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Lexus GX has quietly more than doubled its sales this year

There are some things in this industry that we're perplexed by, like the infotainment system on our long-term Subaru WRX or why the Mitsubishi Mirage is allowed to exist, among other things. Let's add one more to that group, with the Lexus GX. It's not a particularly bad vehicle for a big, body-on-frame brute, remaining one of the only true SUVs in the mid-size luxury class, alongside the equally old fashioned Land Rover LR4.
Considering these things, then, what we're about to tell you makes very little sense - sales are up 135 percent through last month. The Japanese luxury marque has moved over 5,300 during the first six months of 2014, owing in no small part to a significant price drop over the 2013 model. Today, a GX starts at $49,085, while a year ago, it was $53,445.
Don't mistake this price decrease for charity, though. Lexus specifically built a lower-cost GX to lure in customers. According to WardsAuto, faux leather covers the cabin rather than the real stuff, while the overall package is decontented relative to what you might find in a typical Lexus.

Lexus confirms three-row RX coming by 2018

Now seems like the perfect time for Lexus to launch a three-row version of its RX crossover. Not only are CUVs flying off of dealer lots – as you probably already know, the RX is Lexus' best-selling model – there aren't all that many car-based luxury soft-roaders on the market for Lexus to compete with. Problem is, these things take time, and product planners don't always get the new-model cadence just right. Now, though, we at least have a tentative date for the extended-wheelbase 'ute's arrival. According to Automotive News, Lexus General Manager Jeff Bracken has confirmed that the brand is readying a three-row version of the RX with plans to have it in the clutches of salivating dealers by late 2017 or early 2018. Chances are, the new model will wear RX 350L badges in gas-powered guise and carry the RX 450hL moniker in hybrid form. As AN points out, these names were registered as trademarks earlier this month. That indicates we'll see both standard V6 and optional hybrid-powered versions of the three-row RX. Not only will the extended RX keep the same nomenclature, it'll also look pretty much the same as its five-seat siblings. According to Bracken, "We put so much energy into the styling you see now that we didn't want to compromise even with the third row." All we have to do now is wait, said Bracken. "They would just love to have it now. But I think they're quite relieved that they know it's coming." Related Video:

Lexus dumps RC F Super GT in favor of stunning LC 500 racer

Japan's Super GT series remains a favorite at the Autoblog office, because like British Touring Cars and Germany's DTM, the cars look vaguely like the ones you can actually buy, and the racing is close and intense. And next year, Japan's wildest racing will include the Lexus LC 500. Toyota and Gazoo Racing are phasing out the old RC F – which will continue racing here in the US GT3 ranks since it's barely a year old – in favor of Lexus' bigger, cushier two-door coupe. The racer depends on a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder – just like every other car in the GT500 ranks – but unlike the 5.0-liter V8 or a 3.5-liter hybrid V6 in the LC 500s folks could actually buy. But let's ignore the mechanicals, because look at this monstrous racer. The LC is already the best looking car to wear Lexus' polarizing design language, but the aggressive cuts, angles, and oddly shaped headlights look great when paired with a Super GT car's aerodynamic appendages. Monstrous, flared wheel arches, a mammoth rear wing, and side skirts big enough to serve drinks on are just a few of the aero improvements for the LC 500 racer. Then, there's the really cool stuff, like the exhaust exit in the passenger side door. All cars should have side-exit exhausts in the door. According to Toyota and Gazoo's Google Translated website, the new LC 500 Super GT500 will campaign in the 2017 season. We can't wait to see it hit the track. Related Video: