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Lexus gets new boss, and he's a designer

A reshuffle in the uppermost ranks of Lexus could see the Japanese luxury brand further energize its recent focus on design. Tokuo Fukuichi, Toyota's global design boss, is the new head of Lexus International.
Fukuichi will retain his role as the overall head of design for Toyota, Lexus and Scion, and will assume his new position at the head of Lexus and on its board on April 1 (no fooling). This is going to be an interesting move for fans of design to watch, as Fukuichi has repeatedly been mentioned as a designer that enjoys pushing the edge of the envelope and experimenting. He is, after all, the man responsible for designing the most awesomely odd minivan of the 1990s, the mid-engined, rear-drive Toyota Previa, and more recently, he signed off on the controversial Lexus LF-NX concept, which is said to presage a new production small crossover.
"Regarding changes in design, no one has 100 percent confidence," Fukuichi told Forbes back in January 2013. "No one can really say with pure certainty that, 'In two years, this will sell well.'" As Akio Toyoda continues to demand more assertive, edgier designs, it's that point of view that should make Fukuichi a valuable addition to Lexus, as it continues to challenge the competition from Germany.

Kickin' it: Lexus, John Elliott turn Nike Air Force 1 into fashion tires

At New York Fashion Week, Lexus unveiled a collaboration that spanned numerous cultural realms, from the trendy streetwear and sneaker world to the high-art scene to the luxury auto space. Using its new UX crossover as the canvas, Lexus partnered with rising style entrepreneur John Elliott to create all-white tires designed after the iconic Nike Air Force 1. The pairing stems from a different collaboration in which John Elliott partnered with Nike to create a custom Air Force 1. Elliott kept the timeless silhouette simple in white coloring, but created a new look by layering and stacking parts of the shoe's upper to create the illusion of shadows and shades. The tires are intended to do the same. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Aside from the obvious connection of wheels and tires often nicknamed "shoes," sneaker and car cultures have intertwined on numerous occasions throughout the years. Most recently, a Rolls-Royce SUV-themed pair of Air Jordan IIIs popped up, Volvo customized pairs of Adidas Stan Smiths, and Puma made kicks inspired by the BMW GINA concept car. Those who know the Air Force 1 see the parallels all over the tires. The Nike swoosh, the circular heel design of the sole, and the air holes from the shoe's toe box are obvious, with subtle touches such the textures of the shoe's rubber and leather filling the rest of the space. A small "AF1" badge is a nice nod to the shoe's metal lace ornament, as well. Lexus didn't release much information about the art concept, but there are small changes elsewhere on the car. The black wheel arch cladding is white, as are the side mirrors. We're surprised the UX wasn't completely white, grille and all, like the shoe, though. A John Elliiott badge on the lower rear quarter of the car makes sure everybody knows who worked on the project. Unlike John Elliott's Air Force 1s, this UX is not for sale. Sneaker influencer Ray Polanco Jr. was invited to the event and gave some better looks at the tires below: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

2020 Lexus RX and RXL get refined front face, new tech

Lexus is updating its RX and RXL lineup of luxury crossovers for 2020 with tweaks to its steering and driving dynamics, interior and exterior, new Android Auto integration and standard Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 technology. The changes also boost the RX 350 starting price to $45,175, including a $1,025 destination charge. On the outside, Lexus changed the look of the front by updating the spindle grille, which had previously featured horizontal slats, and adding more prominent surrounds to the fog lights that echo the grille. Also echoed are the hand-drawn angles of the grille surround at each corner of the bumper to harmonize the visual flow. Lexus says the RX line is its first to get Android Auto integration, joining the existing Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The touchscreen — both the standard 8-inch display and available 12.3-inch split-screen version — has moved almost 5.5 inches closer to the driver and now offers control over both audio and climate systems, plus display for the rearview camera when backing up. There are also two new USB ports, bringing the total to six, plus a new designated mobile phone storage area near the front of the center console. If you opt for the 12.3-inch display, you get dynamic voice command, which Lexus says is capable of recognizing millions more phrases, is more accurate and offers expanded points of interest searches than its conventional voice-recognition systems. And finally, you get a three-year trial with Lexus Enform Remote to remotely start the car from your smartphone. Lexus is also adding its Safety System+ 2.0 as standard across the lineup, which adds daytime bicyclist detection and low-light pedestrian detection, plus road-sign assist and lane-tracing assist, which works in conjunction with dynamic radar cruise control. On the driving side, Lexus added hollow front and rear stabilizer bars to reduce weight, but theyÂ’re thicker in diameter and feature reinforced bushings to help reduce body roll and improve response on steering. The shock absorbers were re-turned to work with the stiffer roll bars, and there are upgraded dampers with a new friction control device to better control high-frequency vibrations and smooth out the ride. Further refining the ride is a stiffer suspension design, to reduce noise and vibration from the road, and added active corner braking to help prevent understeering by braking the inner wheel and providing more stability to the vehicleÂ’s handling.