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2018 Autoblog Technology of the Year finalists

After months of prepping and several days of testing, we narrowed the field for Autoblog's 2018 Tech of the Year award to the Nissan Rogue with ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system, the Lexus LC 500h and its new hybrid powertrain, and the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and its trick Multimatic spool-valve off-road shocks. Three very different cars with very different technologies duking it out for the award. Look for news of our winner at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show. We hand out this award every year to the technology or feature that we feel moves the bar forward for the automotive industry. Read more here on how our testing process works. We discuss, debate and count up score sheets, judging each vehicle and technology on a few different criteria. Is its purpose noteworthy? Does it work well? Does it advance the industry? The Nissan Rogue with ProPilot Assist was actually a prototype, as the technology will first debut in the 2018 Nissan Leaf. Still, we're here to test the tech and not the car. ProPilot Assist combines adaptive cruise control system combined with lane-keeping assistance. The system uses sonar, radar and a number of cameras for some light semi-autonomous driving and enhanced safety. While these systems aren't new individually, Nissan's system is affordable, intuitive, and coming to a mainstream product — democratizing the tech in a novel way, if you will. That's why it's here. The Lexus LC 500h uses a new powertrain that Lexus has dubbed the Multi-Stage Hybrid System. Basically it combines two types of transmissions — a CVT and a four-speed automatic — in a single unit mated to a naturally aspirated V6. That's complex and unorthodox technology, and Lexus engineered it to give drivers the efficiency of a CVT without sacrificing driving enjoyment. The package is subtle, working in the background to create a nearly seamless driving experience. It's engaging in a way most other hybrids can only dream of. The fact that it's wrapped in such gorgeous sheetmetal only makes things better. The Multimatic spool valve shocks in the Chevy Colorado ZR2 might seem low-tech compared to ProPilot Assist and the Lexus Multi-Stage Hybrid, but they represent a completely novel application of a technology that several years ago was so expensive that it was reserved for top-tier race cars. Like the LC 500h, these shocks really change your perception of how a vehicle like this should drive.

2021 Lexus UX250h Black Line Special Edition looks less like a crossover than ever

Lexus just found a way to make the UX 250h look even more like a regular hatchback. It’s called the 2021 Lexus UX Black Line Special Edition, and it follows the path of previous Lexus Black Line models before it (ES, GS, RC). WeÂ’ll note that this special edition is based on the hybrid version of the UX, and isnÂ’t available with the standard gasoline engine variant. The body-color fenders stand out the most. Instead of ruggedized black plastic, Lexus is painting them in the same color as the rest of the body. LexusÂ’ UX was already one of the most car-like of the tiny crossover class, and eliminating the ugly crossover-like fenders brings it even deeper into hatchback territory. By painting them the same color as the body, it tricks the eye into thinking the car is hunkered down lower to the ground. The gloss black side sills and lower trim bring it down even further visually. Now, Lexus didnÂ’t actually lower the UX, but this package makes it feel much less like a crossover. When painted, the flared fenders even come across as sporty, wider hips. We really dig the look. The gorgeous Grecian Water (blue) paint only improves the situation further. You can also get the Black Line model in Caviar and Eminent White Pearl — all three colors get the same body-color fenders. Every UX Black Line also gets 18-inch black-painted wheels with black lug nuts, black grille surround, black side mirrors, black roof rails and darkened headlight fixtures. On the inside, youÂ’ll be able to choose between a black or “birch” leather package. Both get blue accents throughout. YouÂ’ll see blue on the seats, center armrest, doors, dashboard, seatbelts, cargo mats and even the key gloves. When you buy one of these UX Black Lines, youÂ’ll also get a custom Zero Halliburton luggage set with Lexus branding on the two pieces. Lexus says itÂ’s only making 1,000 of these UX Black Line Special Edition cars. TheyÂ’ll go on sale in spring of 2021, with pricing available sooner to the on-sale date. Related Video:

Lexus rounds out the LS line with 500h hybrid

The 2018 Lexus LS range will feature a full hybrid LS 500h version, which will be presented to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The LS 500h is expected to use a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6, also seen in the LC 500h coupe. The platform sibling LC 500 coupe does have an available V8 version in its non-hybrid guise, but perhaps Lexus has seen fit to equip only the sportier coupe with an eight-cylinder – a major deviation from the previous V8-only LS series bloodline. The earlier LS 600h was the first production full hybrid vehicle with a V8 engine, producing 439 horsepower; since the LC 500h's hybrid powertrain only produces 354 hp, the earlier car is likely to remain the horsepower king. The coupe still hits 60 mph under five seconds, so the big sedan should also be able to move briskly. Almost 30 years have passed since Toyota unveiled its Lexus luxury brand and the LS 400 flagship, as the UCF10 body LS 400's design was locked in spring 1987 and the wraps came off in January 1989. The LS 400 of those days was often deservedly revered, and in the following decades it has spawned numerous new generations of high-end Lexus LS sedans. But in case the latter-day LS models have become just a touch too Camry- or Avalon-like, the 2018 version should bring a new edge. Related Video: News Source: LexusImage Credit: Lexus Green Geneva Motor Show Lexus Hybrid Luxury lexus ls