VIDEO: Lexus LFA Meets Hot Dutch Supermodel in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition

Normally, the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition wouldn't be something that you'd read about or see on Carscoop, but being that Lexus is involved in the 2011 issue, we....couldn't leave you in the dark about the LFA's presence in the photo shoot with Dutch supermodel Rianne Ten Haken.

Now, if you're still with us and haven't used the zoom function for a closer inspection of Miss Ten Haken, in the hands of Rhys Millen, the Japanese firm's 552-HP, V10 supercar ran -in Lexus' own words- "multiple high-speed donuts around the model to create the imagery for the sizzling four-page spread." Now spread your wings over the jump to watch the video clip.

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Lexus Offers Special Driver Lessons to LFA Owners [with Video]

Owning a supercar like the Lexus LFA is not always a walk in the park. With 552HP on tap, it has enough oomph to get you in serious trouble and, given the $375,000 price tag and limited run of just 500 units, it would be a shame to wrap this beast around a tree. So, it’s definitely good news that Lexus will offer a driver development program for LFA owners that will run from March 8 to 15, at the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California.

Racing professionals will provide expert guidance during the one-day program, which includes theoretical and track lapping sessions, performance limit exercises and technical demonstrations.

“This program offers a unique opportunity to experience the 552 horsepower Lexus LFA supercar in its natural environment,” said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. “Lapping Infineon and tips from the professional drivers will certainly enhance the overall LFA ownership experience.”

First presented as a concept model at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show, the production version LFA was finally shown in October 2009 at the Tokyo Motor Show. Still, it took another year until it went into production, with the first units being delivered in the U.S. last month. The entire batch of 500 units is expected to be delivered by 2012 and, according to Lexus, there are still a limited number of LFAs available for purchase.

In the videos below, you can see the reactions of one of the first owners to take delivery of the LFA (allegedly in Costa Rica), upon getting behind the wheel.

By Csaba Daradics

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VIDEO: Lexus Sets the Bar High, Chains Four Cars on LS in New TV Ad

In another sign that luxury automakers in the U.S. are raising the stakes -or so to speak- with their latest commercials, following Audi's recent A8 ad, Lexus has released a new TV spot as part of an advertising campaign to demonstrate how far the company goes to achieve perfection.

This particular broadcast ad is titled “Chain” and it shows a crane slowly lifting the front end of a LS, which is attached to four more Lexus models (RX, GS, ES and IS) using nothing more than cables and stretch bars. At the end of the spot, a $375,000 LFA comes into the shot and parks directly below the chain of vehicles weighing a total 21,000 pounds.

The key point here is that the commercial is real and that no special effects were used for its creation as Lexus proves in the 'Behind the Scenes" video.

“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.”

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VIDEO: C&D Pits Lexus LFA Against Ferrari 599 HGTE

In 1971, one of the greatest one-on-one boxing matches took place in New York's Madison Square Garden: the bout between Mohammed Ali and Joe Frazier. So big was this event, advertisers dubbed it, 'The Fight of the Century'. Now, two different contenders take to the ring (uh...tarmac). The reigning champion: the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE. The challenger: the Lexus LFA. Video after the jump.

One is a purebred, Italian racehorse with decades of motor racing heritage under its belt. The other is the new kid on the block: the young hood with its 'doof doof' music and unshakable will to win.

So maybe I went a bit too far with the boxing analogy...

The real scoop here is U.S. magazine Car and Driver putting the V12-powered 599 GTB HGTE and V10-powered LFA through their paces on the narrow, sodden backroads of Wales. Technical editor Michael Austin is behind the wheel of the Ferrari while executive editor Mark Gillies is in the Lexus. Their goal: to find out which of these two, similarly priced front engined, rear-wheel-drive GTs is the best?

Watch the video and decide for yourselves.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: C&D

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Lexus Debuts Interactive Film for CT 200h Compact Hybrid

Lexus wants to give people a chance to call the shots in a new video campaign focusing on its upcoming 2011 CT 200h five-door hatchback. It's called "Dark Ride".

The luxury marque is making a short action film with a recognizable star racing around it a new model. Now you're thinking, "Wait, didn't BMW do this a while back? And Audi (kind of), more recently?"

Ah, but those films weren't interactive...

Here's how Lexus marketing VP Dave Nordstrom spins it: "With 'Dark Ride' we are creating a unique virtual test drive opportunity so consumers can experience this hybrid, that is like no other, months before it is available at dealerships in early 2011. In it, consumers play a co-starring role as the fun-to-drive Lexus CT 200h is put through its paces. By guiding the driver and the CT through a series of adventures, customers will be exposed to 'The Darker Side of Green,' which is completely different than the way hybrids are usually portrayed."

I would have cut that down for you, but you have to see for yourself how hard Lexus is selling it.

If you want to see the short film, head on over to the official site. Lexus says you can put yourself in the movie and even record your own lines, so...someone do that and send it in.

By Phil Alex

Link: Lexusdarkride

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Japanese Grudge Match: Nissan GT-R vs. Lexus LFA

There's only so much that can be said about a drag race between a Nissan GT-R and the Lexus LFA. It's a traditional competition pitting Japan's two Euro-fighting high-tech supercars against each other in an attempt to figure out which one is faster in the quarter mile.

No matter who's faster, the better buy should be clear. At a $300,000+ price gap, it won't be hard to figure it out; on the other hand, exclusivity has no price.

Thankfully, Motor Trend showed us how the duel would play out. While informative, it ain't Top Gear with the Jezza. To watch it through Motor Trend's eyes, check it out after the break.

By Phil Alex

Via: Autoblog.com / MT

Lexus' LX570 gets Invaded by ASI [with Video]

Japan's tuning specialist, ASI, thinks the Lexus LX570 full-size SUV needs a good ol' bump in styling and performance.

The tuner's Invader package takes care of the looks, although there has been no news yet of what engine upgrades are supplied. With the basic 5.7 liter churning out 381 horsepower, any intake/exhaust/ECU tuning would likely bring that number above 400.

ASI has bigger plans than just the standard tune-job, though, with a nigh-600 horsepower package on the way. It should run to 60 in under 5 seconds.

Unfortunately there's only one image to go from, so all that can be said is this: the body kit's nose looks decent, if a tad over the top (e.g. that front bumper is about 6 inches too tall). Lose the lower lip / fog light area and move everything higher.

Actually, forget that. It's not like owners would have to worry about off-roading, anyway. Honestly, who takes their Lexus LX to the trails?

By Phil Alex

Lexus LFA: Early Customer Interest Exceeds Production Numbers (You don't Say...)

To no one's surprise, in the three months that have passed since the official introduction of the LFA at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2009, the number of formal expressions of interest in purchasing the $375,000 V10 supercar is already far greater than the limited production run of only 500 examples, Toyota's subsidiary announced today.

Lexus said that it will continue to accept "formal expressions of interest" up to mid-March. At that point though, the 500 LFAs will be allocated across the 56 countries where they are on sale, with confirmed orders with deposits to be invited from the end of May.

Devshi Varshani, the Personal Liaison Manager who looks after all LFA sales, said: "The level of interest we have witnessed reinforces just what an exceptional car the LFA is. Even though few people have even seen the car in the metal, let alone experienced its breathtaking performance, it has quickly achieved the status of a truly rare and highly sought-after machine."

The Japanese automaker's first-ever supercar is powered by a mid-front mounted 4.8-litre V10 engine that churns out 552bhp for a zero to 62mph (100km/h) sprint time of just 3.7 seconds and a maximum velocity of 325 km/h or 202 mph.

Double Whammy: DUI Driver Smashes Into Another DUI's Crashed Car [Updated with New Video]

Two separate accidents that occurred in downtown Los Angeles today lead to the arrest of two people on suspicion of DUI (driving under the influence). This strange incident started when a female driver in a Lexus IS, who was later arrested for DUI, crashed with another car that allegedly drove off after the accident. A few minutes later, and while a cameraman was filming the incident, a third car with three people inside slammed into the Lexus!

According to the reports, the rear seat passenger in the white car that hit the Lexus was taken to the hospital for minor injuries, while the driver was apprehended by the boys-in-blue for driving under the influence. Luckily, no one was in the Lexus when the second accident occurred.

Hat tip to Andrew! - Via: KTLA

VIDEO: Lexus LFA V10 Supercar Caught in Motion in California

Here's your chance to get a taste of the looks and sounds of the new Lexus LFA in real-life conditions as the Japanese company brought its Ferrari-challenging V10-powered supercar to the Cars and Coffee event last month in Irvine, California. Watch the two films after the jump, and don't forget to say 'ouch' at about 43 seconds into the first video...

Thanks for the tip 3Deuce27 (First video via Motortrend)

Lexus IS 350C with 405HP Supercharged V6 by Fox Marketing Ready for SEMA Debut [with Videos]

If you have been keeping up with us here at Carscoop, you probably know about the custom made Lexus IS 350C that Fox Marketing is preparing for the SEMA Show in Las Vegas this November. We've already shown you a teaser rendering as well as some photos of the car taken during the development phase but now, Fox Marketing has released detailed specs along with the first live photos and videos of the lime-green hardtop convertible that comes equipped with a supercharged version of the stock 3.5-liter V6 pumping out some 406 horsepower.

Other mechanical upgrades include a reworked suspension with Yonaka SPECII 36 way adjustable coilovers and 14-inch disc brakes with six-piston calipers.

The team over at Fox Marketing also dressed up the IS 350C with a custom made wide bodykit that includes front fenders and side skirts from the IS-F sports saloon along with 20-inch black alloy wheels wrapped around in Toyo T1R rubber.

Source: Fox Marketing , Via: Autoblog

Fox Marketing 2010 Lexus IS350C

Engine:

• Jashaan Autosports powered by ProCharger Supercharger System (405hp @ 6psi)
  
• ProCharger C-2 Blower
  
• Yonaka Intercooler Type 10 22x9x3
  
• Yonaka 2.5 inch Stainless Intercooler Piping
  
• Yonaka Couplers & Silicone hoses
  
• AMSOIL 0w-30 Signature Series Synthetic Fluids
  
• AMSOIL EA Oil Filter
  
• AMSOIL Antifreeze
  
• F-Sport Exhaust
  

  Interior:
  

• Lexus Cream White Interior
  
• BASF R-M Black Painted Interior Parts
  
• Classic Design Concepts Light Bar
  

  Exterior:
  

• BASF R-M Foxy Green Paint
  
• BASF R-M Black Paint
  
• Custom Lip molded front spoiler
  
• Custom IS F front fenders
  
• Custom IS F Side Skirts
  
• Custom 2 inch fender flares
  
• Custom Rear bumper flare
  
• Custom SEIBON Carbon rear wing
  
• Custom BASF R-M Carizzma Flat Black Grill Ring
  
• Custom BASF R-M Black Grill inserts
  
• Custom BASF R-M Foxy Green Lexus badge
  
• Custom BASF R-M Black Lexus rear logos
  

  Lighting:
  

• Lightwurkz Custom BASF R-M Carizzma Flat Black Headlight Casings
  
• Lightwurkz Custom 3 prong LED turn signals
  
• Lightwurkz Custom shaved center running light
  

  Brakes:
  

• F-Sport Big Brakes 14 inch 6 piston Calipers
  

  Suspension:
  

• Yonaka SPECII 36 way adjustable Coilovers
  
• TunedParts Rear Brace
  

  Wheels & Tires:
  

• Front: 20x9 iForged Sprint BASF R-M Carizzma Flat Black w/ Gloss Black Lips – Cream white bolts
  
• 245/30/20 Toyo T1R
  
• Rear: 20x11.5 iForged Sprint BASF R-M Carizzma Flat Black w/ Gloss Black Lips – Cream white bolts
  
• 305/30/20 Toyo T1R
  

  Partners:.Lexus, BASF Refinish, AMSOIL, Yonaka, iForged, ProCharger, F-Sport, Jashaan Autosports, Classic Design Concepts, Lightwurkz, Mugsy's Repair, Detrich Autobody, Impressive Signs, Tuned Parts, ClubLexus.com, my.is

VIDEO: Lexus LFA Official Promo Film with Some Track Action

Continuing our Lexus LFA news-orgasm, following the leaked shots and the official high-res gallery and details, we now bring you a promotional film of the $375,000 limited production Japanese supercar that was formally introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show today. Due to go on sale in late 2010, the rear-wheel drive LFA is motivated by an all-new 4.8-liter V10 with 553 horsepower. That's good enough for a zero to 62mph (100km/h) in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 202mph (325km/h). But enough with the talk. Hit the jump to check out Lexus' first-ever supercar in all its glory.

Lexus LF-A: Production Version of V10 Supercar Uncovered in Photos and Video [GALLERY UPDATED]

*Updated II: 40 Official High-Res Photos Have Been Added After The Jump --> Just a few hours before its official debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, and the first photographs as well as a video of the production version of the Lexus LF-A supercar have made their way onto the internet. From what we've been informed by our inside people, the LF-A features a new, front-mid mounted V10 engine that churns our approximately 550HP with power being sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed automated manual gearbox with paddle shifters for a 0 to 100km/h sprint time of about 3.7 seconds. Stay tuned for more updates on Lexus' first ever supercar but until then, hit the break for the photo gallery and video.

Source: Nagtroc , Via: Jalopnik

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LEXUS LF-A: OFFICIAL HIGH-RES PHOTOS

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