At the request of TPP commenter WorldofLuxury, here is the full set of matte black Lexus LF-Xh photos from the Paris promotional kit suitable for use as background images.

Also for your viewing pleasure is this short commercial-like footage of the LF-Xh:

Early this morning, I was sent a dealership document outlining the full details of the North American Canadian 2010 Lexus RX 350, right down to the available packages (still no production model photos though, the pic above is the LF-Xh concept).

I’m going to break up the information over a series of posts today, starting with the specs:

• The 3.5L V6 engine remains the same, though it’s now pumping out an extra 5hp (to 275hp) and 6lb-ft of torque (to 257lb-ft).
• The suspension is also carried over, however a new sport-tuned suspension will be available as an option.
• The drivetrain is getting upgraded to a six-speed automatic with a Super Electronically Controlled Transmission. Hill-start Assist Control has been added as a standard feature, and VDIM will be available as an option.
• Overall vehicle length has been shortened increased 1.6″ (29mm) to 187.8″ (4,770mm).
• Overall vehicle width has been increased to 74.2″ (1,885mm), 1.6″ (41mm).
• The height has been bumped up significantly, up to 67.7″ (1,720mm) from 66.1″ (1,679mm).
• The wheelbase has been extended 1 “(29mm) to 107.9″ (2,740mm).
• Curb Weight has increased a whopping 640lbs to 4,510lbs.
• 18″ P235/60R18 wheels are now standard. 19″ P235/55R19 wheels are optional.

The biggest thing to notice is the increased height of the RX and the big weight bump, which are no doubt related. The sports-tuned suspension is interesting as well, but there’s still a lack of details to what that means exactly.

More shortly, next up is a full list of new and deleted features/options.

Update: This information is for the Canadian version of the RX, though it’s easily assumed that the new US RX will share most, if not all, of these features.

Been a while since I featured an image from Flickr, and this photo of the Lexus LF-A by j.hietter is a perfect way to get back on track:

The colors are great in this picture, the LF-A just seems to photograph so well, from any angle.

Regardless of the rumor Autoblog was circulating about the Lexus LF-A’s demise, prototype testing is still ongoing at Nürburgring, and Motor Authority has the photos to prove it. Here’s a sampling:

Nothing we haven’t seen before, though I can never pass up the chance to post matte black paint jobs. That last photo is curious, why the debadged IS-F?

Check out this photo up close along with a few more over at Motor Authority (and be sure to compliment them on their new design!).

(Thanks Jarrett!)

Autoblog trolled the Nürburgring and dug up some murky information on the Lexus LF-A:

…members of the testing and development crew who have been putting the car though its paces in Germany, as well as test drivers from rival Honda and Nissan crews, have told Autoblog that the LF-A is not destined for the showroom, and will remain only a development platform.

No reasons were given, but we can think of a couple. How many people are willing to part with nigh on a quarter of a million bucks for a Toyota/Lexus?

Actually, one ‘Ring test driver didn’t mind going on the record with his opinion. Former Nissan racer, NSX development driver and Nurburgring legend Motoharu “Gan-san” Kurosawa reckons, “Toyota are good at making money, but they’re no good at making sports cars.”

True or not, this doesn’t really push me in either direction. I’m not really swayed by anonymous sources that could just be talking out their necks. Still, with the massive upheaval of the US auto industry, there has to be some trepidation in any new car release, especially something so extravagant as the LF-A. In the three years since it was first introduced, a lot has changed, and I’m sure there’s a number of initiatives being reevaluated.

But really, “How many people are willing to part with nigh on a quarter of a million bucks for a Toyota/Lexus?” How tired is that? There may be some issues, but I doubt sales are one of them.

High Dynamic Range Imaging, or HDR Photography, is the process of layering multiple images with different exposures, which creates a vivid and otherworldly image.

It’s all the rage with digital photographers, including Flickr user NikonNikk, who applied the process to the Lexus LF-A (Be sure to click through and see it full-size):

It always amazes me just how creative people can be taking photos in such a controlled space. Fantastic.