I finally received the Lexus Japan Console Tray, I got it from Carson Toyota, it replace the front ashtray with some storage space.
It come all assembled, you just have to transfer the wooden trim from the ashtray to it, the inside is lined with leather and it comes with a accessory to make it shallow (to put sunglasses for instance). The build quality is very good, the leather feel real nice, and the open/close mechanism is basically the same as the one of the ashtray.
Installing it in the car basically took me 5 minutes, I mean, for real, 5 minutes, so quick I didn’t had time to take pictures during the installation:

- You need to remove the center console (following the instructions found here). Just follow the first 2 steps.
- Disconnect both cables (Cigarette lighter and gear lights)
- Remove the ashtray assembly (4 screws)
- Pop out the wood trim from the ash tray sliding door
- Pop in the wood trim on the Center console assembly
- Screw the Center console assembly
- Tape the piece of foam that come with the kit at the bottom of the assembly (noise damping I assume)
- Reconnect the Gear light cable (there is no more Cigarette lighter)
- Make sure that the Cigarette lighter cable is secured (to prevent rattles, you do not want that…)
- Reassemble the center console
- Done

It is really very easy; none of theses steps are actually complicated or tricky.

You have now converted a useless space into a useful storage space…





Finished product:

 

Thanks for the post!

Still debating if I want to spend the money for it...

 

Any pix of the install?

 

I got the console tray a few days back from Carson as well; still waiting on the car itself, though.

With the removal of access to the lighter, is there still a lighter power port in the big center lift-up console box, or am I thinking of a different model?

 

Yes, you lose the power port on the front, but there is still one inside the big center console.

 

what are te dimensions---

I assume it is as /longwide as the ashtray but how deep is it?

 

Nice option...

 

Only problem is the location. It's in the lower rear of the center console (closest to the back seat). Almost impossible to access if you need to charge your cell phone while driving. It's for that reason that I'm going to pass on thie upgrade. Just FYI.