Here’s a Lexus I missed covering during SEMA 2008 — this GS 350’s sound system packs such a massive punch, they had to take the roof right off:

Besides the fact that it’s part of California’s Swift Car club, there isn’t much in the way of details. I did find this massive photo gallery, though.

[Source: CarDomain Blog]

Here’s a couple new Lexus LF-A Racing Concept videos for you — first up is some stellar footage of a rocketing LF-A, which perfectly captures the engine belting it out full-force:

The other video of note is from the LF-A’s appearance at last week’s Toyota Motorsports Festival in Japan. As you might remember, the supercar was being driven by none other than Toyota executive vice-president Akio Toyoda:

I still love the look of this car. The rear 3/4 view is pure magic.

This Car & Driver video preview of the new 2010 Lexus RX is worth watching if only for the last ten seconds:

The all-German diesel comparisons were funny enough, but I had to rewind the closing remarks three times before I could watch it without laughing. Seriously, what strange circumstances had to occur where an obviously biased member of C&D’s German Bureau is brought in to film a Lexus preview? He even smirks at the end!

In a short interview with the Wall Street Journal, Lexus Group Vice President Mark Templin revealed that the company will be releasing four new models next year:

…he’s cutting back spending now so he can invest in the marketing campaigns of these four products one of which, the new RX, was revealed Wednesday. In six weeks at the Detroit auto show, Lexus plans to unveil its new dedicated hybrid, the HS250h. And it is also releasing a new IS convertible next year. Mr. Templin declined to provide details on the fourth product.

Speculation is running wild as to what this new model might be. There’s a few options, but the one I’m hearing most is a sport version of the LS, which I presume will be released as the LS-F. Like the IS-F, this sport package is said to include a new body kit, the Brembo brake package, and the IS-F/600h engine, among other various performance enhancements.

Also, speaking of the 2010 LS, I’ve been told numerous times that both the ES & LS will be receiving a refresh for 2010, and that part of the facelift will be incorporating the grille from the LF-Xh. Anyone want to give that a shot in Photoshop?

The Auto Channel has posted the full LA Auto Show 2010 RX introduction (listed at over eighteen minutes, but only plays for twelve):

First of all, the heads-up display was shown briefly, here’s a screen capture:

Hard to get an accurate idea of the new feature’s implementation, but new details are certain to emerge shortly.

All in all, the video is an interesting watch, certainly much meatier than the edited Lexus release from last week. One point in particular is that the new RX hybrid will deliver an 8% increase in fuel efficiency over the outgoing model, which works out to a 2MPG increase.

CNet has posted a LA Auto Show recap of the Lexus RX 450h, which includes a demonstration of the new Remote Touch controller:

Looks to be a very impressive solution — my experience with haptic control is limited to the Nintendo Wii, but the continual feedback moving from menu item to menu item is intuitive and highly useable.

(I wouldn’t be surprised to see this control scheme becoming widely used across all cars.)