Lexus

To mark the completion of the 500 LFA production run, Lexus created an advanced F SPORT bicycle with the same CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) used in the supercar body — here’s a photo gallery: The bicycle is equipped with a 22-speed shifting electric-control mechanism, which enables the rider to shift gears easily — each bicycle was assembled by Takumi technicians and painted to LFA standards. Here’s what Tsukasa Yoshimoto, Japan’s leading bicycle writer, has to say about the bike: The Lexus F SPORT frame design was based on comfort geometery, which focuses on reducing fatigue, and makes full use of the excellent flexibility and vibration damping characteristics of the carbon material. The moderate smoothness of the pedaling feel, which is central to riding performance, feels great and enables the rider to use less leg strength when riding. Additionall, the excellent ride comfort helps to reduce the fatigue that tends to build up in the later stages of a long ride. The Dura-Ace Di2 enables the rider to shift easily and freely for virtually stress-free operation. Furthermore, F SPORT pursues true riding comfort, enabling the rider to really enjoy the speed and exhilaration of a road bike. Each regional office was given the option of ordering these F SPORT bicycles, but even so, they’re incredibly rare — as an example, there are only two in the USA and one in Canada.

For the latest edition of Lexus Magazine, I was asked to write about the legacy of the LFA: Development of the Lexus LFA started as a challenge, much as with the original LS 400 that launched the Lexus brand. Could Lexus engineers create a legitimate supercar that competes with the world’s best? By the time production ended in December 2012, the LFA’s legacy was firmly established: the supercar had brought about a seismic shift within the Lexus brand, and its influence can be seen throughout the Lexus lineup. Along with a new video, the article also includes two recent LFA photos that I’ve taken — here they are in desktop wallpaper size: 2560 x 1440 | 1920×1080 | 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 2560 x 1440 | 1920×1080 | 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 (These photos would not have been possible without serious help — special thanks to Ron Cooney & the Lexus USA Eastern office for arranging the LFA & IS photoshoot, and to Neph Trejo for everything during the Los Angeles road trip.) Read my article on the legacy of the LFA

Lexus UK has posted an interview with Lexus Design Chief Tokuo Fukuichi, who talks about his influences in deciding how Lexus should be styled. (He cites ‘intriguing’ and ‘simplicity’ as the key drivers, and also shows quite the flair for analogies!) Read the Fukuichi-san Interview

The CT 200h is one of only two models in the Lexus lineup that has yet to be upgraded to the full spindle design, and Japanese magazine Mag-X has put together a rendering of what the update might look like — here’s the full page, via Club Lexus: While the language barrier prevents a lot of detail, it’s clear that Mag-X expects the update to come in December of this year — considering the timing and current design push, the 2014 CT F SPORT may just look similar to the design above. [Source: Mag-X via Club Lexus]

The video from the 2014 Lexus IS website that I raved about earlier is now on Youtube: This video is great on so many levels, and really counterbalances the avant-garde direction of the new IS commercials — taking a chance with the TV spots is much easier when you have something more traditional to back it up.

After watching the Lexus USA’s two commercials for the new 2014 IS, up next is Lexus Europe: Really like the pace in this commercial — Here’s some details from the Lexus UK blog: In order to visualise this, Lexus Europe and advertising agency CHI & Partners partnered with the English National Ballet (ENB) and renowned choreographer Russell Maliphant to create a stunning comparison of the car’s dynamic qualities with the strength and control of a prima ballerina. The dancer performing is none other than Tamara Rojo, Lead Principle Dancer and current Artistic Director of the ENB. Her precise routine is an incredible display of traditional poise, balance, strength and technique, but it is starkly juxtaposed with a trap hip-hop track called Step Up by Stephen Kozmeniuk. [Source: Lexus UK Blog]

There’s only a couple weeks left before Ken Gushi & the IS F CCS-R make their way to Colorado Springs for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and Lexus is looking to add your name to the team roster — here’s some more details: To participate, all you have to do is add your name via Youtube, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #Lexus14K.

The third Lexus Short Films feature has been posted on Youtube — this is Swimming in Air, directed by Justin Tipping: I was lucky enough to attend the premiere of this film in Los Angeles, and was very taken with it — instead of wondering what it had to do with Lexus, I enjoyed the film on its own merits. Well worth the ten minutes, highly recommended. This film is a collaboration between Lexus and the Weinstein Company to showcase up-and-coming directors and their artistic vision. This is the third feature to be released online, the remaining two films will also be posted on Youtube once a week throughout June.

Lexus USA has released two new commercials for the 2014 IS today — the first is called COLOR SHIFT: The second commercial is titled CROWD: Featuring original music by Mark Mothersbaugh, the commercial was directed by Jonas Åkerlund — here are two behind-the-scenes videos with the director and stylist B. Åkerlund, who happens to be quite the character: The commercials are clearly a continuation of the high-fashion stylings introduced in the original 2014 IS launch video, which is hardly surprising given they share the same director — between the global brand commercial launched last month and these two new videos, Lexus is running the gamut of artistic style.

Montreal dealership Spinelli Lexus Pointe-Claire has wrapped up a CT 200h F SPORT in the style of the IS F CCS-R: Even with no performance upgrades, I can appreciate the dealership’s creativity with the CT CCS-R — especially when only die-hard Lexus enthusiasts would even understand what it means. (Thanks Vincent!)