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2019 Lexus ES is first mass-produced car to replace side mirrors with cameras

Concept cars have been trying to replace side mirrors with cameras for decades, and now Lexus is actually going to do it on a production car. There's one important caveat though: It's only for Japan. First implemented for the recently redesigned (and recently reviewed) 2019 Lexus ES, the side mirrors are being replaced with small, aerodynamic camera stalks. Those small cameras tucked into the stalks provide a constant video feed to five-inch screens placed at the base of the car's A-pillars. The biggest reason manufacturers are pushing this kind of tech is to improve aerodynamics. Swapping those side mirrors out for something much smaller creates less drag, and ultimately, better fuel economy. Lexus says there are a couple other advantages for going digital here too. For one, the camera modules are able to resist the accumulation of raindrops and snow due to their design. There's also less wind noise since the mirrors cut through the air so well. This will become even more important as silent electric cars trickle their way onto the market. The actual visibility is supposed to be better as well. Lexus says that the view is "enhanced" when you activate a turn signal, and helps provide better rearward vision when put into reverse — think Honda LaneWatch, but way cooler. We won't be seeing this futuristic-looking side mirror technology in the U.S. for some time, because it's still not legal here. The technology is legal to use in Europe, but Lexus says it'll only be offered in Japan for the time being. Audi, though, will be bringing its side camera mirror technology to Europe by the end of the year with the E-Tron. There's still no release date on the electric SUV, but it might be the first to market with the tech on that continent. Audi wants to bring side mirror camera technology to the U.S. in its E-Tron, but the regulations still need to be changed to allow that here - the E-Tron is expected to be for sale in the U.S. sometime in 2019. Buyers in Japan will be able to scoop a Lexus ES with the tech this October. Related Video:  

Fresh-faced Lexus NX crossover set to debut in Shanghai

The updated Lexus NX compact crossover is set to show its revised face at Auto Shanghai 2017. The NX debuted back in 2014, which means the time is prime for a mid-cycle refresh. While this won't be an all-new model, expect fresh styling both inside and out. The single teaser images shows a new headlight design and possibly a reworked grille. We don't know much beyond that. The NX, which shares a platform with the Toyota RAV4, comes with the choice of two powertrains and the option of front or all-wheel drive. The NX 200t is powered by a 235 horsepower turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. The 300h is the requisite hybrid model. Its total system output is 194 horsepower. In addition to the updated NX, Lexus is rolling out the LS 500h for an Asian audience. The car debuted earlier this month in Geneva. Look for more photos and info after the debut on either April 19 or 20. Related Video: Image Credit: Lexus Design/Style Auto Shanghai Lexus Crossover Luxury lexus nx refresh lexus nx 200t lexus nx 300h

2019 Lexus ES300h has a quiet and comfortable interior

The 2019 Lexus ES is the latest version of the japanese luxury automaker's best-selling sedan. The car is based on Toyota's TNGA platform, the same basis for the new Toyota Camry and Toyota Avalon. The ES is available with both V6 and hybrid powertrains, with the latter rated at 43 mpg city, 45 mpg highway, and 44 mpg combined. Pricing was announced earlier this week, with a starting price of $40,525, just $550 more than the outgoing model. The car's interior and exterior design is all new, taking cues from both the Lexus LS and Lexus LC, the latter of which won our Technology of the Year award. The interior is both stylish and comfortable and packs a design that feels very Japanese. Watch the videos above for a brief design walk around and take a listen to the quiet hybrid powertrain.