2019 Lexus Ux 200 on 2040-cars

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Toyota recalling 1.67 million vehicles worldwide in 3 campaigns

Toyota is issuing three separate recalls covering 1.67 million vehicles worldwide with most of those models in Japan. It looks like the campaigns' impact on the US may be smaller, though. According to Reuters, Toyota isn't aware of any accidents, injuries or fatalities affecting the models. Some yet-unnamed Lexus models might also be affected.
The largest of the campaigns does not currently affect any US-market vehicles. About 802,000 units of the Toyota Crown Majesta, Crown, Noah and Voxy in Japan are being repaired to replace a seal that could leak in the brake master cylinder. Those already leaking get a new brake booster, as well, according to Reuters.
The only recall currently believed to affect the US is due to a problem covering approximately 759,000 vehicles with 423,000 of them here. The repair is to fix a faulty fuel delivery pipe that could cause a fire if the fuel leaks out. Unfortunately, we don't know which models it covers. Autoblog spoke to Toyota spokesperson Mona Richard and was told the information was still "under embargo." When exactly that embargo will lift isn't yet known, but we're on the case.

2021 Lexus IS shows its rear end, gets a new unveiling date

Lexus was set to introduce the next-generation IS on June 9, but it postponed the event to respect "the recent global situation," meaning worldwide protests in the wake of George Floyd's death in police custody. Now Lexus has rescheduled the unveiling, and given us our first look at its next entry-level sedan. The model's global debut is scheduled for at 7 p.m. Eastern time June 15, which is 4 p.m. for West Coasters. The unveiling will take place online, and the company will stream it live on its various social media channels. Lexus published a five-second preview video to give us a fleeting look at the 2021 IS. Although the front end remains hidden, the preview reveals that thick chrome trim surrounds the side windows, and that the elongated rear lights are connected by a thin light bar. It's a styling cue that should emphasize the compact sedan's width. We know the next-generation IS will carry on with rear-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive will again be offered at an extra cost, and the video confirms the IS 350 nameplate will return. It's too early to tell what it will denote, however. Earlier, unverified rumors suggest the model will gain a 3.0-liter straight-six engine sourced from BMW and shared with the Z4 and the Toyota Supra, among other models. Other reports affirm the range will consist of a turbocharged four-cylinder, a naturally-aspirated V6, and, at the top of the range, a new-for-2021 5.0-liter V8. Lexus has offered a V8-powered IS before; it introduced the terrific IS F at the 2007 edition of the Detroit Auto Show and kept it in production until 2014. The V8-powered model allegedly due out in the coming months won't pick up where the IS F left off, however. It will be named IS 500, so it won't be a full-fledged F-tuned model. 500 corresponds to 5.0 liters of displacement, and the current, 350-badged IS is powered by a 3.5-liter V6. While this naming system seemingly discredits rumors of a BMW-built 3.0-liter six, keep in mind Lexus emblems aren't always pegged to an engine's displacement. The entry-level 2020 IS 300 is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Will Lexus stick to tradition, or will it invite BMW to a game of musical emblems? We'll know when the veil comes off the next IS in a few short days. It's expected to arrive in American showrooms before the end of 2020 priced in the same ballpark as its predecessor, which starts at $38,560.

Like sands through the hourglass, so is the 2014 Lexus GX

Well, that didn't take long. Just days after patent images leaked, Lexus has released pricing and images for its redesigned 2014 GX 460. Our first reaction is... wow, look at the front end on that! The updated luxury SUV features what Lexus calls "a new interpretation" of its now-trademark Spindle grille. The oversized hourglass shape is certainly unique, and whether for good or bad, it's sure to make the GX stand out.
The redesigned GX is set to hit dealerships in September and it starts at $49,085 - nearly $5,000 less than the 2013 model. Along with the new grille, it comes with standard LED headlights and daytime running lights. Inside, the GX boasts a new eight-inch touchscreen display with backup monitor, HD radio with complimentary weather and traffic data, Bluetooth and a vehicle information display. New espresso wood with black trim is also available for 2014.
Of course, the Luxury model, which starts at $60,715, adds even more frills, including navigation, a new Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, adaptive air suspension and Intuitive Parking Assist. Some of these features are also available on the base model with the addition of the new Premium Package, which Lexus touts "will be at the same price as the base 2013 model year GX 460."