2006 Lexus Lx Lx 470 Sport Utility 4d on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition First Drive Review | Not the hardcore machine we deserve

THERMAL, Calif. — It's been more than 10 years since Lexus launched its high-performance F models. Ten years. After a full decade you'd think Toyota's luxury division would have it figured out by now, but the 2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition isn't the hardcore machine we were hoping for. Maybe our expectations were too high. We saw its lackluster specs at the Detroit Auto Show in January, but you just never know until you get behind the wheel. And while there's a lot to like here — this is the most powerful and track-capable Lexus since the LFA supercar was launched in 2011 — it's quickly apparent that Lexus' engineers were held back from making the RC F Track Edition what they wanted to make. The RC F Track Edition uses the same naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 (2UR-GSE) that powered the IS F sedan in 2008 and the standard RC F since 2015. It's the engine Lexus also uses in the LC 500 coupe and the GS F sedan. The company's strict warrantability standards mean this engine is limited to 500 hp, said Yuuichi Tsurumoto, the chief engineer on the RC F Track Edition and the man responsible for all Lexus F models. So supercharging the engine was out of the question. Increasing the V8's displacement to 5.5-liters or more was explored, but then the RC F Track Edition would have been subject to a gas guzzler tax, and that too was deemed unacceptable. The frustration in Tsurumoto's voice was clear. And while the 5.0-liter's output has been increased slightly for 2020, up to 472 horsepower (+5) at 7,100 rpm and 395 pound-feet of torque (+6) at 4,800 rpm, the RC F Track Edition doesn't get any more power than the standard RC F. Both versions of the coupe also continue to use an Aisin-supplied eight-speed automatic, which is essentially unchanged. Lexus is only going to build "around 400" RC F Track Editions, and it will import just 50 into the United States. That's all. Just 50 cars. And they're going to cost $97,675 including a $1,025 destination fee. Who cares about a gas guzzler tax on such an extreme limited run of a $100,000 factory hot rod? In the age of 797-hp Redeyes and 640-hp Cadillacs, the 472-hp RC F Track Edition may not sound like it would be quick, but it is. With its new launch control and shorter 3.13:1 rear-end ratio, Lexus says it can sprint to 60 mph in 3.97 seconds. That's just a tenth or two off the performance of the LFA. Unfortunately, it's also only two tenths quicker than the standard RC F, which Lexus says now hits 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.

2020 Lexus RX350 and RX450h debut with refreshed styling and updated tech

The 2020 Lexus RX350 and 450h made their debuts late last night, refreshing the fourth-gen model that made its debut back in 2015. The luxury crossover gets a number of updates, with the changes mostly focused on styling, tech and safety. The new three-row model carries over, too, with the second row sporting a set of captain's chairs rather than a full bench. The 2020 RX is set to go on sale in the U.S. in late August 2019. The updated model doesn't look all that different than the 2019 model, especially from the profile. That said, the front and rear fascias have both been smoothed out, taking cues from the handsome LC coupe and LS sedan. All the lines look a bit more sleek, with thinner headlights and L-shaped blades in the taillights, again similar to the LC and LS. There's a sharp crease toward the bottom of the RX that carries across the grille, rocker panel and rear bumper. The grille itself gets a new mesh pattern. The interior is mostly unchanged, with changes mostly focused on comfort rather than design. Three-row models now have more adjustment in the back row, and the second row gets the aforementioned captain's chairs. The infotainment system gets a much-needed update. While the frustrating-at-best touchpad interface is still present, the RX now gets a touchscreen, hopefully improving one of our major complaints with the system. The RX also gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, something long missing from Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Voice control can be used through Lexus' own system or using Apple Siri or Google Assistant. There's also a new USB port and a phone holder to keep things in place. Underneath the skin, the 2020 RX gets a revised suspension setup and extra chassis stiffness, the latter thanks in part to new welds, high-strength adhesives and stiffer stabilizer bars. The RX has what Lexus calls Active Cornering Assist and a re-tuned stability control system to mitigate understeer mid-corner. The shocks, too, are revised to improve ride comfort and handling. Lexus says the suspension updates should improve steering feel, too. Finally, there's a few updates to the RX's safety systems. The crossover comes with the latest version Lexus Safety System +, a safety suite that includes features like pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and traffic-sign recognition. The new headlights have Lexus' BladeScan Type Adaptive Headlight System, or AHS.

Lexus sails the seas in luxury with its first-ever yacht

Lexus is taking its pursuit of luxury lifestyle offshore with a production version of its LY 650 yacht, revealed in Boca Raton last week. Now one can have an oceangoing Lexus to go with the LC 500 parked in the garage. Based on its Sport Yacht Concept revealed in 2017 and announced for production last year, the 65-foot yacht was developed with and built by Marquis Yachts LLC, which also adopted Toyota's latest manufacturing and quality assurance methods. The LY 650's styling was cooperatively penned with Nuvolari Lenard, which designs luxury yachts. Lexus and its partners designed the LY 650 with a high-tech hull that's a combination of lightweight but rigid CFRP (carbon fiber-reinforced plastic) and GFRP (glass fiber-reinforced plastic), to reduce weight without sacrificing structural integrity. The LY 650 is powered by dual Volvo Penta IPS1350 marine engines making 1,000 horsepower each, or buyers can choose 800 or 900 hp engines instead. The ship's master can even operate the LY 650 with a new LY-Link smartphone wireless connectivity system that controls the boat's functions and uses real-time information to assist navigation. Keeping seafarers entertained is an integrated Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio and entertainment system designed specifically for the LY 650 to offer "concert hall-like" acoustics in the main deck's salon. There are three decks: topside with secondary controls, salon on the main deck, and three cabins below that sleep six. "The LY 650 symbolizes the challenge taken by Lexus, which aspires to be a true luxury lifestyle brand, to venture beyond the automobile. A collaborative team between Toyota and Marquis Yachts introduced the Toyota Production System to the boat manufacturing facility to improve productivity and quality,” President Akio Toyoda said in a statement. “This allowed the Lexus "CRAFTED" philosophy of anticipatory hospitality and meticulous attention to detail to become a reality in the form of a luxury yacht. I am truly looking forward to seeing the advanced, high quality LY 650 display its beauty on the oceans across the globe. As a mobility company, we are pursuing new possibilities for mobility even on the sea." Lexus is not the only luxury automaker to hear the call of the sea: Porsche created a yacht, and there's a Bugatti Chiron sister ship along with the Mercedes Silver Arrow. Even Henrik Fisker has dabbled with yacht design.