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Lexus and Fender build a gleaming blue Stratocaster guitar

Car-themed guitars are nothing new, but they can sometimes be a little corny. They can look odd, having been shaped to be reminiscent of the car they're related to, or just have too much branding. But this Lexus LC Fender Stratocaster uses its automotive inspiration to its advantage and is a stylish instrument, regardless of whether you care about cars. Right off the bat, the guitar is refreshingly free of Lexus branding, save for the plaque on the back that also bears the instrument's serial number. But most every part of the guitar is based on the Lexus LC. Most prominent is the blue paint, which is the same Structural Blue that was offered on the LC. It gets its name from the fact that there are no blue pigments in the paint, but the materials used reflect blue light, giving it its hue. It's used on the body as well as the head of the guitar. The body also features a carbon fiber pick guard with a weave that matches the carbon fiber used on an LC spoiler. Even the knobs were machined to look like those used on the LC's sound system. It all comes in a case wrapped in carbon-fiber-patterned vinyl with leather ends. There are other elements that aren't specifically automotive. The neck is a light-stained flame maple with a dark blue fret board Fender used to complement the colors of the guitar. The fret board also features cool white inlays that glow blue in the dark. Only 100 of these LC Stratocasters will be made. Each is priced at $6,000. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Toyota twin-turbo V8 patent unearthed

An unremarkable patent focusing on a minor engine part has revealed that Toyota is at least considering a twin-turbo V8. While the filing is most likely just a large company protecting its intellectual property, it could also be a small glimmer of hope that Toyota, a storied company that's made some glaring missteps with enthusiasts in recent years, can leave the ICE party with a bang for the ages. The patent for a secondary PCV separator, whose function is to isolate exhaust gas from lubricating oil, was discovered by a member of the GR86 forum. In this case, it's not engine oil that's the culprit, but turbocharger oil. From a twin-turbo V8. The patent starts out with an almost embarrassingly hilarious stick figure drawing of a car and where said engine would be located (in the front, under the hood, duh). It has the words "Internal Combustion Engine" printed on a rectangle in case there was any doubt. However, the second figure shows a dual turbo setup nestled in the valley of a V8. It's a prime location for reducing turbo lag and optimizing throttle response (and should necessitate a substantial hood bulge as well). Now, interestingly, the forum member believes this engine will be installed in the next Tundra (and presumably Sequoia), but our own research indicates that the pickup will have a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 under the hood. With all due respect to the GR86 members, we're going to stand by that assertion and cross our fingers that the patent hints at something even better. That would be a high-performance Lexus, possibly an IS F or, if the ICE gods will allow it, an LC F. After all, we have had reports from Japan that a trio of F-cars were coming, including a LS F. It would explain why the 472-horsepower, V8-powered IS 500 was called the Sport Performance instead of full-on IS F. In fact, Lexus reps have promised that the F label would become even more performance oriented. A proper IS F would be a fitting sendoff to Toyota's high-performance V8, but the tested, then reportedly canceled, then reportedly revived LC F would be an even more melodious swan song. The flagship grand tourer could very well allow loyalists to forgive the aforementioned gaffes. Toyota president and noted car guy Akio Toyoda has taken heat for questioning the coming outright ban of ICE sales in his home country of Japan. Perhaps this engine is one of the reasons he's objecting.

2022 Lexus LX 600 brings the new Land Cruiser to America

Toyota fans have been disappointed by the fact the 300-series Land Cruiser isn't coming to the U.S. But the good news is that its Lexus-badged twin will still make the trip. The 2022 Lexus LX 600 is based on the new Toyota, but with the typical styling and feature updates to make it an even more plush luxury SUV. With the Land Cruiser as the basis, the LX 600 is basically the same under the skin. It's powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 making 409 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The platform is the TNGA-F, and it uses body-on-frame construction. Suspension design is double-wishbone at the front with a four-link solid rear axle. The Lexus features adjustable ride height and suspension stiffness. The former adjusts automatically between low for easier access, normal for pavement driving and two lifted heights for off-roading. And to assist with off-roading, the Lexus gets Crawl Control off-road cruise control, multiple terrain modes including an automatic one, and surround cameras that even show under the truck to help avoid banging together rocks and vulnerable parts of the car. Styling is quite evolutionary, so much so that you might have trouble telling the new LX 600 from its LX 570 predecessor at a glance. Telltale differences include the thicker bars on the grille that don't have a surround, as well as larger side grilles and a slightly slanted rear window line. The F Sport, an all-new trim for the LX, gets a different black mesh grille that makes a big difference to the exterior. The F Sport also gets enormous 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, plus a mechanical limited-slip rear differential. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. The LX 600's interior is quite distinct from the Land Cruiser, and the centerpiece is its dual-screen infotainment system. The upper touchscreen measures 12.3 inches and handles audio, navigation and other vehicle settings and information displays. The lower 7-inch touchscreen is mainly used for climate control and comfort settings. The interface and operating system for the infotainment is the same system that has made its debut in the completely redesigned Lexus NX. In our experience, it's a massive improvement over past Lexus systems, though not quite a class-leader. For LX buyer's looking for maximum opulence, another new trim level is the Ultra Luxury.