In the mean time, you have tuners offering their visual and performance upgrades to the Lexus IS 350C. VIP Auto Salon will be showing up to this year’s SEMA Show with a customized IS 350C that produces a strong 386-hp and 372 lb-ft of torque. The increase comes courtesy of a Power Enterprise Rotex Supercharger kit by Apexi x Vip Auto Salon.

Of course, there are a bunch of exterior and interior upgrades.

Check out the details after the jump.

VIP Auto Salon Lexus IS 350C Details:

WHEELS/TIRES

• F SPORT 19” Full-Face Forged Alloy Wheels
• Michelin Pilot Sport tires 

SUSPENSION

• TOMS upper shock tower brace
• F SPORT Lowering Spring Set
• F SPORT Bilstein Shock Absorber Set
• F SPORT Sway Bar Kit

EXTERIOR

• Custom Carbon Fiber Aero Styling Package
• Consists of a Front Lip Spoiler, Side Diffuser, Rear Diffusers, Rear Trunk Spoiler, and Eye lines
• Seibon Carbon Fiber Hood
• Custom head light housing
• Custom Chameleon paint by K&W
• Huper Optik Ceramic film by STM

INTERIOR

• Custom Seat inserts by Top Stitch
• F SPORT Carbon Shift Knob
• F SPORT Floor mats
• F SPORT Carbon fiber Engine Cover

LIGHTING

• Interior and Exterior Bulb replacements by VLEDS
• Consists of LED interior package, D4S 6k replacement
• HID Fog Light kit, and DRL LED replacement

PERFORMANCE 

• Power Enterprise Rotex Supercharger kit by Apexi x Vip Auto Salon
• 386hp @5800 rpm 372lb-ft @ 5200 rpm
• PTS Joe Z Series Header Back Exhaust System
• Apexi Smart Accel Controller

- By: Omar Rana

Despite the lengthy gap of time since the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon when Lexus revealed the concept for its IS F Circuit Club Sport, it has been revived, in part.

Toyota’s TRD division has released a line of performance and styling accessories, taking a nod from the CCS concept car.

Available accessories include a carbon fiber hood, front spoiler, rear diffuser, rear wing, air inlets, and much of the interior.

Two wheel options are available, and a titanium muffler and improved break pads. There are also several selections for suspension, such as stabilizers and shocks.

Lexus IS F Circuit Club Sport Package:

- By: Alexandra Koken

The world debut of the new 2012 Toyota Camry marks a big point for Toyota Motor Corp. and their future. Because the brand has lost a significant amount of sales to rivals like Hyundai, ToMoCo wants to fight back…hard.

“They (Toyota) have been given a black eye over the past three years for different things, some beyond their control and some that showed kinks in their armor,” said Ed Kim, an industry analyst for AutoPacific Inc., referring to events such as the economic recession, recalls and the Japanese earthquake in March.

At its global launch, ToMoCo went above and beyond with the new 2012 Camry with PR events taking place all over the US, one of which took place at Hollywood’s Paramount Studios in Los Angeles featuring a New York City-themed backdrop with over 200 actors, dancers and musicians.

“It really starts with the all-new Camry; Camry is the keystone of the brand,” said vice president of US sales for ToMoCo, Bob Carter. “Then the cadence comes faster than I’ve seen in 30 years with Toyota.”

To further elaborate on Toyota’s strike back, they also have some significant plans for their own lineup, Scion’s and Lexus’s lineup.

Starting with Toyota, the company will be launching their hybrid Prius v wagon, the plug-in Prius and the Prius c compact hybrid, an updated Tacoma, a battery-powered all-electric RAV4 and a revamped Yaris subcompact. Additionally, for the coming years, in 2013, the Avalon and the Highlander will get a redesign while the RAV4 will be all-new. In 2014, the Toyota Sequoia, Land Cruiser and Tundra will get a redesign. Lastly, in 215, the Toyota Corolla and Prius will be redesigned with the debut of the new FT-86.

Scion will see the new Toyota-based iQ city car and the new rear-wheel drive Toyobaru/Scion FR-S sports car. More details for Scion include a redesign for the xD in 2013 while for 2014, Scion’s A-BAT will make its debut as well.

As for Lexus, the IS and ES will receive redesigns in 2013, the LS will see a redesign in 2014 and the HS and RX will be redesigned for 2015 with the debut of the LF-A roadster.

So the next several years are shaping up to be very important for Toyota as they strive to catch up in sales.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutomotiveNews

Lexus’ 2012 IS-F Euro-spec has some new updates that have recently been released.

This model year is powered by an eight cylinder, 5.0-liter motor that puts out 423-hp, and sits on a chassis that has undergone some fine tuning. It has been crafted for better handling and comfort over extended trips. The car’s shock absorbers, bearings and stabilizer bars have been improved, as well.

Lexus says this is the sportiest sedan they have released, yet, and have provided options to enhance the sport feel. Alloys provided by BBS are available in 19-inch size, while the interior offers either black and white or all black semi-aniline leather options. Available on the IS 250C is a crimson leather trim.

The 2012 IS-F shares a price tag with the previous model year, at €70,600 in Germany.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Lexus has been struggling in keeping its luxury sales crown against BMW and Mercedes-Benz and has slipped behind the two German brands. However, in the next few years, Lexus will focus on coming back with a redesigned and re-engineered lineup.

By spring of 2013, the passenger-car lineup of Lexus – including the GS, ES, IS and LS – will be completely redesigned and re-engineered.

One of the main obstacles Lexus executives and engineers in the company say they face is removing some of the numbness from Lexus handling without losing the floaty freeway ride that buyers expect. Heck, we’d be happy with a tighter handling Lexus.

Lexus will also start employing the aggressive design language it showed at the 2011 New York Auto Show with the Lexus LF-Gh Concept.

The 2012 Lexus GS 350 will be unveiled later this month.

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Lexus IS 350C F Sport Special Edition

Besides the Lexus LFA and the IS-F the only thing sporty about Lexus is the Lexus IS 350 F Sport. Lexus today announced the new 2011 Lexus IS 350C F Sport Special Edition, which will hit dealerships later this month.

“The F Sport Special Edition builds on the IS 350C and takes the fun of the convertible up another notch,” said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. “The racing inspired F Sport accessories on this car were precision engineered specifically for this vehicle, allowing us to provide performance without compromise.”

Click here for more news on the Lexus IS 350C.

The 2011 Lexus IS 350C Special Edition is available in two colors including Starfire Pearl or Obsidian and features: 19-inch forged alloy wheels with dark graphite finish and Michelin Pilot Sport 225/35ZR19 tires in the front and 255/35ZR19 tires in the rear; shock set developed in cooperation with Bilstein; lowering springs that reduce the ride height approximately one-inch in the front and rear; a sway bar; Bi-Xenon High Intensity Headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lights; and exterior badging.

The 2011 Lexus IS 350C F Sport Special Edition is priced at $55,120 (not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875).

2011 Lexus IS 350C F Sport Special Edition:

- By: Omar Rana

2006 Lexus GS

Just when things seemed to be getting better for Toyota, here is some more recall news from the automaker. The company announced that it is recalling nearly 1.7 million vehicles around the world over various problems that may cause fuel leaks.

In the United States, Toyota has announced a voluntary Safety Recall involving approximately 245,000 2006 through 2007 Lexus GS300/350, 2006 through early 2009 Lexus IS250, and 2006 through early 2008 Lexus IS350 vehicles sold in the U.S. to inspect the fuel pressure sensor installation.

Toyota said:

Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to certain engine fuel delivery pipes (those with Nickel Phosphorus plating), there is a possibility that the pressure sensor could loosen over time. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the delivery pipe and through the threaded portion of the sensor.

Lexus dealers will inspect the recalled units for fuel leakage and if no leakage is found, it will tighten the fuel pressure sensor. If a leak is detected, the gasket between the sensor and the delivery pipe will be replaced and the sensor will be tightened.

Lexus owners can contact the Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987 or at www.lexus.com/recall.

Globally, Toyota is recalling 1.3 million vehicles to fix a different issue on a different fuel delivery pip and high pressure fuel pump check valve.

- By: Omar Rana

Lexus 'The Hard Way' Chain Ad Spot

“There’s the easy way, and there’s the Lexus way,” says Lexus – however, Lexus’ way is really the hard way… the very hard way. Toyota’s luxury brand has just launched a new advertising campaign that show how much painstaking work Lexus puts into developing each and every unit.

“It isn’t enough to just say that we pursue perfection, we want to demonstrate the great lengths we go to in our pursuit,” states Dave Nordstrom, vice president of marketing for Lexus. “The new broadcast spot allows us to focus on the foundation of our vehicles, the chassis, and show its almost unbelievable strength. In fact, we feared that it would be so unbelievable, we invited a physicist and structural engineer to witness the shoot, to prove that it did, in fact, occur without the use of special effects or computer generated-imagery.”

The campaign focuses around a new TV ad spot titled ‘Chain,’ which shows a real-life demonstration of the strength of the chassis of Lexus vehicles. The sport shows a lone crane lifting five Lexus’ – an LS, RX, GS, ES and IS. A $375,000 LFA than comes into the shot and parks directly under the chain of vehicles weighing a total 21,000 pounds.

You can check out the whole Hard Way campaign after the jump.

Behind the Scenes of the 2011 Lexus “The Hard Way” – Chain:

2011 Lexus “The Hard Way” – Chain:

2011 Lexus “The Hard Way” – Wood Craftsmanship:

2011 Lexus “The Hard Way” – Paint Technique:

2011 Lexus “The Hard Way” – Engine Scrutiny:

2011 Lexus “The Hard Way” – Light Inspection:

2011 Lexus “The Hard Way” – Leather Testing:

2011 Lexus “The Hard Way” – Material Breakthroughs:

2011 Lexus “The Hard Way” – Safety Innovation:

2011 Lexus “The Hard Way” – Safety Design:

2011 Lexus “The Hard Way” – Future-Proofing:

2011 Lexus “The Hard Way” – Evaluation Elevated:

2011 Lexus “The Hard Way” – Engine Tuning:

2011 Lexus “The Hard Way” – Controlled Environment:

2011 Lexus “The Hard Way” – Engine Examination:

2011 Lexus “The Hard Way” – Engineering Solutions:

Press Release:

Sometimes, You Have to Do Things The Hard Way

Lexus Demonstrates the Lengths It Goes to Engineer Automobiles That Inspire Absolute Confidence

TORRANCE, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2011)—There’s the easy way, and there’s the Lexus way. A lone crane slowly lifts the front end of a Lexus LS, then a second vehicle is attached using cables and stretch bars, then another and another and finally, a fifth Lexus vehicle is suspended in midair from the crane, using no support other than the strength of the LS. The gravity-defying vehicles aren’t a figment of your imagination or a camera trick. They are part of a new advertising campaign from the automaker, which debuted on Jan. 16.

Building the Chain

Instead of using special effects to tell the story, the new broadcast TV spot, titled “Chain,” is a real-life demonstration of the strength of the chassis on Lexus vehicles, with the LS taking the lead. Shot on the runway of an airport, a lone crane is used to lift vehicle after vehicle until five Lexus vehicles—an LS, RX, GS, ES and IS—are suspended in midair nose to end. Finally, an LFA comes into the shot and parks directly below the chain of vehicles, and a voiceover states, “The hard way is how Lexus inspires absolute confidence. The hard way is the pursuit of perfection.” That is the kind of confidence that enables the automaker to park the $375,000 LFA below a chain of vehicles weighing a total 21,000 pounds.

Lexus brought in a physicist and a structural engineer to participate in the shoot and witness that the vehicles were attached to each other without any supporting hardware.

The crew needed to make sure the theory that a Lexus could hold five times its weight could be made a reality. A pull test was conducted with two semi wreckers, one acting as dead man, the other as a pull to ensure the vehicle could hold at least 21,000 pounds, or five times its weight. The LS passed with flying colors, holding 29,000 pounds – 8,000 pounds more than expected!

For the final portion of the amazing, or seemingly impossible feat, stretch bars, cables and hooks were utilized to attach the vehicles one at a time to the crane and then to each other. Not only did the experiment work one time, the crew suspended the same vehicles over and over for a period of three days without needing to replace them.

Telling the Stories

In addition to the broadcast TV spot, Lexus has developed an integrated marketing campaign to continue sharing its engineering story. The campaign debuts online with a series of 14 unique videos demonstrating how and why Lexus engineers take the hard way—whether the automaker is taking a blowtorch to the leather interior to see how much heat it can withstand or testing the vehicles in hurricane-force winds and rain. Behind-the-scenes footage for “Chain” was also produced to show consumers how the vehicles were suspended in midair. All stories can be viewed at www.lexus.com/thehardway.

The multifaceted brand campaign includes a robust online, print, mobile and outdoor execution and can also be viewed at YouTube.com/lexusvehicles. The TV spot will air on network, cable prime and cable sports. It will also air during the NFL playoffs, college basketball and on full-episode players.

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Lexus IS 350 F Sport

Lexus has announced MSRP changes to its 2011 model lineup, which will arrive at dealerships later this summer and early fall. The luxury Toyota brand announced that all 2011 Lexus gas models will receive a standard new brake override system. The braking system enhancement will automatically reduce engine power when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are applied simultaneously under certain conditions.

Also, the 2011 Lexus IS adds all-wheel-drive to the 306-hp IS 350 sedan. New HID headlamps with LED daytime running lamps are standard on the IS 350 and available for the IS 250. Along with some minor design changes, the IS models will also feature newly designed 17-inch and optional 18-inch wheels, along with revised exterior choices.

Lexus is also offering the F Sport Package for the IS 250/350 rear-wheel drive (RWD) models, giving them a special suspension tuning and 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark super-chrome finish. The F Sport package also includes a front lip spoiler and rear deck spoiler, a matching dark chrome front grille insert, F Sport badging, and the addition of Ultrasonic Blue Mica to the exterior colors.  Interior upgrades include microfiber insert and leather side bolsters.

The Lexus LS 460 gets some suspension upgrades for the all-wheel-drive model while the ES 350 gets a new fuel recommendation from 91-octane to 87-octane.

Click through for the full 2011 Lexus price list.

- By: Omar Rana

Lexus LS

By now most of you have probably heard of Toyota’s latest recall involving flaws in the valve springs that could cause the engine to stall while the vehicle is in motion. Toyota has already issued a recall of 91,903 Lexus and Crown vehicles in Japan and plans on recalling at least 138,000 in the United States. The global recall involves some 270,000 vehicles.

Toyota admitted today that it knew about the engine problem two years ago and changed the spring part to correct it in August 2008. That is why the recall does affect vehicles build after August 2008. However, for models built before that with faulty valve springs, Toyota didn’t think a recall was necessary until now.

Toyota spokesman Hideaki Homma said that the company had thought it was an isolated problem that didn’t require a recall.

“We changed the part in August because then the problem won’t happen at all, even if tiny particles enter during manufacturing,” Homma said. “We are talking about microscopic particles here.”

Nonetheless, when complaints started climbing, Toyota figured it wasn’t an isolated problem and decided to issue a recall.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Detroit News

2010 Lexus GS

We’ve been providing you updates on Toyota’s announcement of 270,000 vehicles worldwide having faulty engines.

Lexus has just released a statement saying “approximately 137,000 vehicles are potentially affected in the U.S., including the IS 350, GS 350, GS 460, GS 450h, LS 460, LS 600h L.”

Lexus said that it has discovered faulty valve springs in some of the V8 and V6 units in the models mentioned above. The company said that a slight variation during the production process may have allowed foreign material to contaminate the valve springs resulting in potential breakage. Toyota said it is moving quickly to resolve the situation and will announce an appropriate remedy as soon as possible.

- By: Omar Rana

When the Lexus IS originally made its debut in Europe, it was offered with an estate (station wagon) variant called SportCross. However, Lexus eventually dropped the estate version but now admits that the policy has hurt sales of the model in Europe where it faces competition from the 3-Series Touring and A4 Avant.

To fix all that, Lexus is now working on an estate variant of the next-generation Lexus IS. The third-generation of the IS lineup is due out in 2011.

Sources also say that the IS is likely to be offered as a hybrid only, moving forward with the strategy with standalone hybrid models like the HS 250h and the CT200h.

We just hope they leave the V8 IS-F untouched (or touch it up with some more power).

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

The new Lexus CT 200h is just one of the many hybrids in the works from Toyota. Sources say that Toyota will continue to expand its range of hybrids with a Prius based wagon, sporty coupe and an MPV in spring 2011. That will be followed by a Lexus IS-based rear-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid Toyota sedan and a hybrid version of the RAV4 by 2012.

Toyota’s 1.8L VVT-i hybrid system will soon become the company’s core powertrain, aimed at helping it sell more than one million hybrid units globally by the early part of this decade.

The Toyota FT-CH previewed a sporty Prius coupe that will go head-to-head with the Honda CR-Z. Insiders are also talking about another hybrid plug-in sports car that will use the next-generation rear-wheel-drive Lexus IS platform.

Continuing to add hybrids to its existing models, Toyota will offer a gasoline-electric powertrain on the new RAV4 by spring 2012, only available in the 5-door RAV4.

2010 Detroit: Toyota FT-CH Concept:

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Stephen Calogera ““ egmCarTech.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

The 2010 Lexus HS 250h will go on sale later this year in the U.S. with prices starting at $34,200; however, Lexus has ruled out selling its dedicated hybrid model in Europe. Instead Europe will get a hybrid variant of the Avensis and the Lexus IS.

“Selling the HS 250h here would be an emphatic no because of Toyota’s plans to put a hybrid in every range by 2020,” Lexus told AutoCar. ”The car would be premium d-segment and a direct competitor to the Avensis and the IS, which already meet premium needs.”

Power for the 2010 Lexus HS 250h will come from the company”s first 4-cylinder 2.4L Atkinson engine mated to the Lexus Hybrid Drive System. That gives it the ability to make a total of 187-hp allowing it to go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds while averaging a combined fuel-economy of 35 mpg.

2010 Lexus HS 250h:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: AutoCar

Lexus announced today that it will further expand its F-Sport Performance Package line to include parts for the GS, IS C Convertible, and the IS AWD models.

All three models will include performance enhancing parts including and not limited to forged alloy wheels, brake upgrades, suspension systems, air intake, exhaust systems and more. Sales of the models will begin on June 1, 2009. All F-Performance Accessories are fully warranted for 12 months or for the balance of the new car warranty, whichever is greater.

If you’re interested you can visit the F-Sport Performance site for more info.

Follow the jump to see the list of parts in detail.

Lexus F-Sport Performance Accessories:

Lexus F-Sport Performance Accessories List:

F-Sport 18 and 19-inch Forged Alloy Wheels

The F-Sport forged alloy wheels, exclusively designed in a dark graphite finish, not only add an aggressive look to the exterior, but help enhance performance through increased strength and decreased weight. The F-Sport wheels require the use of spline-drive lug nuts, which are included in the available Wheel Installation Kit.

F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade

The Front Brake Upgrade provides a firmer pedal feel and improved fade resistance in repeated severe-duty use. The Brake Upgrade features six-piston fixed calipers and drilled cast-iron rotors with a patented internal-fin design mounted on anodized aluminum hubs. Braided stainless-steel brake lines and low-dust performance brake pads are included, and the upgrade can be used with stock or the F-Sport Rear Brake Upgrade.

F-Sport Rear Brake Upgrade

Similar in construction to the F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade, the Rear Brake Upgrade uses four-piston fixed calipers and drilled cast-iron rotors. Braided stainless-steel brake lines and low-dust performance brake pads are also included. The Rear Brake Upgrade may only be used in conjunction with F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade.

F-Sport Shock Absorber Set

Developed in cooperation with Bilstein® and available exclusively through the F-Sport Performance Accessory program, this shock-absorber set offers sport-tuned suspension dampening without sacrificing ride quality.

F-Sport Lowering Spring Set

This feature lowers the vehicle approximately one inch in the front and rear for a more aggressive appearance and a lower center of gravity. The spring set is engineered to deliver lowered ride height without bottoming out or creating a harsh ride. The sets will be specifically configured for each model and can be used with either the stock or F-Sport Shock Absorber Set.

F-Sport Sway Bar Set

The sway bar set includes larger diameter replacement front-and-rear sway bars that reduce body sway and flatten cornering. Oil-impregnated rubber bushings are also included to replace the original rubber bushings. Each vehicle”s sway bar set is specifically configured to achieve the best performance.

F-Sport Rear Chassis Member Brace

To improve chassis stiffness under aggressive driving conditions and provide a more responsive feel during cornering, the F-Sport Rear Chassis Member Brace joins key rear-chassis and suspension mounting points through this tubular steel brace.

F-Sport Performance Exhaust System

This system features all stainless-steel construction with fully polished mufflers and double-wall exhaust tips. In addition to an outstanding appearance, it delivers a powerful, sport-tuned exhaust sound while complying with established sound-level standards and does not affect emissions compliance.

F-Sport Performance Air Intake

This low-restriction intake and filter assembly is fully compatible with stock engine controls and is emission legal in all 50 states.

F-Sport Carbon Fiber Engine Cover

Constructed from real carbon fiber, this light-weight, durable engine cover provides a high-tech appearance under the hood. This is a direct replacement for the original cover.

F-Sport Performance ClutchSet

The F-Sport Performance Clutch Set, available for the IS 250 and IS 250C equipped with the manual transmission, increases clamping force approximately 16 percent to handle higher torque capacity and provide improved feel.

F-Sport Quick Shifter

Engineered and machined from billet aluminum, the F-Sport Quick Shifter for the manual-transmission equipped IS 250 and IS 250C decreases shift throw by approximately 35 percent for quicker and more positive shifting.

F-Sport Shift Knob

Constructed from premium leather and genuine carbon fiber, F-Sport shift knobs are sporty and offer a comfortable curved shape. The manual knob is weighted to provide a sporty and more controlled feel while shifting. Both knobs are detailed with signature blue stitching and a silver F-Sport logo.

F-Sport Floor Mats

Made from the same high-quality 18 ounce nylon carpet as the factory mats, the four-piece set is available in black with a silver embroidered “F-Sport” logo.

Lexus of Australia showed a sports-inspired IS 250 at the 2008 Australian International Motor Show this past week. Based on the IS 250, the Sports Concept gets a number of visual enhancements that give the IS 250 a more aggressive appeal along with features that enhance driving dynamics.

The list of enhancements include new high-performance breaks, Bilstein shock absorbers and springs, sway bars, chassis braces, air intakes, clutch, short shift kit, a new exhaust, 19-inch wheels and an engine cover and spoilers.

According to John Toca, CEO of Lexus Australia, the accessories are currently being considered for sale in Australia to attract “younger buyers to the Lexus brand – and give Lexus a vehicle that aspiring IS F customers could step into.”

Lexus IS 250 Sports Concept:

Summer is over – but that didn’t stop Lexus from debuting its convertible IS at the 2008 Paris Motor Show this week. Lexus has also released a short video showing the Lexus IS 250C dropping its top to very epic music that makes you feel like Maximus.

The hard-top 205-hp Lexus IS 250C will go on sale in Europe in Summer 2009. Pricing details and the possibility of the IS 250C coming to the U.S. have yet to be confirmed.

Follow the jump for the video along with high-res images of the Lexus IS 250C.

Live from Paris 2008: 2010 Lexus IS 250C:

Video: 2010 Lexus IS 250C:

Live from Paris 2008: 2010 Lexus IS 250C:

2010 Lexus IS 250C:

Earlier this morning Lexus unveiled its new 2010 Lexus IS 250C. The hardtop convertible is powered by the same 2.5L V6 from the IS 250 producing 205-hp. European sales will begin in summer 2009 - other markets will follow.

Lexus has not confirmed whether it will make a IS 350C or a convertible IS-F but we wouldn’t doubt it since it’ll give them room to compete with the upcoming Infiniti G37 Convertible or the BMW M3 Convertible.

Click through for live images from the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

Live from Paris 2008: 2010 Lexus IS 250C:

2010 Lexus IS 250C: