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The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.

08/02/2012 | By: Colum Wood

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The one percent is doing just fine in the Midwest. At least that’s what you’d be lead to believe if you dropped by the Lexus stand at the Chicago Auto Show.

There you’ll find a stunning display of not one, not two, not three, but four Lexus LFA supercars. Priced at an exorbitant $375,000 (each), you’re looking at $1.5 million dollars in total. Is that a ton of cash? You bet! But if you look at it another way, it’s also 40 cylinders, generating 2,208 hp.

For more on the Chicago Auto Show, see our complete coverage page here.

GALLERY: Lexus LFA Collection

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07/02/2012 | By: Sami Haj-Assaad

The Lexus GS has been around for a while, and has often gone unnoticed. Maybe it just couldn’t compete with it’s European counterparts? Or maybe it just wasn’t advertised enough?

Lexus is hoping for the latter, and is aiming to correct that issue with a multi-pronged advertising campaign to help support the launch of the all-new 2013 GS (read our review here). The campaign will see the Lexus GS showing up in several media spots.

The new GS, which will arrive at dealerships this week, is showing off a different side of Lexus. The car is supposed to have a whole new approach to performance, technology, design and luxury.

The first commercial aired during the Super Bowl and three more are planned to circulate on national television.

In addition to the television ads, Lexus will be engaging viewers of TV shows using the Shazam mobile App. During certain episodes of popular TV shows “The Soup” “Psych” and “Being Human” the audience can use the Shazam app to get extra content of the show, and extra media on the Lexus GS. Users can even win a contest for a custom trip “Upgraded in GS fashion.”

This campaign doesn’t just stop at television though. In co-operation with Wired magazine, readers will have access to extra content using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology in smart phones.

Lexus is also going heavy on digital with their approach to advertising. A Lexus promoted radio station will be available on Pandora Internet Radio, showcasing artists, songs and albums which have revolutionized the music industry. Other websites including YouTube will also feature the new GS.

03/02/2012 | By: Colum Wood

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Easily the most beautiful piece of sheetmetal unveiled at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, the Lexus LF-LC Concept stunned crowds with its technology, style and mystery – hinting at a future super coupe that’s still a few years off.

Created by the brand’s Calty design studio in Southern California, one can’t help but wonder how a vehicle like this moves from concept to reality. To answer that question the Toyota luxury division has commissioned short film that entitled “Resonance of Passion” that is, in and of itself, is a work of art.

GALLERY: Lexus LF-LC Concept

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Watch the Lexus LF-LC Concept Inception video below”:

 

Continue Reading…

02/02/2012 | By: Amy Tokic

If you’re a Facebook user, you may be dreading your profile’s eventual move to the new “Timeline” look. Not so with Lexus – the automaker is proving itself a social media trendsetter by offering a Timeline-inspired Facebook app.

The Points of No Return app was designed to allow Lexus to connect with its fans on a more personal level, as well as highlighting the all-new 2013 Lexus GS and showcasing big moments in social media, technology and design history. Lexus is the first brand to offer a Timeline-inspired application and one of the first to incorporate Facebook’s new Gestures platform.

The Points of No Return app will be an easy way for fans around the world to connect and engage with the brand. It utilizes Facebook’s new custom Open Graph and it features “I Want This,” “I Own This,” and “I Remember This” buttons on each item in the timeline. Once you click on a button, your response will be shared as a story on your personal Facebook Timeline.

Check out the Points of No Return app on Facebook. And while you’re there, don’t forget to like AutoGuide!

31/01/2012 | By: Amy Tokic

Not to be left out of the fun, Lexus is joining the Super Bowl action with an ad of its own.

The first time the company is running an ad during the big game, this 30-second spot will star the 2013 GS. Titled “The Beast,” the commercial features the GS breaking free of a silver metal box, proving that “change cannot be contained.” At the end of the commercial, you can see four additional containers in the background – according to Lexus, these represent new models that will be revealed later this year.

“The Beast” will air during the end of the first quarter, but just watch it after the jump if you can’t wait a few more days to see it.

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31/01/2012 | By: Jason Siu

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The refreshed 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser will make its North American debut at the upcoming 2012 Chicago Auto Show on the media preview day on February 8th.

The refreshed iconic SUV gets updated exterior styling with a new front grille and headlights with HID low-beams, LED daytime running lights, chrome side molding, redesigned outer side mirrors and taillights.

The Land Cruiser recently celebrated its 60th anniversary from its original launch and has been seen in Toyota’s US lineup for more than 50 years. Over time, it has evolved from a basic, run-of-the-mill four-wheel-drive utility vehicle to the eight-passenger, luxury SUV now seen today. More importantly the Land Cruiser can be seen at dealerships in 188 countries.

In addition to the updated exterior, Toyota gave the interior additional refinements including perforated leather trim with ventilated front seats, higher-gloss wood grain finish, silver instrument-panel decor, chrome-plated air registers and gave the meter-cluster lighting an update. Lastly for 2013, Toyota made the rear-seat DVD entertainment system, color-matched spoiler, rain-sensing wipers, center-console cooler box, headlight cleaners, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift lever, multi-information display, Bluetooth hands-free, and heated second row seats all standard – popular features that were previously available as options.

The Land Cruiser will be powered by a 5.7L DOHC V8 engine with 381-hp and 401 lb-ft of torque and will be arriving at Toyota dealerships nationwide in February.

GALLERY: 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser (European Spec)

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27/01/2012 | By: Jason Siu

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Lexus clearly has a winner on its hands with their new 2013 GS – read our review here – and it appears that they didn’t want to stop the customizing options with just the F Sport model. Toyota Racing Development (TRD) has come up with a lineup even more special parts and accessories for the performance variant.

Since the GS F Sport already comes with a different aero kit, 19-inch wheels and tuned suspension, it almost seems redundant that TRD would produce parts for the sportier sedan model. But surprisingly the additions are great, adding a lip kit for the front bumper, add-ons for the side skirts, a larger trunk spoiler, a rear apron and quad exhaust tips with a blue outline.

Performance upgrades are limited to a sportier suspension kit and an exhaust system for the F Sport model while TRD also offers a set of mesh-style, 19-inch wheels in a gunmetallic finish. No pricing was announced from TRD Japan and we’ll also assume that these parts will work on the U.S. model.

GALLERY: 2013 TRD Lexus GS F Sport

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26/01/2012 | By: Luke Vandezande

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Lexus debuted its LF-LC concept at this year’s Detroit International Auto Show and in doing so snagged the spotlight and our attention.

We got our first look at it there and were impressed to say the least. The LF-LC concept introduces bold styling choices that force the car apart from the crowd both inside and out.

Smooth, swooping lines and rich leather mix with tastefully placed touch screens to deliver an organic feel that exudes luxury. Lexus us still mum on specific details behind the drivetrain aside from admitting that it will be a hybrid capable of offering both performance and efficiency.

Three days ago the company posted a video that gives an in-depth look at the car coming as close as possible to touching it without actually being there. While we have actually had that privilege, you probably haven’t.

Even still, there were a few facts to be gleaned from the video. For example, technical details on how the window controls work, but why not just watch the video below and see for yourself.

GALLERY: Lexus LF-LC concept

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Continue Reading…

20/01/2012 | By: Colum Wood

Toyota motorsports partner Gazoo Racing is known for its Super GT teams and Nurburgring race cars. How do they stack up when it comes to the sport art of drifting? Not too well, judging from this video.

As part of a demonstration event held at the Tokyo Auto Salon each year, automakers, tuners and racing teams get the chance to display the power of their vehicles on a small course set up outside the venue. One of the vehicles this year was a Lexus IS-F prepped by Gazoo.

We don’t want to ruin it for you, but let’s just say, perhaps there’s a reason pylons are made of plastic.

Watch the video below:

Continue Reading…

19/01/2012 | By: Jason Siu

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Lexus refreshed their LX 570 for the 2013 model year, and today they announced pricing for the luxury utility vehicle raising it 1.9-percent compared to last year’s model to $80,930.

The new LX 570 features new, bold styling, interior upgrades, cutting-edge technology and remarkable off-road capabilities all wrapped in the luxurious package you’d expect from a Lexus.

Under the hood, the LX 570 is powered by a 5.7L V8 engine featuring four cams and four valves per cylinder with Lexus’s dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). It pushes out 383-hp and 403 lb-ft of torque, offering plenty of power for the utility vehicle.

An optional Luxury Package was also announced for the 2013 LX 570 priced at $1,510 and will include a cool box for beverages, semi-aniline leather-trimmed upholstery with contrast stitching, heated steering wheel, new mahogany wood-trimmed door switch plates, a rear-center armrest cover, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats and Smart Access card key.

Additional entertainment can also be had for $2,005, adding dual screen rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headphones and three-prong electrical outlet. The two video sources can play different content at the same time, so no fighting amongst the kids on which Disney movie to watch.

The announced MSRP of $80,930 does not include delivery, processing and handling fee of $875.

GALLERY: 2013 Lexus LX 570

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