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Physical and virtual gaming worlds collide in Lexus IS Hybrid promo

This is really, really cool. In order to promote its new IS Hybrid, Lexus borrowed an airplane hangar, a former Formula One driver and what we imagine was some serious technological knowhow to create one of the most interesting games we've ever seen. It's called Trace Your Road.
Lexus invited some of its Facebook fans out for the game, which put them in the passenger seat of a Lexus IS Hybrid with former F1 shoe Jarno Trulli. They were then handed a tablet and asked to trace out a road, which was projected onto the floor of the hangar. Trulli had to follow the ever-changing path as his passenger kept on tracing away. It looks like it'd be an absolute riot.
This is probably the coolest automotive promotional video since Audi strapped paintball guns on a couple of RS4s. Take a look below to watch the full video from Lexus. We promise, it's worth two minutes of your time.

Updated 2016 Lexus LX 570 bows in Monterey

Lexus just pulled the wraps off its 2016 LX 570, and though the updates are minor, they're long overdue. A new one-piece spindle grille – framed by a satin chrome trim – defines the front end aesthetically, and adds a more aggressive look, bringing the eight-passenger SUV up to speed with Lexus's current design language. New LED headlights, turn signals, and foglights further distinguish the front end. The LX 570 adds new wheels, the standard 20-inch split 10-spoke wheels, with an available 21-inch option. While the new LX keeps the brawny 5.7-liter V8 – rated at 383 horsepower, with 403 pound-feet of torque available at 3,600 rpm – it adds a new transmission. For 2016 the LX 570 drops the six-speed in favor of a new eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination means the LX is capable of towing 7,000 pounds, and we expect the 4WD system – the LX flaunts its Toyota Land Cruiser roots – to be as formidable as on the current model. Drivers will appreciate the new Drive Mode Select, which adjusts throttle and suspension calibration with the turn of a dial. The system works in conjunction with the adaptive variable suspension, which adjusts damping, and makes for a smoother ride in the cabin. Drivers can choose from four modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport +. The LX gets more standard safety features for 2016, including the Lexus Safety System+, a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross traffic alert, and a tire-specific TPS that gives pressure readings for each tire. Additionally, the multimedia system gets a boost with a new 12.3-inch screen with a remote-touch interface. The Panoramic View Monitor, and "Climate Concierge" are now standard features, while a heads-up display is now an available option. Scroll down for the full details in the press release. Making a Classic Entrance: Lexus Debuts Refreshed 2016 LX 570 Luxury Utility Vehicle at Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance ???? - Redesigned Exterior Highlighted By One-Piece Spindle Grille ? New Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission - More Standard Safety Features: Lexus Safety System +, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Tire Specific Tire Pressure Monitoring System - Upgraded Multimedia With Larger 12.3-inch Screen and Remote Touch Interface - Added Standard Features Including Panoramic View Monitor and Climate Concierge - Available Lexus Enform Service Connect - Available Heads-up Display MONTEREY, Calif. – Aug.

Toyota and Lexus recalling 235,000 hybrid CUVs and sedans over separate issues

When it rains, it pours. Toyota has announced a pair of separate but voluntary North America recalls covering approximately 235,000 vehicles built between 2006 and 2011. The larger of the two recalls targets Toyota's hybridized crossovers, the Lexus RX400h and Toyota Highlander Hybrid. 133,000 units, including 2006-2010 Highlander and 2006-2008 RX crossovers are covered in the campaign. The other recall affects 102,000 IS350 sedans, IS350C convertibles and GS350 sedans built between 2006 and 2011.
With the CUVs, the faults in the parallel circuits of the transistors can cause heat damage in the inverter assembly, triggering an abundance of warning lamps and sending the vehicle into limp mode. The Lexus sedans are being recalled due to loose bolts on the variable valve timing controller. Detected by unusual underhood sounds on startup, the issue can cause the engine to stop while driving. The inverter issue is also triggering similar recalls in Japan and Europe.
At the moment, it's unclear if any of these issues have caused any crashes or injuries. Toyota says it plans to notify owners of the recall via snail mail. Additional information for owners can be found on the recall sites for Toyota and Lexus or by calling Toyota's customer service line, at 1-800-331-4331. Scroll down for the complete recall notice from Toyota.