2004 Lexus Es330 on 2040-cars

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2023 Lexus LC 500 and LC 500h get updated suspension system

Lexus is making a handful of changes to the LC for the 2023 model year. Again offered as a coupe and as a convertible, the firm's range topper gets an updated suspension system and a new paint color, among other changes, and it costs slightly more than the 2022 model. The most significant changes for 2023 are invisible to the naked eye. Lexus notes its engineers optimized the front and rear suspension to "enhance ground contact feel, linear steering response, and steering effectiveness in the high cornering G range." While the LC is more of a grand tourer than a track-ready sports car, these updates should make it more engaging to drive on a twisty road than the 2022 model. Buyers who prioritize handling can order an optional Sport Package that bundles a limited-slip differential, Yamaha performance dampers, performance brake pads, and Alcantara upholstery. While the package isn't new, it gains 21-inch forged alloy wheels for 2023. The only other visual change is a new color called Cloudburst Gray that Lexus charges $500 for. It bumps the number of available colors up to nine. Finally, every 2023 LC offers a 10-year subscription to the company's connected services. The drop-top LC also benefits from these updates, and it receives a lighter soft top as well as an optional feature called Climate Concierge that adds a few weeks to convertible season by keeping each passenger's upper body warm. The function can even direct warm or cold air to the back of the driver's hands. Lexus is not making mechanical changes to the LC for 2023. Power for the LC 500 comes from a naturally-aspirated, 5.0-liter V8 rated at 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. It spins the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission, and it sends the coupe from zero to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds. While that's the LC Convertible's only engine option, the coupe is also offered with a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain built around a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V6 and rated at 354 horsepower. It shifts through both a CVT and a four-speed automatic. The new model year also brings a small price increase: the LC now starts at $94,600 including a $1,150 destination charge. Pricing for the full range is as follows: LC 500: $94,600 ($475 more than in 2022) LC 500h: $100,600 ($475 more than in 2022) LC 500 Convertible: $102,650 ($475 more than in 2022) On sale now, the 2023 Lexus LC will begin arriving on dealer lots in November 2022.

2023 Lexus GX makes do with small changes

Toyota leaves its hardcore SUVs to ripen on the vine for long spells. That means that in comparison with the rest of the luxury segment, Lexus SUVs are nearly fermented by the time the make way for the new harvest. Each year gets its small updates, though, Lexus announcing the fiddling its done on the 2023 GX 460. Last year saw a larger roster of changes, including a Black Line edition like other Lexus models with available Nori Green Pearl paint, a long overdue update to the infotainment system that saw the installation of a 10.3-inch touchscreen atop a revised center stack with more minimalist buttons and switches, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, plus standard navigation, parking sensors, and power folding and heated mirrors. For 2023, the Black Line returns with new standard kit and a production cap of 3,000 units. Available on the Premium trim, there's a darker finish on the grille and surround, the fog lamp surrounds and skid plate. The roof rails and shark fin are painted black, and instead of red taillights, there are clear lights with black inserts. The package sits on exclusive 18-inch gloss black wheels. Inside, a black headliner lords over Boulder Gray NuLuxe-trimmed seats, black matte ash wood trim, and contrasting gray stitching. The special edition comes with Panoramic View Monitor thrown in as well. The color palette shrinks by one hue, Claret Mica going away. Starfire Peal also disappears, but it's been replaced by Eminent White Pearl. The top Luxury trim — above base and Premium —picks up Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio as standard equipment.  Prices are slightly higher than last year. The base 2022 GX 460 has gone up $300 to $57,575 after destination, Premium trim also $300 more dear at $58,910, the Luxury trim up by $1,445 to $68,230. Two years ago, Toyota filed a trademark application in Costa Rica for a Lexus GX 550. The global market Toyota Land Cruiser Prado that the GX is based on is anticipated to get a next-generation model next year, perhaps with the option of the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 found in the new Land Cruiser. Whenever the revamped Prado debuts, an all-new Lexus GX shouldn't be far behind. 

Toyota expands Takata airbag inflator recall

The Basics: Toyota will recall 198,000 examples of the 2008 Corolla and Matrix and the 2008-2010 Lexus SC430. The Problem: The vehicles contain Takata's dual-stage inflators in their front passenger airbags, which could rupture in a crash. Injuries/Deaths: None reported in this population of vehicles. However, experts believe Takata's inflators have links to at least ten fatalities. The Fix: Dealers will replace the part with a newly manufactured one. If You Own One: Toyota will notify owners about the recall by first-class mail in March and will send a remedy letter in June when the parts are ready. TOYOTA EXPANDS TAKATA AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL TORRANCE, Calif., March 2, 2016 – Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. today announced that it is expanding two of its recalls involving Takata front passenger airbag inflators. This will add model years of certain vehicles previously recalled and will cover all remaining dual-stage front passenger inflators of a particular type, as a precautionary measure. Approximately 198,000 Model Year 2008 Corolla and Corolla Matrix and Model Year 2008-2010 Lexus SC430 vehicles will be added to the recalls. The involved vehicles are equipped with a Takata-produced dual-stage front passenger airbag inflator which could potentially be susceptible to rupture when deployed in a crash. All known owners of the affected Toyota / Lexus vehicles will be notified by first class mail. Dealers will replace the airbag inflator or the airbag assembly with a newly manufactured one at no cost. Information about automotive recalls, including but not limited to the list of involved vehicles, is subject to change over time. For the most up-do-date Safety Recall information on Toyota, Lexus or Scion vehicles, customers should check their vehicle's status by visiting toyota.com/recall and entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Safety Recall inquiry by individual VIN is also available at the NHTSA site: safercar.gov/vin. For any additional questions, customer support is also available by calling Toyota Customer Service at 1-800-331-4331, or Lexus Customer Service at 1-800-255-3987. ###