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Lexus ends partnership with Weinstein Co. and 'Project Runway'

Lexus has been a long-time sponsor of fashion reality competition show Project Runway, providing a car to the contest's winner and sponsoring at least one specific "challenge" per season. Only last week, a Lexus NX 200t was featured and used as inspiration for the remaining group of fashion designers. This would seem to be the last season that will happen, however, as Lexus has ended its partnership with the show's production company, Weinstein Co., after sexual harassment allegations leveled at Harvey Weinstein. "Lexus has chosen to terminate its agreement with The Weinstein Company that saw the luxury automaker working with the film studio on certain film and television projects," a company spokesperson wrote in a statement to Reuters. Last week, Lexus indicated it was "evaluating" its relationship with Weinstein Company. One would imagine this delay was the result of that week's episode featuring Lexus substantially more than usual. Related Video:

Lexus rolling out LC 500h with new hybrid system in Geneva

When Lexus revealed the new LC 500 at the Detroit Auto Show last month, we knew it wouldn't be the only powertrain variant on offer. Now the Japanese automaker is teasing another version that will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Toyota's luxury division hasn't given up much in the way of details as to what will power the new LC 500h, except to label the powertrain as the Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System. The technology is slated to deliver "enhanced driving pleasure, more performance, and greater efficiency" over the current Lexus Hybrid Drive system. Whatever the specifications, expect the system to proliferate into additional Lexus hybrids to come. Otherwise we can expect the LC 500h to closely mirror the conventional LC 500. The sleek coupe design closely followed that of the LF-LC concept from 2012, and took top honors in the EyesOn Design Awards this year as the most beautiful new production car, and with the best interior as well. Alongside the hybrid coupe at the Geneva Motor Show, Lexus will also showcase the LF-FC concept that previewed the next LS sedan at the Tokyo Motor Show this past November with a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. Related Video: Lexus at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show - World Premiere of the LC 500h luxury coupe with next-generation Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System - European Premiere of the LF-FC concept Lexus will unveil the hybrid version of its all-new LC luxury coupe at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The LC 500h is equipped with Lexus' next generation hybrid powertrain, the Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System, providing enhanced driving pleasure, more performance, and greater efficiency. The LC was first revealed at the 2016 North America International Auto Show. Its styling, performance and craftsmanship position the vehicle as Lexus' flagship coupe. The LC also utilizes Lexus' new architecture that promises enhanced dynamic capability. Inspired by the acclaimed LF-LC concept that debuted in 2012, the LC represents a shift in Lexus' engineering processes and design ideologies, and marks the beginning of a new phase for the Lexus brand. Its outstanding visual appeal has been unanimously praised following the Detroit reveal, and recognized by professionals who granted LC EyesOn Design awards for Production Car and Best Designed Interior at the 2016 NAIAS. Lexus will also display the LF-FC concept at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

2020 Lexus RC F adds hardcore Track Edition and lots of carbon fiber

There's a shortage of high-performance naturally aspirated V8 engines in the United States these days. Fortunately, Lexus sees fit to keep its 5.0-liter V8 in production for the foreseeable future, updating it for 2020 and packaging it inside a revised RC F sports coupe. In its latest guise, the 5.0 spins out 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, increases of 5 ponies and 6 lb-ft over the previous version. The RC F gets slightly revised styling for 2020 that includes minor updates to the headlights, taillights, and front and rear fascias. Underneath the skin, the coupe benefits from hollow half shafts, aluminum suspension bits, a lightened intake manifold, and a smaller air conditioning compressor all in a bid to save weight. Custom Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, a numerically higher rear axle ratio and the addition of a simple launch control system – press the brake, floor the gas, drop the brake – allows the 2020 RC F to hit 60 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds. 2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition View 30 Photos The biggest change for the RC F is the addition of a Track Edition for 2020. It's immediately recognizable by its massive carbon fiber rear wing and lower front spoiler. That fixed rear wing is lighter than the active spoiler of the standard RC F while simultaneously adding up to 58 more pounds of downforce and reducing drag. The hood, roof, rear-seat partition, and a bumper reinforcement are also made from carbon fiber. Other lightweighting bits include a titanium muffler and tailpipes, carbon ceramic brake rotors from Brembo, and 19-inch forged wheels from BBS. It all adds up to a 176-pound weight loss compared to the current RC F. Although the engine is unchanged from other 2020 RC F models, the weight reduction drops the 0-60 time down to 3.96 seconds. We don't yet have pricing for the 2020 RC F or the upgraded Track Edition, but Lexus says production will begin in the second quarter of 2019. Check out both versions of the 2020 RC F in our high-res image galleries above. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.