Lexus LF-NX Concept Shows Its Edgy Body with New 2.0L Turbo in Tokyo

The LF-NX Concept is not exactly a new study, but Lexus found a way to make it relevant for the Tokyo Motor Show by replacing the original study’s hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine.

With the exception of the front under spoiler, the study’s controversial styling remains intact though, but it is less important than the new engine - Lexus’ first ever, turbocharged gasoline powertrain. The carmaker says the 2.0-liter unit paves the way for the introduction of turbo engines in future models.

The four-cylinder unit combines Lexus’ advanced high tumble port, fan spray fuel injection, D-4S and VVT-iw combustion technologies with a cylinder head-integrated exhaust manifold and a twin scroll turbocharger with an active wastegate valve. Lexus says the new engine targets “a fast throttle response and exhilarating performance while demonstrating outstanding fuel efficiency”.

For the Tokyo Motor Show, the Lexus LF-NX Turbo concept sports a new Brushed Metal Silver exterior color, a more aggressive alloy wheel design and a change in tire size from the hybrid concept’s 255/50R 20 to 255/45ZR 20 that gives the study a sportier appearance.

The interior remains largely the same, minus the color combination that now includes Sunrise Yellow and Black leather upholstery with contrast stitching. Another change is the sporting red illumination of the instrument and switchgear including the meters, navigation screen, RTI touch tracer and touch pad, as well as the roof and door panels.

By Dan Mihalascu

PHOTO GALLERY

Toyota Motorsport GmbH Teases Lexus LS TS-650 Ahead of Essen Motor Show Debut

Remember the muscular Lexus LS prototype prepared by Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) that our spies nabbed racing around the Nürburgring track last year?
Well, Toyota's motorsport division has finally made the decision to reveal the car in front of the public for the very first time at this month's 2012 Essen Motor Show in Germany, which runs from November 30 to December 9.

Lexus LF-CC Concept: This is What an IS Coupe May Look Like

If you have not noticed, Lexus doesn't have a coupe model for the masses. The LFA is a technical tour-de-force, but it comes with a ridiculous price tag and a production run of only 500 units, making it essentially a halo car that displays the brand’s capabilities. The only other two-door model is the IS CC, which is a hardtop convertible.
Now this space will be filled with the production version of the LF-CC concept that premiered at the Paris Auto Show.
Building on the very positive reaction that the LF-LC received at January’s Detroit Motor Show, the LF-CC is a more down-to-earth, almost production-ready model, that will inspire a coupe version of the next IS series to compete against the BMW 3/4 Series Coupe.
The front-engined, rear-wheel drive concept also features a hybrid powertrain, which according to the company, will eventually power other models, too.
It consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with direct injection that operates on the more efficient Atkinson cycle, a compact electric motor, a generator, a battery, a power split device and a central control unit that manages the internal combustion engine-electric motor-battery operation modes.

Lexus LF-LC Coupe Reportedly Heading for Production

Lexus may have played down the possibility of building the impressive LF-LC Concept during the 2+2 sports coupe's world premiere in Detroit earlier in the year, but now we learn that the Japanese automaker has had a change of heart.
Company insiders told Automotive News that due to the "overwhelming reaction" from the public, as well as the need to fill the void left by the SC 430 that was discontinued in 2010, Lexus is seriously considering to give the LF-LC the green light for production.

SEMA: Five-Axis' Stealthy Lexus GS 460

After the sinister-looking Project IS F that made quite a splash at last year's SEMA show, Troy Sumitomo and his Five Axis automotive returned to Sin City with a fresh take on the Lexus GS 460. Sporting a titanium matte paint finish, a widebody conversion with concept-like styled bumpers and black-colored 20-inch alloy wheels in 245/30 ZR20 rubber up front and 295/25ZR20 at the rear, Five Axis' GS 460 is a stealthy proposal for those that like their cars shaken, not stirred.

Lexus Builds one-off Landaulet LS 600h for Monaco Royal Wedding [with Video]

Whatever your opinion of royal families, you can’t deny that they know a thing or two about spectacular weddings, as evidenced recently by the huge viewership of the Prince William-Kate Middleton tie-up.
Now, another European royal is about to tie the knot: on July 2, Prince Albert of Monaco will stand on the altar besides Carlene Wittstock and exchange vows for richer or poorer (just saying...), better or worse etc.
And Lexus is the one providing the newlyweds’ transportation by building a one-off version of its top of the range LS 600h limo. This version, which has been engineered by Belgian coachbuilder Carat Duchatelet and took over 2,000 hours to complete, is a Landaulet.

2011 NYIAS: Lexus CT 200h Supercharged to 300 Horses

Making its debut at the Big Apple is a concept for a high-performance version of the Lexus CT 200h hybrid hatchback conceived and executed in partnership with Fox Marketing.
Starting with a production CT 200h, the tuner modified the 1.8-liter gasoline engine by adding an Eaton supercharger along with a Climax Racing intake manifold and a Yonaka air to water intercooler among other upgrades to push output to an estimated 300HP. Additionally, Fox Marketing said it has boosted the factory batter power, but did not provide further details.

A Detailed Video Look at Lexus’ New LF-Gh Hybrid Sport Saloon Concept

One of the star attractions of next week’s 2011 New York International Auto Show will be a new concept model from Lexus called the LF-Gh Hybrid. We’ve already brought you the first details and photos on the sedan study, but now we’ve got official footage of the LF-Gh. Those of you looking to catch a glimpse of the concept model on the move will have to skip through towards the end of the 7-minute long clip.

Lexus LF-Gh Concept Hybrid Sports Sedan Unwrapped: 50 High-Res Photos

Today’s the day for Lexus to formally lift the wraps off its new LF-Gh hybrid concept ahead of its global debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, which runs for the public from April 22 to May 1. The Japanese firm’s latest concept is for a premium grand tourer that previews a new design direction for the next generation of Lexus models.
Even though Toyota’s luxury division won’t say it, the LF-Gh’s also hints at a replacement for the GS given the proximity in size between the two models as the concept measures 192.5-in. long, 73.6-in. wide, 57.1-in. tall while riding on a 112.2-in long wheelbase. In comparison, the current GS is 190.7-in long, 71.7-in. wide, 56.1-in tall and rides on the same 112.2-in long wheelbase.
Lexus says that through this exercise, it redefines its L-Finesse design philosophy, which debuted in 2001, adding that it represents a bolder styling that “unites hard and soft; and energetic and soothing elements”. Needless to say, the LF-Gh has borrowed many styling elements from Lexus’ first supercar, the LF-A, including the body surfaces as well as the shape of the tail lamps, headlights and front grille.

Lexus Teases the LF-Gh Hybrid Concept ahead of NYIAS World Premiere

Toyota's luxury brand Lexus released the first official teaser shots of the new LF-Gh hybrid concept car, which will make its world debut at the upcoming 2011 New York International Auto Show (April 22 – May 11). The name of the concept stands for Lexus Future Grand Touring Hybrid, and according to the Japanese company, the LF-Gh “sets out to redefine the premium grand touring sedan.”

Lexus to Unveil New LF-Gh Concept Study at 2011 NY Auto Show

Next up on our motorshow calendar is the 2011 New York Auto Show in late April, where we’re expecting several world premieres, including a new concept car from Lexus. The Japanese automaker made the announcement today through its Twitter channels with a rather vague note: “LF-Gh: LF = Lexus Future. h = hybrid. G = ...”.
The company also stated in an invitation to the press that the concept “will present a glimpse into the future of Lexus design.” We’re assuming the ‘G’ stands for a prototype version of the next generation of the GS premium sedan but we’ll know more within the next couple of weeks.

Chicago Preshow: Lexus CT 200h Concept Tune by Five Axis

Lexus will be showing off a wilder CT 200h prepared by parent company Toyota's tuning partner Five-Axis at the upcoming 2011 Chicago Auto Show, which runs for the public from February 11 to 20. The highly-modified Five Axis Project CT will be dressed in a custom made wide body kit with hybrid's bad-boy appearance further enhanced by the JDSU “Dark Passage” paint, the lowered ride height (thanks to a TEIN Flex coilover suspension system), and custom 19-inch FIVE:AD forged alloy wheels.

Video: Lexus at the 2008 SEMA Show

For its second official appearance at the SEMA Show Lexus brought a flock of modified vehicles including four unique IS F project cars, an IS 350 adorned with F-Sport products and a Five Axis-prepped GS 460 sedan. Check out the company's proposals live from the Las Vegas convention center in the video that follows after the jump.

Lexus LF SS Concept by Jin Hee Kim

Lately there seems to be an abundance of concept proposals all over the net from independent designers -professional or amateur. The most recent one to fall upon our hands is the Lexus LF SS which is a somewhat futuristic study for a next-generation Lexus GS created by Jin Hee Kim. According to the designer, while the premium sports sedan concept features the same wheelbase length as the current GS, the two vehicles differ significantly in their styling, drivetrain and packaging. -Continued

Jin Hee Kim supports that the LF SS has been designed to accommodate a hybrid drivetrain that comprises a V8 petrol engine and an electric motor backed up by a dye-sensitized solar cell which is a relatively new type of low-cost solar cells.

Taken as a whole, we'd say that Jin Hee Kim's styling proposal for the new GS ain't so bad but if we had a say in it, we'd tell him to completely rework the concept's front end as it looks like a swollen belly about to burst.

Via: diseno-art

Lexus IS 250 Sports Concept with Performance Upgrades Debuts in Sydney

As well as introducing the revised 2009 IS line-up and the all-new IS 250C Convertible, Lexus also previewed a sports-inspired IS 250 at the 2008 Australian International Motor Show that could enter production shortly. Based on the 2008 IS 250, the Sports Concept features a number of mechanical and visual enhancements including brakes, shock absorbers, sway bars, chassis braces, air intake, clutch, short shift kit, exhaust, 19-inch wheels, engine cover and spoilers. -Continued
More specifically, Lexus improved the IS 250's stopping power with a braking package that features six-piston callipers at the front and four-piston at rear as well as larger cross-drilled, two-piece brake rotors at front and rear. Suspension upgrades include the addition of Bilstein shock absorbers and springs while Body roll and chassis flex is further reduced with the adoption of sway bars and a chassis brace.
Under the bonnet, the IS 250 Sport Concept receives a performance air intake, which according to Lexus, results in a three per cent power increase while a stainless steel "cat-back" exhaust system deliver a further increase of 1.5 per cent meaning that the 2.5-liter V6 engine should produce about 213HP.
The manual gearbox receives a short shift kit, resulting in a 35 per cent reduction in fore and aft gearshift movement while a performance clutch delivers a 16 per cent increase in clamping force. Finally, the Sport Concept features a carbon-fibre engine cover, front and rear lip spoilers and lightweight graphite grey, 10-spoke, 19-inch forged aluminium wheels.
Lexus chief executive John Roca said the performance accessories fitted to IS 250 Sports Concept were currently under consideration for Australia. "The introduction of the IS 250 Sports Concept is still in preliminary stages but it's something we definitely want to investigate," Mr Roca said.
"The addition of the performance enhancements to the IS range would assist in attracting younger buyers to the Lexus brand - and give Lexus a vehicle that aspiring IS F customers could step into. In the meantime, Lexus will concentrate on introducing the IS F performance sedan to the local market. Once we get the hero car into the marketplace, the rest will fall into place," he added.