Just when you thought Toyota had gotten over their 2010 recall catastrophe, their sister brand, Lexus, is starting the year of by catching the proverbial ‘bug’.
There really is no rest for the weary, is there?
The Japanese automaker is issuing a voluntary safety recall involving 245,000 vehicles of the GS and IS models over what appears to be a potential defect that could cause fuel leakage.
According to Lexus, the problem is caused by a problem with the connection between the vehicle’s fuel pressure sensor and a fuel line that could loosen over time. This, in turn, could lead to a possible fuel leak.
Affected Lexus models include 2006-2007MY GS300 and GS350 models, 2006-2009MY IS250s, and 2006-2008MY IS350s.
While no accidents have been reported yet, Lexus is doing its due diligence in ensuring that it doesn’t end up there. That’s why the company has already issued an order to its dealers to inspect all the affected models and take the necessary precautionary steps to fix the problem for any affected models. In the event a fuel leak is found, dealerships are prepared to replace the gasket found between the fuel sensor and the delivery at no cost to the car owner.
The second customized Lexus IS-F coming out of the Tokyo Auto Salon comes from TRD (Toyota Racing Department). Called the IS-F Club Performance Accessory, this new package gives the most powerful member of the IS family an even bolder appearance.
For the exterior, TRD added a carbon hood, front and rear spoiler, and a rear diffuser. TRD then went inside the car and gave it a carbon switch panel base, paddle shift, sports seats covered in orange leather, and a carbon engine cover.
Finally, to deliver an even more impressive driving experience, the Club Performance Accessory gets sports suspension and brakes, a titanium exhaust, magnesium forged wheels, and a mechanical LSD. There were no modifications done under the hood, but the IS-F is already powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine rated at 416 HP at 6,600 rpm and 371 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 5,200 rpm so who needs more than that, right?
One of the most impressive vehicles displayed at the Tokyo Auto Salon was the Lexus IS F Circuit Club Sports Racer (CCS-R), and if anyone thinks it looks a bit familiar then they would be right. Seen as a concept at last year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, the CCS-R is making its comeback in a more production ready form.
The Lexus IS-F Circuit Club Sports Racer upgrades the standard sports car by changing all of its major components like the exterior, interior, and engine. It has been given the full on carbon fiber treatment and has also received a power boost to boot! Since no racer is complete without an additional racing overhaul, Lexus has made sure that the IS-F received all of the necessary components to keep the vehicle safely on the track, including a unique frame-less construction roll cage.
All in all, this version of the Lexus IS-F Circuit Club Sports Racer hasn’t changed all that much from the concept that was shown last year, but we still can’t help but ogle it just as we did last year.
More details on the Lexus IS-F CCS-R after the jump.
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Some customers haven’t even had the chance to fully break in their new Lexus IS 350 sedan and already the company is offering them the chance to spice up their vehicle with some F Sport Performance accessories. Only some of the most important attributes can be updated, such as forged alloy wheels, brake upgrades, suspension systems, air intake, and a sports exhaust system.
The F Sport accessories can take your everyday IS 350 and push it in the right direction towards becoming more like the IS-F sports sedan. They will get the Lexus to look like one, but getting the same power as the IS-F Sport will need a completely different trip to a willing and able tuner. Without that trip, the IS 350 with F Sport accessories will get a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing a total of 306 HP at 6,400 RPM and 277 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm.
The IS 350 is priced at $38,570 in the RWD version, or at $41,030 in AWD version, but the F-Sport package will tack much more depending on the options chosen.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2011 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport.
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Like with the sedan version, the Lexus IS Convertible is entering the 2011 model year with interior and exterior updates. Customers will have to choose from two versions: the IS 250C and the IS 350C, with prices ranging from $39,890 to $45,340.
The headlamps are now offered with new LED daytime running lamps and there is a new exterior color - Deep Sea Mica - that replaces the Ultrasonic Blue. For the interior, the IS convertible receives black metallic and silver finished trim to complement its sophisticated and sporty style. Vehicles with the optional Luxury package can now be equipped with Saddle Tan or Light Gray interior selections in addition to Black.
Both versions can be equipped with F Sport Performance Accessories that include performance enhancing parts such as 19-inch forged alloy wheels, brake upgrades, suspension systems, air intake, exhaust systems, and more.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2011 Lexus IS C.
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