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Lexus F performance SUV could be in the works

Amid the wave of SUVs and crossovers that has crashed down on the industry, several high-performance sporting SUVs have washed up and started to fill a separate growing niche. It's an idea that Lexus is contemplating, according to a new report, with a possible F-branded utility vehicle focusing on either on- or off-road specialties. At the Rolex 24 in Daytona, Florida, Motor1 learned that incorporating a crossover or SUV into Lexus' F performance division has been under "active discussion." That doesn't necessarily mean a hotted-up utility vehicle, however. According to the report, F could translate to a different type of performance on the SUV, specifically for off-road capabilities. Using the F badge in this way would be a huge departure from what it has meant during the brand's 10-year history. Lexus currently offers the sport-focused RC F and the GS F, with an LC F expected soon. Should Lexus decide to lean further into the sport performance methodology with its utility vehicles, the newly released UX and the NX would likely be the top candidates. That said, Lexus does have two highly competent off-road vehicles in the Lexus GX and LX. Plus, Toyota, Lexus' parent brand, has been producing some of the best off-road vehicles on the market for years. As of now, this is just talk, but the way SUV and crossover sales have been going, we'd expect an F-branded Lexus SUV in the near future. Which kind of enthusiast it's for remains to be seen. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Kickin' it: Lexus, John Elliott turn Nike Air Force 1 into fashion tires

At New York Fashion Week, Lexus unveiled a collaboration that spanned numerous cultural realms, from the trendy streetwear and sneaker world to the high-art scene to the luxury auto space. Using its new UX crossover as the canvas, Lexus partnered with rising style entrepreneur John Elliott to create all-white tires designed after the iconic Nike Air Force 1. The pairing stems from a different collaboration in which John Elliott partnered with Nike to create a custom Air Force 1. Elliott kept the timeless silhouette simple in white coloring, but created a new look by layering and stacking parts of the shoe's upper to create the illusion of shadows and shades. The tires are intended to do the same. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Aside from the obvious connection of wheels and tires often nicknamed "shoes," sneaker and car cultures have intertwined on numerous occasions throughout the years. Most recently, a Rolls-Royce SUV-themed pair of Air Jordan IIIs popped up, Volvo customized pairs of Adidas Stan Smiths, and Puma made kicks inspired by the BMW GINA concept car. Those who know the Air Force 1 see the parallels all over the tires. The Nike swoosh, the circular heel design of the sole, and the air holes from the shoe's toe box are obvious, with subtle touches such the textures of the shoe's rubber and leather filling the rest of the space. A small "AF1" badge is a nice nod to the shoe's metal lace ornament, as well. Lexus didn't release much information about the art concept, but there are small changes elsewhere on the car. The black wheel arch cladding is white, as are the side mirrors. We're surprised the UX wasn't completely white, grille and all, like the shoe, though. A John Elliiott badge on the lower rear quarter of the car makes sure everybody knows who worked on the project. Unlike John Elliott's Air Force 1s, this UX is not for sale. Sneaker influencer Ray Polanco Jr. was invited to the event and gave some better looks at the tires below: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Lexus nixes RC convertible in favor of LS-based 3-row crossover [w/poll]

When Lexus unveiled the LF-C2 concept at the LA Auto Show last week, it did two things: it previewed the direction in which the Japanese luxury automaker's design department was looking for the immediate future, and it previewed a cabrio version of the RC coupe (to replace the IS Convertible) on the other. But the latter, according to new reports, was ruled out before the concept ever took the stage. Although the prospect of a convertible version was engineered right into the RC coupe's chassis, Motor Trend reports that plans to put such a vehicle into production were met with hostility by Lexus dealers, who were offered a two-door convertible instead of the three-row crossover they've been lobbying for. As a result – and with a finite amount of development bucks on hand – Lexus is reportedly listening to its dealers, axing the RC Convertible program and proceeding instead with a seven-seat crossover. Plans to stretch the RX were reportedly ruled out, so Toyota is reportedly proceeding instead with a new model to be based on the LS sedan. The new model would take aim at the likes of the Mercedes GL, Audi Q7 and Infiniti QX60 when it arrives in three years as a 2018 model. It's not the first time we've seen Toyota listen to dealers asking for a high-end people-mover: Earlier this year, dealers in Japan asked the automaker for a luxed-out minivan, prompting it to build the Esquire van just for the Japanese Domestic Market.