LA SHOW - Is this an early April Fools, No, well, Lexus has given the world a SRIRACHA inspired IS Sedan, Mmmmm.

• Luxury automaker brings a playful spin to the stylish IS sedan by partnering with Huy Fong Foods’ signature sauce

To celebrate the launch of the 2017 Lexus IS sports sedan, Lexus created a bolder, spicier customized version of the original: the Lexus Sriracha IS. 

By joining forces with the authentic, beloved sauce made by Huy Fong Foods, Lexus turns up the heat with custom auto detailing, foodie finishes and an arsenal of Sriracha within easy reach for emergency situations. 

The specially modified vehicle will be on display at The Los Angeles Auto Show from Nov. 18–27 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. 

 

“The new Lexus IS is so hot, we decided to make it Sriracha hot, with all the custom details every Sriracha fan will appreciate,” said Brian Smith, Lexus vice president of marketing.

“I feel so humbled to see my Lexus and Sriracha friends’ love for my hot sauce,” said David Tran, CEO and founder of Huy Fong Foods. “The Lexus Sriracha IS is really the perfect mix for a ‘hot’ and ‘spicy car’ – just the way I like it.”

To bring the concept to life, Lexus commissioned the elite crew at West Coast Customs. Lexus also created a light-hearted video for fans to enjoy. “Sriracha In Everything” highlights the vehicle’s custom details and how Sriracha makes everything hotter. It can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/U2mtILDZRgI.

The special features of Sriracha IS:

Official Sriracha IS Paint Job 

Lexus experimented with a range of mixtures and methods—including adding Sriracha sauce to the paint itself—to create the Sriracha Red color, complete with flecks of chili-like flakes. The custom paint job was designed to mimic Sriracha sauce inside the bottle and topped with a clear coating.  

Sriracha-Injected Steering Wheel

A Sriracha-like liquid was cast in resin, then formed into a Lexus steering wheel, complete with a warning for “Hot Handling.”

Sriracha Temperature Settings

The settings for the seat warmers and AC/heating system have been upgraded to go from cool to Sriracha hot.

Sriracha Driving Mode

Sriracha mode tunes the powertrain for faster gear changes and more dynamic throttle mapping.

Handcrafted Seats

Plush leather seats are hand-embroidered with the Huy Fong rooster logo, the Sriracha IS logo and green accents.

Sriracha IS Badging

Custom badging on the side, rear and door wells identify this model, while illuminated callouts under the passenger and driver’s doors add a level of exclusivity.

Sriracha Green Accents

Touches of green are a signature element of official Huy Fong Foods products. Bottle-cap green details throughout the car include:

• Spindle grille outline
• Hand-painted calipers
• Interior cabin mood lighting
• Chrome side view mirror accents
• Hand-stitching on the seats

Fully Stocked Trunk 

The trunk is stocked with 43 bottles of Sriracha for emergency condiment situations.

Key Fob with Remote Emergency Sriracha Activation 

The key fob includes an emergency chili button that dispenses the sauce from a nozzle on the fob, so drivers are always prepared.

Sriracha IS Driving Accessories: 

Driving Jacket

A hot car deserves a hot driving jacket. For this collaboration, Lexus created two one-of-a-kind jackets that feature hand-embroidered images of the Sriracha IS and custom Sriracha IS patches to commemorate this sizzling venture. 

Driving Mitts

Some cars require driving gloves. The handling on the Sriracha IS is so hot, custom oven mitts are necessary.

UK MAY RECALL #4 - Lexus recalls it's IS and GS models for a possible risk of fire.

Vehicle Details
Reference :	R/2016/080
Manufacturer Ref :	TBA
Make:	TOYOTA
Model :	Lexus IS & Lexus GS
Launch Date :	26/05/2016
Numbers Involved :	10958
Build Start Date :	03/06/2005
Build End Date :	14/09/2007

Recall Details
Concern :	RISK OF FIRE
Description :	The fuel pressure sensor may not have correctly tightened during assembly. Over time this may affect the seal and allow fuel odour to escape. This could ignite in the presence of an ignition source.
Remedial Action :	On affected vehicles replace seal and tighten pressure sensor to specification.
Vehicle Id :	JTHBK262##0001003 to JTHBK262##5053073 JTHBH96S##0001008 to JTHBH96S##5055682

Other Vehicles Affected (Click the vehicle to perform an extended search)

TOYOTA - LEXUS IS TOYOTA - LEXUS GS

Beijing see's the wraps come off a new look Lexus IS sedan, mainly new bumpers give this a muscular look.

A daring new styling direction, exciting performance and innovative technology defined the completely new Lexus IS that was introduced in 2013. Since then, sales of the luxury brand’s entry-level sedan have surpassed expectations, outselling the previous-generation model, which was very popular in its own right. 

At the Beijing Auto Show today, Lexus has taken the covers off the new IS, armed with a fresh new look and a number of important changes.

Because the original styling of the current IS has proved so popular, Lexus has kept the essence of car’s exterior appearance intact; however, the entire front fascia of the new model has undergone a transformation, highlighted by new headlamps, large air intakes in the front bumper and an evolution of Lexus’ spindle grille. 

The bumpers, with incorporated air intakes, flow dynamically from the fenders, giving the new front end a high level of aggressiveness. 

The new grille folds back at a higher point, changing its top and bottom proportions that enhance its sporty feel with a visually lower center of gravity, while blending effortlessly into the reshaped hood. The sleeker profile of the IS, together with the enhanced character line that runs down the side of the car, makes the new IS seem as if it’s in constant motion even when sitting still. 

The F SPORT’s grille features an exclusive 3-dimentional F-mesh pattern, with jet-black metallic coating that incorporates functional brake ducts. These brake ducts provide a sense of continuity with the side garnishes that enhance the vehicle’s aerodynamic performance. Adding to the IS’s dynamic flair are standard 10-spoke 17-in. wheels that boast new designs with bright machine finishes. 

Changes to the rear are highlighted by more pronounced “L”-shaped LED light guides that are now triple layered within the taillight housing and new rectangular chrome exhaust tips that accentuate the car’s sporting nature. Also, two new paint schemes—Deep Blue Mica and Graphite Black Glass Flake—have been added to the IS’s exterior color palate.

In keeping with the same theme as the exterior, thoughtful improvements have been incorporated into the new IS’s cabin. The first thing that’s sure to catch your eye is the multimedia display screen that has grown from 7 inches to 10.3 inches. The new high-resolution monitor offers a larger and clearer image of the various functions of Lexus’ innovative multimedia system. 

Also, “Enter” buttons have been added to the sides of the Remote Touch Interface (RTI) on the center console, making the system easier to use. On the center dash the audio and ventilation-control panel has been refined to fit completely within the knee bolsters, with a new hairline-finish surface that provides both a high-quality feel and improved appearance. 

New stitching on top of the meter hood enhances the sporty feel of the IS cockpit, as do the refined speedometer and tachometer. 

For interior colors, Moonstone and Ivory have been replaced by Chateau, a new light shade that blends the elegance of Ivory with a more modern light-gray hue. Other changes to the new IS include new cup holders, a new larger leather-wrapped palm rest with stitching for the RTI and new markings on the in-dash analogue clock.

The new IS model lineup will remain unchanged with three engine offerings. The rear-wheel-drive IS 200t will be powered by the recently-added 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline-4 with intercooler, which comes mated to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. 

This engine, first introduced on the NX crossover vehicle, features a number of innovative technologies including Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide (VVT-iW) that allows the engine to switch between Otto and Atkinson cycles by varying the intake-valve opening angles, and the D-4ST direct injection system. 

It combines a high pressure fuel system for injection directly into the cylinders with a low pressure system for injection into the ports. Power is rated at 180kW at 5,800rpm or torque 350Nm at 1,650 to 4,400rpm.

The new IS’s safety equipment has been upgraded with the Lexus Safety System +. It combines Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam (AHB) and Radar Cruise Control.

USA SALES FEBRUARY - Toyota Sales sees a 4% growth in Feb', with some Lexus models up in double digits.

• TMS light trucks set new February record
• RAV4 charges ahead, marks best-ever February
• Lexus LX, RX, and NX see double-digit gains

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. today reported February 2016 sales of 187,954 vehicles, an increase of 4.1 percent from February 2015 on a volume basis. With the same number of selling days in February 2016 and 2015, sales were also up 4.1 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis.

Toyota division February 2016 sales were up 4.7 percent on both a DSR and volume basis with sales of 164.864 units.

“Light trucks continue to drive strong demand in 2016,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager for the Toyota division. “The Toyota division had back-to-back, best-ever light truck monthly records, supported by another best-ever month in February for RAV4.”

Lexus reported February 2016 sales of 23,090 units.

“As leaders in luxury crossover vehicles, it’s no surprise to us that our SUV lineup continues to propel our sales performance,” said Jeff Bracken, group vice president and general manager for the Lexus division. “It wasn’t just a good month for SUVs, however—IS, CT and RC have exceeded our sales expectations for the month of February, validating the appeal of these models to the next generation of luxury consumer.”

February 2016 Highlights:

• Combined TMS light truck sales of 94,864 units, up 9.7 percent
• RAV4 posts best-ever February with sales of 25,523 units; up more than 16 percent
• Highlander reports best-ever February sales with sales of 12,466 units
• 4Runner and Sienna up 32 and 5.5 percent respectively
• Tacoma up 14.5 percent with sales of 14,172 units
• NX up 39.1 percent
• RX up 10.8 percent with sales of 7,192 units
• LX up more than 81 percent

*Note:  Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted sales volume

WORLDWIDE SALES 2015 - Lexus ends the year with sales 12% up on the previous year, 2016 will be bigger.

Lexus International today announced it sold approximately 652,000 vehicles globally in 2015, up 12 percent from 2014. A full year of the all new RC and NX sales, and the introductions of redesigned ES, RX, and LX models, furthered market share increases in many global markets including Japan, U.S.A., and Europe. 

Sales in Europe increased 20 percent to approximately 64,000 vehicles, the most for a major market in percentage terms; including a 31 percent gain in Western Europe.  Sales in China increased to approximately 88,500 vehicles, a 14 percent increase; and North America sales increased to approximately 368,000 vehicles, a 12 percent gain. 

Accentuating its luxury hybrid leadership, with almost 1 million hybrid Lexus vehicles sold to date, hybrid sales globally were approximately 149,000 vehicles and accounted for 23 percent of sales.

Mark Templin, Executive Vice President at Lexus International said: “2015 was an amazing year for Lexus International.  In addition to the new and redesigned models in our stable, we began rolling out our most advanced vehicle safety portfolio – Lexus Safety System +, and began ES production in North America.  

Our entire vehicle line-up design has evolved to be more bold and emotional, and our brand initiatives are resonating as an extension of the Lexus ownership experience.  We appreciate luxury consumers taking notice and honoring us with a fourth straight year of double digit percentage growth.” 

At Lexus, we believe growth is the product of doing the right things for our customers and building brand advocacy.  The following are just some of the activities we undertook and industry honors received in 2015.

Initiatives

The first INTERSECT BY LEXUS luxury brand experience space outside Japan opened in Dubai, UAE.  This new two story space is located in the heart of the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC). 

Lexus named the first automaker winner of the Milano Design Award for Best Entertaining for its "Lexus – A Journey of the Senses" exhibit at Milan Design Week, the world's largest design exhibition.  Additionally, the first-ever Lexus Design Award Grand Prix winner was announced.

The third Lexus Short Films Series winners announced at the Napa Valley Film Festival.  In 2013, Lexus Short Films was launched with the goal of supporting and nurturing a new generation of emerging filmmakers. 

The ninth annual Lexus Eco Challenge registration opened with a chance to win $500,000 in grants and scholarships.  Through the Lexus Eco Challenge, students will learn about the environment, team work and how they can take steps to make their communities better.

Lexus partnered with leading super conductive technology experts to create one of the most advanced Hoverboards ever.  The Lexus Hoverboard is part of the global ‘Amazing in Motion’ campaign. 

Lexus established “The Lexus Endowment” of $100,000 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), one of 19 schools that offer a PGA Golf Management program that covers a broad range of aspects of the golf enterprise, and the only historically black institution to offer such a program. 

Honors

Lexus named the Luxury Brand with the Best Resale Value in Kelley Blue Book’s 2016 Best Resale Value Awards. This is the fifth year in a row Lexus has been named the luxury brand with the best projected retained value through the initial five-year ownership.  Six 2016 Lexus models were honored with Best Resale Value for their perspective vehicle categories: RC 200t/RC 300/RC 350, ES 300h, GS 200t/GS 350, RX 450h, GX 460, and LX 570. 

The NX 200t was awarded ‘Best Compact Premium SUV’ at the 2015 Middle East Car of the Year Awards (MECOTY). 

CT was the overall winner in the Car Environmental List, an annual evaluation by the Traffic Association Germany (VCD). 

Lexus topped the largest car satisfaction surveys, Autoindex, in Sweden and Norway, for the fourth time. 

Lexus dominated the Auto Express Driver Power 2015 survey, receiving six awards including those for best manufacturer and – for the IS saloon – best car. The IS also took the top spot in the best compact executive car category and was the highest­ rated model for ease of driving. The NX was named best car for build quality within its first six months on the road in the UK. 

The independent German institute for environmental research ‘Ökotrend’ (Ecological Trend) and the car magazine ‘Auto Test’ recognized the GS 300h as the most ecological car in the premium middle class.  The evaluation of the vehicle’s environmental performance was conducted based on its fuel consumption and emissions for its entire life cycle, including production, logistics and recycling. 

RX achieved the best-ever pedestrian protection score out of all large SUVs ever tested by Euro NCAP and achieves a 5 –Star rating.

CT , ES, RC, and NX, earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+, IIHS’s highest recognition for crashworthiness and front crash prevention.  

Lexus ranked highest in vehicle dependability among all nameplates for a fourth consecutive year in the 2015 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The ES ranked highest in the Compact Premium Car segment and the GX was awarded among Midsize Premium SUVs.  The ES was the highest ranked model among all vehicles in the study.  

Product Highlights

Lexus Safety System +, a portfolio of active safety technologies designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions across a wide range of vehicle speeds package began rolling out in Japan, North America and Europe.

ES 350 production began in Georgetown Kentucky.  

Regional Highlights

Al-Futtaim Motors, exclusive distributor of Lexus in the UAE, officially inaugurated a new facility in Ras Al Khaimah, making it the first Lexus 3S Centre in the UAE (sales, service and spare parts) and bringing to 17 the total number of Lexus facilities in the UAE. 

2015 was the first full year of sales in Vietnam, after opening our first dealership in Ho Chi Minh City followed by Hanoi in 2014

Approved in July 2015, Lexus’ first dealership in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, opened its doors at a temporary location in November.  A newly constructed Lexus showroom and service facility will open later this year.

Sales by Region

North America:  Approximately 368,000 vehicles, 12 percent increase

China:  Approximately 88,500 vehicles, 14 percent increase

Europe:  Approximately 64,000 vehicles, 20 percent increase

Japan:  Approximately 48,000 vehicles, 9 percent increase

Middle East:  Approximately 44,400 vehicles, 5 percent increase

East Asia and Oceania: Approximately 30,000 vehicles, 10 percent increase

Other markets combined:  Approximately 9,400 vehicles, 26 percent increase

US SALES 2015 - TOYOTA/LEXUS - Another brand and more growth, with some models up over a quarter.

• Toyota and Lexus post best-ever December sales
• TMS light trucks set new December record
• Toyota Division No. 1 retail brand in 2015

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported December 2015 sales of 238,350, an increase of 10.8 percent from December 2014 on a volume basis. With two additional selling days in December of 2015, sales were up 2.9 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. 

For the year TMS reported sales of 2,499,313 units, a 5.3 percent increase.

Toyota Division posted record December 2015 sales of 196,970 units, up 12.4 percent. For the year, Toyota Division sales of 2,154,712 were up 4.5 percent.

“2015 was a standout year for the auto industry,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager for the Toyota division. “Best-ever light truck sales helped the Toyota division earn the retail sales crown for the fourth consecutive year.”

Lexus reported all-time, any-month record sales in December of 41,380 units, a 3.8 percent increase.  For the year, Lexus sales of 344,601 units were up 10.7 percent.

“December closed out an all-time, best-ever year with sales we couldn’t have predicted,” said Jeff Bracken, group vice president and general manager for the Lexus division. “Lexus’ SUV sales momentum and the strength of our product lineup has us well positioned for 2016.”

“Next week in Detroit, we will debut a Lexus vehicle that opens a new chapter for an even brighter future,” Bracken added.    

December 2015 Highlights:

• Toyota and Lexus post best-ever sales December sales
• Combined TMS light truck sales set December record
• RAV4 posts best-ever December with sales of 31,866 units; up 38.6 percent
• Highlander reports best-ever December with sales of 16,100 units
• NX up 76.7 percent; 5,134 units sold  
• LX up nearly 80 percent
• GS posts sales of 3,423 units
• Lexus Certified Used Vehicles reports best-ever month

2015 CY Highlights

• Best-ever year for Corolla, with sales of 363,332 units
• Best-ever year for RAV4 and Highlander, up 17.8 and 8.8 respectfully
• 4Runner sales up 26.2 percent
• Tacoma sales up 15.8, with sales of nearly 180,000 units
• Camry best-selling passenger car in America for 14th straight year
• Lexus luxury utility vehicles sales up 26.5 percent
• GX up 11.1 percent