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3 Main Features Of The Lexus LC That You Have To Know
In Spring 2017, the United States auto market will be treated to the Lexus LC, a 2+2 performance coupe that aims to be defined as both a premium vehicle and a luxurious lifestyle brand. It boasts of its innovative design, engineering, performance, and technology.
Here are its three main features according to Toyota USA Newsroom:
Design
The Lexus LC is based on the LF-LC Concept, which won EyesOn Design award when it was first revealed at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The engineers and design teams in Lexus worked together to bring a production-ready car with a new cabin and driver-focused cockpit that will surely be opening to passengers.
The LC maintained its low roof and hood lines from the LF-LC concept while accommodating a sport suspension and 21-inch forged alloy wheels. There are also new ultra-slim LED headlight units, chrome-plated moldings along the side of the glass roof, black-out finish on the roof, rear pillar and spoilers, and the iconic spindle grille design.
Interior
If you are impressed by the exterior, you’ll even be more excited to know that such elegance is extended to the car’s interior. The cabin area was designed to be extremely welcoming to the passengers. The driver’s cockpit was laid out for an excellent seating position that can easily reach the dashboard controls. The driver also enjoys a low-seating position because of the low hood line and low-profile instrument panel.
There is generous legroom both for the driver and the passengers, making getting in and out of the LC a breeze. The control zone is located around the steering wheel, enabling the driver to access starter button, shift lever, paddle shifters, Drive Mode select, and steering wheel combination switches.
Powertrains
There are two powertrains available for the Lexus LC: the 3.5-liter V-6 full hybrid with multi-stage hybrid system and the normally-aspirated 5.0-liter V-8. The multi-stage hybrid system transforms the torque, power, and acceleration all the while maintaining the smoothness of drive and efficiency that Lexus is known for.
The V-8 gasoline engine, on the other hand, is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that can produce 471 horsepower. This is a first for a passenger car.
3 Things To Know About The Lexus Sriracha IS Concept
This is literally a spicy entry-level sports sedan from Lexus. Called the Sriracha IS, this whole car is based and even sprouts out Huy Fong Foods’ signature Sriracha sauce.
1. The Red Color is More Than Just Paint
Can you guess what makes the Sriracha IS incredible special and quite weird? It officially brings the sweet and spicy signature sauce to the automotive industry by mixing actual Sriracha hot sauce with the red paint coated on the vehicle. To further accentuate that this car is based on the popular and much-loved spicy sauce, there are Sriracha-bottle-cap-green accents on the exterior mirrors, grille surround and brake calipers.
2. The Sriracha Inspiration Applies on the Interior
The Sriracha red paint does not stop on the exterior. The Sriracha IS has enhancements inside, too. The steering wheel has been molded from what Lexus refers to as a Sriracha-like liquid. The seats have Sriracha-inspired accents, which meant a rooster logo. There are heated seats and climate controls that can go all the way up to “Sriracha hot.” The driving knob even has a Sriracha setting in place of the traditional Sport setting. Why? That is the something weirdly unique about the Sriracha IS.
3. It Dispenses Actual Sriracha
For the ultimate Sriracha lovers, there’s not enough of the hot sauce in the world. We know people who actually bring Sriracha mini bottles or packets with them (even in 5-star hotels) because it’s apparently impossible to eat without it. Those who are interested in the Sriracha IS will find it weirdly beautiful that the car dispenses this blend of chili peppers, sugar, salt, garlic and distilled vinegar.
The sriracha Is has a key fob with the Remote Emergency Sriracha Activation. A nozzle located at the top of the fob will actually dispense Sriracha. Oh, there’s also 43 bottles of Sriracha in the car’s trunk according to a commercial from Lexus.
Weirded out yet? Don’t worry, Lexus will not be bringing this into production. At best, it’s a little inside joke between the two companies’ presidents.
Check out more photos of the car in the gallery below, which were provided by Car and Driver:
Lexus UX Concept Is A Glimpse of a New Luxury Compact Crossover
The Lexus UX Concept just made its world debut at the Paris Auto Show last week, and to say it made quite a bit of a splash is an understatement. Showcasing Lexus’ vision for a compact crossover in the future, the concept defines a new vision for the company’s design journey and driving experience.
What the UX Concept showed is that Lexus is determined to separate itself from the rest. The models using this concept will have a bold, standalone and unique character coupled with a powerful design and deconstructed interior styling.
During its introduction at the Paris Auto Show, experts raved about the concept’s sharp creases, trademark grilles, piercing headlights and flared side intakes. One can see bits of Lexus NX SUV in the concept, though the innovation was heavily exaggerated on the UX Concept. For one, it has massive wheels, ones we would not see on a production vehicle anytime soon. But this completes the muscular and sexy look of the concept.
There are some pretty interesting parts to the exterior design, but none as compelling as the wild taillight setup at the rear. The clearance between the lens on the rear hatch and the stationary units on the rear quarters is almost nonexistent that the taillight looks like one wide light.
What’s even more unique is the see-through A pillar that “blurs” the boundaries between the exterior and the interior.
Inside, there’s a “deconstructed” look as demonstrated by the sharp and angular forms that overlap each other to replace the conventional dashboard. These overlaps create shadows and contrasts, making it difficult for anyone to identify where they begin or end. The passenger seat was also not prioritized to emphasize that it is the driver that has control of the environment.
The seats, by the way, are inspired by the Lexus Kinetic Seat Concept, which also premiered in the show.
Lexus UX Concept Pioneers 3D Driving Experience
The Lexus UX Concept will make its world debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, and it is charged to showcase Lexus’ vision of a compact SUV for the future. The vehicle will apparently represent the company’s new approach in designing and in providing an exceptional driving experience.
The UX concept has a bold and imaginative approach to designing and technologies. It aims to provide customers an immersive driving experience, thanks to the on-board HMI technology that has been designed to offer an “innovative, three-dimensional driver experience.”
The instrument binnacle of the driver has a transparent, hologram-like globe that houses a combination of analog and digital information. The binnacle is both functional and has an unexpected user interface. The center console, on the other hand, features that prominent and faceted crystal structure. Within that, you can find a hologram-style display of air-conditioning and infotainment system that is clearly visible both to the driver and the front passenger.
The new UX concept will also showcase the latest advanced in-vehicle electrical technologies, which include electro-chromatic windows and electrostatic switchgear that is housed under transparent covers. The sideview mirrors have been replaced with e-mirror camera housings. These are far slimmer than the conventional mirror housings on current vehicles.
Drivers may also expect a new audio experience from cars using the UX Concept thanks to the fin motif on the dashboard, the same one that was used on the A pillar. In fact, a removable sound bar was even built into the passenger side of the dashboard, so that everyone can enjoy a one-of-a-kind audio experience.
Stephen Rasmussen, designer at the European Design Centre, ED2, said that the Lexus’ goal is to create a new genre of compact crossover. They want a vehicle that can create an innovative and 3D experience for the user.
2016 Lexus GS F Is All About Power and Aggressive Styling
Lexus coming out with its list of F-Sport, F cars and the RC coupe are proof enough that it wants to distant itself from merely being dolled-up Toyotas. The introduction of the 2016 Lexus GS F brings more evidence that it wants a luxurious sedan with an aggressive appearance that is far beyond anything Lexus has created in the past.
According to Top Speed, the GS F is Lexus’ answer to the BMW M5 and the Cadillac CTS-V—cars in the segment with loads of horsepower and elegant styling. The GS F is based on the standard Lexus GSsedan—the same on that came with a V-6 engine and hybrid option.
On the outside the Lexus GS F has a massive front grille, which it calls the Spindle Grille. With the F Sport or F-branded Lexus, you’ll get an even larger grille than the standard one. The grille stretches from the hood to the pavement, with no breaks between the upper and lower sections. There are two smaller inlets below the headlights, providing air to the front Brembo brakes.
The car packs LED daytime running lights that give off a dramatic white light at night. To finish off this aggressive styling, the GS F rides on 19-inch wheels with seemingly endless number of spokes. There are different colors within the wheel that add detail, making it one of the most unique wheels in the industry.
It comes in Molten Pear color—one that screams for attention. It may not be something everyone can learn to love easily, but it will certainly pique your interest.
Inside, the GS F is an iteration on the standard GS cabin. There’s the 12.3-inch Enform infotainment system and track pad, as well as the sport seats with contrast stitching that features heavy bolsters for extra support during hard corners. These seats also have limitless adjustments, making it the most comfortable of Lexus’ cabin.
The gauge cluster takes after the IS F. The cluster houses a large digital tachometer, analog speedometer and a large info screen that displays coolant temperature, oil pressure, to gear position, G-forces, traction graphs and infotainment information.
Under the hood, you’ll find a 5.0-liter V-8, all-aluminum engine that screams 7,300-rpm redline and produces 467 horsepower. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with driving modes—Eco and Sport+.
The GS F will have a starting price of $84,440 with an option for the Mark Levinson audio system for an additional $1,380.
Lexus LC 500 and LC 500 Hybrid to Debut At NY Auto Show
Lexus is gearing up for the showdown of some of its 21 models at the 2016 New York Auto Show, which will be held on March 25 until April 3 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. But apart from the 21 Lexus models to make its feature, the company will also be unveiling the all-new LC 500 and its hybrid counterpart.
The new luxury LC coupe was revealed in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit while the LC 500 Hybrid made known its appearance just this March at the Geneva Motor Show.
The NY Auto Show will mark the hybrid’s first North American debut, as well as its first appearance with the Lexus LC 500.
The LC lineup basically presents a new paradigm in Lexus’ engineering processes and design direction. It also marks a new beginning for the brand that aims to be recognized for its aesthetics appeal and engineering performance.
The Lexus LC 500 has a newly developed 10-speed automatic transmission, the first ever in a luxury vehicle. This is also the first Lexus to use the all-new, premium rear-wheel drive luxury platform, which promised enhanced performance. Inside, it has a cockpit-elegant inspired layout that is reminiscent of a sports car.
The hybrid car, on the other hand, uses the world’s first Multi Stage Hybrid System, which is the next generation hybrid powertrain designed for performance automobiles. The system can manage to align speed, power and fuel consumption all at the same time. It has the “M” mode too, which promised to give drivers the experience of driving responsive gear shifts.
Furthermore, Lexus is expected to showcase its 2016 GS F, the 2016 Lexus RX, as well as the GS F and RC F “360 Virtual Reality Experience,” which would allow the show’s attendees to experience driving these cars on a professional race track.
Upcoming Lexus RX 350: The New Age Smashing Machine!
All great things take time and mostly, it is worth the wait. When it comes to the motor world, something or the other keeps the new stories flowing. With each crack of the dawn there is a new entrant by some company or the other. This keeps the watchers busy but at the same time, it is also like adding fuel to fire. Some times when you are anticipating something really mind-blowing and you know you have to wait for a year before it actually comes your way, then it gets a tad difficult. For instance, let’s talk about the upcoming Lexus RX 350 which is absolutely magnificent or so we have heard from the insiders. It is one of the many heart throbs of the coming years and we just cannot wait to know more about it or better still, see it in action in front of our eyes.
There are speculations in the market that the upcoming Lexus RX350 is one of the many models that are due sometime in the next year which means there won’t be such a long time waiting. However, there are many competing models that are gearing up for a show time around the same period which means there is going to be some crazy attention-seeking game. However, we have heard that this one is going to be a world apart from others that are planning on entering a direct competition. It is a redesign for sure and a very intelligent one at that. We have also found out that it is going to be lighter, most certainly, as compared to previous models. And when talking in terms of interiors of Lexus RX 350, this one is a total catch, too. What’s more, there are rumours of this one being a super plush seven-seater variant, produced exclusively by the company for those who have a thing for luxury.
Moving on and revealing more, the upcoming Lexus RX 350 is going to be equipped with 3 rows of comfortable seats. It is not even here yet but it has been heard that it is going to be the benchmark for other models whose construction is underway. Well, that isquite some accomplishment for an upcoming car, for Lexus RX 350 is not even here but such is the confidence of the company in its performance and efficiency that it is all set to inspire.
We are sure that’s quite some information for those who have been waiting for this one, watching out for news every single day. While many are of the view that it will be on the same lines as the Highlander by Toyota, there are experts who are saying that the upcoming Lexus RX 350 2016 is going to be a new preparation altogether, a new trip in every sense of the word. If you have doubts, consider the capacity of this generous machine which can accommodate seven passengers at a time, a complete hit for those who travel with family. Expect additions like aluminum hood and rejigged tailgates in Lexus RX 350, just to make the wait tougher!
The 2014 Lexus RX 350
It is like the mother of all luxury SUVs. Lexus RX 350 almost taught the world about luxury SUVs. A vehicle that had it all! Comfortable and plash interiors, a ride to savor, sturdy and strong exteriors mated with an affordable price, ability to traverse though rough weathers and terrains and a generous amount of room for passengers as well as for cargo. As soon as the first Lexus rolled out creating a whole new niche of vehicle, disciples followed. And while there is a plethora of competitors, some of which grown into better vehicles than the Lexus itself, this brand and its lineup stands firm on the grounds as one of the most appealing luxury SUVs in the world. And one such crossover happens to be the 2014 Lexus Rx 350.
The 2014 Lexus RX 350 is all what a Lexus should essentially have. And along with it sports an impressive V6 grunt, comfortable and spacious seating and a plush cabin that is fully equipped with cutting edge technology. The five passenger crossover offers all sorts of basic features that anybody could possible need from a vehicle in this segment. Topping it all is an almost negligible amount of limitations about the Lexus RX 350. Jus an absent third row for seating and a little tricky user interface on the cabin and that’s all that is not exceptionally good about the Lexus RX 350. Everything else is!
The 2014 Lexus RX 350 gets its power from the 3.5 liter six-cylinder engine that is good for 270 horses and about 248 pound feet of twist. The 2014 RX 350 comes standard with a front wheel drive and a six speed automatic transmission. Also, an all wheel drive system comes as an option. The trim level F Sport comes standard with all wheel drive and has its engine mated to an eight speed automatic instead of six. This fine ride is capable of cruising up at 60 mph starting from rest in a sprint time of 7.1 seconds – on par with the performances of other vehicles in this niche. The one little attribute where the 2014 Lexus RX 350 fails to impress is its towing capability. The luxury crossover can tow around 3,500 pounds whereas, other crossovers in the segment can manage to tow more.
While the cabin is a bit messy to operate and requires more attention than need be, it looks amazingly plush. The interiors of the Lexus RX 350 look absolutely divine and every little addition on the inside of this vehicle adds to the luxury, the vehicle promises to offer.
The 2014 Lexus Rx 350 rides like a star. When you drive and RX 350, all you can witness is the luxurious and comfortable ride and isolation from the rest of the world and its noises. Although this crossover faces quite some amount of competition from newer competitors like the Acura MDX and the Audi Q5, the 2014 Lexus RX 350 is one classic luxury crossover one mustn’t miss to check out!
2014 Lexus GX 460
The new Lexus luxury utility vehicle (LUV), 2014 GX 460 gets all gussied up and quite extensively so that the mid-sizer seems less a truck than a Lexus on stilts. The freshened up GX 460 went through far deeper facelift than the now-trademark spindle grille and the LED applied to the Lexus LX 570 last year. The equally tough and trail SUV now boasts gigantic rear fender flares and striking front grille design that marks the extreme L-finesse. Though not the sleekest SUV in town, the 2014 Lexus GX 460 prides itself on global heritage just like Toyota LandCuiser Prado! Also the truck like demeanor is evident of the fact that this is going to be, if not the best and the most rugged, one fine play on the market of off-roaders. And all of it comes under a reasonable price despite additional technology and safety equipment that are included as standard. Cherry on the cake!
The raised roofline, necessary to make sufficient space for the third row of the newly designed seven-seater still got generous ground clearance of about 8.3 inches minimum. The unconventional hour glass shaped grille on the Lexus GX 460 though getting mixed responses is still unique and is sure to make the little SUV to turn heads and stand out. The LED daytime running lights in headlamps are a success. Lexus’s white LEDs are every bit bright as bright and helpful on roads as in SUVs from Audi or BMW. Excellent for low visibility conditions these LED lights use a very little amount of energy and provide a prominent light graphic for road safety. The clear taillights are strange as the fashion aware buyers of the Lexus legacy might question them but they still strike out.
The midsized SUV, 2014 Lexus GX 460 sports a 4.7 liter V-8 engine belonging to the Tundra pickup. Generating enough power of 301 HP and mated to an all-new-five-speed-automatic-transmission and a Torsen center differential which biases the torque (329 pound feet of torque) towards the end with traction, this engine makes this SUV maneuverable with a light duty full time four wheel drive. The car can reach up to 60 mph from rest in a sprint time of 8.5 seconds while it sports a top speed of 112 mph. The undeniable capability and the body-chassis structure of the new 2014 Lexus GX 460 make it deft enough to be creek-and-groan-free in the rough. However, being more of a luxury utility vehicle you might want to keep it away from way too nasty conditions for it is quite plushly outfitted for that.
It is expected that the 2014 Lexus GX 460 will be seen competing with the BMW X5 and the Mercedes ML500 and possibly Merc GL too while it’s priced at a sum of $45,000. For the love of a gritty feel of a 4WD truck underneath your seat the GX is massively appealing. This purposely built off road machine is added with extra style and so much luxury along with a giant price cut making it one definite consideration among serious SUV fanatics!
2013 Lexus CT 200h Compact Hybrid – Their Best Bet?
Since its very inception, Lexus cars have been a hallmark of luxury and superior technology. However, being a division of the Toyota empire, which has always been inclined towards fuel efficiency and going green, Lexus took up hybrid technology in a big way, rather early as compared to other luxury automobile brands. It has numerous hybrid models of different market classes to its name. The question is, which on-road model can be touted as best?
The answer to this question can be the cause of much debate amongst both users and experts, for quite possibly, it can never be an objective response. However, if one was to use the very rudimentary and simplistic approach of assessing fuel efficiency, the 2013 Lexus CT 200h is the latest, on-road model that would emerge victorious. This is because, not unlike the super-fuel-efficient Toyota Prius, this Lexus model uses a 98 horsepower, 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine, alongside a pair of nickel-metal-hydride-battery-powered electric motor generators. Functioning as per the Hybrid Synergy Drive System, the CT 200h’s technological preeminence cannot be questioned. The EPA rates of the 2013 Lexus CT 200h are a testament to the same; it offers a mileage of 43 mpg in the City, 40 mpg on the Highway and a combined average of 42 mpg. These figures are certainly very impressive and only add to the multifarious unique features that this Lexus model boasts of.
Reviewers have often asserted that in terms of its exterior design, the 2013 Lexus CT 200h is not exceptional. It has a low, flat roof, aggressive mien and distinctively chunky form. However, the interiors of the car, more than makes up for the unimpressive outside. A think center console with a multiple controls, couples with a low-strung instrument panel placed horizontally across from door-to-door offers easy access to all the luxury fittings within. The seats are comfortable and the backseat can be folded to increase cargo-space. The features’ list is a long one; pandering to the luxuriant expectations of Lexus-lovers, the car’s interiors can be customized with numerous add-ons to make the ride all the more smooth.
Though the car in question happens to be in its third model year, it is the 2013 release that marked the beginning of sales of the F-Sport line of the model. The F-Sport version is meant to provide a sportier drive by means of a suspension upgrade, different wheels and a bolder front-grille. Even though the 2013 Lexus CT 200h may not have created much buzz on account of new additions, it certainly did grab attention on account of the new F-Sport version.
It is evident from the above that in terms of performance, the 2013 CT 200h model is superior to other Lexus hybrid models such as the 2013 ES 300h, 2013 GS 450h and 2013 RX 450h. These models, however, promise larger vehicles with way more spacious interiors. One may then conclude, that amongst all of Lexus’ on-road hybrids, the 2013 CT 200h offers highest fuel efficiency, and even though not optimally luxurious, this model caters to a niche consumer-base of those looking for a luxury compact hybrid hatchback.