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Lexus to offer no-haggle policy at dealers

The automotive world hasn't seen no-haggle pricing in the US since Saturn collapsed in 2009, but Lexus is about to bring it back. The idea originated in company discussions with dealers two years ago, with dealers saying that a segment of potential buyers didn't enjoy negotiating a price. In order to find out how firm pricing will alter the landscape, 12 Lexus dealers will begin the pilot project at the beginning of 2016. That means new and used cars, parts, and service will come with fixed prices, according to the Detroit Free Press. Jeff Bracken, general manager of the Lexus brand, held up a Phoenix Toyota dealer as a success story, noting that the dealer's no-haggle strategy has worked for 12 years. Outside consultants will train employees at the selected outlets, and its effectiveness will be examined nearly every week. Prices can be changed, "but the expectation is that they remain unchanged for months at a time," and any incentives can still be deducted from that set price. The key to getting usable results - whether the program sticks around or not - is that those 12 dealers have to accept that some customers are going to walk out the door if they can't get the deal they want. Bracken said he expects sales and market share to decline some once the project begins, but only for a few months. After customers get accustomed to it, Bracken said he expects the initiative to be a success and expand to other company dealerships in 2017, even if not all Lexus dealers sign on. Related Video: News Source: Detroit Free PressImage Credit: Mike Windle/Getty Images for Pandora Media, Inc. Lexus Car Buying Car Dealers Used Car Buying Luxury

2023 Lexus NX gets slight price increase across the board

Launched for 2022, the second-generation Lexus NX enters its second model year on the market with small price increases across the board. The company's popular mid-range crossover remains available in several variants, including a pair of hybrid models. Pricing for the 2023 NX starts at $39,755 including a $1,150 destination charge. That figure corresponds to the front-wheel-drive NX 250 model. In comparison, the 2022 NX 250 started at $39,500 including the same destination charge. Pricing for the full range is as follows: NX 250 front-wheel-drive: $39,755 ($255 more than in 2022) NX 250 all-wheel-drive: $41,355 ($255 more than in 2022) NX 350: $43,515 ($415 more than in 2022) NX 350h: $43,105 ($405 more than in 2022) NX 450h+: $57,705 ($405 more than in 2022) Lexus is not making any significant changes to the NX for the 2023 model year. The crossover comes standard with a 9.8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite of electronic driving aids, which bundles features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking. The list of options includes what Lexus calls "nature-inspired Thematic Ambient Illumination," Black Prism interior trim, and a panoramic moonroof. Buyers who select the NX 350 can also order the F Sport Handling package that adds the Active Variable Suspension (AVS) system, front and rear performance dampers, 20-inch wheels painted in gloss black, and an array of specific trim inside and out. Dealers across the nation will begin receiving the 2023 Lexus NX in the coming weeks. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Lexus GXOR is a conceptual offering to the overlanding crowd

To the surprise of just about everyone, large numbers of overlanders have adopted the Lexus GX. The reasons for that are apparent after looking under the surface: Toyota reskinned the Land Cruiser Prado — a slightly smaller version of the venerable Land Cruiser, sold in overseas markets — to create the GX. The result is an intensely capable off-road platform decked out with a bouquet of luxury trimmings. In tribute to the GX's following, and as a way to celebrate the Toyota FJ Summit happening in Ouray, Colorado, right now, Lexus commissioned the GXOR concept. The initialism comes from the overlanding community, the "OR" standing for "offroad" on web sites and in photos and as a Twitter hashtag. This truck's so well equipped for trekking continents, however, that Lexus might have expanded the full meaning of GXOR to "Gone eXtremely Off Road."  The first move to up the rugged quotient is always wheels and tires. Lexus swapped the stock suspension for Icon Vehicle Dynamics shocks with remote reservoirs and a 2.5-inch lift, reinforcing the setup with billet control arms and delta joints. The wheels are 18-inch F-Sport units wrapped in 275/70 (33-inch) General Grabber X3s. When the inevitable hits come, CBI frame sliders and full underbody armor protect the chassis. When situations go all the way south, a Warn 9.5 XPS winch hides behind a custom CBI front bumper, Maxtrax recovery boards stand by on the Eezi-Awn K9 roof rack, and an Icom HAM radio is ready to call for recovery from locals or advice from an operator in Argentina. Other conveniences include a Safari snorkel, 50-inch Rigid light bar, and an Overland Solar 160-watt panel. The cargo area's been turned into a larder and closet thanks to the National Luna fridge/freezer combo sitting atop the Goose Gear custom drawers. Since it appears the GXOR driver might never wish to return, there's more storage in Alu-boxes up top, and a Patriot Campers X1H trailer provides close gear support. The Patriot's a home on wheels, starting at about $52,000 U.S., packed with features like a remote-controlled, electronically-deployed tent, a twin-burner stove, gas hot water system and 40-gallon tank, and more drawers. But because even that's not enough, Lexus fitted the trailer with matching F-Sport wheels and a Redarc Tow-Pro brake controller. If you're near Ouray, the GXOR will be on display and on the trails from now until Sunday, July 21.