h - both of which are widely believed to target the growing affluent demography, while the flagship LS 600h is aimed squarely at environment-conscious Indian Bollywood stars, captains of industry and cabinet members of the second-most populous country in the world. The latter will be made available in standard and 'L' wheelbase configurations.

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Jude Law treats lucky girlfriend to a new Lexus... what did you get your girlfriend for Valentines Day?

Did you get a discount on that, Jude? Or is the £36,750 Lexus part of your spokesperson fee?

Just before Christmas 2015, Hollywood actor Jude Law was unveiled as the face of Lexus. The Talented Mr. Ripley actor (nobody remembers him as Dr. Watson in Sherlock Holmes anymore) partnered Lexus for 'The Life RX', a series of TV commercials aimed to showcase the sophistication and refinement of the all-new Lexus RX.

Proving his loyalty to the Lexus brand, Jude Law bought a brand new Lexus for his girlfriend. He timed the delivery of the rather special gift just before Valentine's Day and, like a true gentleman, had it delivered right to her doorstep. 

So who's Jude Law's latest squeeze, and what type of Lexus did he get for her?

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Lexus LC 500 cabriolet rendered. Could this be Lexus' next top dog after the LFA?

Lexus LC 500 redefines sexy with the top off

Automotive manipulator Theophilus Chin has given us a spin on what the already insanely gorgeous Lexus LC 500 could potentially look like when Lexus debuts a convertible version.

The floating C-pillar from the original, production-ready Lexus LC-500 have given way to a pair of buttresses positioned aft of the rear passenger headrests, much like those you'll find on the convertible variants of the McLaren 650s and Ferrari 488 Spider. Roof down, the LC 500 certainly looks the part it's meant to play: The mile-crunching, sun-soaking, babe-magnet open top GT.

When Lexus debuted the LC 500 a month ago, it shook the public's perception of Lexus as a (beige, vanilla, garden variety... insert your synonyms here) manufacturer whose designers and engineers lacked a beating heart for raw power or having the gift of eyesight in design matters. So when news of a Lexus LC 500 cabriolet makes it rounds in the automotive grapevine, it's sure to turn one or two ears. But how real are the rumours? Or are they just that: rumours?

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Lexus sold an astonishing 222 units of the Lexus IS every day in 2015!

Lexus IS finds 81,000 buyers in 2015. Even hot cakes don't sell like that!

Lexus UK have just tabulated their 2015 sales report and what a cracking year it was for the luxury marque. Sales of the all-new Lexus RX were off to a strong start following its launch in August 2015, and the Lexus NX similarly performed strongly. But the star performer was by far the Lexus IS range, which notched up sales of 81,000 units in 2015!

Of the 81,000 Lexus IS sold, the majority were accounted for by the Lexus IS 300h, followed by the Lexus IS 200t. To put those numbers into perspective, think of it this way: 

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Lexus suspends production for six days due to disruption in raw material availability

Explosion at key steep plant in Aichi Prefecture could mean up to 10,000 vehicles affected

Come Monday 8 February 2016, Lexus is temporarily suspending production at its Japanese factories. The reason cited is an acute shortage of steel, owing to unforeseen circumstances at a key specialty steel plant. 



Just a month earlier, on 8 January 2016, an explosion occurred at the No. 2 Bar Mill Shop of Aichi Steel's waterfront Chita plant in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, which had been supplying specialty steel for engine, chassis and transmission components. According to reports, the explosion occurred after an operator lit up the gas-fueled furnace at the start of the night-shift. When the employee in question lit up the pilot burner, the furnace instantly blew up in flames. Four employees were taken to hospital but were later declared fine. No deaths have been reported.

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Lexus Malaysia confirms locally-sold RX units are not affected by US airbag recall

Lexus Malaysia's response brings relief for 2016 Lexus RX buyers

Just a few days ago, I posted an article about how Lexus USA issued a recall for the 2016 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h models. According to an official press release, 

"The involved vehicles are equipped with a driver's knee airbag that may not have been properly manufactured. This could affect performance of the airbag and increase risk of injury in a crash."

A malfunctioning airbag can be a serious cause of concern as the said vehicle may not perform up to the manufacturer's standards. The potential increase in human harm would also necessitate manufacturers to implement steps to address the issue. Naturally, when a manufacturer detects an airbag that doesn't perform optimally, safety recalls are immediately issued to safeguard safety standards for drivers. 

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0 - 10,000 hits in 2.5 months! All Lexus hits readership high in crazy short time!

Plus, AllLexus.Blogspot.com top 10 most popular articles and a breakdown of our readership by country! 

Hooray! We crossed the 5-digit mark today. All Lexus hits 10,000 hits today 31 January 2016. In that time, I've published about 95 articles on everything under the sun where Lexus is concerned. Considering this simple blog only began on 17 November 2015, that's not bad for a specialist website, is it? 

Here are some things you might want to know:

• Where do All Lexus readers come from?
• Which are the most popular articles?

Presented below is a short analysis of audience statistics for AllLexus.Blogspot.com

Where do All Lexus readers come from?

All Lexus attracts readers from over 35 countries, but between them, there are two nations that take up the lion's share of visitors. 

Malaysia      72.8 %

USA             15.4 %

Japan            7.0 %

UK                 4.3 %

R.O.W.           0.5 %

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Cool Lexus ad spotted! Jeb Corliss straps on this wingsuit and hijacks a Lexus RX on the move!

Lexus invited Jeb Corliss, a wingsuit pioneer, to get behind the wheel of the all-new Lexus RX in Australia and the result is nothing less than an amazing ad

A high-stakes car jacking appears to be the focus of a well-crafted new Lexus ad starring one of the world's foremost wingsuit pilos, Jeb Corliss.

Created by M&C Saatchi, it is supposed to represent the Lexus' "belief in a confident new mindset", with the ad following Corliss as he jumps from 12,000 feet in his wingsuit before landing on the back of a flatbed trailer carrying the new Lexus RX.

While his accomplice lands in front of the truck forcing it to stop, Corliss lands on the back, jumps in the RX and drives it off. The ad can be viewed in full here:

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Konichiwa from Japan! Part 2 pictures from Lexus Yokohamatotsuka showroom

This time, the Wow! factor doesn't come from a Lexus car

Konichiwa from Japan again! All Lexus is delighted to bring you more pictures from Lexus Yokohamatotsuka, courtesy of a reader in Japan. In Part 1 of this series, we saw the Lexus HS 250h, the highly successful hybrid which is sold only in Japan. 

Today, in Part 2 we bring you a Lexus equally as special. But it's not a Lexus as how we've come to know; no, this is the Lexus F Sport Road Bike, that retails at US$10,000, or RM41,430! Next time you see a brand new Perodua Myvi on the road, think about it for a second: This bike costs as much as the popular Malaysian hatchback.

Why does this bike cost an arm and a leg? The first clue comes from Lexus' supercar, the highly-revered Lexus LFA. Let's take a closer look.

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Lexus issues recall of 2016 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h for faulty airbag issue!

Over 5,000 owners notified to return cars to the factory for airbag replacement as Takata-gate continues

Lexus has just issued a recall for the 2016 Lexus RX 350 and Lexus RX 450h for faulty airbag. Lexus USA, that is (no word yet from Lexus Malaysia). In the US, over 5,000 owners have been affected and Lexus USA has been in touch with them, through an official press release.

According to the press release:

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Konichiwa from Japan! Part 1 pictures from Lexus Yokohamatotsuka showroom, courtesy of a reader in Japan.

Plus, the amazing Lexus model that will never appear on our shores... sob sob!

For those of you like me who love to browse around the Lexus showroom in KL (dreaming of the day you get the shiny new keys to your brand new car) and then, in the midst of wondering what a Lexus showroom in Japan looks like, boy do we have a treat for you. 

A reader from Japan recently sent me these awesome pictures of the Lexus Yokohamatotsuka showroom in Japan. The name itself implies the showroom is located in the Yokohama Prefecture, less than an hour south of Tokyo. 

Having visited a few Lexus showrooms here myself, but never one in Japan - the home country of Lexus, I'm very grateful for the chance to see how things are done differently in the Land of the Rising Sun.

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Lexus overtakes Audi as the third top-selling luxury car in Malaysia!

Lexus 2015 sales boosted by NX and new RX models

For the first time in Malaysia, Lexus vehicle sales have topped Audi to be the third best-selling luxury car! Congratulations, Lexus!

This achievement is all the more deserved given tough conditions car manufacturers had to contend with in the Malaysian auto industry.

Firstly, the weakening Ringgit had an adverse impact on the prices of cars. Secondly, the roll out of GST in April 2015 added a further unwelcome burden onto already tight wallets. Together, these factors dampened consumer sentiments to an all-time low of 70.2 points in Q3 2015.

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We've hit 9,000 readers! It's all down to you guys! And I've lost my cat and need a HUGE help from you!

This is such an honour: 9,000 readers in about 2 months and my mind shooting fireworks! Sadly, this news coincides with the loss of my cat, and I need your help.

BIG BIG thank you to all of you awesome readers. All Lexus has crossed 9,000 readers in about 2 months!

Thank you so much for your support, people. I'm excited about crossing this milestone but sadly, I just lost my cat.

I lost her in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, near Lorong Aminuddin Baki 3. She has a few distinctive features: A black jaw, (uncommon for a tuxedo cat), lovely green eyes and white furry markings in the shape of a 3-pointed star on the bridge of her nose and whiskers. not so common from afar but it's there. So I'm appealing to my readers, if you see her in the streets, please follow these instructions:

1. Shout 'Oi!!' and tell her off for wandering away from home
2. Mimic cat sounds 'mew-mew' to get her to come over. Depending on her mood, she may or may not respond to her name, Lea. She's very friendly with people (not so with other cats)
3. Call me on 010-2334456 and I'll come to you.

I'm giving a big reward for the return of my cat (actually the reward is more for the return of my sanity).

Cheers guys!

Imran

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Unknown to the rest of the world, this Lexus is sold only in Japan - what is it?

This mid-size Lexus falls right in between the ES and CT models - but you'll never see it if you live outside Japan

Unknown to the rest of the world, Lexus quietly sells a family-sized vehicle exclusively in Japan. 
  

This model was introduced in 2009 and has since gone under the surgeon's knife for a nip and tuck to update its appearance in keeping with family DNA worn by the rest of the models in the Lexus line up. Size-wise, it falls right in between the entry model CT and the larger IS. Engine-wise though, things are slightly different.

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What does luxury look like from inside? Interiors of the entire Lexus line up compared

When luxury comes as standard, the only thing left to ask is, which model would you choose?

When a name confers an image, evokes a meaning or creates a perception, the associative imagery demonstrates the power of the company's branding. Companies work very hard to pursue a singular brand identity because the human brain can only create, retain and recall one meaning at a time. The stronger the recollection of that meaning, the more successful that brand has been at creating consumer awareness. 

In the cluster of Australasian countries, Lexus has kept to just one branding statement. You'll find it on billboards, advertisement insertions and even on the back of the business cards handed out by the sales consultants. The statement reads: Only Lexus promises the true luxury.

True to their word, every Lexus since the inaugural and iconic LS 400 of 1989 has lived up to the promise of peerless luxury. Every Lexus cabin is a silent chamber on wheels, affording occupants unequalled isolation from the world outside. And every Lexus brims with technology which operates quietly in the background, but works to an astonishing degree of intelligence to keep you safe at all speeds the vehicle is driven at. 

What can you expect when you step inside the cabin of a Lexus? That's what I decided to find out. What follows next is an invitation into the cabin of every Lexus from the base line CT to the top of the line LS.

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Lexus LS 600h F Sport takes on the world's greatest road: Italy's Stelvio Pass

Lexus flagship driven hard on the Stelvio Pass, triggers mind-bending shift on what a large Lexus can do

Paul McCartney's ride, it seems, isn't just made for a leisurely drive down the shops. It's also made for some of the world's finest roads. To prove this point, Polish motoring journalist Michal Sztorc took Lexus' flagship, the LS 600h F-Sport barrelling down one of the most demanding roads in all of Europe, the Stelvio Pass. 

Located in Northern Italy, at an elevation of 2,527 metres (9,045 feet) above sea level, the Stelvio Pass earns two distinctions: firstly being the highest paved road in Eastern Europe, and secondly being the second-highest road in the Alps - with France's Col de L'iseran nipping it by a mere 13 metres (43 feet) to claim the No. 1 title. Petrolheads would recall how this road was crowned the 'World's Greatest Road' by Top Gear trio Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond. No doubt, its 75 hairpin turns, laid out (coincidentally) to incorporate some of the best twists of the greatest racetracks around the world, are partly why it has earned fans from around the world. It's not unusual to see exotic GTs, cabriolets and lightweight supercars plying this famed highway, rewarding drivers with orgasmic highs. 

And that's why, a Lexus LS 600h F-Sport is an unusual choice. Or perhaps that's because drivers, even Lexus owners, need a paradigm shift about what Lexus' flagship can and cannot do. Could it be we got the Lexus LS 600h F-Sport all wrong? Based on his trip report, it seems so.  

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Paul McCartney loves his Lexus LS 600h L and gives wife Nancy Shevell a ticket to ride

Beatle Legend's association with Lexus spans over a decade, frequently spotted around town in his Lexus limo

It's obvious from these pictures Paul McCartney has a thing for Lexus. The Beatle legend has owned a few Lexus', most of which are hybrids such as the Lexus RX 400h and this stunning Lexus LS 600h L, the range-topping vehicle in Lexus' fleet.

So when he got married to Nancy Shevell in 2011, there was only one car he would pick to take him and his bride to the Westminster Register Office. Sir Paul's daughter, Beatrice, served as their flower girl.

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Lexus RC 300h: The world's most stylish coupe is also a planet-hugging hybrid

The Lexus RC 300h: The only way to drive an eco car and look sexy doing it

Forget everything you know about hybrid vehicles that ape the Hunchback of Notredame. The Lexus RC 300h rewrites the rule books on what an eco-friendly car can and should look like. 

I've always been a huge fan of the RC: Lexus penned the proportions with aesthetically-pleasing ratios and unlike the Mercedes C class coupe, which looks penguin-rotund at the back, or the BMW 4 Series which is an engineering marvel but has no design flair, the Lexus RC 300h just looks right.  

Here in Malaysia, reception of Lexus hybrids has been rather lukewarm because the days when hybrid incentives made luxury car ownership a worthy proposition are gone. But if all goes well and the Government reintroduces these incentives, boy are we in for a cracker because the Lexus RC 300h, the most stunning hybrid you can get today, will be affordable (I use the word affordable loosely). 

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All Lexus hits 8,000 readers! BIG BIG thank you to all of you!

Wow! We've hit 8,000 readers! Can you believe it? 

We're only two months old but already we've crossed this huge milestone. And I have you guys to thank for coming to All Lexus!

Hard to believe, isn't it? All Lexus is a specialist site - I'm not competing against the big boys who review all and sundry and everything under the sun. My focus remains squarely on just one car manufacturer and that's the best marque in the world - Lexus! And yet, we can make it to the 8,000 readers mark, and it's a moment that I'm happy to share with you, my awesome readers!

My love and gratitude are yours always, and I still get a buzz seeing readers coming from more countries. I think at the last tally, All Lexus attracts readers from over 40 countries - I just wish I could visit all of you personally to thank you, but I'm broke and this is perhaps the cheapest alternative. :-D

Love you all, you awesome 8,000 readers!

Cheers!
All Lexus

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The Lexus LF-C2 Concept: RC convertible will offer all the power, pantomime and panache as RC but with open top frills!

Beautiful sunshine, warm weather, and winding roads are the perfect complements to the Lexus LC-C2 concept

The LF-C2 concept is a design study in the form of a 2+2 roadster and explores key styling themes involved in the Lexus brand's future, bolder styling direction. It is also a luxury Grand Touring concept inspired by the brand's passion for driving.

"The LF-C2 concept shows what's in store for our brand's future design direction," said Jeff Bracken Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager. "This concept shows consumers around the world Lexus' devotion to emotional design as well as our passion for an exceptional driving experience."

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