We’ve seen some photos of the Japanese special edition Elegant White Lexus IS, and now here’s a weird little commercial to go along with it:
It wouldn’t be so strange if the cat didn’t seem to have such a bizarre pose, but it is what it is.
(I still can’t stop thinking about the Passionate Black GS limited edition. If it came to North America, it would immediately take #1 spot in the “My Next Car” sweepstakes.)
This Lexus-produced video showing the manufacturing process of the IS is full-on fantastic:
I’ll admit to a soft spot when it comes to this type of behind-the-scenes video footage, and no matter how many times I read about it, it’s mind-boggling just how quality-obsessed Lexus really is. I was particularly impressed by the electronic tools that report every minute detail, which is used to build an entire build “history” of each car. Not only that, I don’t think I’ll ever look at wood in a luxury car the same way again, I had no idea just what lengths were taken to achieve the end result.
A Lexus IS convertible coupe has been spotted out in the wild, and was photographed by an unnamed German magazine. Here’s a blown-up image, for a better look:
As for the accompanying text, there’s some horsepower number ranging from 177 to 423, which translates right across the entire IS lineup, from the 220d to the IS-F. There’s also mention of a 2009 release, and if that’s true, it means there’s plenty more information coming down the pipeline very shortly.
Lexus Japan will be releasing a limited edition Elegant White Interior IS, an especially literal name to be sure:
Beyond the white/grey two-tone semi-aniline leather seats, the interior will be replete with real wood paneling on the center console and doors, plus a rear privacy shade (not pictured):
I think it’s gorgeous, the wood grain is especially beautiful, and all of the elements together make for a very striking combination.
The IS “Elegant White Interior” edition goes on sale February 18th, and will be produced in a limited run of only 700. All exterior colors are available, and buyers will have a choice between the IS 250 & 350. The interior upgrade will cost ¥500,000 over the base model, which comes to about $4,500 USD.
Lexus has set the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for an assortment of models, including the 2009 RX 350, which will skip up $100, bringing the front-wheel-drive version to $37,500 and the all-wheel-drive version to $38,900. The 2009 RX 350 is expected in dealerships by early February 2008.
Other models see a price bump as well:
The LS 460 will jump up $500 to $62,000, and the LS 460L will start at $72,000
The ES 350 increases by 0.3%, or $100, to $33,820
The entire IS range will see $100 increase on all the various versions
The RX 450h also sees a $100 increase.
In general, the price increases are rather insignificant, considering, with the exception of the LS. The more significant news is that the 2009 RX 350 price has already been set, which makes me think that the redesigned model (based on the LF-Xh concept) will be released in 2010.
The winners of Australia’s 2007 Best Car Awards have been announced, and Lexus was well represented, taking first place in two categories.
For the second year in a row, the IS 250 was named the Best Prestige Car. The GS 450h placed first in the Best Luxury Car category, also for the second time in as many years.
The GS 450h went up against some stiff competition, with the Audi A6 TDI Quattro and another Lexus, the LS 460, taking second and third spots, respectively. The reasoning? :
Lexus GS450h is the future: a high performance luxury car whose green credentials are second to none. It has set a benchmark for other manufacturers. This is especially true as those corporate leaders who are cashed up enough to be able to afford a $100K+ vehicle are increasingly being looked at to set an example in responsible motoring.
In comparison, the IS 250 went up against the Honda Legend (the Acura RL in North America) and the Suburu Liberty (Legacy).
The awards, which are handed out by a panel of the continent’s top motoring experts, was started as a joint initiative in 2000 by Australia’s Auto Clubs.
There’s something so classy about this silhouette profile shot of the Lexus IS 250 by Jason Kim:
It really accentuates the rear slope, it’s such a smooth line. In the same spirit, Jason has another black & white photo of the IS 250, this time from the front. It’s a testament to the quality of Lexus paint, look at these reflections:
Lexus has announced a recall of the 2006 editions of the GS 300, IS 250 and the IS 350, in regards to a problem with the fuel pipe design.
Over time, a crack may form in fuel pipes located in the engine compartment, the company said today in a statement.
The problem is blamed on high-stress areas that may have been created during the manufacturing process that when combined with corrosive agents, such as fuel, can form a crack, leading to fuel leakage.
There’s only been one case reported, and no accidents have occurred. Affected owners should get get a notice in the mail early next month.
Toyota has built a new driving simulator at their Higashifuji Technical Center in Japan, and it looks straight out of science fiction.
Inside the 15-foot-high, 23-foot-wide sphere is a Lexus IS attached to an elaborate rail system and surrounded by a 360-degree video screen that displays a virtual driving environment:
The internal surrounding sides of the dome show 360 degree computer graphic imagery of roads and landscape, complete with signs, pedestrians, street-side stores and faraway Mount Fuji — all synchronized to move with the simulated driving.
In a demonstration for reporters Monday at a Toyota technology center, the dome moved in a 35-meter (115 foot) long building, skidding on a rail horizontally and vertically.
When a driver pushed on the brakes, the dome tilted forward to give the effect of stopping. When the driver turned the steering wheel to the right, the dome cocked to the right to give the feeling of turning.
The simulator will be used primarily to test out advanced safety features, as well as examine how intoxication and drowsiness affects drivers.
It’s a substantial looking thing, and I certainly wouldn’t turn down a chance to try it out.
An Autospies reader recently posted up this scanned-in Japanese auto mag page depicting the facelifted 2009 Lexus IS:
“Top Secret” banner aside, this is likely a photochop, though subtle enough to be believable. The differences are slight, there’s some GS design incorporated into the front end, and the side panels look to be tucked in. I do like the lights pulled out of the rear bumper. Overall, it wouldn’t be a bad update. It looks more refined, more modern.
One thing’s for certain, I do hope 2009 brings a update to the IS.
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