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2019 Lexus LX Inspiration Series is relatively uninspiring

We're a whole month away from the Los Angeles Auto Show, but Lexus is already showing us a special edition LX it plans to debut at the show. Called the LX Inspiration Series, it's an appearance package for the already opulent Lexus SUV. It starts with black paint and black wheels, then adds black trim to the headlights, fog lights and windows. Its grille gets a new dark chrome surround — as though it needed to be any flashier. The headlamp lenses are smoked black as well. Around back there's more black chrome accents around the taillights, license plate surround and back door. Then for what we can only assume is for balance, Lexus gave it a white leather interior. The white leather is complemented by plenty of black leather to create a two-tone appearance. It looks expensive and classy and all of the things that a $100,000 Lexus should be – this special edition climbs over the century mark at $101,715 including destination charges. You do get a fully-optioned version of the LX with the four-zone climate control, heated/cooled rear seats and projector door lamps, but this version is still significantly more expensive than the base Lexus LX which comes in under $90,000. The Toyota Land Cruiser-based LX is ancient at this point, and frankly this doesn't do much to move the needle. No other updates appear to be in the works for now, so you better really like this traditional SUV to go grab one up. Only 500 of these "Inspiration Series" special edition models are planned if the blacked-out exterior strikes your fancy. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2019 Lexus LX Inspiration Series View 12 Photos Lexus SUV Luxury Off-Road Vehicles toyota land cruiser 2018 LA Auto Show

Lexus RC facelift: Here's an official look

After the updated Lexus RC coupe was spied testing last month, Lexus has released official images of the RC coupe's upcoming refresh. The facelifted car will debut at the Paris Motor Show in early October, but the automaker is already offering a good look at the RC's improvements. The 2014-introduced RC is getting a subtle set of updates, and Lexus says these changes will sharpen it both as a driver's car and as a grand tourer. As well as improving aerodynamics, Lexus has honed the RC's suspension and powertrain: There are new shocks and stiffer bushings along with a new set of 19-inch wheels; the car's footprint has been altered and its center of gravity lowered. The rear-wheel-drive RC300's 2.0-liter turbo engine has also had its throttle response fine-tuned. As for aero, there are changes in the side window moldings and a new rear bumper duct to aid airflow and to make the RC more stable on the road. Lexus now calls the RC both razor-sharp and extremely supple; eventual test drives will confirm how much the handling has improved. There's no mention of changed power figures. The RC's looks remain largely unchanged, with noticeable alterations mainly to the headlights and bumper corners along with the spindle grille's mesh; the headlights are now one-piece compared to the old split design that featured a lower "Nike Swoosh" separate from the main headlights. There are new colors, including Naples Yellow and Sparkling Meteor, and the interior colors and trim have also been refreshed: Black leather seats are now available with eye-catching Mustard Yellow side bolsters. A new analogue clock has been borrowed from the LC, as well as other interior styling improvements influenced by the bigger coupe sibling. All in all, it seems the RC is getting subtly infused with the LC's appearance. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Toyota recalls 1.37 million more vehicles for Takata airbags

Toyota is expanding its passenger-side Takata airbag inflator recall campaign by an additional 1.37 million vehicles in the United States. The models covered under this broadened recall are the 2003-2007 Corolla, Matrix, and Lexus SC430; the 2005-2006 Tundra; and the 2005-2007 Sequoia. In total, Toyota says that this expansion brings the number of its vehicles covered under the Takata inflator recall in the US to 2.915 million. For these latest models, owners will be notified by mail soon. The move is similar to a recent decision by Honda to broaden its recall list. As with millions of other vehicles covered under these recalls, it's possible for exposure to moisture to cause the inflator to ignite too quickly in an airbag deployment. This can cause shrapnel to be sprayed at occupants. At least seven deaths have been potentially linked to these ruptures worldwide. TOYOTA EXPANDS TAKATA AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL TORRANCE, Calif., June 16, 2015 – Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. today announced that it is expanding its recalls involving Takata front passenger airbag inflators. Based on recent information from Takata and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Toyota will recall approximately 1,365,000 additional 2003-2007 Corolla and Corolla Matrix; 2005-2006 Tundra; 2005-2007 Sequoia; 2003-2007 Lexus SC430 vehicles. This brings the total number of Toyota and Lexus vehicles covered by Takata recalls in the U.S. to approximately 2,915,000. In the involved vehicles, the front passenger airbag inflators could potentially be susceptible to rupture when deployed and seriously injure vehicle occupants. "Toyota's focus remains on the safety and security of our customers, and we will continue to respond promptly to new developments so we can resolve issues for them as quickly, conveniently and safely as possible," said Dino Triantafyllos, chief quality officer, Toyota Motor North America. Multiple investigations into the root cause of the potential for inflator rupture are taking place, including by Orbital ATK, an independent engineering firm commissioned by an industry-wide joint testing initiative comprised of the ten automotive manufacturers conducting Takata-related recalls. All known owners of the affected Toyota / Lexus vehicles will be notified by first class mail to return their vehicles to a Toyota / Lexus dealer. The dealer will replace the airbag inflator with a newly manufactured one.