Lexus at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon

Lexus has brought several models to the Tokyo Auto Salon to show what a little tuning can do for some of its cars.

Alongside the CT200h F Sport, which was first revealed at the Australian Motor Show back in October, Lexus also featured at the show two versions of the IS F - the CCS-R (Circuit Club Sport Racer) and Club Performance Accessory.

The IS F CCS-R is a true racer and comes with carbon fiber body panels which include the bonnet, boot lid and front and rear spoilers. It is fitted with a new frameless constructed roll cage and polycarbonate windows. Carbon fiber is also used for the dash center console and door trims. The CCS-R has a 6-point safety harness and short-diameter steering wheel.

For performance on the track the CCS-R has been fited with race suspension, brakes, cooling and exhaust systems, a mechanical limited-slip differential and forged alloy rims with racing tires.



The IS F Club Performance Accessory, courtesy of TRD (Toyota Racing Department), comes with front and rear spoilers, rear diffuser and a carbon fiber hood. The model also makes use of carbon fiber inside the cabin and features orange sports seats. The IS F Club Performance Accessory is fitted with sport suspension and brakes, titanium exhaust, magnesium rims and also comes with a mechanical limited-slip differential.
Source: Lexus

Lexus RX Getting Bigger And Seven-seat RX coming

Bigger is better at Lexus. Our exclusive picture shows that the next RX will be larger than the current model – and it could even be offered as a seven-seater for the first time.

Despite this, the Japanese firm is likely to take a conservative approach to the newcomer’s styling. It will feature swept-back headlamps and the trademark Lexus grille, while the distinctive curved roof of the existing car will also be retained. Our spy shot (below) shows that the replacement’s underpinnings are already being fine-tuned in a test mule wearing the current SUV’s body.
At first glance, it looks like any other RX, but close inspection reveals that the rear lights no longer sit flush with the bodywork. That’s because the panels have been widened to account for the new platform’s bigger dimensions. This added size could pave the way for an optional third row of seats, which would put the Lexus up against BMW’s X5 when it arrives in dealers in 2009.

The new 4x4 likely to debut at that year’s Tokyo Motor Show because, although the biggest market for the RX is the US, the model will be the first SUV in Japan to wear a Lexus badge. The current generation is called the Toyota Harrier in its home market.
[source: AutoExpress]