2012 Lexus Es 350 4dr Sdn on 2040-cars

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Lexus LF-1 Limitless luxury crossover concept is an intergalactic flagship

A dressed-up Land Cruiser it is not. As most every manufacturer making cars in 2020 will be offering crossovers in varying sizes, Lexus has unveiled its new LF-1 Limitless concept, which has been penned at Toyota's Calty Design Research in Southern California. The vehicle is billed as a "flagship crossover," meaning it slots above the RX and offers more flair than the more truck-like GX and LX models. If the design of the concept seems sharp, it's at least in part due to the design approach Lexus calls "molten katana" — with the appearance of a Japanese sword in automotive form. The spindle grille that's been the centerpiece of recent Lexus front ends is now a three-dimensional design, which appears to mimic a "Star Wars" ship's shift into hyperspace, eschewing surrounding chrome in favor of LED lighting. The concept detailing includes slightly Tesla–like door handles, which reveal a Lexus logo in the negative space, and a roof spoiler split in the middle. Door mirrors have been shaved off, with the rear view delivered into screens around the instrument cluster, where they resemble motorcycle mirrors. The feel of hyperspace continues inside, with the perforated door trim allowing lighting through like a starry sky. There are four matching, individual white leather seats under the moonroof, and there's a dedicated light show on offer at the press of the start button, depending of the function mode selected. Most analog switches have been replaced by haptic controls grouped around the driver, or fitted in the steering wheel; all powertrain controls are either in the wheel or in the steering column. By "Limitless," Lexus appears to refer to the choice of propulsion. Reading between the lines, there doesn't seem to be a set powerplant for the vehicle, as by 2025 all Lexus model lines will be electrified in some fashion, and the production version could be a fuel-cell vehicle, a PHEV, all-electric, or gasoline-powered. There's also a hands-free driver assist level Lexus calls "Chauffeur mode." In addition, there's a fourth dimension to the concept's navigation system — time. The setup reads traffic information, anticipating possible stops on the way. The idea, according to Lexus, is that the navigation system should feel like a concierge, a virtual assistant instead of just a map screen.

2023 Lexus RX loses the V6, picks up more hybrids

The overhaul of the Lexus SUV line-up continues this year with the 2023 Lexus RX. This new version of the luxury brand's mainstay is fully redesigned, and gets a roster of new engines, including the RX's first plug-in hybrid. The SUV is now based on the TNGA-K platform, which also underpins the smaller Lexus NX and the Toyota RAV4, among many others. It and other unnamed tweaks have made it so that the new RX is as much as 198 pounds lighter than the outgoing model. And with the platform change comes the abandonment of V6s. The base RX 350 will come with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It can be had with front- or all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It will get the RX 350 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds with front drive and 7.2 seconds with all-wheel drive. Fuel economy is rated at 24 mpg. The RX 350h gets a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid mated to a CVT, plus a rear electric motor for all-wheel drive. It gets to 60 in 7.4 seconds and returns 33 mpg. The RX 450h+ will be the line's first plug-in hybrid. But Lexus hasn't disclosed any details about the powertrain. It's possible it could be the 302-horsepower hybrid unit from the NX 450h+. Rounding out the line-up is the RX 500h F Sport Performance. It combines the turbo four-cylinder with an electric motor, six-speed automatic and a rear electric motor. This gives the SUV 367 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The 0 to 60 run happens in 5.9 seconds and fuel ceconomy comes in at 26 mpg. Lexus also fits this model with six-piston brake calipers, unique styling, paddle shifters and other interior accents. Of course, all new RX models have notably different styling from its predecessor. The proportions are tweaked thanks to the 2.36-inch longer wheelbase, and a shorter rear overhang by the same distance. The overall size is basically the same, but the whole SUV has a more cab-rearward appearance. The front grille is a new take on the trademark Lexus design that features a more solid upper section. More body color cladding also makes an appearance. The interior follows in the footsteps of the NX with a better integrated touchscreen infotainment system. It also features the same upgraded infotainment system that is a massive improvement over old Lexus systems. At least two sizes are available for the screen, the larger being 14 inches.

Toyota will retrofit late-model cars with new technology

Toyota will inaugurate a service called Kinto Factory that will add modern features like electronic driving aids to select late-model cars. The program will launch in Japan in January 2022, and it aims to let motorists benefit from new technology without having to buy a new car. Kinto Factory will initially offer customers two basic services: upgrading and remodeling. Upgrading is defined as retrofitting safety and convenience functions, like emergency braking assist, a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, and a hands-free tailgate or trunk lid. Remodeling involves replacing worn or damaged parts inside and out, such as the upholstery, the seat cushions, and the steering wheel. Personalization will join the list of services at a later date, partly because it involves gathering data on how drivers use their car. The list of cars eligible to receive a makeover from Kinto Factory include the Prius, the Prius c (which is called Aqua in Japan), the Prius V (known as the Prius ? in its home country), the Lexus UX (pictured), and the Lexus NX. Since the program is launching in Japan, Kinto Factory will also work on vehicles we've never seen on American roads, like the Vellfire (a big minivan) and its upscale Alphard derivative. Pricing information and availability will be announced closer to the program's launch. Toyota notes that each upgrade will be available individually, so customers will be able to select precisely what's added to their car, and that all of the parts will be backed by a warranty. As of writing, Toyota hasn't announced plans to bring the Kinto Factory program to the United States. However, it added that the upgrades detailed above represent the program's first step, and it clarified that it's open to the idea of expanding the service in overseas markets.