The Interwebs were recently aflutter with rumors that Lexus had set a new Nürburgring production car record with its LFA supercar. The Japanese automaker has stepped forward to lend credence those rumors… by producing an official video of the record-breaking 7:14.64 run. That figure represents a mighty quick 20.6-kilometer jaunt, besting efforts put forth by a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Nissan GT-R and even a Porsche 911 GT2 RS.
Lexus used an even more limited-edition version of its already limited LFA known as the Nürburgring Edition. Only 50 examples are to be built, which represents 1/10th of total planned LFA production. The differences on this limited, limited-edition car can be found in the added aero bits, track-tuned suspension, custom wheels and an extra 11 horsepower. That extra oomph brings total power up to 563 horses, compared to the "standard" car's 552.
That power boost is clearly enough to push the LFA around the track more quickly than any production car has gone before. However, the inquisitive minds at The Truth About Cars bring up a good point with regards to "production car" records set on the 'Ring. Lexus only built 500 examples of the LFA, and just 50 of those are Nürburgring Edition cars. Should we consider that small production run enough for the car to qualify? If so, why can't we consider the times produced by a pair of Radical entries and a Gumpert Apollo Sport as part of the production class? If we do, then the LFA's time would actually fall to fourth. None of the aforementioned vehicles are mass-market units, but they are sold in the States, if in very limited numbers.
Still, we don't want to take anything away from Lexus on a truly amazing blast around this famed German circuit. Click past the jump to watch the video ride-along for yourself.
The Lexus LF-Gh Concept from this year's New York Auto Show is slowly making the journey from pure conceptual creation to full-on production car, albeit, in the form of the GS sedan. Our trusty spy photographers have caught a Lexus GS prototype out on the Nürburgring, and its LF-Gh-inspired cues are clearly in evidence despite heavy camouflage.
Up front, the LF-Gh's squared-off headlights have translated over to this GS test mule, complete with LED daytime running lamps. Even the "aggressive and bold spindle-shaped front grille" from the concept looks to be intact, as are the upward curving detail lines that form the outline of the lower side air intakes in the front fascia.
Mum's the word on what's under the hood, but we'd be shocked if it wasn't some sort of hybridized powertrain, perhaps similar to what's already found in the GS 450h. The production car likely won't debut until the end of 2011 or early 2012, so we'll keep our ears to the ground for more information until then.
So you thought the Royal Wedding was pretty exciting – not us. For us the most exciting part was when Prince William and his new bride, Kate Middleton drove around in a 42-year-old Aston Martin DB6 Volante MkII. However, the upcoming wedding of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco will be a tad more exclusive.
Lexus has built a unique hybrid LS 600h L Landaulet featuring a one-piece, transparent polycarbonate roof. The car will serve as the official Royal Wedding vehicle for the marriage, which takes place on Saturday July 2, 2011.
“Lexus is very proud to present this exceptional full hybrid vehicle to H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince of Monaco,” said Andy Pfeiffenberger, Vice President of Lexus Europe. “Our commitment to innovation and sustainable mobility at Lexus matches well with His Serene Highness’ keen interest in promoting sustainable development and environmental protection.”
The Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet took over 2,000 hours to complete.
While the LS 600h L Landaulet is a one off model, we’re pretty sure some other royalty will be interested in owning one.
2011 Lexus LS 460 Touring – Click above for high-res image gallery
Lexus has aimed its 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition at a less frumpy crowd, giving the ride new 19-inch wheels and a sportier body kit. The Touring Edition goes on sale later this month with a sticker price of $73,000 before destination charges.
To keep things looking fresh, Lexus is adding a special mica paint job to the limited-production sedan. The Touring Edition package also features sport seats, matte-finish wood paneling and black leather upholstery with saddle leather accents.
Lexus says this thing will be built in limited numbers, but doesn't say how limited. Want one? Get in line now. Catch the full press release after the jump.
Lexus Gazoo Racing CT – Click above for high-res image
When nearly 200 cars line up this weekend at the Nürburgring for the Adenauer ADAC Rudstrecken-Trophy, countless Porsches and BMWs will be among them. And a hybrid. Wait, what?
That's right. This year Gazoo Racing – the ToMoCo-backed outfit that has campaigned the Lexus LFA at the same track – is fielding a competition-spec Lexus CT 200h.
Well, we shouldn't call it a CT 200h, since while it's almost identical to the roadgoing CT hybrid, the 200 nameplate would be a bit of a misnomer. Because while the electric component of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system was kept in place for this racing machine, the 1.8-liter four was replaced by a 2.4. Perhaps it's a test platform for the upcoming more powerful CT?
Otherwise, beyond the required safety modifications, it's pretty much bone stock, right down shutting the engine off at idle and under braking. Follow the jump for the full press release.
For a luxury brand to be taken seriously nowadays it is a must to go racing with its most potent family car. All the European luxury brands are heavily involved in racing series like DTM, BTCC and the FIA World Touring Car Championship, and their successes on the track are well decorated in showrooms, to show their customers what the brand is capable off.
Japanese luxury car firm Lexus has, however, been less keen on taking the IS-F to racing circuits, but that hasn’t stopped some privateer entries from making race cars out of the brand’s most powerful sedan.
The latest IS-F race car hails from Europe and is campaigned by MN Motorsports team in the Superstars International Series where it will compete alongside other RWD V8-powered monster sedans like the BMW M5, Audi RS4, Cadillac CTS-V, Mercedes C63 and even the Maserati Quattroporte and Chrysler 300CSRT8.
The team, which is owned by Mauro Nocentini will wear the number 06 and will be driven by Diego Romanini, who is a two-time Formula 3 champion.
The team has had problems at the start of the season, but we wish them all the best for the upcoming races.
Lexus released a wonderful tribute to off-road racer Joe Bacal, who endured through Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on his way to winning the SCORE Off-Road Championship and the Baja 1000 in the Stock Full class behind the wheel of an Lexus LX 570:
A truly amazing story, and an inspiration to us all — you can follow Joe’s continuing story (and his current SCORE season) over on his Facebook page.
2011 JTGrey Racing Lexus LX 570 SCORE truck – Click above for high-res image
Toyota is putting its full backing behind the JTGrey Racing Lexus LX 570 again this year as the team looks for a repeat in the 2011 SCORE Stock Full Championship. Last year, driver Joe Bacal piloted a very similar LX 570 to the overall championship.
This version of the LX 570 proves you can turn just about anything into a SCORE truck and instantly make it 100 percent cooler. This LX sport-ute has been permanently relieved of soccer practice and Whole Foods duty, and now sports a healthy lift and 37-inch rollers to keep the vitals off the ground.
In last year's championship, Bacal drove the 5.7-liter V8-powered LX to victory at the Las Vegas 300, the San Felipe 250, the Baja 1000 Races and nabbed second in the Baja 500. Bacal's 2011 season started this past weekend at the SCORE Mastercraft San Felipe 250, but Bacal finished outside the points. The next round of the season runs from June 3-5 at the Baja 500. Hit the jump for the official press blast.
So far most of the cars have been for the boys, but what about the girls? Maybe something pretty…..in pink?
The Moving Cafe Label from G Corporation has all things cute for your commuter right down to the heart shaped wheels.
A little too cute? Looking for something a little more practical? Take a look at the Butterfly Systems Black Death Butterfly Zest Spark (I couldn't make that name up if I tried).
A bit too small? Looking for something a bit more luxurious? Try the on Butterfly Systems Celsior. The interior treatment will make all of your friends LV pale by comparison.
Are you looking for something a bit more sporting? Head over to the Fairlady Z Zone to give your fair lady the treatment she deserves. The heart shaped steering wheel will be a constant reminder of your love.
Like to feel the wind in your hair without the noise and fuss of the Z? 170 Motoring has the IS for you. All the beauty of a fine luxury car.
While concealing a beast within.
The world of drifting is crowded with loud shouty vehilcles, so how is one to stand out? OK, these are probably more for the boys. Enjoy the eye candy.
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Lexus, LFA, Nurburgring, Record, Toyota 
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