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Lexus LF-FC concept is a preview of the next LS [w/video]

As far as flagship luxury sedans go, the Lexus LS is one of the oldest on the market. But the upscale Japanese automaker is out to fix that in short order. And to give us a taste of what's to come, it's presenting the concept you see here at the Tokyo Motor Show today. Called the LF-FC, the show car clearly points the way forward for the next-generation LS. The design adopts the latest take on the brand's "L-finesse" styling language, with a large, spindle-shaped front grille leading to sharp creases cutting their way across the entire surface. Lexus refers to the roofline as approaching that of a four-door coupe, though it clearly places more of an emphasis on rear-seat space. Power comes from a conceptual hydrogen fuel cell whose components have been scattered throughout the vehicle to optimize weight distribution. The fuel cell drives the rear wheels and sends power to hub motors in the front wheels as well for all-wheel-drive capability. Those 21-inch rims are made of carbon fiber, with aluminum spokes, to minimize unsprung weight. Naturally, Lexus has equipped the concept with all the latest electronic aids to track the flow of traffic and even drive autonomously through it. Of course a vehicle like this is designed around the driver and occupants. The white and brown interior space features four individual bucket seats, because really, who wants to dream of riding in the middle? Interior appointments look suitably tasteful, all done in satin-finish wood and metal with white and brown leather, and would look at home on the next generation of first-class aircraft cabins. Lexus has equipped the concept with gesture control that incorporates a floating holographic image to show users where to place their hands to operate the audio and ventilation systems touchlessly. In typical concept style, the LF-FC sits wider and squatter than the production sedans at which it takes aim. More telling, however, is the overall length: at 208.7 inches, it's a few thumbs longer than even the extended version of the current Lexus LS, and a touch longer than the current long-wheelbase Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ, and Maserati Quattroporte. We're looking forward to seeing the production version in the form of the next LS in due course to see how it measures up against the competition, and not just in terms of size. Related Video: Lexus LF-FC Flagship Concept Revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show TOKYO (Oct.

BMW reclaims US luxury sales crown from Mercedes

The numbers, they are in: BMW has reclaimed the luxury-sales crown from Mercedes by a margin of 9,347 cars. Mercedes donned the king's headgear in 2013 after a strong final quarter of 2013 when the new CLA and S-Class poured out of dealerships. This year, led by the 3 Series/4 Series and X5, BMW sold 339,738 units – a 9.8-percent increase year-on-year. Mercedes, led by the C-Class and M-Class, saw its sales go up by 5.7 percent to 330,391 units. We'll have to wait a bit to see if there's another registrations-vs-sales challenge as in 2012, when BMW was anointed US luxury ruler. Behind them, a dark horse named Lexus nudged closer to the leading Teutons, selling 311,389 cars. The Japanese luxury automaker also had the biggest gain among the top three, its sales rising by 13.7 percent compared to 2013. Audi had the biggest sales of anyone among the top five, though, with a 15.2-percent gain to 182,011, which moved it a spot ahead of Cadillac; the Wreath-and-Crest brand dropped 6.5 percent to 170,750. Acura (167,843), Infiniti (117,300), and Lincoln (94,474) took the final positions. Speaking of Lincoln, sales at the once-mighty luxury marque stand as the mightiest jump of any on this list, up 15.6 percent. That's the power of Matthew McConaughey... and better cars and a new crossover, sure. So now that we're back to Round One of 2015, in case no one else has said it yet: "Ok, fight!"

Lexus ES nips-and-tucks previewed ahead of 2021 Shanghai show

Lexus will travel to the biennial Shanghai auto show to present a futuristic concept called LF-Z that previews how its range will evolve by the middle of the 2020s. It's not forgetting about the near-term future, though. It will also introduce an updated version of the current-generation ES, its midrange sedan, at the event. Previewed by a 15-second video posted on YouTube, the nipped-and-tucked ES gains redesigned headlights with square lighting elements and bolder-looking LED daytime running lights. That's all Lexus is showing us so far. It's not much, but it's enough to tell the exterior visual changes are largely evolutionary, not revolutionary. Lexus previously proved that, when it comes to luxury sedans, what motorists can't see is at least as important as what they can see. It made the LS, its flagship sedan, smoother by redesigning the motor mounts, changing the stiffness of the tires, and adding deeper stitch points to the seats. The ES could learn some of these tricks. Engine options will likely remain largely unchanged, meaning the ES will carry on with a 215-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 302 horses. Alternatively, the lineup will also include a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain built around a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a pair of electric motors. The V6 and the hybrid variants are front-wheel-drive, while the non-electrified four is exclusively offered with all-wheel-drive.  Lexus will fully unveil the updated ES on April 18, a day before the Shanghai show opens its doors, and sales in China will start shortly after. In the United States, the refreshed ES will arrive in showrooms as a 2022 model. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Walkaround