The recall affects approximately 138,000 Lexus vehicles powered by 4.6 and 5.0 liter V8 and 3.5 liter V6 engines in certain 2006, 2007 and 2008 GS, IS and LS models. No vehicles from the current 2010 model year nor 2009 are affected.
Earlier today, Toyota announced that approximately 270,000 vehicles (Lexus IS, GS and LS, and Toyota Crown) sold worldwide risk engine failure.
In particular, the world's biggest carmaker said it discovered "improperly functioning valve springs" in some engines that could lead to abnormal engine noise or unstable idling, and in some instances, even cause the engine to stop while in motion. Toyota said that there are no reported accidents related to this issue.
The most notable exterior changes include the new headlamps that incorporate LED daytime running lights and the redesigned lower part of the front bumper with round foglamps. Though not visible from these photos, the interior is said to benefit from some minor trim upgrades.
Package 1 is the F-Sport suspension kit, consisting of lowering springs (for a 1 inch drop) and a rear chassis member brace. If a customer's model is RWD, they get front and rear sway bars (AWD models only get the rear sway bar). Price: $1,450 (Savings, according to Lexus: $549).
For 2010, Lexus' premium sports saloon gains a new limited slip differential fitted as standard as well as new satellite navigation system, powered by a 40GB hard disc drive that also provides an on-board "sound library" function, with 10GB of disc space.
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Available for both IS 250 and 220d models, the new F-Sport grade takes its cue from the IS F and is positioned in the line-up between the SE-I and SE-L models. Special features include a lowered sport suspension (IS 250 only), unique 18-inch wheels and an IS F-style front grille and rear bootlid spoiler.
Not that we've cleared that up, let's see what the IS 350C F-Sport special is all about. To put it briefly, it's a limited run version of the coupe-convertible IS packed with performance and styling accessories from Lexus' F-Sport accessories line as well as additional equipment that will be available only in two colors, Tungsten Pearl or Obsidian.
And we're talking about a lot of carbon fiber as the lightweight material is used for the newly designed hood, rooftop, rear wing, exterior mirrors, trunk, front spoiler lips, right down to the rear diffuser.
The same material is also found on the Lexus IS F's engine cover as well as in the interior on the door panels, center and lower console, steering wheel trim, and the transmission lever.
Unfortunately, Lexus did reveal the weight gains from the extensive use of carbon fiber parts on the sports car.
Other mods include the forged magnesium wheels and sport tires, high-performance carbon ceramic brakes, sport suspension, new exhaust system with a titanium sports muffler and the two-tone bucket seats inside.
Lexus said that the standard IS F's 5.0-liter V8 engine with 423HP (in JDM spec) has been left intact.
Photos by Phil Alex with the help of friends Mike and Aaron
According to the reports, the rear seat passenger in the white car that hit the Lexus was taken to the hospital for minor injuries, while the driver was apprehended by the boys-in-blue for driving under the influence. Luckily, no one was in the Lexus when the second accident occurred.
Hat tip to Andrew! - Via: KTLA
This here is 0-60 Magazine's tuning take on the new Lexus IS hardtop convertible. Among other mods, the IS C features GReddy Performance exhaust system, engine management computer and gauges, a KW coilover suspension system and Brembo Brakes with custom front and rear Big Brake kit (rotors and calipers). Style-wise, the Japanese convertible has been fitted with a Ings+1 exterior body kit and one-piece alloy wheels from Advan Racing Lightweight while the interior has been enhanced with a pair of Sparco bucket seats. More photos after the break. 
If you have been keeping up with us here at Carscoop, you probably know about the custom made Lexus IS 350C that Fox Marketing is preparing for the SEMA Show in Las Vegas this November. We've already shown you a teaser rendering as well as some photos of the car taken during the development phase but now, Fox Marketing has released detailed specs along with the first live photos and videos of the lime-green hardtop convertible that comes equipped with a supercharged version of the stock 3.5-liter V6 pumping out some 406 horsepower.
Other mechanical upgrades include a reworked suspension with Yonaka SPECII 36 way adjustable coilovers and 14-inch disc brakes with six-piston calipers.
The team over at Fox Marketing also dressed up the IS 350C with a custom made wide bodykit that includes front fenders and side skirts from the IS-F sports saloon along with 20-inch black alloy wheels wrapped around in Toyo T1R rubber.
Source: Fox Marketing , Via: Autoblog
Fox Marketing 2010 Lexus IS350C
Engine:
Interior:
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Partners:.Lexus, BASF Refinish, AMSOIL, Yonaka, iForged, ProCharger, F-Sport, Jashaan Autosports, Classic Design Concepts, Lightwurkz, Mugsy's Repair, Detrich Autobody, Impressive Signs, Tuned Parts, ClubLexus.com, my.is
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Toyota have eleased an official announcement to warn drivers of seven Toyota and Lexus models that there's a possibility that the accelerator pedal may get stuck in the full open position due to an "unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat." Even though it may not sound serious at first, Reuters reported that the U.S. government said it has received reports of 100 incidents related to this problem including 17 crashes and 5 fatalities involving Toyota and Lexus vehicles.In one of these accidents, it was reported that an off-duty California state trooper and three members of his family were killed in a 2009 Lexus ES350 crash in San Diego. Reuters said that before the crash, a passenger of the ES350 has called the police to inform them that the accelerator was jammed and the car had reached 120mph (193km/h) at that time.
Although the San Diego incident is still under investigation, meaning that it is not yet confirmed that the floormat is to blame, Toyota said that it wanted to take precautionary measures on the matter.
"Obviously the tragic accident in San Diego was certainly an eye opener for all of us and we've paid very, very diligent attention to moving forward to try to make sure none of us will be reliving that kind of a very tragic situation," said Toyota spokesman Irv Miller.
Overall, Toyota is planning to issue a safety recall on around 3.8 million vehicles due to the issue with the driver's floor mat.
The affected Toyota models are the 2007-2010 Camry, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2004-2009 Prius, 2005-2010 Tacoma and 2007-2010 Tundra.
The Lexus modes affected by the recall are the 2007-2010 ES 350 and 2006-2010 IS 250 and IS 350 sedans.
Surprisingly, this is not the first time that Toyota has faced a problem with the driver's floormat as in September 2007, the firm recalled an accessory all-weather floor mat sold for use in 2007 and 2008MY Lexus ES 350 and Toyota Camry sedans because of similar issues.
The Japanese company said that until it "develops a remedy", it is asking the owners of the above models to "take out any removable driver's floor mat and NOT replace it with any other floor mat."
In the case that drivers are confronted with a jammed accelerator pedal, here's what Toyota recommends that they do:
From Toyota and Lexus Press Release: Should the vehicle continue to accelerate rapidly after releasing the accelerator pedal, this could be an indication of floor mat interference. If this occurs, Toyota recommends the driver take the following actions:
First, if it is possible and safe to do so, pull back the floor mat and dislodge it from the accelerator pedal; then pull over and stop the vehicle.
If the floor mat cannot be dislodged, then firmly and steadily step on the brake pedal with both feet. Do NOT pump the brake pedal repeatedly as this will increase the effort required to slow the vehicle.
Shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N) position and use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road and turn off the engine.
If unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF, or to ACC. This will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.
-If the vehicle is equipped with an Engine Start/Stop button, firmly and steadily push the button for at least three seconds to turn off the engine. Do NOT tap the Engine Start/Stop button.
-If the vehicle is equipped with a conventional key-ignition, turn the ignition key to the ACC position to turn off the engine. Do NOT remove the key from the ignition as this will lock the steering wheel.
Via: Toyota & Lexus, NHTSA and Reuters
The so-called Lamborghini orange is a sweet color that usually contains pearl orange mixed with some yellow. And while most supercars would probably look good in this hue, we're not so sure about this Lexus IS-F that was spotted in Slovakia. For one, we'd say that the owner should paint all the chrome parts such as the grille and the window trim in black while we'd also vote to replace the dark-gray factory alloy wheels with ones finished in black to provide a more vibrant contrast with the orange paint job. Check out the rest of the photos after the jump and tell us what you think.Via: Autogespot
