I saw one just yesterday. Only the second one I’ve ever seen. An IS250C convertible. I see plenty of Lexus IS series around here. Several of my pals have them as company cars instead of the usual 3 Series BMW and I thing they’re a great looking car. IS-F’s are not so plentiful, but you still see them out there. But the convertible baby Lexus…. Just two spotted since it’s launch and yet I can’t figure out why.

This thought pattern was triggered by the latest announcement of the updated Lexus lineup for the UK. You can see more of the press details below, with more efficient engines, changes to the body styling and tweaks to the equipment list, it’s an update that’s probably going to get buried under the excitement of the forthcoming Lexus CT200h, but I found it interesting.

The press info comes with the usual actions shots and the IS250C was the one that stood out for me. Even though I’ve only seen two passing me by, they certainly stood out as a damned good alternative to the usual suspects of 3 Series or CLK clones. And yet Lexus Press office inform me that there are actually 630 of them out there at the last count which is actually a fair few in a UK-sized land mass. Must try harder at IS250C spotting in future..

Full Details of the New UK IS200 Lineup

LEXUS UNVEILS REVISED IS RANGE

KEY POINTS
• Most significant changes to IS range since launch
• Introduction of new IS 200d with improved fuel economy and lower emissions than previous IS 220d
• IS 200d powered by revised 148bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine with diesel particulate filter (DPF), matched to six-speed manual transmission
• 134g/km CO2 emissions earn IS 200d 18 per cent BIK company car tax rating and Band E Vehicle Excise Duty
• Better fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 figures for IS 250 automatic and IS 250C coupe-convertible
• All IS powertrains meet Euro 5 emissions standards
• Exterior styling changes including headlight and rear light designs, revised front grille design, new exterior colours and alloy wheel designs
• LED daytime running lights added to high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights
• Revised equipment specifications
• On-the-road prices remain unchanged
• Available to order now

Sporty, smooth and unmistakeably Lexus, the IS has undergone its most significant revisions since the current generation model was launched in 2005.

Changes for the 2011 model year, to be formally revealed at the Paris motor show, are not simply a matter of sharper styling: Lexus has gone to the heart of the ownership experience to make the IS an even more appealing prospect, not least to those choosing it as a company car.

Central to this strategy is the introduction of the new IS 200d, which delivers improved fuel economy, lower emissions and reduced tax bills. Replacing the previous IS 220d, it is available to order now, priced from £24,350 (IS 200d SE) on the road.

The V6 petrol engine featured in the IS 250 and IS 250C coupe-convertible with six-speed automatic transmission has also been revised to meet future Euro5 emissions standards, achieving better fuel economy and CO2 emissions with no penalty in performance.

Focus of the styling changes is the F-Sport grade, which now echoes even more loudly the looks of its ultra-high-performance sister, the IS F, to strengthen its appeal among younger drivers. Meanwhile all IS models equipped with high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights gain LED daytime running lights and across the range there are new wheel designs, new rear light designs and a revised choice of exterior colours.

New IS 200d with enhanced driving quality
Replacing the previous IS 220d, the new IS 200d delivers stronger fuel economy, lower CO2 emissions and a more refined and smoother drive.

The new 148bhp version of the 2.2-litre diesel engine benefits from detailed engineering revisions and is equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to meet Euro 5 emissions standards and enhance the engine’s driving quality.

The changes include a re-shaped combustion chamber and the use of new-generation piezoelectric fuel injectors to give a more efficient, cleaner and complete fuel burn. Pressure in the common rail injection system has been increased. a higher flow exhaust gas recirculation valve has been introduced and the adoption of a new oil-cooled, variable nozzle turbocharger improves torque performance at low speeds and cuts overall engine noise.

Maximum power of 148bhp is delivered at 3,600rpm, with peak torque of 340Nm on tap from 2,000rpm, allowing for nought to 62mph acceleration in 10.2 seconds. Combined cycle fuel consumption is 55.4mpg and CO2 emissions are 134g/km, compared to 50.4mpg and 148g/km for the IS 220d.

As well as saving money at the pumps, owners enjoy a lower annual road tax charge – Band E rather than F for Vehicle Excise Duty. For company car tax payers there is a further bonus in the reduction of the Benefit-in-Kind tax rating from 21 to 18 per cent for the new model.

IS 250 automatic and IS 250C
For the 2011 model year the IS 250 becomes and automatic-only model, with revisions to the powertrain that ensure compliance with Euro 5 emissions standards.

Power and torque are unchanged from the super-smooth V6 are unchanged at 205bhp and 252Nm, but combined cycle fuel consumption improves from 31.7 to 33.6mpg, with a concurrent fall in CO2 output from 209 to 194g/km. As a result the model’s BiK tax rating is cut from 30 to 27 per cent.

Similarly, the improved engine is also under the bonnet of the 2011 IS 250C coupe-cabriolet, with an improvement in combined cycle performance to 30.7mpg and a 6g/km reduction in CO2 emissions to 213g/km.

Revised IS F-Sport
Changes to the IS 250 and 220d F-Sport models’ exterior and interior make them even more of a stand-out choice, heavily influenced by the styling of the ultra-high-performance IS F.

For 2011 F-Sport specification includes a new deep front spoiler with faired-in fog lights, new grille design and a rear spoiler with integrated stop light. The new-design 18-inch alloy wheels have a dark silver finish and black centre Lexus roundel, directly inspired by the IS F.

Inside the sports factor continues with F-Sport steering wheel, gear lever and sports pedals and front seats finished in leather and Alcantara. Extra touches of titanium-effect trim and a dark, anthracite roof liner are also introduced.

New specifications and options
Revisions elsewhere in the IS range included improvements to the SE-I specification to introduce rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming electrochromic rear view mirror and a new leather upholstery with heated front seats. There is a modest change to the rear light clusters and on IS 250 the exhaust tailpipe has a bolder circular profile in place of the previous ellipse.

New-look 17 and 18-inch wheels are available and the choice of exterior colours has been adjusted, with Ultra Blue metallic making its debut in the range.

Is the Lexus LFA worth £320k? It could be, but there are a few things that will make it worth the ticket that I’ll cover a little later. I’ve driven most of the high -end supercars on the market, Ferrari 430, 599GTB, Gallardo, Aston DBS, Murci LP640 etc. However, I doubt I’ll get my backside into an LFA any time soon, so I’ll have to go by what other reports are saying and digest the opinions.

24 hours after the public launch of the car, most of the global car magazine industry has posted first thoughts on their blogs and websites, so here’s a run down on what they’re all saying.

Car Magazine in the UK has a fairly pessimistic review initially, comparing the speed and quality of the paddle shift with it’s single clutch and reckoning that it’s too slow and too clunky around the town. If that’s true, it’s a bad thing. As they say, when was the last time you heard of a Lexus with a poor shift? They also compare the performance stats to the Nissan GTR at a fraction of the money, though they heap praise on the handling:

“Scythe into a corner and you can feel the outside rear tyre loading up, and initially this can make you think the handling a little edgy. But you soon learn to trust the chassis, keep the pressure on and not back off the power. From there you can either keep it neat or ride out an enormous slide, M3-style.”

By ‘edgy’, I guess they mean very neutral and with two turns lock to lock, it’s certainly going to take a little time to get your confidnce up in high speed sweeping turns. Sounds good. The Car guys sum up by saying that at £150k, it could stand beside a 599GTB or new McLaren, but at over £300k, it’s not worth it.

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Road and Track are more positive, though with a more lightweight piece, describing the cars long gestation period and fine handling balance. I imagine it will have great balance, with the V10 set well back and a transaxle gearbox. They seem to agree, though they’re saving their main review for the print edition.

My view? Can’t say until I get my backside into one, but any car with a v10 that spins to 9,000 has got to sound fantastic, just check out the video below. Add in two turns lock to lock, a transaxle paddle gearbox and that oh so cool dash and body styling that I personally think will be stunning in colours other than white and I think it will sell.

To answer the question I asked at the start, ‘Is It Worth It?”, that’s the wrong question. It’s not so much is it value for money, more a question of “Can Lexus find 500 buyers worldwide who are interested enough in owning something that’s rare and exclusive enough for them to hit the Black Amex?” The fact that it’s nearly £100k more than a 599GTB is irrelevant, they probably already have one of those anyway.

My personal opinion is that now that it’s finally here, Lexus have to have the courage to put their stones on the block and go racing properly, either with the LFA or some other effort. Success in a series like ALMS / ELMS would give the Lexus brand the racer edge that it needs to be able to continue asking big money for fast cars in the future, rather than making the LFA a simple one-off exercise of “We built it to prove we could”

Over at the Japanese car site car@nifty.com, there is masses of info about the new FT-86 Concept, sadly mostly in Japanese! However, there are a lot more pictures with some great detail shots showing some of the design elements of the car much better, so here’s some thoughts on the eye catching bits.

Carbon Alloy Wheel detail of FT-86

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hat was my first thought when I read the spec of the FT-86 concept being unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show. It’s not a hybrid or an electric car, but a two litre ‘horizontally opposed’ engine, driving the rear wheels through a six speed gearbox. Absolutely loving the exterior styling, with more than a little Lexus LF-A influence to it. The Interior is typical show car, unlikely to be carried over into production. Particularly funky and rather sexy is the leather and zip ideas going on across the dashboard. Bit of a fetish thing happening there…

But it’s great to see and while there’s no power figures out yet, you’ve got to think that a two litre boxer engine, six speed gearbox and rear wheel drive has got to be a great combination. More details to follow, but I can’t wait to see the production version.

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We don’t often report on a simple product launch here at Toyota Tuner, but I’m making an exception with the very slick LF-Ch. A full hybrid design to compete with the Audi A3 and similar vehicles. I don’t know where they’ll be pitching the price and when it will be in the showrooms, , but just take a look. Like all concepts, there are bound to be a few ideas the bean counters remove, but if it comes out looking something like this, I’d buy one with a normal engine. Add the Hybrid drive (something I’m now getting my head around) and you’ve got a killer of a car. The YouTube embed below is the launch movie seen by the press at Frankfurt, lets hope we get to see a lot more of it very soon.

I was pretty sick this year when I couldn’t make it to the Goodwood Festival of Speed due to other work. Particularly as the Toyota sponsorship was going to ensure a healthy content of modified Toyotas and historically important Toyota Motorsport stuff.
I’d resigned myself to a flick through the magazines when they came out until fellow car photographer Tim Andrew mentioned he was going and did I want anything in particular shooting….
He didn’t need to ask twice and though he was there in a recreational capacity, not working, I’m sure you’ll like these pictures he emailed over. I just wish I could have been there to see the Celica Twin Cam Turbo shooting through the rally stage.

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I’ve been following this latest announcement this week about the Aston Martin Cygnus and Toyota tie up. Many people in the industry are waiting for the punch line, me included and I’ve not really had anything else to say that hasn’t been said until now. But then a Tweet from James Baggott made the light bulb come on in my head.

Aston are no longer part of Ford Co Mo, right? So that means that sooner or later, they’re going to have to either develop some engines or find a partner. Who’s goot peobably the toughest, smoothest, most reliable V8 out there? Lexus. Who’s got the march on everyone on hybrid technology right now? Toyota Mo Co.

So if you’re in Aston’s position, what a great idea and what better way to sow the seeds of the relationship and get the traditional Aston buyer used to the idea that a little pocket runaround for starters?

Don’t forget, Aston is now headed by one of the smartest minds in motorsport, Dave Richards and if ever there was a brain that could see the big picture, it’s him.

My final thought. Many moons ago now, when I was selling Lexus at it’s inception, we had a 4.0 V8 Lexus in the workshop and happened to take the air box off it. It was always a lovely smooth, snappy motor when in the limo body, but take the big airbox off it and let it breathe and it sounded fantastic when it revved up. Aston Vantage with a Lexus V8 and sports pipes? Bring it on.

I have to say it always mystified me why car manufacturers made thier hybrid cars so ugly and generic. I thought the first Prius was a pretty forgettable shape. Even though I always thought that Toyota would be the first on the market with one, it looked like something my Grandad would drive.

But the new one? That;’s better. The rear shot in particular is striking and it looks far sharper than the old one. I’ve only seen the press shots here, but yesterday the UK press launch took place in Stockholm and Toyota GB,’s Scott Brownlee was sending Tweets from his Blackberry thoughout the unveiling with some interesting facts, here’s a few of his gems from yesterday:

“Prius battery can be and is 95 per cent recycled.”

“Prius factory has 50,000kW – half needed – solar panelled roof”

“Petrol engine runs Aitkinson cycle. That’s nothing to do with meat-only diet, rather more bang per squeeze from the combustion cycle.”

Now THAT’S clever. Engine geeks, look here. It made my head hurt, but very clever…

“Extra power from battery due to better cooling from faster spinning fan. Power now 27kW, up 2kW from before”

“Engine uses recycled exhaust gases to warm up engine block quickly so it can reach peak efficiency quicker, and so use less fuel.”

“New 1.8 petrol engine works less hard than previous 1.5 so burns less fuel for a given speed. Counter intuitive, but clever.”

Actually makes a lot of sense. When I sold Lexus in the 90’s the LS400 was actually better on fuel than the old GS300.

“Not all hybrids are equal. Prius is full hybrid so can run on electric motor alone as well as use it to assist the petrol engine.”

“Prius head up disay has cool blue colour. Can’t wait to try that at night”

Last head up I looked at was a Corvette and I wasn’t impressed. I’d be really interested in driving this, both night and day…
“Now talking about solar roof. Grey, rain filled skies here today mean no chance to test in action!”

Audi used to have it as an option on the A8 at suicidal prices. If that’s standard, we’ve moved a hell of a lot in the last decade. Who says car technology isn’t advancing?
“New Prius big inside. Wheelbase same as Avensis plus flat floor give good rear head and leg room”

“Drag of just 0.25 amazing in car of this length. Prius would make great touring race car as it has low drag and light but strong bodydhell”
Big inside, flat floor? Low CD? Sounds like the perfect photographer’s car to me. Just need to find a way to get my hands on one.
How long before they introduce a hybrid Hi Lux Double Cab? Now you’re talking…

Many thanks to Scott’s prolific Tweeting, just wish we could have been there, I’ve only ever seen Stockholm in the winter time!

I’ll admit the new Avensis launch kind of passed me by. Announced in December last year and on sale since January, it wasn’t No1 on my list of Things To look At. Plus everyone is raving (rightly so) about the new IQ. But their new ad here in the UK featuring a few different models in the range woke me up when I spied a shot of the estate / tourer version which would be the one to light my fire. The words Avensis and sleek are not often seen in the same place, but this, I like….

With two kids into kayaking and the usual photographers pile of gadgets to cart around, Landcruisers have always been my thing, but put the optional roof rails onto one of those things for me, add the clever under floor storge boxes for the expensive camera bits, the six speed manual and 2.0 engine and I’d be quite a happy puppy, thank you very much…. The cool black leather interior looks to me as good as anything from the German auto builders…. So is it that the new Avensis isn’t a boring box, or is it that I’m becoming a boring old fart….? Comments please.

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