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Lexus resurrecting SC name for big, expensive coupe

Lexus is preparing the SC nomenclature for its third act, after the first bombshell SC coupe from 1991 and the second, Desperate Housewives hardtop convertible evolution from 2001. The brand is aiming again for something that makes a deep mark, with rumored specs pointing to a large, heavy, powerful coupe that will square its spindle grille up against the Mercedes SL and BMW 6 Series. It will be built on the frame of the next-generation LS sedan, and Automobile says internal combustion motivation will come in three flavors. The starter will be a juiced-up version of the company's 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated V8, the one that currently makes 467 horsepower in the RC F. Stepping up from there will be some kind of hybrid powertrain good for around 500 horsepower; last year Motor Trend wrote that the hybrid would be based around a V6 ICE with Toyota's coming "multi-hybrid" system. The top step will be a twin-turbo version of the V8 that could exceed 600 hp. Early reports of dimensions have it at 185 inches long, 75 inches wide, and 53 inches tall. It is expected to use the world's first application of a ten-speed automatic transmission. It'll also get the RC F's torque vectoring mechanism for the rear-wheel-drive setup, though Car and Driver says an all-wheel drive option "might be added later." Aluminum and carbon fiber components will help manage weight. Its design will be inspired by the LF-LC concept, and right now its pricing is as murky as its looks. C/D posits an MSRP from $80,000 to $95,000, Automobile figures it will go "past the $100,000 mark," and MT pegs the situation at $150,000. All agree, however, that it will join the retail pipeline as a 2017 model.

Lexus LS 500 Inspiration Series is a limited extra-luxe edition of the flagship sedan

Lexus is continuing its trend of making its “Inspiration Series” of cars, and the latest model to get the treatment is the LS 500. Just like all the others before it, this one is mainly an appearance package meant to set it apart from other LS 500s on the road.  The first unique touch is its Deep Garnet paint that isnÂ’t available on the normal LS 500. Then you get 20-inch black chrome wheels that go quite nicely with the paint color. Lexus didnÂ’t forget the Inspiration Series interior, either. Standard is the ultra-luxe Kiriko glass trim you can get as an option on the regular LS 500. It looked stunning on that car, and itÂ’s going to look great combined with the white leather seats on this one, too. Lexus is also giving the Inspiration Series blue LED dash lighting and “Lexus” puddle lamps below the doors. There are only going to be 300 LS 500 Inspiration Series cars sold in America, and theyÂ’re going to be available to buy this fall. Mechanically, itÂ’s exactly the same as a regular LS 500 with the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 making 416 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. As for pricing on this limited-edition model, Lexus isnÂ’t saying quite yet. A regular LS 500 similarly equipped is around the $100,000 mark, so look out for something in that range when we do get a price. Related Video:

Lexus prices the new 2021 IS below most of its main rivals

As an outlier in a shrinking segment, the 2021 Lexus IS faces an uphill battle. Product planners know this, so they've priced the new model below most of its main rivals without compromising on content or performance. Unveiled in June 2020, the 2021 IS range consists of the entry-level 300 and the sportier 350 F-Sport, and each is offered with rear- or all-wheel drive. Pricing for the rear-wheel drive IS 300 starts at $40,025 including a mandatory $1,025 destination charge, which represents a mere $440 increase over the outgoing 2020 model. Adding all-wheel drive raises that figure to $42,025. Motorists who step up to the 350 F-Sport will need to pay $43,925 if they want power sent to the rear axle, or $45,925 if they want it channeled to the four wheels. The list of standard features includes 18-inch wheels (an inch bigger than before), numerous electronic driving aids, power-adjustable front seats (10-way for the driver; eight-way for the front passenger), dual-zone automatic climate control, and an eight-inch touchscreen that's nearly five and a half inches closer to the driver than the outgoing model's. Motorists can pay extra for 19-inch wheels, a power-operated moonroof, and a 10.3-inch touchscreen. And, at last, the IS is available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Lexus shuffled its trim hierarchy for 2021, so the F Sport package is no longer available on the IS 300, but it's fitted to every IS 350 built for the American market. It bundles a cold-air intake, a specific exhaust system, a sound generator, 19-inch wheels, a sprinkling of F Sport badges, plus a body kit that adds bits like a rear spoiler and a diffuser integrated into the rear bumper. Heated and ventilated front seats are included, too. 2021 Lexus IS View 25 Photos Power for the rear-wheel drive IS 300 comes from a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which develops 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It's bolted to an eight-speed automatic transmission. While you'd assume the all-wheel drive model simply gains a pair of driven wheels, the transformation is more complex. It also receives a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque on tap, plus a six-speed automatic transmission. Lexus notes the system can send up to 50% of the engine's output to the front axles. Selecting the IS 350 brings an evolution of the 3.5-liter six that's rated at 311 horses and 280 pound-feet of twist.