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Lexus LC convertible could appear in 18 months, LC F to follow

Auto Express reports that Lexus has a approved a convertible version of the LC, and is close to green-lighting a high-performance LC F trim. The Detroit Bureau reported that the same two models were in development one year ago, citing Lexus sources at the Detroit Auto Show who told the outlet "a number of additional variants" would follow the coupe's launch. The timeline's been stretched a bit between then and now; instead of getting the convertible this year, Auto Express says the "done deal" droptop should arrive in 18 months to two years. It's harder to read what we might get in an LC F. Gossip is that the naturally aspirated, 467-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 wouldn't be the right motor for a hot LC. That V8 serves in lower-tier F models. so word is that Lexus engineers are considering a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 with around 600 hp. Lexus chose the BMW 650i, Mercedes-Benz S-class coupe, and Jaguar F-Type as competitors to the LC, all of which have convertibles and high-performance trims. Among the specially-tuned challengers, the Jaguar F-Type R comes in with the lowest power figure at 550 hp. Both models would return Lexus to a small, exclusive end of the market where it hasn't held a membership since 2010. Rejoining that soiree — a party hosted by the Germans, because these matters always come back to the Germans — is another huge, and costly, step toward shedding Lexus' somnolent image. Akio Toyoda said the goal for his luxury arm was "that the words 'Lexus' and 'boring' never appear in the same sentence again." A three-model lineup would give the LC a genuine chance to contribute to that aim. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Lexus LC 500 First Drive View 44 Photos News Source: Auto Express Rumormill Lexus Convertible Coupe Luxury Performance lexus lc 500

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.

2019 Infiniti QX50 vs. compact luxury SUV rivals: How they compare

With apologies to the EX35, or whatever it was eventually renamed, Infiniti has been without a proper, competitive entry in the compact luxury SUV segment. You know, the segment that's growing faster in sales and entries than any other? To say the 2019 Infiniti QX50 is long awaited would therefore be an understatement. At first glance and drive, the new QX50 would indeed seem to be wildly more competitive than its predecessor, which come to think of it, was eventually called the QX50 as well. This one is based on an all-new front-wheel-drive platform, and although it lacks the inherent verve of the old, rear-drive- and 370Z-based one, the resulting increase in cabin space should be a welcome tradeoff. In fact, as you'll see below, the QX50 has gone from one of the smallest compact SUVs to the most spacious. How does it stack up in every other way? Say, against the segment's four best-selling entries last year: the 2018 Lexus NX 300, 2018 Acura RDX, 2018 Audi Q5 and 2018 BMW X3. On paper at least, really well as it turns out. Let's go to the spreadsheet! Discover and compare other luxury crossovers with our Car Finder and Compare tools. Comparing engines, drivetrains and transmissions With the exception of the Acura, all of the contenders come with 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines. As you can see, the Infiniti is the heavyweight amongst the four-bangers, boasting the most horsepower and torque. The Acura V6 nips it by 11 hp, but the QX50 is still the overall torque champ. Plus, as we documented in the QX50 first drive, the Infiniti's new VC-Turbo engine is also the most technologically advanced. The Lexus is the wimp of the group and is also the second-heaviest, which isn't exactly the ideal scenario. The Infiniti is the only one in the group to feature a continuously variable transmission. That's not going to generate much applause around here. The BMW tops the gear count with eight, while the Audi is the only entry with a dual-clutch automated manual. The Acura and Lexus have only six gears, but they're good transmissions and it's not like their fuel economy is off the pace. The Audi and BMW come standard with all-wheel drive, while the others offer a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Comparing cargo and interior space The new front-wheel-drive platform is paying dividends inside for the 2019 QX50, as it now boasts the most maximum cargo space at 65.1 cubic feet.